Things to Consider When Looking for Fly-Fishing Properties in the USA

Fly fishing is a very popular pastime in the West, with many investors actively searching for properties with vast stretches of well-stocked waters. Which property is best will really depend on what you are looking for. Therefore, certain factors must be carefully considered before moving ahead with a potential purchase.

Some ranches offer exclusive access to parts of rivers, while others may have the potential to build up large-scale fisheries. So, with that in mind, we have put together this short post on things to consider when looking for fly-fishing properties in the United States.

Where Is the Best Spot?

Well, the answer to this is likely to vary from one person to the next, so it is important to ask yourself what species of fish you are looking for and whether you want the water to yourself or to utilize it as part of a long-term investment strategy.

If you are looking for trout, then you should consider properties in Montana. The state’s various rivers and creeks are extremely well-stocked with large schools of brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout. Colorado is also well worth considering, especially when you factor in the outstanding big game hunting available throughout the state.

You will need to look for properties with access to private creeks and streams, as well as proximity to the National Parks or main rivers of the particular state. This provides the landowner with a diverse range of options in terms of the different species and methods of fishing.

Water Rights

Having access to water rights is useful if you are planning to build up fisheries, as this will make it easier to add any improvements you think will help add value. Also, if you hold the water rights to any stretches of river that run through your property, you have significant scope to develop a fishing lodge business.

When you start looking for properties, you should take a close look at the existing water rights and access, as this will have a significant impact on the value of the property. It is always a good idea to be clear about what the current owners have done in terms of development and what scope there is for future growth.

It is also possible to grant access to state fishing groups in exchange for a “trespass fee.” On the other hand, some landowners use these water rights so they can enjoy fly fishing without any disturbances.

Benefits of a Well-Watered Property

If your land is well-watered, there are many additional benefits to the excellent fishing. For starters, water attracts numerous species of flora and fauna to the area, which is excellent if you are planning to run agricultural operations or enjoy big game hunting.

There are also other opportunities to diversify your operations, especially if you have developmental zoning on parcels of your land. Locations beside picturesque lakes are in high demand for fly-fishing enthusiasts or people seeking to escape the big city. You could, therefore, run a potentially lucrative lodge for sportsmen.

Getting Started: Tips for Hiring a Ranch Manager

If you are planning to run agricultural operations but don’t have the know-how, hiring a ranch manager is essential. Having a ranch manager on site is desirable if you are planning to spend a significant amount of time away from the property.

A ranch manager will take care of the day-to-day operations of the ranch and make sure that everything runs smoothly while you are taking care of your other responsibilities or projects. Many factors will determine which person is the best for the job. So, with that in mind, we have put together a few tips for hiring a ranch manager.

Consider Someone Local

When you start your search for a ranch manager, make sure you ask the local community if there are any suitable candidates available. Choosing someone local will have many advantages for you, as they will have extensive knowledge of the land and an existing network of contacts. These two things could prove invaluable once you start working together.

But Don’t Be Afraid to Look Further Afield

Generally, finding a local ranch manager has many advantages, but sometimes looking further afield might be a better idea-especially if you are seeking to create a progressive and modern operation. That’s not to say that this isn’t a possibility with a local ranch manager, but there is always the danger that they may be set in their ways.

Proven Track Record

The decision of whether to hire someone local or someone from outside the community will be a highly subjective choice, but in all cases, you will want to hire someone who has a proven track record.

A top-quality ranch manager should have a broad skill set that should include:

• Financial management and analysis
• Knowledge of crop and livestock management practices
• Project management
• Interpersonal skills

Let Them Show You What They Are About

The process of hiring a ranch manager goes far beyond a simple interview process. One way to get a clearer picture of the candidate’s qualities is to get them onto the property to see what they believe is a viable way forward. The scope of their analysis and the variety of their suggestions will help you determine if the person shares your vision for the ranch.

However, it is important not to discount the opinions of candidates who challenge your existing vision, as their insights may highlight potential problems that could require a trip back to the drawing board.

Trust Your Gut

Once you have interviewed a few people for the ranch manager position, you will have to make a decision on the best choice. We really believe that it is crucial to trust your instincts when it comes to this decision. You may have interviewed some great candidates on paper, but if you don’t feel that you will be able to build a successful working arrangement with them, it is best to look elsewhere.

Go with the candidate you feel will be able to manage the ranch in a way that meets your objectives.

