Location
DePuy Spring Creek, (pronounced Duh – Pew), is a free flowing tributary of the Yellowstone River, originating from the the Yellowstone Aquifer. This is the same stream as Armstong Spring Creek, just a continuation as the lower half, where it finally flows into the Yellowstone. The water temperature flows anywhere between 48 – 54°F (8.9 – 12.1°C) year round. These stable temperatures are one reason DePuy's has such great hatches, (and actively feeding fish) year round.
The DePuy portion of the spring creek is approximately 2.8 miles long, and is considered to be one of the best spring creeks in Montana, famous for prolific hatches and large trout. Located about 5 miles south of Livingston on Highway 89 South, DePuy’s has one of the most iconic and beautiful backdrops of any trout stream in the world. The Absaroka mountains, at over 12,000 feet tower over the creek and Paradise Valley.
Use this address to copy and paste into google maps:
4800 US Highway 89 S
Livingston, MT 59047
United States
History
In 1905 the DePuy family moved from Kansas to the Paradise Valley, where they purchased a small tract of land near the Yellowstone River. They made a living by farming and ranching sheep and cattle. Over the years, more land was acquired to create the current DePuy ranch property. Back in the 1950’s, Warren DePuy built an impressive fish hatchery that grew to be one of the largest fish hatcheries in the country for its time. The hatchery didn’t last long however, as the new highway was constructed over the old lanes, near the main entrance to the property today.
After the fish hatchery disappeared, Warren began construction on the magnificent white house that stands behind Dick's pond today. Although some locals have heard the inspiration for the house came from the movie “Gone with the Wind,” the idea actually came to Warren after reading books on travel, places, and history. In one of the books he saw photos of a beautiful southern edifice called the “Moss Mansion" which served as his main inspiration.
When anglers check in they are often taken back by the spectacular Corinthian style pillars that are used both on the outside and inside of the house. The gorgeous stairway and traditional chandelier are equally impressive, as are the paintings and the eclectic collection of interior decorations. In front of the house, Warren constructed two large wolf fountains. Behind the house he also created a picturesque waterfall and pond, which unfortunately were lost during the 1996 flood.
Rates
Like the other Paradise Valley spring creeks, the rod fee required to fish varies depending on the time of year. This sliding scale makes it more affordable to fish during the off season, especially during the winter, as DePuy’s is the only spring creek to offer a winter pass.
The most popular season to fish the spring creeks is in late June / early July, when the prolific PMD hatch is in progress. It can be very difficult to get on the creek this time of year. If you are serious about fishing on DePuy’s in late June through the middle of July, we suggest making rod reservations several years ahead of time. (Yes, the fishing is that good).
The main reason it is so busy this time of year is that anglers who have experienced the great dry fly fishing that occurs in this prime time, have a blast, and immediately “roll over” their dates for the following year.
DePuy's requires a 50% deposit is required to secure your rods. To make your reservations call Daryl or Theresa directly at 406-222-0221. You can also check out rod availability on their online calendar at depuyspringcreek.com. If you are booking a guided trip through us, we are happy to do all the ground work to reserve your rods for you.
Hatches on DePuy Spring Creek
Intense hatches of midges, spring baetis, caddis, two sizes of PMD's, sulphurs, and fall baetis come off regularly throughout the year, making DePuy's one of the best places in the world to fish for large trout with small dry flies. In addition to these main hatches, we have also seen March Browns, tricos, craneflies, callibaetis, damsels, pseudos, stoneflies, terrestrials, sculpin, leeches, and mice.
Spring baetis nymphs begin to work on the DePuy’s as early as late February. For the Baetis hatches to start, it seems as though air temperatures need to rise above 50 degrees, and it doesn’t hurt to have a cloudy day with little to no wind. Mid-March to late March is when the fish really seem to take notice, but these Baetis hatches continue on through the end of April. Later in the fall, baetis hatches will come again in October and November, although it is often more windy, which can blow these small mayflies off the water, making the fishing conditions more difficult.
