With later sunsets and rising temperatures, summer fishing is finally settling in across the mountains of the Western United States. As runoff subsides and waters run cool and clear, the doors open for world-class fly fishing. Following the hatches of various bugs, fish will be on the lookout for aggressive surface action. It is time to get the fly boxes out and put them to use. Below, our seasoned Brokers share valuable insight into the current and future hatch patterns to angle the fish native to these waters.
Fly Fishing Ranches for Sale in Wyoming
Antlers Ranch
Meeteetse, WY | 16,532 Acres
Wood River
The crown jewel of Antlers Ranch, the Wood River flows for over six miles through deeded lands, creating a quintessential freestone experience. Its healthy, self-sustaining Yellowstone cutthroat population makes it a true native fishery. As June comes to an end, runoff has subsided, revealing clear, cold flows with abundant insect life. Expect consistent stonefly hatches along with PMDs and caddis in the riffles and eddies. Terrestrials become increasingly effective by early July, especially along grassy banks and undercut corners. Water walkers and variations of streamers have been top producers.
Gooseberry Creek
A diverse and dynamic tributary, Gooseberry Creek flows for over seven miles through the ranch, offering everything from willow-lined banks and lazy bends to canyon-style pocket water. Brook trout dominate here, often in the 8-14” range. Mid-June through July brings active hatches of caddis, PMDs, and smaller stones. Terrestrials- especially beetles and small hoppers- also see plenty of surface action. A favorite among the brokers has been Kreelex streamers, which seem to entice brook trout out of the deeper pools. Gooseberry is perfect for a summer day of wet wading and fishing for trout that have never seen a fly.
Dick Creek
More intimate than the others, Dick Creek is a cutthroat stream with scenic views and restoration potential. It fishes best during early summer when flows are strong and water temps are cool. Expect isolated hatches of mayflies and midges, with dry fly opportunities in slow bends and plunge pools. This is a small-stream angler’s dream- tight casts, light lines, and high reward in a setting few ever explore.
Stonewall Creek
Stonewall Creek provides a unique fishery thanks to inflow from irrigation canals and proximity to Lower Sunshine Reservoir. The real magic happens in early to mid-summer when lake-run fish push up to spawn. During these periods, anglers can encounter larger-than-expected trout- often migrating cutthroat and the occasional hybrid- holding in deep pools and along tailouts. Fish it with streamers early, then shift to caddis and PMDs during warm afternoons.
Red Hills Ranch
Jackson Hole, WY | 190 Acres
From late June through the end of July, the Red Hills Ranch borders a stretch of the Gros Ventre River that hits its summer stride, offering exceptional walk-and-wade and boat access to cool and clear water. In this section of the river, there are substantial populations of native Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout. As runoff fades, the flows settle into ideal levels, and the river becomes increasingly productive for dry fly fishing. Beginning in late June, steady hatches of Pale Morning Duns and caddisflies trigger reliable surface action, especially in mid-morning and late afternoon along riffles and undercut banks. By mid-July, grasshoppers, ants, and beetles become dominant, with cutthroat rising to large attractors like Chubby Chernobyls and Parachute Hoppers. For anglers fishing between hatches or during midday lulls, subsurface patterns like Beadhead Pheasant Tails, Hare’s Ears, and Zebra Midges produce well in deeper pockets and seams. With its combination of high-elevation clarity, prolific hatches, and lightly pressured fish, the Red Hills Ranch section of the Gros Ventre delivers classic Wyoming cutthroat action in a stunning and secluded setting. Explore Red Hills Ranch
485 North Fall Creek
Wilson, WY | 5.13 Acres
Located South of Wilson 485 North Fall Creek boasts numerous activities for every season of the year. In the summer, many anglers’ attention is drawn to the brook, brown, and native cutthroat trout that reside in Fish Creek, which sits below the property and offers stunning views. Due to much of the water residing on private land, the Fish Creek presents a unique opportunity to target lightly pressured fish. Due to the lack of pressure, many flies will produce eats, but some flies that are working well this time of year are Elk Hair Caddis, Purple Haze, and Parachute Caddis. From the beginning of July to the end of summer, Fish Creek serves as a great opportunity for an avid trout angler. The region has many other superb fishing opportunities. A float trip on the Snake River, accessible ten minutes from