Reservations 406 821 0894
Experiences
Every cabin reservation includes a tour of the ranch and the Yellowstone sets. Walk the lodge grounds, barns and corrals with the family who live and work here.
Tours are for cabin guests only. Chief Joseph Ranch does not offer tours without a reservation.
Tour length, timing and route to be confirmed by the ranch.
Although we recommend fishing with a guide or outfitter, you can fish on your own. You may fish on one mile of ranch property bordering the Bitterroot River or we can direct you to nearby fishing accesses.
If you want a guided float, we can put you in touch with the outfitters we use or you can hire your own.
Cattle graze the meadows below the Bitterroot Range. This is a working family cattle ranch, not a set.
In the early 1920s, William Ford’s dairy gave way to a Hereford herd.
Along with the lodge, William Ford built three massive barns as the centerpiece of his model dairy. Ford’s barns still stand, and the ranch tour walks right through them.
On the water
Any day is a great day to fish in Montana!
Fishing starts in mid to late March with the Skwala stonefly hatch providing the first real dry fly action. There are 23 hatches from January through November.
The Bitterroot is not fishable during the spring snowmelt runoff, which usually begins around May and lasts through mid June. Fishing ramps open again during late June and remain open into the late fall.
Fishing opens mid to late March. Snowmelt runs the river high from May to mid June.
Long, dry days and cool nights. Pack layers for the evenings.
Golden cottonwoods, quiet water and the last hatches of the season.
The 2027 season runs March 1 to November 1. Weather can change quickly, so we recommend dressing in layers.
Beyond the gate
Trapper Peak, the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains and the river valley are all on your doorstep.
The ranch’s recommended hikes, outfitters, hot springs and towns to visit will go here once supplied.
The 2027 season is open
Reserve March 1 to November 1, 2027. Every stay includes a tour of the ranch and sets.
