Crane Meadow Lodge 

Rockies

Located in the heart of an 8,000-acre ranch on the Ruby River, just outside the town of Twin Bridges in Southwestern Montana, Crane Meadow’s exceptional private water program and homestyle hospitality make it among our top picks for serious anglers who like to put in long, productive days on the water. In addition to the ranch’s twenty miles of private access to the Ruby River, Leonard Spring Creek, and Mill Creek, Crane Meadow has exclusive leases with more than a dozen local landowners, enabling access to seldom fished reaches of the Beaverhead, upper Ruby, and countless other sneaky spots. The lodge’s unmatched public water program allows anglers to float the Jefferson, Big Hole, and Beaverhead or wade-fish Proposal and Poindexter sloughs. Many anglers visiting Crane will elect to float one of the nearby rivers for the first half of the day and wade-fish the ranch’s private water in the evening. Crane Meadow Lodge features four private cabins complete with queen beds, separate living areas, and screened porches. The main lodge sports a relaxing western atmosphere with a comfortable living area, fireplace, spacious dining room, and complimentary bar. The dinner menu features local specialties with an emphasis on true western fare. Breakfasts are continental. For those who long for quality Montana fly fishing guides, warm hospitality, and the uncrowded dry fly waters of yesteryear, this is the place.

Location:
Crane Meadow Lodge is located on the banks of the Ruby River, just upstream from Twin Bridges, Montana.

Fishing Program:
Located in the heart of an 8,000-acre ranch on the Ruby River, just outside the town of Twin Bridges in southwestern Montana, Crane Meadow’s exceptional private water program and home style hospitality make it among our top picks for serious anglers who like to put in long, productive days on the water. In addition to the ranch’s twenty miles of private access to the Ruby River, Leonard Spring Creek, and Mill Creek, Crane Meadow has exclusive leases with more than a dozen local landowners, enabling access to seldom fished reaches of the Beaverhead, upper Ruby, and countless other sneaky spots. The lodge’s unmatched public water program allows anglers to float the Jefferson, Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Madison or wade-fish Proposal and Poindexter sloughs. Many anglers visiting Crane will elect to float one of the nearby rivers for the first half of the day and wade-fish the ranch’s private water in the evening.

Non-Angling Activities:
The non-fishing/non-hunting guest will have plenty of activities to fill a vacation agenda with historic places to visit like the old ghost towns of Virginia City and Nevada City and family attractions such as Bannack State Park and the Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. Hiking and sight-seeing at these nearby points of interest are great fun for the whole family. Yellowstone National Park is 1.5 hours from the park and worth a side trip. Watching wildlife and birds on the ranch is another popular activity.

"Thank you for the fabulous recommendation. Crane Meadow exceeded all our expectations. The fishing was wonderful, the food good and the staff very helpful." J.K., FL

Accommodations and Meals:
Crane Meadow Lodge features four private cabins complete with queen beds, separate living area/reading nook, and screened porch/gear storage area. The cabins do not have a TV, phone or refrigerator. The main lodge sports a relaxing western atmosphere with a comfortable living area, fireplace, spacious dining room, and complimentary bar. The “ranch gourmet” dinner menu features local specialties with an emphasis on true western fare. The lodge has a few hairdryers on hand so just ask Cody if you need one during your stay.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Crane Meadow Lodge
Days 2-5: Full days of guided fishing
Day 6: Depart lodge.

Typical Daily Schedule
7:00AM – 7:15AM: Breakfast.
8:00AM: Depart for fishing.
12:30PM: Break for picnic lunch.
5:30PM – 6:30PM: Return to the lodge.
7:30PM: Dinner

"It's nice to know I don't have to go all the way to Alaska to get OVER-THE-TOP, unbelieveable fishing. Cody Meine and the Crane Meadow gang ROCK!” M.S., OR

"We had a wonderful time, many large rainbows and beautiful browns. The fishing guides were THE BEST we've ever had! We will be returning next year!" J.B., CA

Complete Trip Details