the property, is a popular way to experience the superb angling and breathtaking scenery of the Tetons and the surrounding Jackson Hole Valley. Flat Creek is another local favorite located within twenty minutes of the property and is often called the “finest trophy dry-fly cutthroat fishery in the West.” The Green River, Hoback River, and Salt River offer excellent fishing, all within an hour south of Jackson Hole. The Henry’s Fork, Warm River, Fall River, Teton River, and South Fork of the Snake are located over the Teton Pass in Idaho, within an hour’s drive. The Firehole, Lamar, and Gibbon, world-renowned areas in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, are also within a two-hour drive. Explore 485 North Fall Creek
Soaring Eagle Ranch
Ranchester, WY | 287 Acres
Soaring Eagle Ranch provides outstanding brown trout fishing throughout the summer season, right at its doorstep. The Ranch’s section of the South Tongue River is classified as a Class II fishery due to the quality of trout habitat, which supports a diverse population of fish in various sizes and age classes. Though the Tongue has not been stocked since 1990, there is an abundance of wild trout with over 4,000 fish per mile on certain stretches. When fishing the pristine waters of the South Tongue River, anglers should try to be stealthy when navigating the river and use 6x tippet. In terms of flies, Humpies, Turck Tarantulas, and Black Foam Ants will be highly successful. Just 70 miles north of Soaring Eagle Ranch, the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, Montana, provides year-round world-class fly fishing for rainbow and brown trout. Its tailwater, fed by Yellowtail Dam, ensures stable flows and prolific insect life. Float and wade fishing, guided trips, and knowledge from local fly shops enhance the experience, with seasonal hatches adding variety. Explore Soaring Eagle Ranch
Bondurant Barndominium
Bondurant, WY | 11 Acres
With 1.3 miles of frontage to the Hoback River, Bondurant Barndominium provides a unique fishing experience in its backyard. Though the Hoback River is small, relative to other nearby fisheries such as the Snake River, the Hoback River carries an abundance of native cutthroat which will deliver great topwater action in the summer months. The Hoback River also serves as a unique fishery due to its wade fishing accessibility. Many avid anglers on the Hoback recommend a 4-5 weight rod when fishing the river. For flies, hoppers, Beetle patterns, Orange Stimulators, and Parachute Adams serve as reliable options throughout the summer. Despite its size, the Hoback River packs a punch with fish well over 15 inches. Explore Bondurant Barndominium
17 Rocking Chair
Dubois, Wyoming | 22 Acres
Dubois has been one of the first part of Wyoming to start fishing well this summer; the runoff is officially over, and the summer fishing season is upon us. The Upper Wind River, which runs along the property’s southern border, is a beautiful, free-flowing river dominated by native cutthroat trout. Further down the river, anglers will encounter larger populations of brown and rainbow trout, making it possible to catch all three species in one day. The river and surrounding water, Torrey Creek, Wiggins Fork, etc., are currently fishing extremely well with Duracell nymphs and midges. Fishing continues to improve by the day, and the dry fly fishing should pick up by the end of the week. A four-weight rod with a floating line will make for tremendous fun on the Upper Wind River any day of the week. Explore 17 Rocking Chair
Fly Fishing Ranches for Sale in Idaho
Anderson Ranch
Mountain Home, ID | 3,896 Acres
From late June through the end of July, Anderson Ranch Reservoir and the upper South Fork of the Boise River offer a diverse and action-packed summer fishery in a spectacular setting. After spring runoff, the river below the dam becomes productive with cold, clear flows, attracting substantial populations of wild rainbow trout. Pale Morning Duns and Pink Alberts dominate the hatch chart during this period, with dependable midday Pale Morning Duns hatches followed by vigorous evening caddis activity. Anglers can find rising brown trout in riffles, back eddies, and along seams. Hoppers and beetles start gaining traction toward the end of the month. For those targeting larger fish, streamers in olive, white, and black can be effective during low-light periods. Anderson Ranch offers a versatile summer destination that will create memorable days on the water. Explore Anderson Ranch
Sundown Ranch
Driggs, ID | 264 Acres
