For many anglers, the most convenient approach to accommodations is to stay in a motel in town. If you are fishing long hours and just need a comfortable place to sleep, there are several nice motels in Livingston to choose from; all a short distance from restaurants and the shop. If you are planning to base your vacation in Bozeman or Belgrade we have included a few options for you as well. If you are booking a guide trip, we can handle your motel reservations for you. Just give us the price range and a little information (non-smoking, 1st level room, two double beds, ect). and we will find accommodations that will best suit your needs. If you would like to book one on your own, please click below to find the most competitive rates:
Erik’s Ranch is a unique place to stay with awe-inspiring views of the Absaorka Mountains from North Dry Creek (the west side of the Valley). This brand new, beautifully designed and eco-friendly home boats two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, living room (with a convertible sofa bed) and fireplace. The guesthouse is the perfect place to stay while enjoying a day on the Yellowstone or one of Paradise Valley’s famous Spring Creeks. AND, by staying here you are providing a future of endless possibilities for adults with autism. This truly is a win/win for everyone and a great place to stay. Please check out their website for more information on the project and how you can help a great organization while also staying in one of the coolest places in the valley. For now there is only one guest house built, but by contributing they will be able to build more guest houses in the future. There is no minimum night stay. Sleeps up to 5 guests. $200.
Erik’s Ranch
144 North Dry Creek Road
Livingston, MT 59027
(406) 451-2722
Nelson’s Spring Creek
101 Nelson Spring Creek Rd
Livingston, MT 59047
(406) 222-6560
The Nelson ranch has a truly outstanding and unique facility designed for no more than three parties. If getting away from it all and meeting real Montanans is what you’re looking for, we are the place for you.
Built originally to house the fishermen who frequent our stream, we have now expanded our lodging accommodations to meet the needs of any who come to Montana to recreate. Their “fishing lodge” consists of three self contained suites complete with kitchenettes, private baths, sitting rooms, and bedrooms. Each unit can accommodate two to four people. Brand new this year is the addition of a beautiful and spacious great room, complete with a well-appointed kitchen, large dining area, and gathering room. Guests who stay with us can take advantage of a hearty ranch breakfast, served each morning in the great room.
The Blue Winged Olive is located just a mile south of the shop on Highway 89. There are four rooms, each with a private bath. The operation is geared toward angling guests: the buffet style breakfast is served with fishing schedules in mind, and there is a room set up for fly tying, swapping stories, or watching videos.
April 1 thru October 31
Single: $110/Double: $160
third person in room $50
Rates per night/2 night minimum
5157 US-89
Livingston, MT 59047
(406) 222-8646
Johnstad’s Bed & Breakfast
3 Paradise Ln
Emigrant, MT 59027
(406) 333-9003
Johnstad’s offers classic Montana hospitality in the heart of Paradise Valley, creating a warm atmosphere while allowing privacy for their guests. Each of the spacious guest rooms has a private bath and wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. Guests enjoy a full breakfast to start their day. (Also see the Johnstad’s Guest House in the Cabins listing below.)
$110-$125 per night (double occupancy)
Includes a full breakfast
Two night minimum stay during the summer months
As it has been since 1869, Mission Creek Ranch is a working ranch, raising quality Black Angus cattle. Staying at the Bed & Breakfast offers you a unique opportunity to fly fish, whether on our private spring creek or on the banks of the Yellowstone River, take advantage of many nearby recreational activities, or just enjoy the authentic simplicity of ranch life.
$350 per night for double occupancy. Additional guests (including children) are $25 per person, per night.
$500 fully refundable security deposit.
7% Montana State Accommodation Tax.
50% deposit of Total Rental Fee is required to reserve your reservation.
Cleaning Fee $250, waived with a minimum four-night stay.
No pets allowed.
10 Mission Creek Road
Livingston, MT 59047
(406) 222-8290
Paradise Gateway
2644 US-89
Emigrant, MT 59027
(406) 333-4063
Paradise Gateway offers beautiful bed and breakfast accommodations with access to the Yellowstone River. Each room has a private bath, and both “hearty” and “light” breakfast menus are available. (Some of our clients stay here just for the cinnamon rolls!) The folks at the Paradise Gateway also book a guest cabin on the adjoining property (see the Cabins listing below).
