Fort Smith Travel Guide

Fort Smith is a small, unincorporated community in Big Horn County, south-central Montana, sitting at the base of Yellowtail Dam along the Bighorn River. Despite a population that numbers only in the dozens year-round, it draws thousands of anglers annually who come specifically for the tailwater fishery below the dam — consistently rated among the finest trout fisheries in the United States.

The town exists almost entirely to serve visitors to the river and the surrounding public lands. You will find fishing outfitters, a handful of lodges, and a boat launch, but very little in the way of conventional tourism infrastructure. That simplicity is a feature for most people who make the trip: the draw is the landscape, the river, and the quiet.

Fort Smith sits at the northern end of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, which straddles the Montana–Wyoming border and encompasses dramatic red-rock canyon terrain, high desert, wild horses, and the Bighorn Lake reservoir created by Yellowtail Dam. Together, the river and the canyon offer a combination of fishing, paddling, wildlife watching, and scenic driving that justifies the considerable distance required to reach it.

Visas and Entry

Fort Smith is located in the continental United States. For entry requirements to the US, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Customs and Border Protection website, as rules vary significantly by nationality.

What to Pack

• Waders, wading boots, and fly-fishing gear if you plan to fish independently (rental and guide services are available locally — verify current availability)
• Layers for variable mountain weather; temperatures can drop sharply at night even in summer
• Sun protection: the high-plains environment has intense UV exposure
• Adequate water and food supplies; grocery options are extremely limited in the immediate area
• Detailed paper or offline maps — cell coverage in Big Horn County is unreliable

Fishing Licenses

Montana fishing licenses are required for anyone fishing the Bighorn River. Licenses can be purchased online through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (fwp.mt.gov) or from licensed vendors. Verify current regulations, including any special Bighorn River rules, before your trip as they are updated annually.

Know Before You Go

Accommodation in Fort Smith is limited to a small number of fishing lodges and outfitter camps. Book well in advance, particularly for the peak season from late May through September. There is no hospital in Fort Smith; the nearest significant medical facilities are in Hardin or Billings.

By Air

The nearest commercial airport with regular service is Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) in Billings, Montana, approximately 80–90 miles northwest of Fort Smith via US-212 and local roads. Renting a car at the airport is essentially required for onward travel.

By Car

Most visitors drive to Fort Smith. From Billings, the route typically follows I-90 east to Hardin, then south on MT-313 to Fort Smith — roughly an hour and a half depending on road conditions. The final stretch on MT-313 passes through open ranchland and is well-maintained but isolated. Fuel up before leaving Hardin, as services along the route are scarce.

By RV

RV travel is common in the area. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area has campgrounds with varying hookup levels — verify current availability and reservations through Recreation.gov before arrival.

There is no public transportation in or around Fort Smith. A personal vehicle is required for all movement between the community, the boat launches, trailheads, and the broader Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.

A boat is effectively a second vehicle for many visitors. The Bighorn River is navigable by drift boat and raft between several access points, and most guided trips operate from drift boats. If you plan to float independently, familiarize yourself with put-in and take-out logistics before arrival, as the river corridor has limited road access in places.

For Bighorn Canyon itself, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for some of the backcountry roads, particularly those accessing the southern Wyoming portion of the recreation area. Confirm road conditions with the National Park Service visitor center.

Accommodation in Fort Smith is dominated by fishing lodges and outfitter-operated camps that often bundle guided trips with lodging and meals. These are purpose-built operations aimed at anglers. Verify current listings, availability, and pricing directly with local outfitters or through a general search, as the specific businesses operating in the area can change season to season.

Camping is available within Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area at Afterbay Campground near Fort Smith and at other sites throughout the canyon. Reservations for peak season should be made well ahead of time through Recreation.gov. The campgrounds are managed by the National Park Service; confirm current facilities and fees on the official NPS site (nps.gov/bica).

Visitors who prefer more conventional hotel options typically base themselves in Hardin (roughly 40 miles north) or make the longer drive from Billings, accepting the daily commute to the river.

