Mark Raisler

Squeeky Oar Lock is cold. The New Year will bring some goo fishing...swinging flies for the next 4 months. Then...spring brings dry fly fishing. Hooray!
Vacation: Dirty Heads Video

Vacation: Dirty Heads Video

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Vacation: Dirty Heads Video You don’t like what you are doing…change it. You can control your life. You can choose the outcome. You can. You are in control. Saw the Dirty Heads Friday night in Missoula along with Pacific Dub, Movement and Iration. Just awesome. Live music is good for your soul. Dancing too. … Read more

Missouri River Summer Solstice Report June 21st 2018

Missouri River Summer Solstice Report June 21st 2018

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Missouri River Summer Solstice Report June 21st 2018 River flows came back above 15K this morning. The flows on the Dearborn are falling rapidly currently at the 3500 cfs mark. We expect to see the Dearborn flows continue to fall therefore the Missouri River below the confluence will be fishable again. Since the rain event … Read more

Missouri River Montana Summer Events Calendar

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Missouri River Montana Summer Events Calendar June 23rd. 710 Ashbury plays on Izaak’s Log Jam 6pm. Come enjoy this Grateful Dead band play all night long. Headhunters for lodging and boats, Izaak’s for dinner, the porch for entertainment. A perfect day. June and July. PMD’s hatching daily. After the water recedes to about 8K … Read more

2FER TUESDAY BOGO CFO ANT

2FER TUESDAY BOGO CFO ANT

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] 2FER TUESDAY BOGO CFO ANT Tuesday is here. And once again Headhunters offers up to you our favorite anglers 2FER TUESDAY BOGO CFO ANT. Buy one, get one. Live at Midnight tonight thru the midnight Tuesday. All day long. Tuesday. Awesome is what I say. This is one of John’s favorite flies and I cannot … Read more

Headhunters Fly Shop Missouri River Fishing Report June 16th 2018

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Headhunters Fly Shop Missouri River Fishing Report June 16th 2018 The latest on Missouri River Flows Headed higher due to heavy precipitation basin wide today. Headed back above 12,000 cfs today. Rising above 13,000 cfs Monday. More precipitation Monday and Tuesday. An inch in this storm. Another inch combined Monday and Tuesday. June rainfall amounts … Read more

The Dearborn is falling fast!

The Dearborn is falling fast!

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The Dearborn is falling fast! Almost dried up. Not yet though. A few more days floating the Dearborn River and we will close the book for 2018. Fished it yesterday with Chef Winders. Fun. Beautiful. Fishy. Did not see one other boat. Water Walkers, worms, Purple Prince’s, and Rubber Legs. Awesome. Wednesday eve it was … Read more

2FER TUESDAY BOGO All Czech Nymphs

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2FER TUESDAY BOGO All Czech Nymphs 2FER TUESDAY Buy One Get One fly sale at Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig Montana. All styles and sizes of Czech nymphs on sale including the ever popular Rainbow Czech Nymph, the underground guide favorite UV Czech Nymph, and of course the Pink leader Amex Czech Nymph. All sizes … Read more

Headhunters Fly Shop Missouri River June Forecast

Headhunters Fly Shop Missouri River June Forecast

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Headhunters Fly Shop Missouri River June Forecast Weather Rain. A total of 6 days historically. 2.62″ on the average. Hopefully not snow. Sunshine. Yes. Mostly. Average high temp of 76F and low temp of 46F. Still a month where you should be prepared for anything. I have seen snow on the 11th. Only 9″ though. … Read more

Don't Let Me Down

Don’t Let Me Down

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Don’t Let Me Down

13K today.

Will we see dry fly flows this coming week?

Oh, don’t hold your breath. And, Don’t Let Me Down.

While we like the wonderful flows in the 5-6K range for the ultimate in dry fly angling, it is strange to see the water drop. The green hillsides, the mosquito’s, the creative fishing techniques, and the daily loss of flies. We will be sorry to see that go.

The high water brings life. It brings fat trout. It brings the lifejackets out. It creates conversation. It cleanses the river. It brings spring entertainment after a long and cold winter.

I’ve posted this vid before, I think. And if I have, so very sorry. Watch it again. The Beatles were certainly cool. Don’t Bring Me Down is a great tune.

