Raised between Alabama and the Cayman Islands, Bill joined Hall and Hall as a ranch partner in the fall of 1996. He came to Montana to work as a fly-fishing guide and ranch hand during a summer break from law school. Bill returned to Montana after graduation and became the Tribal Prosecutor for the Crow Tribe. In addition to his law degree, Bill holds an undergraduate degree in music from the University of Miami and remains passionate about his music. He is also a skilled photographer specializing in underwater imagery with images having been published by National Geographic, the BBC and elsewhere. He is an FAA licensed UAS (drone) Pilot which he uses for real estate photography and cinematography. He is also a hospice volunteer and dedicated practitioner of hot yoga. It was inevitable that he found his way into a real estate career as the profession stretches back four generations in his family. His love of the northern Rocky Mountain region compelled him to move to Missoula where he handles transactions in the “backyard” as well as those stretching from Florida to California. Bill is currently licensed as a real estate broker in Montana (RRE-BRO-LIC-8609), Idaho (#AB00021997), Florida (#BK3229636), Georgia (#347418), Tennessee (#317360), and California (#01455038).
This 1,155± acre riverfront ranch is almost entirely surrounded by water with Mount Shasta towering as the backdrop. The Fall River forms the western boundary of the ranch for over three miles, while the Tule and the Little Tule Rivers form the east boundary for nearly four miles. The confluence of these rivers is located at the southern boundary. This is the largest spring creek system in the United States and the Fall River has a reputation for exceptional fly fishing. The river is primarily known for its rainbow and brown trout, although anglers may also find brook trout and whitefish. Fishing is most productive from May through October, although the river is open year-round.
Seasonal and lush meadows are populated with abundant migratory waterfowl, including ducks, geese, swans and pelicans. Numerous raptors populate the area including eagles, osprey, owls and even peregrine falcon. The avid bird hunter will also find sage grouse, pheasant, dove, and quail. Big game populations in the area include deer, bear and pronghorn antelope.
The ranch is located in Shasta County at an elevation of 3,000 feet. It is operated as a recreation and cattle ranch with a current cattle lease generating annual income. The improvements are comfortable and functional. Residential facilities include a three-bedroom, two-bath main home and a boathouse that has three bedrooms and three baths with two fully enclosed boat slips on the water level. There is also an 18,000 square foot historic barn.
Co-listed with The Chickering Company, Inc.
Topographically, Island Ranch is flat and “almost eponymous”. Technically, Island Ranch is not an island but rather a large peninsula with seven miles of water bordering all but the north boundary. There is a tremendous amount of wetland, and the views of Mount Shasta are dramatic. All improvements are located in the northwestern area of the ranch next to the Fall River.
To say that Island Ranch is special would be a gross understatement. To own three miles of frontage on the Fall River is incredibly unique, especially considering the river is only 15 miles long. Add to that four miles of the Tule and Little Tule Rivers and a buyer looking for an abundance of water will find all they could hope for. This is an income-generating ranch with a wide variety of high-quality sporting recreation opportunities on site.
The ranch is located in Shasta County near the town of Fall River Mills. Access to the area from the south is via Highway 299 from Interstate 5 in Redding. Island Ranch is located about 13 miles north of Fall River Mills where a jet-capable county Airport (089) can be utilized by private aviation. Commercial air service can be found in Redding (RDD), about an hour and a half from the ranch. Sacramento and Reno airports offer international service, about three hours from the ranch.
The Fall River Valley is known for its scenic beauty, world-famous fly fishing, and farming. The ultra-rich wildlife habitat is teeming with waterfowl, deer, and more. The majestic 14,000-foot Mount Shasta dominates the northern skyline and punctuates the grandeur of this remarkable valley. The Fall River Valley has unparalleled water features. Numerous and immense freshwater springs well-up crystal clear via large underground lava tubes. These truly remarkable springs are responsible for creating some of the largest spring creeks and rivers in the United States. Along with the blue-ribbon fishing found in these streams, the area attracts birders and hunters for the upland birds and waterfowl that migrate through the area.
The town of Fall River Mills is located between two mountains: Mount Shasta and Mount Lassen. The small town is tucked in the valley, along with an 18-hole golf course and a jet-capable airport. The valley has a reputation as the home of California’s wild rice industry. The entire Fall River winds for 16 miles through mostly private agricultural land with very few public access points that are open to fishing. Agricultural crops include wild rice, alfalfa, lavender, strawberries, and mint. From old-fashioned family diners to trendy cheese and wine stores, Fall River Mills’s small town appeal is quintessentially quaint.
Shasta County maintains its seat in the city of Redding, where almost half of the county’s 182,155 residents live. The county stretches from the upper Sacramento valley to the southern reaches of the Cascade Mountain Range. Shasta County is heavily forested and is an extremely popular region for recreation.
The Island Ranch area experiences a warm-summer Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average high temperature in the summer months of June through August ranges from the mid-80s to low 90s, while the average low temperature during these months ranges from the mid-40s to low 50s. In the winter months of December through February, the average high temperature ranges from the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit, while the average low temperature ranges from the mid-20s to low 30s. The area receives the majority of its precipitation during the winter months, with an average of 20 inches of rainfall per year. Overall, the ranch enjoys a pleasant climate with mild temperatures and moderate precipitation throughout the year. Sunshine is abundant with 248 sunny days on average annually.
