Forrester's Montana Resort Cuisine Savor the Season: Indulge in Gourmet Delights at Our Montana Luxury Resort & Lodge

Head Chef

Our Guests Come for the Fishing but Come Back for the Food

Frank Kerstetter

After 40 years of cooking, I consider myself a lucky man because I still love what I do every day. The saying might seem a little cliché but it has held true for me all these years: “You will never work a day in your life if you love what you do”.

I started at age 16 as a dishwasher. In 1981, I graduated from the Culinary Institute of American. I was the Chef de Cuisine at Papillion Café in Cherry Creek, Colorado. During this time Papillion was chosen by Gourmet Magazine as one of the "10 Best Restaurants of the West." I also worked Pastry/Sous Chef at Mirabelle in Beaver Creek and had dishes featured in Bon Appetite Magazine. I have been with Forrester’s since 2006.

Resumes & dates are nothing without learning from those who have motivated, inspired, mentored and taught. Over time, I’ve developed what I’ve learned into my own distinct style. My first Chef Jean Jacques Gage (Picots Place) taught me what a sense of urgency meant and that great cooking was in the finesse. Culinary School taught me how to be a true professional and to respect the profession. My time with Pierre Luc (MirabelleRestaurant) taught me how to work hard and that if cooking was truly easy, everyone would be doing it.

Radek Cerney (Pappillion) showed me how to organize myself as an executive chef and to also see the importance of presentation on a plate; creating the "wow" factor that truly engages the diner with each dish served.

Jon Mendoza (Viand) helped me shift from the old school culinary mentality into the world of contemporary cooking, while always looking at everything through fresh, young eyes.

Heroes along the way for me have been Jeremiah Tower, Alfred Portale, Thomas Keller, Marco Pierre White and Emeril Lagasse. All have had a big influence on my evolution as a chef and my overall career. However, there are also countless Chefs and cooks I have worked with over time who have provided me the greatest inspiration. I learned so much from such a wide variety of brilliant people.

The kitchen is my workshop. I love coming to work to a clean and organized kitchen each day. I’m proud to walk into the shop with all its plates, pans, tools, mixers, knives, cutting boards, stoves, griddles, ovens and gadgets. Just being in the kitchen is exciting and it never gets old. I find solace, peace and affirmation in the environment. I completely lose myself in the creative process.

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  • "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.
  • "Unforgettable. See you next year."
    Upon arrival, we were greeted with the necessary paperwork, licenses, and guides. We dropped our bags off in our cabins and dad gave lessons to his daughter. Afterwards we headed up for a cigar and appetizers. Dinner was a multicourse, locally sourced, culinary delight. Frank, head chef is awesome and Paul is impeccable. My wife stayed in the cabin and enjoyed the peace and serenity while we enjoyed Sean, Wyatt and Tyrell's guidance for trout. The 1st day, all bows over 20 inches. On the last day, Stella, hauled in a 20+ inch bow as the boat was pulling up to leave, in front of a slew of waders, who applauded and cheered. An experience she will never forget. Thank you Sean, Wyatt, and Francine for the wonderful care and love you gave us. Unforgettable. See you next year.
    - E.S.
  • "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!
    - David
  • "Great place to relax"
    Great place to relax; go with the refuge foundation.
    - Patrick M.
  • "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.
    - Guest
  • "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.
    - D. Saw
  • "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!
    - Connie H.
  • "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.
    - Stephen B.

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