Getting Ready for the Market: Four Crucial Steps to Sell Your Land

Preparing to sell your ranch land can be very daunting, as many steps need to be taken before putting the property on the market. Making sure that you are prepared is vital to a quicker sale, so it is never too early to get your records in order. If you run a well-organized ranch, then the preparation for sale should be reasonably painless. In any case, it’s always a good idea to get ready sooner rather than later.

However, if you are thinking of putting your property on the market for the first time, then you may benefit from a few pointers. In this latest post, we have put together a list of four crucial steps to sell your land.

Get Your Records in Order

This should be an obvious one, but unfortunately, many landowners don’t prepare diligently enough. Buyers will want to see legal and agricultural documents so they can decide whether or not your land represents a good investment.

Make sure all your maps are up-to-date and readily available for potential buyers. You will need to provide them with detailed information regarding access rights and any easements in place. Likewise, you will need to have documentation related to existing mineral and water rights, as well as any landowner tags the property currently holds.

Failure to have this information on hand will not leave a favorable impression on the potential buyers and could also hold up a potential purchase.

Get Your Accounts in Order

Any buyer is going to want to have a clear picture of the existing operations of the ranch and what sort of income and expenses they can expect from the site. Make sure your accounts have a clear breakdown of the costs and taxes associated with running the ranch.

In terms of income, make sure you can break down the different income streams and the details of any lease agreements you currently have in place.

Get Your Recreational Records Ready

As mentioned above, you will want to make sure that you give clear information about any landowner tags the property holds. But prospective investors will want to know about the unique features of your ranch, such as existing fisheries and what wildlife passes through the land.

Having private access to big game hunting or well-stocked waters can add significant value to your property, so make sure that you emphasize the uniqueness of your property.

Make Your Property Look Presentable

Before putting your land up for sale, you should thoroughly survey your property to see if any essential maintenance needs to be done.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and this is a fact you should really take into account when putting your land up for sale. Buyers will want to see a well-maintained property, so make sure that all the fences, equipment, and lodgings are in an excellent state of repair.

The same goes for the land and any existing improvements. Prospective buyers will be put off if your land looks run-down and poorly looked after.

An Essential Buyer’s Guide: Top Valuable Features of Ranches and Sporting Properties

There are many factors to consider when looking at ranch properties. Some people are looking for land for agricultural purposes while others may be seeking to get away from it all. In this post, we will focus on ranches that are perfect for outdoorsmen.

As with most ranches, there are some specific things you need to look at before going ahead with a purchase. Below, we have highlighted a few of the top valuable features of ranches and sporting properties, and how they can have a massive impact on the overall value of a property.

Sporting Features

The West offers many unique opportunities for the discerning sportsman—with large tracts of undeveloped land making an ideal habitat for many kinds of wildlife. The land value will be affected by whether your property holds private landowner tags or has exclusive access to well-stocked waters. Landowner tags in areas that have much-in-demand draws will also add value to the property.

Some landowners are looking for end-of-the-road ranches so they can enjoy the land without any disturbances. These properties tend to come on the market at a premium, so if this is the kind of property you are looking for, you will need to keep your finger on the pulse.

Access to Water

Water is a precious resource and one which can significantly affect the price of a property. As mentioned above, sites with private access to well-stocked rivers, ponds, and streams is an attractive feature and one that can add a great deal of value to your property.

There is also the added benefit that well-watered lands will attract a wide range of flora and fauna to your property. If you opt to participate in conservation programs actively, then you can gain many additional benefits such as tax breaks as well as the satisfaction of ensuring that the land will flourish for generations to come.

Water rights are also highly desirable for landowners, as they can have a significant impact on what operations can be done onsite and who has access to the stretches of water that run through the property.

Business Opportunities

While some ranch owners want to get away from it, some see the potential of running the property as a going concern. Ranches that are located near the ski resorts of Colorado or the big national parks of Wyoming can be leveraged for business purposes. Colorado, in particular, offers year-round recreational activities, and a savvy landowner can provide a wide variety of activities so that the guests don’t really need to look elsewhere.

Running sporting lodges or offering first-rate accommodations can bring in sustainable income, which can then be used to make any needed or desired improvements to the property. These improvements can increase the desirability of the property if you are buying it as an investment.

Having easy access to ski resorts or having land that is close to public land will also increase the value of the property and the potential to generate income.

