Bighorn Lake Pontoon Floats
Enjoy a full day or just an evening on the incredibly beautiful Bighorn Canyon Lake. Nature abounds - and you may even see a bear or two with their cubs!
Plan your stay at Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort. Call (406) 333-1449 or book your stay now.
Nature Trails
If you would like to get out and about and enjoy even more of what Montana has to offer, let us tell you about nearby nature trails or fitness runs.
Just past the end of the parking lot at the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Ranger Station is a trail that heads west and then drops down into a ravine.
A bench just below the rim is perfect for sitting and observing wildlife – or continue down the trail to the little suspension bridge.
There are a few other trails in the area, just let us know if you are interested and we will point you in the right direction.
Local History
From the National Park Service's Little Bighorn Battlefield to Plenty Coups State Park, there are ample parks and museums nearby to take in the incredible stories of:
- The US Calvary
- The Indian Wars
- The Bozeman Trail
- Lewis and Clark
- The culture of the Crow Nation
- And even prehistoric pictographs
We can provide you with information about these and more.
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"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. -
"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.- Bobby Knight -
"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.- Peter & Patricia H. -
"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 -
"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. -
"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.- Phil Donahue -
"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 -
"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
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.


