Montana's Premier Bighorn River Resort Experience Unparalleled Luxury: Hunt, Fish, and Relax in Montana's Finest Wilderness

FAQ

How far is the lodge from the Billings International Airport?

We’re about a 90-minute drive from the airport and directly on the prime fishing waters of the Bighorn River. Other lodges may be closer to the airport, but we’ve found that guests put more value on being closer to the prime fishing waters.

How far is your lodge from prime fishing on the Bighorn River?

Forrester's Bighorn River Resort is the only lodge with on-property access to the Bighorn River’s prime fishing waters. Here, instead of driving 55 minutes or more to and from the fish, our guests can step out of their private cabins, walk to the river and spend time doing more of what you’ve come here to do – catch big fish!

How far is the lodge from Afterbay Dam where float trips begin?

Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort is just ¼ mile from the dam – 3 minutes from front door to put-in. Other Montana lodges are a 55-minute or longer drive to the dam and river put-in.

Will your owners be there every day to make sure guests have a great stay?

We are the only Orvis-endorsed lodge with owners that are active, involved and on-property every day. Our owners are Nick Forrester, a wildlife biologist, and Francine Forrester, an executive chef. Both Nick and Francine are here, working hard every day to make sure you have the experience of a lifetime.

 

What Orvis endorsements does your lodge have?

Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort is the 2010 Orvis-endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge of the Year and the first lodge to receive Orvis’ Top Five Distinctive Endorsements for Fly Fishing Lodge, Fly Fishing Expedition, Wingshooting Lodge, Wingshooting Guide and Endorsed Outfitter. At our Montana resort, you’ll find the sophistication and consistency expected of a world-class sporting lodge, plus a home-away-from-home atmosphere created by owners, Nick and Francine Forrester.

Do you offer private cabin accommodations?

Yes. Forrester's Bighorn is the only Orvis-endorsed resort to offer our guests private, fully appointed log cabins with private, in-room telephones and complimentary wireless internet service – just in case you want to connect with the “real world.”

What's the view like from your private cabins?

Like no other in the Bighorn River area. From your private Forrester’s Bighorn cabin, you’ll look out into the beautiful Bighorn river framed by our majestic Montana mountains.

What kind of cuisine should I expect? And, what kind of training and experience do your chefs have?

Again, Forrester's Bighorn is unique. We are the Only Bighorn River resort to offer afour-star dining experience at every meal. Our chefs have been trained in Europe, the Caribbean, and North America. They have more than 60 years of combined experience in creating, preparing and serving four-star gourmet feasts.

What type of areas do you offer for upland bird hunting?

Our upland bird hunting property covers thousands of Montana's acres that are spread over four distinct regions that hold huge numbers of pheasant, partridge and grouse. Our exclusive Cast & Blast event, offered each September through December, features a unique Bighorn fly-fishing and upland bird hunt experience in the same day.

How can I be sure Forrester's Bighorn River Resort is my best choice?

Compare our answers with those you get from other Montana lodges. When you do, you'll understand why more guests prefer to visit Forrester's Bighorn River Resort, where Montana keeps her promises.

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  • "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.
    - Dick Cheney
  • "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!!
    - Naomi G.
  • "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
  • "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
  • "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
  • "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.
  • "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.
    - Thomas
  • "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.
    - Jeni F.

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