Ranch Activities
Cancellation Policy
A customer may cancel a booked trip 21 days or more prior to the scheduled trip and receive a full refund. If a customer cancels a booked trip 14 to 20 days prior to the scheduled trip, the proceeds can be used towards a future trip within one year from the scheduled trip. If a customer cancels a trip less than 14 days no deposit shall be returned and no credit will be applied towards a future trip. Deposits shall be 100% of applicable activity fees in addition to 100% of any lodging fees.
If the Montana Mexican John Ranch cancels the trip due to river levels, weather or any other factor that would prevent activities at the ranch, the reservation will be cancelled and 100% of the booking fees will be returned OR the client can use those booking fees to book another trip in the future.
River Ranch musselshell River Fishing
The ranch offers limited fly fishing along 3.1 miles of the Musselshell River upstream of bridge 191 near Harlotown, MT. Additional fishing of .94 miles to the west is available based on the Montana stream access law which allows navigating the river up to the high water mark. Access to this section of the river must occur from the Montana Mexican John Ranch and not from the roads off the highway. Fishing is limited to 6 rods per day. You can book a slot on the river between March 1 - October 31, excluding potentially high water in late April and May as well as any restrictions due to low water levels or high water temperatures. It fluctuates every year. The best time to fish is April through June. Lodging at the River Ranch House is available at reasonable rates. There is also RV parking available.
The Musselshell River receives light fishing pressure in comparison to other Montana rivers. However, in some respects, the Musselshell River resembles a spring creek, with its narrow width, twisty nature, shallow water and its bushy banks. Because of this, anglers need to approach the river carefully. When wading, walk slowly and carefully. Other Montana rivers allow anglers to get away with noisy wading due to fast current and whitewater. The slow current of the Musselshell, minimal whitewater, and the spooky nature of brown trout combine to create a more demanding environment for wading.
Excellent brown trout fishing on 3.1 miles of the Musselshell River
North Ranch Trout Pond Fishing
Important Update: Muskrat Pond at the North Ranch experienced winter kill during the winter of 2022-2023. All fishing at the North Ranch, both the Muskrat Pond and Big Dam Pond, will be closed until the summer of 2024.
The North Ranch includes two trout ponds, Muskrat Pond and Big Dam Pond. The first is available for fishing in 2022. The Big Dam Pond will be available beginning 2023. These ponds were part of an overall riparian restoration and conservation project at the ranch. Everywhere you look, conservation is happening at the Montana Mexican John Ranch. They recharge the aquifer, provide a critical water source for wildlife and breathe new life into the valley bottom. Don’t be surprised if you see wildlife tracks of many species taking advantage of these ponds.
Fishing rates are $125 per rod for adults and $50 per rod for children twelve and younger. Each client can keep three fish per rod. Two cowboy cabins are available at the North Ranch if you’d like to spend the night. The River Ranch house is also available if you’re fishing the Musselshell and simply want to make a day trip to the North Ranch.
North Ranch, Muskrat Pond - Excellent fishing for new fisherman, children and families
River Ranch Waterfowl Hunting
The Montana Mexican John Ranch will offer two slots to hunt waterfowl at the River Ranch as follows:
2023 Season: 10/1 - 10/30 and 11/21-12/4
The reason for the split in allowed hunt days, is because we bow hunt the river bottom for deer (friends/family only) from 11/1 until 11/20. And we do not want any hunting after 12/5.
The waterfowl season (ducks/geese) for the central flyway opens on 10/1/2022. We will offer 44 waterfowl hunt days for 2023. And only one hunting party my book at a time (limit 2-6 hunters per party).
All hunting must be booked online. This is an un-guided hunt. Recommended for serious waterfowl hunters that know what they are doing. You will have access to a Yamaha Viking Quad to take out decoys and such to designated hunt spots that you will have marked on a map of (that can be printed out on the website) prior to your hunt. All hunting will take place less than one mile from your lodging. To book a hunt, there must be a minimum of two hunters, and you must book a minimum of two days hunting. You can stay in the River Ranch House for lodging which is included in the set price.
River Ranch Photography/painting
A successful catch from an osprey along the river corridor
Whether you are an artist or photographer, by hobby or trade, or even just a beginner; the magnificent river corridor, summer wildflowers, towering cottonwoods and sparkling waters serve as an inspirational slate for all artists to express themselves. From outdoor canvas painting and watercolor prints to field journaling and photography, the River Ranch is a stunning outdoor art gallery for guests of all ages.
Enjoy watching birds, beaver, muskrat, deer, coyotes, a host of insects and soak up the sweeping landscapes. And you’ll have the place to yourself. All we ask is that you use a long lens for photographing wildlife and maintain a respectful distance. Avoid disturbing nesting sites. Use common sense and all is well. The Montana Mexican John Ranch takes wildlife conservation seriously and we are looking for clients who feel the same way.
Back in 2014, cattle were fenced out of the river corridor. The improvement to wildlife habitat and conservation at large has been incredible. It’s worth visiting the ranch to see the difference this has made for many wildlife species, including beaver, muskrat, waterfowl, raptors, whitetail deer and many others.
North Ranch Photography/painting
North Ranch vistas.
The North Ranch offers sweeping vistas of Montana’s Little Belt Mountains, the Crazy Mountains and the beautiful Musselshell River valley. You’ll see a variety of wildlife habitat, from short grass benches to lush north slope aspen pockets. The best time to be out photographing or painting is in the early morning hours or evening hours when the lighting is golden and perfect.
You’ll hear sandhill cranes, red-tailed hawks screaming overhead, deer, elk and pronghorn along the meadow edges. The areas around the fishing ponds will provide a great opportunity to photograph birds and other species keen on getting a drink, foraging or hunting for prey.
One of the greatest joys of exploring the north ranch is you’ll have the ranch to yourself. It would take a few days to walk the entire property, which looks very similiar to what the Lewis and Clark expedition experienced over 200 years ago.
In the fall, the Little Belt Mountains are a funnel point for migrating golden eagles, as far away as Alaska. According to the Montana Audabon Society, one can see as many as 300 golden eagles on a single day. This is a unique place to photograph and paint.
River Ranch Gopher Hunting
Richardson’s ground squirrel, commonly known as the gopher.
The Montana Mexican John Ranch will allow gopher (Richardson’s ground squirrel) hunting in selected months on designated areas on the River Ranch. Gopher hunting will be permitted from 6/15 until 8/15 south of the Musselshell River.
Hunting only allowed in designated area on map. All hunting spots must be booked online. There will be a limit of 4 gun spots (hunters) per day. No hunting allowed before 7:00 AM and all hunters must be off property by 5:00 PM. Send a text to both Steve Coale (281-451-8243) and Taylor Randel (406-363-2678) with party name and number hunting before you enter the ranch gate just off Hwy 12. Also pay attention for rattlesnakes. There are some south of the MusselShell River where you will be hunting. And pay attention to any livestock in the pastures east of hunt area and to the west of the hunt area. These areas are owned by our neighbors, and may have livestock in them. We will not have any livestock in the hunt area.
Rate: $275 per hunter shooting gophers. Limited to 4 hunters in a day. Non-hunting observers will be charged $50 per day.
Rifle/Calibre Restrictions: AR 15’s, automatic weapons of any kind will not be permitted on the ranch and no caliber larger than a 223.