Big Hole Riverfront Retreat – A Secluded Fishing Paradise with 4 Cabins
Nestled along Montana’s legendary Big Hole River—known as the "Last Best River"—this hidden gem offers a rare and unforgettable escape. Perfect for fishing enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a private getaway, this riverfront property boasts breathtaking views, abundant wildlife, and plenty of space to relax with family and friends.
Located in Melrose, MT—just 40 miles south of Butte and 25 miles north of Dillon—this retreat features four separate cabins and living spaces, giving your group the perfect mix of togetherness and privacy.
Unparalleled Outdoor Adventure:
*Cast for brown trout right from the bank
*Swim or float the river—launch from Salmon Fly in Melrose and take out just ½ mile downstream at Brown’s Bridge
*Watch for bald eagles, hear owls at night, and spot deer, elk, and even moose roaming the property
*Gather around the riverside campfire for unforgettable nights under the stars
Cozy Cabins & Gatherings Spaces:
* Each cabin has a kitchenette with coffee & tea for peaceful mornings on the porch
* Three of the four cabins feature large bathrooms with clawfoot tubs and showers
* The camp cookhouse is the heart of the retreat—perfect for shared meals and late-night stories
* Enjoy the newly remodeled kitchen, grill on the spacious porches, or cook over the campfire
* A river facing patio offers a warm, cozy spot to unwind while soaking in the views
*Comfortable clean beds and bedding ensure a restful night’s sleep after your adventures
Whether you're here for world-class fishing, a family getaway, or a peaceful retreat, this riverside haven offers the perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and Montana magic. Book your stay today!
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Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds, gather used towels and store extra beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Trash: Take all trash
Dump Directions: Exit Great Waters Inn → Right on Brown’s Bridge Rd → Cross bridge → Follow dirt road 2 miles → Go under interstate → Right on School House Rd → Dump on right.
Grill: Turn off propane, bring utensils inside, and clean if used.
Fire Pit: Clean up the area and fully extinguish the fire using the 5-gal bucket.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No ATVs, 4-wheelers, or motorcycles allowed on the property or driveway. Please trailer them to the trailhead or Brown's Bridge fishing access.
Be cautious with fires—fully extinguish before leaving and check for local fire bans. Please use 5 gal bucket near fire pit.
Take all trash with you.
Swim at your own risk.
All pets must be on a leash at all times.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 12
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Melrose
Located in Melrose, this cabin is in the mountains and on the waterfront. Madison County Fairgrounds is a local attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Big Hole River and Humbug Spires Trailhead. Kayaking and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and mountain biking nearby.
Clark's Lookout State Park - 24 min drive - 47.3 km
The University of Montana Western - 26 min drive - 50.7 km
Butte Trolley Tour - 35 min drive - 73.0 km
Ridge Waters Water Park - 38 min drive - 75.0 km
Getting around
Dillon, MT (DLN) - 34 min drive
Restaurants
The Hitchin' Post - 8 min drive
Glen Bar - 10 min drive
翅福酒家 Good Fortune Restaurant - 9 min drive
Livelys - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Big Hole Riverfront Retreat – A Secluded Fishing Paradise with 4 Cabins pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Big Hole Riverfront Retreat – A Secluded Fishing Paradise with 4 Cabins?
As of 15 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Big Hole Riverfront Retreat – A Secluded Fishing Paradise with 4 Cabins on 4 May, 2026 start from S$572, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Big Hole Riverfront Retreat – A Secluded Fishing Paradise with 4 Cabins?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Big Hole Riverfront Retreat – A Secluded Fishing Paradise with 4 Cabins?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Big Hole Riverfront Retreat – A Secluded Fishing Paradise with 4 Cabins?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Big Hole Riverfront Retreat – A Secluded Fishing Paradise with 4 Cabins located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Big Hole River and within 32 miles (52 km) of Humbug Spires Trailhead and Lucky Lil's Casino. Dan Ibey Memorial Park and West Side Park are also within 32 miles (52 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Thanks so much, went to the cabins with a group of 7. Lots of room for everyone, fishing was great, went golfing in Anaconda. Weather was great cabins have everything we needed and we hope to make it back here again!
We hade such a lovely time at the cabins--every amenity was met beautifully, thanks Emily!