In late April as temperatures increase we’ll see caddis hatching on DePuy’s (as well as the Yellowstone River on their property. Brachycentrus occidentalis, locally known as “Mother’s Day Caddis,” produces some red hot fishing with dries and emergers. You can differentiate fish eating caddis and caddis emergers as the rises are more splashy and energetic than when the fish are calmly sipping may flies like baetis, PMD’s, and sulphurs. At certain times of the day the fish will go into a feeding frenzy, even when the sun is out and shining bright. The fish are hyper focused on chasing caddis emergers and almost seem to forget predators and anglers, making the fishing exciting
Mid June through mid July is perhaps the best dry fly fishing on DePuy Spring Creek, with blanket PMD hatches. It is also the most popular time, so remember to book early! There are two types of PMD’s (pale morning duns) that hatch on DePuy’s. The first PMD’s of the year, Ephemerella infrequens, are larger in size, (#14-16) and typically emerger mid-June to early July. The second type of PMD’s, Ephemerella inermis, are smaller in size, (#18-20) and come off mid-July, continuing through August.
Spending a day on DePuy Spring Creek during the height of the PMD hatch is an experience that every angler deserves at least once. If you have never had the chance witness the PMD’s coming off on DePuy’s during late June through July, do yourself a favor and book a rod, even if it is for the following year. You might also enquire about cancelations.
During the PMD hatch there is also a summer baetis the comes off in the late afternoon. Local slang refers to these light orangish/creamish mayflies as sulphurs. Sulphurs are much smaller than PMD’s, so you’ll want to buy or tie these in a size #20-24. Sulphur duns typically come off around 4-6 PM but you can fish with sulphur nymphs anytime of day during late July, August, and early September.
Callibaetis mayflies and damsel dries are also present during June, July, and August. These two hatches come off mostly on Dick’s pond and the upper pond, however, they have been seen in other sections of the creek as well. We typically fish callibaetis in a size #14–16. For damsels, the nymphs seem to work year-round but, like the dries, they tend to work the best in the summer. Slowly stripping a damsel nymph in the pond will often elicit a strike and is something many anglers neglect to try.
Aside from the prolific and predictable mayfly hatches on DePuy Spring Creek, there are also tons of scuds and sow bugs. Fishing one of these patterns is a good idea no matter what time of year it is as they are high in protein, and the fish are always looking for them. They will often work as good if not better than other nymphs. The scuds are olive/grey in color and range in size from 14-18. The sow bugs are more of a solid grey and are smaller in general, typically 18-20. If you don’t see much going on in terms of hatches, try nymph fishing one of these patterns and you will be glad you did.
Late in the summer terrestrials become an important food source. Hoppers, crickets and especially ants and beetles are some of the best dry fly patterns to fish when the hatch is slow or nothing appears to be emerging. In the middle section of DePuy’s you will find high grassy banks that are loaded with hoppers.
The Fish
All the fish in DePuy Spring Creek are wild fish. Native Montana fish that are present in DePuy’s either as resident fish or that use DePuy’s as a spawning ground include: Yellowstone cutthroat, Rocky Mountain whitefish, longnose suckers, sculpin, and longnose dace. Non-native species include brown trout, rainbow trout, and cutbow trout, which is a hybrid between rainbows and cutthroats.
One thing anglers always enjoy is how beautiful the fish at DePuy’s are. Each one is brilliantly colored, with vibrant spots and stripes. Every fish is unique and regardless of its size should be considered a trophy. Trout on DePuy’s average 12-16 inches, however several fish in the 18-22″ range get caught every season, (with plenty more that break off or getaway).
