Diamond ArrowCarbondale, Colorado
“Great property. Hooked into a good number of 16-18in Browns and Rainbows in the riffles. Great property, landowner was friendly and helpful.”
This property is “request to book”. See below for more details.
Only a short drive from Bozeman and Billings, Montana, this property features 0.5 miles of access to Blue Ribbon fly fishing water on The Boulder River.
The fishing is characterized by fast runs and deep pools in the clear, cool, aquarium-like water. Rainbow and brown trout and whitefish are all commonly caught on dry flies to hoppers, streamers, nymphs and more. Most fish average 12-18″ in length but significantly larger fish do exist in this part of the river below Natural Bridge Falls. The Boulder River also maintains solid hatches of baetis, caddis, stones, PMD’s and terrestrials in that order throughout the summer giving an angler opportunity to match the hatch with emergers and dries. Fishing on the Boulder River ranges from good to spectacular.
The property also has 3 ponds which in previous years had fish swim up the spring creek. While great for learning, these ponds are not stocked but are available to guests. When you need a break from fishing you can check out the bald eagles nesting on the property, the variety of bird and duck species (25+ documented species occupy the property and its ponds), and most importantly the migrating Sandhill Cranes!
Want to make a long weekend or week out of it? Camping is permitted here.
Please note, Under the Montana Stream Access Law, the public may use rivers and streams for recreational purposes up to the ordinary high-water mark. Although unlikely, you could potentially see other anglers while on this property. RareWaters mission is to spread the power of the outdoors and the inspiration to conserve it. To that end, we try our best to find properties that are away from the crowds for a serene fishing experience.
Although we typically get your booking approved within a few hours, please allow up to 1 business day for booking confirmations.
Due to livestock and other concerns, dogs and other pets are NOT permitted on this property.
Camping prices are per vehicle/per day. Camping is dispersed camping. Please practice “leave no trace” principles and pack out all trash. You will need to supply your own water. Bear spray is recommended. Montana law requires a locking cooler or bear-proof food storage.
Request to book: When you select your dates and hit the “book now” button you are sending in a request to book, please note this is not a confirmed booking. If it is available, we will accept your booking/payment and send a confirmation email. If it is not available, we will inform you via email.
RESOURCES
Know before you go
Check out the resources below to help you prepare for your upcoming trip and ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for a stellar day on the water.
- Don’t forget your local fishing license, you can grab one online here.
- Check your local flow report here. The best fishing is under 1,500 cfs or in that ballpark, per owner. 3200 CFS is high.
- Contact a local fly shop for the most up-to-date hatch and fly information.
- Know the local regulations.
- Fishing Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
- Fishing Season: December to March
Most of our properties are ranches, so expect to walk through hayfields, cow fields, or even hop a few fences. These are not "groomed" properties. They can be rugged and wild and we believe that is part of the adventure with RareWaters! If you have specific questions or concerns, please reach out in advance of booking a trip!
River Data
5-Day Weather Forecast
Thursday
12/7/2023
43℉ / 36℉
Friday
12/8/2023
36℉ / 26℉
Saturday
12/9/2023
32℉ / 20℉
Sunday
12/10/2023
39℉ / 25℉
Monday
12/11/2023
34℉ / 29℉
Features and Amenities
Location
Reviews (4)
Add Review
Leave a Reply
Anglers also Booked
Frequently
asked questions.
What is RareWaters?
We provide affordable and easy access to private ranches for you to experience do-it-yourself (DIY) fly fishing experiences. No upfront membership fees are required. Just pay as you book! Pricing is listed at the top of each property's listing page. DIY fly fishing means anglers are responsible for determining weather, river flow and fishing conditions. When the information is available, we include weather and river flow information for the properties on our website.
What hours can I fish?
Each landowner sets their fishing hours, and most are sunrise to sunset. We have a few landowners who deviate from that timeframe. This information is listed on each property listing page.
Can a non-angling friend or relative join me?
At this time, everyone over the age of 12 must pay the full rod fee to be on RareWaters' property. This is to ensure that all anglers have the serenity, space and outdoor experience we are committed to providing.
Will I get the water all to myself?
We limit each property to a max number of anglers, typically no more than 3-4 anglers per mile. This is different for each property, so be sure to go to the property's listing page to find out what the maximum is for the property you want to book. For example, if you have 2 anglers in your group and the maximum number of anglers is 4, we may add 2 other anglers to the property that day, even if they are from another group. If you book all 4 (or more) rod spots that day, then your group will have the whole property to yourselves.
How do I know where to go after I book?
After we receive your payment, you will receive a booking confirmation email. Within 7 days of your reservation, you will receive a property map via email with GPS coordinates, directions, parking and camping information, etc. We strongly encourage all anglers to save GPS coordinates into their smartphones before leaving cell service. Many of our properties are remote working ranches with limited cell service. Google Maps is our preferred app for all angler directions.
What are your booking policies?
Great question. Here are a few policies you should know before you go:
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made ten (10) days or more before the booked date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made five (5) to ten (10) days before the booked date will receive a credit for future use. Cancellations made five (5) days or less before the booked date will receive no refund or credit. By submitting a booking request for any RareWaters' property, you agree to this cancellation policy. If you request to book a property within 10 days of the request date, and the booking is approved and you cancel the booking, you will receive a credit for future use. RareWaters is not responsible for weather, river flows or fishing conditions. Anglers are responsible for determining weather, river flows and fishing conditions. Refunds and credits will not be issued for weather, river flows or fishing conditions. The Cancellation Policy may be superseded by extenuating circumstances as deemed appropriate by RareWaters' staff.
Maximum Angler Policy:
Please note, if your party does not equate to the maximum angler amount for the property you've booked, you may encounter another angler or group. Maximum angler amounts are listed in the description for every property on the website. Please practice good fishing etiquette around other anglers by giving each other plenty of space and sharing different stretches of the watershed.
Leave No Trace Policy:
All anglers must adhere to RareWaters "Leave No Trace" policy. This policy requires all anglers to leave properties better off than they found them. If you see trash, please pick it up and pack it out. We ask that you kindly be respectful of the land, any livestock, and the watershed so we can continue to offer fly fishing access for years to come. Trespassing will not be tolerated and all violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. By submitting a booking request through the RareWaters website, you agree to this Leave No Trace Policy.
Solicitation Policy:
Under no circumstances may an angler or their guest solicit RareWaters' landowners for any reason. During your trip, anglers and guests are not permitted to promote, sell or offer any kind of services or products to RareWaters' landowners. Additionally, anglers and their guests may not compete with RareWaters in any way while visiting RareWaters' properties. By submitting a booking request through the RareWaters website, you agree to this Solicitation Policy.
Bryan Pearman
July 17, 2023 at 5:06 pmI live in Bozeman and am always looking for new day tripping experiences where I can drop a line. Montana Meadows Ranch did not disappoint. I had the entire stretch of river to myself on a Sunday. The owner of the property came out to meet me around lunchtime to show me his favorite places to fish. He was very friendly. My wife met me for a picnic lunch on the property and then got to enjoy the beautiful Absaroka Wilderness area just south of Montana Meadows Ranch. The directions provided by Rare Waters were easy to follow. The entire experience from booking to fishing was a pleasure.
Helpful Review 3John Morris
September 21, 2022 at 2:44 pmBeautiful property. Many good pools and riffles for catching fish. Dry dropper worked well. Great opportunity to fish the lower Boulder. Will book again when I’m back in Montana!
Helpful Review 4Patty Miller
August 7, 2022 at 7:50 pmBeautiful property with super friendly and helpful landowners.
Helpful Review 6