Royal Big Horn Club
Montana fly fishing on the Bighorn River, with private lodge comfort, prolific hatches, and wild trout below Yellowtail Dam.Flowing through some of the West's wildest country, the Bighorn River emerges from Yellowtail Canyon below Yellowtail Dam in Fort Smith, Montana. It is one of the great trout rivers of the world, known for prolific hatches, selective trout, and truly memorable dry-fly fishing.
Originally stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout shortly after the dam was constructed in the mid-1960s, the river now supports a self-sustaining population of wild brown and rainbow trout. The upper stretches can hold as many as 6,000 trout per mile, making the Bighorn both productive and technically interesting.
Plan This Trip Contact Property Manager
Dan Vermillion: dan@sweetwatertravel.comPat Vermillion: pat@sweetwatertravel.com
Call Dan or Pat: 406-222-0624
Big Country, Big Hatches, Big Trout
A Montana lodge on one of the West's classic tailwaters, with dry-fly windows, wild trout, and a quiet riverfront base.
The Bighorn has played a central role in the Vermillion family's fly fishing life. Royal Big Horn Club gives guests a comfortable way to fish the river with focused guide support and a relaxed lodge setting.
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Royal Big Horn Club At A Glance
| Fishery |
| Bighorn River tailwater below Yellowtail Dam in Fort Smith, Montana. |
| Wild brown and rainbow trout, with upper stretches supporting as many as 6,000 trout per mile. |
| Historically about 60% browns and 40% rainbows, with stable water temperatures and prolific bug life. |
| Lodge |
| 40-acre property nestled in cottonwoods on the banks of the Bighorn River. |
| Six guest rooms and a central lodge with living room and bar. |
| Deck, fire pit, and riverfront setting for appetizers, dinner, and evenings after fishing. |
| Rooms |
| Each guest room has parking-lot-side entrance with bench, wader hooks, and rod holders. |
| River-side sliding glass doors open toward the Bighorn. |
| Rooms include queen and single bed, private bath, air conditioning, heat, and large tiled walk-in shower. |
The Fishing
The Bighorn always moves through cycles, and the current fishery includes an older age class of both rainbows and browns. These fish average 17-22 inches, with the largest fish reaching the upper 20s.
A strong younger generation of browns is coming up as well, supported by the river's rich bug life and stable tailwater conditions.
Selective Trout and Strong 2026 Fish Classes
A strong younger generation of browns is coming up as well, supported by the river's rich bug life and stable tailwater conditions.
Why Royal Big Horn
Royal Big Horn Club gives guests a calm, riverfront place to fish one of the West's most famous trout rivers. From the deck or fire pit, the main sounds are the river, waterfowl, and the cottonwoods.
It is an escape from daily demands, with the guide program, meals, and lodge atmosphere all built around time on the Bighorn.
Classic Montana Tailwater, Quiet Lodge Base
It is an escape from daily demands, with the guide program, meals, and lodge atmosphere all built around time on the Bighorn.
Accommodations
Six Rooms and a Central Lodge
Royal Big Horn Club has six guest rooms plus a central lodge with living room and bar. Rooms include a queen and single bed, private bath, air conditioning, heat, wader hooks, rod holders, and river-side sliding glass doors.
Trip Style
Royal Big Horn Club offers a variety of itineraries with a three-night minimum stay, and the lodge may be available for group rentals based on availability.
Itinerary in Brief
Flexible Arrival
Trips can be built around several itinerary lengths, with a minimum stay of three nights.Fishing Days
Guided fishing focuses on the Bighorn River's hatches, trout cycles, and daily conditions. Evenings are spent at the lodge over appetizers, dinner, and river views.Group Options
The lodge can also be offered for group rentals based on availability.Rates, Gear, and Travel Support
| 2026 Fishing Packages |
| 7 nights / 6 days: $4,500 |
| 6 nights / 5 days: $4,200 |
| 5 nights / 4 days: $3,900 |
| 4 nights / 3 days: $3,600 |
| Rates include guided fishing with shared boat, chef-prepared meals, shared accommodations, wine, and beer. |
| Not included: gratuities, transportation, laundry service, private rod fees, hard liquor, fishing gear, flies, or fishing license. |
| 2027 rates have not been set and are subject to increase. |
| Gear |
| The Bighorn is a perfect river for a 4, 5, or 6 weight rod. |
| Fishing shifts between nymphing and streamers, and fish over 20 inches are regularly caught. |
| Guides have rods and reels available. Except in spring and later fall, almost all wading is wet wading. |
Ready to talk through Royal Big Horn Club? Contact Dan or Pat Vermillion at 406-222-0624 to discuss Bighorn River dates, group options, and current availability.