Rates vary by lodging options.
Located on the Yellowstone River, convenient to the spring creeks and Yellowstone Park. Stay in your own private 2 bedroom log cabin, and fish the Yellowstone from the back yard or try the private pond. Enjoy a full breakfast in the ranch kitchen or pick up a continental basket to enjoy in your cabin.
$160.00/night (2 people, 2 day minimum) and
$15.00/night for each additional person. Includes full or continental breakfast.
Winter Rates (October 15 – April 15)
$120.00/night (2 people)
Yellowstone Country
2850 Hwy 89 South
Emigrant, MT 59027
(406) 333-4917
East River Road
Emigrant, MT 59027
406-531-1567
The Yellowstone River Retreat is the perfect place to return to after enjoying a day in southwestern Montana. Located on the banks of the Yellowstone River, in the heart of Paradise Valley, you’ll absolutely love the view from your private deck and bedroom window. There are several nice runs in front of the property, which hold good numbers of rainbows, browns, and cutthroat. You can fish hard all day with a guide and still get some fishing in while you grill up some thick Montana steaks.
The perfect spot for anglers to come back and enjoy all Paradise Valley has to offer… including free swimming at Chico Hot Springs! A two minute walk to the river will enable fishermen to catch the last evening hours of the hatch before returning to a great shower, dish TV, gas grille, and a comfy living room. With two bedrooms (one with a Queen size bed, the other with two twin beds), full kitchen, and a couch this cabin is ideal for 3-4 people. Also equipped with washer/dryer. Well behaved pets are more than welcome!
Andy’s Cabin at Loch Leven
92 Loch Leven Fishing Access
Pray, MT 59065
(406) 222-7001
Elliott House
311 E. Callendar St.
Livingston, MT 59065
(406) 224-0245
Located in a quiet neighborhood in Livingston, the Elliott House is just two blocks from the downtown historic district, so restaurants, art galleries, and other shopping are within easy walking distance. Decorated with regional art and antiques, the house is a historic structure, but it has been completely refurbished and offers cable TV, a washer/dryer, and phone service.
3-night minimum stay, discounts available for stays of a week or more and in the off season
High Season (June through September)
Three night special $450 ($135 each additional night)
$800/week ($110 each additional night)
Spring/Fall Season Month of May & Month of October
Three night special $400 ($125 each additional night)
$775/week ($105 each additional night)
Johnstad’s Guest House is located adjacent to their bed & breakfast, 17 miles south of Livingston. The Guest House is fully furnished with a kitchen, living room with TV/VCR, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and laundry facilities. There are 3 outside decks with a beautiful view of Paradise Valley and the Absaroka/Beartooth mountains. It will easily accommodate 6 guests, making it an ideal spot for a family or group of anglers! The Guest House is just a short walk away from the Yellowstone River. (Also check out their bed & breakfast option above).
$150-$175 for 2 guests, $20/each additional guest
Johnstad’s Log Guest House
92 Loch Leven Fishing Access
Pray, MT 59065
(406) 222-7001
Mountain Home Montana Vacation Rentals
Various Locations
(406) 586-4589
If none of these individual vacation home listings fit your needs, we recommend that you talk to the crew at Mountain Home in Bozeman. They offer a wide variety of carefully selected properties, and their friendly, professional service will make sure are matched up with a home that will make your vacation especially memorable. Be sure to let them know that the Yellowstone Angler sent you!
“When you book your Montana vacation home with us, you deal directly with the local managers and you get the best price. You’ll have access to our Mountain Home guest app that provides you with information about the home and what to do in the area. We care. We’re friendly and helpful, and we want your vacation to rock. Welcome home and start browsing Montana vacation rentals now!”
