Bent Rod Ranch

Bent Rod Ranch, located near Wise River, Montana, includes approximately 2.6 miles of river frontage on one of the most highly regarded sections of one of Montana's most elite Blue-Ribbon trout streams. The Bent Rod section is one of the most renown along the entire reach of the river for trophy fish in numbers.

Location:

Bent Rod Ranch is located just a few miles east of Wise River. The property is located proximal to many interesting and historical destinations. The ghost town of Bannack, one of the first gold mining towns in the west, is a short drive from the property. Maverick Mountain and Lost Trail ski areas are also close, as well as the Beaverhead, Big Hole, Ruby, Jefferson, and Madison Rivers. Missoula and Butte are both larger Montana cities near the ranch and offer commercial air service. The Bitterrot Valley and all its history are also located a short distance to the northwest.

Access:

Access to the Bent Rod Ranch can be gained in numerous ways. If coming from Butte, Montana, take I-90 east past Rocker. Then head south toward Dillon on I-15 for 25+/- miles, leaving the freeway at the Divide exit. Divide can also be reached by traveling north on I-15 from Dillon for approximately 40 miles.

From the town of Divide take Hwy 43 west 15 +/- miles through the towns of Dewey and Wise River. After Wise River continue on Hwy 43 another 2+/- miles. The property is located on the north side of the Big Hole river.

From Missoula, Montana, head south down the Bitterrot Valley on Hwy 93 until arriving at the crest of Lost Trail Pass. Here head east on Hwy 43 over Chief Joseph Pass. This route will run past the Big Hole Battle Field and through the town of Wisdom. From Wisdom, keep heading east toward Wise River for 40+/- miles.

Acreage:

Bent Rod spans 487+/- deeded acres of land fronting the famous Big Hole river for 2.6+/- miles. The river bottom is covered in grassy meadows and Willow-lined banks. As the property moves up in elevation to the public lands border, the terrain becomes sagebrush hills fading into heavier timber. Timber on the property is a mix of Willow, Douglas Fir, and Juniper. The property is bordered on one side by the Big Hole River and on the other by BLM which then borders the national forest. All water rights appurtenant to the property will transfer at closing.

Elevation, Climate, & Precipitation:

Average maximum temperature for the year 54.6 Degress (F). Average minimum temperature for the year 21.1 Degrees (F).

Average total snowfall for the year 24.6 inches

Elevation is 5,500+/- ft

Wildlife Resources:

The Big Hole River is one of the country's most sought after Blue-Ribbon trout streams. This free-flowing river has no dams and is home to one of the last natural populations of fluvial Arctic Grayling. The Big Hole River is also home to one of the best Salmon Fly hatches in the state. There is truly no other river in the United States where you have the potential to not only hook into and land a real trophy wild fish (5 to 10 lb + class) but also can hook and land a "grand slam" in the same day. The area of Forest Service that this property borders is known to have a large population of elk and deer, with large animals taken every year. As well, the Bent Rod is part of the Fleecer Mountain Winter Range, which is home to a 1,200-head resident elk herd. Mountain Lions, Black Bear, Marten, Mountain Goats, Big Horn Sheep, Shiras Moose and many other species call this area home.

Recreation:

Fishing: The avid fly-fisherman will find every technique available and every structure imaginable. Whether it's drifting nymphs through a large run, casting dry flies to rising fish in one of the many pools, or pulling streamers behind a huge boulder, this section of river has it all. Trout, upward of 10 pounds, have been caught in this section and is one of the most popular stretches for boaters and wade fisherman alike. You will know you have truly lived as soon as the #2 Sofa Pillow fly you cast into a crystal clear river hooks the huge rainbow that screams out from under the bank and explodes on your fly.

Hunting: When talking about the Wise River area, if the topic is not fly fishing, it is incredible bull elk and trophy Mule Deer. The hunting above the ranch is no exception. Every year big mature bulls are harvested from the ranch or surrounding area, some measuring over 300 inches. There are many ducks and geese around the Bent Rod as well, making for great water fowl hunting.

Other: Wise River is located within a short drive of numerous ski hills including Lost Trail and Maverick Mountain. If looking to cross-country ski, the ranch provides terrain for any level as well as prime locations for snowmobiling. This ranch truly meets or exceeds any recreational standard.

Broker's Comments:

"To say this property is special is an understatement. Bordered by the Big Hole River and a Forest Service Boundary in an area of this caliber for hunting is an outdoorsman's dream. Just the beauty of the property itself will take your breath away." Tom Bramlette - Broker/Owner