canyon ranch · 2019-07-18 · introduction t he canyon ranch is located in central meagher county,...

Introduction

The Canyon Ranch is located in central Meagher County, a scenic 10-minute drive from White Sulphur

Springs in southwest Montana. Situated in a private and secluded setting, the ranch consists of 1901±

deeded acres of farmland, rangeland and river riparian habitat associated with the Smith River, which meanders

through the property for approximately 3+ miles. In addition to the river, there are three small ponds on the

ranch. Offering strong recreational and agricultural features, the ranch is home to a varied wildlife community

that includes mule deer, whitetail deer, antelope, Hungarian partridge, Sharp-tailed grouse and mixed waterfowl

species. Historically, 184-acres of the property have been irrigated, and portions of the ranch have also been

seeded to dryland crop. Quality improvements including two residences have been added by the current owner

since purchasing in 2002, and upgrades have been made to the support buildings on the ranch, all of which are

sited in close proximity to the Smith River. The property shares common boundary with two pieces of Montana

State Land, and immediate neighbors are mostly larger landowners. In 2003, 1,589± acres of the ranch was

placed under a conservation easement with the Montana Land Reliance.

The surrounding area is one of the most sporting-oriented locations in Montana, renowned for a

number of excellent fisheries and world-class hunting options for upland birds, waterfowl and big game. The

Canyon Ranch is a beautiful property and is a prime purchase opportunity for the outdoor enthusiast.

Canyon RanchW H I T E S U L P H U R S P R I N G S , M O N T A N A


w w w . l i v e w a t e r p r o p e r t i e s . c o m

ContactJ E F F S H O U S E

a s s o c i a t e b r o k e r

C : 4 0 6 . 5 8 0 . 5 0 7 8

[email protected]

At elevations ranging from 4,700± feet to 5,100± feet, Canyon Ranch consists of 1,901± total deeded acres. The

ranch is essentially all contiguous, save for Highway 360 and a county road that pass through portions of the

property. Principally, the property has been utilized by the owner as a summer fishing retreat for friends and

family. The acreage is a beautiful mosaic of open grass and sage meadows, irrigated hayground, riparian corridor

and high ridges with scattered trees and large rock formations. From the higher points on the ranch, panoramic

views can be seen of the Big Belt, Little Belt and Castle Mountain ranges. Average annual precipitation for the

area is estimated at 14 inches. The ranch borders two pieces of Montana State Land, and neighboring ownership

is mostly larger ranch holdings.

The RanchC A N Y O N R A N C H C O N S I S T S

O F 1 , 9 0 1 + D E E D E D A C R E S

W I T H P A N A O R A M I C V I E W S ,

M E A D O W S A N D H I G H

R I D G E S .

There has been no cattle, and only limited horse grazing

on the ranch since 2002, and the range is in very good

condition. It is estimated that the ranch could support

approximately 75AU’s year-round. The rangeland on the

ranch is a mix of native grass pasture and sage cover, framed

by ridges with scattered trees and large rock formations.

An annual weed spraying program is in place, and the

ranch is perimeter fenced utilizing standard barbed wire.

184± acres of the ranch are irrigated cropland utilizing a

combination of flood, handline and wheelline systems,

with water sourced from 4 decreed surface water rights (Smith River and Birch Creek) dating in priority from

1890 to 1927. The primary crop is alfalfa/grass hay, and typically two cuttings are taken with historic yields in the

2 ton/acre range. Dryland wheat has also been farmed on portions of the ranch in the past. A neighbor does the

farming on the ranch under a year-to-year verbal lease agreement.

AcreageTHE LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS

OF THE RANCH PER MONTANA

CADASTRAL IS AS FOLLOWS:

GRAZING: 1 ,715.95± ACRES

IRRIGATED: 184± ACRES

FARMSITE: 2± ACRES

The Canyon Ranch includes two residences, a large loafing shed and adjacent corral system, a detached garage/shop

building, two additional buildings - used for storage and as an artist studio - and two original homestead buildings. All

buildings are clustered together on the east side of the Smith River and are accessed by a private driveway off the county

designated Canyon Road. Additionally, a new bridge was built in 2017, to facilitate access from the south side of the

river to the ranch buildings, creating a second ingress/egress point from the ranch improvements to the county road.