Since DePuy’s is a tributary to the Yellowstone, and there is nothing impeding fish from coming in and out, rainbows, browns, and cutthroats all run up into DePuy’s each year to spawn. We see some very large rainbows caught each spring and some very large brown trout caught in the fall. These big fish are typically caught in the lower section, where they spawn and then return to the Yellowstone. Impressive 28-30″ fish run into the stream each year and occasionally they do get caught. If you are hoping to catch huge Yellowstone river trout that come into the spring creeks to spawn, DePuy’s has historically produced the largest fish.
The Fishing
Every now and then we hear anglers talk about how the spring creeks are “too technical” or too difficult for a novice angler. This is not the case! While the spring creeks each present their own challenging fishing with micro currents and thin 6-7X tippet, our Montana fly fishing guides have always been able to get beginners into fish, even on their first day fishing the creeks. Since the 50’s, the Paradise Valley spring creeks have always drawn some of the best dry fly anglers in the world, however you don’t have to be an excellent angler to enjoy a day and catch a few fish on one of the prettiest streams in Montana. Come join us and see how fun it can be!
Equally as impressive as DePuy’s world-class dry fly fishing is the spectacular sight fishing found on the property. With a good pair of polarized sunglasses, it is easy to look down into DePuy’s gin clear water and see larger fish feeding on nymphs. Depending on the season the fish will be focusing on baetis, PMD’s, and sulphur nymphs, but they always seem to eat midge larva any time of year. A zebra midge is often a good way to go if you are not sure what to tie on.
On all the spring creeks, de-barbed or barbless hooks are encouraged. Fishing with bait or traditional spin gear, like rapalas or lures is not permitted on the creeks. All fishing is catch and release. Even though you will be fishing on private property, since Yellowstone river fish can get in and out of the spring creeks freely, a Montana fishing license is required.
Getting a Guide
The first time you fish DePuy’s we highly suggest you get a guide, even if you are an expert angler. The knowledge you’ll gain will immediately increase your chances of doing well on the creeks and a lot of it has to do with proper observation, approach, and execution. Booking one of our Montana fly fishing guides will not only insure that you’ll be more successful on the spring creeks, but the guides will teach you techniques to improve your fishing that you can apply to other streams you fish.
It’s always fun learning something new, and you will have a great time. You will enjoy the spectacular views of the Absaroka mountains while your guide fixes your tangles, ties on a tippet for you, and picks out the exact right fly. This allows you to avoid frustration, completely relax and enjoy the day. Not to mention, it is nice to have an excellent lunch prepared by our guides. Do yourself a favor and book at guide by calling us at 406-222-7130 or you can also e-mail us for availability.
Upper DePuy’s
The upper portion of DePuy’s has some fantastic fishing and is often overlooked by many guides and anglers. The upper section consists of the upper pond and slough, (just above the narrows culvert), Annie’s Run, Betty’s Riffle, the PhD pool, and continues just past a final culvert on the southern end before running into the Armstrong Spring Creek border fence.
Not only are there some large fish in this section, but many of them are actively looking to rise for flies on the surface. The PhD pool holds some very large fish and is considered to be one of the best, yet most challenging holes on the creek. A long down-and-across cast and equally long, flawless drift are required here. If you are fishing just the right PMD or Baetis, during the hatches, it is often your drift, not the fly that needs to change in order to fool these smart hogs. Plan on fishing 6-7X tippet as the PhD pool is flat, slower water. The culvert at the lower end sucks in water, creating micro currents that make it difficult to get that perfect dead drift. They don’t call this the PhD pool for nothing!
Betty’s Riffle is another great spot to fish. To some degree, it is easier than other spots because the water is moving faster, (and hides drag drifts better than the slower, glassier water). A plethora of bugs live here; it is a great place to take samples if you brought your insect net. The culvert hole above Betty’s Riffle is also worth a look and can hold big fish from time to time. There is fisherman’s hut located next to Betty’s riffle and Buzz’s fly shop, as well as a big hanging hammock in the summer. The fisherman’s hut is fully stocked in the winter with wood and is the perfect place to eat lunch or warm up your hands before heading back out to fish.
