FAQ

A series of topics and explanations to help you plan your trip, plus some info about us, our web log, and comments from clients.  We'll be adding topics as new questions come up.

• Equipment List¤
• Directions¤
• Local Weather


• Web Log¤
• Testimonials

Equipment list

Folks always wonder just what to bring for fishing around here. It's not complicated, but we bet you don't want to leave anything out, either. So, review our equipment list, check your gear, and get ready for a great time.

For a copy of this to keep, try our ready-to-print list.

• Fishing Rods
• • 5-6 weight rod for nymphing
• • 4-5 weight rod for dryfly fishing
• Lines
• Double-tapered floating line for nymph and dryfly fishing
• Waders & Accessories
• • Neoprene may be desired for early spring, late fall cooler water temperatures
• • Breathable lightweight Gore-tex is recommended for summer
• • Wading boots (cleated boots are not necessary)
• • Gravel guards
• Clothing for spring/late fall
• • Be prepared for changing weather conditions (snow to rain, sun to storm, etc.)
• • Dress in layers (long underwear)
• • Rain jacket
• • Polarized sunglasses - absolutely necessary
• • Sun block & lip balm
• • Gloves (full-finger and fingerless)
• • Warm socks (3 layers recommended: liner, wool sock, and a polarfleece sock)
• • Drybag or backpack
• Clothing for summer
• • Dress in longsleeve, lightweight sun-protective clothing (for 90°-100° temps)
• • Rain jacket
• • Polarized sunglasses
• • Sun Block & Lip Balm
• • Insect repellent
• • Hat (Baseball cap or wide-brim hat)
• • Fingerless sungloves
• • Drybag or backpack

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Directions

By road from the west:

Take Interstate 90 (I-90) south from Billings for 44 miles and get off at the first Hardin exit.   Follow signs to Yellowtail Dam and Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.  You will be on state highway 313.   In the small town of St. Xavier (a post office and an abandoned school), take a left just past the post office - there is a sign indicating Bighorn Nat'l Recreation Area.   Stay on Hwy 313 until mile-marker 38 on the right side of the road, then take the first right onto the first paved road.   This road is marked by a 'River Access' sign.   Follow the road a half-mile to a 'T' junction and turn right.   Kingfisher Lodge is on your left about 100 yards up the road.

From the south:

Heading north on I-90, take exit 509 at Crow Agency.   509 winds through the Crow Reservation and connects with Hwy 313; take a left and continue as listed above through St. Xavier toward Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and mile-marker 38, etc.

From the east:

Heading west on I-94, exit at Custer and take Hwy 47 south to Hardin.   At Hardin, Hwy 47 becomes 313; follow the directions for 'from the west' above.

By air:

Many commercial carriers service Billings, Montana, where you can rent a car.   Fort Smith also has an excellent 3800-foot runway (no tower), so you may come in your own plane.   Contact us prior to heading out and we may be able to come get you at the strip.

Remember: These directions are included in the printable overview of our services, too.

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Local Weather

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Our Web Log (blog)

Keep up with our various activities, changes, news from Keith's kitchen, Matt's fishing reports, and more on our Web Log, aka blog.  Just look for a specific category in the column to the right and read away, folks!

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Testimonials

FANTASTIC!  That is the only word I can think of to describe the fishing, guides, accomodations, and people of Kingfisher Lodge.  After six fantastic trips and with one planned for the future, you can pretty well tell what out group thinks of the Kingfisher Lodge!

Walt Weirich, DVM, Ph.D
International Association of Fly Fishing Veterinarians

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