Water Resources On The Ranch

EARLY PIONEER RIGHTS FOR WATER ADD VALUE

T he Two Feathers Ranch has lots of water!

Early decreed water rights dating back to 1895 make it possible for this ranch to have productive hay meadows and ranch operations during the summer.

The ranch is watered by gravity-flow irrigation rights from the Tin Cup Water District and is serviced by eight wheel lines to maintain the lush pastures. The cost of the water shares is approximately $8,000.00 per year and is collected as a part of the real estate taxes.

Tin Cup Lake and the Tin Cup Water District are important features near Darby, Montana, particularly for water resources and recreation. Tin Cup Lake is located in the Bitterroot Mountains in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Tin Cup Lake is a small, scenic alpine lake often accessed by hiking trails. It’s known for its natural beauty, fishing, and backcountry recreation. Tin Cup Creek, which flows from the lake, is a tributary of the Bitterroot River. The area surrounding the lake is part of a wilderness zone, so motorized access is limited, preserving its secluded and pristine environment.

Tin Cup Water District:

Having water rights and shares from Tin Cup provide late water when other regional creeks have gone dry. This is a valuable attribute to the irrigable ranches in the area. In Montana, water rights are a critical consideration in real estate.

Tin Cup Creek:

A portion of the ranch on the north side is the meander of beautiful Tin Cup Creek for approximately 2,500 feet. The creek offers trout fishing for cutthroat and rainbow trout as well as the solitude offered by the surrounding aspen, spruce, and ponderosa pine. Elk deer and other wildlife enjoy the riparian land that is found in the creek location.

Private Lake:

A private, stocked lake adds to the ranch’s recreational value. The lake has been stocked in the past with both bass and trout. There is a fish stocking permit to transfer at closing from Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks. Geese, ducks, heron and eagles all enjoy the lake which has approximately 2 acres of surface area. A fountain keeps the water fresh and cool. The lake is about 16 feet deep at the deepest point.

Domestic Wells:

The ranch residences are served with domestic wells. A copy of the well logs are available in the associated documents package. There are many water hydrants around the ranch for exterior water including two RV setups with 50 amp service for RV and Coach users.

Regional Fly Fishing:

The Bitterroot River, winding through the picturesque Bitterroot Valley, offers some of the best fly fishing in Montana, particularly prized for its dry-fly action. Anglers flock to the area to experience the Skwala stonefly hatch as early as March, marking the start of an abundant fishing season. The river continues to provide a range of fishing opportunities through November, with each season featuring unique hatches such as Blue-winged Olives, Pale Morning Duns, and Salmonflies. By midsummer, the river's warm waters encourage terrestrial fishing for native westslope cutthroat trout, rainbows, and browns, making it a hotspot for enthusiasts.

The Bitterroot’s clear waters meander through dense woodlands, open meadows, and occasional rocky outcroppings, with various access points, including Darby Bridge, Bell Crossing, and Tucker Crossing, accommodating wading and boat fishing. For many, floating along the lower stretches of the river proves most productive, as this approach allows for prime positioning near log-strewn corners and grassy undercuts, where larger trout are often found.

In addition to the fishing itself, the Bitterroot Valley surrounding Darby is renowned for its charming small-town vibe, offering plenty of dining, lodging, and recreation options. The scenic beauty and wildlife along the riverbanks add to the rich experience of fishing in one of Montana's most scenic landscapes. This makes the Bitterroot a unique destination for both fly-fishing pros and newcomers to enjoy Montana’s outdoor allure.

 

 

The Nearby Bitterroot River

FLY FISHING FROM A RAFT IS CLOSE BY

T he crystal-clear trout water of the Bitterroot River flows like life’s blood through the high mountain valley that shares its name. What the river may lack in whitewater thrills it makes up for in scenic beauty.

The river finds its beginnings in two small mountain canyons – the East Fork and the West Fork. Both forks offer good wading and casting challenges with lots of boulder, natural structures and pools. South of the small western community of Darby, the two forks merge together and become the main river.  The river is one of only 5 in the nation which flows north and offers recreation and wildlife habitat for over 50 miles before flowing into the Clark Fork.

Unlike many waters in the Pacific Northwest, the Bitterroot River is fishable year around. The general trout season runs from mid-May into the fall, but the river is also open to fishing in the winter and spring for whitefish and catch-and-release on trout. Fish are primarily rainbows and cutthroat with an average size of 12 to 14 inches. Recent regulations are making it more ordinary to catch trout over 16 inches to 20 inches. Some brook trout are also present.  Deep holes hold large brown trout. Access is very easy with developed parking areas along the river corridor for float fisherman and wade casting.

River flows are strong on the Bitterroot River with snow pack melt from Painted Rocks Reservoir being released into the river to maintain instream flows in warmer weather. This was a huge accomplishment of local sportsman, The Bitterroot Chapter of Trout Unlimited , Department of Natural Resources, and  Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks.

Top dry fly patterns include mayflies, caddis, stoneflies, humpies, salmon flies, drakes, and many of the popular attractor patterns. The local fly shops offer local specialties such as Purple Haze and others.

The beauty of the Bitterroot River will remain in the memory long after the fishing is done.  Winding through narrow canyons past Indian petroglyphs under the watchful eye of towering Trapper Peak and Como Peaks, the river offers an escape from human noise and the tasks for life. Whitetail deer, beaver, otters, moose, ducks and geese, and more surprises await the ones who ventures there.

 

 

Nearby Mountain Lakes and Creeks

 

Just minutes up the road is Como Lake - one of many high mountain lakes with hiking trails and trout.  Small streams and creeks are also within a very short distance. Skalkaho Creek, Tin Cup Creek, Blodgett Creek, Mill Creek, and others all offer casting opportunities for small trout and day hiking - some with waterfalls. If one were to begin today and fish all the waters available in the Bitterroot Valley, it would take a lifetime!