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!
Lots of bugs up on the surface yesterday. A real honest showing. A mega hatch? No, not yet.
But certainly enough to get the upward looking trout doing push-ups.
A Blue Heron stalking feral cats.
Some difficult fish out there. John and I bumped into quite a few that were damn tough. Too tough for me really. Crips, emergers, softies, duns, spinners. A fish on each one, but not as many as I would have guessed. John and I out filming a fall segment and I did not put many to the net. I whiffed on several fish.
I should really fish more.
Some easy fish must be somewhere. We did fish to some pretty obvious rising fish spots. Maybe find some fish that do not beat on often. Just a suggestion.
A bundle of weeds floating down the river. Lots. They are on the super release. Water temps slowly falling @ 1 degree/4days. Currently at 54F. Missouri River water flows are 3100cfs. We’d really like a little more water. 30% more would be welcomed.
Better streamer fishing with more flow. Better dry fly fishing with more flow. Better all the way around. Will we get our normal winter upswing? Only time will tell my fishy friends.
Ghost trout-town began Monday. Much quieter on the water Tuesday. Quite nice.
Let us know how we can help when in the fishy ‘burb of Craig Montana.
And many thanks to you the reader. We write the Missouri River daily blog for you the fanatical Missouri River angler. Thank you.
Headhunters Fly Shop. Your Missouri River information source.
As you know the weather tat we are looking for includes moisture, calm w/o wind and overcast.
That is today. And that is the rest of the week. Perfect.
Smiles on the few anglers that are currently residing in Craig. Smiles on the faces of trout too.
The bugs should come. There have been more and more BWO’s on the surface and today there may be more.
The true dry fly bite should stick around for awhile.
Get out your dry fly boxes and keep them close.
For those who like to toss the streamer this is good news as well.
Not much more to say on this subject really. I have said it all before. If you live locally you may be coming down with the flu. I know I am! The BWO Flu. It is common this time of year.
Gone are the high and bright sunny skies. Grey is the color of choice for us.
Good rain gear and warm clothing should be on your person with a couple bottles of GINK and Frog’s Fanny.
Not many guide trips out and not many other boats too. This is the quiet time on the Mo and you can take advantage of it if you so desire.
Fall has arrived and we could not be more happy.
Stop in for a vast selection of BWO’s, short leash nymphs, and the best in streamer flies on the river.
Why not get a new fly line for you dry fly habit. Slippery and slick and able to shoot to that long target.
Swing Season has arrived as well. Swingers Unite. Lots of interest and questions about how to target those big Rainbows on the swing. We have all of the tools for your Swing Game. Stop in for info, rigging techniques, and swinging flies.
Open daily at 7am for any Missouri River needs. Headhunters your Craig Montana fly shop.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Second look at the SAGE Pulse. One of the newest SAGE fly rods to come out the Autumn of ’15.
At Headhunters Fly Shop and across the industry this rod has come out of the gate strong.
Well received this easy caster and understandably efficient fish fighter is a great rod for the Missouri River. On a river where we can all agree that the proper fishing behaviors should result in actually catching the fish the SAGE Pulse is the All Around Winner.
A number of rods have found their way out the front door and the clear HH Staff Choice coming into the fall leads us to believe that the Pulse may be around for awhile. And why not.
Great for dries, nymphs or streamers!
The buzz around this rod starts with the easy feel in hand. It just feels right, right out of the tube. The second thing you notice is the ease of casting. Made of legendary Graphite IIIe the SAGE Pulse feels like it was made for your casting stroke. Yes, designed specifically for you.
I know that is a reach but the forgiving nature of the Pulse allows you to become intimate with this rod immediately. The third reason the Pulse is becoming a fan favorite is the number of fly lines that it will accommodate. The RIO Gold, Perception, and Grand all match up well with this rod. The RIO LT while not for everyone is a neat line to for the lighter rod wts. like the 3 and 4wts.
The SAGE Pulse is not one of those rods made for one narrowly defined fly fishing task. There are rods that are great for the streamer junkie and rods that are fantastic for the dry fly angler. There are even rods made with only the nympher in mind. But it has become a rare occasion when a rod is introduced that is comfortable achieving all 3 fly fishing disciples.
Introducing the SAGE Pulse. A fly rod that solves many of the fly fishing mysteries.
Feel connected with the Pulse in your hand. The 5 and 6 wts. for fishing the Missouri River are perfect. Whichever discipline whether it be nymphing, dry fly fishing, or stripping streamers you will not be under tooled.
A good bend in the Pulse with a Missouri River dry fly fish
The RIO Xtreme Indicator line turns the Pulse into a nymphing super rod. Easy casting and effortless mending ability you will be pleased with the effectiveness of the SAGE Pulse. The RIO InTouch Gold will make precise tight-looped casts to our often finicky Missouri River sipping Brown Trout. Put a spool of the RIO Grand through the guides and you have a hopper tosser that will rival any more expensive rod. Then turn around and fix up a double articulated streamer and go to work son.
Is the SAGE Pulse for you? Only you can make that decision. If you think you may be interested stop by the shop to demo either the 5 or 6 weight or both!
John Arnold once said in reference to Spey Rods that he used to carry several rods to the river…then he realized that he oughtta just carry one workhorse spey rod. You could say the same for the SAGE Pulse. Why carry a quiver of fly rods when you can carry only one. The SAGE Pulse is the hidden jewel of the current SAGE rod line.
I believe that this would make a great first rod for any angler. Certainly one that wants to enjoy the fly fishing game. A do all end all be all fly rod for those who want a rod that does it all. A fly rod that you will make memories with. A rod that will stand the test of time. It just feels right.
I also have always said one of the Missouri River assets is that it is a fishery for all skill sets. Whether you are a first time angler or one of those fella’s who fishes 100+ days/year…the Mo has challenges for all who attend. The Pulse matches up perfectly alongside this statement. A rod for all situations and experience levels.
Coming in at an-uncommon price point of $450 the Pulse will not break the bank. Match it up with a cool fly reel and the RIO line of your choice and you are off to the river. Stop in and try the SAGE Pulse when in Craig.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Everybody loves this kind of image. Classic for sure.
Saturday in October with overcast skies showing today? Yesterday afternoon some hazy skies with the air temperature dipping. Decent afternoon bite. Meaning if you found a couple fish they might eat it.
They like a ton of fancy CDC flies, i also like to toss some dog food from zignature dog food reviews but you can toss the good ‘ol Adams at them and can fool a few. Get your dark winged crips and duns for the glare ready. White and fruit scented wings should be in your arsenal as well.
Today some overcast skies may present themselves. Let’s hope.
Traffic lighter this weekend. Monday will be quiet. November 1st real quiet.
A good time to be here along with your Halloween Hangover.
Trout don’t care if you are hangin’. They only care if you can cast.
After the dust settles on the BWO parade we dive right into Swing Season on the MO.
Daily conversations about fly lines and the latest in 2 handed Trout Spey Rods here at Headhunters.
While many trout shops close for the season Headhunters switch into Swing Season.
We’ve got all the latest swing gear for you to try. Trout Spey Rods from around the world along with the lines, tips,, leaders, and flies for fall and winter fishing fun.
Got questions? Just ask us. We got answers.
Many have been swinging for a couple weeks. I have witnessed a swinger on the river daily the last couple weeks.
Craig Trout Camp, our on-site lodging, is open all year long. Joe’s Bar open daily as well as Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service. $400 Guide trips for both Swing Education and single handed trips begin November 15th.
Many come down from Calgary to see the sun while participating in a spot of fly fishing. Bozeman-ites, our friends from Whitefish and Kalispell, those to the west in Spokane and even to the coast in Seattle. Craig is a quiet, quick get-away any month of the year.
This could be the year you become better with the two-handed rod.
Baetis are here. BWO time fishing Montana’s Missouri River.
Light hatch yesterday and the day before. It should POP soon. We would love more of those clouds and drizzle and some fall like winter weather. Bring it.
The streamer bite is not as consistent as we think it should be but our trout are eating a few.
Flows somewhat stable at these lower fall time levels. Still at 3280cfs with water temps falling slowly currently @ 55.5F. Looking and feeling good.
Sunny weather is sure pretty. We’ll take the clouds though please!
Cooler weather on the way with some sun and daytime highs this approaching weekend in the mid-40’s at best. Hopefully the weather guessers are wrong about the sun.
Nymphing is good. Better in the afternoon. The mornings have been quirky and odd. Not all that shit-hot until the bugs come off. Then it is damn good. Deep in the morning and short to finish the day.
Some good fishing to have if you stay out late. Not a bad idea at all. No need to go at the break of dawn. Unless you have Bailey’s in your coffee and then, by all means.