Located in the heart of Idaho’s Teton Valley, Sundown Ranch offers prime access to the upper Teton River. This renowned dry fly fishery is surrounded by expansive meadows and panoramic mountain views, but the views are not the extent of the fishery’s perks. From mid-June through late July, the river comes alive with consistent hatches and rising trout. Pale Morning Duns and caddisflies begin hatching in mid-June and are present throughout the summer. As July progresses, hatches diversify with the emergence of Yellow Sallies and Salmon flies. By late July, grasshoppers begin to make their appearance along the grassy banks. With its spring-fed clarity, technical currents, and abundance of native cutthroat and rainbow trout, Sundown Ranch delivers a classic Western fly-fishing experience where timing the hatch and presenting the correct pattern is crucial to unlocking the Teton River’s full potential. Explore Sundown Ranch
Ice House Creek Ranch
Fremont County, ID | 2,012.63 Acres
Ice House Creek Ranch is an exceptional property that boasts prime agricultural and cattle opportunities. In addition, Ice House Creek Ranch resides next to one of Idaho’s most renowned fisheries, the Henry’s Fork River. From mid-June to early July, anglers can expect consistent dry dropper opportunities with size 6-10 Golden Stones, Green Drakes, and Flavs being followed by size 14–18 Red and Brown Zebra Midges in the afternoons. In the early mornings, olive, brown and black streamers provide eats as well. With the commencement of July, multiple hatches such as Tricos, Yellow Sallies, and caddis will draw the attention of fish residing in Henry’s Fork. As July advances and the heat rises, anglers should target shade and fast-moving oxygenated waters during the hot afternoons. The property also sits next to the Island Park reservoir which serves as a year-round fishery with an abundance of fish species. With its rich diversity of hatches during the summer season, Henry’s Fork serves as a premier destination for any trout angler. Additionally, the Island Park Reservoir is a great fishing opportunity for those seeking still water fishing. Explore Ice House Creek Ranch
Twin Peaks Guest Ranch
Salmon, ID | 677.81 Acres
The Salmon River, located at the entrance of Twin Peaks Guest Ranch, offers a dynamic and thriving summer trout fishery. With plentiful fish numbers, fishermen can expect to find native Westslope cutthroat and rainbow trout exceeding 20 inches. As river levels recede from spring runoff, the Salmon River offers excellent conditions for trout. Summer hatches begin with Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies, and Pale Morning Duns, growing stronger into July and August with salmon flies and a surge of terrestrial activity. Fishing is accessible by drift boat or walk-and-wade. Towards the end of summer, large attractor dry flies like Chernobyl Ants, Stimulators, Double Humpies, and Tarantulas are consistently productive. With its spectacular setting, eager surface-feeding trout, and steadily improving hatch cycles, Twin Peaks Guest Ranch and the Salmon River offer an ideal blend of classic Western dry fly fishing. Explore Twin Peaks Guest Ranch
401 Owl Rock Road
Ketchum, ID | 57 Acres
Located just over the hill from Owl Creek, the Big Wood is a classic freestone stream with dynamic structure, riffle-pool sequences, and excellent access points. By late June, runoff is typically tapering off, leaving behind clear water and healthy flows. Expect prolific Pale Morning Duns and caddis hatches, especially during the early mornings and evenings. As July heats up, Golden Stones and Terrestrials (ants and hoppers) start showing up in the mix, particularly effective with a dry-dropper setup. Just 20 minutes from the property, Silver Creek is a mecca for technical dry fly anglers. This spring creek’s gin-clear water and rich insect life demand stealth and precision. June brings the famed Pale Morning Duns hatch, with fish rising selectively to emergers and spinners throughout the day. By early July, Tricos start to show in the mornings, and beetles and damsels become reliable midday options. Long leaders, 6x tippet, and a patient cast are essential. For anyone looking for a serene and sight-fishing-rich experience, this is hard to beat. Explore 401 Owl Rock Road
Henry’s Fork Highlands Ranch
Ashton, ID | 503.5 Acres
Henry’s Fork Highlands Ranch, set between the Warm River and Ashton reservoir, offers exceptional summer fly fishing with sustained hatches and unique Western trout action. From mid-June to early July, anglers can expect consistent dry dropper opportunities with size 6-10 Golden Stones, Green Drakes, and Flavs being followed by size 14 –18 Red and Brown Zebra Midges in the afternoons. In the early mornings, olive, brown and black streamers also provide bites. With the beginning of July, multiple hatches such as Tricos, Yellow Sallies, and caddis will draw the attention of fish residing in Henry’s Fork. As July advances and the heat rises, anglers should target shade and fast-moving oxygenated waters during the hot afternoon hours. With its rich diversity of hatches during the summer season, the Henry’s Fork serves as a premier destination for any trout angler. Explore Henry’s Fork Highlands Ranch
