Reviews

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    An extraordinary fly fishing lodge experience!

    Recently I decided to take my nephew Peter on a fly fishing trip in Montana, and I was lucky enough to choose Francine & Nick's lodge. I had heard that their lead guide, Sean Fritzler, was one of the most renowned fly fishing guides on the Bighorn, and being a relatively inexperienced fly fisherman, I wanted to go out with someone who really understood the nuances of this amazing fishery. Though my nephew is an expert fly fisherman, and had recently relocated to Montana, he had never fished the Bighorn, but had heard rumors of the massive rainbow and browns caught there. The fishing was excellent during our mid-May trip, and Sean Fritzler was a fabulous teacher for me, and a wealth of information for Peter. We each landed 15-20 fish each day, and many were in the 18"-22" range. If we had been faster on our hook-sets, the results would have been easily double that count. The fly fishing experience was simply amazing, but the culinary experience was other-worldly. Their head chef, Frank Kerstetter is, simply put, one of the best chefs I have ever experienced. I lived in the Napa Valley for over 25 years, and was lucky enough to dine at some of the best restaurants in North America, including The Restaurant at Meadowood and The French Laundry. Frank's cuisine rivals either of those famed restaurants. Peter and I were in shock as Frank served one extraordinary meal after another. Our experience at Forrester's was like a daydream. Saying that it was a "bucket list" experience does not do service to that expression. Imagine combining the fly fishing experience of a lifetime, with the best culinary experience you could possibly imagine. The result would be what Nick & Francine Forrester have created in their lodge experience. Our sincere thanks to both Nick & Francine Forrester and Sean Fritzler for one of the most memorable fly fishing & dining experiences of our lives.

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    You wont be disappointed

    Nick and Fran do a very nice job. You wont be disappointed.

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    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.

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    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.

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    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.

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    Fantastic!

    What a great place filled with great people. From the Forresters to the kitchen staff to the guides and everyone else, all the people working here are just plain good people who will go the end of the earth to make their clients happy. The food was beyond good. The dinners were some of the best, most creative and unique meals I have ever eaten. They not only tasted great, they were works of art. You would be hard pressed to find this quality of food anywhere. We did a cast and blast fishing and duck hunting trip. Warm weather kept the ducks from flying much, but we all got shooting and a few of us shot limits of mallards. We even got a few pheasants on the river's islands. The fishing was tough, but not because of the guides. The river was a bit stained, making fishing tough for everyone. Everyone caught trout, though. Can't wait to go back!

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    Wonderful hospitality and meals

    Couldn't have asked for a better venue for our family reunion. Wonderful hospitality and meals that were second to none. Thanks to everyone for your part in helping us to create the beautiful memories we will carry with us!!

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    Gorgeous views, gourmet meals, very comfortable lodging and a warm welcome from the owner...what more can you ask for?

    Everything about our experience at Forrester's Bighorn River Resort was top notch! My husband and I enjoyed 3 days of much needed relaxing and I knew when I met the owner, Francine, that we had come to the right place. She and her husband, Nick, are very hospitable and will go out of their way to ensure that you are comfortable and that all of your needs are met. They treat you like family instead of a customer. I had never fly-fished via float trip prior but we were matched with a great guide, Sam, who met all of our needs and was very patient with me. I learned so much in the one day that I fished that I am super excited about our next fly-fishing trip! I was hesitant in going to a fly-fishing/hunting resort but I just want to reassure all wives out there who are hesitant in going, please do yourself a favor and go!!! The place is gorgeous, everything that leaves the kitchen is made from scratch with TLC, the lodging is comfortable and it is a great place to spend quality time with your loved one. We just arrived home this morning and I am looking forward to a return trip!!

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    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!

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    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 !!!

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    Incredible Positive Experience!

    Have you ever thought about fly fishing and catching rainbow trout? Have you ever thought of staying in a special place away from it all? Have you thought about staying in a place where there is a resident chief and professional fishing guides? Then you must consider taking a vacation in the south of Montana, close to Yellowstone Park, called Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort! For example, I have barely fished in my life yet on one outing on the Big Horn river, with our guide, I caught 11 trout! After the fishing experience our family was treated to a five-star dinner that was also served professionally and the portions were very generous. We live in Tennessee, which is not very close to Montana, but my wife and I are still hoping to return to Montana just to stay at Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort.