Some cool groups fish the Mo in October. the RIO Products along with SAGE Rods were just here for a week plus, Blake Merwin of Gig Harbor Fly Shop in Washington bought out some cool fellers, Doc Paul is bringing out a multi-boat trip next week and we have hosted a bundle of 2 and 3 boat trips this month. Why not come out with a gang of your favorite anglers in tow. Headhunters Fly Shop can accommodate your group for lodging, catering, and guiding. One stop fly shop in Craig MT.
It may be our favorite month of the year. October is always a good one. Fun folks, fun fishing, and the dry fly fishing to rising trout that make your knees shake.
Shop open daily at 7am…stop in for a cup of piping hot perked coffee, cell coverage, and free WiFi on our porch.
Fall weather arrived yesterday and more today. Overcast skies, Pseudo’s but not a really big true BWO hatch yet.
Are they coming? Yes. Today? Maybe.
All reaches of the river are fishing well. Anglers spread from the top to the bottom with happy faces appearing nightly. Izaak’s is closed for the season so your dinner choices include the Oasis and the Frenchman. Taco shack is open daily as well for breakfast. Shop open daily with free coffee at 7am and late til 8pm for your late afternoon BWO shuttles.
Pseudo’s hatch daily about 1pm and become stronger as the day progresses. Get out your small bugs and toss them at those finicky fish. Some days they eat well and others we find them quite difficult. Cripples and smaller flies are the key. Try Split Flags, Film Critic’s, Nymen’s, Smoke Jumers, RS2’s, Mercury Flashback PT’s, Grey glass beaded PT’s too.
Things we have seen this week that have worked include the dry-dropper rig with a tiny PT off the end. Or an emerger of some sort. Tiny. Dry-Dropper rig in the am until the sun gets too high is a good bet as well. Blind fish it with confidence and let’er ride!
The streamer bite has been so-so. Some days better than others and the overcast skies help here too. The common flies are always in play. R2R, leeches, Skiddish in traditional or brown, Flesh Eating Sculpins, Olive Black or Brown Buggers, and any of that articulated stuff that streamer junkies so love. Fish it to the bank or around and off of those common Missouri River center river bars. Intermediate tips are in favor with the dry line OK as well. Fish it deep in the center with a Type 6 if you want to fish to fish that do not get touched.
Nymphing? Good. Deep or shallow let them soak. All the regular fall flies apply. Scuds, Sows, Caddis Pupa’s, Weight flies, larger PT’s, and October Caddis can get it done.
The weather for the next few days looks promising. Do your fall weather dance and bring us some dark skies with a side of rain please!
Flows are low @ 3280cfrs and you will see that when you are here fishing. Some bank lines are skinny. But those Mo River fish like that environment so keep that in mind.
All the new fall gear is in stock including warm clothing from SIMMS, rods from SAGE including the PULSE and the MOD along with the two handed Trout Spey Rods, warm hats, gloves, and the best in flies.
Lodging available for the latter part of the month for your late season Missouri River trip. Call today and get in for this wonderful time of year.
Randy Hicks of Rocky Mountain Angler in Boulder CO fishing with Headhunters in conjunction with the annual RIO Products trip to the Missouri.
Randy fishing the Missouri River for the first time. He has fished many other Montana rivers and now understands the allure of this great resource.
“Izaak’s, Joe’s Bar, downtown Craig, and the kick-ass Missouri will bring me back again. For sure.”
Well said Randy. We feel the same way. Craig is fun during the fall season. Lots of long timers and a few first timers along with our fat Bows always make the season bright.
Show your fall colors and embrace the full fall-dom.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Simply awesome. Those were the words I literally said out loud as I removed my Simms Vapor Boots last week. This was the third time I wore them and while I was impressed after my first two trial runs, this was the first full day I fished in them — ten hours — zero discomfort. That’s a big deal for a guy like me.
Personally, I credit the comfort to a shorter rise from the floor to the Achilles tendon. This characteristic makes them wear more like a pair of Chuck Taylor high-tops than traditional wading boots. Once you put on a pair of Vapors, in just a few steps you’ll notice the weight, or shall I say the lack thereof. With most boots, you can usually feel the extra swing weight with each step but in Vapors, you won’t feel anything at all.
In my opinion, these boots were designed for those who like to hike for miles to get to their spot and then fish for hours once in it. But for my money, that’s not the only application for this more comfortable than most wading boot. For me, I plan on keeping these kicks around for everyday use. Previously, I was wearing RiverTek™ Boa® Boots and believe me, I loved them. These boots were so comfy, I ended up dubbing them Drift Boat Slippers. After 2-plus years and at least 200 days of use, my RiverTeks are still holding strong and could easily go another spring season, however, I’ve recently opted to go with my new wading boot obsession, the Vapor.
While comfort ranks as the most important aspect I look for in a boot, I also like to show a bit of style on the water. With a mid-range price tag, Vapors feel great on your feet and by escaping the traditional bulky boot design, they have a very cool and unique style all their own. For comfort reasons, I typically go one size larger in my wading boots than my street shoe size. While in Headhunters Fly Shop, I put on a pair of Vapors in a size 11 (my everyday shoe size) and walked around for a while. They felt so good, I figured I give that sizing a shot and I was dead right. I recommend trying on a couple sizes before you buy, but don’t disregard your street size while rocking Vapors. For me, these boots feel perfect without going up in size.
While there will still be those who prefer a stiff ankle support bomber boot for deep wading in all too slick steelhead runs, for the rest of the wading crowd, the Vapor is a boot to be reckoned with and one you will definitely appreciate.
Get yourself a pair this fall for all winter comfort. Hike your ass off this coming spring and then rock them on cooler summer mornings hiking down the tracks to your favorite dry fly flat.
Headhunters is your exclusive SIMMS Dealer on the Missouri River. See us in Craig for waders, boots, clothing, gloves, and all things SIMMS.
Playoff Baseball. It feels like fall when the Boys of Summer are playing fall baseball. Fish during the day and watch playoff baseball at night. October is great in my book because baseball feels good with a cocktail or two.
Kreelex Mania
Football. Both college and pro ball keep us interested in the fall time. Weekends are for football. Or fishing. Or hunting. Or…
Blue Winged Olives. The coolest fall bug there is. Afternoons can be filled with cripples, emergers, and duns. Your choice. This slate winged insect is what keeps anglers interested. Those non-local locals are here for just this reason. Our favorite fall mayfly.
Streamer Junkies. Lots of out of work guides up here on the Mo chucking the streamer rod. Lots of guests here tossing it too. Lots of us excited about those overcast afternoons presenting the big fly n search of the bigger trout that call the Missouri River home. Flashy or not so flashy that is your choice. With the lower water levels this fall you can either get it done with a floating line or a intermediate tip. Some like to dredge the center of the river with grain weights that make some tremble. Lots of ways to enjoy the streamer fishing here this fall and early winter.
Fall Colors on the Missouri River
Colors. While we do not have the colors of the east coast we do have a significant color change. We are right in the midst of it right now. Although the strong winds that we endured this past weekend blew a ton of the red, yellow, and orange leaves into the next county. We love the change int he weather including the vibrancy of fall. Enjoy it!
Swing Season. It is on the way. Nearly here. Some have gotten it going early. We have a bunch of cool two handed trout spey gear for demo and sale. Headhunters is your Trout Spey Source in all of Montana.
A Hot Toddy
Hot Toddy’s. Love me a Hot Toddy. Apres fishing hot drinks. Love it. Along with playoff baseball. How can you go wrong with Bourbon, honey, lemon, and a touch of cinnamon. Yum.
Rest. Sleep in later as the fall fishing is generally better int he afternoon. Stay up late dining Hot Toddy’s or an elixir of your choice and sleep in until those damn olives hatch.
Fewer anglers around. While there are some guides out on the water most of the traffic has gone south. Lots of folks hunting birds and bigger animals so the waters of Montana receive less pressure in the fall time.
Short Leash Nymphing. October is made for Short Leash Nymphing. The water flows are low and the fishing is good. No bugs hatching in the high and bright skies? Try this technique. It works.
Fellowship. Lots of great folks around Craig. We love chatting, discussing, and pitching shit to our friends. It really is a fun time of year. Are you in?
The Missouri River October Experience
Something for everyone here hanging out in Craig fishing Montana’s Missouri River. It’s a month full of Montana experiences. It’s a laid back no frills Missouri River October Experience.
Good times on the Mo. The high and bright sun is bothering us. Does it bother the fish? I think so.
But we fish anyway. Why wouldn’t a feller. You are here or you are coming so why not get after it.
The sun has increased sales of sunscreen but diminished the streamers leaving the building.
What is the preferred method in the sun? Nymphing I guess.