Swan Valley Cottonwood Lots
Ashton, ID | 24.84 Acres
Situated along the South Fork of the Snake River, anglers can pursue of the most dynamic summer hatches in the West. In late June, the fishing for Yellowstone cutthroat, brown, and rainbow trout are most productive with Stonefly Nymphs, Tungsten Jigs, Worms, and Mop Flies. As the summer season progresses, green drakes and Pale Morning Duns begin to hatch in the afternoons, with large brown and black Rubberleg patterns (sizes 2-4) helping produce aggressive eats. By early July, anglers should also be prepared for the full lifecycle of Salmonflies, Golden Stones, Pale Morning Duns, and Little Yellow Sallies, with dry fly opportunities heating up in the afternoons. Riffle fishing becomes particularly effective, especially with Pale Morning Duns, while the Golden Stone hatch offers exciting surface eats along the banks and seams of the South Fork. Toward mid-to-late July, caddis hatches join the mix, creating efficient fishing windows in the early morning and evening hours. All in all, the South Fork of the Snake River offers exciting fishing that lasts through the summer. Explore Swan Valley Cottonwood Lots
Fly Fishing Ranches for Sale in Montana
LC Ranch
Three Forks, MT | 1,121 Acres
Exceptional sporting amenities abound on the LC Ranch, including trophy fishing for wild brown trout. The ranch is located on the western edge of the Gallatin Valley, and it offers frontage on the Lower Gallatin River. Two unique spring creeks and a large pond provide fantastic, sizeable browns, on the ranch. The summer bugs that are most often targeted by fish are terrestrial insects including hoppers, beetles, and ants. From midday to late afternoon the insects are most active, and it is a dynamic situation to raise a brown from the soft undercuts or jagged logjams. Streamer and crayfish patterns are also highly effective on larger fish. If not stalking with the fly rod, a simple stroll along the creeks and ponds showcase visuals of big browns darting around. For the anglers interested in private spring creek fishing and chances at truly huge brown trout, the LC Ranch should merit consideration. Explore LC Ranch
Montana Riverfront Resort
Fort Smith, MT | 107 Acres
Montana Riverfront Resort has been operated as a premier wild brown and rainbow trout fly fishing destination for over 30 years. Built from the ground up by its current owner, the lodge has earned a strong national reputation within both communities—recognized not only for the quality of its experiences, but for the professionalism and hospitality that keep guests returning year after year. The Orvis-Endorsed Main Lodge’s location on the upper Bighorn River provides immediate access to some of the most productive trout waters in North America. Guided fishing trips are a core element of the lodge’s offerings, and the private boat launch adds a layer of exclusivity and convenience few competitors can match. In the summer, the Bighorn River produces stable flows along with a multitude of hatches that enable anglers to efficiently fish these waters. From late June to late July, the most prominent hatches are Pale Morning Duns and Yellow Sally stoneflies. Using these patterns, anglers can expect to catch a plethora of trout. Explore Montana Riverfront Resort
Fly Fishing Ranch for Sale in New Mexico
Cow Creek Ranch
Pecos, New Mexico | 934 Acres
During the summer months, Cow Creek Ranch offers fly anglers a rich and varied hatch schedule that keeps trout actively feeding. Cow Creek, a small but productive stream with over three miles onsite, has been professionally enhanced to provide dozens of pools supporting trout that average 16 to 20+ inches long. The rich aquatic insect base in the stream keeps these fish healthy, and they are an enormous thrill to land on a fly rod. In addition, seven lakes create a still water fishery that offers trout up to 30 inches and in six varieties: rainbows, browns, brooks, cutthroats, cutbows, and tigers. From June through August, the creek comes alive with prolific insect activity, including steady hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies. Pale Morning Duns and Green Drakes make regular appearances, often triggering surface strikes from opportunistic trout. Caddisflies emerge consistently through the warmer months and are particularly effective around midday. Stoneflies such as Golden Stones and Yellow Sallies also hatch during this time, providing larger meals and exciting dry-fly action, especially in the morning and evening. As the summer progresses, terrestrial insects like hoppers, beetles, and ants become key players, offering exciting sight-fishing opportunities. Hatches aside, anglers should always have a black or olive bugger at the ready to prospect deeper holes for large trout. Explore Cow Creek Ranch
