Spring 2026 at Healing Waters Lodge
A new season on the water, familiar faces in the kitchen, and two memorable brown trout.
A NOTE FROM STEVE
THE SEASON IS UNDERWAY
Spring has arrived across Southwest Montana, and the season is now underway at Healing Waters Lodge. Our first Smith River trips have launched, conditions continue to improve across the region, and we look forward to another memorable summer on the water.
Spring Conditions Across Southwest Montana
With all of the recent discussion surrounding Western snowpack conditions, we wanted to provide a brief update on what we have been seeing across Southwest Montana heading into summer.
While much of the Western United States experienced historically low snowpack levels this winter, Montana remained in a comparatively stronger position overall. Although warm spring weather accelerated snowmelt at lower elevations, much of the higher elevation snowpack that supports our rivers through runoff remained in relatively good shape across several surrounding mountain ranges.
Overall precipitation across many of the watersheds surrounding Healing Waters Lodge and the Smith River has also remained near seasonal norms, with basin precipitation currently ranging from approximately 94–99% of normal. Key reservoir systems are likewise in solid shape heading into summer, with Ruby Reservoir currently full and Clark Canyon Reservoir continuing to refill through the runoff period.
As always, conditions in Montana will continue to evolve with weather patterns and temperatures in the weeks ahead. At this point, however, spring fishing has been very solid, and we feel encouraged by current conditions across much of Southwest Montana.
From the Lodge Kitchen
As we prepare for another season in Southwest Montana, we are excited to share a few updates from the culinary side of Healing Waters Lodge.
After spending the past two seasons as an integral part of our culinary team, we are proud to announce Natalia Nepveu as our new Executive Chef. A talented chef and sommelier, Natalia has played an important role in shaping the dining experience at the lodge through her creativity, consistency, and thoughtful approach to hospitality. Her passion for seasonal cuisine, wine, and guest experience make her a natural fit to lead our culinary program moving forward.
We are also excited to welcome Chef Byron Williams to the lodge as Senior Sous Chef. Byron joins us from Pine Hill Plantation, one of the premier Orvis Endorsed wingshooting lodges in the country, where he developed a strong reputation for elevated lodge cuisine and hospitality. His background and experience will be a tremendous addition to the team as we continue to enhance the overall guest experience at Healing Waters Lodge.
In addition, we are pleased to welcome back breakfast chef Aaron Davis, a longtime veteran of Healing Waters Lodge and a familiar face to many returning guests. Aaron’s consistency, personality, and ability to start each day with exceptional breakfasts have long been an important part of the lodge experience.
Exceptional hospitality has always extended well beyond the water at Healing Waters Lodge, and we look forward to continuing to build upon that tradition throughout the season ahead.
Spring Fishing and a Memorable Catch
Spring fishing across Southwest Montana has been good to very good thus far, generally improving during periods of warmer weather as is often the case this time of year. We have been encouraged by both the consistency and quality of fishing across several of our core fisheries.
Our April Fishing School enjoyed a very successful week on the water, combining favorable conditions, quality instruction, and outstanding camaraderie for a memorable start to the season.
The catch of the spring so far belongs to longtime guest Wendy, who landed impressive 23+ inch brown trout from both one of our private water spring creeks and the Big Hole River — another reminder of the quality fish Southwest Montana continues to produce.
For those interested in learning more about the Big Hole River, we also enjoyed a recent Destination Angler Podcast conversation with Montana FWP fisheries biologist Jim Olsen discussing flows, trout populations, and the long-term resilience of this remarkable fishery.
The Season Ahead
As we look ahead to the months to come, we are excited for another season of exceptional fly fishing, memorable meals, thoughtfully curated wines, and the camaraderie that makes time spent at the lodge so special. We look forward to welcoming both returning guests and new friends to Healing Waters Lodge throughout the season ahead.
Until the next rise,
Steve Mackey & The Healing Waters Lodge Team
TRIP PLANNING
Planning Your Own Lodge Stay
- Fishing & Instruction
- Explore the rivers we fish and our Fishing Academies. If you want to work on a particular skill, tell us when you plan your stay.
- Around the Table
- Our lodge experience includes time to relax and enjoy meals together. For Wine Week and other culinary programs, check the current events page.
- Before You Book
- Compare the current packages and inclusions, then contact us with your preferred dates and group size. We can help you choose the right fit.