Mark Raisler 
SIMMS Intruder Boot Felt Want a wading boot for wet wading? We have just the boo for you. The IntruderWading Boot from SIMMS of Bozeman Montana will do it all. Ankle support, a neoprene inner sock that most wear with a wading sock, and a felt sole to keep you connected to the streamed…upright! This … Read more
Two Great Fellas Tony May and Sandy Bing. Both of them have passed on. RIP fellas. I have enjoyed fishing with a number of folks over the last 18 years. A bundle. But these two were the tops! Tony, a very good angler, would defer to Mr. Bing most of the time. Light a cigar, … Read more
Silly Saturday Scenery August. Dry fly can be good. Nymphing can be good, or bad. Yesterday not too bad at all. Most are on the upper river. But it is fishing up and down. Check the north wind forecast before you launch. Peace. Out.
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Great tune. Perfect for this Friday.
Warming today. Cool the past couple days.
Enjoy Meet me in Montana
We’ll meet in you under that big Montana Sky.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN6tmueBnUM” video_title=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Thursday Missouri River Image Not a ton of traffic on the Missouri River. A few boats in the Craig section today. Most were nymphing. Eddies seem to be the key for the collection one masses of dead Trico’s sinking and getting eaten by those ravenous trout. Weeds can be an issue. Snap them off man. … Read more
Water levels, Weather, and a short State of the Mo Hump Day here in central Montana as we talk about Water levels, Weather, and a short State of the Mo. Water levels look to be steady as we get the fresh monthly report from the DNRC and Stephanie Micek on the water level predictions for the … Read more
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One of Bloom’s best patterns for the Missouri River and beyond. Tie this one up for late summer and autumn success!
Look it up at the shop pre-tied by the handful or purchase the Just Add Vise Tying Kits exclusively at Headhunters Fly Shop in downtown Craig.
Or, look it up online here for delivery to your doorstep!
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Monday Morning July 31 Missouri River Fishing Report Trico’s. Going good. Some mornings they seem to not get out of bed though. So, we hope they are getting after it as you are out on the water. Yesterday was a good day. Floated Craig to Mid Canon and lots of action. Less pressure from anglers allowed the fish … Read more
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] AntMusic Happy Sunday. 100F here today for us. It’s hot. Ants are in the mix, on the menu, and should be a part of your dry fly day. Blind fish it. Sight fish it. As long as you fish it. In tune with the weekend theme, more from Squeeky and some damn 80’s references. … Read more
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Here is where Squeeky is mentally.
Fried for sure. The sun has baked my head.
Love me some Frank Zappa. And this brings me back to the summer of ’82. Only 35 years ago.
I didn’t love FZ then or fly fishing. Now am enamored with both.
So a break from all that fly fishing talk today with this classic Valley Girl Vid featuring Moon Unit Zappa. 80’s TV was strange too as evidenced by this video and show. I remember some Valspeak. Some of it has come back today.
Back to fishing speak tomorrow, maybe, for all of you who think this is strange. I am entertained for sure.
This from Wiki…
The track was a combination of a guitar riff that Frank had composed, and a desire from Moon to work with her father. According to Zappa biographer Kelly Fisher Lowe, Frank woke up Moon in the middle of the night and took her to a studio in order to re-create conversations she had had with friends.[1] The lyrics were a deliberate attack on the slang and behavior of stereotypical valley girls. Zappa stressed that it was not a happy song, and that he hated the San Fernando Valley, calling it “a most depressing place.”[2] Moon supplied Frank with much of the content, speaking typical “Valley girl” or “Valspeak” phrases she heard at “parties, bar mitzvahs, and the Galleria”.[3]
Musically, the song is one of the most atypical Zappa tunes because of how relatively “normal” it is compared to other compositions, and is played entirely in 4/4 with the exception of the 7/4 groove at the very end.