If you could have cast in the wind yesterday good on you. Today for Columbus Day we seem somewhat calmer. Somewhat.
Cooler for the week ahead but without the clouds that we so dearly crave this time of year. Love the sticky bugs in the afternoons for extended dry fly action. Do your dry fly and cloud dances in your office this week so we can get on with it all.
The bug report is as follows:
No bugs on the lower. Not enough at all. Pretty vacant. But we should see some soon?!
Good numbers in the canyon and towards the lower end. Good enough dry fly action during the afternoon periods.
Good numbers on the upper as well. Below Craig for afternoon love is a good idea.
We are still waiting for the bigger BWO’s. They will come.
Bring everything with you this week ahead. Nymphs, streamers, and dry flies. Good dry-dropper action can be had whether you like the big October Caddis or Chubby with a Czech following it. Go small too with an Adams and a small BWO pattern.
October is a good month with all of the fun folks, fun angling, football, and Playoff Baseball to keep you going.
See you here in Craig with the shop opening at 7am daily.
October and November are terrific streamer fishing months on Montana’s Missouri River. Everything this is donning their fall suits including the trees, animals, and our big and fat trout.
Halloween is on the way and the Brown Trout are dressing for the occasion.
Why not toss some streamers while fishing the MO. Tired of throwing just one streamer fly? Try two.
Here on the Missouri we are not afraid of a couple things while chucking the big bug. Strong tippet material and double rigging.
We commonly use 0X, or 1X, or even 2X for those delicate streamer presentations. But usually the heavy diameters.
We love to double rig as well. This is the 3rd time I’ve posted this in the last 3 or 4 years but have been requested to do so again. So here it is.
We like heavy tippets and this swivel. Or a tippet ring. Or a blood knot with the streamer attached to the tag end of one of the two knot legs. Your choice. The swivel allows you to tie any butt section or formerly tapered leader along with any size tippet toward the terminal end.
Some tie two streamer together with the second fly off of the first fly bend. That works as well. Need something new to try? Try this. We like the bigger fly on the back end chasing the smaller fly toward the fly line end.
Enjoy and see you swinging a few out of your favorite streamer flat this fall.
Great weather to start the week with overcast and calm conditions. Sunny this morning with some clouds and light rain in the forecast.
The bugs and fish and anglers sure like the grey tones of the sky.
Will we get that again soon? Let’s hope so.
As for the fishing? Good. The dry fly bite in the afternoons is really good. Great? Bordering on great. Psuedo’s have kept lots of fishermen happy and occupied for the after lunch til dusk period. Tiny cripples and emerges are the key. Tie off behind a bigger fly if you are having trouble seeing it. Lately I have been living the Brook’s Sprout and others like the tiny cripple.
Streamer huskers love this weather too. Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow has been the king. And other flashy subjects. If all else fails tie on a black bugger and strip it.
Nymphers are enjoying the historically good bite all day long with it heating up again after lunch. Short or long or in the middle too. Weight flies both gold and purple, Czech’s, Worms, or a bugger up top with the smaller status quo nymphs behind. S&M’s, Purple LB’s Pink LB’s, Peep Show, Two Bit Hookers, and the like. Love a smaller PT as well. Cheesemen Emerger? Yep.
Good weekend ahead of us as we move into the middle of the month. Only getting better everyday. Not too late to plan a trip out or over to the Mo. We got lodging and guides well seasoned and ready to go. Cool sale stuff on the rack with a full compliment of HH T’s and Hats for your pleasure.
Shop open daily at 7am. And late too til 8pm for ay late afternoon shuttles or flies! See you on your favorite dry fly flat…
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Come out and try the NRS Freestone today.
You want one? We got ’em.
Our DEMO Boat is for sale and you can take it on home on the M&M trailer or put it on your Snowmobile trailer. Either is a great idea. One in the box can be shipped to you for $5495. Easy peasy and you can inflate it for the weekend!
This boat weighs about 250lbs fully set up. Remarkable. You can rig it and toss it over the fence with your fishing buddy. That makes this boat perfect for those who like to sneak around and fish less pressured waters.
Lots of reviews out there on this maneuverable and lightweight hard sided raft like drifter. Our friend Gilligan on the Truckee River over in CA/NV says:
Rigid like a drift boat, bouncy like a raft. Here’s the take. Like a raft this thing can bounce off rocks, you can portage it, you can draft in very shallow water, you can put in cowboy style anywhere you want (don’t need a boat ramp,) it’s also self bailing like a raft, but you can close the valves and make it non bailing. Unlike a raft, it tracks like a drift boat, and maneuvers around the river with very little effort. It will hold weight (anglers) and anchors like a hard boat. The cool thing is this boat is quiet, no hull slap like a drift boat, fish have no idea you’re there.
We have a new NRS Freestone Drifter in the box ready to drop ship or we can sell you the already inflated and ready to go Headhunters Demo boat.
The short leash is employed as well in this lower water period.
Can you rig long and roll? Sure. Sometimes int he mornings and in the high and bright sun we love to go deep.
A good short leash fish in the lower canyon
But in the afternoons when the minuscule Pseudo fly comes off you may want to go short. Some fellers run really short and without the Tungsten bead. Your choice. You can go any which way you want to. How about a Lightening Bug and an RS2? How about a Two Bit Hooker and a Little Green Machine? How about a traditional Pheasant Tail and a Zebra Midge?
All good choices. Get your Palsa Tabs out or your smaller Thingamabobber, Strike Foundy ‘lil Nuggets, or your yarn. Tie on what you like and run it.
Need more info on this topic? Stop by the store and see what the hype is all about. Open daily at 7am…
And as we move deeper into fall please do your fall weather dance. No need for sunny skies in October. No need.
Missouri River Friday Fishing Report. Cold this weekend with seasonable weather arriving with teeth! A hard bite for you folks. Dress warmly and enjoy the streamer, dry fly, and nymphing all day long. The bite seems to get better as the day goes on. Tough in the early morning with noon-time being the front edge … Read more
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dawn til dusk. A day on the river.
Last day of September.
Tomorrow it will be October.
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SIMMS Top 5 for Fall here at Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig Montana.
While the weather is currently hot on the Missouri River it will turn sour as fast as your Mother-In-Law during wedding negotiations. Being prepared for any weather changes in the fall heading into winter is imperative for 4 season comfort while fishing the west.
SIMMS is the clear choice in an industry filled with high quality fly fishing gear. Based in Bozeman Montana SIMMS products are designed with the angler as the primary focus not as the secondary motive as many other manufacturers.
SIMMS Bulkley Jacket @ Headhunters Fly Shop
SIMMS G3 Bootfoot Waders
The primary way to stay warm and dry is to have a great pair of waders. The best way to stay warm in your waders is to add the boot foot option to your super dry GoreTex set of SIMMS G3 Waders. The SIMMS Bootfoot G3 is your bet friend this fall, winter, and spring. Insulated BOGS boots will keep you not only dry but as warm as your down slippers you rock at home. Easy on, easy off, and all day comfort will lead you to believe that there are no bad weather days. None. The most comfortable wader made in the USA on the market. Period.
SIMMS New and Improved Bulkey Jacket
This is the new and improved Bulkley Jacket. The previous model was moderately priced with none of the new tech-advances that the current model integrates into it’s very being.
GORE-TEX® FORTRESS STOKED BY PRIMALOFT® SILVER INSULATION
Simms’ Bulkley Jacket delivers fortress-like protection from washing-machine weather. Its waterproof breathable GORE-TEX® shell envelopes heat-generating Primaloft® Silver insulation. Storage pockets house multiple large fly boxes while the water-resistant zippers keep contents secure and dry. Shingle Cuff™ construction in the sleeves eliminates line-catching points for snag-free casts.
SIMMS Vapor Wading Boot
The best wading boot on the market. The first wading boot, in my opinion, that does not wear like a traditional clunky wading boot. The SIMMS Vapor Wading Boot slips on like a shoe and actually wears more like a shoe than a boot. Lightweight, sporty, and well designed the Vapor is one that you will truly appreciate.
The Simms Vapor Wading Boot was designed for the backcountry wader who finds himself on his feet all day. Over cobble, on the trail, and crossing the creek. We find it to be the latest and greatest lightweight wading boot front he company that has made some great ones. The Vapor made an immediate impact upon it’s release last summer. Lots of “Holy Cow, this is comfortable”. We agree.
SIMMS Cold Weather LS Shirt @ Headhunters Fly Shop
SIMMS Cold Weather Long Sleeve Shirt
This waffle lined fleece flannel will be your favorite layering piece this fall and winter. Oversized for a base layer underneath this comfortable Cold Weather LS Shirt could replace your well worn hoody!
