Veritas Lodge sits just one mile downstream of the Yellowtail Dam near Fort Smith, Montana, on 47± riverfront acres of one of the most iconic flyfishing tailwaters in the lower 48. The property has over one-quarter mile of frontage on the river, a gently rolling topography of chokecherry and buffalo berry bushes, willows and cottonwoods, a spring, and several small coulees. Ringneck pheasant, whitetail deer, black bear, fox, coyote, and small game abound.
With one of the highest concentrations of wild brown and rainbow trout per mile in the west, the Bighorn River is an angler’s paradise. The lodge puts you in the heart of this incredible fishing experience, with a luxurious headquarters from which to begin and end your long days on the river. Being a tailwater fishery, the river below the dam never freezes in winter and is home to some of the state’s best waterfowl and wild pheasant hunting.
Veritas Lodge was built 13 years ago by two fun-loving and serious flyfishing couples seeking a Montana retreat. It has two large decks on the front and back, opening up to both bedrooms. The great room has a high vaulted ceiling with retractable windows, which provide wonderful natural light, a custom elk antler chandelier, and glass spanning the entire gable end of the lodge overlooking the river.
There are two master bedrooms with a bath and another bathroom in the main lodge. Central air conditioning, forced air, and a gas fireplace add to the comfort. All of the furniture, appliances, and some of the artwork and taxidermy/hides will go with the lodge. It is situated below the hill leading to the river, out of view from the main road with a private gate.
Veritas Lodge is equidistant from Billings, Montana, or Sheridan, Wyoming, at 90 minutes from either airport. There is also a 3,837-foot paved public airstrip at Fort Smith where daylight landings of private planes are permissible.