Two families and long time friends, the Rolphs and the Mays, joined forces in April of 2007 to purchase the Bighorn River Fishing Lodge from previous owners Phil and Patty Gonzalez. With a shared passion for fly fishing, world fishing expertise, and a love for the Bighorn River, the two families make a dynamite team.
Darrel and Dee Rolph, from Wichita, Kansas, began fly fishing together many years ago. They came to love the Bighorn River, noting what a tremendous fishery it is. Together, they have fished most of the great tailwaters in the west and fly fished internationally for years, going to such places as Mongolia, Russia, Seychelles, New Zealand, and other destinations. According to Darrel, fly fishing to them is about “the interaction with the local culture, the people, the food, and of course the fishing, which enhances each experience.” His expertise in customer care heartens the atmosphere of the lodge and the service received by guests.
John May and his wife, Cindy, are locals of Billings, Montana. When John first moved to MT, he planned on staying just 2 years. He was introduced to fly fishing in 1979 and has remained ever since. Their son and daughter learned to fish and row at an early age while vacationing on Montana rivers.
John has fished in many states across the United States, including Alaska, as well as New Zealand and Costa Rica. He started fishing the Bighorn in 1989 and soon after purchased a weekend fishing cabin in Fort Smith. According to John, “I have fished the river hundreds (maybe a thousand) times since. The Bighorn and Fort Smith have been ‘home away from home’ for many years.”
Carlo and Janel Boshoff (son-in-law and daughter of John and Cindy May) share an equal passion for the outdoors, fishing and camping. Carlo was born and raised in Middleburg, South Africa where his love for the outdoors began. He emigrated to the U.S. when he was 13 and met Janel in college at MSU-Bozeman. After graduating with degrees in Biological Sciences, the couple moved to Costa Rica where they built and managed a rainforest lodge and outdoor adventure company, Rafiki Safari Lodge www.rafikisafari.com. Five years later, the couple moved back to the U.S. and quickly found themselves back on the Bighorn River. Carlo and Janel currently reside at the Bighorn River Lodge as managers.
Cody Rolph (Darrel and Dee’s son) grew up with a fly rod in one hand and a shotgun in the other. An avid outdoorsman, Cody has extensive knowledge of hunting, fishing and bird guiding in the western states. He is currently enjoying the opportunity to partner with his father in this business and outdoor adventure. He and his wife, Meg, currently reside in Kansas City, Kansas.
It is our desire that every guest receives the highest quality of service and friendliness. We will do our best to ensure that your experience at Bighorn River Lodge is unforgettable. Enjoy your stay with us.