Completely redone over the 2005-2006 winter, the cabin has a comfort you would expect in such a breathtaking valley. It accommodates four comfortably with a kitchenette and private yard. It sits in the foot hills around Old Chico and is only 1 mile away from Chico Hot Springs Resort and only 37 miles north of Yellowstone National Park. Numerous mountain trails are also within minutes of the front door.
$150 per night
Email Edie Mellgren at: ediem@wispwest.net
(406) 333-4323
The Pine Creek Store is located about 10 miles south of Livingston, near the Pine Creek access on the Yellowstone. There are several options for accommodations: all of the cabins have kitchens-some have private baths, while others offer lots of room for larger groups, but share a bath house. There is also a small general store and an excellent café on the premises.
$69 typically, but may vary. Contact for more information and booking.
(406) 222-3628
The River Inn cabins are located right on the Yellowstone, just a few miles south of Livingston. The “Calamity Jane” cabin has one queen bed, private bath/shower and kitchen, and great views of the river. Also available is the “Annie Oakley”, a more rustic cabin.
“Calamity Jane” cabin: $140/night, $840/week
“Annie Oakley” cabin: $160/night, $960/week
(406) 222-2429
If none of these individual vacation home listings fit your needs, we recommend that you talk to the crew at Mountain Home in Bozeman. They offer a wide variety of carefully selected properties, and their friendly, professional service will make sure are matched up with a home that will make your vacation especially memorable. Be sure to let them know that the Yellowstone Angler sent you!
Mountain Home Montana Vacation Rentals
(406) 586-4589
Another option for accommodations would be a traditional guest ranch. This is a good option for anglers accompanied by a family or non-fishing spouse who wants other organized activities (like horseback riding or hiking) to be available. Most of these ranches have some “back door” fishing, but you are also much farther from Livingston and some of the other fishing we will recommend, so you will be driving longer distances to go fishing. These guest ranches are very popular, and you must book early to get space in prime time during July and August. Fishermen need to remember that when staying at these guest ranches, your meal schedule is not as flexible. However you often can arrange for them to keep a “hot plate” for you if you will be fishing late and miss dinner.
Mountain Sky is a beautiful facility located on Big Creek, abut 30 miles south of Livingston. It offers deluxe accommodations, superb cuisine, and a wide range of recreational opportunities-horseback riding, hiking, tennis courts, a heated pool, volleyball, and horseshoes. Angling parents with younger children will appreciate the kids program. There is a pond on the ranch for the kids and casting practice, and Big Creek offers excellent small stream fishing for wild cutthroats by the ranch, and some very nice browns in the lower reaches.
Peak Season: June 11th – August 27th
Adults: $3460-$5000/week
Children 7-12: $2930-$4310/week
Children under 6: $2275-$3460/week
Adults Only : May 1st – June 11th & August 27th – October 15th
$335-$365 per person/per night
Mountain Sky Guest Ranch
480 Big Creek Road
Emigrant, MT 59027
(800) 548-3392
The 63 Ranch
184 Bruffrey Ln
Livingston, MT 59047
(888) 395-5151
The 63 Ranch is located on Little Mission Creek, just southeast of Livingston, between the Yellowstone and Boulder drainages. This is majestic country, and worth the drive alone. Accommodations and food are very nice and they have a first class riding program. Access to the spectacular Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is right out the back door. There is some fishing on Mission Creek at the ranch, but this is a small stream up this high, with smaller fish. Farther downstream, on main Mission Creek are more good fishing opportunities. Also, it’s only a 10-mile drive to get over to the West Boulder river, or about 10 miles to get back to Livingston and the Yellowstone River.
Adults: $1890/week
Children 6-11: $1680/week
Children 5 and under: $200/week
The facilities at Chico don’t fit into the categories listed
above, as they offer a wide variety of different types of accommodations. A few options include the Main Lodge, Lower Lodge, and Fisherman’s Lodge. Call, email, or consult the website for rates and other lodging options.
The Main Lodge is the central building of the resort, with the Chico Inn restaurant downstairs, and the pools and saloon next door. The Main Lodge was built in 1900, so the rooms are small and have single or double beds, and not all rooms have a private bath. There are also a few rooms in the Main Lodge with additional amenities.
