The Bighorn River in Montana presents the Fort Smith Fly Shop and Cabins and Bighorn River Guides for flyfishing float trips

For the time of your life, come float the beautiful Bighorn River and stay with us in our lovely cabins. We are completely dedicated to making sure you catch fish, eat well, sleep well and thoroughly enjoy your vacation. We are ideal for small conferences or business meetings, or even bachelor parties.

The fishermen regale each other with stories, over hearty dinners served family style in our dining room overlooking the river.

The comfortable and friendly atmosphere is why our guests continue to come back year after year.

Lodging Rates

Standard Rates:
$60.00 per person, per night
$100.00 minimum Cabin 1 $150.00 minimum, Cabin 2, 3

Plus State of Montana lodging tax 7%

Lodging Deposit

A 50% deposit is required
to secure your room

Check in time 2:00 p.m.
Check out time 10:00 a.m.

Please remember that no alcohol is sold on the reservation. Please bring whatever alcoholic beverages you wish with you.

Meals are not included in the room rate.

MAKE YOUR GUIDING/LODGING RESERVATIONS NOW ! !
2flyfish@nemont.net

Free River Map with each stay

Comments from Our Guests...

"Our week with you was the best week of the year. I have Fly Fished with guides in Cancun and Belize with limited success and so-so guide angler connections. With Michael it was more than a professional experience. We were made to feel like we were family and we laughed as hard as we fished. I have been fly Fishing for 30 years and am always out to learn new tricks and certainly did. Michael's hot Fly should be outlawed. To reach double figures everyday with native Trout is unheard of not to mention the size of these monsters. They could not have been landed with out Michael's expertise in handling that drift boat and net. His knowledge of the river is without fault.. What can I say about the accommodations and food except when I got home I went right on line to look for a diet program. Again, thank you for a great time and we will be back. "Tight Lines". Dave and John, Massachusetts

Hold your next meeting at the Fort Smith Fly Shop and Cabins

Ellyn and Michael,

I wanted to thank you for your attention to detail, hard work at accommodating our group, and the wonderful time we all had. I know everyone was very pleased with the service and the hospitality you had given us. I look forward to booking another trip with you in the near future, and keeping in touch, as I now consider you both good friends.

Once again thank you for the great time.

"Set the hook when a bird flies over"

Bob Potts
District Manager
Nalco Co.
OFC Rocky Mountains

"Even though I never cast a line, I enjoyed every minute. From the roomy, beautiful cabin to the landscape was more than I imagined. The inn keepers and their delicious faire was the icing on the cake." Jean, New Jersey

"What a fantastic time my Mom and I had. Ellyn is the "hostess with the mostest"--from great food to charming stories--she could not be any more sweet or kind. Michael guided us for 3 outstanding days on my new favorite river---the Mighty Bighorn. Michael was patient and kind and taught us how to catch the "Big Ones" and land them. Wish I could rewind and play those three days over again." Kathleen, Montana

"Thank you for your hospitality. The company and accommodations were wonderful. You’re the world’s greatest cook, and Michael the greatest fly fishing guide." Jeff, Missouri

"Good food, good people and beautiful country. Ellyn and Michael are gracious hosts, the warm welcome and down to earth goodness shines in all they do. As passing travelers, we thank them." Jose Luis, Madrid, Spain

"We had such a wonderful time and so appreciate your hospitality. No one will believe me when I tell them about my day fishing. Lets hope the photos come out. Michael, I just have to tell you about my morning fishing the day we left. I fished for about 2-1/2 hours at the three mile boat launch. I found a channel between two islands just above the launch area. Skinny fast riffle water. A fisherman just left it and asked what the hell you had to do to catch a fish. I showed him my rig (your rig) and then I proceeded to take three beautiful rainbows out of it, 16 to 18 inches. I caught six fish in all. Never could have done that without fishing with you. Unbelievable. Thanks, for a great time." Paul and Janet, Massachusetts

"You people are some of the nicest people i have ever met. Ellyn's good cooking and patience with the guest was nothing short of phenomenal. Michael is a pro, top notch guide, thank you for helping me clean up my mending . We cannot forget John Madsen either, he knows his stuff and is full of good information about EVERYTHING. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip and the knowledge gained is priceless." Rick, Pennsylvania