I like the video at the bottom too. Just staring at the vid turning at 45 rpms. How many singles did you buy? Me? Lots. Browsing at the record store is not the same on your laptop. No blacklights or weed pipes or hot chicks or anything cool like that anymore. Although Amazon lands on your doorstep in a couple days…
Ever seen High Fidelity with John Cusack?
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Friday Foto Rising Rainbow Trout Hot and windy for the most part. Dry fly fishing great, if you are into that sort of thing. Hatches have been delayed in the mooring for some reason. A short window of rising trout some days. Others rising well in to the afternoon. Nymphing has been difficult to say … Read more
Squeeky’s Trico Box Top row left moving right… Sinky type Trico’s. Glass beads, silver beads, o beads. Sunken Trico Spinners. More sinky flies and an Adams. A couple King’s River Caddis and a spinner or two. Harrop’s Hi-Viz Spinners and Quigley’s Cluster Peacock. Flies you can see. Tiny H & L Variants and CDC Griffith’s … Read more
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Getting hotter here on the Mo. Monday it did not fish all that well. A few on the dry, but not many on the nymph. Be prepared for either outcome here in the near future.
Plugging along in the back end of July. It’s hot.
The fishing can be difficult on the dry. Even more difficult if you don’t employ some sort of slack line presentation.
The Reach Cast is one of those that may help you get a few to the net. A Pile Cast will work. An S Cast will work. Any slack line presentation that you feel you should present.
Because dragging the fly over the trout, even just a little bit, may not encourage the fish to bite your fly.
7wt’s famous saying is true right now which is…
The fishing is as good as you are.
Happy Tuesday.
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July 24th Missouri River Fly Fishing Report Just the facts today not he Headhunters Fly Shop July 24th Missouri River Fly Fishing Report. That is all you need. No? Yes. Fishing early is the key. Fishing late can work. Fishing the mid day is for the birds,. Water temps in the upper 60’s. Somewhere in-between 65F … Read more
Silly Sunday Scenery Tricos Image. It’s hot today. It reached 99F. Not 100F. Trico’s today from the only daily blog here on Montana’s Missouri River. The Headhunters Fly Shop Blog. Enjoy the week ahead. Hot here in central Montana. Trico’s will participate. Fires? Some. Less smoke the past couple days. But there are fires around … Read more
New Breed Chicks Rule Summer Edition Cathy with this nice trout on the upper river. It was her second trout of all time! Nice work Cathy. Looking forward to more success in the future. Cathy a New Breed Chick Rules!
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Check it out on this smoky and hot Friday mooring here in central Montana.
Smoke from forest fires somewhere have obscured the sun.
But, it’s still plenty hot. Damn hot.
Windy too.
So, beyond that the fishing real good, in the morning. Yesterday it stopped fishing about noonish. Or one-ish. Today? Who knows. The day before it fished well until about 3pm.
Weeds? Yep. Some days better than others. Yesterday not bad at all. Today? Oh, don’t know yet.
