There’s something truly magical about summer on a western ranch. The air is warm, the days are long, and the promise of open spaces and wild beauty beckons. For those of us who love to fly fish, adding a private fishing ranch experience to that mix takes it to a whole new level. For ranch owners who offer fishing as a recreational option, either for guests or for anglers who pay for the privilege to go fishing on ranch property, summer is “high season.”
Fishing on ranch property can be a welcome change
Imagine this: you wake up to the sound of birdsong, the scent of pine in the air. After a hearty ranch breakfast, you grab your rod and waders, ready for a day on pristine waters. No crowds. No racing to the river to secure a place on the water — just you, the river, and the incredible wildlife that calls this place home.
Fishing on ranch property offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level. These waters are often meticulously managed, leading to healthy fish populations and incredible angling opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s a certain thrill in knowing you’re fishing private water that few others have the privilege to experience.
It’s more than just fishing when you visit ranch property
The beauty of fishing on ranch property also extends beyond the fishing itself. When you’re not on the water, you can explore the vast landscapes of the private ranch, perhaps on horseback. Or, you can simply relax and soak in the tranquility of the lightly-visited ranch or lodge. Evenings are often spent swapping stories by a crackling fire, the starlit sky overhead. If you’re fishing on ranch property, you’re probably in the company of friends or family, which only enhances the overall angling experience.
No need to change tactics when fishing private water
Summer in the West is prime season for fly fishing. Throughout the West, trophy trout streams and idyllic tailwaters attract anglers of all stripes to their trout-filled waters. The same could be said for fly fishing on private water, minus the crowds and the human competition. A well-managed and thoughtfully operated fly fishing operation on a western ranch can offer everything a public-water experience can. But it can offer more — solitude, privacy and a very real shot at a trophy fish or two.
For anglers, there’s no need to change tactics when fishing on ranch property. The same hatches pop at the same time as they do on public waters. If there are hoppers and other terrestrial bugs in the sage and willows on your favorite public trout stream, chances are, those same fly patterns will work on the lonely trout stream meandering through a western ranch. The only real difference? You’ll be the only angler on the water. And, yes, you’ll likely have to pay for the privilege, but understand that a good chunk of that rod fee is likely going to go into fisheries and habitat management so the ranch owner can sustain the quality of the experience. If you’re lucky, the fishing will be even better the next time you come to go fishing.
Embrace the idea of fishing on ranch property
Of course, every fishing trip doesn’t need to take place on a ranch or through a private fishing lodge. But, now and then, it’s OK to treat yourself to a private fishing experience. Here, instead of plying complex trophy trout water visited by dozens of anglers every day, you can have some of the most productive waters in the West at your feet, and not have to share them with anyone. Like most things that cost a pretty penny to experience: it’s worth it.
There’s nothing wrong with going through a private lodge to go fishing on ranch property. These private waters are often managed better than their public-lands counterparts. And, because there’s less pressure, the fishing can be much better. Now and then, considering treating yourself. Go fishing on ranch property.
