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.
Jake Kelling

Born and raised in Montana, Jake Kelling left his hometown of Stevensville, Mt to guide on the Bighorn. He has been been fishing since he was 12, along with chasing elk up in the hills. Knowing at a young age that he wanted to guide the opportunity became available on the bighorn. He knows the river well and is very versatile. He can fish dry fly, nymphs, and streamers. Jake is a very patient guide that works hard and will do whatever it takes to ensure his clients have a great experience.
Nick Chiasson

Trading a 9-iron for a 9-foot fly rod in 2008, Nick Chiasson left a successful career as a Guest Services Director at a golf resort to follow his passion for fly fishing and bird hunting in Bighorn. Even though he has fished extensively throughout Alaska, New England, Minnesota and the Rockies, and has hunted upland birds and waterfowl from New England to Eastern Montana - Nick was hopelessly captivated by the Bighorn River and its many one-of-a-kind opportunities for the skilled sportsman. Was that flash downriver the netting of another trophy catch, or simply Nick's blinding smile? Only Forrester's Bighorn guests know for sure.
Andy Elser

As a proud 5th generation Montanan, Andy Elser considers himself beyond fortunate to have had the opportunity to grow up fishing the many world-class rivers, streams and lakes of the Treasure State. He fell in love with the beauty and grandeur of the Bighorn River back when he was a student in high school. Since 2007, guest anglers at Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort have enjoyed being students of Andy's incomparable experience and knowledge.
Jim Wilkins

With a father whose career as an outfitter took the family to remote and exotic locations, hunting and fishing was not only the family business, it was quite literally what Jim Wilkins grew up doing. An avid fly fisherman since his preteen years, the first time he wetted a fly in the Bighorn River was when he was hooked on this amazing river. Having earned his Guide License in 1983 and Outfitter License three years later, Jim gets as much enjoyment sharing the wonders of the river with clients as he does fishing it himself.
Chris Madson

As an avid outdoorsman, Chris has a passion for fly fishing, waterfowl and upland bird hunting. His adventurous spirit has led him to remote areas of Northern Canada and to the saltwater flats of Central America. He has fished extensively throughout Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, and has been fishing the Bighorn River since the late ‘80s, his goal is to share his knowledge and to make everyone’s experience memorable.