Angler wading in a clear Montana spring creek

Private Waters

Exclusive access to spring creeks and private stretches. Technical fishing in a setting where the water is yours alone.

Exclusive Access

Your Water, Your Pace

Private water fishing is one of the most compelling options we offer. Spring-fed creeks remain clear and fishable when freestone rivers are blown out during runoff. The consistent flows, lower temperatures, and absence of other anglers create conditions that reward patience and precision.

Our private water program includes the lodge's own spring creek — approximately a half mile of outstanding trout water that stays clear, cold, and consistent throughout spring and early summer. This creek provides what many anglers consider classic Montana spring creek fishing, right at the doorstep.

We also maintain access to several additional spring-fed waters through our No Tellum program. These creeks receive very little fishing pressure and are reserved exclusively for our guests. The focus is on quiet water, careful presentations, and rewarding fishing rather than numbers.

For anglers looking for a different kind of challenge — or an insurance policy against runoff — private waters are often the highlight of a multi-day trip.

Spring-Fed

Clear During Runoff

No Tellum

Private Access Program

Wade

Sight-Fishing Focus

Low Pressure

Guest-Only Access

Types of Private Water

Spring Creeks, Ponds, & More

Lodge Spring Creek

Our on-property spring creek offers approximately a half mile of outstanding trout water. Spring-fed and not subject to the off-color conditions common during runoff. Available to all lodge guests — often the most memorable fishing of a trip.

Paradise Valley Spring Creeks

Access to DePuy's, Armstrong's, and Nelson's spring creeks in Paradise Valley. These waters limit daily angler numbers and require a rod fee. Challenging, technical fishing that rewards patience and accuracy. Book early — availability is limited.

Private Ranch Ponds

Access to several private ranch ponds and small lakes stocked with a variety of trout species, some growing quite large. Streamer fishing, nymphing, and dry fly opportunities. Well suited for technique work, a quieter pace, or introducing newer anglers to fly fishing.

The Private Water Advantage

Why Fish Private Water

Runoff Insurance

Mid-May through mid-June, many freestone rivers are affected by snowmelt runoff. Spring-fed creeks remain clear and fishable — providing a reliable option when other waters are unpredictable. Our spring creek season specialty runs during this window.

Technical Challenge

Spring creek trout are educated and selective. Clear water, smooth currents, and wary fish demand precise presentations and thoughtful fly selection. For experienced anglers, this is some of the most rewarding fishing in Montana.

Solitude & Focus

Private waters mean no other anglers. The quieter setting allows for deeper focus, careful observation, and an unhurried approach to the fishing. Many guests describe their private water day as the most peaceful and memorable of their trip.

"The spring creek day was the most technical and rewarding fishing of my life. Sight-casting to rising trout on glass-clear water — every presentation had to be perfect. When I finally fooled a 19-inch brown on a size 20 BWO, I think I shouted loud enough for the whole valley to hear."

— Returning Guest

On the Water