Enjoy this short this Friday morning. Hell, watch it twice.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/69415236″ video_title=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][us_grid columns=”3″ orderby=”title” order=”” ids=”11100, 19629, 17600″ post_type=”ids” no_items_message=”” items_layout=”shop_trendy” items_gap=””][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Time to Book Your Fall Fly Fishing Trip to the Missouri River Montana It is coming up quickly. The fall months of September, October and November will be here shortly. Just getting into summer? Me too, but…but it will soon be over. And these wonderful long days will be a thing of the past. Seasons … Read more
Late July Missouri River Fly Fishing Forecast The best July we have had as far as dry fly fishing in some time. Honest. I have not den here as long as some, but longer than many and that is Squeeky’s personal opinion. John agrees as well. We were talking on the porch a couple days … Read more
Silly Sunday Scenery Paul Taylor Release Image Long time clients of 18 years Paul Taylor releasing this nice fat Spruce Moth caught rainbow on Saturday morning. Lots of non-local locals here as we reach the mid month mark. The water is down to 3900cfs and the water temps are warm. Fish early and fish late. … Read more
Squeeky’s Words of Wisdom If you ask a gal to dance, then step on her toes…she may not say yes again. Just think about that when casting at rising trout. Stepping on their toes hurts, and they behave differently. Don’t step on her toes man. Again, a few useless words of wisdom from Squeeky. Truth? … Read more
Friday Foto Night Vision Good times last night on the ‘ol Missouri River. It’s good in that evening slot. Night vision is worth it! But, bring Mosquito repellant! Skittering caddis was my game. The Weilenman’s CDC and Elk seemed to do the trick. Threw a Spruce Moth for a while with success too. A Translucent … Read more
Spents and Spinners Dead shit. That is what we throw. July is full of dead bugs. And live ones too. The dead ones are easier to eat. Honest. Fish them with confidence. As you can see I am becoming sun baked in this summer heat. Tomorrow much warmer again. No thanks man. Let’s keep it … Read more
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Mid Week Missouri River Update River dropping to 4100 cfs today. Lets hope it stays at least that level. We need it for the remainder of the summer. Keep those water temps down. Only time will tell how it will go down. Dry fly fishing is great. Nymphing is great, specifically at the dam. … Read more
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Fishing is good. Not much to report on other than the dry fly fishing is fabulous. Nymphing is great.
But, get out early. The afternoon bite has been inconsistent with the advent of hot temperatures. Tomorrow not too bad. Wednesday? Hot!
Tie a few of these fantastic Buzzball’s up for July and August success.
Enjoy.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Depth Perception Scumliner Media One of my favorite shoots, and one of my favorite Scumliner Media videos. Ben Hardy, John Arnold, and Mark Raisler out for a evening quickie on the Mo Mid July 6 years ago. Fun. Evening fishing is solid. Go fish. BBQ tonight in front of the shop. Izaak’s closed on … Read more
Sunday Mid-Summer Missouri River Tips A few quick tips from your friends at Headhunters Fly Shop in downtown Craig Montana this sunny and seasonal Sunday Mid-Summer morning. The fishing is great. Get out early and enjoy the day before the heat hits you. Drink tons of water. Dehydration is serious. Refer to the recent post … Read more
Missouri River July Fly Fishing Forecast July Fly Fishing Forecast July 6th and all is well. We have made it through the busiest month of the year, June,a nd have emerged on the other side with the hop of continued summer hatches and sunshine. And sunshine we will have this week ahead. Looks like very … Read more
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Yep. Trico’s. Shot late July a few years back.
All the regular things apply here. First cast. Good drifts. Great presentations. Deead drifts…etc.
Because, dead flies don’t swim bro.’
Ever.
Enjoy this flick today. Hotter that hell today and this week ahead. Fish early.
Good caddis action for the evening session. But a short window.
It feels like we are fishing inside a convection oven. Cooling towels could be important. And lots of water. Drink water. Lots.
Or die.
Loving July. Let’s hope the water temps don’t spike, the weeds don’t inundate us with weed-dum, and the air temps return to seasonal norms.
I’d fish now. The time is now.
Remember that fall is on its way and you should think about booking your lodging and guide trips to get them locked up. September and October are just around the corner.
How about visiting in November this year. Quiet, fishy. Lodging available, guides available, no pressure on the river.
How about giving way to the two handed game and get your Trout Spey on?
It’s an idea. Plant it. It will grow.
It’s July, and we are not even punchy…yet.
Dead Flies Don’t Swim by Scumliner Media today on the Headhunters Fly Shop Blog.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/101744402″ video_title=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Happy 4th of July! Happy 4th. Be safe. Or go nuts. Business per usual except for closing @ 6pm tonight. So the Headhunters Gang can go nuts. Awfully brown out there on the hillsides. Weeds starting in the water column. August not looking too good unless it cools off in the near future. We are … Read more
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Check it out today on the Headhunters Blog a short film about Montana Vets Montana Waters. An org for Montana Vets by Montana Vets.
