Triple Creek Ranch

The Setting

The Lodge and private guest cabins at Triple Creek Ranch are nestled in the Bitterroot Mountain range of the western Montana Rockies. The West Fork (tributary) of the Bitterroot River lies at the bottom of our driveway, and is home to five species of stream bred trout.

The Fishing

As a premier fly fishing destination, Triple Creek Ranch is an ORVIS endorsed fishing lodge where guests enjoy unfettered access to a full range of complimentary fly fishing gear and equipment, fly casting lessons, two stocked trout ponds on property, and bank fishing on our private sister ranch available upon request with maps provided for the best fishing 'hot-spots'. Guided float trips with experienced anglers on the Bitterroot River & Salmon River are also available, & have become a favorite activity for many of our guests.

Starting with the Skwala fly hatch in March/April, the trout become active and bountiful right into summer when the climate is dry and sunshine is abundant.

Summer temperatures range from the mid-70 to 90s F becoming cooler in the evening. The Bitterroot River, and its floatable tributaries the East and West Fork, are freestone, blue-ribbon rivers. Located between the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains, the Bitterroot River runs south to north for approximately 86 miles before emptying into the Clark Fork of the Columbia River. Snowfields from the highest mountain peaks in western Montana feed the river throughout the summer, keeping it floatable and the fishery healthy. Native west slope cutthroats and bull trout are here, as well as stream-bred rainbows, brook and brown trout.

Rivers are fishable well into fall. Clear blue skies are not uncommon, combined with colors of fall, snow-capped mountains and a few flakes in the valley can be an invigorating outdoor fly-fishing experience for any angler.

Fly Fishing Always on the Bitterroot:

Whether a beginner, intermediate or expert, float with an experienced guide down the Bitterroot River, or its West Fork or East Fork for a memorable day of trout fishing. The Guides at Fly Fishing Always are renown in the valley for their historic and extensive knowledge of these waters. These guides are experts on the hatches and proper flies to use, whether it’s an old faithful such as Big Freddy or whatever it might take to catch the big fish. In order to protect and preserve the stream-bred trout of the Bitterroot’s blue-ribbon waters, all fishing is catch and release. 

Rawhide Outfitters on the Salmon River:

In July and August Rawhide Outfitters guides specialize in drift and wade fly fishing, dry or wet fly fishing and/or spin casting, depending on personal preference. You will drift through a lovely section of the Salmon River, occasionally stopping to wade good runs. Anglers will tend to average 20 to 40 fish per day, rainbow and cutthroat trout ranging from 12 to 18 inches. Catch and Release is encouraged. Your guides will provide lunch for you to enjoy riverside.

Summer Trout Fly Fishing & Spin Casting on the Salmon River with Rawhide Outfitters is available in July and August.

In the fall, Steelhead fishing on the Salmon River is an unforgettable adventure! Rawhide Outfitters’ guides have years of experience to ensure the highest possible success rate using a wide variety of both traditional and modern methods. The hatchery steelhead returns have been very successful with a strong native run as well. Guides use dory-type drift boats equipped with heaters. Guides will instruct you with a variety of fishing methods, such as trolling plugs or bait and fly fishing, depending upon the preference and skill level of each guest. Your guides will provide lunch for you to enjoy riverside.

Steelhead Fishing on the Salmon River is available Mid-October through November, and in April.