The Lower Lodge is a new building, located across the front lawn from the main lodge. This two story structure has rooms with queen beds and full baths, suites with kitchenettes, a meeting room, and fitness room.
The Fisherman’s Lodge is a modern motel unit located on the hill above the lower lodge. Each room has two queen beds. Chico also offers several rustic log cabins, as well as several chalets, cottages and houses in various locations at the resort.
Chico Hot Springs Resort
163 Chico Road
Pray, Montana 59065
(406) 333-4933
The Livingston and Bozeman Area offer some amazing food options! Below we’ve accumulated a list of delicious restaurants ranging in type of food, price and location. Starting at the top you’ll find a selection in Livingston, moving down to areas just outside of Livingston, then to the bottom for Bozeman options. Enjoy!
The specialties at the Rib & Chop House are ribs, hand cut steaks, and Louisiana style seafood. This is Livingston’s most popular restaurant, and for good reason. Great food, great service and a fun atmosphere. You won’t find better steaks anywhere and there are always delicious daily specials. Don’t forget to try their frozen margaritas – they are tough to beat after a long day out fishing, but more than one of these will kick your butt.
Livingston, MT
(406) 222-9200
Lunch & Dinner $ – $$$
The 2nd Bistro has become a local favorite. This highly acclaimed restaurant’s menu is unpretentious, but all of the food, other than their seafood, is sourced locally, from independent farmers and ranchers, and very well prepared. If you are eating light, the menu includes great appetizers, soups, salads, frog legs, and a selection of the best hand tossed pizzas in town. Dinners range from diner favorites like a fancy mac & cheese or meatloaf to seared ahi tuna. They also have a top drawer drink menu with mixed drinks that you won’t find anywhere else. Open Tuesday through Saturday.
Livingston, MT
(406) 222-9463
Dinner only $$ – $$$
Glenn, who many of you may recognize as the head bar tender when Chatham owned the Livingston Bar and Grill, has now opened up his own restaurant. If you are looking for an awesome outside dining environment with excellent appetizers and entrées, you’ll like Glenn’s. Enjoy a micro brew on tap or one of Glenn’s perfect cocktails while you chill out and reflect on the days fishing to some good tunes. Some of our favorites include the Shrimp Cocktail, Smoked Salmon, Steak Bites, Texas Toast Garlic Bread, and the many good Pasta dishes.
Livingston, MT
(406) 222-5277
Dinner and Happy Hour $ – $$
Southern BBQ right in the heart of Paradise Valley. Started in 2012 Taylor Henson brought true, quality BBQ to our area. Try and get there early on Fridays and Saturdays as they regularly sell out of the best meat and sides. Only thing that beats the smoked meats are the views of Emigrant Peak. Great live music events at some of the best outdoor seating in the state.
Emigrant, MT
(406) 224-2847
Breakfast (Wildflower Bakery), Lunch & Dinner $ – $$
Best burger in town! For a traditional Montana meal, stop by the Stockman Bar on Main Street. The dining room is located in the back (past the bar and casino machines). Their menu is relatively limited, but if you are looking for a juicy burger and a plate of fries, or a tasty rib eye steak, the Stockman is tough to beat. Not the best spot if you are watching your cholesterol intake, but you won’t leave hungry!
Livingston, MT
(406) 222-8455
Lunch and Dinner $ – $$$
Opened in 2010, PVG brought fresh Napa Valley cuisine to Livingston with entrees that are spectacular, both in their presentation, beauty and taste. A friendly atmosphere and good service. Lots to pick from on the menu, and everything we’ve tried has been superb. A little pricy but you’ll leave impressed. Out of 37 reviews, 29 were excellent. This tells you about all you need to know.
Livingston, MT
(406) 222-4815
Dinner only $$ – $$$
Located on the South side of Park Street in downtown Livingston. The Murray bar is a Livingston establishment. Great place to grab some pizza and beer after a long day of fishing. Live music and plenty of anglers can lead to late nights. Be sure to find George’s Brown Stone fly on the “Bar Fly Wall.”