"Thank you Ellyn and Michael . . . I must say, we really enjoyed our stay and flyfishing trip on the Bighorn with you. Frank and I only wish we could have stayed for 5 or 6 days. Maybe next time. You guys are wonderful friends and we really enjoy your company. On the water, I feel like I am part of a comedy show with all our jokes and “fun time,” and yet, we are serious about catching big fish, and with Michael, we do! Michael is, as far as we are concerned, always the “Guide of the Year.” In the cabin diary we wrote that with the “authorities” playing with water levels, shocking fish around us, and mother nature pissed off, we still managed to hook into plenty of fish including losing some monster fish. We must credit that success to Michael. Wow! What a blast!." Jerome, Santa Fe, NM

"Thank you Ellyn and Michael for another great trip. The hospitality and meals were wonderful. The fishing was great!!! Michael is the consummate Professional guide. It is a pleasure to fish with you." Jon, Idaho

"I had a great time and I know John did also. You were fantastic hosts - the meals were excellent, Ellyn and the "guiding" was more than I could have imagined. Michael, you set the standard for me! I learned a lot in those two days - you were very patient explaining the basics to a "beginner" and I appreciate that more than you'll ever know." Bill, Amarillo, Texas

"Just wanted to thank you both for a memorable experience. A novice could not have had a better guide than Michael. A special thank you to Ellyn, great dinners." John, Fall River, Massachusetts

"We had heard many stories about the great fishing on the Bighorn river and when we went we were not disappointed. The highlight of our trip, however, was spending time with Michael and Ellyn. They are 2 individuals with truly terrific "people skills". If you are considering a trip to the Bighorn, call or
e-mail Ellyn to get our e-mail addresses and we'll tell you more about a most memorable vacation." Gerry and Rich, Pittsburgh, PA

"We had a wonderful time and thank both of you for your warm and wonderful hospitality. Fishing was good, the food was excellent and the fellowship was priceless. Thanks again." Bruce, Denver, CO

"Ellyn and Michael, thanks for making our trip the best bonding experience I have ever had with my son Brent. I have never seen him so excited about anything in life like he was after our float. He cannot stop talking about the trip. He has found a calling in life greater than anything he has ever done. I will have a fishing partner for life. You guys are the greatest." Jim, Colorado

"My mind has been on the Bighorn ever since we left. Few places I have been ever live up to the hype. The Bighorn definitely delivers, and in a big way. Thanks for your hospitality and advice while we were there. We'll be back for years to come!" Chad, Georgia

Thank-you in return for the wonderful hospitality and incredible memories this past weekend. You have such a nice and serene property and the get away was "just what the doctor ordered!" Britt, Montana

"Thank you for our intro to the Bighorn, incredible trout, fabulous food, a lovely cabin, and most importantly ...your generous and warm hospitality. We’re going home with a lot of really good memories and funny stories—our favorite -- "dry fry"." Robert and Ruby, Mississippi

"We had a terrific three days fishing –very successful and exciting. You are wonderful hosts…the meals were just "too good". Michael you are the guide to a great memory –of the beautiful river experience, "one of the best." Ellyn – we certainly enjoyed your food and humor. Know we will remember you folks for many years to come." Ed and Pat, John and Nikki, John and Marjorie, Pennsylvania

"We had a blast fishing the Bighorn with Michael and we really appreciate your friendship and hospitality. Even though we fished the Bighorn for just three days we feel like we have made friends for life! Michael you have a gift for guiding, and as I long as I live I will never forget the Bighorn experience that you provided. Both of you make a great team and God willing we will go back to the Bighorn to visit and fish with you." Frank and Jerome, New Mexico

"Michael he is a great teacher and guide, I learned a lot about the Bighorn and fly fishing in general. He has great patience and his humor are really wonderful assets. The longer we are in education and coaching, the more important humor and having a good time becomes. Tell him to keep up the great work he does. He enriched our lives. We will never forget our time together." Steve and Carl, Pennsylvania

