Southwest Montana Fishing & Real Estate Guide

S O U T H W E S T M O N TA N A F I S H I N G & R E A L E S TAT E G U I D E Summer 2015

GALLATIN • MADISON • YELLOWSTONE MAPS • REAL ESTATE • FISHING Photo by Drew Stoecklein

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2.....Getting to know the fish 3.....The Greater Yellowstone Region 5.....The Madison River 7.....The Gallatin River

ERIC LADD Owner L&K Real Estate

To steal a quote from Robert Redford's A River Runs Through It, "oh brother, I will never leave Montana." The world is quickly discovering Southwest Montana and falling in love with the small town living, clean air and water, amazing sporting opportunities and high quality of life. Real estate opportunities in Southwest, Montana are very attractive right now with a chance to acquire legacy properties at good values.

9.....The Yellowstone River

Yellowstone Region The Yellowstone region of Southwest Montana is best known for its stunning beauty and recreational opportunities. It is not only the largest intact ecosystem in the continental US, but also has one of the largest concentrations of blue ribbon trout fisheries in the world. An angler could spend a lifetime and only fish a fraction of its legendary waters. Whether you’re looking to horseback into the backcountry, explore the geological features of Yellowstone, or visit a small town rodeo, there’s never a shortage of adventure.

Real Estate in the Yellowstone Region The real estate market in the Yellowstone region is as diverse as the fishing. Divided into the Madison Valley, Gallatin Valley, Paradise Valley and Sweet Grass County, each area has spectacular mountain views and vibrant small towns. With a very active market, excellent opportunities exist in each region. A buyer will find everything from ski-in, ski-out properties in Big Sky to iconic ranches in Paradise and Madison Valleys. An additional benefit of investing in property in Montana is that most undeveloped land is considered agricultural and is taxed as such.

Photo by Drew Stoecklein

GETTING TO KNOW THE FISH The trout found in Southwest Montana are wild and naturally reproduce in the fertile tributaries and side channels during the spring and fall. Carefully releasing them is critical for the river systems and ensures healthy populations for future generations of anglers.

Brown Trout The most sought after species by guides and veteran anglers alike. The brown trout is famous for its ability to grow large in size and challenge even the best of anglers. Large brown trout are predatory fish and an angler typically needs to change their tactics and target them specifically.

Rainbow Trout The most common trout in our local river systems. Its beauty is only rivaled by its impressive strength. Pound for pound the rainbow is arguably the hardest fighting fish in the river and is best known for its ability to jump and spit your fly.

Cutthroat Trout Native to the Yellowstone ecosystem the Yellowstone cutthroat trout is the most colorful fish you will find. While the cutthroat is not known for its strength, its willingness to effortlessly take a dry fly makes up for it. The cutthroat trout will often move long distances to slowly take a dry fly testing an angler’s patience to leave their fly in the water.

Rocky Mountain Whitefish While the whitefish is native to the Yellowstone ecosystem it does not always receive the same respect by anglers as the trout do. Despite suffering from an image problem the whitefish requires cold clear water and serves as an important indicator of a river’s overall health. The whitefish has saved many slow days on the river and can provide great action, especially for beginners.

L&K Real Estate is proud to support:

THE GREATER YELLOWSTONE REGION

BOZEMAN Bozeman, MT is the largest town in the region with a population of approximately 40,000. Recently named one of Outside Magazine’s “Best Towns,” it’s surrounded by thousands of acres of public land and is known for its vibrant downtown, historical neighborhoods, and Montana State University. It is also home to the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, currently served by five airlines with 11 direct flights to airport hubs throughout the US. Current Listings Land: $51,800-$5,250,000

Median: $148,500 Residence: $22,900-$11,475,000

Median: $477,200

WEST YELLOWSTONE The west entrance to Yellowstone National Park; West Yellowstone has a small resident population of 1200 which increases in the summer months. The Madison River and Hebgen Lake, one of the largest lakes in the region, are just minutes from town and provide excellent fishing and recreating opportunities. Weekly rodeos and the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center highlight events and activities in town.

