ABOUT US
Who We Are
About Kingfisher Lodge
A locally owned fly-fishing lodge on the Bighorn River
Since 1991, Kingfisher Lodge has been welcoming anglers to the Bighorn River. For more than 30 years, we’ve shared our love of this river and helped guests create memories that last a lifetime. What makes a great trip here isn’t complicated — experienced guides, incredible trout fishing, hearty food, and a comfortable place to relax. While you are here we are dedicated to making you feel at home and showing you what makes the Bighorn so special. We look forward to becoming part of your fishing tradition.
Inspiring Fly Fishing Adventures for Over Three Decades
A Legacy Built on Passion and Tradition
Meet the Vision Behind the Lodge
The heart of Kingfisher Lodge has always been about more than just fly fishing—it’s about creating a place where people feel at home in nature. Built on a foundation of hospitality, connection, and respect for the Bighorn River, the vision behind the lodge is simple: provide a space where anglers of all experience levels can enjoy world-class fishing, incredible food, and genuine Montana moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.
Doug Gouge
Doug started his business career in Pittsburgh, PA, founding and running his own oil and gas exploration company. But his heart was always out West—hiking, fishing, and chasing trout in
the Wind River Mountains. That love for wild places eventually led him to the Bighorn River and Kingfisher Lodge in Fort Smith, MT. After selling his company in 2010, Doug talked the lodge owners into letting him help out in the kitchen, which turned into two unforgettable seasons and a lasting connection to the place. He’s been part of the Kingfisher community for nearly 30 years, and when the chance came to buy the lodge, he didn’t hesitate. Today, Doug and his partner Emerson Scott are dedicated to keeping Kingfisher a welcoming, first-class fishing lodge where guests can enjoy great water, good food, and the kind of camaraderie that keeps
people coming back year after year.
Emerson Scott
Emerson Scott has spent his life in the shadow of the Bighorn Mountains, and it shows—he knows every drainage in the area and has a story for them all. His career has taken him from owning and operating a ski area to civil engineering, but fishing has always been his true passion. Emerson has been casting on the Bighorn since the late 1980s, long before it became one of the most famous fisheries in the West. Now, as co-owner of Kingfisher Lodge with his partner Doug Gouge, he’s proud to help carry on its legacy. Whether he’s swapping stories with guests, fixing up the lodge, or spending time on the water, Emerson brings a steady hand and a deep love for this place to everything he does.
Shalon Hastings
Shalon Hastings is the manager and outfitter at Kingfisher Lodge, where she brings her trademark mix of skill, energy, and warmth to every guest’s experience. A fourth-generation Montanan, Shalon grew up with a love for the outdoors that eventually turned into a full-time fly-fishing career. Before that, she ran two successful restaurants in Helena, but the river kept calling. She sold the businesses in 2019 and has been guiding ever since—first on the Missouri River, and now on her beloved Bighorn. Shalon is a licensed Montana guide, instructor, outfitter, and USCG captain, and she’s passionate about making fly fishing fun and approachable for everyone. Whether you’re brand-new to the sport or chasing your personal best, Shalon makes sure every day on the water feels special.
Commitment to Conservation
We’re committed to keeping Montana’s rivers pristine, which is why we’ve eliminated single-use plastic water bottles from our program. Instead, anglers use durable Kingfisher tumblers by Yeti, and lunches are served in reusable Bento boxes. Kicking Plastic is about trading short-life convenience for lasting, sustainable choices.
At the lodge, we live lightly on the land each day—reducing waste, cutting down on plastic, and tending our garden for fresh herbs and vegetables. Whether on the water or around the table, these efforts reflect our dedication to protecting the places we love.
We care deeply about the Bighorn River and its surrounding lands. Protecting this river for future generations is at the heart of what we do, and we’re proud to partner with the Bighorn River Alliance, a local nonprofit working to improve trout habitat, reconnect side channels, and safeguard the river’s long-term health.