Frequently Asked Questions

Bighorn River Fishing Questions

What should I wear? What should I bring?

Regardless of the time of the year always pack warm layers and a waterproof layers
During Spring and Fall, a cold front can pass through for a day or two dropping temps into the 40s/50s, but normal temps are very mild in the low 60s/70s during the shoulder months of March/April & October/November
Summer is hot, we recommend a lightweight travel pant and long sleeve sun shirt (plenty to choose from at the shop)
Afternoon thunderstorms in the summer are common but move through quickly and generally do not last long
A sun buff for your face and full brim hats also recommended (available for purchase at shop)
Sunscreen, lip balm, and a good pair of polarized sunglasses (available for purchase at shop)

Do I need to bring a fly rod? What rod weights are best?

A stiffer 5 wt is a good all around option for nymph fishing. 6wt works really well too for nymph rigs and streamers. 4 & 5 weight for dry fly fishing. 7 wt rod probably too much, 3 wt too little

What is included with my guide trip?

Lunch, terminal tackle, water, soft drinks, and flies are all included with your guide trip. Waders, boots, and rods are also included should you need them although we always encourage clients to bring their own equipment if convenient, but not necessary

What is not included in the price of my guide trip?

A Montana fishing license, guide gratuities, and alcohol are not included

How long is a guided trip?

Normally a guide trip starts around 8am and ends around 4-5pm with 7-8 hours on the water. A half day trip normally starts at 8am and end around 12-1pm with around 4 hours on the water.

What is included with an "All Inclusive Guided Fishing Package"

Our packages include lodging, and all meals starting with dinner the night you arrive through breakfast the morning you leave
Private guide with drift boat with 2 anglers to a boat for your guided fishing days
Lunches are included with your guided trip
Terminal tackle, flies, waders, boots, and fly rods are all also available should you need them
NOT INCLUDED are a fishing license, gratuities, snacks, and alcohol.

What is the nearest airport and how do I get there?

Most clients fly into Billings. Our lodge is an hour and a half south of Billings. From the airport take I-90 to Hardin (about 45 minutes) and highway 313 from Hardin to the town of Fort Smith (45 minutes)

Can I buy alcohol in Fort Smith and are there any restaurants?

No and no. Hardin is the last town to purchase alcohol before driving out to the river. The town of Fort Smith is within the confines of a tribal reservation and therefore the public sale of alcohol is prohibited. Consuming alcohol however is perfectly legal. There are no public restaurants in the town of Fort Smith. Most clients join us on site at Lynn’s Backcast Grill, but you must be a guest staying with us as we are not a public restaurant.

What is the standard gratuity?

Standard guide gratuity is $125-$200 per day. Gratuity of $10 per person, per day for the kitchen staff is also fairly standard.

Montana Lodging Questions

Can I make a special request?

We can customize any fishing trip to suit your needs and accommodate food allergies

What is your cancellation policy?

25% Deposit due at time of booking
Deposits are fully refundable 30 days before your trip less a 10% processing fee
50% of trip total is due if cancelled or modified within 30 days of arrival
100% of trip total is due if cancelled or modified within 7 days of arrival
Lodging and/or meal reservations from clients booked with an outfitter outside of Bighorn Angler must be approved via email. Any unapproved stays can be cancelled at any time and subject to a $300 per day resort fee

Can I bring my pet?

Unfortunately no pets are allowed in our lodging facilities, with the lone exception being our 3 mile cabin.

Are meals included? What are the restaurant hours?

Meals are available to Bighorn Angler guests and served on site at Lynnie’s Backcast Grill. Dinner is at 7pm, breakfast is 7:30

Location Questions

Where are you located?

Shop Address: 73 1st St E, Fort Smith MT
Enter Bighorn Angler Fort Smith Montana into your phone and maps will direct you to our location
Our shop is right in town angled to the highway as you come into town….can’t miss it!

What is the closest airport?

Billings or Sheridan airports are the closest, 1.5 hours to Fort Smith by car

Bozeman airport can be a good alternative and is about 3 hours away by car

Are there other places to dine or shop?

Fort Smith is a fishing village at the end of the road where the wild beauty of this area begins

Fort Smith has no public restaurants, a small gas station market with limited groceries, and gas

The Yellowtail dam visitors center and battle of little bighorn over interesting half day side trips

Our Trip Planner

From the best time of year to travel to what you can expect and much more. We answer all of your questions in our trip planner.

TRIP PLANNER

Have More Questions?

Our knowledgeable and friendly staff is here to assist you with every aspect of customizing and booking your trip. We can advise on lodging options, best times to come, transportation, what to bring and anything else important to you.