The homestead buildings have been refurbished, the loafing shed has a newer metal roof, and the garage and storage

buildings are tastefully built/remodeled with weathered wood siding. All of the buildings are nicely done in rustic “Montana” style, and blend in with the topography of the

surrounding landscape.

Improvements• T W O R E S I D E N C E S

• L A R G E S H E D

• C O R R A L S Y S T E M

• G A R G A G EHunting | Ranching | Fly Fishing | Conservation

The Caretakers living on the Canyon Ranch have been on the property since

before the current owner’s purchase - 39 years total - and their management

duties include coordinating the agricultural activities - farming, irrigation and

weed spraying - as well as structure and fence maintenance. They are a strong

asset to the ranch, and under the right circumstances, would be receptive to a

similar caretaker arrangement with a new owner.

Main ResidenceThe 2006 custom-built owner’s residence

is considered traditional style with wood/

timbers siding and has three bedrooms and

three baths. The wood was sourced from a

disassembled pier and dock in Alaska, and

adds rustic character to the structure. With

2,320 sqft on the first floor and 1,305 sqft

on the second floor, total living area is 3,625

sqft. The house has central gas heating and

hot water/radiant floors and an external

wood deck on the first floor. The large

screened porch on the west side of the house

overlooks the adjacent Smith River.

Caretaker’s Residence The Ranch-Style caretaker’s residence was built in 2007, with

wood siding and has three bedroom and two baths. Total

living area on one level is 2,092 sqft. The house has central

gas/forced air heating and two external wood decks.

(Fly Shop)

ImprovementsThe additional ranch buildings include a 29 ft x

30 ft detached garage built in 1975, a 23 ft x 36 ft

storage shed building built in 1930, and two large

pole frame buildings built in 1955 and measuring

15 ft x 98 ft and 42 ft x 98 ft. All of these buildings

were rebuilt in 2014.

Unquestionably, the most recognized fishery in this part of Montana is the

Smith River, which offers a high-caliber trout angling experience. The

Smith receives the bulk of activity on the 60± mile canyon stretch between Camp

Baker and Eden Bridge located downstream from the Canyon Ranch - where the

majority of fishermen float and camp the section over the span of 4-5 days. Due

to the popularity of this trip, a permit by lottery has been required for several

years to regulate the number of people utilizing the river at any one time. The

inconvenience of the draw process is worth the effort however, as the wilderness

setting, scenery and fishing are spectacular. Fish densities in the Smith River are

documented at between 500-800 trout per mile, with many measuring between

10”-20” and an occasional fish exceeding 5 pounds. These numbers compare to

those found in some of the more renowned trout fisheries in Montana. The upper

portions of the river above Camp Baker flow mostly

through private land, making public access more

difficult and resulting in a much less pressured fishery.

Brown trout in the 24”-28” range have been caught in

the upper Smith River in recent years.

Approximately 3± meandering miles of choice

upper Smith River flow through the heart of the

Canyon Ranch. The ranch’s ownership is on both sides

of the river essentially creating a private fishing venue, and the impracticability

of public access by wade or float fishing - due to topography and the smaller size

of the upper river - is a huge asset in a state where stream access laws are fairly

liberal concerning public use. The stretch of the river flowing through the Canyon

Ranch supports a healthy resident trout fishery consisting primarily of brown

trout, but also containing fair numbers of rainbows, and an occasional brook trout

- all naturally reproducing wild fish. Native Mountain whitefish are also common

in the river. Augmenting flow, Big Birch and Newland Creek enter the river just

above the ranch. Big Birch is one of the primary spawning tributaries for brown

trout in the Smith watershed and migrating fish from as far downstream as 50

miles pass through Canyon Ranch in route to the creek to spawn.

