Guided Float Trips on
the Bighorn River
Our guided trips include:
Guide & Boat
Instruction in Bighorn techniques
River Lunch/ Beverages
Flies
A 50% deposit is required to reserve dates.
Our guides are:
Highly skilled
Professional
Knowledgeable
Experienced
and most importantly
PATIENT
"I
am now 61, fishing since a kid and the best day fishing I have ever had
was on the Bighorn.
"Michael's insight, passion and coaching certainly made it the most rewarding trip! It was a remarkable experience I will always remember… I'll keep practicing until next year! "
Bill,
New York
"We enjoyed our Bighorn experience with both of you. Ellyn, the meals were delicious and the conversations fun. We loved being awakened by birds each morning. Great alarm clocks.
Michael, what a teacher you are! Your love of the river and what you do each day was inspiring. I understand why Tony needs his Bighorn "fix" each year. We'll return together to do more eating, "mending" and visiting."
Meg and Tony, Wyoming
The Fort Smith Fly Shop and Cabins---the only thing we overlook is the river.
The world famous "drive -in", the scene from the Simms/Gortex magazine ad. Located about 5 miles downstream from the Afterbay.
CREATE SPECIAL MEMORIES
Floating down the Bighorn River in a McKenzie style drift boat is one of the most pleasurable and relaxing experiences you will ever have. Enjoying the sounds of the river and its' surroundings, the views and vistas, and the learning process about the river all combine into one thoroughly fabulous adventure. We haven't even gotten to the fishing yet!
Our season generally begins in March and runs through November. However, fishing is good year round on the Bighorn. The typical day starts off with a great breakfast and a brief discussion of your goals and expectations. We want to give you the best possible experience. Our goals are safety, fun, catching fish, and trying to help people become better anglers by the end of their trip.
The drift boat is used to transport you down the river and fish prime locations. Depending on conditions, we do fish from the drift boat at times. Mostly we are wade fishing -- riffles, runs, tail outs and slicks.
Guide trips are geared to the beginner, intermediate or advanced angler, dependant on your level of fly fishing experience. Instruction is provided on where the fish are holding and why, as well as techniques, tactics and the correct presentation to catch them. At lunch time we relax and take a break to eat and enjoy the beauty of the river, swap a few stories, and strategize about the rest of the day.
We then continue downstream to pursue the fish.
All the fish are wild, fast and extremely strong.
We offer our anglers the finest guided fishing experience in Fort Smith.
Float Trip Rates
1 Angler $400.00
2 Anglers $450.00
3 Anglers $695.00
A typical guide day is 10 hours in length.
Guide gratuity is not included
in the above rates.
A boat for three anglers may not be available at all times, it will depend upon fishing conditions.
Guests occasionally ask for guidance on a reasonable tip for their guide. As with any service, the gratuity should be dependent on the quality of the experience of your day on the water and the guide’s effort. Generally, guide gratuities range upward from 20%.
Cabin Rates
$60.00 per person per night
$100.00 minimum for cabin 1
$150.00 minimum for cabin 2
$150.00 minimum for cabin 3
Guiding, Lodging and meal rates subject to change.
Click here to see our Accommodations
Free River Map with each stay
Michael Mastrangelo, Outfitter # 7896
Meal Rates
Breakfast $15.00
Dinner $30.00
Boat lunches $12.00
Gratuity not included
For groups of 6 or more, a 20% gratuity will be added to the guiding and meal total.
Refund Policy
All deposits will be non-refundable unless written notice of cancellation is
received not less than thirty (30) days prior to fishing/lodging dates. All
deposits will be refunded promptly when adequate written notice of cancellation
has been provided. Any cancellation within 30 days will result in a 100% charge
unless the guide or room can be rebooked. There is a $25.00 administrative fee
which is non-refundable. We will, however, treat cases fairly based on
individual circumstances. During the months of May, July AND August no cancellations
will be allowed. There will be a 100% cancellation fee unless the guide or room
can be rebooked. If any rental equipment is lost or damaged, it is your
responsibility to pay the full charges.
We
reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
"You run a wonderful operation, I had a great time. I have recommended you to and given your number to several friends and people from work. Michael, thank you for your day of guiding. You gave me some good pointers." Larry, PA
"Good Friends
Good Fishing
Good Food" Charlie, Chicago, IL
Hold your next business meeting or party 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
photo from www.mortenharangen.no
"Your charming villa on the bluff overlooking God's paradise for tight liners is seared in my consciousness forever.
I truly enjoyed your charming and delightful company. Thank you for making dreams come true."
Steve, PA
