Cakebread Ranch Thayne, Wyoming

Details & Features

Nestled along the banks of Wyoming’s famed Salt River, Cakebread Ranch is a ±220-acre fly fishing ranch in Wyoming offering unmatched fly fishing, abundant wildlife, and refined yet versatile improvements—all approximately an hour from Jackson Hole. With two miles of river frontage and a spring-fed side channel, the property delivers world-class angling in a setting of privacy and natural beauty. A charming lodge, historic fly shop, extensive gardens, and well-kept grounds provide immediate enjoyment while leaving ample opportunity for a new owner’s vision, whether a private sporting retreat or an exclusive club concept. Combining proximity to Jackson, Wyoming’s favorable tax benefits, and a name synonymous with sophistication, this fly fishing ranch in Wyoming is a truly distinctive offering in the heart of Star Valley.

Acreage

The Ranch consists of approximately 220 acres, ranging from irrigated, productive hay meadows to treed areas surrounding the riparian zone of the Salt River. A balanced property, these diverse grounds can produce everything from operational income to incredible sporting memories given the varying nature of the land.

Location

Thayne, WY is a small town in Lincoln County, known for its rural charm and friendly atmosphere. Its location in the heart of Star Valley is picturesque and mountainous. The community offers a blend of modern conveniences, including local businesses and schools, with a tranquil, sporting-oriented lifestyle. At 5,600 to 7,000 feet in elevation, the valley is approximately 14 miles wide by 50 miles long. Fertile soils nourished by mountain runoff, rivers, and streams create a lush, green environment prime for the vast local wildlife, wild trout, and waterfowl populations and the recreational users who appreciate them.
Star Valley’s premium location is partly due to its proximity to Jackson Hole, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone National Parks. However, due to the area’s exceptional fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreational attributes, Star Valley is quietly sought after by those seeking the classic Rocky Mountain lifestyle in a tranquil unfettered environment.
The nearest private airport is the Afton Municipal Airport, which hosts a 7,200 ft airstrip accommodating private planes. Additionally, The Alpine Airpark has a 5,250 ft long airstrip in Alpine, WY. Commercial air services and upscale modern conveniences are located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Idaho Falls, Idaho. Salt Lake City is a 3.5-hour drive south.

Improvements

Well improved, the Ranch includes a custom built lodge over 7,000 sqft, a reconstructed historic cabin functioning as a fly shop, a metal shop building with a cozy apartment, and a hay storage structure. In addition to these buildings, the highlight of the Ranch is the extensive garden complete with a green house, processing cabin, and rows of structurally sound raised beds.
A day at the Ranch would often start at the fly shop, which is a restored cabin from the 1800s that has been meticulously maintained. This building will no doubt be a centerpeice for the next owner, with options to convert it to a guest cabin, a nature center, or continue as a fly shop where everyone will get geared up for the coming day.
The lodge was originally designed to function as a clubhouse for the guests at the Ranch. After a day of fishing, one could clean up for a world-class dining experience followed by a nightcap next to the outdoor fireplace on the river. There are current plans in place to convert the office in the lodge into guest quarters to accommodate owners overnight.
Opportunities to further improve the Ranch abound with ample developable land on both sides of the river. Owners have their choice of building sites providing direct access to the river with big mountain views on all sides.

Ranch Operation

The Ranch is ideal for a hay lease with a local producer for ease of workload along with small income generation. An incoming owner could also easily run a small cattle heard for signature beef or other livestock. With some simple additions, this property would thrive as an equestrian focused property.

Hunting and Wildlife

Wildlife is plentiful on the Ranch given the lush pastures and the riparian areas on the property, providing food, water, and shelter year-round. Moose and deer are a common sight, along with incredible bird life ranging from sandhill cranes, migratory song birds, and ample waterfowl.
With nearly two miles of open water on the Ranch and the agricultural fields, the waterfowl hunting opportunities on the Ranch are abundant. With mallards being the most common, there are chances to harvest an array of ducks and geese throughout the season.

Live Water

The Salt River is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and abundant populations of wild brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. With so many world famous rivers nearby, the Salt River often “flies under the radar”, receiving much less fishing pressure than some of its high profile neighbors such as the Snake River and the South Fork of the Snake. The Ranch includes approximately 1.7 miles of the Salt River including productive side channels, which provide incredible wade fishing options.
West Creek is a spring influenced fishery on the western side of the property. This creek has been created from spring flow and supplemental Salt River flow to create a spring creek like fishery, where cutthroat trout cool off in the summer and trophy brown trout move in to spawn in the fall. This fishery is a nice compliment to the Salt River on the property, and it can provide a memorable day for any angler. The Ranch has approximately 1/3 of a mile of this fishery resource, bringing total fishable water to two miles.
Both the Salt River and West Creek provide ample opportunities for anglers of all levels. Your fishing adventures continue at world-renowned fisheries such as the South Fork, the Snake River, and the Grey’s River, which are a short drive away. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to learn the art of fly fishing, these onsite and nearby rivers offer the finest the West has to offer. The tranquility of these pristine waters and the thrill of catching trophy-sized trout create memories that will last a lifetime.

Water Rights

The Ranch is well watered with water rights servicing practically the entire ranch. The western portion of the property is currently irrigated with three newer wheel lines that are fully functional. The eastern portion of the property has been flood irrigated in the past and could be converted to wheel lines with ease.

Conservation Easements

Free of encumberances, the property is a prime candidate for a conservation easement given riverine corridor surrounded by developable property. Local Land Trusts, as well as national organizations, would welcome the opportunity to steward a Conservation Easement on the Cakebread Ranch.

Summary

Located in the heart of Wyoming’s picturesque Star Valley, this 220-acre Ranch, an hour south of Jackson Hole, offers a blend of natural beauty, premium recreation, and turnkey improvements. With two miles of Salt River frontage and the spring influenced West Creek, Cakebread Ranch is a haven for anglers, nature lovers, and those simply seeking a quiet place to relax. Seldom do we see a property with such high-quality land, water attributes, and improvements that match in quality. Cakebread Ranch is that place.

• HIGHLIGHTS:
• 7,000+ sqft custom built lodge with growth opportunities on developable land
• Reconstructed historic cabin functioning as a fly shop
• Extensive garden with raised beds, a green house, and processing cabin
• Metal shop with apartment
• LOCATION:
• Located in the heart of Star Valley
• 20-minute drive from Alpine, 30-minute drive from Afton, 1 hour from Jackson Hole, 1 hour and 30 minutes from Idaho Falls
• Private airstrip access located in Afton and Alpine
• Commercial air services located in Jackson Hole and Idaho Falls