River Ranch Fishing - Musselshell River

Early Spring, Summer and Fall Fishing

Brown trout (95%) rainbow (5%) dominate this section of the Musselshell River, and it has a healthy population of 12” to 18” trout, with some larger brown trout to 22” possible.  In the early season it offers excellent streamer fishing for bigger brown trout. As the summer progresses and water flows and depths drop, hopper fishing picks up along with nymphs.

Fishing Expectations

Expect to catch 4-8 trout per day, with 14–16-inch size most common, and you will most likely also hook into a larger brown 18”-22”s. You may catch more fish depending on your fly fishing experience and knowledge. This section of the river is not for the beginner. Brown trout are long lived and smart. Each year 5-12 big browns are caught (all catch and release, so they are still most likely around). Regardless of what you catch, it will be a great experience of seeing wildlife and many different bird types. And you will not see another fisherman, other than in your group (only 4 rods allowed per day). And many days there are zero fishermen on the river. This is a newer business venture, and most people do not even know about the opportunity. 

The early part of the season and the fall after September 15 are best with bigger streamers, as brown trout are very carnivorous and aggressive feeders. As water levels drop (latter June to August end) nymphs and dry flies pick up. Double set ups with nymphs can be very effective. 

Depending on winter snows and spring runoff, the best months to fish are May through June, but some years we may have high water during this period. Each year is different. April can be good, if colder weather, and latter snow melt. Mid July through August are the worst months, due to lower water levels and water temps warming up. Most years, I shut the river fishing down in August to take the stress off the fish.  By mid-August in most years, all irrigation from the river is shut off. As such water levels increase and start to stay constant. 

With out a doubt, the best months to fish the river are from 9/15 to 10/31 (fishing could be good latter than this, but we shut it down as we start bowhunting deer). During this time frame, no worry about flooding, warmer river temps or low water levels. It is always predictable. And the brown trout are getting more active as they get ready to spawn. It is also the most beautiful time on the river with the leaf’s turning color, and the wildlife activity. You will see deer, waterfowl, sand hill cranes, pheasant, beaver, muskrat, and maybe a mink. Not to mention many birds of prey. And maybe a Black Bear or Moose. 

Float the River

You can also float 9.5 miles of the river, starting at the access point 100 yards above the bridge on the ranch and floating to the Harlowton fishing access point 1/4 mile downstream of highway 191. Whether wading or floating, each fisherman pays a rod fee for the day.

Regarding your booking this experience, best to not book early, but rather wait and communicate with the owner (Steve Coale via email: scoale@coaleandcompany.com  or cell: 281-451-8243) to see how the Spring snow melt and water levels are lining out for the new year. We want you to have a good experience, and it will all be about the water conditions for the given year.

Current River Conditions: Musselshell River Gage - Harlowton, MT

Estimated Future River Conditions: Musselshell River Gage (10 Day Forecast) - Harlowton, MT

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. Fishing is limited to 4 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.

Montana Stream Access Law, regarding the high water mark, there is no access above our property or below our property. It is all private property. There will be nobody fishing the river running through the ranch, other than those booked at the ranch.

The Musselshell River is the longest river entirely within the state of Montana. Flowing east out of the Castle Mountains in Meagher County, it crosses Wheatland, Golden Valley, and Musselshell Counties, until it turns north near Melstone, and becomes the dividing line between Musselshell and Rosebud, then Petroleum and Rosebud, finally Petroleum and Garfield Counties, emptying into the Missouri northeast of Winnett. Counting the various forks that come together to form the river, it is around 500 miles in length--all of that in Montana.

Lewis and Clark gave the river its name, based on the number of fresh water mussels they saw on its banks. (In fairness, at least one Native American tribe had already called it by that name --in their own language of course-- but the Blackfeet who hunted for bison along the river called it the Dried Meat River. Early on along its way to the Missouri, the river passes what may be the most iconically named town in the state, Twodot (or Two Dot).

Releasing Fish Properly

For us at the Mexican John Ranch, and for many anglers, the question is not whether catch and release is a good thing, but how well it is done.