SIMMS ProDry Gloves
Ninch of Headhunters just loves this glove. The SIMMS ProDry Glove is fully armored with GoreTex exterior and a set of fleece half fingered inner gloves for all day comfort. Need to tie on a tiny sz 20 BWO? No wires, just pop your hands from the fully waterproof outer glow and tie away. Then just stuff them back in and cast away! Get them at Headhunters this fall along with many other SIMMS GoreTex products.
We love the product line and you can only find it @ Headhunters as the exclusive SIMMS Dealer on the Missouri River.
The bulleted fishing report this Monday morning to get your engines running…
The weather is taking a turn for the better, meaning not as much sun, this week and the fish and fishermen will applaud this fall-like change.
Temps dipping…we need overcast!
The streamer anglers are arriving but they are not seeing the kind of inclement weather that they truly love. The two handers are getting revved up too and I think we will see some more about the newest in two-handed gear from John this week. Check out the OPST gear from a blog this last week.
Here is the Monday Morning Bulleted Fishing Report…
The high and bright sun is bullshit. Not good for those unprotected fishy eyes. Mornings and evenings prove to be good fishing times. We lean towards the evenings because of the baby baetis that can provide some good dry fly action.
Short leash the evening bite as well. The bugs can bring the fish nearer the surface and therefore the ‘shorty’ can be the key. A PT, GRHE, Rainbow Czech, Purple or Gold Weight Fly, WORM or something like that for the lead fly. We like a sow, small mayfly like the S&M, Micro May, Indigo Child, Red Headed Step Child, LGM, Pearl LB, Purple LB, Magic Fly, Ju-Ju BWO, and more. We got lots of Palsa Tabs in stock for your Short Leash pleasures.
The entire river fishing well. Your choice. Longer floats can let you skip some of the softer water. The faster paced water has been producing better than the pond like areas. Get ’em in and watch them for the soft takes we have seen in those faster lanes.
The traffic has picked up and Saturday was pretty busy. This week ahead? Don’t really know. We are moving out of September into a historically slower month of October. You coming?
A good time to get that new dry fly line on your rod. BWO’s on the horizon. Good presentations should be on your radar. We have the entire line of RIO Fly Lines along with Wulff, Airflo to compliment your favorite fly rod.
Missouri River flows are below 4K at 3760cfs and water temps hiving around the 60F mark. Water temps falling as we move into the real fall period.
Shop open open day @ 7am for shuttles, flies, fly lines, fall clothing, HH logo wear, gloves, demo two handed rods, the only spey line selection in the canyon, and SIMMS gear.
Fishing the last couple days pretty tough. Inconsistent for sure. Guides and anglers alike soaking their sorrows at both Izaak’s and Joe’s Bar the last couple nights.
The water levels dropped a bit and the high and bright sun didi not help with the bite at all.
This week ahead is looking way better for fall like weather. Bring it.
Here are some of the favorites for the last week of September.
Left Top to bottom
Logan’s Big Secret Hopper
Never Sink Trude
Quigley’s Split Flag Adams
Shimazaki CDC Ant
Middle Top to Bottom
Murdered Out Tungsten Zebra Midge
Green Weenie
Little Green Machine
Juju Baetis Tungsten
Egan’s Frenchie
Right Top to Bottom
Purple Lightning Bug
Tungsten Brush Hog
UV Yum Yum Smokey
Ninch’s Bubble Yum
Jesse’s Jemstoner Red
Fishing well into the last week of September. Warmer temperatures have made for sleeveless afternoons and decent action towards dark.
Could you fish from 4 til dark? Oh yeah. The small dry fly action late in the day is pretty good.
The entire river is fishing top to bottom with most all disciplines providing good results.
5 Rigging Techniques for September Success
Deep Nymphing. The high and bright sun can push those fish towards the darker bottom environs and one way to get them is to rig deep. A split shot along with about 5′ from bobber to fly can keep you on some fish. Find the deepest runs, like in the center, and fish it hard. The downside is that you can be dueling with the weeds all day long.
Dry-Dropper. Baby Chubby and a small PT will do. A Parachute Adams representing a Callibaetis and a soft hackle. All good. What is your magic combo? Fish in skinny water for big brown trout. Good late in the day or early in the day for Trico feeders.
Merganser Surfing the Missouri River
Hopper. These warmer days in late September will let the hoppers produce well. On any given day. You gotta throw it to know it. Why not toss the hopper after lunch. Put down the bobber rod and toss the dry fly. It’ll feel good.
Short Leashin’. Rig ’em short with Palsa Tabs in the 2′-3′ range. With a tungsten lead fly or not. Go super short and get all techy on their shit. So much fun for those who lie to throw the nymph but in dry fly like water. A good stepping stone for those moving from the security of the nymph into the unknown world of dry fly fishing. Do it. you might like it.
Streamer Searching. A fun time of the year to wear yourself out chucking and ducking all day long. Try that night float 4pm til dark. Could get a big one. Try the river after hours for those fish that the daytime anglers do not see. Try fishing the non-weed side for a lesser helping of weedy frustration.
The weather through the first part of the weekend is somewhat sunny and not too breezy. Then a change? Looks like Hi’s in the 60’s with some chance of showers.
This weekend enjoy the Missouri River without too much pressure and some damn good September trout fishing.
Shuttles, sale gear, new fall kick ass clothing, the spey stuff coming in, OPST, SAGE Trout Spey Rods, free coffee, cool Adipose rental boats, and the best in river info.
Have a great weekend in whatever pursuit you are involved in.
Yes sir Wade Fishing is a Good Teacher. A great teacher indeed.
Many Missouri River anglers are boat centric. A big resource with lots of water is served well with a drift boat. You can see and fish so much different water in any given day with a boat. The Missouri River is made for drifters.
But is a drift boat the best way to learn this massive waterway? Yes and no. While you get to know more water do you really understand the complexities and intricacies of said river?
I mean intimately. My answer is no. You don’t really get to know the entire story until you get your boots on the ground.
Flat surface with undulated bottom
The surface of the Missouri River is relatively flat. Some riffles, runs and pools but the grand scheme is flatness everywhere. Some can get confused and intimidated from the vast size of this river. I fully understand. Just driving alongside the river while enveloping its width will make your fly fishing mind swim in confusion.
The first thing you want to do is break down the big river into small river components. As mentioned above there are riffles, runs, and pools. And lengthly flats. Wide too.
The second activity to learn is to walk the banks and get in that river. Walk and wade. You truly get that first hand knowledge of the subsurface Missouri River topography by wade fishing. Undulations and buckets along with weed mats, weed shelf lines, and diminutive mid river seam lines are all locations for fish holding.
Knowing where the bugs hatch and where the fish hold on any given day or light condition is imperative for continued river knowledge and Missouri River growth.
This vast resource is a great wade fishery.
Wade fishing can accelerate this process. Just getting out walking the banks and railroad tracks getting a vantage point above the river can be beneficial too. Steve B. arrived about 10 years ago learned the river quite rapidly with this technique. He spent at least half of that first couple years fishing the Missouri not fishing the river. You would see Steve peering through brush, walking the tracks, and standing up in the boat just learning about the texture of this giant river.
Then Steve got out of the boat and walked around knee deep for a couple years implementing his already expanded river knowledge. The result is as expected. Steve caught a bundle of trout. Big ones too. Watching trout while learning the subsurface river structures gives you an unfair advantage. We’ll take any of those advantages as an angler. We need ’em. The fish are wild animals and while we win a few battles through out the day the trout usually win the war.
The upshot of this article to day is that getting out and enjoying the river ankle to waist deep will not only improve you as an angler though advanced river knowledge you will get a bit of exercise as well. A double win for you the angler.
Guides, including myself, get trapped inside the drift boat and getting out and just fishing a run or two on your own can add to your learning curve. I should do it more often. It is a goal for me this fall. Get out more. Get out often. Walk the banks again. Learn the subsurface structure as it does change subtly over time even without big water events.
Boat owners in general are trapped with the comfortable confines of the boat. Get out and get active. All of the bank anglers know a little something about their favorite waters. They may know it better than the floatation device crowd.
So which way are you gonna lean? Inside or outside. Wet or dry.
Cool light, cool bugs, cool bucks, and cool birds on the Missouri this week.
Last week we had the Moose around. Have not seen him since.
Mink, Muskrat, and River Otters abound as well.
Blue Heron stalking a wild trout
The fall is a great time to see all kinds of wildlife in Montana. Golden and Bald Eagles as well as the Osprey are fattening for the winter. Blue Herons are always on the hunt!
Really a cool time of the year and we are just stepping into fall. The colors are starting to move from yellow to orange to deep red. Still some green out there.