This killer film today on the Big Hole in SW Montana. Great story and great footage. A worthwhile viewing this morning. Check out the Montana Vets Montana Waters website for more info today.
Today is not a holiday I understand. Huh? Tomorrow, yes. The 4th.
The Project Healing Waters org has been around for some time and we host 2 Montana Project Healing Waters boats on site here in Craig. Call for a free rental. We will get you on the calendar.
The Great Falls Chapter Montana PHW is active on the river too.
Montana Wounded Warriors is yet another organization helping Vets via fly fishing.
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This tune rocks.
Ozzy rocks.
Black Sabbath rocks.
Rock it today, Sunday.
PMD’s waning. Trico’s waxing.
June is put to bed. July is waking.
Lots of non-anglers out there this weekend. The Missouri is a resource for all.
Enjoy your Sunday. Lots more dry fly fishing to come.
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Rule #1 Don’t Ever Let Your Guide Touch Your Rod This is a given to may long term clients. This Rule #1. But yesterday, day 6 with Ed and Jim, I lulled Jim into a sleep state and got hi srod in my hands. Then during the demo cast, this happened. I didn’t want to … Read more
Friday Foto American Eagle Edition Happy 4th of July Weekend. It’s a big one here on the Mo. Partying? Yep. Fishing too. Full speed ahead as we move through the weekend into Moday and the 4th Tuesday. Have not decided about the 4th of July Party. Food yes. Fireworks? Some, but it may be slow … Read more
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Thursday in Craig Montana Raining this morning. Much cooler indeed. But if you look into the future you will see very warm temperatures greeting us for the weekend and the holiday ahead. So enjoy today and the cloudy conditions. All is well here in Craig Montana. Some pics from yesterday on the river. Both … Read more
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Mid Week Missouri River Fishing Report June 28th We’ll give you the bulleted list today on the Headhunters Fly Shop updated fly fishing report for June 28th. Lots of folks around and sunny skies have all smiling. If you have not made your reservation and think you want to come on out and enjoy? … Read more
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Not much to say today on the Headhunters Fly Fishing Blog.
Other than I Wish You Were Here. This cover from Alpha Blondy rules. First heard Alpha Blondy on Greg Stumps 1987 epic ski flick Blizzard of Aahhh’s. Check that out today if you wish.
PMD’s are good. Week 5. How many more weeks? 1, 2, 3? Not too much more than that. Then we will have to rely on the caddis and of course the Trico’s that are coming.
Tuesday, and all is well.
Last night a BBQ at Headhunters. Another one coming on the 4th of July. See you in Craig. Call if you have any questions, issues, or just want to chat about trout fishing. The water is coming down. The water managers say it will be 6200cfs tomorrow. Hooray!
Enjoy your Tuesday. Rasta Stevie Lives!
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June 26th Missouri River Fishing Report Coming at you live from the banks of the Missouri River this wonderful sunny Monday morning in late June from Dry Fly HQ @ Headhunters Fly Shop in downtown Craig Montana. All things are good here on the Mighty Mo. Water levels are falling still and we should see … Read more
Silly Sunday Scenery New Breed Version So many good looking gals with trout this last week we have to populate our blog with both women and trout. We have enough pics of you sir. No harm intended at all. But the fairer gender certainly makes better blog posts! Abi Arnold fishing with HH Guide Shane … Read more
New Breed Chicks Rule Lily Edition Nice trout from Lily yesterday with guide Mark Raisler. The Batley group was here in full fore with some from the local neighborhood and stretched out as far as Florida. An annual migration and a twice annual by others. Thanks again Batley’s. Fun times had by all. Busy out … Read more
Missouri River Summer Weekend Outlook Gonna be real busy here this weekend if last night was any indication of the near future. Streets of downtown Craig Montana clogged with RV’s, drift boats, aimlessly wandering fly fishing vagabonds, locals, non-locals, those just bellying up to Joe’s Bar for a quick one, or a full shift. Expect … Read more
