Ask Kaitlyn Lyders
Nestled just over 2.5 miles south of Lake Elwell/Tiber Dam lies a rural expanse spanning 80 acres. This enchanting property boasts a diverse array of outbuildings, including a shop, greenhouse, garage, airplane hangar, barn with corrals and a loading ramp, and a spacious 3,040-square-foot residence. The homestead is meticulously adorned with raised flower beds, hedges, and trees, painting a vibrant picture beneath the expansive Big Sky. Grassy pastures host contented cattle, while the surroundings abound with fertile farm fields. A generously sized seasonal pond shares its waters with local wildlife and grazing cattle. The property's front porch, shaded by trees, provides a serene retreat occasionally serenaded by song birds. The farmhouse exudes a blend of spacious comfort and rustic charm. Conveniently located equidistant from Chester, Shelby, and Conrad, each offering a grocery store, dining, and amenities. Nature enthusiasts can relish the abundant hunting opportunities for pheasant, game birds, mule and white-tailed deer, and antelope, while fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the superb fishing at Lake Elwell. Friendly neighbors and tranquility envelop the area, creating an idyllic setting for both residents and livestock to savor the vast expanse and breathtaking views.
Local Area
Known as the “Heart of the Golden Triangle,” Conrad, Montana is a community based around agriculture. The golden wheat fields and endless windrows gently roll to the mighty Rocky Mountain Front. Conrad was incorporated in 1909 and serves as the county seat for Pondera County. The lakes and grain fields attract wildlife including song and game birds.
Amid the wheat fields and the rolling plains is the small community of Chester, Montana. This north-central town lies halfway between Havre and Shelby on Highway 2 with the picturesque Sweet Grass Hills as a backdrop. In 1910 the town was incorporated after being named for the first telegraph operator’s hometown in Pennsylvania. The small close-knit community is mostly comprised of farmers and ranchers as the area is a fertile part of the Golden Triangle. Learn more about the homesteaders at the Liberty County Museum and Liberty Village Arts Center & Gallery.
Shelby, MT is in north-central Montana and is the county seat for Toole County. Just 30 miles south of the Canadian border and 80 miles east of the infamous Glacier National Park, it lies at the intersection of Interstate I-15 giving quick access to the north and south destinations, and Highway 2 giving quick access to east and west destinations. The tracks of the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe pass through and link Chicago to Seattle. What once was a cattle town is now home to agriculture and oil. Life in Shelby is full of recreation and memory-making. Be sure to visit the Carousel Rest Area which features a restored 1936 merry-go-round. Swing some clubs at the Marias Valley Golf and Country Club while taking in views of the Marias River.
Area Attractions
Tiber Dam-Lake Elwell
Hidden away like a prize just east of Shelby, Montana lies a versatile recreational area that provides a place to make golden memories and enjoy Montana scenery and leisure. Tiber Dam-Lake Elwell boasts year-round angling for Walleye, Northern and Sauger Pike, native Trout, Ling, Perch, and others. Try out bow fishing for carp that frequently exceed 20 pounds! Along with many campgrounds and picnicking areas, there are over 178 miles of shoreline to appease swimmers and boaters alike. Five well-maintained boat ramps make it convenient and easy to get your boat in the water. Take in the spectacular windblown sandstone formations and one of the largest earthen dikes in the world over three miles long! Relish in the surrounding area’s excellent hunting for Mule and White-Tailed deer, antelope, upland game birds, waterfowl, and varmints. Birdwatching is a popular activity as well. Experience some of Montana’s best at the Tiber Dam-Lake Elwell marina!
Fishing the Marias River
The Marias River gently meanders for more than 60 miles through the rolling prairie before it spills into Lake Elwell. It is marked by the soft shale and sandstone bluffs that flank the river. Both cold water and warm water species can be found here, but it is primarily a warm water fishery near Tiber Reservoir. Walleye is the most abundant game fish, and every summer, there is a fishing tournament to declare the best fisherman. Walleye use the upper portion of the Marias for spawning thus the population remains in the river throughout the summer. Cold-water game fish such as Rainbow Trout and mountain whitefish inhabit this portion of the Marias but are lower in numbers. Northern pike, yellow perch, and burbot are other fish species that anglers seek. The non-game fish that inhabit these waters include common carp, Flathead chub, lake chub, emerald shiner, fathead minnow, longnose dace, and Rocky Mountain sculpin.
Sweet Grass Hills
Located in north-central Montana along the Canadian border, the Sweet Grass Hills are an isolated mountain range that invites hiking and wildlife viewing of deer, antelope, elk, fox, golden eagles, and grouse! The Sweet Grass Hills are comprised of three buttes: the West Butte, Middle Butte, and East Butte. Hardly hills, these towering peaks reach 3,000’ in elevation! The Hills are a result of igneous activity that occurred about 50 million years ago. Take the Sweet Grass Hills Backcountry Drive for 66 miles of remote and unique scenery.
Fishing and Hunting on the Rocky Mountain Front
This area is home to the Rocky Mountain Front where wildlife and fish species are more diverse than in any other state. The ideal habitat sees grizzly and black bears, elk, mule and white-tailed deer, and antelope. The drainages and foothills provide cover, coulees, and water for superb mule and white-tailed deer hunting. The area offers some of the most prime bow hunting for white-tailed hunting in the entire state.
The waters in the lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams attract waterfowl species as they migrate along two routes in this area. Expect to see ducks, geese, and swans. Commonly hunted are pheasants, Hungarian Partridge, and sharp-tailed grouse. Upland game birds such as Rough Grouse, Blue Grouse, and Spruce Grouse can be found on National Forest land.
Glacier National Park
The coveted area nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent” for obvious reasons offers gems and views of gold in the state of Montana. With over 700 miles of trails through pristine forests, alpine meadows sprinkled with bright lovely wildflowers, rugged and tenacious mountains, and spectacular sparkling lakes. Visit the historic chalets and lodges for a walk back in time or backpack, cycle, hike, or camp. While taking in the astounding sights of the glacier-carved peaks and valleys, set your binoculars on a diverse range of wildlife of big horn sheep, mountain goats, deer, elk, ptarmigan, and both black and grizzly bears. This highway to heaven is a tough one to ever forget.