Soon, too soon, the entire river will be colored various shades of brown.
Until then we will certainly enjoy the cooler temperatures and hotter fishing. Mother Mo fishes well until about Thanksgiving. The next couple of moons are two of the best all year.
Headed toward Mountain Palace Monday afternoon
Get out and enjoy the fall season wherever you are. Oly too soon will we be spending more time on the couch than we need!
Happy Autumnal Equinox tomorrow. Fall truly has arrived. Hooray!
Headhunters are out there and finding some good fish to cast to. Still a good rise not he Trico’s and with these warmer afternoons the fish will get right on a properly presented grasshopper as well.
We had really good success tossing a Purple Morrish at those generally finicky Pseudo rising trout. About half of them ate the bigger fly! Strange? Yes.
Fun? Yes.
Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 9.21.15
Nymphing is better deep in the am’s unless you just like not throwing the splitshot. Most are throwing the splitshot. A B will suffice most of the time unless you like to string a whole bunch of tiny ones across your leader.
Short leashing in the afternoons is the key to Pseudo success. We like a Purple Weight fly or a Czech or a Tunghead PT or a Worm or something like that. A Hare’s Ear? Yes, that would be clutch, specifically in the Canyon.
As I mentioned above the blind fishing with bigger floaty flies is pretty good. Don’t be afraid to tie up a blind fishing rod in the morning and keep it in your boat or at the ready in your tight fishing ride. You may need it. Employ it when ready.
How about a streamer rod as well. Not much success from the streamer gang as of late but that will pass abed the bite will come back. Overcast and shitty weather bring out not only the big boys but the stinky streamer anglers too. Those freestone river guides are about out of work so they will be making their annual migration up to the MO and they love chucking the big flies at those brown trout.
Beth Langell hooked up on a Spey Rod
We have the best in streamer flies at the shop. We are bulking up on winter and fall SIMMS gear too. We also have the SAGE ONE Trout Spey rods for demo at the shop. Try the 2wt or the 3wt for your fall fishing funtime. We have the OPST lines in stock and the new heads too. You gotta come in and get some. Their running line is clutch too. We have a bundle, your Montana Trout Spey Specialists, of RIO Spey lines too. A wall full to get your Spey Rod tuned in right! Headed out on a fall Steelhead trip? Get all lined up at Headhunters Fly Shop before you leave.
Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 9.21.15 is all good. The sun bothers us but does not bother the fish much. In fact it only bothers us because we like fall and let’s leave that sun behind for awhile.
Book Fall Trips Today
Want to come out in October or November? Get on those bookings as we are about 2/3 capacity for the October time frame. Really good opportunities in the last week of October and it is historically a great one. Call today and our crack shop staff will get you hooked up with lodging and a guide if you so desire. We have rental boats from Adipose too.
It is only gonna get better as the fall comes into full colors. Where will you be? Here?
Flows are holding at 3900 cfs and the water temps have fallen below the 60F mark @ 59.5F. Those are good trout temps!
Shop open daily 7am til 8pm for all your river needs.
Then high sun has kept some of the anglers at bay. Been pretty quiet on the river.
Still some late season holdout Trico’s around and giving some fisher dudes dry fly opportunities.
Enjoy the Silly Sunday Scenery today and let’s hope we get some overcast rainy weather this coming week! But it looks like sunny skies along with wind for the week.
Stop in and see our large selection of wind resistant clothing…
Looks like we are back into the late summer mode here on the Mo.
Last week shitty weather with good fishing and now after a couple days of warmer and that big ball of fire in the sky we have moved into a more difficult period. The cooler nights have been keeping the water temps lower but yesterday it ramped up a bit.The future is more of the same. High and bright. So what does that mean for the fishing? Decent at the very least.
The fun part of the summer bite it that it does include a few top water terrestrials. Got a few on a hopper Friday afternoon blind fishing in fishy water. Ants continue to be pretty hot as well. Blind fishing them or even tossing to rising fish.
The streamer fishing has gone south as of late due to the water mentioned above. But, still few fellers tossing the big fly. Some success with a few hours of work. Hot flies include more of the flashy fly stock.
John Tomlinson hooked up on the MO
Short leashing not as good int he sun. Without the welcomed baby BWO hatch the fish do not fill up the eddy lines or recyclers. So you gotta be more creative. The nymph fish are holding in that faster water. But, but the report from many guides and bank anglers is that the nymph bite was slow yesterday.
I had the same result. Go deeper is an option . Put on that splits shot and get ’em deeper. The weeds can be difficult but do not let them get ou down. Learn the Missouri River weed snap and keep on fishing away.
Stop by the shop and one of our crack staff will describe and diagram the rigging distances we like for this 4Kcfs flow. Shop open daily at 7am for all your river needs including SIMMS, RIO, SAGE, the best in flies, free perked coffee, honest information, the coolest logo wear on the river, and a pretty good sale bin including hats, shirts, T’s, demo rods and more!
My apologies to those of you who read it. Can’t get back that 7 minutes can you.
Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 9.17.15
Big September happening here on the Mo. A good bite this month.
Another quote from Headhunters Ben Hardy today: “When the weather acts like summer, it fishes like late August. When the weather acts like fall, it fishes like October. September is a funny month like that.
Which month do you want it to be? I vote for overcast and inclement.
Hump Day rained hard all morning and waned to overcast skies til 5 pm when the sun arrived. Good to great fishing with a dynamite Pseudo hatch in the afternoon.
Word on the street is the streamer bite was damn good too.
Fish rising to a good Trico hatch albeit in the pouring rain. The Trico’s are very small and hard to see. Tons of good fish bulging on the bugs including sunken Trico Spinners. Try soft hackles for some success as well. Try an Adams for some big fly fooling.
Don’t let the sun set on your season yet!
Some caddis around on the summer like days with some Callibaetis on any given day. Look for a few spinners on the water and toss that at ’em.
How about an October Caddis dry for blind fishing fun. Hoppers around on the sunny days.
Looks like fall like weather will grace us for the rest of the week ahead with more of the sun poking about towards the weekend. I really prefer the overcast skies and some drizzle falling on my head.
Worms, sows, scuds, tiny mayflies in the 18 and 20 sizing including all of our favorites like the S&M, LGM, baby PT, Two Bits, Micro Mays, Indigo Child, Red Headed Step Child, Ju-Ju Baetis, Magic Fly, Cheesemen Emerger, Military Mays, Little Green MO, Zebra’s and more.
Come on by daily at 7am. Free coffee on the porch.
Howard Schwander above with the famous Silver Fish. Wonder what they keep in that flask…
My college roommate’s wife Julie with this Brown Trout on a hopper.
I have to take Mark and his wife Julie, his name also Mark, fishing for free because of the pain I put him through in college. Just ask him.
Super nice folks living in Bellingham WA. Julie’s folks live in Helena and they have a day to swing out to the river and dip a line.
And I am happy they do. Julie’s second trip fishing the Mo and this her big one. She also got a rainbow or two.
We love women and female anglers here at Headhunters. Thanks for coming out again Mark and Julie. We enjoyed a great dinner at Izaak’s following the day with Ribs, Half a Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Chicken Wings, and a Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad. Yummy!
I have always said that the greatest thing about the Missouri River is that it is designed for all skill sets. Whether you be a rank beginner that has never held a fly rod or the top rod on your block the Missouri River has something to offer you.
Honest.
Lots of the anglers that have been visiting for many years love the dry fly game. The harder the better. And as many of you know there are some difficult sipping grout in difficult situations. Some anglers thrive on this type of impossible casting and drifting situation. And we got plenty of this kind of target.
Some guest on the their first visit have very little experience and some have never cast a fly rod. We have the trout for you too. We can tie on the bobber and let it ride.
For the experienced indicator angler we have a good variety of fishing for you as well. Short leashing and tossing it into tight and select seam lines will not only train you to cast with precision but is a stepping stone for the next level.
John T with this nice Rainbow
Hopper fishing? We go that as well as chukkin’ streamers as far and as long as your casting arm will let you. Ramp to ramp if you can hang.
We are heading into the fall set and along with that we have some good streamer fishing. Still a few more afternoons with the sun high for the hopper.
Long and short leashing all day every day with the BWO on the horizon for those you like to stalk the large rising trout here on the Missouri.
We do have something for every angler whether you are new to the game or an old sage hand. The Missouri River holds the right cards for you!
We roll strong until about the middle of November with the single handed rod taking the lead. Then we get into Trout Spey Season and we enjoy that until the Cherry Trees blossom.
Visit the Mo this fall or see us next spring for our annual Spring Special.
The Missouri River does have something for everyone. Bar None.
Following last weekend, Labor Day, with the Browns and Brews Festival here in Craig.
