If you have never fished out of Laura and Mike Geary’s Healing Waters Lodge in Southwestern Montana, then you should join us there in June of 2019 as we travel there to fish one of the best super hatches of the year.
Laura and Mike’s lodge operation is quickly developing a very strong following because of their warm and engaging personalities, their attention to every detail, their more than beautiful lodge complex, and above all…they have the widest variety of outstanding fly fishing in all of Montana. At their disposal are several of the big fabled trout rivers of southwestern plus countless miles of private water that took many years to put together. All of these elements work together to produce one of the finest experiences you can have fly fishing.
I have hosted three trips to HWL and have referred many others, and the feedback is always the same...outstanding in all respects.
The Fishing: Although many options are available when it comes to the fishing at HWL, the timing of this trip is based on the peak of the salmonfly hatch on the Big Hole. The Big Hole is over 150 miles of free flowing river set in a remote, sparsely populated valley in southwestern Montana. It is home to a viable population of fluvial Arctic Grayling, one of the very few left in the lower 48 and is a testament to the health and vitality of the river. It is also home to a legendary hatch of giant stoneflies which begins in earnest about mid-June. These adult stoneflies (Pteronarcys californica) are big, about 1 to 2 inches in length and epitomize Montana trout fishing...big flies, big rivers, and big fish. This is a well-known hatch, so we can expect to see other fly fishers, yet the Big Hole has several sections so it disperses the anglers out over large areas And there are other waters, both public and private, that offer more solitude. This includes the Beaverhead, the Ruby, and miles of private water.
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 13-18, 2019. This is a 5 night, 4 days of guided fishing package. June 13 is arrival day. June 14-17 are fishing days. June 18 is departure day. Trip can be customized for a longer period if desired.
Logistics are easy. Simply fly into Bozeman on one of the major airlines and drive the 1.5 hours to HWL near Twin Bridges. Good roads and scenic driving all the way.
The cost is $3700 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.
On the afternoon of 6/13 I will present a workshop designed to tune-up 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 2018 trip.
Email or Call Steve Hollensed for booking or more information.
Laura and Mike’s lodge operation is quickly developing a very strong following because of their warm and engaging personalities, their attention to every detail, their more than beautiful lodge complex, and above all…they have the widest variety of outstanding fly fishing in all of Montana. At their disposal are several of the big fabled trout rivers of southwestern plus countless miles of private water that took many years to put together. All of these elements work together to produce one of the finest experiences you can have fly fishing.
I have hosted three trips to HWL and have referred many others, and the feedback is always the same...outstanding in all respects.
The Fishing: Although many options are available when it comes to the fishing at HWL, the timing of this trip is based on the peak of the salmonfly hatch on the Big Hole. The Big Hole is over 150 miles of free flowing river set in a remote, sparsely populated valley in southwestern Montana. It is home to a viable population of fluvial Arctic Grayling, one of the very few left in the lower 48 and is a testament to the health and vitality of the river. It is also home to a legendary hatch of giant stoneflies which begins in earnest about mid-June. These adult stoneflies (Pteronarcys californica) are big, about 1 to 2 inches in length and epitomize Montana trout fishing...big flies, big rivers, and big fish. This is a well-known hatch, so we can expect to see other fly fishers, yet the Big Hole has several sections so it disperses the anglers out over large areas And there are other waters, both public and private, that offer more solitude. This includes the Beaverhead, the Ruby, and miles of private water.
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 13-18, 2019. This is a 5 night, 4 days of guided fishing package. June 13 is arrival day. June 14-17 are fishing days. June 18 is departure day. Trip can be customized for a longer period if desired.
Logistics are easy. Simply fly into Bozeman on one of the major airlines and drive the 1.5 hours to HWL near Twin Bridges. Good roads and scenic driving all the way.
The cost is $3700 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.
On the afternoon of 6/13 I will present a workshop designed to tune-up 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 2018 trip.
Email or Call Steve Hollensed for booking or more information.
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