Laramie, WY 82055(Albany County)

Tucked away in an unspoiled ranching valley in southern Wyoming is the Little Laramie River, one of the state’s best-kept secrets a trophy trout fishery only 2.5 hours from Denver. Approximately three miles of this fabulously productive river runs through Bow Fiddle Ranch, a cattle operation spread over 3,360 acres of irrigated and sub irrigated meadows, cottonwood bottomlands, and native rangeland. The ranch’s elevation of 7,600 feet keeps the water and the summers cool, ideal for producing both fat cattle and big rainbows and browns.

The Little Laramie can be considered an ideal freestone river and a wild trout fishery, as a mid-sized 30-foot wide river with excellent tree cover and an enticing mix of riparian habitat. Located well upstream in the valley, Bow Fiddle Ranch is also protected from significant irrigation draw-downs, and is bordered by private ranches both upstream and downstream. Fly fishers in particular will find the Little Laramie an ideal stream in which to wade and cast dries, nymphs, and streamers to browns and rainbows that exceed 16 inches, and many of which grow up to several pounds.

Local outfitter Erin Hale has fished this property for several years and offers this assessment: In 12 years of guiding clients in Wyoming, Colorado, and Idaho I have experienced many of the best fisheries in the west. The three-mile stretch of the Little Laramie River that runs through the Bow Fiddle Ranch in Wyoming is on another level. Wading this river offers a diversity of habitat from undercut banks, skinny riffles to deep oxygenated runs that keep wild browns and stocked fish healthy and happy. The prolific bug hatches of mayfly, caddis, stone and salmonfly make for a dry fly fisherman's liquid heaven. The Bow Fiddle is a unique fishery that I have enjoyed guiding on with novices and experts alike.

Big game also thrives on the ranch and the adjacent Medicine Bow National Forest. Pronghorn, mule deer, and elk frequent the property, along with moose and black bear on an occasional basis. The ranch borders three miles of the Medicine Bow National Forest to the south, and it controls most of the access to the northern slopes of Sheep Mountain, a regional landmark.

As a cattle operation, the Bow Fiddle Ranch excels. The ranch has a successful history as the summer home to about 800 yearlings, and the stock grows well on the rich grass diet on the ranch. Miles of buck and rail and barbed wire fencing, a newly constructed shop, outbuildings, and corrals round out the agricultural improvements and the ranch is well-accessed via an intricate network of roads.

The buildings on the ranch are well-kept, historic, and luxurious. The ranch house, with three bedrooms and two baths, was originally built in the early 1900s but has been recently updated and renovated, including the additional of a new detached garage. The ranch manager’s or guest home, built in the late 1800s, is on the edge of the river and includes two bedrooms and one bathroom. A historic barn has been recently renovated to accommodate weddings and its upgrades include a large entertaining area, great room with fireplace and modern kitchen. This structure is in demand for weddings, entertainment, and group retreats.

The Centennial Valley remains one of the finest historic ranching areas in Wyoming. Filled with large ranches and scenic views, it is easy to forget what century you are living in. History abounds on every hand, but recreation remains a draw as well, with hiking, hunting, and horseback opportunities in the nearby National Forest in the warmer months, and in the winter, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and downhill skiing at the Snowy Range Ski Area, only minutes away.

A couple of miles west of the ranch lies the small community of Centennial, and one of Wyoming’s largest communities, Laramie, is under a 30-minute drive away. Laramie offers a full complement of businesses, medical facilities, and services, and is home to the University of Wyoming. As such, it offers cultural and athletic events throughout the year. The Laramie Regional Airport has daily flights to Denver, which itself is a 2.5-hour drive from the ranch.

Bow Fiddle Ranch is one of the finest ranch/fishing properties in Harrigan Land Company’s roster. A superb location in an historic valley, a solid cattle operation, abundant wildlife, and second-to-none river fishing make this property a blue-ribbon winner among Rocky Mountain ranches on the market today.