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Oct, 2024
Thank you so much for your lovely review! I’m so glad to hear that you had such a great time at the cabins and that everything met your needs perfectly. It was a pleasure hosting you, and I look forward to welcoming you back for another stay!
Cute cabins right on the river. Quiet, peaceful setting is perfect for relaxing. Location is perfect for fishing the Big Hole river. Owner was super easy to communicate with.
Jody R.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Oct, 2024
Thank you so much for your review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the peaceful setting and that the cabins provided a perfect spot for relaxing and fishing on the Big Hole River. It was a pleasure communicating with you, and we hope to welcome you back for another relaxing getaway soon!
We loved our stay at the cabins. It was so quiet and relaxing. Spent the mornings fishing, lunch and a nap mid-day and more fishing in the afternoon. The kitchen was outfitted with everything we needed. Perfect!
Harvey W.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Dec, 2023
We are so happy you enjoyed your stay at the river front cabins! So glad you enjoyed the fishing :)
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay at the FishON Cabins on the Big Hole River. We hope to host you again soon.
Verified
8/10 Good
Charles G.
18 Jun, 2024
Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Local wedding
The biggest issue was there was mouse feces in some of the beds. Otherwise it was fine. Very rustic cabins and close to river. Fun place to hang out with family and friends. Had a great time hanging out at firepit. Isolated from others which was great. We really enjoyed the river and surrounding area.
Charles G.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jun, 2024
Thank you for your review! We appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear you enjoyed your stay, particularly the riverside location, firepit, and the overall atmosphere.
We strive very hard to provide our guests with the utmost comfort and cleanliness in our historic rustic cabins. While we thoroughly clean and inspect our cabins before every stay, sometimes issues can arise due to the nature of the environment. Please rest assured that we work hard, and will continue to double check to keep these cabins extremely clean.
We hope to have the opportunity to host you again in the future and provide you with a perfect experience. Thank you again for your valuable feedback.
Beautiful Big Hole River getaway. Loved having a cabin for each couple in our family. We loved the big porches, the wonderful Camp kitchen, Super location just steps away from the river. We put our kayak in at Melrose and had the most lovely 2.5 hour float to the back yard of our property. It was warm so fishing was not as good as we had hoped but we made up for that with other things to do. Such a great week.
Dianne S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Aug, 2023
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay at the FishON Cabins on the Big Hole River. The river floats are our absolute favorite! We hope to host you again soon.
I can't say enough good things about this place. The property is absolutely incredible. The cabins are very well appointed, and the kitchen in the cook cabin has everything you could ever need. We had a larger group during our stay, and there was more than enough room for all of us. Such a private setting made our weekend even more enjoyable. Being so close to Big Hole River made it even better, especially with evening fires right on the riverbank. Emily and Gregg were exceptional hosts, and were extremely helpful from booking all the way through arrival. We can't wait to book our next trip!! Thank you!
-Keegan
Keegan L.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Oct, 2024
Thank you so much, Keegan, for your kind words! We’re beyond happy to hear that you and your group had such an incredible stay and found the property and cabins to be so comfortable and well-appointed. It’s great to know that the private setting and being so close to the Big Hole River made your weekend even more special.
We truly enjoyed hosting your group, and it’s wonderful to hear that you appreciated our help throughout the process. We can’t wait to welcome you all back for your next trip!
Thank you again, and take care until then!
Our stay at this property was absolutely fantastic! The Big Hole River truly lives up to its reputation as Montana’s ‘Last Best River.’ Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and rich history, this property offers a serene and peaceful retreat.
The four separate cabins provided ample space for our group of 12, and each cabin was beautifully remodeled with rustic charm and modern amenities. From cozy linens to luxurious claw foot tubs, every detail was thoughtfully designed to ensure a comfortable stay.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, this property has it all. We enjoyed exploring the area during the day and unwinding in the evenings surrounded by the tranquility of nature.
Overall, our experience here was magical, and we can’t wait to return for another unforgettable Montana getaway!
Emily P.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Oct, 2024
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that your group had such a magical experience and that the beauty of the Big Hole River, along with the cabins and surroundings, provided the perfect retreat. We’re glad the cabins offered both rustic charm and modern comfort for your stay, and that you had time to explore and enjoy the peace and serenity of the property.
