Eagle Nest Lodge, MT

Lodging, Meals, and Accommodations:

Our guests rooms are appointed with two beds, a full private bath, and is decorated with an artistic touch of the Montana outdoors. The large screened porch, complete with log furniture and an old-time swing, provides a quiet evening retreat where guests can unwind from the aggravations of the "real world." Eagle Nest has always presented an atmosphere that encourages relaxation and camaraderie.

Dining at Eagle Nest has always been a prominent element of every guest's stay. Our dining room is a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere that fosters an air of fellowship among people who share common interests. Our most commonly asked question from returning guests is: "Is your Chef still there?" “Yes, Sherri our Chef has been with us since June of 2002. Need we say more! The food is incredible!”

Sample of Typical Itinerary:

Day 1:
Arrive at Eagle Nest Lodge early afternoon. If you have time, you can make in a trip over to the world famous Little Bighorn Battlefield to see where General George Custer met his fate. We also offer a free round of sporting clays. That evening you'll join us for dinner, drinks, and fish stories!

Days 2–4:
After a made to order breakfast each morning, you'll meet your guide and hunt for three days. (If you are joining us for a cast and blast you would typically hunt for 2 days, and fish for 1 day.) You'll enjoy a great lunch with your guide and head back for more food, drinks, and stories!

What is Provided to Customer:

Eagle Nest provides all Orvis equipment (rods, reels, waders, boots) and flies and tackle for the cast portion of the package. Eagle Nest has an indoor championship kennel facility should you wish to bring and hunt your own dogs.

On-site Activities:

Casting clinic, horseshoe, bean bag toss, sporting clays, hot tub, and sporting clays.

Off-site Activities:

Little Bighorn Battlefield, site seeing.

Date Range:

Fly Fishing: April 10 - November 20
Upland Bird Hunting: September 1 - November 20

Species You Hunt by Season:

The hunts at Eagle Nest are conducted in traditional western style over pointing dogs and flushers. Guests typically hunt in pairs with one guide and a team of dogs. The hillsides, valleys, creeks, and fields of the Bighorn area offer a mixed bag of pheasant, Hungarian partridge, and sharptail grouse.

For the fishing portion of our cast and blast we fish the Bighorn River which is teaming with rainbow and brown trout. The Bighorn River provides excellent fishing from April through November. As a tail-water fishery heavy run-off is never a problem, making it one of the few fisheries where fishing is as good in April and May as it is during summer and fall. The Bighorn averages between 4,000 - 6,000 trout per mile.

A general discription on hatches (of course, never guaranteed!):

April: Baetis starting. Usually great dry fly fishing.

May: Beaetis is in full swing, possibly some midges around. This typically is the best all around month for dry flies and nymphing.

June: This is the best month for nymph fisherman. Beginner's Month!!

July: PMD's and yellow Sallies. Hoppers at the end of the month. Sally's can be great this time of year. Good month for novice and advanced anglers.

August: Tricos usually here and some Black Caddis. Sometimes some Sally's. HOPPERS. Great time for novice and advanced anglers.

September: Tricos and Caddis

October: Some fall Baettis and some tricos. Streamer fishing.

November: Streamers and nymphs. Brown's are spawning and are beautiful.

Region/Terrain Where You Hunt:

Eagle Nest Lodge has more than 40,000 acres of ranch and farmland that is rich in upland birds. Wild bird hunts are managed by taking only a limited number of hunters each year. The shooting is demanding, but the birds are abundant. We can also provide managed hunts for hard flying released birds on our shooting preserve.

Bighorn River - We combine float fishing from McKenzie-style drift boats with traditional stalk and wade techniques.

Typical Weather by Season:

Typical weather in Montana by season. Although, wait five minutes and it'll change, so no guarantees.

September: 60-80
October: 45-75
November: 35-65

What airport do we fly into?

Billings, MT. We are a 45 minute drive from the airport.

Do you provide guns?

We encourage guests to bring their own gun, although we do have a couple loaners available if needed.

Do you provide alcohol?

No, we are located on the Crow Reservation. The reservation is a dry reservation, therefore it is illegal for us to provide. However, you are more than welcome to bring your own.

How demanding is the hunt?

It is not for the faint of heart. We cover a lot of land per day.

Do you have cell service and Wifi?

YES. We have great cell coverage and Wifi. (Sorry, no cell coverage on the river though.)

Can we bring our own dogs?

Absolutely. We have championship kennels for them. We encourage guests to bring their dogs. Training a new pup? What a great opportunity!

What Should Customers Bring?

Eagle Nest Lodge provides each customer with a pre-arrival package prior to their arrival. The list includes things to bring, things to wear, etc. We encourage guests to bring their own guns.