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] X Caddis Tying Video Just Add Vise Kits These legendary tying its come with everything you need for tying 25 flies. And a video to boot! Slow it down, speed it up, pause it…you are the boss! Folks love these tying kits to tie any fly in our local favorites selection. I have been … Read more
A long one yesterday. Longer this week to come. The 4th of July right around the corner. PMD’s rocking. Some caddis around, and yes, they will eat it. Trico’s on the horizon. Fish up all over the place. The water is receding. Pretty quickly. It’s good right now. Could it get better? I guess, … Read more
The Spokane New Breed Chicks! Spokane Women on the Fly! This group was refreshing. We need them to come once a month and breathe new life into this stage fishing town. The Spokane Women on the Fly group to day not eh Headhunters Blog. More about them in the coming weeks. And, how to get … Read more
Mellow Monday, Craig MT, and BBQ Tonight! Hello and good morning from Craig Montana. All is well here on the Mighty Missouri River as we approach the Summer Solstice. Fishing is quite goo, the water is high, and we see dry flies in our daily travels. And more of all that to come. PMD’s, Caddis, … Read more
Happy Father’s Day to all the dad’s out there in Blogland. Today we celebrate the institution of Fatherhood. Hooray for Father’s. Today a plea for boat ramp courtesy from a Father in the local neighborhood. We agree Josh. We can all do better on the water and at the boat ramps. Common courtesy is good. … Read more
UMOWA Annual, Fishing Report, and Water Update UMOWA Annual Meeting tonight in downtown Craig at the Firehall 6-9pm with free food. Auction items as well as they let us know the Missouri River State of the Union. Love to see you there. Check out their website and donate to your favorite river today! Check out … Read more
Wednesday Missouri River Fishing Report 6.13.17 Water levels may be rising as we had a pretty wet Tuesday. It must have been wet towards the upper drainage as well as we are witnessing an increase in water flows. The Canyon Ferry lake levels are nearing that magic 97% level. When we he that fill quotient … Read more
Silly Sunday Scenery PMD Brown Trout Edition Kelley caught this on a PMD Spinner. Also successes on the PMD Cripple. And, the Buzzball. Flows good today. 1 to 2 inches of rain forecast for Tuesday. Will that change the flows? Ohhh, maybe. Good times on the Mo right now. Plan your trip for 2018. June … Read more
Saturday Water Flows 8410cfs. That is good. For fishing that is. Dry fly fishing. Should be much better at these lower flows. Will it get to 6K this month? Later maybe. July for sure. But the flushing flows that many have wished for, all of us really, may not happen. So that is upsetting. Flushing … Read more
June 9th Missouri River Fishing Report Pretty good dry fly action at these levels. These levels is currently 10K. On the nuts. Will it satay that way? Maybe. The DNRC cancelled an increase late Thursday. The lake level is 93.3% full. Coming up fast with inflows at Toston Dam 17K. The warm weather today and … Read more
Missouri River Water Update/Forecast Here is the latest from the water management team. Looks like 7K, or 8K, or higher. But not 12K. Maybe. Look at the projection below. We are 99% of our 30 year average. We have 108% of Snow water Equivalent (SWE). The graph below shows that we may pop beyond the … Read more
Top 10 Fly Fishing Rides of all Time Ed Note: A blog post written by Squeeky in February 2009. I like this one. Still pertinent today 8 years later. Some spelling errors, per usual. Enjoy this for what it’s worth! Just one fella’s take on the best fishing vehicles of all time. Everybody will have … Read more
Monday Morning Fishing Report June 5th Well into June and we are pretty revved up. The dry fly game is taking shape. The bugs are coming on strong. It’s June man. We have arrived. Bust coming up in the coming weeks. Mega busy. May not have too much luck finding a guid e if that … Read more
Friday Foto June 2nd PMD Spinner on Amadou What does this mean? It means June has arrived. And we are in it. Lower that water level and we will be covered up in it. PMD’s I mean. But the water gods may want to flush the river from all of the toxins. And we will … Read more
