Spring is Around the Bend
Healthy Trout
We are enjoying a bit of a late winter warm-up here in Twin Bridges after a very cold January and February. We are also enjoying the preliminary results of FWP and MSU’s research project on trout health in the upper Missouri River drainage, which includes the Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Ruby Rivers. Of the nearly 8,000 adult fish sampled through this project, ONLY THREE FISH showed any sign of infection. In addition, NONE of the nearly 5,000 juvenile trout that were captured in the tributaries of these rivers showed any sign of infection. This is great news for all of us conservation-minded fly anglers, in that we have a very healthy trout population. Another positive indication regarding the Big Hole River is that the annual redd count near Melrose showed a significant increase, rising from 108 redds in 2023 to 156 redds in 2024. While we are mindful that 2024 was a drought year, these results are very encouraging for both the 2025 season and the long-term.
We Have Snow
As of this writing, our cold winter and its corresponding moisture have resulted in a very strong snowpack in the mountains surrounding the Lodge and the Smith River area. Based on the ~22 reporting stations we monitor through the internet, ~6 are reporting snowpack >110%, ~10 are reporting snowpack of 90-109%, and 6 are reporting snowpack of ~ 80-89%. With colder weather setting back in this week and ~75 days remaining for snowfall at elevation, we continue to be optimistic about the water levels and its impact on the 2025 season.
New Offerings
As we recently announced, we are offering special pricing for April and May at the Lodge for this year and for 2026. Spring can be a great time here in Montana with some of the best fishing opportunities. So don’t miss out and give some consideration to the early season.
Similarly, we are also offering the Smith/Lodge option program for the remaining 2025 May and July Smith River Expedition trips. This gives a Smith River group the option to switch from a Smith River Expedition to a Lodge trip IF conditions on the Smith make a float trip impractical. If you would like more information on the Smith/Lodge option program, please email us.
New Logo
Introducing our new “HWL - Healing Waters Lodge” logo! Our objective was to refresh the logo but still keep an obvious tie-in to the old logo. The new design clearly identifies HWL as a Montana-based fly-fishing destination with our new “caster” providing a nice link to the old brand symbol. The introduction of the initials, “HWL”, in bold capital letters helps distinguish us from Project Healing Waters, which itself is a great organization that we are proud to partner with and support.
2025 Availability & Upcoming Events
We currently have Lodge availability in June and July, but it won't last long! We also have Smith River Expedition dates available in May and early July.
Hot off the press! - Due to a cancellation, we have a prime Smith River Expedition date open, June 11-15
Until The Next Rise
2025 Availability & Upcoming Events
We currently have Lodge availability in June and July, but it won't last long! We also have Smith River Expedition dates available in May and early July.
Hot off the press! - Due to a cancellation, we have a prime Smith River Expedition date open, June 11-15
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April 13-19,
April 27-May 3,
September 28-October 4
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August 1-5
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May 16-20
August 10-14
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Date TBD
