Archives
- August 2020
- July 2020
- January 2020
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- November 2017
- October 2017
- August 2017
- March 2017
- August 2016
- July 2016
- October 2015
- September 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- January 2015
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- January 2013
- November 2012
- August 2012
- April 2012
- August 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- January 2011
- November 2010
- October 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- January 2010
- November 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- February 2009
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
Mary and Pat killed it on the Horn. Big fish, great fishing, and great times!
Posted in Reports & News
Tagged Bighorn River, bighorn river fy fishing, Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, orvis endorsed lodge, Orvis Lodge
Comments Off on Mary and Pat killed it on the Horn. Big fish, great fishing, and great times!
The Bighorn….what can we say….wow!
Posted in Reports & News
Tagged Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, orvis endorsed lodge, Orvis Lodge, Orvis Women
Comments Off on The Bighorn….what can we say….wow!
Crist family! What fun! August 2020!
Posted in Reports & News
Tagged Bighorn River Fly Fishing, Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, Orvis, Orvis Lodge, Orvis Women
Comments Off on Crist family! What fun! August 2020!

Posted in Reports & News
Tagged Bighorn River, Bighorn River Fly Fishing, bighorn river fy fishing, Fly Fishing Montana, Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, Orvis, orvis endorsed lodge, Orvis Lodge, Orvis Women
Comments Off on
Nagler & Follett Vacation
Posted in Reports & News
Tagged Bighorn River Fly Fishing, Bighorn River Guides, Fly Fishing Lodge, Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, Orvis, orvis endorsed lodge, Orvis Lodge, Orvis Women
Comments Off on Nagler & Follett Vacation
Keith and Gwen…always so much fun! Great times and great fishing!
Posted in Reports & News
Tagged Bighorn River, Bighorn River Fly Fishing, Bighorn River Guides, Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, Orvis, orvis endorsed lodge, Orvis Lodge, Orvis Women
Comments Off on Keith and Gwen…always so much fun! Great times and great fishing!
Posted in Reports & News
Tagged Bighorn River, Bighorn River Fly Fishing, Bighorn River Guides, Fly Fishing Lodge, orvis endorsed lodge, Orvis Lodge, Orvis Women, Trout
Comments Off on
May fishing on the Bighorn River in Montana
Posted in Reports & News
Tagged Bighorn River, Orvis, Orvis Lodge
Comments Off on May fishing on the Bighorn River in Montana
Guide Spotlight: Dell Despain
A native of Utah, Dell started fly fishing as a kid on trips to the mountains with his Dad. Those early experiences lit a fire for the sport that still burns bright 5 decades later. In 1998 Dell sold his successful bakery business in Utah and found his way to Montana and began guiding on the Bighorn that same year, giving Dell 20 years and thousands of days on this blue ribbon trout fishery.
During Dell’s guiding career he has worked nearly every major river in the state, from the freestone streams on the western edge of Montana, to the spring creeks of Paradise Valley. In 2006 alone he guided on 12 different rivers around Montana! These days he has narrowed his focus to the Bighorn. Having fished and guided a wide range of places, Dell feels that without a doubt, the Bighorn is one of the best. He is also known as an innovative fly tier and is a Signature Fly Designer for Yellowstone Fly Goods, a Billings, Montana based wholesale fly production company.
Known among fellow guides for his passion and love for both fly fishing and fine cigars; he’s also somewhat famous in the Valley as a good natured practical joker. Among clients he’s known for his seasoned professionalism, focused work ethic and willingness to tailor the day to meet his anglers needs and expectations. Whether you are a novice, an expert dry fly technician, or somewhere in between, Dell draws from a deep well of experience and can show you the best of what the Bighorn has to offer.
Dell lives in Billings with his wife and three children Scout, Emma, and Magnus; and his loyal Jack Russel, Bob.
Q & A Rapid Fire:
If you only had ONE fly to fish the Bighorn: Pink Soft Hackle Sowbug
Favorite Month to Fish the Bighorn: June
Favorite Cigar: CAO Brazilia
What are you doing if you’re not fishing: Mountain Biking
Posted in Reports & News
Tagged guide profile, Guides, guidespotlight, Orvis Lodge
Comments Off on Guide Spotlight: Dell Despain
Welcome To The Boat Lean

Around most fly fishing lodges and shops it’s not uncommon to find guides hanging around at the end of a long hot day rehashing events; flies that worked, runs that fished well, jokes, whatever, are the usual conversation. These informal debriefs usually take place around a drift boat, which serves to prop up said guides, and makes a convenient drink holder for the customary cold beers that are enjoyed. Go to any trout river in the West, and at days end you’re likely to spot one. And if you really want to know the low down, this is the place to get the goods. It’s known among trout guides as “The Boat Lean”.
We’ve actually had a blog on our website for quite a few years now. This season we are planning to add more content to keep you better connected to what’s happening here on the Bighorn and at Eagle Nest. We will be inviting some of the guides to help out in order to bring new content and for their perspective on what’s happening- including more timely and up to date fishing reports.
In addition to fishing and hunting reports we would like to add some gear reviews, fishing and hunting photos and even some short articles for your reading enjoyment. So give us a bookmark on the link above, grab a favorite warm or cold beverage, and welcome to The Boat Lean.
Thank you and we hope you enjoy!
Posted in Reports & News
Tagged blog, boat lean, Guides, news, Orvis Lodge, updates
Comments Off on Welcome To The Boat Lean