We can’t wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable Montana getaway! Thanks again for sharing your experience.
My family and I had the opportunity to stay here and it was an incredible fun experience. It's a beautiful piece of property that has easy access to one of our favorite rivers in Montana. From wade fishing to easy river put ins just a few miles up the road, this property will fulfill all your fishing needs. Also fun for the kids as they were able to fly kites, go gem hunting, and play tetherball. We were able to walk down to the river with blankets and have a picnic which was so nice and relaxing. The cabins are very clean and still keep that rustic feel. The cook cabin is a great place to gather and socialize with friends and family. We cooked, played games and listed to music. So much fun! Emily and Greg are incredibly warm and welcoming and went above and beyond every need. Definitely looking forward to coming back to this incredible piece of property.
Thanks Emily!
Sunny S.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 May, 2022
Thank you Sunny! It was an absolute pleasure to host your family! I hope you come back very soon!!
This is a unique property in that there are 4 separate cabins, each with sleeping capabilities. This made it perfect for two families giving everyone privacy and space to spread out, which the teenagers especially enjoyed. The cook's cabin was well stocked with games and ample cooking supplies. The setting was private and quiet, very condusive to sitting on the porch, taking in the views, and reading a book or watching the kids play on the slack line.
There were mesquitoes this time of year and being near the water probably intensifies this, but the hosts provided plenty of repellent as well as a screened in picnic shelter, which was very comfortable for eating meals and visiting. Fishing was convenient either on the property or at Brown's Bridge.
It would be fun to come back to Fish On! in the winter as I can imagine it being very cozy. The log cabins give the atmosphere a real rustic vibe, but with all of the modern ammenties included. Thank you, Emily and family for sharing your vacation spot!
Alan G.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Jul, 2023
Thank you for your kind words!! We absolutely loved having you stay and appreciated all of your correspondence. Thank you for coming and enjoying this little slice of heaven!
What a fabulous set up for a family gathering. We love the isolation with the dark skies/amazing stars and the river. Several moose sightings, deer, bald eagles and a fox and a bear as well by the bridge. Heard hooting owls at night.
Luckily, we were very prepared with enough food for the four days we were there. Because we did not want to leave. The kitchen is well stocked. There is some arts and crafts that the kids enjoyed/ Especially painting rocks.
Had Games and puzzles as well.
But their favorite thing was fishing!
Minimal cell coverage. The Wi-Fi was not working. And we just decided to live with that. It was nice not having to depend on our electronics.
Everyone was very pleased with their comfortable cabins, and with their stay.
So much fun. We will be back!
Carol d.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Oct, 2024
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that your family gathering was such a memorable experience. It sounds like you truly embraced the natural beauty of the area with all the wildlife sightings and the stunning dark skies. We're glad you found the kitchen well-stocked and that the kids enjoyed the arts and crafts, especially the rock painting!
We appreciate your understanding regarding the Wi-Fi and minimal cell coverage—sometimes it’s nice to disconnect and fully enjoy each other’s company. We're delighted that everyone was comfortable in their cabins and had such a fun time fishing.
We can’t wait to welcome you back for another great stay! Safe travels until next time!
OUR STAY WAS FABULOUS !! Fish On property was a phenomenal experience in oh so many ways! From the cleanliness to the cabins and unique added touches that remind you you’re being taken care of - it gave my friends and family wonderful, unforgettable memories.
The location is so beautiful. It’s private and quiet and filled with the beauty of nature all around you. I could tell the owners truly care about this place and want all their guests to feel at home. The river is serene and full of fish to be caught! Taking the short walk to the river was our favorite morning activity. I will never forget the mornings and nights on the porch along with the best campfire chats. It was wonderful to have the larger cabin with the full kitchen to gather in and then retread to our own private cabins when we needed alone time. We can’t tell you how much we appreciated this time and will back as soon as possible! What a GEM! Also, the owners were excellent communicators and made sure we had everything we needed. Highly recommend!
Elizabeth W.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Oct, 2024
Thank you so much for your glowing review! We’re absolutely delighted that your stay was such a phenomenal experience and that it created unforgettable memories for you, your friends, and family. It’s wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the serene beauty of the property, from the peaceful river mornings to the cozy campfire chats. We’re also glad the larger cabin with the full kitchen provided a great space for gathering, while the private cabins offered a quiet retreat.