Enjoy your Saturday. Look for the June Fly Fishing Forecast on Monday.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCtzkaL2t_Y” video_title=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

FOMO, on the MO?

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FOMO, on the MO?

July and August will be real good the year.

Do you have Fear of Missing Out? FOMO? Some do. Others don’t.

If you do, then you should get in on the latter part of July into August post high water season for real good high quality low pressure dry fly fishing here in Craig Montana fishing Montana’s Missouri River.

Don’t get Mo River FOMO. That’s bad.

Put of booking your summer fly fishing trip to the Mo? What no more. The water is dropping, currently sell under 18K, and will be throughout the month. Will we get into dry fly fishing this month? Ohhhhh, maybe. I think we will.

Having said that I was wrong on the flows this spring, so you may not believe me. But just as my last guest in the boat straight outta Calgary reminded me the I say often…Trust me, I’m a guide. 

PMD’s start soon. Caddis have been seen in good numbers on the lower. Trico’s get rolling in early July. Grasshoppers will see the light in July into August. Strong dry fly angling throughout the summer will occur. Honest.

Probably not as many weeds wither. Generally following high water years the weeds do not bother as bad.

So call up the shop and relieve your Mo River FOMO, bro’.

It’ll make you feel better today, and tomorrow.

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2FER TUESDAY BOGO Peep Show Dark

2FER TUESDAY BOGO Peep Show Dark June 5th

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2FER TUESDAY BOGO Peep Show Dark June 5th One of our favorite PMD nymphs fishing Montana’s Missouri River. The weather side fellers dig this thing too based ont he handfuls they grab whilst visiting the east side, Headhunters Fly Shop , and Craig Montana. Today Tuesday you can get ahead of your fishing pal. Buy … Read more

Happy Mondays here at Headhunters Fly Shop

Happy Mondays here at Headhunters Fly Shop

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Happy Mondays here at Headhunters Fly Shop High water. Check. Sunny June Weather. Check. Green hillsides. Check. Happy Mondays? Check. Just another day on the river for us here in downtown Craig. The Dearborn is falling fast. And clearing up somewhat. It is not muddy, but yet, unclear at this moment. It is falling … Read more

High Water Nymphing Technique Video

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High Water Nymphing Technique Video Headhunters Fly Shop

Ed Note: Been asked several times to replay on the blog again. For those of you who have not yet arrived we will have high water for the month of June. It will not go down. The water levels may rise. There may not be dry fly fishing this month. If at all it will be in the last week of the month, June. High water nymphing daily here on the Mighty Mo. Deep rigs at 9′ plus from bobber to split shot…and beyond. Again, if you are a dry fly angler, you will not be using too much Gink this month. High water conditions will persist throughout the month.

This is going way back to our last High Water session in 2011. This high water nymphing technique video is right on.

Sara is rowing, Mark is babbling once again, John records it all.

Check the vid out. Come by the shop and ask questions. Head to the river and try your high water hand.

Happy Sunday. It’s early summer in Montana![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51btvIJ_iYU” video_title=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Silly Saturday Scenery

Silly Saturday Scenery

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Silly Saturday Scenery 20K and fishing well. Nymphing well. We will wait another month for the dry fly to be in play. Until then we will be happy with a few nice brown trout. Rainbows too. Josh liked this one. Fished with Josh and Lance from Calgary yesterday. Fun times for sure. The river is … Read more

Douglas Rods Upstream Plus Fly Rod @ Headhunters of Craig Montana

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Douglas Rods Upstream Plus Fly Rod @ Headhunters of Craig Montana

The Upstream PLUS provides more power than the Douglas Upstream ultra-lite series. It gives the angler a solid up-locking reel seat for fighting larger fish. Most importantly, it provides a slightly faster action that makes the Upstream PLUS a great choice for people who want enough muscle to land the fish of a lifetime and enough finesse to use the tippet and flies required in tough, technical situations.

The Upstream PLUS is a very special rod. It’s just the right size, with just the right flex. If you need to protect light tippets, if you’re casting the whole line or short distances, if you’re fishing to spooky trout where delicacy is required, if you need precise cast between 20 and 70 feet, these rods can get it all done. The Upstream PLUS rods are a casters dream. The time and effort spent fighting with your rods to make the right cast is a thing of the past.