Live Water3 + M I L E S O F T H E S M I T H

R I V E R B I S E C T S T H E

C A N Y O N R A N C H .

Shortly after purchasing, the owner retained the services of a professional stream restoration firm to enhance fishing

opportunities on the ranch. In subsequent years, electrofishing and fish tagging have occurred on the property to determine

fish densities and migration patterns in the Smith River watershed. The river is easily wadeable and offers a compelling mix

of prime trout habitat; enticing riffles and pocket water, undercut banks, and deeper holes with long tailouts. The run-off is

typically winding down by early to mid-June in most years. Due to seasonal irrigation withdrawl which is common in most

western watersheds, the river can experience lower flows and higher water temperatures during parts of the summer. Even during these times, the fishing can be

excellent with better fishing periods in the morning and late afternoon into evening. The best fishing on the ranch is generally experienced in late spring/early summer

and the latter half of September through November which coincides with peak brown trout spawning activity. The river offers good dry fly fishing due to consistent

caddis and mayfly hatches throughout the summer, and terrestrials are major food items for the fish during the warmer months as well. A variety of nymphs, and

especially streamer patterns, are excellent producers year-round. Click here for more info on fishing the Smith River.

Live Water (continued)

There are two small ponds sited between

the caretaker and owner residences, and

larger third pond located downstream from

the buildings. The ponds by the houses are

used to irrigate the lawns and water from

the third pond is pumped to irrigate crop.

Fish are occasionally seen in the ponds, but

they are not stocked.

Montana’s trout streams are legendary in quality and scale, and the state arguably contains more premier

water than could probably ever be fished in a lifetime. Seven rivers in Montana have the distinction of being

considered the best of the best; designated “Blue Ribbon” status, and five of these - the Yellowstone, West Gallatin,

Madison, Missouri and Big Hole, are all within a 2-hour drive or less from the Canyon Ranch. While it is these Blue

Ribbon trout streams that receive the bulk of notoriety and commensurate angling pressure, there are countless

lesser known trout fisheries in southwestern Montana that offer premium opportunities for both numbers and

quality fish, but generally without the crowds.

The Shields, upper Judith and upper Musselshell Rivers are all fine trout waters within reasonable proximity to

the Canyon Ranch receiving relatively modest fishing pressure. These freestone streams are populated with Brook,

Brown, Rainbow and Cutthroat trout. The fish in these streams are opportunistic when it comes to feeding and typically very receptive to a variety of fly patterns.

Additionally, there are numerous small mountain streams – Sheep and Tenderfoot to name a few – as well as several ponds, lakes and reservoirs in the immediate vicinity

of the ranch. Bair, Sutherland and Martinsdale reservoirs are all within a short drive of the property, offering stillwater angling opportunities for big rainbows and browns.

Nearby Live Water T H E C A N Y O N R A N C H I S

C E N T R A L L Y L O C A T E D

N E A R F I V E “ B L U E

R I B B O N ” F I S H I N G R I V E R S

I N M O N T A N A .

Nearby Live WaterFor hatch reports as well as river reports please

refer to The Montana Fishing Report.

Some of Montana’s best hunting opportunities are

found in the southwest portion of the state. The

mountains and plains comprising the region harbor all

the recognized big game species in Montana, including

elk, whitetail and mule deer, antelope, black and grizzly

bear, mountain lion, moose, big horn sheep and rocky

mountain goats. Waterfowl and upland wingshooting is

also superb in this area with the possibility of decoying

ducks and geese in the morning, then hunting for Hungarian partridge, and both plains and mountain grouse

species in the afternoon of the same day. The water resources on the Canyon Ranch create a prolific ecosystem

that supports a rich and diverse wildlife community. Excellent bedding habitat on the higher ridges and along the

river riparian corridor - in addition to adjacent crop food sources - provide ideal conditions for high densities of

mule and whitetail deer. Pronghorn antelope are also regularly seen on the ranch, with occasional sightings of

both elk and moose. Sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge are also found in scattered coveys throughout

the property. In addition to the river, the three ponds on the ranch attract waterfowl.

