In June of 2020 I will be hosting two extraordinary fly fishing adventures to Healing Waters Lodge, an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge near Twin Bridges, Montana.
For those interested in experiencing great fly fishing in the heart of Montana trout country, at one of the best times of the year, and at an Orvis Endorsed Lodge with an impeccable reputation for delivering the complete and quintessential fly fishing experience, this trip is for you.
The Fishing: The timing for these trips are based on the salmonfly hatch on the Big Hole River. The Big Hole is 150 miles of free flowing wild river and as a testament to it's vitality and it's wild nature, it is home to one of the last remnants of Arctic Grayling in the lower 48. First named the Wisdom River by Meriwether Lewis, the Big Hole epitomizes Montana trout water...scenic, wild, free, and full of nice fish.
The salmonfly hatch is of the true western super hatches that often produces phenomenal dry fly fishing. These large and protein-rich stoneflies hatch out when most fish are still recovering from lean winter months...which translates to aggressive strikes and very productive days.
That said, hatches...even super hatches, are not a given. Yet, at HWL, something is always fishing well. Miles and miles of diverse waters are available to fish...from the fabled Montana rivers that you have heard of...the Jefferson, Beaverhead, Ruby, and Madison to many miles of secluded private water that very few have heard of. With all of these options, one can be comfortable targeting a hatch without a fear of being blown out completely on a trip. This is just one of the many reasons I have such a high regard for HWL.
This years trip (June 2019) was excellent. It was Montana perfection. The salmonflies were hatching in volume and the fish were looking up. Dry fly action was strong from the put-in to the take-out. Literally.
The river ran clear, cold, and strong. Full of stoneflies, and hungry bows and browns. We had side hatches of golden stones, yellow sallies, plus a few caddis and mayflies. The feast was on.
Everyone should fish the salmonfly hatch on the Big Hole at least a time or two...casting big, dry, stonefly patterns to fish looking up on one of the most beautiful rivers in all of North America!
The Beaverhead River is also prime during this time. It is loaded with big brown trout and is perfect for the streamer addict. Less than 50 miles long, the "Beav" is narrow compared to other western rivers, yet it is perfect for float trips. It has a very healthy population of browns, about 16 inches and up. Way up...well into the 20's. And of course the reason is food. The Beaverhead is a veritable bug factory...PMD's, BWO's, tricos, several caddis, and some stones. Little yellow stones and golden stones. In June the river is really alive with active trout and bugs.
Fishing the Big Hole during the salmonfly fly hatch and then streamers for big browns on the Beaverhead...it can't get much better. Add in a little private water or smaller water and life is good. Really good!
The guides at HWL are at the top of the guiding game...professional, fun, articulate, client-centered, and very fishy. They work as a team so they can stay current on the huge expanse of water that is available to them. They pick you up at your room and bring you back to the room for your convenience.
The Lodge: HWL is an Orvis Endorsed Lodge with an ultra-strong following of repeat guests due in large part to the vast amount of high quality trout water and the excellent job they do of providing the best possible total experience.
The lodge sits squarely in the heart of the Ruby Valley(Trout Central)...it is large yet conveys an intimate feeling with the landscape. And it provides all one could want for including a hot tub, laundry service, exercise room, casting pond (with trout), a well-stocked fly shop w/loaner gear, pool table, reading room, and a guest business office.
Professional chefs prepare every meal including entrees such as pork porterhouse, agrodolce style; grilled wild-caught wild salmon; chinois marinated rack of lamb; top sirloin; and roast bison tenderloin. They will graciously accommodate any dietary restriction or preference.
The Details: Trip dates are June 8-12 and June 12-16, 2020. These are 4 night/ 3 days of guided fishing packages. Trips can be customized for a longer periods or different dates if desired.
Logistics are easy. Simply fly into Bozeman on one of the major airlines and drive the 1.5 hours to HWL. Good roads and scenic driving all the way. Ground transportation can be arranged.
The cost is $3200 per person based on double occupancy. 50% deposit required at time of booking with balance due at the end of the trip.
Included: lodging, meals, guided fishing, beer & wine, loaner fly fishing gear, all terminal tackle including flies, leaders, & tippet, and lodge staff tips.
Not included: fishing licenses, guide gratuities, private water fees, airfare, & airport shuttles.
At the beginning of each trip I will present a workshop designed to tune-up your casting and slack line skills for those who are interested. Similar sessions can be held as needed throughout the trip.
This trip has very limited availability due to the timing of the trip. It is in the high demand season.
Below are a few photos from our 2019 trip.