Fly-Fishing the Bighorn River

The tailwater below Yellowtail Dam maintains consistent water temperatures year-round, supporting a dense population of brown and rainbow trout. The Bighorn is a wade-and-drift fishery; the most productive water is generally in the first 13 miles below the dam. Guided half-day and full-day trips are the most common way for visiting anglers to fish the river, particularly those unfamiliar with the access points and seasonal patterns. Independent anglers should study current regulations carefully.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

The canyon itself — a dramatic chasm carved by the Bighorn River through the Pryor and Bighorn mountains — is worth exploring even for non-anglers. The Afterbay area near Fort Smith offers lake access for motorboating, kayaking, and wildlife watching. Wild horses roam the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range on the western rim and are sometimes visible from canyon overlooks.

Wildlife Watching

The canyon and surrounding high desert support pronghorn antelope, mule deer, golden eagles, and various raptor species. Bighorn sheep are present in the canyon walls. Early morning and evening are the most productive times.

Historic and Cultural Sites

• Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center: Offers exhibits on the dam's construction and the history of the Crow Nation, on whose reservation much of this land sits. Verify current hours with the Bureau of Reclamation.
• Ok-A-Beh Marina area: A scenic access point into the canyon with historical context panels.
• The broader region is within the Crow Indian Reservation (Apsáalooke Nation); some cultural sites and lands require tribal permits — verify requirements before venturing off designated public-land routes.

Dining options in Fort Smith itself are extremely limited. Most fishing lodges that offer lodging also provide meals for their guests as part of a package arrangement. Independent travelers should not rely on finding a restaurant open at any given time.

The practical approach is to stock up on groceries and supplies in Hardin before driving south. Hardin has grocery stores and a modest range of fast-food and sit-down dining options. Billings, much farther north, has a full range of restaurant choices if you are starting your trip there.

Bring a cooler and plan your provisions accordingly, particularly if you are camping. Backcountry ethics also apply: secure food properly in camp to avoid attracting wildlife.

Health and Emergency Services

There is no hospital in Fort Smith. For medical emergencies, the nearest hospitals are in Hardin and Billings. Call 911 for emergencies. Cell phone coverage is spotty throughout Big Horn County — do not rely on mobile service for navigation or emergency communication without a backup plan. Consider a satellite communicator device if you plan extended backcountry time.

Money

Bring cash. Card payment infrastructure in a community this small is not guaranteed, and ATMs are not locally available. The nearest reliable banking services are in Hardin.

Connectivity

Expect limited to no cell service in Fort Smith and along much of the canyon. Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me, or Gaia GPS for backcountry use) before leaving Billings or Hardin.

Crow Nation Land

Much of the surrounding land is part of the Crow Indian Reservation. Respect tribal land boundaries, and if you wish to visit areas beyond designated public lands, research tribal permit requirements through the Crow Tribe of Indians official channels.

Leave No Trace

The Bighorn River and canyon are ecologically sensitive. Pack out all trash, respect riparian vegetation along the riverbank, and follow all NPS and Montana FWP guidelines for the fishery and recreation area.

Fort Smith is a remote location and general outdoor safety awareness is important. The primary risks are environmental rather than crime-related.

• River safety: The Bighorn below the dam can experience rapid flow changes based on dam operations. Check current water release conditions before wading or floating, and be aware that conditions can change without warning. Wear a properly fitted personal flotation device when boating.
• Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Lightning is a serious hazard in open terrain and on the water. Have an exit plan if storms develop.
• Heat and sun: The high-plains environment has intense sun exposure. Carry and drink adequate water, and apply sunscreen consistently.
• Isolation: The area's remoteness means that help can be slow to arrive. Tell someone your itinerary, and consider a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon for backcountry activities.
• Wildlife: The area supports rattlesnakes; watch where you step, especially around rocky outcrops. Follow NPS guidelines regarding wildlife encounters.