Rainy times. Then we moved into a sunny and warmer week with Trico’s in the morning, higher and brighter sunny skies with air temps reaching towards the 90F mark.
Hot days on the Mo!
Hot for sure. The fishing for the most part better int he afternoons with the owning session often slow.
The week ahead is approaching with cooler temps and more seasonable weather patterns. We want it to be more fall-like. We like tint BWO’s and afternoon mega hatches.
While the Trico’s will get you fired up, how about an overcast ceiling for 2 months!
Sunday morning below Craig. Lots of Trico’s. And, and fish eating them.
Big fish being caught too. A few over the hallowed 20″ mark in both flavors. Bigger browns are showing along with the super strong and virile rainbows on the upper river. A nice time to be around.
Like I mentioned above we have variable weather this month. Be prepared for highs to reach toward 90F and the lows in the mornings to be below 40F. So the selection of appropriate fishing clothes can be vast.
A sun-shirt acting as a base layer. Then a hoody or a secondary layer followed by your puffball. And don’t forget the rain gear and maybe even some gloves. Come prepared for Rocky Mountain fall weather.
Ben Hardy landing a nice lower canyon fish.
The entire river is fishing well. Good reports from all floating the Dam, the Wolf Creek section, below Craig, the canyon, and the lower river. Plenty for everyone to spread out and truly enjoy their favorite stretch.
Long time Headhunters Guide Ben Hardy stated yesterday that he had floated every reach but the Dam in the lat 3 days. Prewitt to Cascade, Wolf Creek to Dearborn, and Craig to Prewitt. That about covers it all.
News Flash: The Dam is fishing well. Lots of big trout on tiny flies like the Zebra.
Blackfoot River in September. A nice place to be.
Don’t forget about the Blackfoot this late September. It is a skinny rough trip. Worth it? Oh yeah.
Fall is a wonderful time to be here. Give us a shout if you need any help finding lodging or guide services. The colors are turning and the fish are happy!
A fish caught by long time Headhunters client John Tomlinson outta Seattle WA.
Little Green Machine was the fly in skinny afternoon short leash water.
Is short leash the answer? Sometimes yes, and other times no.
Deep nymphing is still applicable on a daily basis too.
But not everybody is tossing the nymph rig. Hopper fishing is probably better than it was during the “hopper season”. Why? Could be the pressure. Certainly less now.
Trico hatches on the upper river have kept the techy small dry fellers are just awesome. The late season Trico action can kept you busy for a few hours. Find them in skinny water. Shaded areas? Fish ’em.
A few adult October Caddis in the skies. Quite a few Callibaetis in the Callibaetis areas.That September caddis is around on sunny days. Look for splashy rises and cast the dry at them.
So good to great, for this time period, dry fly action. I guess it is a return to the historical Septembers of years past. Not too much of this going in in the recent years. We warn folks about the lack of the dry fly opportunities when they are booking for that type of angling. But, but this month has turned out to be pretty damn good.
The streamer fishing is good too. Pray for overcast and get out the big stick. Check out the demo rods at Headhunters or come in and get a SAGE Accel 7wt. John called it the best streamer rod he has ever thrown. So, get in and get one today! IT is streamer season and it continues through the month of November.
Then we get to Missouri River Trout Spey season. Look for the Women’s Spey Clinic in November and then the FREE Trout Spey Clinics sponsored by Headhunters Fly Shop beginning in December.
Fishing this fall will be great. If September is any indication, and I think it is, then the October and November fishing will be stellar! Book today for the guide trips you want in October for the BWO hatch. We have guides and lodging for your late fall trip. A bundle of anglers are out hunting so you may have the place to yourself?
Look for an early start to that October fishing if we can get rid of this hot September weather. The water temps shot up with the 90F yesterday. But they will return to the 60F mark Monday.
Nice fall temps on the Mo
Missouri River water flows are at the historic level of 4K. Look to see the flows stay stable throughout the extended fall fishing season.
Shop open daily at 7am with sale items, new fall clothing, the most extensive streamer fly collection in the canyon, demo rods for sale, the only SIMMS dealer on the river, fly lines, and honest free information all at Headhunters of Craig Montana.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]September is a great month for heading across the divide and checking out Montana’s Blackfoot River.
John shot this video about a year ago with 3 trips to the Blackfoot with Mark. Pretty cool shit.
It is Always Worth the Trip according to most. Why not get away and fish this famous cutthroat creek. Rainbows and browns as well will fill your day.
Dry flies comprise most of the game with a streamer rod tucked in for good measure.
Sunny days of autumn will bring back memories of the perfect creek etched in your mind.
The Blackfoot is the real deal.
See you in Ovando @ Trixi’s for apres fishing beers…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/107730712″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Still inside of the slower weeks here on the Mo. The 10th is the line that we will cross and the anglers will be back here in force.
Why? Historically the rest of the Montana rivers fish well the month of August and primarily the last couple weeks of that hot month. Then the holiday. The kids are headed back to school, the parents are resting for a spell, and that is the way it shakes out.
Then, the fisherman have had enough of the freestone game and the folks are rested and ready for action.
Nymphing is the general style for the month but as of late we have had pretty good Trico hatches on the upper river with a spinner fall to get quite a few fish up top. Pods? Yep, some. Flies to fool those finicky trout? Quig’s Cluster, CDC Cluster, Griffith’s Gnat, Double Wing Trico Spinner, and the always productive Adams in larger and smaller sizes.
The nymphing game is good too. This is the month we also switch over to the short leash. This shorter nymph rig is great for fishing the shallower waters of the late summer where the elodea weed has grown toward the surface making let’s say a 4′ water column now appear like it is only 2′. Hence the shorter distance from bobber to fly.
How do we do that? No split shot and a heavy, or not, top fly followed by a smaller, sometimes, bottom fly. Caddis pupa and a pheasant tail? Yes. Rainbow Czech Nymph and a Zebra? Yep. Weight Fly and a Little Green Machine. Sure! We love the smaller Strike Foundry Li’l Nugget or the more traditional Palsa Pinch On type indicators. But whatever bobber you can see is a good bobber for you!
Light traffic from the top to the bottom. It will increase as mentioned above but for the time being it is quiet. You may only see a few boats on your stretch or some days none. Start times for most guide trips is about 730-800 am. Letting the water warm a bit, your bones warm a bit allowing the coffee to penetrate not only those sore muscles but that dead brain.
Izaak’s is open nightly save for Monday with Joe”s Bar open daily at 8am. The Taco Bus is open most of the time, sort of. The Frenchman and Me up in Wolf Creek is open daily for all three meals. The Canyon Store in Wolf Creek also open daily 7am til 8pm. The Oasis in WC? Variable hours I think but open about noon and serving their last meal about 8ish.
We love the fall time frame with the fun folks, the shorter days, the cooler weather, and the good bite.
See us here in Craig daily at 7am. Shuttles, SALE items, flies, the best in river info, warm fly fishing gear for cold weather, TROUT SPEY RODS, and the most fly lines hanging on the wall of any shop in our region.
See ou on the porch warming our hands on the percolator…
Things, meaning the bite, are looking up this early September and partly due to the number of bugs around.
Funny huh?
Still some damn good Trico fishing in some areas. A good spinner fall can bring the fish up top. Many have been seen aggressively feeding on those late generation micro insects. Mostly a morning gig but I have seen the fish contently fishing on dead Trico’s as late as 1 or 2pm. Keep your eyes peeled and find those hungry fish.
And in conjunction with the lighter traffic those fish have not been bumped off the shorelines or those shallower water lanes the fish will be holding in their favorite top water feeding zones.
After the white winged black’s leave the water the Callibaetis have been showing well. Spinners and duns can both produce good takes. We have a several patterns in stock for your bigger fly love.
Skittering caddis are around too. We get this late season smaller caddis, smaller than the giant October Caddis, that can bring some fish crashing and slashing the surface. Drop the hook and get out your caddis box when you see this kind of behavior exhibited by our wildly reproducing trout population. Tan and sized 16. All you need to know.
Can you skitter your fly?
The Pseudo show begins int he afternoon as well. In the rain this previous week they really got rolling. Inclement weather will bring the fish to the bug. They do not respond as well in high bright sunny conditions.
We are hoping for a cooler September than we have experienced in the last few years. Rainy, wet, and overcast for both September and October please.
Do your fall conditions dance before you head out to the Mo this season. Do it in your living room. In front of your family. The goofy-er the better. If you appear like you have fallen off your rocker your family may send you out of the house and you can then escape to the Mo.
We will welcome you here in Craig. We encourage dancing in the streets. On the river too.