Fly Fishing Ranch for Sale in Utah
Crystal Ranch
Mountain Home, UT | 470 Acres
Crystal Ranch is one of the few places in Utah offering anglers the chance to catch a Grand Slam—landing all four trout species—from the same stream. Home to brown, rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout, the live water on Crystal Ranch provides an extended fishing season, thanks to the diverse water types found across the property. With approximately three miles of fishable water—including roughly 1.75 miles of the Yellowstone River and 1.25 miles of Summer Creek—there’s plenty for the angler to explore. Per Utah stream law, the waters on Crystal Ranch are 100% private, with no public access, giving the landowner full control of the fishery in a truly uninterrupted and secluded setting. By mid to late June, water levels settle into summer flows, making it one of the best times to prospect with large dry flies or streamers. Currently, anglers are seeing strong evening caddis emergences, some morning mayfly activity, and a few stoneflies hatching along the edges of the Yellowstone. July brings some of the most consistent fishing of the year, thanks to stable flows, predictable weather, and long daylight hours. By mid-July, nearly every major summer hatch is underway—from caddis, Pale Morning Duns (PMDs), and Yellow Sallies to terrestrials—along with lingering Golden Stoneflies and Green Drakes. It’s not uncommon to find trout feeding steadily from early morning into moonlit evenings. Explore Crystal Ranch
Fly Fishing Ranches for Sale in Colorado
Creekside at Eagle Ridge Ranch | 35 Acres
Gunnison, CO
With three miles of professionally enhanced Ohio Creek, Creekside at Eagle Ridge Ranch has premier fishing access out the backdoor of the home, among the multitude of other sporting pursuits available. During the summer months on Ohio Creek, a tributary to the Gunnison River, fly fishing comes alive with prolific hatches. Anglers can expect steady emergences of mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies, with peak action typically from late June through August. Pale Morning Duns and Blue-Winged Olives provide reliable dry fly opportunities, while caddis hatches—especially in the evenings—create explosive surface action. Golden stoneflies often bring larger trout to the surface, especially near riffles and undercut banks. Terrestrials like hoppers and beetles also become effective as summer progresses. Matching the hatch is key, and observant anglers will be rewarded with aggressive takes and memorable days on the water. Explore Creekside at Eagle Ridge Ranch
Elk Creek Ranch
Meeker, Colorado
With the acquisition of Pollard and Dry Creek Units from the 7 Lakes property in 2021, Elk Creek Ranch has expanded to +/- 25,000 acres, encompassing 30 + miles of private fishing access known by many anglers as the finest dry fly fishing in the country. With 44 fishing beats, guided by top-notch professionals, this is a destination fishery and provides fishing opportunities seen nowhere else in the world. For generations, this property has been managed with the trout fisherman in mind, and the results speak for themselves. Trophy fish can be found in every corner of the ranch, from the slow-moving waters of the upper South Fork to the technical pocket water of Elk Creek itself. Currently, the mayfly and caddis hatches are in full swing with assorted stoneflies getting into the mix as well. However, the true gem of this fisherman’s paradise is the late summer and fall terrestrial fishing, which can be described as nothing short of legendary.
Fly Fishing Ranch for Sale in Oregon
R&C Ranch
Fossil, OR
R&C Ranch is conveniently nestled along 1.5 miles of the John Day River, notorious for its smallmouth bass fishery as well as a strong summer steelhead run. Anglers can expect success fishing from the shore however, the true beauty of this location lies in its access to the entire river system. For smallmouth bass fishing, a six to eight weight rod with both an intermediate sinking line and a floating line are recommended. The peak season for smallmouth runs from mid-June to the end of August and 75 fish days are far from uncommon. Both topwater and subsurface action can be extremely productive depending on weather conditions. Typical flies include: the Stealth Bomber, Gamechanger, Bottoms Up, and other assorted poppers and streamers. For steelhead, most anglers will opt to swing subsurface flies such as Intruders or the Burnt Chicken. This can be done with a conventional fly rod, however, a spey or switch rod is recommended. With these two remarkable fishing opportunities, along with a recovering chinook salmon run, R&C Ranch makes for an unparalleled home base to target a wealth of species with a fly rod in hand. Explore R&C Ranch