Royal Big Horn Club

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Flowing through some of the West’s wildest country, the Big Horn emerges from Yellowtail Canyon below the Yellowtail Dam in Fort Smith, MT.

The Big Horn river is one of the great trout rivers of the world. It is known for prolific hatches and truly stunning dry fly fishing for selective trout. Like the Yellowstone, the Bighorn played a pivotal role in the Vermillion brothers’ lives as fly-fishermen. We hope you will come join us.

Originally stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout shortly after the dam was constructed in the mid-60’s, today, the river supports a self-sustaining population of wild brown and rainbow trout with the upper stretches of the river supporting as many as 6,000 trout per mile.

Contact Property Manager

Please contact Dan or Pat Vermillion at (406) 222-0624 or at dan@sweetwatertravel.com or pat@sweetwatertravel.com

The Fishing

The Bighorn River always goes through cycles, and what a great stage of the cycle we will be in for in 2024! There is currently an older age group of both Rainbows, and Browns. This group of fish will more likely take you into the backing than not. They are hot, fat fish that average 17-22 inches, with the big guy for the season reaching the upper 20's. Now, there are not a ton of these fish, but there is a great younger generation browns coming up, and they are growing fast. These prolific fish will keep you very entertained, and it is a great sign for the future. The richness of bug life is ensuring that these guys are growing as quickly as possible. We expect these fish to average between 14-16 inches by the spring.

Historically the Bighorn River has a population dynamic of roughly 60% Browns and 40% rainbows, the upper stretches of the Bighorn supports as many as 6,000 trout per mile. As a tailwater, the Bighorn’s relatively stable water temperature provides the insects and fish in the river ideal feeding and growing conditions. The Bighorn river trout tend to proliferate year-round which keeps the Bighorn fish growing all year.

Accommodations

The Royal Bighorn Club is located on 40 acres, nestled in the cottonwoods on the banks of the Bighorn River. From the deck or fire pit, only the river, waterfowl, and rustling leaves can be heard. It is an escape from the stress and demands of our modern world.

There are six rooms for guests and a central lodge with a nice living room and bar, where the guests eat meals and socialize about days chasing trout. Evenings are spent enjoying a drink on the deck over-looking the river while our chef serves up appetizers before capping the day off with an exceptional meal.

Each guest room has an entrance on the parking lot side which has a bench, wader hooks, and rod holders. On the other side, there is a sliding glass door that opens out to the river. There is a queen and single bed in each room, private bath, and air conditioning and heat. The private bath has a sink, separate heat, and a large tiled walk in shower.

Rates

Fly Fishing Packages

2025 Pricing:

7 nights/6 days $4,600
6 nights/5 days $3,950
5 nights/4 days $3,350
4 nights/3 days $3,150

The rate includes guided fishing with a shared boat, meals prepared by our chef, shared accommodations, wine and beer.

The rate does not include include staff and guide gratuities, transportation to and from the lodge, laundry service, private rod fees, hard liquor, fishing gear or flies or fishing license.

2026 Rates have not been set and are subject to increase for next season.

Gear

The Bighorn is a perfect river for a 4, 5, or 6 weight. Fishing shifts between nymphing and streamer and fish are regularly caught in excess of 20 inches. Guides have rods and reels for use and, other than the spring and later fall, almost all wading is wet wading.

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Why Royal Big Horn Club

Itinerary in brief

We have a variety of itineraries available with a minimum stay of three nights. We also offer the lodge for group rentals based upon availability.