Roundup, Montana is a close-knit community just 45 minutes north of Billings in the Bull Mountains. Nestled in the valley near the Musselshell River, Roundup is most popular for its uncanny geographic design for rounding up livestock. Each year there is the famous Roundup Cattle Drive that truly represents an awesome western adventure, one that is sure to make an impact for a lifetime. During this experience, you can learn what ranching is and what it is all about. Ranching and farming generally support the economy; however, big game outfitting, coal, and some oil rigs supply the town with that country atmosphere as well. July is a big month for Roundup when they have their Roundup Independence Days Extravaganza (RIDE) where there is family fun during the national holiday. Recreate around the area with fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, and viewing the scenery.

The booming city of Billings, Montana is rapidly growing to make sure to keep the title of the largest city in Montana. As the county seat of Yellowstone County, it is considered to be the trade and distribution center for much of the state, east of the Continental Divide, Northern Wyoming, and western portions of North and South Dakota. Billings has superb shopping, delicious dining, and boisterous breweries. The city offers a range of recreational activities with 45 miles of multi-use trails for biking, hiking, or dog walking. The city itself is situated in a beautiful area carved out by the Yellowstone River and surrounded by the majestic Rims. Billings truly has all the amenities and is immersed in history.

Area Attractions

Deadman’s Basin Reservoir

Deadman’s Basin Reservoir is 20 miles from Harlowton and is 1,849 acres in size. At 3,892 feet in elevation, the reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout each year. The reservoir also provides good fishing for Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Whitefish. It is also popular for winter ice fishing.

Crazy Mountains

The Crazy Mountains are the most prominent in Montana located northwest of Big Timber, Montana. The island range is approximately 30 miles by 15 miles in size and climbs to 7,000 feet in a dramatic transition from prairie to peaks! The highest pinnacle in the range is Crazy Peak at 11,214 feet. Ice, wind, and water sculpted the saw-toothed ridges and created more than 40 jewel-like lakes.

Musselshell River

The Musselshell River is a premier location for the catfish angler. Channel Catfish, Stone Cat, and Black Bullhead swim in these waters. Lack of access makes the river relatively peaceful and untapped. The average Channel Catfish is 6-7 pounds, and the best time to catch one of these whiskered fish is in the spring when they are headed upstream to spawn. Trout can be caught on the west side of Harlowton, and the catfish are best hooked toward the east side of town.

The Yellowstone River and Premiere Blue-Ribbon Fishing

This constant, unwavering river flows throughout the Yellowstone River corridor just as it has for centuries: in its natural state. It has not been dammed nor tamed and is the longest, free-flowing river as such in the lower 48 states. It meanders through a variety of scenery and various topographies from steep canyon walls to lazily flowing through farm country. Its fresh, clean waters provide fishing, floating, swimming, and rafting. The nutrient-rich areas surrounding the river are a paradise for wildlife making hunting especially good as well. Enjoy viewing wildlife such as bald eagles, elk, white-tailed deer, and black bears. Certainly, you will want to take advantage of the world-class fishing known internationally. These premier trout waters produce an abundance of big trout and native Yellowstone cutthroat trout. In the upper half of the river, species found are cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, large whitefish, and brown trout. In the lower half or warmer waters, species found are large walleye, catfish, and sturgeon. The beauty of fishing the Yellowstone River is its length and ample space. Anglers are not crowded with others and have the length of the river to spread out. The beautiful landscape encompassing the banks enhances the whole experience. Dry fly fishing is excellent as well as sub-surface fishing with nymphs and streamers.