Women and Rivers On our refrigerator, I have a magnetic plaque with a picture of John Wayne in a cowboy hat from the movie Hondo along with the quote, “A mans gotta do what a mans gotta do.” This implied saving damsels in distress, taking on mountain lions with your bare hands, drinking whiskey neat, […]
Continue reading "Flyfishing in Southwest Montana" »Category: Equipment List
Healing Waters Lodge
FLY FISHING EQUIPMENT LIST
Many aspiring adventurers find that planning a trip is the hardest part. At Healing Waters Lodge, we’ll gladly take care of all the details of your Montana fly fishing day.
The following are items you should bring to Montana regardless of the season:
- Polar Fleece hat, wool cap and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Polarized sunglasses.
- Gloves or mittens.
- Good rain gear.
- A warm jacket even in July.
- A pair of long underwear. These are essential in spring and fall
- Socks. My feet are always cold. Polar fleece socks, wool socks, silk socks what ever it takes for warm feet.
- Shorts or a swim suit.
Fly Fishing Gear*
- Fishing rod and reel
- Flies
- Extra line
- Wading boots
- Chest waders. Chest waders with a raincoat will keep you completely dry.
- Bring a camera, binoculars, sun screen and insect repellent.
SMITH RIVER: If you are coming on the Smith River with us add the following items
- Two long and two short sleeved shirts.
- Polar fleece sweat shirt or sweater.
- Dry shoes for around camp.
- Warm sleeping bag.
- Bring a small pillow and towels.
- A soft bag or duffel bag up to 15″ around or loosely packed so that it can be stuffed into our dry bags.
- Day pack for gear you might need on the river while fishing with your guide.
- Fishing gear. The most versatile rod you can in Montana is a 9 foot six weight fast action rod. If you’d like to bring more rods no problem.
- Spirits (we supply beer and wine, but not liquor.)
- Small flashlight, extra batteries.
- 2 heavy trash bags for wet clothes.
Why This Fly Fishing Equipment Is Necessary:
You might ask, “Why would I need a warm jacket in July?” While it’s true that July days are hot, the nights can be very cool. Here are a few reasons why we recommend the above equipment.
- Staying Safe: It’s our job to make sure you stay as safe as possible during your fly fishing trip. The above items will help you stay warm and dry and help protect you from sun damage and insect bites.
- Maximizing Success: The better prepared you are, the greater chance you’ll have of catching fish. We’ll bring along a few spare items, but you’re better off packing all the necessary gear yourself.
- Having Fun: You should never forget to have fun during our outings—you’re on vacation, after all. The above gear will help you stay as comfortable as possible so you can focus on enjoying the beautiful Montana experience.
Preparation and safety are key to having a successful fly fishing trip. If you have any questions about fly fishing gear or fly fishing in general, feel free to call Healing Waters Lodge of Twin Bridges, Montana at (406) 684-5960.
*Loaner equipment available through Healing Waters Lodge-Lewis & Clark Expeditions. Please contact us prior to your trip to make your needs known.
Fly Fishing Schools in Southwest Montana for 2019
April 25 thru April 30, 2019: This is considered Graduate school for anglers with more experience with the emphasis of honing your skills. Think of it as immersion therapy. $3250 per person includes six nights and five days lodging, all meals, classroom instruction, 5 days of guided fly fishing. May 2 thru May 7, 2019: […]
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Montana Snow pack map indicates, at this point in time, the Smith River corridor and southwest Montana snow pack evaluations are in good shape as far as snow pack percentages. Storms with additional precipitation are in the forecast and we feel very optimistic about the upcoming fly fishing season. February 23-25: Mike is hosting our booth […]
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After a month on the road throughout Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Georgia, peddling our Montana fly fishing vacations, Mike returned home safely this week. Being the bold man of action that he is, Mike rests not; and therefore, we invite you to join us at the following events: February 23-24-25, The Fly Fishing Show, Pleasanton, California: […]
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Shape-Shifters Fly Fishing In Montana We spent the holidays bingeing on TV. The world appears to be consumed by vampires, zombies, shape-shifters, warlocks, witches and extraterrestrials. Not bad if you’re describing the political class but as a fly fisherman I seek a soft stream with gentle riffles and quiet rising fish. The following is the […]
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Mike packed our Subaru Outback with a 42 inch flat screen, a booth display, his laptop, and a box of brochures; then, he headed out before daylight this morning on what he calls his “Willy Loman Southern Sales Tour” peddling our fly fishing vacations. Mike will be doing presentations at the following listed locations: January […]
Continue reading "Fly Fishing in Southwest Montana" »Fly Fishing the Smith River in Montana
The Smith River is immersion therapy for anyone that wants to get a feel for Montana 50 years ago. The floating part of the canyon is 60 miles with two public access points. You embark from Camp Baker outside of White Sulphur Springs, which has been described as looking like a hooker without makeup. You […]
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Generally, April and May, prior to run-off, finds Montana’s rivers low with warming water temperatures. With growing activity and no pressure on the rivers, nymph and streamer fishing excels, with occasional dry fly action on the top. The month of June brings out the heavy Stone Flies on the Big Hole and the Madison. Big flies appear after the waters […]
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The Smith River is located in central Montana heading north toward Great Falls, and eventually blending into the Missouri River. Montana’s department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks has approximately 60 river miles designated as a state park, surrounded by state and federal lands and dotted with private land as well. Each year, the Parks department […]
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August 21st will see a total eclipse of the sun. Wonder what the trout think of that? How does an eclipse affect a trout? Just like today and everyday, August 21st will be a great day to be fishing in southwest Montana with the guides at Healing Waters Lodge. Words of wisdom: Do not look […]
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