Annie’s run and the upper pond also hold some large fish. The flow in this section is very slow and fairly deep in spots. Throwing a small leech pattern here can be deadly at times, especially close to dark. It can get mossy here in the late summer and early fall, making the fishing difficult if not impossible, but the spring, early summer, and winter are generally clear of moss. The fish here can also be spooky, so a long cast will help. You might also want to kneel down here while casting to reduce your silhouette with the skyline.
The Middle Section
From the Dick’s Pond (the main pond in front of the white house) up to the Narrows is considered the middle section of DePuy Spring Creek. There are parts of the middle section that are quite popular, (usually those spots closest to parking areas), while other sections, which require more walking, see a lot less traffic and fishing pressure.
The middle section has some very deep holes as well as some very large fish in it. Most anglers choose to fish dries, especially in the narrows and near the Angler’s hut, however the nymph fishing in this section can be amazing. Look for the large foam eddies, which collect foam but also collect food. There are also some great undercut banks and culverts in this area that tend to hold big fish.
The middle section is also closer to the Yellowstone river than other sections. Although 99% of anglers spend their time on the spring creek, DePuy’s also allows bank angling along the Yellowstone. Much of the bank in along DePuy’s is rip-rap (large positioned bounders) that protect the spring creek from the river cutting through like it did in the flood in 1996. This rip-rap can be some fun streamer fishing, but the best time to try the river is during late April/early May when the Mother’s Day caddis are coming off.
Dick’s Pond
Dick’s Pond is the body of water in front of the main house. Although most people choose to fish the creek when they go to DePuy’s, the pond should not be overlooked. It holds mostly browns, in the 10-15 inch range, however one year an 8-pound brown was caught in the pond! One winter, we saw a 24″ rainbow, sunning himself in the middle of the pond. After fishing small dries and nymphs on the creek, fishing the pond is a welcome opportunity to tie on a wooly bugger or leech pattern, step up in tippet size to 4X or larger, and catch a few beautiful big trout.
You have to be a little careful wading in the pond as the silt builds up from the waterfowl, making it hard to wade through the muck, and borderline dangerous depending on how far out you go. If you are careful, you can wade along the edges of the pond and fish water that rarely gets fished. Some guides have been known to launch a boat on the pond, which eliminates the trouble of walking around in the muck and also elevates the angler so they may spot cruising fish better. You can also use a float tube or kick boat here. The best way to get them? Scuds and leeches are always a good bet, otherwise whatever is hatching! This often includes: Callibaetis, damsels, PMD's, sulfurs, baetis, tricos, or sedges.
Lower DePuy’s
From the waterfall outlet of Dick’s pond down to the confluence of the Yellowstone is considered lower DePuy’s. This section is most popular during the spring and the fall as rainbows and browns will move in to spawn. During the spring, cones are set up designating which areas no fishing is allowed, in order to let the native Yellowstone cutthroat, (and rainbows) spawn unmolested. The cones are not set up in the fall, however.
The lower section of DePuy’s has become a favorite of many anglers. For one, the riffles in this area create a lot of oxygen. The riffles also move enough water over the rocks that silt never settles. These riffles are the perfect habitat for mayfly nymphs making it easier for baetis, PMD’s, and sulphurs to survive and crawl around (and under) the rocks before hatching. These riffles are also easy fishing as the faster water hides flaws in your drift, plus the fish have to make a quick decision on whether or not they want to eat your fly.
There are a couple of spots, especially from Eva’s hut down and also at the lower end of the stream that are slower water. Silt does build up in this slower water and these areas often fish better with midges and midge larva and pupa, which adapt well to the silted bottom. We have done especially well in these slower water sections in the winter. As long as the wind is not blowing too hard fish will be up, sipping midge dries. If it is bright or windy the best bet is to fish with midge larva patterns or egg patterns, (or an orange scud if you prefer).
