Ask Lisa Carruthers
A dream of most admirers of water, the Big Hole River is mere steps from the Big Hole River residence. A private trail beckons, guiding you to the riverbanks where you can indulge in fishing on one of the best fly-fishing rivers in Southwest Montana. Spanning 11.15 acres, the 2,912 square foot home boasts 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, making it an ideal permanent dwelling or a sought-after vacation rental. The expansive unfinished basement presents a canvas for custom finishes and personal design. The property features an outdoor mecca complete with a brick woodfire pizza oven, grill, and outdoor kitchen on a concrete patio to savor the serene sounds of water. For moments of repose, a scenic outlook point awaits, inviting you to unwind with a good book and a refreshing beverage relaxing to the song of the birds. The property adjoins BLM public land, offering additional opportunities to explore and enjoy the adventurous side of Montana. It also includes a separate 2-car garage for storing a vehicle, boat, or raft. The fully furnished residence facilitates a smooth and quick transition. Once you immerse yourself in the peaceful and stunning surroundings, you'll be captivated!
Local Area
Situated at the Big Hole Valley entrance, Divide, Montana was originally designated as a station along the Union Pacific, playing a pivotal role in facilitating shipments into the valley. Encompassing an area of 35 miles upstream and 38 miles downstream from Divide, the Big Hole Special Management Area offers opportunities for various outdoor activities. Visitors can indulge in floating along the Big Hole River or fly fishing on this renowned blue ribbon trout stream, an experience highly coveted by avid anglers.
Surrounded by mountains on three sides: the East Ridge, the Highlands Range to the south, and the Boulder Mountains to the north, Butte, Montana was the first major city formed in the state. Serving as the county seat of Silver Bow County, this city is known as the “richest hill on Earth.” In the late 1800s, people flocked here to mine gold and silver. By the late 1860s, Butte quickly became the nation’s biggest supplier of copper. With over 4,000 structures around the city, Butte has the largest National Historic District with miles of underground mining tunnels beneath the city.
Area Attractions
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.
Bannack State Park
Bannack, founded in 1862 after a gold discovery, became Montana's first Territorial Capital in 1864. Prospectors moved to Virginia City in search of gold in 1863, but some stayed in Bannack. The town thrived as a mining hub until the mid-20th century. Now a State Park, visitors explore the ghost town's preserved structures under Montana State Parks' jurisdiction.
Big Hole National Battlefield
Big Hole National Battlefield is the site of the unimaginable tragedy as well as a sacred site to the Nez Perce people. The Battlefield was created to honor all who were present when almost 90 Nez Perce along with 31 soldiers and volunteers died. The 655-acre park has a visitor center and exhibits.
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is one of the most complete resort destinations in Montana. The resort has an indoor and outdoor pool complete with a 350-foot waterslide! The pools contain minerals that are considered to be healing and therapeutic. The resort also boasts its own 18-hole golf course.
Big Game Trophy Hunting in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest claims the title of 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, and grazing land as well as 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 snowpack of the mountains 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 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.
Winter Recreation
Ski at Lost Trail Powder Mountain where visitors can enjoy uncrowded slopes. It’s affordable and quite the experience to say you’ve skied the top of the Continental Divide! The family facility has been operational for over 76 years. It spans 1,800 acres across two mountains and with over 60 marked trails.
