Depuy's Spring Creek
The crystal clear waters of Depuy's Spring Creek beckon the fly fishing purist. This gem of a trout stream in Paradise Valley offers over 3 miles of spring-fed creek managed exclusively for the fly fisher.
Gentle meadows filled with old willows and cottonwoods frame the creek as it winds its way north to meet the Yellowstone River.
Known for its abundant wild trout that subtly rise to emerging insects during the prolific hatches Depuy's is so famous for, this spring creek is on every serious fly angler's bucket list.
Angler limits and private water fees help reduce crowding and angling pressure on this flyfishing Montana treasure.
Fantastic Day
"A few days ago, a good friend and I took a full-day guided fishing trip with Fins & Feathers. It was a fantastic day and was everything they promised and more. They took care of everything, and my friend and I could concentrate on just catching fish (which we did!).
The guide did all of the work and we thoroughly enjoyed the day, as well as his excellent company. I'll be back to Fins & Feathers for more guided fishing trips soon!”
- Mike R.
Depuy's Spring Creek Sections
The Upper Creek
The creek starts high up on the DePuy Ranch above the southern boundary. The nearby PHD pool will test the skills and wits of the most experienced angler.
Steadily rising trout are found here just about every day of the year. Careful presentations of accurate fly imitations on light tippets are essential.
Trout hold along weed beds and subtle depth changes through this stretch of the creek.
Depuy's Spring Creek Pond
The creek is partially damned near the main house, creating a small pond that holds both resident and transitory trout.
The northern end of the pond has some depth and can offer solid streamer fly fishing in the winter and spring months.
Year-round hatches bring rising trout to the surface across the pond. Float tubes are helpful to reach rising trout throughout most of the pond as wading is very difficult.
The Lower Creek
The lower creek has a few riffle and pool sections where a variety of fly-fishing techniques can be effective.
The pool just below the pond is renowned for holding some of the largest fish in the creek. A stealthy approach is required. Try a single, weighted nymph under a small strike indicator as you prospect the various current seams along the pool’s edge.
The flat water sections near the bottom of the property will test the skills of the most advanced caster.
Fishing Conditions Through the Seasons
Spring
Fly fishing Depuy's Spring Creek in the spring means finding big trout during the legendary blue-winged olive and caddis hatches. While nymphing techniques produce in early spring, it's the dry fly purist that thrives during the major spring mayfly emergences while fly fishing in Montana on Depuy's. Patiently waiting for trout to subtly sip emergers takes patience. Accurate, delicate presentations are required to fool these large trout.
Summer
The lush meadows surrounding Depuy's Spring Creek are in full bloom by early summer. While the caddis and pale morning dun hatches slowly wane, terrestrials take center stage by late July. The splashy rise of a big trout sipping beetles, ants, and grasshoppers along undercut banks is common. As the temperatures climb, fishing deep weed edges, and seams along undercut banks with nymphs and terrestrials can produce quality fish.
Fall Fishing
Fall on Depuy's Spring Creek is an underrated time to be streamside for these wild, Montana fish. Cooling water temperatures spur trout to feed actively as they prepare for the long winter ahead. October and November can have tremendous midge and blue-winged olive hatches. Dry fly fishing with midge clusters and BWO dries produce best this time of year. For the skilled caster, fall can produce some of the best dry fly fishing in Montana.
Winter Fishing
Winter on Depuy's is overlooked by many. But for the adventurous fly angler seeking solitude and trout, mid-winter provides a world-class experience. Fishing pressure is light and the consistent spring creek temperatures allow trout metabolism to remain high. Trout continue feeding subsurface throughout the winter months. Some of the best trout of the season are caught every winter by those willing to brave the elements.
Depuy's Spring Creek Fly Fishing Trips
Fins and Feathers Guide Service has been guiding fly fishing in Montana for over two decades. Depuy’s Spring Creek has been an experienced angler’s fishing highlight for many of our guests.
This is "match the hatch" western fly fishing at its best. Our guides are experts at finding rising fish and coaching the angler from approach through landing these wild, Montana fish.
Experienced anglers should consider adding a day trip to Depuy’s Spring Creek with Fins and Feathers on your multi-day Montana fly fishing vacations in Bozeman.
Montana Fish of Depuy's Spring Creek
