Several miles of the fabled North Platte River grace the southern end of the Haystack River Ranch, just outside of Rawlins, Wyoming. A legendary history of native Americans, fur trappers, railroaders, and outlaws enliven the legacy of this part of Wyoming, and Haystack River Ranch lies in the middle of it all. With over 92,000 acres controlled in a combination of deeded and leased land, this vast property is a proven low overhead cattle operation, with notable fishing and hunting opportunities, along with intriguing investment potential in the domains of energy leasing and environmental credits. The North Platte River is the key to the productivity of Haystack River Ranch. The river supplies irrigation water for several hundred acres of irrigated and sub-irrigated meadows, which is the mainstay for the cattle operation on the property. In addition, numerous springs and 30 stock ponds keep livestock supplied throughout the ranch property. The ranch occupies the broad North Platte River bottomland at approximately 7000 feet elevation, along with the adjoining uplands and rocky Haystack Mountains. A mix of natural and irrigated grasslands, sagebrush, and rocky outcrops creates a classic “Wyoming mix” of habitat that serves big game herds of pronghorn, elk, and mule deer well. Hunting for these big game species, plus upland birds and waterfowl, is excellent on Haystack River Ranch. Trout fishermen need no introduction to the North Platte, as one of America’s great trout rivers. It is large enough on the ranch to be fished either by floating or wading, and offers resident populations of brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout, and even some walleye. The presence of sprawling Seminoe Reservoir a few miles downstream means that trophy-sized fish make their way up to Haystack River Ranch on a regular basis. The chances of hiking into fish measured in pounds is very real at Haystack River Ranch! In addition, the famed Miracle Mile of the North Platte is only a short drive away, as well as outstanding stillwater fishing in Seminoe Reservoir itself.
