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Trout Farm ponds, wildlife corridor on creek and river - a perfect getaway

Photo gallery for Trout Farm ponds, wildlife corridor on creek and river - a perfect getaway

Pond from back deck towards the dock - early Fall.
View of house from across our pond
Lots of places to watch the pond and wildlife...
Dining and/or gaming table, you choose.
Lots of books to choose from - Montana authors, fly-tying, fishing...

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 62250 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer

Explore the area

Map
Hamilton, MT
  • Bitterroot Valley
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Sawtooth Trailhead
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Roaring Lion Trailhead
    ‪19 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Master bedroom

1 Double Bed and 1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Master bath

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Trout Farm ponds, wildlife corridor on creek and river - a perfect getaway

Between Hamilton and Darby, this property borders the Bitterroot River, has spring-fed trout ponds and pastureland with stunning views of the Bitterroot Mountains to the west, and the Sapphire Mountains to the east.
We have high speed internet if you must work or do online school work while staying with us. Guests can gather on the expansive deck, on the screened porch, in the new pavilion, the five-acre pond or other picturesque spots. The deck and large yard are enclosed - a great play space for children.
The 1960s house has comfortable beds, remodeled bathrooms and all new kitchen appliances. A comfortable living room is ready to watch movies, play board games, and listen to music . The dining area/library/game room off the kitchen is a large room called the breezeway.
The owners have enjoyed 50 years of family gatherings for pig roasts, fish fries, weddings, reunions and many birthday parties. There are no formal gardens or landscapes, just tidy, native flora and fauna that supports a healthy ecosystem for abundant wildlife such as whitetail deer, moose, elk, beaver, mink, muskrat, river otter, wood ducks, Canada geese, osprey, hawks, eagles and turtles. (no hunting)
The rental affords a wrap-around deck and enclosed lawn area interspersed with fruit trees, alongside a pavilion/outdoor picnic area.
This house borders a five acre private pond plus 20 more acres of wetlands that was formed on an old oxbow of the Bitterroot, a blue ribbon fly fishing river.
The dock is a great place to practice your fly casting skills for the elusive Rainbow and Brook trout (we practice catch and release for trout, anything else you can keep). You can also walk across our island to get to the main branch of the river.
Gathering on the deck for morning coffee can be a great place to observe the pond or plan your day of fishing, hiking, or one of the many available activities in our area.
If you love nature, you will be enchanted with our property. It provides endless opportunities for photography, bird watching, fly casting, walking - plenty of ways to relax, renew and reconnect.
* There's an extensive library of books, high speed WiFi, internet access with Netflix, game boards, puzzles, DVD and CD collection and vintage LP records/stereo system.
* High chair, pack' n play and car booster seat available.
* It's a 10-minute drive north to Hamilton restaurants, Saturday Farmers Market and Wednesday small Farmers Market; grocery stores (4), health food store or a 15-minute drive south to Darby.
* River fishing conditions on blog/Freestone Fly Shop in Hamilton...
* Fish our pond, catch and release with barbless hooks only (not open to public)
* Smoking outside only
* No pets because we have unpredictable wildlife
* credit cards only
" We watched from the deck while a mother raccoon and her five offspring came down a tree on the far side of the pond. She encouraged two of them to stay on the shore while she took the others on a swim to the island. The two baby raccoons did not follow her instructions to stay behind and there was a lot of chattering, swimming back and forth and general confusion which created a marvelous experience for us!"
"We have seen a moose wade into the pond to eat the pond lilies and grass; and seen a lone Trumpeter Swan gracefully feeding while Canada Geese lined up to watch as though they were in loge seats at a movie theatre!"

