Abell River Ranch

Originally settled by JC Abell, the Abell Ranch homestead has existed for more than 145 years. The ranch consists of three non-contiguous parcels: The 282 acre homestead parcel containing a thoughtfully designed homestead house, the Bohannon Ranch which is 658 acres of pristine agricultural and recreational opportunity and Abell River Ranch is 534 acres of agricultural land with the largest contiguous private stretch of the South Platte River within its borders. It all took many years to finally acquire the ranch by the current owners, but the dream became a reality in March of 2019.

Since then, South Platte Holdings has halted overgrazing, improved access to the river, sought permanent conservation easement preservation for portions of the property and has begun a full scale fisheries and environmental restoration of the river parcel. Confluence principal Clint Packo participates as a principal in South Platte Holdings. South Platte Holdings partnered with Confluence Land Company and Freestone Aquatics to develop a sound approach for the property and seek the best opportunity for low pressure use while working toward preservation based goals.

In the year acquisition, Abell River Ranch has become one of the most in-demand fly fishing locations in Colorado and has seen a significant rise in natural vegetation. Wild trout populations are managed for sustainable preservation on the Abell Ranch. Beginning in 2021, restoration work has been executed by Freestone Aquatics on the entirety of this river reach to stabilize the stream banks, reduce channel width, improve fish habitat, and manage sediment deposition. Successful revegetation efforts upon completion of the project, in the form of willow planting and native grass seeding, have made this property a haven for a variety of wildlife from elk to Blue-Winged Olives.

Confluence Land Company was proud to represent the buyer in the acquisition of Abell River Ranch.