Livingston, MT
(406) 222-9463
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner $ – $$$
A good place for breakfast. Located at the East end of the old Livingston train depot. Great omelets, pancakes, and waffles, with plenty of fresh pastries and baked goods. George’s favorite breakfast – Polish Sausage, scrambled eggs, grits and an English Muffin.
Livingston, MT
(406) 222-7288
Breakfast and Lunch $
Located on Main Street in downtown Livingston, Pinky’s is a great spot for breakfast or lunch. The new ower, formerly the Exec. Chef at Chico Hot springs, is serving some terrific food with many very interesting and delicious items on the new menu. The place is small, but the people are very friendly and the service is as good as the food. You’ll be impressed.
Livingston, MT
(406) 222-0668
Breakfast and Lunch $
Right across from the Livingston train depot and the Beanery, this coffee shop prides itself in serving the best organic coffee and homemade pastries like bagels and scones. The menu is limited but everything is excellent, well prepared and tasty. Another thing we like is that they open early, at 6 AM! A great place to start your day. Dan and his wife are great hosts and those scones and bagels are yummy!
Livingston, MT
(406) 222-3226
Breakfast and good Coffee anytime $
The Pickle Barrel is a good choice in town for a fresh deli style sandwich, and they feature several hot “cheese steak” style sandwiches. One of our favorites is the “North of the Border”. They also have very good homemade soup and chili each day. Unless you are really hungry, just order a quarter of a sandwich, as the portions are huge. Free delivery in Livingston is offered at peak lunch and dinner times.
Livingston, MT
(406) 222-5469
Lunch and Dinner $
A tradition on Park Street in Livingston since 1954, a stop at Mark’s is a step back in time. They feature freshly made burgers and fries, and a milk shake made with Livingston’s own Wilcoxson’s ice cream is a special treat. Not open during the Winter.
Livingston, MT
Lunch and Dinner $
Located in the Shopko parking lot, this mobil unit travels the USA to bring clean fried food, freshly squeezed lime juice, and even deep fried oreo cookies! We love going there for lunch. They empty their frying oil everyday so you get a healthier batch of clams, walleye, fresh fish, or chicken fingers than in other places like this. Not open during the winter.
Livingston, MT
(406) 223-0275
Lunch and Dinner $
Located 25 miles to the South of Livingston, their restaurant at the Inn is famous for their gourmet cuisine. The food is continental cuisine, and there is a very good wine list. This is a popular spot, so be sure to call well in advance to make reservations. Don’t miss out on their baked brie or famous Orange Flambe. More casual fare is available at the Poolside Grille. The Chico Hot Springs Resort is famous for their hot spring swimming pools and they offer a variety of activities.
Emigrant, MT
(406) 333-4933
Breakfast Mon – Sat. Dinner everyday $$ – $$$
New owners have revamped this enjoyable old restaurant. Located on the West side of Main Street in downtown Livingston. Lots of interesting photos and artifacts from Livingston’s early days. Known for their great burgers and friendly service, but the menu has a variety of offerings with tasty luncheon specials. A big variety of good local beers.
Livingston, MT
(406) 222-5141
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner $ – $$
The Grand is a particular favorite of all of the Yellowstone Angler staff. Serving “continental cuisine with a Montana flair”, the dining room features local lamb, fresh seafood, and great steaks. Recipient of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence, the Grand has an extensive cellar of domestic wines. Less formal meals and a less expensive menu are available in the Grand’s saloon.
Big Timber, MT
(406) 222-4459
Lunch and Dinner $$ – $$$
For grilled steaks and burgers, the Livery Stable
is a dependable choice. Located just off Highway 89 in Emigrant, about 20 miles south of Livingston, this is a perfect dinner stop on the way back from a day in the Park or a float trip on the upper river. Prime Rib specials over the weekend are a must try!
