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 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 guide’s tackle boxes. 

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  • "All Inclusive"
    Forrester's Bighorn River Resort is a gem for those who want to float/wade the 13 miles of the tail out waters of the Bighorn Rive or go hunting for upland game birds. I opted for fishing and spent four nights with three days of fishing. The owners, Nick and Francine are wonderful hosts and have developed a wonderful lodge with wonderful accommodations, food guide service. Now the All-Inclusive package included transportation to a from the Billings, Montana airport to the lodge in Fort Smith, an hour and half drive. All lodging, meals, guides, fishing equipment and license, and the liquor of your choice. Now the lodge has two main floors. When you enter the lodge there is an open area that has a small lounge area with comfy leather chairs and a great fireplace, the reception desk, a gift shop and a small computer area. Down the hall is the kitchen and dining room. Breakfast is served at 8am each morning and dinner at 8pm and the meals are fantastic Upstairs is the Cigar Room where smoking is allowed when the heap exhaust fans are working, a large seating area, wide screen TV, which was never on, a game table and bar. Ones drink of choice will be at the bar with mixes and a small frig with beers. I stayed in one of the six cabins and my room had a rustic western motif with a wonderful bed, nice full bathroom, reading desk and a deck overlooking the river. Of course there was no TV or radio so it required you to read or connect with your device of choice. I read. Now this is not a hotel but a lodge so answers about a hotel do not apply.
    - W. J.
  • "If you get a chance to go up there I recommend it highly."
    I went to Forrester's Bighorn River Resort expecting beautiful scenery and to learn how to fly fish. Those expectations were absolutely met but I hadn't thought a lot about the accommodations or the food. The comfort of the resort and the friendliness of t
    - B.N.
  • "It could not have been a more perfect trip"
    Having never fly fished or been to Montana for that matter, I had no idea what to expect. Arriving at Forrester's we were greeted with warm smiles, sandwiches, drinks and all types of snacks. That was just the tip of the ice berg as far as food goes. Every meal was 5 courses and way beyond my expectations. I tell my friends it was by far the 3 best consecutive meals Ive ever eaten. The cabins are perfect and stocked with everything you will need including fresh ground coffee. The fishing was everything I had hoped for, patient guides and plenty of fish. We caught 32 fish the second day and had to skip the last 3 miles of the river due to heavy rain! Forrester's is a First Class family owned fishing resort that I will definitely be returning to. It could not have been a more perfect trip.
    - Guest
  • "This place is awesome."
    This place is awesome. Picturesque location overlooking the river, very close to town and the dam where you put in for fishing. The cabins are neat, clean, and well appointed. This is where we will stay every time we are in Fort Smith to fish the legendary Big Horn River.
    - Mark M.
  • "Simply Amazing! Strongly Recommended!"
    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.
  • "Can't Wait to Return to Forrester's!"
    Our first visit to Forrester's will definitely not be our last! Cozy, well-appointed cabin, yummy cuisine, and best of all, our fishing experience! We're still newbies at fly-fishing, and our fantastic guide, Matthew Granberg, could not have been more patient, knowledgeable and accommodating (as well as humorous and entertaining!). Being on the river with Matthew as our guide was definitely the high-point of the trip. Will definitely be back!
    - Rusty
  • "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.
  • "Hats off to a well run lodge and outfitter!"
    I was given the opportunity to visit Forrester’s on a last minute trip. Everything was top notch! Spent 4 nights and 3 days fishing. Food was mind blowing. Staff was incredible! Guide was patient (and my first time fly fishing) and worked his butt off for us. Rooms were clean and beds were comfortable. If you’re still debating, let this review seal the deal. Hats off to a well run lodge and outfitter!
    - B.H.

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