Bighorn River Fly Fishing

If you're looking for
wild Brown trout and fat, feisty Rainbows,
come to the world-famous Bighorn River
in southeast 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, Eastslope Outfitters celebrated 25 years on the Bighorn.

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



PHOTO GALLERY (click on upper tool bar) for more fly fishing photos.

Although we welcome fishing parties of all sizes, we specialize in family & small group adventures.
Our private guest house accommodates groups of 10 or less.
The two-level house offers 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 groups may choose a self-catered option,
should you want the comraderie (and savings) of preparing your own food.

Lodging & Meals

Lodging and meals at our guest facility in Fort Smith -- the popular Old Hookers Guest House --
are included in our guided fishing packages.
Groups wishing to lower costs and enjoy more kitchen camaderie may choose
a self-catering option (do your own food; no daily maid service).

OLD HOOKERS GUEST HOUSE AT THE BIGHORN
The amenities of a hotel, with the privacy and comfort of your own personal, fully stocked cabin at the river.

Old Hookers Guest House is our private, two-level guest house near the Bighorn,
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 Old Hookers Guest House Detail Page

What to Expect (Typical Day on the River)

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.
If the weather is cold, a hot lunch may be provided.
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 group picnic or BBQ riverside 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.

TWILIGHT SPECIAL
Depart guest house late morning, flyfish through the afternoon and break for a group BBQ dinner on the river,
followed by twilight fishing and a memorable float home by moonlight.
Subject to weather. Extra charge may apply.

Gratuities for guides are customary and depends on level of service.
The customary tip for guides of this caliber is $65 - $100 per day ($30 - $50 per angler/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 prefer a quiet night of television, reading or star-gazing from the deck;
others pitch horseshoes, play cards/games, walk, or take an evening drive to nearby scenic attractions.

2012 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:
$985 pp (2 anglers in boat) or $1,225 (single angler in boat)
Discount available for parties of 6 or more anglers

3 days fishing/4 nights:
$1,399 pp (2 anglers in boat) or $1,759 (single angler in boat)
Discount available for parties of 6 or more anglers

4 days fishing/5 nights:
$1,789 pp (2 anglers in boat) or $2,269 (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.

Guided Day 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.
2012 non-resident fishing licenses are: 2 consecutive days for $25;
4 consecutive days for $40; 10 consecutive days $53.50; or Season $70
Additional w arm water fishing stamp for non-resident is additional $5