Your Bighorn River Fly Fishing Adventure Starts Here
What to Expect on Your Bighorn River Fly Fishing Trip
Everything You Need To Know Before You Arrive
Prepare For A Day On The Bighorn River
Whether you’re visiting the Bighorn River for the first time or returning for another season, River Rock Outfitters is committed to providing an exceptional fly fishing experience. As your trusted Bighorn River fishing guide, we’ll handle the logistics, local knowledge, and daily planning so you can focus on enjoying one of Montana’s most productive trout fisheries. A successful day on the water starts with the right preparation. This guide covers everything you’ll need to know before fishing with a professional Bighorn River fishing guide, from recommended clothing and equipment to travel information and trip expectations. Our goal is to help you arrive prepared and ready to enjoy a world class day of fly fishing.
Fly Fishing
Clothing
Montana weather can change quickly throughout the fishing season. Dressing appropriately will help keep you comfortable and focused while fishing with your Bighorn River fishing guide.
- Waders: Highly recommended, even in the summer. The Bighorn water will be cold.
- Wading Sandals & Shorts: Suitable from July to September.
- Long-Sleeved Shirt: Recommended for sun and bug protection.
- Other Essentials: Bug spray, hat, and sunglasses.
Fishing Equipment
The right equipment can make a big difference on the Bighorn River. While our guides provide flies and can assist with gear, these recommendations will help you arrive prepared for a productive day of fly fishing.
- Rods: 5 or 6 weight fly rod ideal, but two rods (a #4 and #6) are perfect for the Bighorn.
- Flies: One set up for dry flies and one set up for nymphs or streamers.
- Provided: Your guide will provide all the appropriate flies (and rods and reels if needed) out of their own personal collection, so keep that in mind when leaving a gratuity.
General Trip Details
- Trip Length: Your day will last from 8am-4pm most days although our schedule changes regularly. We will stay later or depart earlier if there is a particular hatch of interest, but an 8 hour day is the norm.
General Information
Before arriving for your trip, take a few minutes to review the important details below. From licensing requirements and travel recommendations to deposits and lodging information, these guidelines will help ensure a smooth experience with your Bighorn River fishing guide. Our goal is to make your Montana fly fishing adventure as enjoyable and stress free as possible from the moment you book until your final cast.
- Licensing: Purchase licenses through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks by visiting their website.
- Gratuities: Not expected but appreciated. Suggested amount is $100 per gun/rod/day. Your guides provide all essential gear, flies, tackle, dogs, fuel, lunch, drinks and EVERYTHING related to your day out of their own personal inventory.
- Billing: 50% deposit is required to reserve your dates. Until the deposit is received, those dates are available to anyone. We prefer to have 1 person take care of the entire bill. Managing 6-8 different portions can be cumbersome in the middle of a busy season. We offer discounts to group leaders for their efforts putting a group together and managing the billing process.
- Airport: Logan International Airport in Billings, MT (BIL) is one hour away. Hardin has a smaller airport for private planes or smaller jets. Logan International Airport, in Billings, has a runway to accommodate larger jets.
- Transportation: Drive or rent a car.
Why Fish With River Rock Outfitters
More Than Just A Montana Fly Fishing Guide
The Bighorn River is widely recognized as one of the premier trout fisheries in the West. Success here comes from understanding seasonal hatches, water conditions, fish behavior, and daily river changes. Our guides spend every day on the water so you can spend more time catching fish and less time figuring out where to start.
As a professional Montana fly fishing guide service, River Rock Outfitters combines local knowledge, quality equipment, comfortable lodging, and nearly three decades of experience to create an unforgettable fly fishing adventure.