The Fall River Mills area of California has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. The Achomawi and Atsugewi Native American tribes were the first inhabitants of the area, living along the banks of the Pit River and utilizing the abundant natural resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering. In the mid-19th century, the discovery of gold in the nearby mountains brought an influx of settlers to the area, leading to the development of several mining communities. Agriculture and logging soon became the main industries in the region, and the establishment of the Fall River Valley Irrigation District in 1920 led to the expansion of farming and ranching. Today, the area is known for its beautiful scenery, recreational opportunities, and rich cultural heritage, with several museums and historic landmarks preserving the stories and traditions of the early settlers and Native American tribes.
The residential structures will be delivered fully furnished and ready for immediate use. The sale will also include one boat and one John Deere Gator (side-by-side). The owners will retain their personal items along with one boat and one Gator. Powder River gates and panels are included, except for two squeeze chutes are owned by the cattle grazing tenant.
Main Home
This 1,800 square foot structure has three bedrooms and two baths. It has a living room, a spacious kitchen with high-end appliances, dining room and a full basement. It is equipped with air conditioning and propane heating. It is served by water out of the Fall River with a filtration pump and filtration system, and a septic system. The floating dock on the Fall River is less than 150 feet from the door. A westward view across the river presents spectacular sunsets.
Boathouse
This structure is one of only three of its kind on the Fall River in that it sits directly adjacent to and over the river. It has 1,919 square feet of temperature-controlled living space along with a 240± square foot screened porch. There are three bedrooms and three full baths with a kitchen and living/dining room. At water level, the structure has two enclosed boat slips and a utility room. The building is heated with propane and has air conditioning for the dog days of summer. It is also served by a pump and filtration system with water out of the Fall River and a septic system.
Barn
This historic wood structure is huge with 18,000 square feet. Currently, the owners and tenants use it for hay, equipment, and “toy” storage though it has great potential for conversion to other creative uses.
Seller will convey all rights owned by Seller.
Annual taxes have been $60,712 but will be reassessed upon sale.
The Fall River has a reputation for exceptional fly fishing and is the largest spring creek system in the United States. The river is primarily known for its rainbow and brown trout, although anglers may also find brook trout and whitefish. Fishing is most productive from May through October, although the river is open year-round.
Other world-class fisheries nearby include the Hat Creek, McCloud River, Upper Sacramento River, and the Pit River, all within an hour’s drive. The Klamath, Smith and Trinity Rivers, all known for their Steelhead fishing, are also within a couple of hour’s drive from the ranch.
Fishing photos provided by John Fochetti Fly Fishing. For more information please go to www.johnfochettiflyfishing.com.
Island Ranch is waterfowl paradise. The ranch’s lush habitat is located on the Pacific Flyway and is utilized by migratory waterfowl during their migration between Canada, Southern California, and Mexico. Bird species include duck, geese, osprey, bald eagle, great horned owl, peregrine falcons, quail, dove, pheasant, and grouse, to name a few.
The Fall River area of northern California offers a wealth of recreational opportunities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its winding river, clear lakes, and scenic trails, this region is a paradise for fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife watching. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park features a 129-foot waterfall and miles of hiking trails through old-growth forests. The nearby Lassen Volcanic National Park offers breathtaking vistas of volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and geysers. The Fall River Valley Golf & Country Club is also a popular destination for golf enthusiasts, while kayaking and canoeing on Fall River provide a serene way to explore the area's waterways.
Mount Shasta has a small ski resort nearby that bears its name, Mountain Shasta Ski Park. Climbing Mount Shasta itself is a technical endeavor that should not be taken lightly. However, there are numerous hikes on Shasta and in the surrounding area that are much more manageable for the casual hiker.
From an agricultural perspective, the ranch is primarily a cattle ranch with a carrying capacity of approximately 600 AUs. There is a cattle lease in place that generates annual income with 600 cow/calf operation being stocked from April to November. There is a functional set of Powder River corrals. Sixty-five acres are in hay production (two cuttings per season) while 500 acres are utilized as irrigated pasture. Four hundred acres is comprised of outstanding waterfowl habitat.
The owners personally use the ranch as an outdoor recreation getaway.
The ranch is not enrolled in the Williamson Act and is zoned “EA” Exclusive Agricultural for recreation and agricultural use.
Seller is retaining a 5-acre parcel on the river that is along the western boundary of the ranch and will retain a 40-foot-wide easement to said parcel to Horr Road.
His (Bill's) expertise in the market and marketing of the property was excellent.
Bill McDavid was an outstanding and very patient partner in this sale. His expertise in the market and marketing of the property was excellent. I would use him again in a heartbeat to either buy or sell a ranch property. David...
Mount Shasta towers above this 4,000± acre ranch with a trout stream, riding trails, valuable timber resources, and forest service borders. Improvements include almost 50,000 square feet designed for private enjoyment.
With over 14,000 acres, Rana Creek Ranch is the largest landholding in California’s Carmel Valley. Tremendous operational potential combined with endless recreational resources. Less than an hour to Pebble Beach.
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Los Robles Ranch, with over 6,139± acres is a large, well-blocked cattle ranch in the picturesque Yokohl Valley on the west side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
This 25,000± acre ranch borders national forest and wilderness. A 7,380± SF spanish colonial home sits on an elevated plain with sweeping views. Mill Creek flows through for 15± miles. Wildlife abounds.