Current Listings Land: $35,000-$900,000

Median: $75,000 Residence: $219,000-$19,500,000

Median: $395,000

LIVINGSTON Located in the heart of Paradise Valley, Livingston is a quintessential Montana small town with a population of 7000. The town has an eclectic combination of art galleries, historic museums, rodeos and ranches. It is surrounded by captivating views of the Absaroka, Bridger, and Crazy Mountains and lies on the banks of the Yellowstone River.

Current Listings Land: $10,000- $1,200,000

Median: $129,900 Residence: $83,000- $19,750,000

Median: $395,000

THE GREATER YELLOWSTONE REGION

BIG SKY Big Sky is a resort driven community of approximately 4000 residents, offering abundant recreation and luxury amenities. Fueled by the cooperative resorts of Big Sky, Moonlight Basin, Spanish Peaks and Yellowstone Club, it offers the Biggest Skiing in America TM with 5800 acres of public skiing and another 2200 acres of private ski trails. In the summer, recreation is diversified with four signature golf courses, river activities, and interconnected trail system. A myriad of events take place throughout the year including the Subaru Freeride World Tour, Big Sky PBR, and weekly Farmers Markets.

Current Listings Land: $118,000- $15,500,000 Median: $429,000 Residence: $99,000- $18,750,000 Median: $630,000

ENNIS Ennis, MT with a population of 860, is situated on the banks of the Madison River and is flanked by the dramatic Madison, Tobacco and Gravely Mountain Ranges.

Maintaining a classic Western culture, ranching and outdoor recreation fuel the local economy. Remnants of the Victorian era mining history are evident in the area, including its neighboring ghost town Virginia City, which still serves as the County Seat for Madison County.

Current Listings Land: $29,900- $2,250,000 Median: $79,000 Residence: $49,000- $2,875,000 Median: $344,500

BIG TIMBER Big Timber lies near the confluence of the Boulder and Yellowstone River and is surrounded by the Crazy, Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains. Originally a ranching community, Big Timber has become an eclectic town of 1600 residents comprised of ranchers, artists, professionals, sportsman and entrepreneurs.

Big Timber not only attracts visitors for its stunning scenery and productive trout waters but for its quaint downtown, which includes several fine art galleries.

Photos by Drew Stoecklein

Current Listings Land: $25,000- $1,250,000 Median: $126,500 Residence: $79,000- $3,995,000 Median: $255,000

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RYAN KULESZA Owner & Broker L&K Real Estate

The Madison Valley is a representation of Montana’s past from the historic small towns to the large agricultural parcels of land- still populated by more fish than people. The variety of water, spectacular scenery and great real estate values combine to make it one of southwest Montana’s best kept secrets.

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WEST YELLOWSTONE YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

THE MADISON RIVER A headwater tributary of the Missouri River, the Madison flows over 180 miles from Yellowstone Park to its confluence with the Gallatin and Jefferson Rivers. The Madison is as diverse a river as you will find and is best known for its 60-mile riffle water between Quake Lake and the town of Ennis. There are two dams along the Madison that form Hebgen and Ennis Lake and divide the river’s “upper” and “lower” sections. The impressive variety of water found along the Madison River keeps anglers challenged as each stretch offers a distinct fishing experience.

Yellowstone Ranch Preserve / 753 acres / Located on Hebgen Lake, 2 miles from Yellowstone National Park

Offered at $19.5M

Listed by L&K Real Estate

REAL ESTATE INFORMATION Current Listings: Land < 1 Acre

$45,000- $98,500

Land 1-20 Acres $39,900- $695,000

Spring Creeks on the Madison / 112 Acres Located near the Lower Madison River Valley near Three Forks, MT. Offered at $1.875M

Listed by Craig Janssen of Livewater Properties

Land > 20 Acres

$37,000- $2,250,000

Single Family

$49,900- $19,500,000

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The Gallatin Valley and Bozeman serve as the economical, educational, and outdoor hub of SW Montana. Within 100 miles of your downtown barstool, run six of the best trout fisheries in the world. It is no wonder the Gallatin Valley is one of the fastest growing areas in the United States, and still serves as EJ DAWS Gallatin Valley Specialist, the epicenter for fly fishing in the lower 48.