Come by Headhunters Fly Shop this summer and find out what the buzz is about. These rods are great to cast and what the Headhunters gang really likes is the fun had while fishing them. Light, quick, responsive, and fun. Yes, fun to fish.

Cast the Douglas Upstream Plus rod at Headhunters today!

  • Progressive actions for refined performance in all trout fishing environments
  • Designed to be the ultimate presentation rod, unmatched in grace and feel
  • Vintage look and feel, designed with the benefits of the most modern nano- resins and components
  • Natural Tonkin bamboo color with matte finish and clear wraps to blend naturally with the surrounding environments
  • Traditional spigot ferrules for unrivaled sensitivity and accuracy
  • These rods are truly exquisite to cast and fish
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Snake guides.
  • 4 pieces
  • 9′ 4, 5, 6 weights

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2Fer Tuesday BOGO Little Green Machine

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2Fer Tuesday BOGO Little Green Machine Our debut Fly Sale today with 2Fer Tuesday BOGO Little Green Machine. Available online only. Offer good for Tuesday only. Ends at Midnight May 29th. The Little Green Machine is hugely popular on the Missouri River here in Montana. Many use this all year long it is just killer … Read more

Wire Worm Just Add Vise Video

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Wire Worm Just Add Vise Video

Memorial Day. Today we honor those who have fallen. We take this day seriously and remember those brave men and women who gave all to protect us.

Tie these up fo your Missouri River Trip. Today we witness Wire Worm Just Add Vise Video.

Sinks fast. Common as the first fly in these high water conditions.

We have the kits in stock in the shop only, the worms in the bins, and 1000’s of tailwater sow bugs for you to choose from.

Headhunters has the best stocked fly bins on the Mo!

All kinds of flies you may not see elsewhere. 7wt is the man.

Enjoy the last day of your long weekend and remember the reason for this wonderful Monday.

Tomorrow we debut the Tuesday Two-Fers Online Fly of the Week here at Headhunters Virtual Fly Shop. The Little Green Machine is the debut fly for this weekly online event. BoGo it is. Buy one, get one Little Green Machines only online at Headhunters Fly Shop.

Look for the Blog and get in on the riches.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/122366466″ video_title=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Memorial Day Weekend Fishing Report

Memorial Day Weekend Fishing Report Headhunters Fly Shop

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Memorial Day Weekend Fishing Report Headhunters Fly Shop Weather and Flows Higher and higher she goes. When she will stop? We think soon? Inflows at 25K at Toston. Flows here locally 18K and change. A warm weekend with Thunderstorms occurring in the afternoons. That will do it. We have not achieved our May rainfall numbers. … Read more

Western Grebe

Western Grebe

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Western Grebe This Western Grebe not afraid of high water. He can float. We can too. And fast. Water levels moving to 18K plus. I did not see it happening. Once again the best information cannot trump Mother Nature. She wins every time. See you out there this Holiday Weekend. Not a ton of traffic. … Read more

Missouri River Fishing Report 5.21.18

Missouri River Fishing Report 5.21.18

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Missouri River Fishing Report 5.21.18 Missouri River Flows 15K-ish and holding I will call Stephanie Micek again this morning and find out what the latest scoop on the water situation is. But I suspect it will be the same as last time we got the inside line. 15K and holding. As we have mentioned before … Read more

Silly Sunday Scenery Golden Retriever

Silly Sunday Scenery Golden Retriever

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Silly Sunday Scenery Golden Retriever Post Caddis Festival Sunday. We are resting. Well, after some additional clean-up this morning. Great day yesterday. Good turnout and not too much rain. A decent weather afternoon with some sun! Today I was awoken by sunny skies. Alas, the day after. One of those things that never happens in … Read more

Craig Caddis Fest & BBQ Cook-Off Saturday May 19th

Craig Caddis Fest & BBQ Cook-Off Saturday May 19th

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Craig Caddis Fest & BBQ Cook-Off Saturday May 19th Big day today. Or maybe this year we will see some sunshine for the entire event! That would be terrific. Lots of great live auction items on the block at 730pm Saturday Izaak’s Log Jam including… Original art from Christa HArdy Original art from Greg Meyer … Read more

Headhunters Fly Shop has your Flies!

