Trout Farm ponds, wildlife corridor on creek and river - a perfect getaway

Hamilton, Montana
$271 avg/night
Bed 2

Bed

Bath 2

Bath

Home Private Vacation Home

Property Type

Sleep 6

Max Sleeps

Between Hamilton and Darby, this property borders the Bitterroot River, has spring-fed trout ponds and pastureland with stunning views of the Bitterroot Mountains to the west, and the Sapphire Mountains to the east.
We have high speed internet if you must work or do online school work while staying with us. Guests can gather on the expansive deck, on the screened porch, in the new pavilion, the five-acre pond or other picturesque spots. The deck and large yard are enclosed - a great playspace for children.
The 1960s house has comfortable beds, remodeled bathrooms and all new kitchen appliances. A comfortable living room is ready to watch movies, play board games, and listen to music . The dining area/library/game room off the kitchen is a large room called the breezeway.
The owners have enjoyed 50 years of family gatherings for pig roasts, fish fries, weddings, reunions and many birthday parties. There are no formal gardens or landscapes, just tidy, native flora and fauna that supports a healthy ecosystem for abundant wildlife such as whitetail deer, moose, elk, beaver, mink, muskrat, river otter, wood ducks, Canada geese, osprey, hawks, eagles and turtles. (no hunting)
The rental affords a wrap-around deck and enclosed lawn area interspersed with fruit trees, alongside a pavilion/outdoor picnic area.
This house borders a five acre private pond plus 20 more acres of wetlands that was formed on an old oxbow of the Bitterroot, a blue ribbon fly fishing river.
The dock is a great place to practice your fly casting skills for the elusive Rainbow and Brook trout (we practice catch and release for trout, anything else you can keep). You can also walk across our island to get to the main branch of the river.
Gathering on the deck for morning coffee can be a great place to observe the pond or plan your day of fishing, hiking, or one of the many available activities in our area.
If you love nature, you will be enchanted with our property. It provides endless opportunities for photography, bird watching, fly casting, walking - plenty of ways to relax, renew and reconnect.
* There's an extensive library of books, high speed WiFi, internet access with Netflix, game boards, puzzles, DVD and CD collection and vintage LP records/stereo system.
* High chair, pack' n play and car booster seat available.
* It's a 10-minute drive north to Hamilton restaurants, Saturday Farmers Market and Wednesday small Farmers Market; grocery stores (4), health food store or a 15-minute drive south to Darby - their rodeo grounds and shopping.
* River fishing conditions on blog/Freestone Fly Shop in Hamilton...
* Fish our pond, catch and release with barbless hooks only (not open to public)
* Smoking outside only
* No pets because we have unpredictable wildlife
* credit cards only
We watched from the deck while a mother raccoon and her five offspring came down a tree on the far side of the pond. She encouraged two of them to stay on the shore while she took the others on a swim to the island. The two baby raccoons did not follow her instructions to stay behind and there was a lot of chattering, swimming back and forth and general confusion which created a marvelous experience for us!
We have seen a moose wade into the pond to eat the pond lilies and grass; and seen a lone Trumpeter Swan gracefully feeding while Canada Geese lined up to watch as though they were in loge seats at a movie theatre!

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  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • SKI

    Cross-country Skiing And Snowboarding Nearby
  • PETS

    No Pets Allowed
  • BEACH

    Beach Towels
  • DINING

    Dining Table
  • SAFETY

    Carbon Monoxide Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Carbon Monoxide Detector On The Property) Deadbolt Lock Fire Extinguisher First Aid Kit Smoke Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property)
  • BEDROOM

    2 Bedrooms Bed Sheets Provided
  • GENERAL

    Eco-friendly Cleaning Products Provided Local Artist Showcase Unit Size: 2250 Sq Ft (209 Sq M) Uses Some LED Lighting Water-efficient Toilets Only
  • KITCHEN

    Coffee Grinder Cookware/dishes/utensils Dishwasher Microwave Oven Refrigerator Stovetop Toaster Water Dispenser
  • LAUNDRY

