Continued from Waters We Fish

DePuy's Spring Creek

The DePuy's (pronounced Duh-pews) portion of the spring creek that makes up Armstrong/Depuy's is approximately three miles in length and consists of a large variety of water, from the wide, shallower flats to deep narrow runs. There are lots of chutes, drop-offs, and riffles that hold good fish.

The most popular area is the upper water, the first half mile below Armstrong. There is a great variety of water on DePuy's and many different places to fish, so if one area is taken, it is pretty easy to find some other water to fish. The lower reaches of the stream, just above the Yellowstone can often hold some big fish that run up out of the Yellowstone. This seems especially true in the spring when the rainbows move in to spawn.  Recently Daryl has "hi-vised" off the redd areas during the spring so that anglers can't pound fish on their spawning beds. This was a great idea since we need to protect the fish who are working hard to reproduce and return to the Yellowstone.

DePuy's is a very fertile stream, and like Armstrong's has heavy insect hatches throughout the spring, summer and fall. Heavy weed growth holds great populations of scuds and sow bugs as well as the mayfly nymphs and midge larvae, providing good nymph fishing year 'round.

A daily rod fee is charged and access is limited to sixteen anglers per day. During the prime season, from June 15th to September 14th, fees are $100 per rod. The $75 regular season rate is in effect from April 15th to June 14th and from September 15th to October 14th. Winter rates, which are in effect from October 15th to April 14th, are $40 per rod. Reservations can be made by calling Daryl or Theresa Smith at 406-222-0221. We do reserve some space for our guided trips, so please call or e-mail us for details on availability.