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South of Twin Bridges, these 56.08 acres presents a multitude of recreational activities. The renowned Beaverhead River cuts into the western boundary, known for its blue-ribbon fishing and low fishing pressure while displaying beautiful Montana scenery. The meadow features a level expanse where deer can graze on native grasses before making their way to the river for a refreshing drink. With a history of productive farmland, the land is also suitable for hay cultivation or farming. The breathtaking views encompass the Tobacco Root, Ruby, and Highland Mountains, all vying to touch the wispy clouds in the expansive Big Sky. Dillon, Montana is located 15 miles to the south, while Twin Bridges is just 13 miles to the north, making it easy to access various amenities. You can camp beneath the stars, build a cozy cabin for a getaway, or create your ideal home. This versatile land offers inspiring views and numerous adventures to explore!
Local Area
The Twin Bridges area, despite its name, encompasses more than just two bridges. Water plays a pivotal role in defining the essence of Twin Bridges. The convergence of the Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Ruby Rivers near Twin Bridges forms the Jefferson River, offering a mosaic of fishing opportunities. From the vast Jefferson River to the secluded banks of the Ruby River, anglers can relish diverse fishing experiences. For those seeking a more leisurely pursuit, a scenic float trip down any of these rivers presents a serene escape amidst the picturesque ranchlands surrounding Twin Bridges. While numerous locations offer fishing and floating activities, few can rival the unique experience of participating in the Floating Flotillas Fish Fantasy River parade. Organized by the Greater Ruby Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, this exceptional event features a buoyant parade, pasture golf, a three-on-three basketball tournament, and various festivities. The river parade promises to infuse a distinctive charm into any Montana expedition.
Area Attractions
Big Game Trophy Hunting in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest claims the title as the largest of all the national forests in Montana. It spans over 3.32 million acres and lies in eight of Montana’s counties. The forest provides timber, minerals, grazing land, and a habitat for wildlife. The area displays fantastic mountain ranges climbing toward the sky. These ranges include the Anaconda, Bitterroot, Beaverhead, Flint Creek, Gravelly, Highland, Madison, Tobacco Root, and Sapphire Mountains. The mountains' snowpack forms the Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Ruby rivers. These three rivers then join and flow as one in the Jefferson River. Bird watchers can find more than 260 species in the various habitats. The region provides a winter range for bighorn sheep and mountain goats and is home to grizzly and black bears, mule deer, mountain lions, elk, and moose.
Beaverhead Rock State Park
Beaverhead Rock State Park is located 16 miles north of Dillon, Montana off MT Hwy 41. Visitors can hike to the top of the rock to view the Beaverhead Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. On August 8th in 1805, Meriwether Lewis wrote that Sacagawea recognized the rock formation and said it resembled the head of a swimming beaver.
Ruby River
The Ruby River is a stunning small river fishery nestled in the picturesque Ruby Valley. Located just 30 minutes from Ennis and an hour from Bozeman, the brief drive is well worth it for fishing opportunities on the Ruby. Despite its modest size, this river is home to impressively large trout. For those who prefer fly fishing, the Ruby River offers a variety of hatches throughout the year, ensuring that each visit brings a new challenge and the chance to perfect one's technique. Casting a line here, surrounded by the tranquility of nature and the distant hum of wildlife, is nothing short of magical.
The Beaverhead River
Don't be fooled by its modest appearance, the Beaverhead River is a gem hidden in plain sight. With its source in the Clark Canyon Reservoir and winding its way to meet the Big Hole near the quaint town of Twin Bridges, this river is a treasure trove for trout aficionados. Its nutrient-rich waters serve as a natural haven for some of the largest trout in the state. The Beaverhead's claim to fame? The astonishing brown trout population. It was once estimated that a staggering 20-inch brown trout could be found every seven feet along the riverbank. A true testament to the bountiful nature of this unassuming river.
The Big Hole River
Often referred to as one of the best fly-fishing rivers in Southwest Montana is the Big Hole River. With more than 3,000 fish per mile, anglers have this river on their list. Skinner Lake feeds the mainstem Big Hole River in the Beaverhead National Forest along the Montana-Idaho border. The Big Hole River flows northwest and north where it is eventually joined by the Wise River. This free-flowing, Blue Ribbon Trout Stream is home to fluvial Arctic Grayling, Cutthroats, Brook Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Brown and Rainbow Trout.
The Jefferson River
Lewis and Clark named this river in honor of President Thomas Jefferson, as it had the highest water volume at the time when compared to the nearby Madison and Gallatin rivers. The Jefferson River originates at the confluence of the Big Hole and Beaverhead rivers, flowing north through agricultural landscapes and limestone cliffs. It eventually reaches the cottonwood bottoms near Three Forks, where it converges with the Madison and Gallatin rivers to create the Missouri River. For recreational activities, the Jefferson River is classified as Class I water, making it suitable for floaters and novice paddlers, except during the high-water flows of spring.
