Bighorn River Fly Fishing

If you're looking for
wild Brown trout and fat, feisty Rainbows,
come to the world-famous Bighorn River
in southeastern Montana!

The Bighorn River is located about 90 minutes south of Billings, Montana by car.

Recognized as one of the best trout fisheries in America,
this amazing catch & release river has water so gin-clear you can sight-fish year round!
Our experienced, local guides offer instruction for all skill levels, from beginner to veteran.
You'll get a full day on the river and the fishing adventure of a lifetime, complete with savory streamside lunches.
Our lodging/meal packages are based out of a 5 bedroom vacation home -- Old Hookers Guest House -- in Fort Smith, Montana.
You are welcome to bring your own gear, or for those traveling light,
ask for our "Just Add Water" package with access to our selection of house rods, reels, waders and boots.

In 2009, Jim Laughery's Eastslope Outfitters celebrated 25 years on the Bighorn.

CATCH & RELEASE:
To protect our wild trout, we strongly recommend Catch & Release practices on the Bighorn.



Be sure to check out PHOTO GALLERY (click on upper tool bar) for fishing photos.

Small Groups & Families
Although we welcome fishing parties of all sizes, we specialize in family & small group adventures.
Our guest house has 5 bedrooms (10 queen/double beds) and 4 bathrooms, with all the amenities of a hotel
plus the privacy and comfort of your own personal, fully stocked cabin at the river.
Guides meet you at your doorstep in the morning, and deliver you home in the evening.
Then just hang your rod on the indoor wall rack, kick off your boots and waders,
grab a beer from the fridge or a cocktail from the kitchen, and head to the screened porch,
where appetizers and a stunning sunset await you.

Our packages include meals (prepared by our cook in your kitchen) or you can choose a self-catered option,
should you want the comraderie (and savings) of preparing your own food.

2010 Fly Fishing Rates

FISHING DAY TRIP
"Just Add Water"
FLY FISHING PACKAGE
Includes guided fishing, lodging, all meals, gear* & flies
Fees do not include Fishing License or Gratuities

Package rates are based on 2 anglers per boat/2 anglers per sleeping room.
See Single Angler rate. On occasion, we will fish 3 anglers per boat and waive the single surcharge.

SLEEPING ROOMS
Anglers sharing a boat may not necessarily wish to share a sleeping room.
As a courtesy, we will allow anglers booking at dbl. rate to have a private room, if available.
Based on availability, not guaranteed. Scroll down for more lodging detail.

2 days fishing/3 nights:
$945 pp (2 anglers in boat) or $1,185 (single angler in boat)
Discount available for parties of 6 or more anglers

3 days fishing/4 nights:
$1,355 pp (2 anglers in boat) or $1,715 (single angler in boat)
Discount available for parties of 6 or more anglers

4 days fishing/5 nights:
$1,780 pp (2 anglers in boat) or $2,260 (single angler in boat)
Discount available for parties of 6 or more anglers

5 days fishing/6 nights:
$2,185 pp (2 anglers in boat) or $2,785 (single angler in boat)
Discount available for parties of 6 or more anglers

6 days fishing/7 nights:
$2,600 pp (2 anglers) or $3,320 (single angler in boat)
Discount available for parties of 6 or more anglers

* Gear: Package guests are welcome to our house inventory
of waders, boots and rods at no extra charge. Subject to availability.
If we do not have your size or preference, rentals are available locally.

BIGHORN RIVER FLY FISHING
DAY TRIPS
Guided Float Trip
One or two Anglers: $450 per day
Three Anglers/One guide: $595 per day
Includes a full day of guided fly fishing, streamside lunch, river shuttle, flies and terminal tackle.
Guide gratuity and license not included.

Deposit/Cancellation Policy
50% deposit is required at time of booking.
Cancellation more than 60 days prior to trip start date is eligible for refund less 10%
of total fee. Cancellation within 60 days forfeits total deposit.

FISHING LICENSE
Fishing licenses are available in Fort Smith at fly shops, an easy walk from the guest house.
You will need drivers license/identification.
2009 cost of non-resident licenses: 2 Days for $25; 4 Days for $40; Season $70

What to Expect (Typical Day)

Your guide will pick you up at Old Hookers Guest House and transport you to the
launch site (only minutes away), where you will float down river in a non-motorized drift boat,
captained by your guide. Two anglers per boat is typical, although in some cases, a third can be accommodated.
In some stretches of the river, you may cast from the boat, but in most cases, you'll want to wade-fish.
The Bighorn River is excellent for wading, no matter what your skill level, with a gravel bottom
and knee- or thigh-high waters. There are occasional areas with ledges, rocks underfoot or swift currents,
but your guide knows the river well and can advise you. He will provide as much (or as little) instruction
as you need. Many of our anglers are beginners, while others are veterans who have been
fishing with us for 20 years or more. The length of your fishing day will depend on bug hatch conditions,
guest endurance levels and, of course, weather. Most days, you'll have 8 to 10 hours on the water.
Lunch will be provided, with a menu usually consisting of sandwiches, salad, chips and cookies/brownies.
Some guests like to take a break from fishing and picnic on shore,
while others prefer to "eat on the fly," depending on fishing conditions.
For those desiring it, a streamside BBQ can be arranged in advance.
Bottled water and sodas will be provided in the boat, and guests are welcome
to bring snacks and beer/alcohol, if desired.

Gratuities for guides are customary and depends on level of service.
The customary tip for guides of this caliber is around $40 - $80 per angler/per day.

At the end of the day, your guide will return you to Old Hookers Guest House
where most guests relax with drinks on the deck before dinner and enjoy the view
of the sun setting over the historic Bozeman Trail.
After a day on the river and a large meal, energy levels differ...
some guests prefer a quiet night of television, reading or star-gazing from the deck;
others pitch horseshoes, play prairie golf (clubs provided),
stroll through the meadow to view the beaver dams of Lime Kiln Creek
or take an evening drive to nearby scenic attractions.
Click here for Area Attractions




Bighorn River Lodging
Click here for Old Hookers Guest House Detail Page
 
OLD HOOKERS GUEST HOUSE AT THE BIGHORN
Old Hookers Guest House is our private, two-level guest house offering
five bedrooms (10 beds), four bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen,
washer/dryer, satellite TV, woodburning fireplace and a spectacular view
of the Bozeman Trail from the deck. The Guest House is located on the
outermost edge of the village of Fort Smith, Montana,
which is the entrance to Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area,
Yellowtail Dam and Bighorn Lake.
We're only minutes from the boat launches and an easy walk to fly shops.
Click here for more Guest House photos.

MEALS
Lodging at the Old Hookers, with all amenities and meals, is included in our Full Service Package price,
or the House may be rented on a Hosted (catered meals and maid service)
or Non-Hosted basis (do your own thing).

GETTING HERE
DRIVE IN: For driving maps to Fort Smith, click on MAP in the upper tool bar of this page.
Fort Smith is about 90 minutes south of Billings.
FLY IN to Billings, Montana (Logan International Airport) and rent a car (several agencies at airport) or
use a Billings-based shuttle service (www.willsonllc.com) to Fort Smith.
Although specializing in transporting small groups to Fort Smith, this company also provides individual sedan service.
Hint: ask the car service if any other singles/small groups are heading to Ft. Smith same day; you may be able to split the cost.
FLY IN to Fort Smith directly by private transport.
Landing strip information is available online (www.airnav.com/airport/5U7).