Emigrant, MT
(406) 333-4482
Dinner everyday $$
On the East River road at Pine Creek, about 10 miles to the South of Livingston. We wouldn’t advise a trip through the valley without a stop here for lunch or dinner. This cozy restaurant has great home cooked style of food and an unmatched level of comfort. They also regularly have live music on the weekends. Try some of their fabulous rainbow trout tacos, or a little Elk stroganoff for something deliciously different. In mid-summer they have some very good musicians and groups performing on the weekends and grilled outdoor food like burgers and other sandwiches. Also check for live music.
Pine Creek, MT
(406) 222-3628
Breakfast and Dinner $ – $$
For the past few years, Montana Ale Works has been the Bozeman hangout for fisherman and guides. The food is a mix of tasty appetizers, sandwiches and great dinner specials. In addition, they have the best selection of beers in southwest Montana. Ale Works can also mix up your favorite mixed drink. Stop by after fishing and you’ll quickly become a regular. You will realize the atmosphere is alive with energy the minute you walk through the door.
Bozeman, MT
(406) 587-7700
Lunch and Dinner $ – $$
Ted Turner, who has a large ranch just outside Bozeman, started this restaurant with the idea of promoting bison on the menu, and now its a national restaurant chain. Yes, there is plenty of bison on the menu, like the juicy burgers and succulent bison pot roast, but there are also lots of other interesting choices and some excellent seafood. The best burgers in Bozeman and you can get them cooked the way you want them! A nice atmosphere and friendly service combine to make this a fun place to eat in Bozeman. On Main St at the corner of Wilson and Main.
Bozeman, MT
(406) 587-6000
Lunch and Dinner $$ – $$$
This is the new new hot spot in Bozeman, especially for wine lovers. They offer a wide selection of wines by the bottle or by the glass, as well as over 60 beers. Drinks are superb, but pricey. The lunch and dinner menu features “tapas style” appetizers and finger foods, and you can make up a cheese plate from an amazing selection of cheeses from all over the world. A good place to see and be seen.
Bozeman, MT
(406) 587-2170
Lunch and Dinner $$ – $$$
A Bozeman tradition for over 10 years, La Parrilla features “wraps” with fillings that combine the best of a whole world of flavors from Tex-Mex to Thai to Indian. Former Manager Jim Brungardt had to leave the state to forget about his addiction to their food. Be careful!
Bozeman, MT
(406) 582-9511
Lunch and Dinner $
A little hard to find, but well worth it. Turn North off Main St onto Bozeman, go three blocks and it will be on your left. This place is small so get there early. The sushi is quite good and they always have an excellent roll of the day. Don’t miss out on the Sashimi and nigiri, and their saki is great too. The wasabi they have here is great but it will kick your ass! A little pricey but so are all decent sushi restaurants. Still, you will leave here thinking it is pretty neat to have such good sushi in the boondocks of Montana.
Bozeman, MT
(406) 556-1351
Lunch and Dinner $$ – $$$
A popular summer evening hangout. Located on East Main Street in Bozeman, The Garage (owned by the same folks who run La Parrilla) has a large outside patio for al fresco dining. No fancy food here—just great burgers, ribs, chicken and veggies off the grill. If you want to sit outside, relax, watch the world go by, enjoy a beer and a burger (and not max out the credit card), this is the place.
Bozeman, MT
(406) 585-8558
Lunch and Dinner $
A little hard to find, but well worth it. Turn North off Main St onto Bozeman, go three blocks and it will be on your left. This place is small so get there early. The sushi is quite good and they always have an excellent roll of the day. Don’t miss out on the Sashimi and nigiri, and their saki is great too. The wasabi they have here is great but it will kick your ass! A little pricey but so are all decent sushi restaurants. Still, you will leave here thinking it is pretty neat to have such good sushi in the boondocks of Montana.
Bozeman, MT
(406) 556-1351
Lunch and Dinner $$ – $$$
Featuring some of the best pizza in the West, this charming eatery features a cabin-style wood interior and rustic hand made tables. A large variety of specialty pizzas, sandwiches, salads, build-your-own pizza, and rotational Montana craft brews make this a great place to grab some food after a long day on the water.
Bozeman, MT
(406) 587-0055
Lunch and Dinner $$