    Laundry Facilities Near Laundromat Washing Machine And Dryer
  • PARKING

    Car Required Onsite Parking
  • INTERNET

    Free WiFi
  • OUTDOORS

    Balcony Barbecue Grill Fenced Yard Garden Outdoor Furniture
  • BATHROOMS

    2 Bathrooms Bathtub Or Shower Hair Dryer Shampoo Soap Toilet Paper Towels Provided
  • WORKSPACES

    Desk Desk Chair
  • LANGS SPOKEN

    English
  • THINGS TO DO

    Basketball Nearby Birdwatching Nearby Boat On Site Casino Nearby Fitness Facilities Nearby Hiking/biking Trails Nearby Kayak On Site Mountain Climbing Nearby Pickleball Court Power Boating Nearby Rafting Nearby Swimming Nearby Tennis On Site Wildlife And Game Walks Nearby
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    Arcade/game Room Books DVD Player Games Music Library Stereo Video Library Smart TV
  • LIVING SPACES

    Fireplace
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Air Conditioning Heating
  • FAMILY FRIENDLY

    Children's Books Children's Dinnerware Children's Games Children's Toys Highchair Playground Stair Gate Travel Crib
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

    In A Rural Location Near A Health Or Beauty Spa Near A Hospital On The River On The Waterfront
  • SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES

    Change Of Bedsheets (on Request) Housekeeping (on Request) Iron/ironing Board
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    5 Stairs To Reach Property If You Have Requests For Specific Accessibility Needs, Please Contact The Property Using The Information On The Reservation Confirmation Received After Booking. No Elevators Smoke-free Property Smooth Flooring In Public Areas Thin Carpet In Public Areas Well-lit Path To Entrance

CheckIn Check-in : 04:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 11:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 6

Map Map

School District Availability

Review Review

  • james

    Submitted Sep 11, 2021

    Stayed Aug 29, 2021

    What an amazing property. The house is a throw back to another era, and it reminded me of my childhood. It has the amenities you would want in modern life, but it is such a warm and welcoming place. From just relaxing on the deck watching the deer and ducks to playing cards with my family, this property allowed us to spend time together in a way we haven't in a long time. The host was FANTASTIC! He took care of anything we needed, helped the kids pick apples from the trees, took the time to teach them about elk, and just really was a friendly face any time we saw him. We will not only book here again, but we will come here SPECIFICALLY for this property, and we are from Tennessee, so that is saying a lot that we would fly across the country just to stay here again.... and again..... and again. You will not go wrong here.

  • Keith M.

    Submitted Nov 6, 2025

    Stayed Oct 23, 2025

    House felt like a home .

  • Russell G.

    Submitted Sep 18, 2025

    Stayed Sep 10, 2025

    Very family friendly, very well furnished, everything needed to cook on site was present ( you just need to furnish your own groceries). 15 minutes to Hamilton so very close to stores and shops. Laundry machines on site so you pack light for weather conditions. Deer were waiting for apples that dropped off of the trees each day. Geese and ducks were present on the trout pond each day, flying in each morning and out each evening. Private beautiful location. Sitting on the deck each breakfast our having a glass of wine, just enjoying the scenery was our favorite thing to do. Other relatives rented other locations in the area and ours was judged to be the best.

  • Dee B.

    Submitted Sep 2, 2025

    Stayed Aug 25, 2025

    The place is quiet. It is large and there are interesting items inside the home to explore, The view is great - large pond, ducks and geese, a turtle and often a deer or two. Great place to rest and not far from Hamilton, Darby and rural life. Second time we have stayed here.

  • Maureen D.

    Submitted Aug 23, 2025

    Stayed Aug 20, 2025

    We loved sitting on the deck overlooking the pond. My husband fished there and at the river. He and my daughter enjoyed rowing the boat. We saw a young bull moose the first night and deer each night. The house was comfortable for 5 adults. We wished we could have stayed longer.

  • Kasey S.

    Submitted Aug 17, 2025

    Stayed Aug 8, 2025

    This home is a time capsule to a time that focused on family and love. If you're focused on all the modern amenities, this is not for you, but what you will receive is a home that provides relaxation, coziness, and the opportunity to make memories with your loved ones. Everything you need is provided and Rae makes sure you are comfortable and taken care of. This was the perfect place to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary and would love to return.

  • Jessica S.

    Submitted Aug 4, 2025

    Stayed Aug 1, 2025

    HIGHLY RECOMMEND! The house has more space than pictured and we almost got lost when we first walked in. There are also fun treasures, games, and entertainment around every corner of the property. We will definitely be making this a reoccurring destination spot for our family. They thought of everything! Activities for all ages. My 10 year old daughter spent the entire time, sun up to sun down, fishing (catch and release) and catching minnows off the dock. The property is well maintained and you can feel how loved and special it is for the family who owns it.Thank you so much for providing such a beautiful property to create some wonderful family memories for our family that will last a lifetime

  • Susan T.

