Bighorn River Fishing Guides

Making Your Stay At Our Montana Fly Fishing Resort Perfect

Sean Fritzler

Director of Fly Fishing Guide Program
Sean is a member of the Crow tribe who grew up hunting and fishing here on the Crow reservation. Sean is a third-generation hunting and fishing guide who has been with us for the last 28 years. Both Sean's grandfather and uncle worked for us here at the lodge for many years. This is where Sean gained most of his knowledge of the Bighorn River, and the surrounding area. Sean is also in charge of our guide program. With his extensive knowledge of what it takes to be an excellent guide, Sean has strategically put together a great team of guides to successfully take care of all your hunting and fishing needs.

Ray McCarn

Ray McCarn grew up on the banks of the Trinity, Klamath and Ell Rivers, amongst numerous others in Northern California. Ray made his way fishing and rodeoing to Montana where he attended Montana State University, and became a cattle rancher on the Crow Reservation and a fly fishing guide on the famed Bighorn River. Ray is one of our elite top guides, bringing fly fishing to a whole new level with a blend of passion, years of experience and personality to the river each day. From the most experienced angler to a total beginner, you will surely have the best time learning and laughing.

Wayne Egbert

Wayne Egbert brings over 25 years of guiding experience to Bighorn River Resort. While growing up in Hardin, Wayne began fishing the Bighorn at age eleven so it was only natural he started guiding at age 18. Over the years, Wayne has gained extensive knowledge of the Bighorn fishery. He is also known for the fly patterns he creates. Wayno’s Cotton Candy is a staple in most Bighorn guides’ tackle boxes. 

Wyatt Rivers Skunkcap

Wyatt Rivers Skunkcap is a member of the Crow Tribe of Indians and a descendant of the Blackfeet Nation. Growing up in the foothills of the Pryor Mountains, Wyatt developed a love for the outdoors. His passion for flyfishing came at the young age of 9. He was lucky to have a well-respected uncle that invested in teaching him the gifts of the great outdoors and the art of flyfishing. Guiding is a passion for Wyatt and has been his dream from a young age. Wyatt’s says that “The Bighorn River is the greatest place in the world”.

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  • "Most memorable family reunion!"
    Family Reunion! None of us are from Montana, but we gathered here to take advantage of the blue ribbon fishing on the river and the nearby lake for incredible boat rides through the beautiful Bighorn Canyon. My husband and I live here in Fort Smith and invited everyone to join us "out west". Family members have been thanking me for putting it all together but just between you and me - Nick and Fran helped us every step of the way - getting everything just right for our special weekend! Chef Frank pulled out all the stops when preparing dinner - I am still dreaming about that dessert.... Thank you to all the staff, Nick, Fran and Frank for a most memorable family reunion!
    - Jean M.
  • "Thank you for another outstanding visit!"
    I can't say enough good things about Forester's Bighorn River Resort. My father has been going there to fish every year for over 20 years and I have been fortunate enough to go with him 4 times. If you are a serious fly fisher you will think you have died and gone to heaven at the resort. Even if you are rank amateur like me you will love it. The guides are so good you can't help but catch fish. Nick, Francie and the staff go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome and to cater to individual preferences. The cabins and the lodge are comfortable and well appointed. And the food is worth the trip all by itself. Frank makes better tasting and more beautifully presented meals than I've had in excellent restaurants. Thank you for another outstanding visit!
    - Guest
  • "This place is absolutely world class!"
    My Father and I spent 5 days there hunting and fishing with Forresters. This place is absolutely world class! Francine and Nick are super nice and extremely attentive and will ensure you have everything you need - down to the last detail. The guides (Cash, Sean, and Ray) were truly experts in their craft. Oh, and the food was amazing! I would strongly recommend them.
    - Adam R.
  • "The quality of the hunting and fishing are world-class"
    The three trips that I had experienced with you at Forrester’s are some of the finest memories of my life. The quality of the hunting and fishing are world-class…the bottom line is that I can’t wait to come back again!
    - Johnny Miller
  • "That Place You Keep Coming Back To"
    You know those places you keep coming back to, either literally or at least in your mind? This is one of those places. Nick and Francine ensure that your trip is top-notch. Cozy, deluxe cabins, warm lodge, great loft for watching a game and unwinding, and the food - 5-star cuisine by the talented Chef Frank! You just can't eat this well anywhere else! You can bird hunt or boat brown trout - all in the same day! This is a special place on the Bighorn River.
    - B.T.
  • "My BEST birthday present ever"
    My BEST birthday present ever was my experience at Forrester's Big Horn Resort! This was a big X'0 b-day, so I have perspective. Catching the biggest and most trout is only a part of the WOW factor. Nick and Francine were gracious hosts in all ways as were the whole of their very skilled and attentive staff. Chef Frank and sous-chef Justin impressed us breakfast and dinner; the menus were so varied, and recipes so artfully conceived and exquisitely executed...we took pictures of our meals collected each evening''s menu for souvenirs. Nick Forrester arranged my fishing guide - Jim Wilkins - you're lucky if he's available; undoubtedly he is why I landed (and released) so many and beautiful large and hard fighting browns and rainbows. Then again, it seemed everyone on the upper Big Horn was doing great. Truly one of America's great fishing spots.
    - Peter & Patricia H.
  • "Owners are gracious"
    Recently my wife and I experienced for the second time the wonderful amenities of this first rate lodge on the Bighorn River. The temperature was hot, the fishing good, and the cuisine as usual was over the top. Nike and Francine the owners are gracious, the lodge staff very friendly and accommodating, and the fishing guides very professional. I was able to sight fish, hook and land a very nice 22” rainbow on a very small dry fly. The rating scale only goes to 5. A 10 would be more appropriate. Dale Sponaugle.
    - H. S.
  • "The staff is always on point"
    Foresters is the spot to get out in the great outdoors and do some darn fly-fishing (and hunting during the proper seasons). The staff is always on point and they top it off with food that is on another level (possibly from a different planet), and will keep you guessing until your last night !!!
    - Justin T.

Where Every Moment is Exceptional

  • Unparalleled Luxury
    Experience the epitome of luxury at Forrester's Bighorn River Resort, where every detail is meticulously curated to provide guests with a lavish and unforgettable retreat amidst the stunning landscapes of Montana.
  • Culinary Excellence
    Indulge in the finest cuisine at Forrester's Bighorn River Resort, where our expert chefs create culinary masterpieces using locally sourced ingredients, promising a gastronomic journey that delights the senses.
  • Tailored Experiences
    At Forrester's Bighorn River Resort, we specialize in crafting personalized adventures, ensuring each guest enjoys tailored excursions tailored to their preferences and skill levels.

Book Your Stay

Visit our world-class Montana hunting & fishing lodge!

Forrester's Bighorn River Resort, perched above Montana's Bighorn River, offers unparalleled luxury hunting and fly fishing experiences amidst breathtaking vistas, private riverbanks, and deluxe accommodations, making it the ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking unforgettable adventures in the untamed Montana foothills.

Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort
Contact 406-333-1449
Address
40.754 Hwy 313
Fort Smith, MT 59035
Map & Directions
Hours
  • Monday - Friday 7am - 7pm
  • Saturday - Sunday 7am - 7pm