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 a four-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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"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. -
"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.- Guest -
"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!- Johnny Miller -
"We will be back!"
Hosted a large group of clients and the trip could not have gone any better. Francine and team knocked every detail out of the park. We will be back!- C.J. -
"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.- Tim Boyle -
"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 -
"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.- H. S. -
"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.
Where Every Moment is Exceptional
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Unparalleled LuxuryExperience 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.
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Culinary ExcellenceIndulge 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.
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Tailored ExperiencesAt 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.