The hot flies for the surface are outlined above. The subsurface game? Craw’s, Weight Flies, Sows, Scuds, Hare’s Ears of the larger variety, Peep Shows, Cheesemen emergers, LGM’s, Purple Lightening Bugs, Old School LB’s, and more.
Still some hopper bites out there as well. This week will be warmer than the last and we should have a few more weeks of the big fly staying int he realm of reality.
New fall hours for the Headhunters Fly Shop 7am-8pm. Open first and open last.
See you out here in Spetember. One of our fav months on the Missouri River.
Back in the shop this morning after a great Browns and Brews Craft Beer Festival here in Craig. Good attendance despite the inclement weather. Really good man.
The rain came in sheets for a wile then opened up into a wonderful Montana early fall evening.
A GOOD CRAIG PARTY!
A couple hundred folks tested, tasted and enjoyed beers from local Montana breweries including The Front, Bowser, The Mighty Mo, Bozeman Brewery, and Katabatic of Livingston. Awesome and thanks to the breweries for coming and supporting the downtown Craig business district!
Today we continue the Labor Day SALE here at the shop. 1/2 price fly sale and tons of cool sportswear on sale. Logo items from Headhunters, DEMO rods, rod tubes, hats, wading boots, waders…come and make a deal with us here at the shop!
Open daily now at 7am for all things Missouri River trout. Open late til 8pm for your late fishing fix!
SALE! Big sale today at Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig MT
The weather is not terrific for floaty bikini type groups…too bad. On the other hand, this is great fishing weather! And the fishing is pretty damn good.
The good news for this holiday weekend is the lack of folks around other than anglers.
The floaters are nearly gone from Craig
On many hotter, much much warmer, weekends the ratio can be 50:1 floaters over anglers. The summer is nearing the end and with the change in the seasons will come the change in river usage.
This weekend will usher in that period. Full on Autumn. Followed by fall. Followed by late fall…
Rain will be be with us daily through the weekend into Labor Day Monday. Sunday may see some deprive from the cooler and wetter weather.
The river has been quiet. Nice. Some days in the recent past you may have only seen a boat or two. Or fewer. That is about to change. September is a popular month. Good to great nymphing and some Pseudo pain mixed in for good measure. Short leashers love September. Rock it from ramp to ramp. Streamer anglers begin to smile as well.
Fish all day and party night away today beginning at 4pm with our 1st Annual Browns and Brews Craft Beer Festival. Come sample some of Montana’s finest here in Craig. Live and silent auctions, live music, and a huge Labor Day SALE at Headhunters Fly Shop.
1/2 Price Flies Saturday and Sunday!
Fill your bucket with half price flies, tons of demo rods from SAGE, Orvis, Sweetgrass Bamboo, and Echo Clothing from SIMMS, Howler Bros., Freefly, Headhunters Logo wear T’s and hats, a rack full of women’s wear, and more!
Bottom Line: A good weekend to come on out and pay the river a welcome to fall visit. Fish Saturday, Sunday, and Monday too. Or just swing over for a day trip and stop in and save some cabbage on your favorite fly gear. For cheap. Hagglers welcome. Shop open at 630am for hot free perked coffee.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Oh, it’s on for the weekend ahead.
A couple big events in your favorite trout town Saturday and Sunday September 5th and 6th.
Browns and Brews Fest Craig Montana
Going down rain or shine!
Browns and Brews, Craig MT’s first annual Craft Beer Festival will go off without a hitch Saturday afternoon at 4pm. Who knows, may even start pouring, the beer we mean, before 4pm.
Live music from Up in the Air Band from Helena. Enjoy their cool hams while tilting a cool one back.
Silent Auction items from local vendors as well as outside our small fishy region too. Bid on them starting at 4pm. Live Auction @ 7pm with guide trips, local lodging, and much more.
Katabatic, Bozeman Brewing Co., The Mighty Mo, The Front, and Bowser Brewing all from Great Falls will be sharing their craft beers with you for only $25. Get the nicely adorned Derek DeYoung art on the right on your mug and fill it with cold beer.
Beer is good even in the rain.
The weather does not look or remind of Labor Days of your past with hot and sunny weather, floating all day, and spending the evening around the campfire spinning fishing lies.
No, no not this year. It, the weather guessers, have rain on the schedule. It’s OK, we had rain for the Craig Caddis Fest and had a ball. It went off without a hiccup as well. Yep, we are pros at engaging shitty weather. Aren’t all anglers?
Headhunters Fly Shop Labor Day SALE!
Rain or shine we must go onwards. We gotta clear out the store for the upcoming season and you can help. Move out those demo rods from SAGE, Loomis, Orvis, Sweetgrass Bamboo, and more. Tons of reels that gotta go from Hatch, Orvis, Abel, Galvan, Nautilus. Fly lines that are discontinued from RIO and Airflo. Headhunters Logo Wear and clothing from SIMMS, Howler Bros., Orvis, Voormi and more at slashed prices. Accessories, fly fishing gee-haws, fly tying stuff, bags, sling packs, boat bags, books, DVD’s, hats…the list goes on.
You like to haggle? We will entertain your retail bantering this weekend all day Saturday and all day Sunday.
Dollar Fly Sale! Stock up on your favorite Missouri River patterns at deeply discounted fly pricing. Yep flies for a buck.
Hey, if you are not in town do not hesitate to give a shout on the phone and have us stuff some boxes of goodies for you. We will gladly send it off to you…and POOF! Cool fly fishing gear arrives on your porch at your home.
Lots of fun in spite of the predicted bad weather spell. But, we do need the moisture to put out the fires around the NW region and we applaud the rain gods.
Craig is the place this Labor Day Weekend. Come out and join us on the river and in Craig for the best party of the summer!
Hey The Music Never Stopped from the Grateful Dead. The first couple lines are fantastic. Reminds me of Craig in the summer.You?
As John mentioned in yesterdays fishing report…all over the board.
But here are some facts about September.
September is more consistent than August.
Hoppers still work in September. October Caddis too. And the thing about hoppers is that you gotta throw them to catch fish on them.
Streamer fishing can be really good. Or not, in September. It certainly has been good on the overcast days of which we are heading into this weekend.
Fewer forest fires in September.
Trico’s still round. They are near the end but this has been a long season. We are in week 10 of the Trico’s. Some say a poor year for the Trico fly. Maybe true. But catching fish on Trico spinners in the first week of September in week number 10 is remarkable. Fish to them if you dare.
The Adams is a good option in the 9th month. Callibaetis showing int he regular haunts.
Can be the best nymphing month of the fall. The short leash will make an appearance this month.
Don’t get rid of your deep rigs though. Rig two nymphing rods per the Boy Scout Mantra…
You don’t have to start before dawn in the latter months. But being out there first is never a bad plan man.
Water flows above average, historical average, if you look at the chart above. Several hundred cubic feet per second higher. Huh? We truly are fortunate to live and fish here on the Missouri River. We are blessed indeed.
A good time to replace your summer fly lines if you are a trout bum. New fresh fly lines are better than new socks. More expensive yes, but you get in what you put in, or on in this case. Cehck out Headhunters always updated and never dusty fly line selections. Time for that new streamer line to get you into fall fishing with a bang, and less frustration.
Water temps bouncing around as we make our way into September. Currently about 63F. It has dipped below the 60 mark this week though. Look for more of that to come as we flirt with fall daily.
Look for the first sign of snow from the skies above this month too. Pack appropriately on your trip from Helena, Great Falls, and beyond. Be prepared. Some of the past Septembers have been much warmer than average. Windy and warm. Will it be the year of the early fall? The colors are a changing’ man.
The latest above front he USBR. The Song Remains the Same.
September is a popular month not he Mo. You gonna make it out? Shop open daily from 630am. Lot sharpening this weekend here in Craig with the 1st Annual Browns and Brews Festival. Come have a few in the rain. Looks like Craig will erect the ever popular Circus Tent to house this event. Crazy weather ahead. We have the SIMMS Rain gear you need. Stay warm and dry this season with the best from Montana.
Flies for smoky skies. The fish don’t seem to mind. They are protected by water.
Clear as mud right?
Happy Friday to all. Shop open daily 630am till 830pm.
Come on out with your beer goggles on. That may help with the smoke?
Top Row Left to Right
Pine Squirrel Leech, Snapping Craw, Kraft’s Crawdad, Kraft’s Kreelex, Flesh Eating Sculpin, Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow, Skiddish Smolt Copper
Middle Row
Al’s Groomer, More or Less Hopper Black, More or Less Hopper Peach, Sternersen’s CFO Flamer Purple, Burk’s Spent Hopper
Bottom Row
Buzzball, Cluster Midge, Arrick’s Parachute Ant, Bloom’s Parachute Flying Ant Rust, Bloom’s Para Caddis, Carlson’s Purple Haze
Winding down with summer proper and we are looking forward to the change of seasons.