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    Everything we hoped it would be and more.

    Second trip to Forrester's this past June -- once again, it was everything we hoped it would be and more. We enjoyed our first trip so much last year, that we returned this spring with 7 more of our friends (total of 10). Nick and Francine are incredibly generous hosts and in my experience, you won't find a better combination of quality fishing, spectacular views, comfortable accommodations and five-star dining anywhere else. Frank (head chef) turns out meals that rival anything you can find in the top big-city restaurants and the food was one of the many reasons we came back for a second season. Of course, the fishing, quality guides and great location were factors too. Book this place with confidence and enjoy your Montana fly fishing experience, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned angler! We will be back next year for another adventure.

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    This place is a truly top notch

    This place is a truly top notch in every way possible! Amazing staff, guides and ammeneties!! I will recommend to anyone.

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    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.

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    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.

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    This is the place to be!!

    We had a great time during our stay at Forrester's. The cabins are comfortable and clean and the main lodge is beautiful and a great place to relax at the end of the day. We had two different guides, both knowledgeable and patient. The food is incredible..each day tops the last, including wonderful coolers packed for a day on the river. The hosts are experienced, available and intent on insuring that you have what you need and that you have a great time. Highly recommend this lodge!!

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    Great choice for the Bighorn

    Nick is very friendly and helpful when planning your fishing adventure on the Bighorn. Our guide was new but with adequate knowledge of the river, willing to rerow different hotspots. The river itself has a lot of green vegetation growth so you will spend a lot of time cleaning your flies. Shop is limited in selection, primarily Orvis products. Good choice for a float rip on the Bighorn.

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    Fantastic Fishing Lodge

    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!

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    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!

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    Great place to relax

    Great place to relax; go with the refuge foundation.

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    Amazing place to stay

    Amazing place to stay with cute cabins off the Big Horn River. Great fishing and pheseant hunting. Friendly staff, very accommodating, excellent dinner service.

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    Great place to stay

    Great place to stay and fish the Bighorn River

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    Forrester’s is a great experience and their location right on the Bighorn can’t be beat.

    For the last eight years I didn’t have much free time on my schedule. But whenever I had an opportunity to visit Forrester’s and fish the Bighorn, I made time. Forrester’s is a great experience and their location right on the Bighorn can’t be beat. Would highly recommend Forrester’s to anyone who demands the best location, lodging, dining and guides.

    Vice President, Outdoorsman

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    With the terrific bird hunting and excellent food at Forrester’s, we have a great vacation every time.

    Mayo and I have come to the Bighorn for four years now, and for the last three years, we have arrived at the lodge to find the same convergence of fun repeat guests who hail from all over the country. We’ve become good friends, and will even be meeting up for some quail hunting in Georgia this winter. The group has a good mix of men and women. Some of us women hunt, some walk with the hunters, and some stay in and enjoy the peace and quiet of the lodge. We’re a little raucous at cocktail hour which we enjoy. With the terrific bird hunting and excellent food at Forrester’s, we have a great vacation every time.

    Outdoor Enthusiast

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    Take my word for it, the hunting, the fishing, and the people are all great.

    Take my word for it, the hunting, the fishing, and the people are all great. I hunted. I fished. I had a damn fine time.

    Coach, Outdoorsman

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    Great hunting. Great Fishing!

    Great hunting. Great Fishing! Choose either, you will not be disappointed.

    NBA Hall of Fame Member, Outdoorsman

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    Novice or expert, you’ll succeed.

    With thousands of fish per mile, and the guide to put you on them, novice or expert, you’ll succeed.

    CEO, Columbia Sportswear Outdoorsman

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    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!

    Pro Golf Commentator, Outdoorsman

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    I always try to schedule a trip to Nick Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort!

    As a professional fishing guide, I get paid to fish all over the world. When it comes time to plan a personal vacation, I always try to schedule a trip to Nick Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort!

