Text and photographs by Mary L. Peachin
September/October, 2021 Vol. 25, No. 12, 13
River banks are lined with thickets of willow, cottonwood trees, ash, and numerous shrubs. A black bear yearly bounded along the bank. Eagles soared, osprey hunted, mergansers scuttled as if they “walk on water,” while several Sandhill cranes seem out of place.
Access to the Bighorn is very limited. Above the high-water line private ownership was originally owned by the Crow Tribal Nation.
The National Park Service maintains public parking and launching facilities at the Afterbay Dam (the primary River launch) and the 3-mile access downstream. The state of Montana owns and maintains the River for thirteen miles to Bighorn Access downstream.
Nick Forrester, a wildlife biologist, and his wife Francine Forrester own the Orvis-endorsed Bighorn Resort. Uniquely, they work daily as on-property actively involved owners. Overlooking the Montana Mountains, Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort is the only lodge with nearby prime access to the Bighorn River’s fishing waters. Its seven log cabins are nicely furnished with a luxe complement of amenities. A fly shop and dining area are located in the main lodge. There is an upstairs social area frequently used, in addition to evening cocktail hour, for corporate meetings.
Meals are not only plentiful, but easily qualify as gourmet with unique and creative presentations.
Sean Fritzler, a proud member of the Crow nation was our guide. His “go to” fly is the crustacean-like sow bug.
Oh! Oh! Game and Fish officers headed our way. This was a unique experience in my years of fishing. Montana takes full financial advantage in charging for tourist licenses. Fortunately, we had followed the rules. Soon after, we were distracted by a black bear yearling running along the shore. Her mom had probably decided that it was time for her yearling to fend for itself.
After David successfully released several nice size brown trout, Sean continued to row back to float the intake water 3-4 times.
Our second day of floating began with a 22–24-inch rainbow leaping out of the water breaking the line. We would continue downstream catching brown and whitefish. The unusually intense heat (100-105°) created the need to continually clean the abundance of moss from our flies. We also witnessed an angler, who probably had heat stroke, being dunked in the River.
Sean’s Grandfather Robert Yellowtail, a Tribal warrior would be one of the first Crow to get a law degree. Uncle Glen was a serious outdoors man who mentored Sean to become a fishing and hunting guide. Sean is proud of the fishing heritage of his uncle and grandfather. During service in the Marine Corp, an injury resulted in Sean being discharged. For the past three decades, he’s been fishing for the Forrester’s and guiding the Bighorn.
Fly fishing the Bighorn is an experience to treasure on a river that offers unique isolation. Almost two hours from Billings, it’s a place for serious anglers.