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Fishing, Bird Watching, and Star Gazing on Fishtail Creek

Photo gallery for Fishing, Bird Watching, and Star Gazing on Fishtail Creek

Exterior front
Exterior
Kitchen
Dining Room
Living Room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Fishtail, MT
  • Tippet Rise Art Center
    ‪30 min drive‬
  • Stillwater River
    ‪33 min drive‬
  • Red Lodge Mountain
    ‪61 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Fishing, Bird Watching, and Star Gazing on Fishtail Creek

Fishing And Bird Watching On Fishtail Creek

Located at the foot of the Beartooth Mountains, this ranch house can sleep 8. The home is very comfortable with 2 bedrooms upstairs, 2 bedrooms on the main floor and 2 baths. There is a large sunny kitchen, dining room that seats 8, and living room with original rock fireplace and oak floor. The deck is accessed off the living room and overlooks Fishtail Creek.

There are many outdoor activities at the ranch, such as fishing, hiking, bird watching, photography, sightseeing, and a picnic area for roasting hot dogs and making ‘smores!

Along Fishtail Creek and in the abundant tree cover at the house, many species of birds find shelter and visit our bird feeders frequently. The owners have a love of all the feathered friends on the ranch and have observed Pinyon Jays, Clark's Nutcrackers, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, House Wrens, Gray-Crowned Rosy Finches and an occasional Black Rosy Finch, Common Redpolls, Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagles, Red Tailed Hawks, Pine Siskins, White and Red Breasted Nuthatches, American Goldfinches, and so many more.

The Stillwater and Rosebud Rivers offer world class fly fishing and are only 15-20 minutes away. Woodbine Falls and the trail to Sioux Charlie Lake are a short scenic drive up the Stillwater Valley. The Stillwater River also offers opportunities for rafting and kayaking. We can help you arrange for a day of horse-back riding or an overnight trip into the mountains.

If you wish to take a trip into Yellowstone National Park, the drive from Fishtail to Red Lodge and over the Beartooth Highway into Yellowstone Park will be a highlight of your trip. The 90 mile drive will take you to the Northeast Entrance at Cooke City. You'll need to allow at least 3 hours travel time into Cooke City because of the numerous switch backs that take you up and over the mountains.
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall - every season is beautiful in the Beartooths!

Property manager

Rita Westrum and Peggy Joki

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
Sorry, we do not allow pets on the property.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Fishtail

Located in Fishtail, this holiday home is on the waterfront. While the natural beauty of Custer National Forest and Stillwater River can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can head to Tippet Rise Art Center. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Fishtail, MT

What's nearby

  • Tippet Rise Art Center - 30 min drive - 14.9 km
  • Stillwater River - 33 min drive - 18.9 km
  • Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course - 43 min drive - 57.0 km
  • Red Lodge Mountain - 61 min drive - 70.4 km
  • East Rosebud Lake - 70 min drive - 40.4 km

Getting around

  • Billings, MT (BIL-Logan Intl.) - 78 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪MontAsia - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Cowboy Bar and Supper Club - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Fishtail Grind - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Fishing, Bird Watching, and Star Gazing on Fishtail Creek pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Fishing, Bird Watching, and Star Gazing on Fishtail Creek?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Fishing, Bird Watching, and Star Gazing on Fishtail Creek?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Fishing, Bird Watching, and Star Gazing on Fishtail Creek located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 9.2 mi (14.9 km) from Tippet Rise Art Center and 11.7 mi (18.9 km) from Stillwater River. Custer National Forest and Itch-Kep-Pe Park are also within 25 miles (40 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 42 out of 43 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 43 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 43 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 43 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 43 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jane Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

It was Amazing!!

