Silhouette of a person holding a fishing rod with fish in a simplified, monochrome style.

Fishing Schools

Learn To Fly Fish With HWL

At Healing Waters Lodge, our fly fishing school goes well beyond standard casting lessons to welcome you straight into the heart of Montana’s legendary trout country, a premium experience backed by the trusted reputation of our Orvis endorsement. Whether you're an adult angler refining your skills or a young fly-fisher casting for the first time, our Academy and Foundations programs are designed to meet you where you are. With expert guides, hands-on coaching, and real-time experience on world-class rivers, you’ll gain not just technique, but the confidence and joy that come from time well spent on the water.

Youth Program
Fly Fishing Academy
Two people in a drift boat fly fishing in Montana, with snow-capped mountains and green trees in the background.

Fly Fishing Academy

Learn the Craft: Live the Montana Fly Fishing School Experience

At HWL Fly Fishing Academy, learning is part of the adventure. Designed for anglers of all skill levels, our academy blends hands-on instruction with real-time experience on legendary streams like the Madison River and the Big Hole River. Whether you're looking to learn to fly fish in Montana for the first time or want to sharpen advanced techniques, our expert guides offer personalized coaching in a supportive, immersive setting. You'll practice reading water, casting with precision, matching the hatch, and landing wild trout—all while surrounded by the stunning beauty of Big Sky Country. With luxury accommodations, exceptional dining, and some of the best trout water in the West just outside your door, the Academy is more than a class—it’s a full fly fishing experience.

Academy Program Overview

Think of it as immersion therapy for honing your fly fishing skills or for those new to fly fishing.

  • Spring/Fall | Session 1: April 26–May 2, 2026 (FULL)

    Summer | Session 2: August 16-20, 2026

    Spring/Fall | Session 3: September 19-2026 (FULL)

  • $4,000 per person

    • Spring/Fall: 6 Nights of Lodging & 5 Days of Guided Fly-Fishing

    • Summer: 4 Nights of Lodging & 3 Days of Guided Fly-Fishing

  • Healing Waters Lodge

    Twin Bridges, Montana

    Located near the Beaverhead, Big Hole, and other blue-ribbon trout streams.

    • Casting Techniques

      • Loop control, grip, timing, and various cast types.

    • Knot Tying & Gear

      • Leaders, lines, reels, rods, and tying methods.

    • Fishing Techniques

      • Dry fly, nymphing, streamer fishing, and drag control.

    • Reading Water

      • Identifying fish-holding areas and effective retrieval methods.

    • Entomology & Fly Selection

      • Understanding aquatic insects and matching flies accordingly.

    • Lodging: Single room occupancy with two queen-sized beds, private bathroom, Wi-Fi, and scenic views.

    • Meals: Fresh, daily-prepared cuisine including breakfast, stream-side lunches, appetizers, and dinner. Beer and wine are complimentary.

    • Equipment: Access to loaner gear such as rods, reels, waders, boots, walking sticks, and rain jackets.

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Youth Fly Fishing Program

In addition to our regular schools, Healing Waters Lodge offers an annual Youth Program designed to introduce young anglers to the world of fly fishing. It’s our way of passing the tradition on to the next generation and keeping the spirit of the sport alive.

A young boy fly fishing from a boat. The boat is on a body of water with trees and a fence in the background. The sky is clear with a visible moon.

Foundations Fly-Fishing Program

From First Cast to Family Tradition

Designed for young anglers and their families, our Youth Fly-Fishing Program offers the perfect mix of learning and time on the water. Each session begins with a 45-minute, hands-on lesson for the students led by one of our experienced guides, introducing the basics of casting, rigging, and river safety. Afterward, kids head out with a parent or guardian to fish together for the rest of the day—creating memories and building skills in Montana’s legendary trout country. It's an experience that fosters confidence, connection, and a lifelong love of fly fishing.

Father and daughter fly fishing by a river in a serene landscape with trees and a partly cloudy sky.

Youth Program Details

  • Session 1:  August 4-8, 2026

    Session 2: August 8-12, 2026

  • In addition to our regular fishing schools, this program is designed specifically for young anglers. We believe the best way to keep the tradition of fly fishing alive is to pass it on to the next generation.

    • 4 nights of lodging

    • All meals

    • 3 days of instruction

    • 3 days of guided fishing

    • Limited to 12 total spots

    • Youth (16 and under): Free with an adult

    • Accompanying Adult: $5,300 for 4 nights, single occupancy (with youth)

    • Limit: 1 youth per adult

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