During the hot summer months of August and early September, the cool spring water in DePuy Spring Creek is much colder than the water in the Yellowstone River. It is not uncommon to see many river fish in the creeks during this time, especially on low water years when water temps in the Yellowstone can reach 65-70°F.
Warming Huts
One thing DePuy Spring Creek has going for it over Armstrong’s and Nelson’s is that they have three warming huts on the property: Eva’s Hut, the Angler’s Hut, and the Fisherman’s Hut. Sure, you can always take a break inside your car to warm up, but nothing beats coming in out of the cold and warming up with a small fire. Each hut has a metal stove, tables for lunch, and wood that Daryl keeps fully stocked during the winter months.
Equipment to Bring
The best rod to bring to the spring creeks is a 3-weight or a 4-weight. A 3 or 4-weight rod will not only make a more accurate and delicate presentation than a 5-weight or 6-weight rod, but the thinner line also allows you to make more delicate presentations and get a better drift. In addition to a more flawless drift, a 3 or 4-weight rod does a better job protecting light like 6X, 6.5X, and 7X tippet.
Since the spring creeks are so clear, we prefer to use fluorocarbon tippet rather than monofilament tippet. Yes, they are more expensive, but they are more invisible underwater. TroutHunter is one of our favorite brands for fluorocarbon because it is extruded with a double structure fluorocarbon. The inner fluorocarbon is very stiff and gives you your tensile strength, while the outer fluorocarbon is softer, allowing you to tie better knots that don’t cut through mono or into the fluorocarbon itself.
For leaders, we recommend either a standard 12′ 6X Rio knotless leader or one of our Yellowstone Angler hand-tied 12′ 6X leaders.
Wading Gear
In the cold water of the spring creeks, most anglers choose to wear waders, even during the middle of the summer. Younger anglers or those with "thick skin" might choose to wet wade on a hot summer day. Typically you will only be standing in knee-deep water, but occasionally, (especially when crossing the stream), you might find yourself wading beyond your waistline. If you did not bring waders with you, we offer wader and boot rentals at the shop.
A good pair of felt or Vibram sole boots (with or without studs) are the key to safe wading at the spring creeks. The rocks can be very slippery, especially in the late summer and fall. Older anglers may feel more comfortable fishing with a wading staff.
As always, be sure to clean and dry your boots and waders the best you can when going from one watershed to the next. Even if you are on the Yellowstone one day, and the creeks the next, it is best to wash your wading gear in order to avoid the spread of any aquatic nuisance species.
Landing Nets
We encourage anglers to bring along a landing net. This will allow you to land the fish faster as well as provide a safe spot for the fish while you take the fly out. The best nets of today have a rubber bag rather than a cloth bag. These rubber nets also take less fish slime off of the fish (and also won’t smell later in your car). Some of our favorite nets are by Fishpond. These nets are made from carbon-fiber and will never break. They also use some of the best lightweight softer rubber netting.
Polarized Sunglass and a Hat
These may seem obvious to most anglers, but having a good pair of polarized glasses and a hat with a brim to block the sun is often the difference between seeing the fish and not seeing the fish. For lenses, we like copper, brown or amber-colored lenses best, as they give you more contrast and make it easier to spot fish than grey colored lenses.
On the high end, brands like Maui Jim, Costa, and Smith, offer some of the best optics and quality frames. Many of the best sunglasses sell for more than $250, but for a serious angler, they are worth their weight in gold. We also stock a variety of Suncloud polarized glasses in the $55 range, as well as Fisherman Eyewear and Epic Eyewear glasses that range in price from $20-$30. We also sell polarized Cocoons that fit over your normal prescription glasses.
A Fishing License
Since fish on the Yellowstone River can freely enter and leave DePuy’s Spring Creek, a Montana Fishing license is required by law. You can purchase one at the Yellowstone Angler (or anywhere else that sells Montana fishing licenses). You can also purchase one online here.