My 2 sisters & I stayed as we have family in the area & were attending a wedding. This farm house was just perfect! The house was spotless, had everything we needed, & great instructions. The creek running around the property was such a bonus! The history of the family was a pleasure to read about. The home provided us with many memories from our childhood as we grew up in rural Wisconsin. We hope to stay again & highly recommend. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tom L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gem off the beaten path

What a gem! Clean, vary spacious, had nice cookware (everything you need), plenty of plates, flatware glasses, etc. Rosebud Creek thru the property was added bonus. Also plenty of resource books on the area and family history. Closest store and restaurant three miles away. Other restaurants were within 10 - 30 miles, but enjoyed cooking on the grill and stargazing even in December.
Stayed 30 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

LaRae B., Billings, Montana

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Son's wedding 2023

We enjoyed our stay.. My son was getting married to a beautiful bride in Nye not far away from this property. This house is very comfy, clean, and cozy. I had a chance to walk around the area. The sound of the running creek nearby was relaxing. The garden that was growing was florishing with flowers and vegetables. I would highly recommend staying here again. Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication in keeping up this wonderful house.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erin O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fishtail

Our stay at this property was great. The house was clean and fully stocked and communication with our hosts was easy. The scenery was beautiful surrounding the property and there is plenty to do in the area. We highly recommend staying here and hope to come back in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lynn H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

Great place
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Helen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Would definitely stay here again.

Beautiful area and home. Convenient to our family. Owners were super nice. House had all of the amenities.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kristin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a Dream!

This property was exactly what we were looking for. We had a 3 week stay and enjoyed every minute of it. The family was so accommodating and wonderful through the whole time. We will definitely return for more adventures. What a wonderful time!
Stayed 21 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Danny F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location for the area

Amazing home on a beutiful piece of property
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome

More then expected. Hearing the creek when going outside, and especially watching the deer coming every morning. Thank you for sharing your lovely vacation home.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Ben H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Womderful property

This was a great property, very clean and comfortable. Property owners were very nice and easy to work. The house had everything we needed home away from away!
Stayed 17 nights in Mar 2020

8/10 Good

Doug M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a great house!

The cleanest and the best stocked I have ever stayed at. Everything there is in great shape and it felt like home. The AC was a bonus. Fishing on the creek was nice as well. The driveway also serves as access to the farm and was well used throughout the week. I I felt prevledged to be able to stay there.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect getaway.

We loved our stay in Rita’s house. The house had everything we needed and more! We had two small kids with us who just loved running around and checking everything out. Lots of space, great communication with owners, lovely location- peaceful and quiet, gorgeous views.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Dean B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay

Would stay there again hands down.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Peggy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovable Lesnik

Seven of us stayed over a week at the Lesnik Cottage and enjoyed every minute. We fished, watched movies, prepared our meals, fired up the grill, built a fire in the pit, visited Yellowstone Park, went to Thermopolis for a dinosaur relic dig, and traveled to Cody for a rodeo ... all from our Lesnik Basecamp. Awesome family vacation!!!
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Brenda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Didn't Want for a Thing

Homey, family-style living. Fit our needs and more. House is well maintained and supplied above our expectations. Was convenient to highlights of our weekend. We have an admiration for Bev Doolittle and seeing one of her prints as we entered, didn't hurt a bit!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Joy S.

Montana

It was perfect. Everything was just as stayed and the house was furnished with everything we needed. I loved the family history displayed. Simply put it felt like home for a week.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lori D.

Perfect!

This place is an absolute gem! We were returning from a two week trip overseas before our kids graduated from ABC, and this home was the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature! Completely outfitted for all our needs and close to campus. We will definitely be returning.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

drew r.

Relaxing

This is the second time we have stayed here and will stay here again when in Fishtail. The home is extremely clean and the property is beautiful. Deer, turkeys and sandhill cranes we nearby everyday.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Randy S.

Very Nice!

We had a great time. Spacious house, well equipped kitchen for cooking, plenty of room to relax, play some games & read. Spent some time fishing. Great place to get away. Had fun with our granddaughter. Enjoyed seeing the deer eating from the apple trees every night too!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

Beautiful and restful

A tranquil and lovely getaway.. There would have been plenty room for the grandkids, we didn't bring. Coffee on the patio, the birdlife and rushing stream, beautiful views... we thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful respite. DO take the walk thru the back pasture/ gate, and enjoy the views from the 'back 40'. Great walk.. tons of native flowers and views of the Beartooth mountains. We looked for, but never saw a black bear. We did see a midsized cub on the drive to Rosebud. (rough road there.) Don't miss the hike at Stillwater creek... Our favorite by far, and we did several! And there was nothing still about that creek. :) Hospitality, fresh strawberries, Sandbar Cranes, cows and horses.. everything you need in the kitchen. Highly recommended. The Hailey's June 2018
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

AUDREY B.

