Clark Fork Meadows Ranch

Details & Features

Situated in the Upper Clark Fork Valley, a few miles upstream from the historic town of Deer Lodge, Montana, the Clark Fork Meadows Ranch is an exceptional sporting property. The habitat is ideal for waterfowl, upland birds and fishing. The Clark Fork River runs through the property along with Dempsey Creek, and multiple springs throughout this impressive ranch. There are 153 acres with 70 irrigated acres both sprinkler, and flood irrigated with extensive wetlands. Conservation easements on neighboring lands further benefit the ranch. The property location allows for a variety of recreational activities. The area has significant public lands such as the Flint Creek Range to the west, and the Boulder Mountains to the east, which frame the valley. Butte is a 40-minute drive, Helena and Missoula are just over an hour away. All of these cities provide excellent airline connections and modern city amenities. Clark Fork Meadows Ranch is ideal for anglers, hunters, horsemen and outdoor lovers.

Acreage: The 153-acre property offers a diverse landscape. The western 52-acre bench is irrigated with wheel line sprinklers and offers incredible 360-degree views down through the river corridor and the mountains. The remaining 100 plus acres are bisected by the Clark Fork River. Dempsey Creek runs through the northwest portion of the property and presents the opportunity of stream enhancement to add to the current fish habitat. Undeveloped springs throughout the property have excellent potential for development. The Clark Fork Meadows Ranch has no structures in place. The improvements present are irrigation pump and wheel line sprinkler system.

Live Water: The Upper Clark Fork is mainly a brown trout fishery with the feel of a large spring creek or a small river. The fish average in size of approximately 14 inches, with an occasional trout exceeding 20 inches. There are numerous fish in this section of the Clark Fork well more than 1,500 fish per mile, which considering the size of the river is remarkable. Overall, this short section of the Clark Fork has been tailor-made for the fly fisherman who enjoys spring creek fishing conditions. The extensive brush, the twists and turns of the river and its narrow width all combine to create the classic spring creek fishing experience. The fishing is excellent on the Upper Clark Fork, and the river is well-known for prolific caddis hatches that start in the spring and continue through the summer. Attractors, terrestrials and small stoneflies can also be effective. The fly box needs to be well stocked with size 12 – 18 elk hair caddis and Goddard caddis as well as plenty of ants, hoppers and stimulators. If the trout are not looking up, beadheads and Wooly Buggers are the standard fair. If in search of a trophy brown trout, sink a size 4 sculpin or other minnow pattern near the under-cut banks and deeper drop-offs that are common on the ranch.

Summary:

• 153 deeded acres
• 70 irrigated acres (sprinkler and flood irrigated)
• Clark Fork River with extensive wetlands
• Dempsey Creek and multiple springs
• Near Butte, Missoula and Helena via I-90
• Ideal for anglers, hunters and horsemen
• Close proximity to nearby public lands

• Upper Clark Fork Valley
• 70 irrigated acres
• Exceptional sporting property
• Excellent waterfowl and upland bird hunting
• Ideal for anglers, hunters and horsemen