• Catch and release – the quick guide

• Use barbless hooks and nets with soft rubber mesh

• Bring the fish to the net as quickly as possible

• Keep the fish in the water

• Handle as little as possible, and always with wet hands

• Do not squeeze – it damages internal organs

• Remove the hook using forceps if necessary

• Avoid contact with the bank or gravel as this removes protective slime

• Release the fish by pointing its nose into the current so that water is flowing over its gills

• Support it gently until it swims away

For more detailed information, visit: https://flyfishingfix.com/how-to-handle-trout/

Thank your helping us in protecting this great fishery.

One of the advantages of fishing smaller streams and rivers is the ability to cover all of the water available, either from the bank or wading. There are plenty of riffles, shady banks and deep water where brown trout await your dry fly.

Important Ranch rules

If these basic rules are not met by one or more of the fishing clients, all clients will be asked to leave the property and will not have the opportunity to fish in the future.

• All fishermen with a rod are charged the daily rate. Fishing guides are excluded unless they are fishing as well.

• Dog Regulations: Dogs may be kept inside the fenced area at the river ranch house, approximately 1/3 acre. To minimize wildlife impact in the river corridor, dogs may not roam outside the fenced area or be allowed on the river when you’re fishing. At night dogs must be confined to a dog kennel on outside porch. They are not permitted inside the house. Dogs are only allowed for those who have booked lodging at the river ranch house. No dogs are allowed on the ranch unless lodging is booked. Dog feces must be cleaned up and put in the trash outside the house.

• Wade fishing only

• You may smoke outside of main house compound, if staying at house, but not in field or when fishing to reduce fire hazard. No smoking is allowed inside the house.

• ​Park only at designated parking stop, or at small house if you booked lodginag option

• Fly fishing only-catch and release

• Leave gates as you found them: open or closed

• Do not enter any buildings on property

• Your litter is your responsibility. Please remove when you leave property.

Contact ranch owner Steve Coale, 281-451-8243, scoale@coaleandcompany.com with any questions you have.

River Ranch Location: 25 Capser Ranch Rd, Harlowton, MT 59036

River Ranch House - Two Lodging Options

Park your vehicle for a few days and enjoy waking distance to every section of the river from the Ranch River House.

The ranch house includes two areas for lodging.

• Main floor entrance includes two bedrooms, with two twin beds and one queen bed, supporting 3-4 people, assuming a couple is sleeping in the queen bed. There is one bathroom with a shower, kitchen, living room and storage room for gear.

• Finished basement has its own entrance with three bunk beds with a full bathroom and shower, refrigerator and microwave. It is a perfect sleeping situation. Put your gear on top bunk and sleep in lower bunk. The basement will work for three people.

• Porch with BBQ grill and propane provided.

River Ranch House Location and Contacts

• ​#25 Capser Ranch Road, Harlowton, Mt 59036

• ​Ranch employee contacts: Taylor Randel: 406-366-2678

Fishing Rates Per person

The daily rate of $125 is charged for each fishermen with a rod. Fishing guides are not charged if they are simply guiding other fishermen. If they are fishing, the daily rate applies.

• 3/1-10/31 $125/day

Lodging Rates

Main Level of River Ranch House (Two Night Minimum Stay)

• Rate: $135/night single occupancy

• Rate: $160/night 2-3 occupancy

• Rate: $190/night 4 occupancy

• Not included in lodging rate is a 7% Montana Bed Tax and a $60 cleaning fee.

Basement Level of River Ranch House (Two Night Minimum Stay)

• Rate: $120/night single occupancy

• Rate: $145/night 2-3 occupancy

• Rate: $175/night 4 occupancy

• Not included in lodging rate is a 7% Montana Bed Tax and a $60 cleaning fee.

Local Eateries

Even though you’re basically out in the middle of nowhere, there are some fabulous places to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner if you don’t want to cook.

• Two Dot Bar and Grill - 58 Two Dot Hwy, Two Dot, MT 59085, (406) 632-9992

• Sun Dog Coffee Company - 124 N Central Ave S, Harlowton, MT 59036, (406) 632-5616

• Loco Creek Grill - 1304 Highway St E, Harlowton, Montana 59036, United States, (406) 632-4103

Fishing Around High Water

Fishing will be closed during the high water period which fluctuates every year. It would be too dangerous to wade during this time and the fishing is better on either side of the high water period. We’ll keep you posted regarding high water every spring.

National Weather Service Musselshell River Gage - Harlotown, MT