A beautiful country getaway, but still close to lots of activities.

What a beautiful setting for a relaxing getaway. Our first impression as we drove in the lane was the well manicured yard, complete with a beautiful garden, flowers in abundance and vegetables on the way. The rolling stream behind the house was a sweet lullaby, especially at night. As we entered the home, we were welcomed with a delightful aroma hat lasted our entire stay. The house was immaculate; clean even in the smallest corners. The cupboards were full of anything you could want or need. Plenty of extra linens and towels if needed. Our group has family roots in the area, so we very much enjoyed reading the family history and photos this home displayed for us to enjoy. The artwork on the walls was beautiful. Much of it had to be treasures of the owners. We all felt very comfortable and welcomed in this house. We arranged our gathering around Fishtail Family Fun Days and the Absarokee BBQ Cookoff. Both events were a lot of fun. We would definitely refer anyone to this home who appreciates a beautiful setting for a relaxing getaway. Thank you so much for having us!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Wayne S.

Relaxing home away from home, sooo beautiful!

We stayed here with other family members for our daughters wedding. Very easy access for my elderly parents, enough rooms for everyone, two beautiful bathrooms. My 83 year old father said it was the most beautiful place he had been to, with the stream just off the deck. While relaxing on the wedding day, he enjoyed the various books (read 3 of them) on the deck! What a beautiful garden! Thank you so much for the weekend of a lifetime! Easy access from a quiet road with beautiful scenery all along the drive.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018

10/10 Excellent

Betsy M.

A Montana Treasure

We could not have had a better experience at the Lesnick Place. Our experience started with the property owners who are absolute gems. Wonderful, thoughtful people!! Once we arrived at the house, the wonderful experience just continued. The house is immaculate as well as warm and cozy. Our stay was during the dead of winter and we loved having access to the surrounding hills for sledding and cross country skiing and the beautiful red barn with the orange kitty in the window made for wonderful photography opportunities. Part of our group spent a day at Red Lodge Mountain for a beautiful day of skiing and then came back to the house to warm up by the fireplace and enjoy a delicious pizza form the Fishtail General Store. I could go on and on about our wonderful stay at the Lesnick Place. Can't wait to plan our next visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

James H.

Wonderful place to be !

Was better than I could of expected ! Was just a beautiful place to spend a week ! Very nice owners to work with ! We will be returning !
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Margaret B.

It was a beautiful, cozy house and property! Perfect for our family trip.

My family went to Montana to celebrate my brother's wedding. We were amazed by the beauty of Fishtail and the home/property we had the pleasure of staying at. I loved the view, the nearby stream, and the wildlife we saw daily. The house had everything we could need and was clean, cozy and just the right size. I would return for a family vacation!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2017

About the host

Hosted by Rita Westrum and Peggy Joki

Host profile image
In 1928 our grandfather, Michael Lesnik who was born in the Savinjske Alps of Slovenia, fell in love with the Fishtail Area. He and our grandmother, Katherine had immigrated to the US in 1906, and in 1912, homesteaded on a dryland farm north of Columbus, MT. Grandfather longed for the mountains, streams and lush forest of his homeland. Grandfather would occasionally accompany a friend to go fishing at Fishtail, and the area reminded him of his beloved Slovenia. He determined he would buy a place in this valley, and somehow he managed to do just that. We grandkids marvel that he was able to accomplish that during the Great Depression and the 'dirty 30's.' Since that time, several generations of Lesnik kids, cousins, grandkids and great-grandkids have roamed the hills and fished and floated on Fishtail Creek. The ranch continues to operate as a working ranch, raising cattle, sheep and hay. And now the Lesnik Kids have decided to remodel the house, built in 1941 by our dad, Leo Lesnik, and rent it as a vacation rental. We have retained the original feel of the house, but have given our family home a 'face lift.' We are pleased to offer this well loved home for your enjoyment!

Why they chose this property

This property has been in our family since 1928.
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