Saratoga, WY 82331(Carbon County)

Leaping Trout Ranch surrounds 2,777 acres of rich bottomland just a mile north of Saratoga, a solid town with strong ties to both ranching and trout fishing. Historically, the ranch has supported 300 head of cattle year-round, and regularly produces 2000 tons of hay annually on 2600 irrigated acres. With water rights of 52.84 CFS, the ranch's most valuable resource is secure.

Cattle ranching and hay production have been the mainstay of Leaping Trout Ranch, but its fishing and wildlife resources have the potential to make this property a one-of-a-kind sportsman's nirvana. The northern two-mile boundary of the ranch reaches to the centerline of the renowned North Platte River, which supports an impressive 4000 trout per mile. These browns and rainbows quickly reach sizes of 16 to 18 inches on the ranch, and five-pound trout are not uncommon at all.

The western half of the ranch is dominated by the meanders of Jack Creek, which offers four stream miles of completely private fishing. Jack Creek receives an influx of line-popping browns and rainbows from the North Platte, particularly in the spring when the main river is running strong. Browns up to seven pounds have been caught in this small stream. Grass banks and literally dozens of bend pool make Jack Creek a great place for anglers of any skill level. The ranch's stillwater fishing potential is evidenced by one existing oxbow pond that regularly produces rainbows and browns over five pounds, and some close to ten. With abundant water available, many more trophy ponds could be developed.

Fishing is the prime draw at Leaping Trout Ranch, but excellent hunting is available as well. Big game attracted to the ranch's bottomlands include whitetail deer, antelope and trophy-class mule deer. Mule deer over 200 inches frequent the fields and bottomlands. The ranch qualifies for landowner deer and antelope tags.

Recognizing the value of maintaining the natural habitat on the ranch, previous owners have placed 1040 acres under conservation easement with the Nature Conservancy and the Wyoming Stockgrowers Association. The remaining 1737 acres could also be considered for easement or for limited development. Since Saratoga is only five minutes away, a few exclusive homesites would be a natural, low-impact fit for this property. Existing improvements on Leaping Trout Ranch include a comfortable owner's residence, manager's home, barn, shop, corrals and outbuildings. Those interested in building a new home or lodge will find several excellent sites on the property.

Saratoga is one of Wyoming's most attractive communities, blending a ranching and tourism economy beautifully. With a population of 1700, it has a friendly, small-town feel, but provides all the necessary amenities. Saratoga Hot Springs has long been a prime tourist draw here, and golf courses and art galleries are attractions that few towns of this size can boast. Saratoga is easily reached via Interstate 80 and Wyoming 130 from Laramie, about 90 minutes away. Shively Field, one of the region's finest small airports, is a ten-minute drive from the ranch.

Available properties with the fishing potential of Leaping Trout Ranch are rare finds. We at Harrigan Land Company believe that this is one of the finest livewater properties in the Rockies. If your heart is looking for a place where the genuine West still lives, where rivers run free and where the trout have broad shoulders, look no further. We'd be thrilled to introduce you personally to Leaping Trout Ranch and its unforgettable trout.