THE COUPLES EXPERIENCE

Out here, hard things seem easier

Combat service doesn’t just affect veterans—it ripples into their relationships, too. The Couples Experience unites couples in uninterrupted days on the water, connecting over new skillsets and recalibrating into the next phase of their relationship.

“Ten years post deployment, my husband and I had tried every traditional and nontraditional therapy. One week with this organization, and we are meeting goals, life is changing for the better, and progressing in areas we never thought possible.”

US Army Spouse, Kara S.

Rhythm, responsiveness, calm—

undercurrents for fishing and connecting

SAFE SPACE IN NATURE

Nature creates the peace needed
for connection and conversation. 

Free for participants

ALL costs covered,
and you keep the gear.

Meaningful connection

Build lasting relationships
with people who get it. 

A SHARED skill

Fly-fish together
to peacefully harmonize.

you deserve this time

Leave the kids at home with no worries

We cover travel expenses for a family member or trusted friend to come to your home and provide in-home childcare while you're both away.

five days to illuminate a path forward – together

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

DAY ONE

Arrive in Bozeman, Montana, where you’ll be whisked to Quiet Waters Ranch for lunch and downtime. Next, Simms Fishing outfits you with top-of-the-line gear (yours to keep). Tonight’s your first night of four, relaxing and enjoying delicious meals home-cooked by the volunteer “Mom” crew.

DAY TWO

Practice on our private ponds. Each couple is paired with a professional, licensed fly fishing guide. Learn the fundamentals of fly fishing in the morning, refuel with an outdoor lunch, then head to the ponds to refine your skills over the afternoon.

DAY three

Meet Montana’s premier Blue Ribbon trout streams. Each participant spends the day either floating or walking/wading with their guide and companion on one of the many public or private waters around Southwest Montana. Adaptive equipment is available as needed for the various conditions of our participants.

DAY four

Head out with your guides and companions for a full day of fishing. At day’s end, everyone involved in the week—caregivers, guides, volunteers, and a few staff members—convene at Quiet Waters Ranch for a “Sayonara” dinner.

DAY five

Say goodbye to your newfound family and supporters when we drop you off at the airport. Head home with a newfound team and supporters when we drop you off at the airport. You will return to your life with a refueled tank, a stronger relationship, and plans to continue fly fishing together.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

DAY ONE

Arrive in Bozeman, Montana, where you’ll be whisked to Quiet Waters Ranch for lunch and downtime. Next, Simms Fishing outfits you with top-of-the-line gear (yours to keep). Tonight’s your first night of four, relaxing and enjoying delicious meals home-cooked by the volunteer “Mom” crew.

DAY TWO

Practice on our private ponds. Each couple is paired with a professional, licensed fly fishing guide. Learn the fundamentals of fly fishing in the morning, refuel with an outdoor lunch, then head to the ponds to refine your skills over the afternoon.

DAY three

Meet Montana’s premier Blue Ribbon trout streams. Each participant spends the day either floating or walking/wading with their guide and companion on one of the many public or private waters around Southwest Montana. Adaptive equipment is available as needed for the various conditions of our participants.

DAY four

Head out with your guides and companions for a full day of fishing. At day’s end, everyone involved in the week—caregivers, guides, volunteers, and a few staff members—convene at Quiet Waters Ranch for a “Sayonara” dinner.

DAY five

Say goodbye to your newfound family and supporters when we drop you off at the airport. Head home with a newfound team and supporters when we drop you off at the airport. You will return to your life with a refueled tank, a stronger relationship, and plans to continue fly fishing together.

take the next right step

for your relationship

We’re currently waitlisting couples for Spring 2025. Get notified when we open our application.

frequently asked questions

  • Post-9/11 combat veterans and their spouse are welcome when one member has gone through any past WQW program.

  • None. WQW programs are provided at no cost to the participant, including paid-for air travel to Montana, comfortable lodging and home-cooked meals, professional instruction, in-home childcare, and gear.

  • Yes! Everything from clothing to equipment is yours to keep. Our goal is to set you up with everything you need so you can continue to tap into your new skills independently without gear as a barrier.

  • Yes, Quiet Waters Ranch is accessible for people with wounds that require accommodations (e.g., track wheelchairs, elevator, ADA accessible bathrooms, etc.). Our staff, guides, and volunteers are well-versed at accommodating various types of accessibility requirements and conditions (including those who are visually and audibly impaired) to ensure a positive and rewarding experience.

  • Yes. WQW has a service dog acknowledgment and agreement that allows service dogs to go fishing with participants.

  • WQW has an active zero alcohol and substance policy on all experiences.

  • Yes, you’ll find both wifi and cell phone service at the ranch. However, the ranch is an ideal place to take a break from your devices and reconnect with yourself and your community. We highly recommend being fully present as much as possible for this one-of-a-kind experience.

  • Yes.  Our strategic goal is to double our capacity in Built for More over the next five years.  While we’re building toward that goal, we’ll continue to focus on making our programs richer and more effective for every veteran we serve.

JOIN THE WAITLIST

Thank you for your interest in our couples program. We will notify you this winter when our program application becomes available.