"This is a fabulous place with great people." Ty and Nancy, Colorado

"Michael is awesome and has a true passion for the art of fly fishing. The fabulous fishing was secondary to the hospitality and genuine kindness from Michael and Ellyn." Merry and Jack, California

"We do not know what deed of God or man brought the two of you to this small place on Earth, but we will be forever grateful that it happened, because it gave the two of us the opportunity to create a beautiful memory that will live with us forever. There were days filled with blue skies, beautiful waters of the Bighorn River and the excitement of catching BIG FISH. Then there were nights of wine, great food, and wonderful conversation." Jack and Danielle, Virginia

"Ellyn and Michael, you both went out of your way to make us comfortable and gave us the most wonderful introduction to the Bighorn River. Each of you is a treasure--we are delighted to make your acquaintance." Adrienne and Josh, Montana

"Exceptional views, food and conversation. And the fishing's not bad either!" Audra and Tommy, North Carolina

"It will be a long time before the memories of our last two days fade from our minds. Ellyn and Mike are great and your experience – well let’s say if it is only half of what we got, you will be more than satisfied. Fishing – just trust Mike for an experience too good for written words." Kim and Brent, Colorado

"Thanks for building such a lovely cabin, always a nice find along the way on our vacation." Mike and Kristen, Oregon

"Thanks for all the fishing tips. I’m probably still fly fishing but next I might graduate to "fisherman". Peter, California

"I have never had guide service to equal yours and your hospitality is outstanding." Allan, California

"We will never forget our time here. We were so relaxed and comfortable and like kids again." Lindsey and John, California

"We love your cabin…hope you have many more for the friends that we’ll be sending you." Gail and Mike, New York and Arizona

"My hats off to two of the nicest people in town, Ellyn and Michael." Bill, Pennsylvania

"Thank you for the hospitality, you went way out of your way for us and we appreciate it greatly –good luck, but word of mouth will spread, and you’ll be busy beyond your belief." Joel, Mike and Dan, Minnesota

"The river treated all of us great and so did the hosts and guides. Thanks for a great time." Jim, Ed, Greg, Lloyd, California

"To say that the fishing was fantastic would be a fabulously huge understatement. On each of the two days we fished, we caught and released enough fish to fulfill our quota requirements in terms of size and number.

Fishing with guide Michael Mastrangelo - a transplanted Boston native replete with accent - we caught and released browns and rainbows from 15 to 21 inches. Most were in the 18 inch range, fat, and full of fight. Number of fish? Well, I promised myself I would keep count but I failed. But, let me tell you, after 12/14 hours of fishing each day, I was ready for a drink, dinner, and Ben Gay for my casting arm." Joan and Richard, California

"Thank you for a wonderful fishing experience. Not only did we catch nice fish but The learning experience was the pinnacle of the trip. We will book again for next year when we see you at The Fishing Show." Bill, Colorado

"You take such wonderful care of your guests, and make us feel like fast friends. Thanks so much. We’ll be back." Nancy and Tom, Colorado

“50 years of flyfishing and this was the most memorable trip ever.” Bill and Betty, Missourri

"What a trip! The Bighorn actually exceeded our expectations. Michael was a great guide and an interesting conversationalist. Of course, behind every great guide there is a great woman, Ellyn, simply amazing-- and great meals too! Jim, Colorado and John, West Virginia

"Great fishing! Great hospitality and great food! Never had such fun and learned so much at the same time. We’ll be back again." Dave and Jamie, Pennsylvania

"It was too short. As I sit here this morning, trying to figure out how to do the 2000 things that need to be done yesterday, all I can say is that it was way too short. Had a great time. Really enjoyed the fact that the guides would fish till dark!! I had a great time, thanks for a great experience." Kenny, Oregon

Sunset over the river

Winter over the river

Winter Fishing on the Big Horn

Fort Smith Airport

Fort Smith Airport is located west of Ft. Smith near the Afterbay. It has a 3,827 ft. x 50 ft. airport runway. The elevation of the runway is 3,242 ft. above sea level. If you are planning on arriving by private plane, please let us know and we will arrange pickup.