Email or Call Steve Hollensed for booking or more information.
For those interested in experiencing great fly fishing in the heart of Montana trout country, at one of the best times of the year, and at an Orvis Endorsed Lodge with an impeccable reputation for delivering the complete and quintessential fly fishing experience, this trip is for you.
The Fishing: The timing for these trips are based on the salmonfly hatch on the Big Hole River. The Big Hole is 150 miles of free flowing wild river and as a testament to it's vitality and it's wild nature, it is home to one of the last remnants of Arctic Grayling in the lower 48. First named the Wisdom River by Meriwether Lewis, the Big Hole epitomizes Montana trout water...scenic, wild, free, and full of nice fish.
The salmonfly hatch is of the true western super hatches that often produces phenomenal dry fly fishing. These large and protein-rich stoneflies hatch out when most fish are still recovering from lean winter months...which translates to aggressive strikes and very productive days.
That said, hatches...even super hatches, are not a given. Yet, at HWL, something is always fishing well. Miles and miles of diverse waters are available to fish...from the fabled Montana rivers that you have heard of...the Jefferson, Beaverhead, Ruby, and Madison to many miles of secluded private water that very few have heard of. With all of these options, one can be comfortable targeting a hatch without a fear of being blown out completely on a trip. This is just one of the many reasons I have such a high regard for HWL.
This years trip (June 2019) was excellent. It was Montana perfection. The salmonflies were hatching in volume and the fish were looking up. Dry fly action was strong from the put-in to the take-out. Literally.
The river ran clear, cold, and strong. Full of stoneflies, and hungry bows and browns. We had side hatches of golden stones, yellow sallies, plus a few caddis and mayflies. The feast was on.
Everyone should fish the salmonfly hatch on the Big Hole at least a time or two...casting big, dry, stonefly patterns to fish looking up on one of the most beautiful rivers in all of North America!
The Beaverhead River is also prime during this time. It is loaded with big brown trout and is perfect for the streamer addict. Less than 50 miles long, the "Beav" is narrow compared to other western rivers, yet it is perfect for float trips. It has a very healthy population of browns, about 16 inches and up. Way up...well into the 20's. And of course the reason is food. The Beaverhead is a veritable bug factory...PMD's, BWO's, tricos, several caddis, and some stones. Little yellow stones and golden stones. In June the river is really alive with active trout and bugs.
Fishing the Big Hole during the salmonfly fly hatch and then streamers for big browns on the Beaverhead...it can't get much better. Add in a little private water or smaller water and life is good. Really good!
The guides at HWL are at the top of the guiding game...professional, fun, articulate, client-centered, and very fishy. They work as a team so they can stay current on the huge expanse of water that is available to them. They pick you up at your room and bring you back to the room for your convenience.
The Lodge: HWL is an Orvis Endorsed Lodge with an ultra-strong following of repeat guests due in large part to the vast amount of high quality trout water and the excellent job they do of providing the best possible total experience.
The lodge sits squarely in the heart of the Ruby Valley(Trout Central)...it is large yet conveys an intimate feeling with the landscape. And it provides all one could want for including a hot tub, laundry service, exercise room, casting pond (with trout), a well-stocked fly shop w/loaner gear, pool table, reading room, and a guest business office.
Professional chefs prepare every meal including entrees such as pork porterhouse, agrodolce style; grilled wild-caught wild salmon; chinois marinated rack of lamb; top sirloin; and roast bison tenderloin. They will graciously accommodate any dietary restriction or preference.
The Details: Trip dates are June 8-12 and June 12-16, 2020. These are 4 night/ 3 days of guided fishing packages. Trips can be customized for a longer periods or different dates if desired.
Logistics are easy. Simply fly into Bozeman on one of the major airlines and drive the 1.5 hours to HWL. Good roads and scenic driving all the way. Ground transportation can be arranged.
The cost is $3200 per person based on double occupancy. 50% deposit required at time of booking with balance due at the end of the trip.
Included: lodging, meals, guided fishing, beer & wine, loaner fly fishing gear, all terminal tackle including flies, leaders, & tippet, and lodge staff tips.
Not included: fishing licenses, guide gratuities, private water fees, airfare, & airport shuttles.
At the beginning of each trip I will present a workshop designed to tune-up your casting and slack line skills for those who are interested. Similar sessions can be held as needed throughout the trip.
This trip has very limited availability due to the timing of the trip. It is in the high demand season.
Below are a few photos from our 2019 trip.
Email or Call Steve Hollensed for booking or more information.
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