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Frenchtown, Missoula County, Montana

Fishing

5.00

Slow Eddy Montana Ranch

Adventure Details

Reservation fee

$19.25

Price per person

$175.00

Total

$0.00

Guest limit

4

Amenities

Camping, Tent Camping, River, Trailer Access, Dogs Allowed, Partial Phone Service

Acreage

0

Fish Species

Brown Trout, Pike, Rainbow Trout

Spin Fishing Allowed

No

Notes from the landowner

Just an hour outside of Missoula, Slow Eddy Montana Ranch offers 1.75 miles of private access to one of Montana’s most scenic and dynamic stretches of the Clark Fork River. Located downstream from the confluence with the Bitterroot River, this section of the Clark Fork transforms into a wide, flowing river with a mix of slow channels, back eddies, and larger main-stem water. The property features multiple access points, with the easiest entry found downstream. The riverbank is generally accessible and consists of fist-sized stone and occasional sandy patches, making wading manageable for most anglers.

The ranch also offers two private camping locations, making it ideal for weekend or extended stays. Camping is dispersed and primitive guests must bring their own water, use bear-proof food storage or locking coolers, and follow all “leave no trace” practices. Campfires are allowed only in propane fire rings; no open fires are permitted. The Thicket campsite accommodates tents, sprinter vans, and small pull-behinds (no fifth wheels). Bear spray is highly recommended. If you're coming with a group, consider booking the neighboring Clark Fork Overlook Ranch as well to expand your river access.

While the river is private up to the high-water mark, please be aware that Montana Stream Access Law allows for public recreation along navigable waters though this stretch is typically quiet and uncrowded.

Game and habitat information

This section of the Clark Fork River is classic big-water Montana fishing with strong trophy potential. After merging with the Bitterroot River, the Clark Fork gains volume, creating a broad, productive fishery filled with structure, seams, and backwaters. Anglers can target a mix of Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Northern Pike, which are known to cruise the slower eddies and channels in a predatory fashion. The slower water on this property can be ideal for ambush predators like Pike, while more traditional trout lies riffles, seams, and foam lines offer consistent action for Browns and Rainbows.

River flows will affect fish location and access to side channels, but in most conditions, anglers will find a wide range of water types to explore. The diversity of habitat, combined with lower pressure and beautiful scenery, makes this a must-visit for anglers looking to experience classic Montana fly fishing with room to roam.

RareWaters Listing

This property is managed in partnership with RareWaters. By booking this property, you agree to RareWaters's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Fishing Hours

Sunrise to Sunset

FAQs

Yes
$150 per vehicle per night
No
No. Once parked, all access is restricted to foot only.
No, please leave no trace.
Missoula or Frenchtown
Yes
For properties listed as "Community Adventures" there is the possibility that a limited number of other anglers can be on the property at the same time. Just a heads up, some of our spots have other leases that might have anglers casting their lines too. So, hit 'request to book' and we'll make sure to confirm the availability before you pack your gear!
We think it's important to mentor the next generation of anglers. Youth between the ages of 13 and 17 are 50% off for all fishing and small game when you reserve on the Infinite Outdoors app. However, kids 13-17 will need to have an Infinite Outdoors Membership. Youth 12 and under are free and do not need a membership but must follow all property rules.
No, most of our property listings are available to Infinite Outdoors Members without a pass. If you plan on fishing on a regular basis talk to our support team and see if a pass might make sense.
Not all properties have signs, so be sure to check the property boundaries and information in the Infinite Outdoors app.
Access your adventure on the IO app before heading out the door, all the information and maps will be on the app so you don't need service to navigate your adventure. Also all property maps will download offline onto your app so you can always see where you are on the property, even without service.
We can't guarantee you'll catch fish every time—fishing always comes with a bit of unpredictability due to factors like weather and fish behavior. However, we do everything we can to boost your chances! We offer information on local fly shops so you can get the best tips and gear recommendations. As for the size of the fish, it really depends on where you're fishing. We aim to connect you with spots where you have a good shot at landing some great catches, but it's all part of the Do-It-Yourself fly fishing adventure!
Download and use the Infinite Outdoors app for directions to the property, boundary lines, access points, and more. These maps can be found in the adventure layer on the app home screen or in your list of adventures under the "Adventures" tab.
Adventures must be cancelled 48 hours or more prior to the trip. Any cancellations made within 48 hours will result in partial or full charges.
Yes, each active angler on the property must be an active Infinite Outdoors member and must be invited, and accepted, to the adventure through the platform.
Non anglers require prior approval. Once approved they must still be IO members but may be subject to reduced price or free outdoorsman fee. If this applies to you, please reach out to IO.
Your downloaded adventure and map in the IO app is your proof of booking. Be prepared to present it upon request.
Unavailable dates may be due to properties already being booked to capacity, landowners have not yet made dates available, or we are resting the property for conservation purposes. Feel free to contact an Infinite Outdoors member or support team if this issue arises.
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Reviews

rm

May 17, 2024

5 out of 5 stars

Slow Eddy is an exciting property when and if you can find it. A 45 minute drive puts you on a dirt road that is maintained but still has pocket holes all along the way. GPS tracker is the way to go. I found the upper boundary parking lot, but it is a hike to get down to the river. Luckily, the ranch manager was alerted that I was on the property. I was able to follow his vehicle through a gated fence that was labeled PRIVATE PROPERTY. Had The manager, Dan, not directed me, I would not have felt comfortable going through the gate. Having located the correct parking for Rare Waters, I was able to scout the property. What an amazing property it is. Somewhere between 4,000 and 6,000 acres with over 1.75 miles of river access. I was at the property during high water, but found rainbows and browns hitting a perdigon trailed under a Chubby. The perdigon was black thread, sparse tail; single flash strand over the abdomen with a red tinsel egg sack. I used a 7 1/2 foot leader for the Chubby and 18 inches of fluorocarbon 3x tippet for the perdigon dropper. This combination produced plenty of 16-19 inch fish between 10:30 and 3:30The brown were of a deep gold coloration which had - mid June. the iridescence flash in the water when hooked. Mid-afternoon produced rapid fire strikes and releases. The property probably fishes easier with lower flows which would be expected in late May and mid June. Both the ranch manager and construction manager were cordial and very helpful for the property layout. If you can find this property, you'll find out that it is truly an amazing hidden jewel on the Clark Fork. Virtually no pressure...NICE.

RW

Aug 28, 2023

5 out of 5 stars

I fished the Slow Eddy Ranch in late August with lower flows but just after a rain event that put the water temps in a good condition (2,130 cfs in Missoula). This property gives an angler access to a multifaceted fishery. Not only are there shots at Pike in the deep slough, but there is several fish holding features on the property. There is a large swooping riffle section that moves into a run with seems, a bucket on the fare side, and some pockets behind structure. The run intersects with the pike filled slough that creates a big eddy where I witnessed some dry fly eats. The run the moves down to hit the bank and create a cut bank all the way to the tail-out. I pulled the lower 20 inch fish from the pocket water at the head of the run behind a tree stump with a streamer. The landowner was a great host and helped me find the property as well as showed me around. If the fishing wasn't in your favor the scenery can mend the situation with chances to see elk, deer and turkeys. Thanks, Clay Parrish @clay_fishonfilm

co

Aug 24, 2023

5 out of 5 stars

This stretch is very appropriately named, there is a large slow eddy that has a bunch of Pike in it! I had caught multiple pike in a day of fishing and had shots at many others. The host is very kind and showed me where to fish and park etc.

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