The ranch lies in Montana deer and elk hunting district 446 and antelope district 490. The deer and elk season

for archery and/or gun hunting runs from early September through the end of November. Depending on bow

or gun, antelope can be hunted from the middle of August until the middle of November. The upland bird

season opens September 1 and runs until December 31.

Wildlife & HuntingTHE WATER RESOURCES ON

THE CANYON RANCH CREATE

A PROLIFIC ECOSYSTEM THAT

SUPPORTS A RICH AND DIVERSE

WILDLIFE COMMUNITY.

RecreationSouthwest Montana offers an overwhelming bounty of recreational opportunities. The area is blessed with millions of acres of mountains and pristine forests,

river riparian ecosystems that include some of the finest wild trout streams on the planet, vast expanses of prairie and plains, and a wildlife community that in

terms of density and variety, most likely exceeds any other region in the continental United States. Whether the pursuit is fishing, hunting, camping, hiking,

skiing, or any number of other similar activities, the possibilities are limited only by the imagination, and thousands of people flock to Big Sky Country every

year to experience outdoor pursuits amidst some of the most magnificent scenery found anywhere in the world.

The closest downhill skiing opportunities are at Showdown Mountain and Bridger Bowl, located 35 and 74 miles respectively from the ranch. The Bohart

Ranch, which is adjacent to Bridger Bowl, has 30 kilometers of groomed cross-country trails. The region also offers countless acres of public lands in the form

of National Forest, designated Wilderness, State of Montana and Bureau of Land Management that is easily accessible to hikers, campers, horse enthusiasts,

and other outdoor adventurers.

Location• access to property via Highway 360

• 9 miles northwest of White Sulphur Springs

• 81 miles from Livingston, MT

• 84 miles from Helena, MT

• 90 miles from Bozeman

• 107 miles from Great Falls

Meagher County spans a geographic area of 2,395 square miles with a population density of less than 1 person

per mile; a demographic not unlike many other counties in Montana, but noteworthy when considering

that this region of western Montana lies less than a two hour drive from Bozeman and Helena – both rapidly

growing major population centers. This is big country, distinctly rural, and characterized by a number of large and

impressive mountain ranges, forested foothill and bench country, expansive valleys of prairie and rangeland, and

productive irrigated ranches and farms. Multiple mountain streams feed the Shields, upper Musselshell and Smith

Rivers – all fine trout fisheries – and the mountains and plains in the area are home to a compelling diversity of

wildlife species.

The first significant settlement of the area began in the 1860’s after deposits of gold, silver, lead and copper were

discovered in the Big and Little Belt, and Castle Mountains. Cattle and sheep ranchers also homesteaded the area

around White Sulphur Springs and the valleys of the upper Sixteen Mile and Smith River drainages. The natural hot

springs for which White Sulphur Springs was named after, were used by native Americans for centuries. Ranching

and farming is the dominant industry today, with large cattle ranches and both irrigated and dryland farming

operations scattered across the countryside. White Sulphur Springs serves as county seat for Meagher County and

with a population of about 800, provides basic services to the area including banking and medical, a nine-hole

golf course and a paved 6,100’ airstrip capable of accommodating small jet aircraft. The closest commercial air

service would be in Bozeman or Helena. One major annual event is the Red Ants Pants Music Festival held the

last week in July. Started in 2011, the festival features some of the most prominent country and folk music artists

in the country. Another long-standing attraction is the annual White Sulphur Springs rodeo held over Labor Day

weekend.

Bozeman, the largest community in the region with a population of some 46,000, is considered the major trade

center for all of southwest Montana and is home to Montana State University with almost 17,000 students enrolled.

