Bighorn River Fly Fishing

Bighorn River Fly Fishing - The Big Horn River is indisputably one of the finest fisheries in the world, providing miles and miles of blue ribbon water for rainbow and own trout. Its cool temperatures and steady flow, combined with prolific insect life, provide an ideal environment for trophy trout.

Trophy Trout Fishing

The Big Horn holds a greater number of large trout -- fish in the 15-20 inch range -- than any river in the United States.

With around 8,000 trout per mile, it is not uncommon for an average angler to land 20 fish between 15 and 20 inches in a day, and most manage to hook into fish over the 20 inch mark during their stay.

Host to phenomenal fly hatches nearly year round, the Big Horn provides excellent fishing from April through November. As a tailwater fishery heavy run-off is never a problem, making it one of the few fisheries where fishing is as good in April and May as it is during summer and fall.

Upper and Lower Big Horn

The crew is one of the few outfits to guide on both the upper and lower stretches of the Big Horn. Our experience on the lower Big Horn, presents opportunities for exceptionally large trout and allows guests to fish this world famous river in near solitude.

Big Horn River trips combine float fishing from McKenzie-style drift boats with traditional stalk and wade techniques.

Bighorn River Fly Fishing - Bighorn River
Hardin, Montana
A first time angler can arrive almost empty handed and receive personal instruction, utilize our quality Orvis equipment and depart with the skills to begin a lifetime of flyfishing enjoyment. You can even allow our staff to assist you in purchasing your personal tools of the trade from our on site Orvis retail shop.
 
Our Fishing Guides
The professional guides are knowledgeable, courteous, and gifted with unlimited patience and enthusiasm. As qualified instructors, they can teach the fundamentals to beginners, help intermediate anglers improve their form, or introduce experts to new techniques for taking trophy trout.

Nestled amongst the cottonwoods along the Big Horn River perfectly combines the rustic beauty of Montana with the comforts of the modern age. The lodge caters to small groups of anglers and hunters who will accept nothing short of the very finest service available.

We have always presented an atmosphere that encourages relaxation and camaraderie. In the great room -- complete with trophies, a wet bar and the warmth of a wood stove -- the tales of the day's adventures takes on a spirit of tradition as they are spun out over cocktails and appetizers.

Just the right mix of Montana
charm and modern luxury  

Guest Rooms

Each guest room is appointed with two beds, a full, private bath, and is decorated with an artistic touch of the Montana outdoors. The large screened porch, complete with log furniture and an old-time swing, provides a quiet evening retreat where guests can unwind from the aggravations of the 'real world'.

Dinning at the Lodge

Dining at our Lodge has always been a prominent element of every guest's stay, and many have affirmed that it is among the chief reasons for their return. Meals feature such elements as local Angus beef, rack of lamb, upland game prepared with subtle spices and home-grown herbs, wild asparagus, pies filled with Montana berries and, of course, fresh vegetables. The dining room is a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere that fosters an air of fellowship among people who share common interests.

Although it is usually the trout fishing and bird hunting that first draw guests to our Lodge, we feel that it is the distinctive elegance of the setting, the wonderful cuisine and the genuine Montana hospitality that ings them back year after year.  

April - Still Fairly uncrowded, usually good weather and can be great for dry flies fishing.

May - This is usually the best all around month dor dry flies and nymphing.

June - This is the best month for nymph fisherman.  This is Beginner's month!  Novice anglers should catch lots of fish nymphing.

July - Good month for novice fisherman and advanced anglers.  

August - This is generally a dry fly fisherman paradise.  The best mont for experienced anglers.  Novice anglers can do good nymphing.

September - Start of hunting season and river pressure diminishes.  Algae and grass could be in the river at this time, but a great time to come, weather wise.

October - River pressure is light and our biggest fish of the year has been caught in October.  Usually we get our first snow around Halloween.  (Usually)

November - Browns are spawning and are beautiful.  River has almost NO traffice.  Novice and advanced anglers enjoy the river in November, but the weather can be cold.

(These are generalizations and NOT guarantees.)

Book Now - "What the guide charges, is what you will pay and nothing extra. No middleman fees ~ book direct or contact the guide today!"
John Openshaw ~ President, WadersOn.com

A combination of guided drift and wade fishing on the Big Horn and surrounding streams. April - November.

Includes: lodging & dining, instruction, guides, transportation, all flies and terminal tackle, and the use of Orvis rod/reel, waders and boots, if needed. Prices do not include gratuities for guides and service staff, accommodations tax, or alcohol.  (You are welcome to bring your own alcohol.)

*Non-Fishing Rates Available