Where is the school located?
Healing waters lodge
270 Tuke Lane
Twin Bridges, MT 59754
What is included in the price?
The price is all inclusive.
What skill levels does the school cater to?
We can take all levels of experience at this school.
How many students are in this school?
We keep these schools small with a maximum of 8 students.
Can children join this school?
We recommend children be at least 12 years old.
What should I bring?
Come prepared for any type of weather. We suggest that you layer your clothing. A good set of top and bottom long underwear is advisable in the early and latter part of the season. You may want fleece pants under your waders. A turtleneck with a heavier shirt and then topped off with a fleece pullover works well. A good water/wind proof jacket is recommended both for rain and wind protection. Wet wading is usually possible from about mid-June to mid-September but have your waders along just in case. Of course, you should have good waders with rubber or felt soled wading shoes or boot foot waders with rubber or felt soles. Again, if you need to borrow waders and boots please notify us of the shoe size and your height, we will set aside a pair that will closely fit you. Some folks like fingerless gloves and some like to have a good set of full-fingered gloves just to put their hands in to warm on colder days. A warm hat plus your normal fishing cap or hat is recommended. Polarized sunglasses are highly recommended.
Guest should bring a hat, polarized sunglasses, rain gear, and favorite personal brand of sunscreen, bug spray and weather appropriate clothing.
We can supply all of the fishing equipment if needed.
Are there specific gear recommendations?
If you have a lightweight rod such as a 4 or 5, and a medium weight outfit such as a 6 and a heavier outfit such as a 7 or 8 weight, bring all three. You will probably only need the 7 or 8 if you are traveling to Montana in the fall when streamer fishing is a more regular part of our fishing experience.
Please let us know in advance if there is anything that you are going to need to borrow.
Do I need to purchase a license?
Montana has a number of different fishing license options from very short term to medium term to season. You can go on-line at www.fwp.mt.gov and buy your license or you can stop at a retail outlet when you arrive in the area or we can help you at the lodge.
What is the typical weather?
The weather in Twin Bridges can be very nice in August with typical highs in the 80’s and lows in the upper 40’s. Due to elevation you should be prepared for a variety of weather conditions.
What lodging is available or in the area?
Lodging is included in the school.
What about meals and dining?
Our Chefs proudly create gourmet menus that offer a variety of fresh, balanced and delicious meals. Begin each day with a hardy breakfast and then enjoy a healthy and satisfying lunch on the water with your guide. Refreshing drinks and appetizers are served in the sun porch followed by a gourmet dinner in the dining room overlooking the pond. Fresh herbs and produce from the lodge garden as well as from Ruby valley growers compliment our delicious food. The Lodge offers a select choice of wines and beers; guests may bring their own liquor.
Are there additional activities?
Believe it or not, southwest Montana is not only about fishing. This area provides a wide variety of activities for those not inclined to fish. The following is a sampling of what this area has to offer. We will be happy to help you arrange any activity. Please note that some of these activities may have additional costs.
Bannack State Park
Beaverhead County Historical Museum
Beaverhead Golf Course
Big Hole Battlefield National Park
Bird-watching
Hiking
Horse-back Riding
Lewis and Clark Caverns
Massage
Nevada City and Virginia City
Shopping
Sweetgrass Rod Company
The Old Hotel
Twin Spirits Yoga
Montana Trout Unlimited
Winston Rod Company
Yellowstone National Park
Yoga: Twin Spirits Yoga studio is 3 miles up Tuke Lane and offers classes Tuesday and Thursday starting at 8:30 a.m. and Wednesday evenings at 6.
Massage: Body and Soul Massage are the preferred massage therapists we use at the lodge. Please let us know in advance, if possible, if you would like assistance in making an appointment for their services while you are our guest.
What happens when there is bad weather?
We fish rain or shine, but we do not fish during thunderstorms.
Other Questions?
Q. What's the weather like?
A. In the spring and fall, daily temperatures range from the low thirties to the mid-seventies. In the summer, the highs range from the seventies to the mid-nineties, with lows in the forties. Bring rain gear as summer storms come and go quickly.
Q. Do I have to dress up for dinner?
A. Although the fare is elegant, dress is casual.
Q. Do I need my own fishing gear?
A. Bring your own if you prefer. If you do, we recommend a 4, 5, or 6 weight fly rod (with reel), chest waders, wading shoes, vest, net, a sun hat, and polarized glasses. If you don’t have or care not to bring your own we’ll outfit you with premium brand equipment.
Q. What other clothing or gear should I bring?
A. A mid-weight warm coat, fleece pullover, mid or lightweight polypro long underwear, long sleeve sun shirt, hot weather and cool weather hats, sunglasses, camera, sunscreen, and bug repellent.
Q. Do you have to be an accomplished flyfisher?
A. No. We help seasoned flyfishers master the tradition, and welcome novices with open arms. Just let us know if you've never fished before when you make your reservation, and we’ll happily welcome you into the sport.
Cancellation Policy
If you must cancel your trip, refund fees are based on the cancellation date, as follows:
- +90 days prior to trip - Full refund
- 60-90 days prior to trip - 50% of trip cost
- 59 days or less to trip - 100% of trip cost
- No transfers
Cancellation fees cannot be waived for any reason, including health, business or personal emergencies, or weather. We strongly urge you to purchase trip insurance, by clicking here.
For questions please contact Orvis School and Reservations (toll free) 866-531-6213