L&K Real Estate

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THE GALLATIN RIVER The Gallatin River starts in Yellowstone National Park, flowing over 100 miles before joining the Jefferson and Madison to create the Missouri river. Dramatic canyon walls and deep pocket water create some of the best fishing, as well as some of the best scenery, notably shown in scenes of A River Runs Through It. The Gallatin has high densities of trout and is easily accessed from the recreational communities of Bozeman and Big Sky, with tributaries running through town.

145 Karst Stage Loop / 3 bed, 2 bath / 1.25 acres Located alongside the Gallatin River

Buck Ridge Lodge / 3 bed, 3 bath / 18.67 acres Large parcel property in Gallatin Canyon

Offered at $429,000

Offered at $899,000

Listed by L&K Real Estate

Listed by L&K Real Estate

REAL ESTATE INFORMATION Current Listings: Land < 1 Acre

$35,000- $475,000

Land 1-20 Acres $99,000- $4,950,000

512 Old Farm Road / 4 bed, 6 bath + guest house 20+ Acres / Almost 1/2 mile of shoreline on the E. Gallatin River See agent for detials

Listed by L&K Real Estate

Land > 20 Acres

$90,000- $15,500,000

Single Family

$185,000- $39,000,000

Condo

$87,000- $2,485,000

THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER

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Wild trout live in wild places. This couldn’t be more true than for the 100 mile stretch of water between Gardiner and Big Timber. I have explored a lot of water in Montana and have yet to experience a better combination of scenery and quality fishing than on the Yellowstone River in Paradise Valley.

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BRYCE CONNERY Ranch & Recreational Specialist, L&K Real Estate

GARDINER YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER One of the greatest freestone rivers, Yellowstone is the longest undammed river in the contiguous United States.

Highlighted by over 200 miles of world- class trout water, it begins its journey in Yellowstone National Park and travels almost 700 miles until it connects with the Missouri River. The Yellowstoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beauty is marked by the contrast of mountainous wilderness and expansive valleys. The wildness, potential for a trophy size fish and its continually changing waters, make the Yellowstone a favorite for guides and fishermen alike. Small vibrant communities are located along the river including Livingston, Big Timber and Gardiner.

Montana Retreat / 3 bed, 2 bath / 20 Acres Borders Gallatin National Forest land

Dry Fly on the Yellowstone / 4 bed + guest home / 187 acres Approximately a half mile of Yellowstone River frontage

Offered at $535,000 Listed by Tracy Raich of Raich Properties

Offered at $1.75M

Listed by Justin Todd of Sonny Todd Real Estate

REAL ESTATE INFORMATION Current Listings: Land < 1 Acre

$10,000- $149,750

Land 1-20 Acres $26,900- $2,500,000

Yellowstone River Front / 43+ Acres Borders Yellowstone National Park with 1/2 mile of Yellowstone River Frontage Offered at $1.75M

Listed by Jordan & Co. Real Estate

Land > 20 Acres

$29,500- $7,500,000

Single Family

$79,000- $19,940,000

Condo

$83,000- $375,000

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Ladd, Kulesza & Company Real Estate Brokerage, Consulting & Development

L K R E A L E S TAT E . C O M

For more information or private showings contact:

406-995-2404

View Videos Online All information given is considered reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, and should not be relied upon as such. These offerings are subject to errors, omissions, and changes including price or withdrawal without notice. Information obtained as of April 2015. All rights reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity. If you currently have a listing agreement or buyer broker agreement with another agent, this is not a solicitation to change. Some properties in this piece are listed by brokerages other than L&K Real Estate and are used with permission. Š2015 LK REAL ESTATE, llc. lkrealestate.com