Bozeman offers all major shopping and service related opportunities, many small specialty businesses, art galleries,

historic buildings, sporting goods and fly shops and fine restaurants. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport

at Gallatin Field provides jet service to the area with numerous arrivals and departures daily - including direct

flights to 17 major U.S. cities - facilitated by seven commercial airlines. There are also two full-service FBO’s

catering to private aircraft at Gallatin Field.

Area T H E R E G I O N O F

W E S T E R N M O N T A N A

O F F E R S P R E M I E R

R E C R E A T I O N A L

O P P O R T U N I T I E S ,

H I S T O R I C A L

R I C H N E S S , A N D

A Q U A L I T Y A N D

R E L A X E D W E S T E R N -

O R I E N T E D

L I F E S T Y L E .

Conservation Easement In 2003, a conservation easement was donated on 1,589± acres of the

ranch to the Montana Land Reliance. The intent of the easement is to

maintain the rural, agricultural and natural scenic qualities of the ranch

by the retention of open space for a variety of uses including wildlife

habitat, recreation and agriculture. Farming and ranching activities are

allowed, as well as hunting and fishing, and selective timber thinning.

Fishery enhancement measures as well as pond building are allowed.

One additional residence may also be constructed within the confines

of the easement envelope.

Water & Mineral RightsThe seller will convey/transfer all appurtenant water and mineral rights, if any, at closing, however the

seller makes no representations or warranties concerning current status or validity of any of these rights.

Independent investigation of both these items is recommended to any prospective purchaser.

Water Rights filed with the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation are as follows:

Number Priority Date Purpose Flow Rate Volume Source Period of Use

41J 94889-00 8/1/1995 Stock 15.00 GPM 7.97 AC-FT Groundwater 1/1 to 12/31

41J 30002479 6/24/2002 Stock 30.00 GPM 4.50 AC-FT Groundwater 1/1 to 12/31

41J 197876-00 4/1/1890 Irrigation 7.50 CFS Historical Use Smith River 4/10 to 10/15

41J 197875-00 4/14/1893 Irrigation 6.86 CFS Historical Use Smith River 4/10 to 10/15

41J 197874-00 8/31/1927 Irrigation 282.74 GPM Historical Use Smith River 4/10 to 10/15

41J 115061-00 2/20/2001 Stock 10.00 GPM 7.00 AC-FT Groundwater 1/1 to 12/31

41J 132340-00 9/28/1919 Irrigation 12.00 CFS 450.00 AC-FT Burch Creek 5/1 to 9/14

Summary

Seldom do properties become available for purchase on the Smith River, and with 3+

miles of secluded water, the Canyon Ranch presents a compellingly rare opportunity. The ranch is located in a sparsely populated recreational-oriented region, offers beautiful views, excellent water resources, varied wildlife, solitude and privacy and lies within a convenient drive to town. The agricultural component of the ranch creates a viable income stream, while at the same time benefits and promotes the wildlife resources. The improvements are not overbuilt, yet provide top quality, tasteful construction and function. In short, the Canyon Ranch possesses a number of highly desirable amenities that combine to create one of the finest sporting and private river fishing properties on the Montana

market today.

LISTING PRICE: $5,750,000TAXES: $10,528 in 2018

CONTACTFor more information please contact Jeff Shouse at 406.580.5078 or e-mail

[email protected]


Notes:1) This is an exclusive listing of Live Water Properties LLC; an agent of Live Water Properties must be present to conduct a showing. The owners respectfully request that other agents and/or prospective buyers contact Live Water Properties in advance

to schedule a proper showing and do not attempt to tour or trespass the property on their own. Thank you. 2) Offering subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information provided herein is intended as a general guideline and has been provided by sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy of which we cannot guarantee. 3) Live Water Properties LLC represents the Seller as a Seller’s Agent.

Canyon Ranch - Aerial Map••Maps are for visual aid only accuracy is not guaranteed.



Canyon Ranch- Baker Put In••Maps are for visual aid only accuracy is not guaranteed.



canyon ranch · 2019-07-18 · introduction t he canyon ranch is located in central meagher county,...

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