Property manager

Rae
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor Space

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
Best if children understand water safety.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Sorry that we can't allow pets with all of our wildlife.
Only household garbage in the can, NO animal carcasses.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Hamilton

Located in Hamilton, this vacation home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Ravalli County Museum and Hamilton Performing Arts Center are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Sawtooth Trailhead and Roaring Lion Trailhead. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Hamilton, MT

What's nearby

  • Bitterroot Valley - 1 min walk
  • Sawtooth Trailhead - 15 min drive
  • Daly Mansion - 16 min drive
  • Rock Creek Trailhead - 21 min drive
  • Stock Farm Club - 33 min drive

Getting around

  • Missoula Intl. Airport (MSO) - 89 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Domino's Pizza - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Brewskies - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Town Pump - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Two Bear Outfitters/Guide Service - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Big Creek Coffee Roasters - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Trout Farm ponds, wildlife corridor on creek and river - a perfect getaway pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Trout Farm ponds, wildlife corridor on creek and river - a perfect getaway?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Trout Farm ponds, wildlife corridor on creek and river - a perfect getaway?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Trout Farm ponds, wildlife corridor on creek and river - a perfect getaway located?

This family-friendly Hamilton vacation home is located on the waterfront, within 3 mi (5 km) of Bitterroot Valley and Bitterroot River. Como Swimming Beach and Bitterroot Mall are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 55 out of 59 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 59 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 59 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 59 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 59 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Maria M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay!
Had a wonderful time! It was the cleanest rental I have ever been to. And the fishing was so fun. Would love to stay again!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tom G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Could not have been better
Trout Farm Ponds is a VRBO that we would recommend to anyone and everyone -- and already have. The place was not only immaculate, but already filled with necessities that you may not have even considered. The comfort was so great that we quickly referred to the property as "home". We spent nearly every morning on the deck with a cup of coffee, and every evening on the deck with a glass of wine, or perhaps scotch. And Bob was the crowning jewel that made the place even better; we enjoyed his company and hospitality every day. Whatever that man earns, he deserves a raise!! As I said, Trout Pond Farms could not have been better. We will be back...
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dee B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable, quiet, and a great view!
We were lucky that we did not schedule to arrive a day earlier because there was a bad windstorm and the road to the home was blocked and there was no power! By the time we arrived most of the mess was cleaned up and the power was on. The home is a bit “retro” but comfortable, the view of the lake was very relaxing, there were deer, ducks. Geese, and wild turkeys to provide entertainment. The two large bedrooms, one with two beds, provided all the sleeping comfort anyone would want. EVERYTHING you might want was available in the home. All the basics were there, and the previous guest had apparently left extras to augment the needed items. Bob, the caretaker, was a BIG help when you had questions. Will stay again when in the area!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Afton R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Trout farm
Great stay
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Kansas group
Absolutely wonderful place! Bob the maintenance guy was very pleasant to visit with. House was clean, comfortable and private. Loved drinking our coffee on the porch every morning and then eatting dinner out there also. Took nice walk down to the river. We will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Bill P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Beautiful Peaceful Comfortable Nature Setting
This was as titled, excellent home layout complete with an amazing library collection, screened room & patio. The nature was harmony of bull frogs, eagles, otters, blue heron, bobwhite quail & chicks, and ducks. We caught (and released) rainbow and brown trout during our stay. Bob was most helpful with the fishing locations and history of the home and area. His recommendations for dining in town and print information in the kitchen made selections easy. Our only disappointment was the condition of the lake being chocked with water lilies reducing the fishing areas and the pristine view as seen on the website.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Bitterroot Beautiful
Very nice stay in beautiful surroundings. It was a visit back in time like Montana living before the hordes arrived. Bob takes pride in keeping the grounds attractive and well kept. Eagles, great blue herons, ducks, deer, and what? Turtles? The bullfrogs are croaking at all times. RW
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

