The Big Sky Ranch in Malta, MT for Sale
Positioned along Nelson Reservoir near Malta, Montana, Big Sky Ranch encompasses approximately 11,367± total acres of expansive grazing country in Phillips County. Combining a working Montana cattle ranch with exceptional access to fishing, hunting, wildlife, and water recreation, the property represents a compelling opportunity to acquire a large-scale ranch in one of North Central Montana’s most distinctive recreational settings.
Big Sky Ranch consists of approximately 5,759± deeded acres, 3,817± BLM acres, and 1,791± acres of Bureau of Reclamation lease, creating an extensive and contiguous operating landscape. The ranch provides approximately 1,800 total AUMs, historically supporting approximately 300 cow-calf pairs for a six-month grazing season.
Purchased as an investment property in 2012, Big Sky Ranch has since been operated as an active cattle ranch. The combination of deeded acreage and associated federal grazing lands provides the scale necessary for a substantial seasonal grazing operation while preserving the wide-open character that defines this region of Montana.
Cattle Ranching & Grazing
At its foundation, Big Sky Ranch is a working Montana cattle ranch. Native rangeland stretches across rolling prairie and open coulees, providing extensive grazing country well suited to a traditional cow-calf operation.
With approximately 1,800 AUMs and historical carrying capacity of 300 cows for six months, the ranch provides an established agricultural component that distinguishes it from properties purchased solely for recreation.
The substantial acreage and combination of deeded and leased lands also create opportunities for a new owner to continue operating the ranch within an existing cattle operation or manage the property as a standalone grazing asset.
One of the defining attributes of Big Sky Ranch is its location immediately adjacent to Nelson Reservoir, approximately 20 miles northeast of Malta.
The ranch adjoins Bureau of Reclamation lands associated with Nelson Reservoir along its southern boundary, placing one of northeastern Montana’s premier warm-water fisheries directly alongside the property. Nelson Reservoir is widely recognized for walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and other warm-water species, while its expansive waters provide opportunities for boating, kayaking, and other summer recreation.
For a ranch of this scale to combine livestock production with immediate proximity to a major recreational reservoir is unusual and significantly broadens the property’s year-round appeal.
Wildlife & Recreation
Big Sky Ranch lies within a landscape characterized by native prairie, agricultural lands, reservoir habitat, wetlands, and extensive public lands. The property is also positioned adjacent to the Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge area to the east, further contributing to the wildlife character of the surrounding landscape.
The ranch and neighboring habitat provide opportunities for mule deer, whitetail deer, antelope, upland birds, and waterfowl, while the sheer scale of the property creates extensive room for hunting, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, ATV use, and other outdoor pursuits.
This combination of private ranchland, public-land adjacency, wildlife habitat, and reservoir recreation makes Big Sky Ranch equally compelling from an agricultural and recreational perspective.
Malta & Phillips County
Despite its expansive setting, Big Sky Ranch is conveniently located approximately 20 minutes from Malta, Montana, the agricultural and commercial hub of Phillips County.
Malta provides everyday services, lodging, dining, healthcare, schools, agricultural supplies, and an airport while remaining surrounded by some of Montana’s most productive ranching country. The region is defined by large working cattle ranches, native prairie, the Milk River corridor, and abundant public lands.
For additional commercial air service, both Great Falls and Billings are accessible by vehicle, connecting the property to larger regional and national markets.
Acreage
5,759± Deeded Acres
3,817± BLM Acres
1,791± Bureau of Reclamation Lease Acres
11,367± Total Acres
1,800± Total AUMs
Historical Carrying Capacity: Approximately 300 Cows for Six Months
A Montana Ranch Built Around Production & Recreation
Big Sky Ranch occupies a unique position in the Montana ranch real estate market. Few properties combine more than 11,000± acres of operating landscape with established cattle grazing, immediate proximity to Nelson Reservoir, extensive wildlife habitat, and access to surrounding public lands.
Whether acquired as an addition to an existing cattle operation, a recreational ranch, a long-term Montana land investment, or a legacy holding for generations to come, Big Sky Ranch offers an exceptional combination of scale, production, water recreation, and wildlife near Malta, Montana.