A Quick Guide on How to Find the Top Water Rights Ranches in the USA

Understanding the existing water rights of a property and the surrounding area is always vitally important. Water rights can add significant value to a property and can provide the opportunity to run a wide range of operations.

When you start looking for a property, it is paramount that you have a clear understanding of what can and cannot be done on the property. It will have an impact on your ability to look after the land and also determine what kind of access your property will have to the public. To get you started, we have put together this quick guide on what to look for and how to find the best water rights ranches in the United States.

Important Considerations

Water is a valuable commodity, and a piece of property with excellent water rights and improvements will have a price that reflects that.

While your property may have large stretches of river running through it, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will have private access to it. It is crucial that you look closely at the site’s existing water rights, as this will have a major impact on what you can do on your land. Take a look at the improvements that have been made in terms of irrigation and fisheries. This will give you a clearer indication of what is possible.

Having private access to rivers or creeks is excellent for recreational purposes, but it can also be leveraged for business purposes, as anglers will be prepared to pay a premium to fish and stay on your property.

Rich Water Sources

The West is home to many large river systems, so it is highly likely that properties will have some access to portions of a river and/or streams, creeks, and reservoirs. Properties located close to the Rocky Mountains will benefit from a year-round water supply that helps to irrigate agricultural land while also attracting large herds of big game. These waters also tend to be well-stocked, making them an angler’s dream.

Missouri, Montana, and Wyoming offer access to some of the largest river systems in the country. Deciding what purpose you would like to use the ranch for will help you decide on the best option for you.

We will take a closer look at the great state of Colorado below.

Colorado

The Rocky Mountains and Colorado River Basin provide Colorado with bountiful sources of year-round fresh water. The various creeks and streams can be used for agricultural and recreational purposes and attract some of the largest herds of elk seen in the entire West.

Some properties in the state come with some outstanding water rights, which include private access to rivers, creek, streams, and reservoirs. One example is Singing River Ranch in Gardner, which is one of the best-watered properties in the state. With the existing water rights, they have been able to irrigate and sub-irrigate the land, making it an ideal habitat for livestock and big game.

A Closer Look at Three States That Have the Top Turnkey Ranches in Western America

Turnkey properties are highly desirable for many investors, as they require little initial outlay once the ink is dry on the contract. Improvements and onsite facilities make it much easier to get up and running straight away. This is particularly attractive for buyers looking at a ranch for its investment potential or for first-time buyers new to ranching.

Unsurprisingly, turnkey properties with outstanding lodging, facilities, and existing leases in place will come on the market at much higher prices than properties with a “blank canvas.” If this is the sort of investment you are looking for, then you should take a closer look at the following three states, as they offer top turnkey ranches in western America.

Colorado

Colorado has everything—from the stunning vistas of the Rocky Mountains to the well-watered grasslands. Ranch owners in the state operate a wide variety of agricultural and recreational businesses. If you are planning to run income-generating activities on your site, then offering private lodging and recreational activities can be a great way to go.

Locations near ski resorts that offer top-quality lodgings attract corporate and private guests willing to pay premium prices for easy access to the slopes without the massive crowds off-piste. A property such as the Sanctuary Ranch in Hayden offers excellent potential as a high-quality recreational retreat, as it already has some outstanding lodging and staff facilities on site.

Utah

The stunning landscapes of Utah make it an ideal state to set up an exclusive mountain or recreational lodge. The northwestern part of the state offers excellent year-round recreational activities and perfect hunting conditions for elk, moose, and mule deer.

There are currently a few stunning turnkey properties on the market that offer first-class lodgings and easy access to nearby national parks and ski resorts. Some sites on or adjacent to wildlife management areas benefit from a diversity of flora and fauna and may also qualify for landowner tags. Being able to offer prime hunting and/or fishing on site will make your property much sought after and should ensure a steady stream of income throughout the year.

Wyoming

Some buyers are looking for properties to run large amounts of cattle or to breed horses. The Cowboy State offers an abundance of undeveloped land and is the perfect place to set up an agricultural business.

The counties of Laramie and Wheatland offer ample opportunities for people looking for turnkey sites with a solid range of improvements. A brief look at some of the properties currently on the market highlights the quality of the turnkey ranches available. If you are a lover of rodeo, then some of these properties are tailor-made for you, with one even having an indoor arena ready to be utilized for a whole range of income-generating activities.