• Overlooking the restored river, with the former straight channel visible on the lower left
  • Two stocked trout ponds grace the southern end of the ranch
  • Casting to big browns lurking under the cut banks of the North Fork
  • One of the big resident browns on the restored stretch of the North Fork
  • One of the stocked trout ponds on River Why Ranch
  • Restoration begins - creating new meanders that have replaced the straight channel seen bottom right
  • In addition to fantastic aquatics, River Why Ranch is well appointed for equestrian pursuits or cattle operations
  • Big browns have taken up residence in the restored reaches of the river
  • Guests have described the ranch’s fishing as some of the best in the state
  • Cranes, herons and a myriad of other bird species inhabit the bottomlands
  • Callibaetis fill the air during an August hatch
  • Rainbow trout are plentiful in both of the ranch’s ponds
  • An Osprey meets with success at the ranch’s southern pond
  • Trophy bull taken from the ranch in fall 2009
  • Large elk herd enjoying late summer grazing on the ranch’s south pasture
  • Big game move constantly across the ranch between two large tracts of Forest Service land
  • A very bold elk calf poses for a closeup
  • A lazy River Why afternoon for mother and foal

River Why Ranch

Less than 100 miles from Bozeman, Montana, near the headwaters of the North Fork of the Musselshell River, you’ll find nearly 3.5 miles of meandering trout stream situated in a beautiful valley of rolling grass-covered hills surrounded by timbered ridges and partially bordered by national forest land. The river meanders across the wide riparian bottom, carving a sinuous path through lush grass and willows with undercut banks, deep pools and excellent riffles for the resident trout.

Under a previous owner, the river had been straightened in an effort to make it more convenient to irrigate and hay the meadow. Straightening the river eliminated much of the trout habitat, however. The river was recently returned to its former sinuosity with carefully placed holes and cutbanks creating critical habitat for trout. Grasses, willows and aspen were also planted to recreate the riparian corridor. Following completion of the work, trout, herds of elk and other wildlife returned. The fishing went from spotty to excellent, with several avid fishermen having their best days of fishing for the year on the ranch. Several ponds on the 2,076-acre property further enhance the ranch’s fishing resources.

In addition to great fishing, the property hosts robust populations of elk, deer and other big game along with upland birds and waterfowl. During the 2009 hunting season, a number of large bull elk were harvested from the herd that frequents the property. The ranch is adjacent to the 1.8 million acre – 2,800 square mile – Lewis and Clark National Forest on the east and is nestled between the Little Belt Mountains to the north and the Castle Mountains to the south. As a result, the ranch serves as a key wildlife connection between these two habitat reserves with big game using the property as a conduit from one area to the other.

The property is well equipped to serve as the headquarters for a horse or cattle operation, with a large indoor arena and corrals. The neighboring Forest Service lands provide nearly endless opportunities for trail riding, backpacking, and winter exploration on cross country skiing and snowmobiles.

Please let us know if you’d like to learn more about the opportunity to acquire River Why Ranch by contacting us.

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