Headhunters Fly Shop has your Flies!

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Headhunters Fly Shop has your Flies! The best and largest selection of Spring-Time Flies in the Missouri River canyon! Headhunters Fly Shop has your Flies! All of the favorite springtime high water flies are available at Headhunters of Craig. And lots of them. Sows, Scuds, and worm flavored muddy bugs fill the bins and fill your … Read more

High Water FAQ's

Missouri River High Water FAQ’s

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Missouri River High Water FAQ’s A short list today on the HH Blog. Sunny, 83F today. We love it. Rain Thursday and Friday. No rain, I hope, on Caddis Fest ’18 Saturday. Can I wade fish? Sort-of. Up at the dam there is some room. The paved and dirt road sides. Walk around up there … Read more

Happy Mothers Day!

Happy Mothers Day!

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Happy Mothers Day! Take your Mom fishing. If she usually rows the boat, it may be your turn. Respect that she nurtured you for all of those years and pay it forward. Moms, grandma’s, great-grand-moms and Mother-In-Laws too. Above with Guide Beth is My Mother-In-Law Andy Banks. Rejoice in the spirit of Mom today!  

It can be a circus

It might be a Circus

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It might be a Circus It might be a Circus out there this weekend. And in the following weeks ahead. Our Governor declared a statewide flooding emergency. We are not flooding here. We have 3 dams, and 3 lakes, feeding this river. She must be hungry because she is digesting plenty of water. This morning … Read more

Missouri River Headhunters Fly Fishing Report May 7th

Missouri River Montana Headhunters Fishing Report May 7th

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Missouri River Montana Headhunters Fishing Report May 7th High water techniques apply. Fish towards the bank, or away from it. The best catch rates are those hugging the bank and tossing into the deep trough that lines the bank. Soft inside lanes are producing. Hard summer backlines are not holding fish. Too fast man. Pink … Read more

Just Add Vise Zirdle Bug Tying Kit

Just Add Vise Zirdle Bug Tying Kit Video

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Just Add Vise Zirdle Bug Tying Kit Video

High water means more bigger bugs.

Yep. Big fly big water theory. Some say it. Some even mean it.

If you are headed this way in the spring, summer, or fall you may want to have this in your trout bag.

Nymph it. Streamer fish it. Jig it. Well shoot, float it.

Popular in high water situations and conditions.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/121432769″ video_title=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Friday Foto

Friday Foto

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Friday Foto Shane Wilson drifting down the river last week. Laughing, fishing, enjoying the day. The weather is fresh, springlike, and fantastic. Visit us when coming to the Mo We’d love to meet you. We have Craig’s only Wi-Fi, cellular connectivity, and free coffee. Enjoy your weekend!

Missouri River May Fly Fishing Forecast

Missouri River May Fly Fishing Forecast

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Missouri River May Fly Fishing Forecast Here we go out of April running full speed into the jaws of May! Hooray. Maybe spring will greet us this Month of May. Things to look forward to in May include… More water. How much? Again we can only speculate, smartly. The answer is more. We are currently … Read more

Top 15 Missouri River May Nymph Patterns

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Top 15 Missouri River Montana Spring High Water Nymph Patterns Some days it sure feels like there are not 10 patterns that are effective. And other days it fishes well and most every reasonable spring Montana pattern is getting some looks! Today we show you the Top 15 Missouri River High Water Montana Spring Nymph … Read more

Missouri River Fishing Report April 29th

Missouri River Fishing Report April 29th 2018

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Missouri River Fishing Report April 29th 2018 Not normal Missouri River fishing. Lower than average catch rates. Difficult situations. Fluctuations in the water couple times a week. Swollen feeder creeks like the Dearborn and Little Prickly Pear. Lots of boats. No wade fishing to speak of. That is our reality. And we are one of … Read more

Spinning Wheels

What Goes Up Must Come Down

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What Goes Up Must Come Down

The water is going up. It will come down.

In late June.

Blood, Sweat and Tears nailing Spinning Wheels today on the Headhunters Blog

Pretty funky. The tail end of this jam is the best.

I always wanted to be the trumpet player in one of these 70’s bands. You know I was Outstanding Music Student of my High School Graduating Class 1987. I played a mean trumpet. But I missed being an adult in the 70’s by about 10 years.

 

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