Harrison Homestead

The Harrison Homestead is located on the banks of the Yellowstone River and is a short drive from the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, the Stillwater River, and the Boulder River.

The Vermillion brothers’ international outfitting business, Sweetwater Travel, was born at their family ranch on the banks of the Yellowstone River. With the same eye for quality and detail in their operations abroad, the brothers have recently renovated their family ranch, making it one of Montana’s most intimate angling retreats for small groups and families. Listed on the National Historic Register, the Homestead is a home, not a lodge. With a maximum occupancy of six guests, the Harrison Homestead makes for an exclusive base where guests will set the schedule. Staffed with a professional chef, all meals will be served in the dining room overlooking the family ranch. The Harrison Homestead is located on the banks of the Yellowstone River and is a short drive from the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, the Stillwater River, and the Boulder River. Unlike the crowded waters in some parts of Montana, these local waters provide the opportunity to catch large, wild trout in a relaxed fly fishing environment. The Vermillion Ranch is also a state licensed Pheasant Preserve with a robust population of Ringneck Pheasants and Chukars. Anglers can complement their fall fly fishing with self-guided hunting. All dogs are welcome.

Harrison Homestead, which has been in the family since 1971, has over a mile of river frontage on the famous Yellowstone River. Guests may also fish on the ranch’s small ponds stocked with rainbow trout and largemouth bass. Within a forty minute drive of the ranch, the visiting angler can fly fish the famed Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, the Boulder River, the Stillwater River, as well as an endless supply of lakes and small streams. The local waters are well known for their prolific hatches of caddis, mayflies, stoneflies, and terrestrials. Anglers are free to pick the venue that best meets their personal needs each day.

Yellowstone River - The Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in the US. With over 150 miles of great trout fly fishing, it offers a variety of options. Winding through the beautiful Paradise Valley into the plains of eastern Montana, the Yellowstone River is a freestone anglers dream. The trout fight hard and are aggressive feeders so whether the fly is beneath the surface or amidst a hatch anglers are sure to face an exciting challenge.

Depuy's, Nelson's, and Armstrong's Spring Creeks - These famous spring creeks flow into the Yellowstone River in the middle of Paradise Valley and are famous for big hatches and technical fishing. Anglers will find themselves gazing up at the snow capped mountains while trout are sipping dries off of the surface. These are incredible creeks with large trout populations, and a few lunkers. It is suggested that guests fish these creeks for two days of their week.

Boulder River - This is a gorgeous mountain stream that drains into the Yellowstone River and provides an opportunity for more walk and wade fishing. It is a fast moving river that alternates between deep pools and shallow riffles. Perfectly paired with a 3 weight rod, Boulder River makes for an intimate experience fishing for smaller, colorful trout.

Stillwater River - This river fishes similarly to the Boulder River, providing a second opportunity to put a nice bend in a 3 weight rod. It is a freestone river with boulder strewn rapids flowing into deep pools. With easy access and clear water, anglers will find themselves captivated with Stillwater River’s site fishing and dry fly opportunities.

Located on the banks of the Yellowstone River and Sweetgrass Creek, the Harrison Homestead will be home during a stay in Montana. The ranch is protected by a conservation easement and is home to a remarkable population of deer, upland birds, and waterfowl. It has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, large kitchen, spacious dining room, parlor, full basement, and three porches. Weekly capacity is limited to seven anglers. All meals will be provided by a professional chef on-site and will be served in the dining room overlooking the pastoral tranquility of rural Montana.

Day 1: Arrive Harrison Homestead.

Days 2 - 6: Full days of guided fishing on various waters.

Day 7: Depart lodge.

2025 Rates: Per person based on double occupancy

• 6 night/5 day package: $3,950
• 5 night/4 day package: $3,650
• 4 night/3 day package: $3,350

Included: Accommodations and meals at the lodge, guided fishing, local and state taxes (includes a 4% bed tax), private water rod fees (limit of two per week per person on the spring creeks or private lakes for five day packages).

Not Included: Transportation to/from Bozeman, airport shuttle between airport and the lodge, fishing licenses, staff and guide gratuities, alcohol.

Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout

Season: May - October

Capacity: 6 anglers

Where is the lodge? The Homestead sits on the Yellowstone River east of Livingston, Montana.

How do I get there? Guests fly into Bozeman, Montana and rent a car for the one hour, ten minute drive.

When should I go? The season is in full swing at the beginning of July with most rivers in great shape and fishing well. This area fishes well into October.

Where do they fish? Guides will fish the Yellowstone River through Paradise Valley down through the less-traveled stretches by the Homestead. Walk/wade days on the Boulder and Stillwater Rivers offer pool and pocket water fishing in a more intimate setting. The Paradise Valley spring creeks (Depuy’s, Nelson’s, Armstrong’s) are an option for anglers that are interested in the match-the-hatch dry fly game.

Who is best suited to this destination? The Harrison Homestead is best for groups of 4-6 anglers that have varied interests in fisheries.

What are the accommodations and meals like? The rooms in the Homestead are well-appointed and furnished for the weary angler. Meals are prepared nightly by a private chef and are always crowd pleasing.

Describe the atmosphere and style of the lodge? The Homestead itself is a historic ranch house listed on the National Register. The property has over a mile of Yellowstone River frontage and is also a licensed pheasant preserve. Since groups of 4-6 have exclusive use of the Homestead, the experience is utterly private and whatever you make of it.

Is the owner on-site? If so, who is it? If not, who is the manager? Either the owner or head guide will be on-site on arrival day to help everyone get settled in. The guides facilitate having everyone back home for appetizers and dinner each evening.

Is there internet and cell service? Wireless internet is available for guests who want to bring their laptop. Most cell phones work at the house (specifically Verizon Wireless) and there is a land line if you need to use the telephone. Just bring a calling card if you are going to make long distance phone calls. There is also direct TV in the basement.

How do they fish? Depending on the time of the season and fisheries visited anglers will fish everything from dry flies to nymphs and streamers.

What fish will I catch? Rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout.

Will we see other anglers? You will see other anglers, though pressure in this area is generally lighter than other areas of Montana.

Is there wade fishing? Yes, guests can either wade fish or float fish as much as they’d like.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? Drives to the chosen river that day will vary from 15 minutes to an hour.

What are the guides like? Guides from Sweetwater Fly Shop are consummate professionals. Most have completed Sweetwater’s highly respected guide school and have years of experience in this area.

Does the lodge provide equipment? Guides are prepared to provide rods and reels. Waders and boots can be rented.

What are your favorite rods for the trip? I travel to the Rockies with an 8’6″ 3-weight rod for dry fly fishing, a 9′ 5-weight rod as a do-all and a 10’2″ 6-weight rod for throwing streamers.

Are there other activities? The Vermillion Ranch is also a state licensed Pheasant Preserve with a robust population of Ringneck Pheasants and Chukars. Anglers can complement their fall fly fishing with self-guided hunting. All dogs are welcome.

What are the physical demands? The walk/wade fisheries require a certain amount of agility, though the wading is not difficult.