James W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
Nice peaceful location and surroundings. Bob the caretaker was awesome. Not fancy, but comfortable with everything you need. Would do it again
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patricia R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Delightful
A beautiful location and fantastic house. Could not have been more pleased.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Grayson J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Trout Farm
Bob was a pleasure… witty and knowledgeable
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Margaret S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A little bit of heaven
This was our second stay. We plan to come again next year. It is a very comfortable place and we enjoy the space. Bob is very accommodating and friendly. The property is very clean and beautiful. Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
September Fishing Trip
Wonderful!
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patricia L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
This was our second time to stay at the Bitterroot Trout Farm! It was like coming home. Everything about this house and the surrounding property is beautiful and relaxing. The house has very comfortable furniture and comfortable beds and there are views of the beautiful outdoors from every room and from the porches and decks. There is so much natural beauty to see and enjoy… apple trees, pine trees, flowers, ponds, creeks, deer, quail, muskrats, wild turkey, chipmunks, sandhill crane, ducks, geese and more When you walk the property, you can see even more… forested areas with the sun glistening through the leaves, the Bitterroot River, fish, frogs, and views of the Bitterroot Mountains. We even came across some elk. After the sun went down, there was plenty of entertainment inside the house with puzzles, games, lots of books and NetFlix. We also enjoyed the surrounding area… golfing at the Hamilton Golf Club and the Stevensville Whitetail Golf Club, fishing along the east and west forks of the Bitterroot River, and learning about Lewis and Clark’s journey through the Bitterroot Valley. Another treat was that the Ravalli County Fair and Rodeo was going on… great food, lots of fun, and we learned a lot about the ranching skills and traditions in the valley. Thank you for welcoming us again at the Bitterroot Trout Farm and making our trip so enjoyable!!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeff R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Work trip
One of my crews came up to work. They really enjoyed the place
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kate S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tranquil and beautiful ranch
We had a wonderful time fishing, observing the wildlife, relaxing on the deck and talking with Bob (the caretaker). It was a wonderful trip.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
House was very comfortable, had everything you could want, and an absolutely beautiful pond. And we enjoyed our stay, and would rate a five star. Great today
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steve J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Bitterroot Trout Farm
Wonderful property. Quiet, peaceful and private. The property manager (Bob) was fantastic on the history of the property and answering any questions. The owner Rae was fabulous to work with as well. I will definitely be back. Beautiful!!! Thanks again Steve
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daniel C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun!
Kids had fun catching fish in the pond and walking down to the river. 30 head of elk with their calves were right by the pond, as well.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard D., Phoenix, AZ

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A bit of paradise….
What a beautiful spot. Geese, deer, owls, and ducks literally outside my door. Private trout pond produced several trout which were released for the next guest to catch. Simply sitting on the porch was sooooo relaxing. Enjoyed everything about the house. I have promised Bob that I will be back again next summer.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

George H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
George and Vivian
Great getaway from city life quiet and beautiful!! Bob is the best host!!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Margaret P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Little Bit of Heaven
What a beautiful place to be! All of us enjoyed our time here. So peaceful and serene. We would go back in a heartbeat. Bob was so friendly and accommodating.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

steve m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Trout house
We really enjoyed our stay at the Trout house. The house was clean and the turtles greeted us on our arrival. Bob was so helpful about telling us places to visit and places to eat. We will definitely recommend this to family and friends.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Martha B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A family vacation.
The property was perfect for our family vacation. The kids fished in the pond, played in the beautifully green yard and on the spacious deck. The weather was warm and sunny so we all had a great time. It was magical. We would definitely book this property again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gay B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic
What a wonderful property. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay in Hamilton. Could sit on the deck all day and view the wildlife. We saw deer, racoons, geese, ducks, osprey, American bald eagle, turtles, south west crane, great heron and an owl. This is the most well stocked VRBO we have ever stayed at. The new carpeting is very luxurious. The pictures of this home do not do it justice. Bob was very nice and informative. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

victoria p., USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Trout Pond
This property is great location right between Darby and Hamilton. It is very clean and well kept. The property manager is super friendly and great to talk to and get information on the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Rae

Host profile image
Our business office is at the south end of the ranch where the cairn terriers hang out - when they're not barking at the Whitetail Deer, Sandhill Cranes, wild turkeys or the occasional moose.

Why they chose this property

The Farleys bought the property to create a wildlife sanctuary and try their hand at raising rainbow trout. They also planted native trees and bushes to provide food for the abundant wildlife. Located between Darby and Hamilton, bordering the river and a creek, it's a natural wildlife corridor. The spring-fed ponds provide year-round oxygen for the trout because of a ditch that never freezes. This is a unique place in Montana, we hope you'll come experience it.

What makes this property unique

Mother Nature provides a different show every day, whether it's a star studded sky at night or storm clouds over the mountains, there is always a view to admire. Bushes budding out in the spring attract birds and wildlife to munch them plus the goslings and ducklings that are born on the pond. September shows off the vibrant fall colors of the trees, while wildlife are determined to store up food for winter.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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