Your kind words about the care and attention we put into the property mean the world to us. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another stay. Thank you again for recommending us!
My family and friends absolutely loved our stay on The Big Hole! The property could not be more gorgeous, and the cabins are so cute and comfy. The cook cabin had absolutely everything you could ever need to cook and feed a very large hungry crew. Do not hesitate, book now!!
Sara B.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Aug, 2023
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay at the FishON Cabins on the Big Hole River. WE tried to think of everything you could possibly need in the camp Cook house! :) So glad it worked out for you. We hope to host you again soon.
This property was so much more than we expected! Not only did the cabins have everything we needed (and things we didn’t know we needed but were delighted to have;), but they were also so comfortable and clean! We had two families sharing the property and between the multiple beds in the different cabins and the fantastic Cook Cabin, we had plenty of room to entertain, relax, play games or do whatever and not get in anyones way. On a side note.. thou the property is on the river, there is a great slow side channel/buffer separating the land from the main river flow. This was a huge peace of mind with kids around. Plenty of river front access around the property but the main fire pit area where we hung out felt super safe. ‘Fishon’ was the perfect place to unwind with our friends and family and was well equipped (steak knives and wine glasses for all). We WILL BE BACK, thank you Emily!
Kendra R.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Aug, 2023
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay at the FishON Cabins on the Big Hole River. It's such a fun place for families to make memories together! Thank you for staying with us!
Had the most wonderful girls weekend! We so enjoyed our time and entire experience at the Potter’s property..from the river walks, fishing, bird watching (we saw a bald and a golden eagle fly a mere 25 ft above us) and chilling out on the cabin deck; we couldn’t have asked for a better getaway. The cabins are rustic with clean contemporary decor and incredibly comfortable beds with fresh luxury linens. Our time sipping cocktails fireside and eating dinner in the cozy cooks cabin were the icing on the cake each day. They had all the amenities we needed for an active yet relaxing weekend. I can’t wait to come back in the fall for our family gathering as this property is perfect for all ages and has so much to offer all activity levels. I especially loved how we could spread out in the 4 cabins.
Thank you so much Emily for making this such an easy and pleasurable getaway where we could unplug (or not) and reconnect in nature with your comfortable and safe surroundings.
Megan U
The air smells like freedom! We slept in a beautiful hand made bed, watched the moon and stars!
We celebrated a birthday, we enjoyed the views, the kids played in the water. It’s a quiet peaceful place to meet with family and friends!
Gerry B.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022
About the host
Hosted by Emily
Our love for this land runs deep, much like the river that winds through it. Fishing has always been at the heart of our family traditions—early mornings spent casting lines, quiet moments on the water, and evenings swapping stories by the fire. But more than the fish we’ve caught, it’s the memories made along the way that hold the greatest value.
We are two families- one in Bozeman, and one in Idaho Falls who come together at 'FishOn' to be together. We believe in the importance of family, hard work, and hospitality. This retreat is a reflection of those values—a place where loved ones can come together, where the simple joys of nature remind us of what truly matters. Whether you come here to fish, to relax, or to reconnect with those who matter most, we hope you feel the same sense of belonging and peace that we do.
These cabins were originoally homestead cabins from the pioneer mountains. One of the cabins was a school house in Melrose, and you can still see the pencil marks on the ceiling. If the walls could talk, there would be great stories about these beautiful cabins. It is our greatest joy to share this place with others who cherish the beauty of Montana, the magic of the river, and the irreplaceable moments spent together.
Welcome to our home on the Big Hole River. May your time here be filled with laughter, adventure, and the kind of memories that last a lifetime.
What makes this property unique
The original homestead cabins add a unique touch of history, grounding the property in Montana’s rich heritage. While thoughtfully updated for modern comfort, they retain their rustic charm, offering a cozy, authentic stay. The cabins and cookhouse provide plenty of space for everyone to gather, share meals, and enjoy the beauty of nature without sacrificing comfort.
Situated right on the legendary Big Hole River, this property is a dream for anglers. Known for its world-class trout fishing, the river provides an unforgettable experience right from the bank. Whether you're an experienced fly fisher or trying it for the first time, the waters here are rich with opportunity.