Category: Fly Fishing Gear

Fly fishing is a world-wide industry with an endless list of gear that comes with it.  For our purposes, we we’ll concentrate on fly fishing gear for use in Montana, whether on the Smith River or staying at the lodge and fly fishing the Beaverhead, Big Hole, Jefferson, Madison, Ruby and any of the private water we have access to (spring creeks, streams, ponds and lakes):

Fishing 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.

Gear Suggestions: Please let us know in advance if there is anything that you are going to need to borrow. 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.

Flies/Leaders: Flies are provided by Healing Waters Lodge as part of your package. However if you have some favorite patterns that you like to fish please feel free to bring them. We will fish a variety of leader lengths and weights. The guides will provide all the leaders and tippets you need as part of your Healing Waters Lodge fishing package.

Clothing: Weather in Montana is changeable in the early, middle and late seasons. You can start the day in long underwear and end it in short sleeves. 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.