July 2026 Duck Hunting Season & Lodge Update

While July means long days on the Bighorn chasing trout, it’s also the time of year when our attention begins turning toward duck hunting season.

Preparing for Duck Hunting Season

Preparation never stops around River Rock Outfitters. Every summer we spend countless hours getting everything ready before the first hunters arrive.

The guide shack has become our headquarters again. Boats are being serviced, trailers inspected, motors tuned, decoys repaired, and gear organized. Our blinds are being repaired and brushed up, roads are being graded where needed, and every piece of equipment is getting a thorough once-over so we’re ready when opening morning rolls around.

The lodge has been busy as well. We’re installing new sprinkler systems to improve the grounds, repairing roads throughout the property, tackling maintenance projects, and getting every cabin ready for another duck hunting season. We believe every year the lodge should be a little better than it was the year before.

Duck Hunting Season Outlook on the Bighorn

While we’re spending our days guiding anglers on the river, we’re also paying attention to what’s happening around it. Local mallards have raised good broods this summer, Canada geese are growing quickly, and we’re seeing healthy numbers of teal and other resident ducks during our time on the Bighorn.

As always, the success of fall duck hunting season will depend on weather across the northern prairies and the cold fronts that eventually push fresh birds into south-central Montana.

There’s always a certain excitement this time of year. Every repaired blind, every serviced boat, and every load of decoys brings us one step closer to opening day. Before long we’ll trade fly rods for shotguns, and another duck hunting season on the river will be underway.

Hunter wades into the water as he prepares to set duck decoys for hunting.
Three hunters smile as they pose with their harvest from a successful duck hunt.

Duck Hunting Season Bookings & 2026 Planning

This year’s duck hunting season is officially full. We couldn’t take another hunter even if we wanted to, and we sincerely appreciate the incredible support from both returning guests and those joining us for the first time. Your loyalty allows us to continue investing in our property, equipment, and the overall experience each season.

With duck hunting season spoken for, our attention has already shifted to 2026. We’re now booking guided fly fishing trips for next year, and dates—especially for larger groups—are already beginning to fill. If fishing the Bighorn is on your list for 2026, now is the time to reserve your trip before the best dates are gone.

For groups of eight or more, ask us about our group discounts. Whether it’s a family vacation, a corporate retreat, or a trip with lifelong friends, we’d love to help you build an unforgettable week on the river.

With Gratitude

Thank you for choosing River Rock Outfitters. We never take your trust for granted, and we look forward to seeing many of you again soon.

We’ll see you on the river.

— Jeremy DeVries

River Rock Outfitters

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