    Submitted Jul 31, 2025

    Stayed Jul 20, 2025

    GERAT!!!

  • Jim L.

    Submitted Jul 15, 2025

    Stayed Jul 10, 2025

    We are a repeat customer staying for a third time. The house was very clean, comfortable and spacious with plenty of information on restaurants, hikes, attractions. Rae our host provided was exemplary in providing instructions on the house and its features. We loved sitting outside watching wildlife in and outside the 5 acre pond. It was fun watching 3 turtles, deer and also being able to walk around. Neighbors were friendly including the horses. We had a very restful relaxing stay, we enjoyed steak at “the edge” sports bar in Hamilton and visited 406 saloon in Darby. We also ate at Ruby’s Cafe in Missoula. We score this experience 5 / 5

  • Sue B.

    Submitted Jul 7, 2025

    Stayed Jul 3, 2025

    This was one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen and having grown up in Montana and can attest that it is truly a natural treasure. We absolutely loved sitting on the deck in the morning watching the geese, ducks, turkeys and turtles along with osprey & eagles as they flew by. The house was full of reading material & collectibles and we were very comfortable staying there. We didn't fish because we didn't want to do any harm to their existence in such a pristine environment.

  • K N.

    Submitted Jun 27, 2025

    Stayed Jun 22, 2025

    The property worked for our small group, centrally located between Darby-Hamilton in the southern Bitteroot Valley.

  • Steve J.

    Submitted Jun 20, 2025

    Stayed Jun 16, 2025

    Fabulous property! A wonderful Montana experience. Second time we have stayed here and we will come back next year.

  • Clair Matthew B.

    Submitted Jun 10, 2025

    Stayed Jun 5, 2025

    We had an amazing stay at Bitterroot Trout Farm! The weather, views, and wildlife did not disappoint! The house and property suited our family so well, and the close proximity to Darby and the things we love to do while in Montana was perfect! Thank you for the great place to get away!

  • Maria M.

    Submitted Oct 14, 2024

    Stayed Oct 11, 2024

    Had a wonderful time! It was the cleanest rental I have ever been to. And the fishing was so fun. Would love to stay again!!!

  • Tom G.

    Submitted Sep 24, 2024

    Stayed Sep 6, 2024

    Trout Farm Ponds is a VRBO that we would recommend to anyone and everyone -- and already have. The place was not only immaculate, but already filled with necessities that you may not have even considered. The comfort was so great that we quickly referred to the property as home. We spent nearly every morning on the deck with a cup of coffee, and every evening on the deck with a glass of wine, or perhaps scotch. And Bob was the crowning jewel that made the place even better; we enjoyed his company and hospitality every day. Whatever that man earns, he deserves a raise!! As I said, Trout Pond Farms could not have been better. We will be back...

  • Dee B.

    Submitted Sep 3, 2024

    Stayed Aug 26, 2024

    We were lucky that we did not schedule to arrive a day earlier because there was a bad windstorm and the road to the home was blocked and there was no power! By the time we arrived most of the mess was cleaned up and the power was on. The home is a bit “retro” but comfortable, the view of the lake was very relaxing, there were deer, ducks. Geese, and wild turkeys to provide entertainment. The two large bedrooms, one with two beds, provided all the sleeping comfort anyone would want. EVERYTHING you might want was available in the home. All the basics were there, and the previous guest had apparently left extras to augment the needed items. Bob, the caretaker, was a BIG help when you had questions. Will stay again when in the area!

  • Afton R.

    Submitted Aug 21, 2024

    Stayed Aug 16, 2024

    Great stay

  • Julie H.

    Submitted Aug 17, 2024

    Stayed Aug 12, 2024

    Absolutely wonderful place! Bob the maintenance guy was very pleasant to visit with. House was clean, comfortable and private. Loved drinking our coffee on the porch every morning and then eatting dinner out there also. Took nice walk down to the river. We will be back!

  • Bill P.

    Submitted Aug 14, 2024

    Stayed Aug 6, 2024

    This was as titled, excellent home layout complete with an amazing library collection, screened room & patio. The nature was harmony of bull frogs, eagles, otters, blue heron, bobwhite quail & chicks, and ducks. We caught (and released) rainbow and brown trout during our stay. Bob was most helpful with the fishing locations and history of the home and area. His recommendations for dining in town and print information in the kitchen made selections easy. Our only disappointment was the condition of the lake being chocked with water lilies reducing the fishing areas and the pristine view as seen on the website.

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Total

Includes taxes and fees
$350+
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