    Cabellas Senior Fishing Consultant

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    I plan to take my City Slicker self back to Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort.

    Great lodging, a lot of savvy, and a great river for anyone interested in the near-spiritual experience of fly-fishing. Here is a place I only knew from postcards, now I can truly brag that I’ve been there and done that! If Nick and his guides have any patience left, I plan to take my City Slicker self back to Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort.

    Talk Show Host, Outdoorsman

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    The best luxury fly fishing and bird hunting in the USA

    The accommodations are excellent, total attention to very detail, need and want. The food is 5 star dining at every meal. The wine selection is wonderful. Every staff member caters to all of your needs and desires. Fly fishing the Bighorn River is incredible. The bird hunting, guides and dogs are among the finest in the lower 48. The remote location feels like a luxury home.

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    Great Getaway

    My 12 year old son and my husband had the chance to spend time here for 4 nights and 5 days. They came back with wonderful stories about the fishing, the food, and their wonderful hosts. Great pictures were sent back to us in New York. They hope to return soon. Hopefully, next time, our daughters and I will join them for a full family trip!

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    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.

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    It was an awesome trip

    I spent six days with my dad at Forrester's in mid-October 2017. The original intent was to split the time between upland hunting and fishing. We were so impressed after our first day of hunting, we altered our plans to hunt as many days as possible. Having brought my 3 year old red setter all the way from Minnesota, I was a bit nervous about how she'd handle the big Montana terrain. I'm happy to report she did awesome, and truly made the trip extra special. Our hunting guide was very helpful and worked with me to get my dog hunting well. It was an awesome trip. I hope this review helps for anyone bringing a dog. We had multiple moments where we had to pinch ourselves. That's how good the entire experience was.

    Excerpt from Orvis Review

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    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.

    Excerpt from Orvis Review

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    We will be back next year for another adventure.

    Second trip to Forrester's this past June -- once again, it was everything we hoped it would be and more. We enjoyed our first trip so much last year, that we returned this spring with 7 more of our friends (total of 10). Nick and Francine are incredibly generous hosts and in my experience, you won't find a better combination of quality fishing, spectacular views, comfortable accommodations and five-star dining anywhere else. Frank (head chef) turns out meals that rival anything you can find in the top big-city restaurants and the food was one of the many reasons we came back for a second season. Of course, the fishing, quality guides and great location were factors too. Book this place with confidence and enjoy your Montana fly fishing experience, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned angler! We will be back next year for another adventure.

    Excerpt from Facebook Review

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    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!

    Excerpt from Facebook Review

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    Exceptional Experience

    My parents and I spent 4 fabulous days at Forrester's Bighorn River Resort. We caught lots of good-sized trout and had the most relaxing and enjoyable vacation. We hope to return there this fall or next year. The lodge and lodging was first class, the food was exceptional, the staff was wonderful, and the fly fishing with their guides Jaime Anderson and Jim Wilkins was fantastic! My parents are beginner fly fishers, and I had never fly fished before. Thankfully, our hardworking, patient, and enthusiastic (and humorous) guides were really excellent instructors who helped us master the basics. Thank you to Fran and Nick, Chefs Frank, Fran and Leanne, Jean, Matt, and the wonderful staff at Forrester's for a vacation that exceeded all our expectations.

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    Flyfishing luxury in Montana

    My wife and I have been Flyfishing and bird hunting at Forresters Bighorn Resort for ten years. Our last trip was great. Nick and Francene Forrester are genial , knowledgable hosts. The accommodation is perfect for this setting overlooking the Bighorn River in Montana. The dinners are possibly the best food in Southern Montana. Our fishing guide, Kevin, was skilled and a good companion . on the river. We will definitely be back

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    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.

  • Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort

    Fly-fishing and Cuisine Wonderland

    We have visited Forrester's many times over the years and always experienced great fishing, knowledgeable and fun guides, cozy cabin accommodations, and exquisite cuisine. Nick and Francine and their staff are all wonderful hosts. We love to fish, and the fishing has been the main reason for our visits.

Reviews