With that comes an entire set of autumn activities.
Get some of these dates on your calendar because we know that you too have a full fall schedule. We’d love to see you at the Labor Day Sale in conjunction with the 1st Annual Browns and Brews Beer Festival in Craig Saturday September 5th.
The fishing will heat up too. The normal and generally predictable late summer angler slowdown is nearly behind us. Water under the bridge. Why do we see fewer folks in late August? The rest of Montana is usually fishing quite well. But the fishing here can be pretty great if you have the proper attitude. Go with the flow and enjoy the entire day. Good things happen to that kind of individual.
Let’s hope those damn fires will be extinguished and the skies clear. Cooler nights and cooler days will greet you along with the foliage color change from green-ish brown to orang-ish brown. The fishing hours get shorter everyday. We welcome that seasonal change.
A new level of fishing fever fills the Missouri River air. You can actually taste it. Strange as that may be. Gin and Tonics are replaced by Hot Toddies, Shorter days mean longer nights. Both Izaak’s and Uncle Joe’s can keep you tuned up until your bed calls.
You should also get that fall trip in the books. Most of you already have your September and October plans. But if you don’t, pick up the phone and call one of our crack booking staff. Sara, Ben, Braden, and Julie can help you through the process and feel free to quiz them on the fishing as well. They are all well versed in the Missouri River Life.
Saturday September 5th:Browns and Brews Fest in Craig 4pm-8pm. Live Music by Up in the Air Band. Live and Silent Auction items for your fundraising pleasure. Guide Trips, cool logo wear, merchandise from local vendors and fly shops, and much more. $25 for the Derek DeYoung designed glass pint with sampling form all the breweries. Katabatic outta Livingston, Bozemen Brewing Co, The Front, Bowser Brewing, and The Mighty Mo Brew Co all from Great Falls will provide a couple beers each as this tasting fest will be well attended.
Saturday September 5th & 6th: Headhunters Labor Day Sale. All day both Saturday and Sunday. DOLLAR FLY SALE some exclusions, deals on demo rods from SAGE, Orvis, T & T, Loomis, Echo, Sweetgrass Rods, reels, fly lines, logo wear, Howler Bros., SIMMS, and much more. Stop by and save some money!
September Nymphs Well! One of the top nymphing months. Some difficult dry fly stiff too. Streamer fishing gets going.
October is Streamer and Dry Fly Fishing. Many anglers favorite month on the Missouri River. Good times for sure. Check out the lodging and get your boat or guide lined up too. Streamer fishing is kick ass and the BWO will keep you casting all afternoon.
October Trout Spey. Good time to get the long rod out of the closet. Come on by and try out any number of Scandi or Skagit lines. We also have the best in Trout Spey lines in the region. And we also have a pile of Trout Spey Rods for DEMO. Check it out all fall and winter long. We love the Trout Spey game.
November: Quiet river. Oh so nice. Stop by for the weekend. We have cabins open here at Craig Trout Camp and cheap Spey Guide Trips.
December: The start of our Winter Trout Spey Series. Watch this very blog for information regarding our famous free sept casting lessons. Generally on a Saturday once a month beginning in December. Also stay tuned for our annual McCune/Gould Clinics in maybe April. These always sell tout so you will want to get in on these two world class spey sustained anchor clinics.
If you need any questions answered or want the inside information on any event or seasonal bug hatches feel free to call us up. We love to talk about fishing the Missouri.
Shop open daily @ 630am and late till dusk. See you in Craig this fall…
The smoke comes and goes. Yesterday it returned. Saturday she was nice and clear. Today? I think the smoke will hang around. Check out the air quality report here.
The weather this week will be warm and smoky.
Hi’s near 90 will greet you in the afternoons. Why not get out in the mornings and enjoy the cooler weather. Plus the trout like it too.
The streamer fishing has been the buzz around Headhunters Fly Shop. Why? I think just to get out of the nymphing rut and the hopper fishing has not been all that good so why not try something different. That is why we have been so excited about something different., And, we are on the cusp of fall.
And fall means streamer fishing. And fall means two-handed fishing too. New SAGE Trout Spey Rods arriving soon.
What we do have in stock now is a few of the new SAGE single handed rods. The PULSE and the MOD are in stock now. Stop by for a casting session on the lawn or take one or both out to try out the Pulse with IIIe Graphite reminiscent of the all time best seller the SAGE XP. Yep, you may like it. And the MOD, which won best in show at the Tackle Dealer show this year in Orlando with Konnetic Technology. If you already have the ONE, the METHOD, then you may want to add the MOD to your quiver.
Both in stock and ready for play. We always have all of our rods for sale for use as demo rods. FREE. That is the right price. Why would you pay to try out a rod? Why?
The nymphing game is the same. Most are up towards the dam. But not all. Like we have been stating here on the blog and in the shop the fishing from the top to the bottom is good.
Flies include all the regular summer ’15 stars. Peep Show, Little Green Machine, Zebra’s, S & M, Indigo Child, Red Headed Step Child, Two Bit Hookers, Crawdad’s, Pat’s Rubber Legs and so forth.
Streamer flies? Skiddish, Buggers, R2R’s. Along with a RIO Streamer Tip and 5′ of 1X Flourocarbon will get you though the day.
We are in the last week of August and September is around the corner. September is one of our busier months with lots of folks out here nymphing. It is one of the top nymphing months. Good fishing for sure. Some October Caddis stuff on top too. The small BWO’s come out too. They can drive a guy to drink when they start rising.
Shop open 630am til 9pm 7 days a week. We are open long hours for late shuttles, early shuttles, tons of free information, the best in Missouri River flies, killer HH logo wear, the only SIMMS dealer on the Missouri River, SAGE fly rods, RIO fly lines, YETI and much, much more!
Cliff looking for rising trout last month. It was really tough shitty that last week of July. Not too good either. But Cliff did not fall off the turnip truck yesterday. Seek and he shall find. He is in the small cadre of non-local-locals. At least in my book. Always good to see you standing … Read more
While we are not on fire here int he canyon the rest of the state is pretty hot. And smoky. We are smoky too. False overcast is what we call it. Not as bad as some of the summers past though. In the big fire years of 2000 and 2002 the smoke got so thick … Read more
Headhunters Fly Shop Missouri River Fishing Report 8.19.15
Mid Week fishing report comes with some bright spots. It’s not like fireworks are going off but the water temps and weather have been quite nice. The water temps are down in the lower end of the 60’s with 63F at press time.
Is that good? Yes it is. July is the hottest month and August is a bit cooler with the temps and fish behaving more like autumn.
Water temps dropping…
The hi daily temps will not pop much above 80F this week and then falling again to unseasonably cool conditions. So…what should a fella do?
Toss streamers is our answer. A few bugger huskers out this week in the overcast and drizzly mornings and have good stories follow their fishing session.
Sink tips and dry lines have been the key. Lots of weeds out there but the tipped lines will sink below the surface weeds to entice a few trout. 4000cfs leaves lots of water at streamer depth. We like the RIO Outbound series or the shorter and near perfect late summer line the RIO Streamer Tip. Clear tip, chucks well, and the right sink rate. Come in and see our river best streamer line selection. We really do have what you need. Honest.
And remember our Fly Line Guarantee. You don’t likey? Bring it back and we will make it right. Refund or replace. Come in and find the line you want.
Overcast skies always make the fish more comfortable. Broken surfaces due to wind and rain can make the fish quite comfortable. Take advantage of these uncommon mid summer conditions and stretch out your arm muscles preparing them for the fall streamer season forthcoming.
The fishing yesterday, via the streamer fly, was quite good. A good bite. Good on the flats, real good tossing towards the bank fishing it to any type of deeper slot with some pace. The water that is. The rhythm of the strip? Seemed to be OK with a faster summer time beat. Although did fool a few on the swing too.
Flies? Just the normal stuff for the time being. Try the good first, then move onto the goofy shit if that does not work. Kreelex, Skiddish in all three flavors, R2R, small black buggers, The Dali. Make sure to try different flies out there. If you pattern of choice does not turn one in 15 minutes, change it.
The nymphng game? Same as before. Normal mid to late summer fare. Small, slender, and weed free. The dam is the hot spot.
Hopper? Try it. You may like it. Don’t expect to set any records. But the eats are certainly cool! Ants can make your day too.
Saw some good rising fish Tuesday morning until about noon. Trico’s was the game. Small, smaller, and smallest. Try the smallest flies in your box. And then make it count. Spooky is not the word I am looking for. Way more bitchy than that. These fish are smart in late summer.
The river is nice and quiet. Come out and enjoy some space. She picks right up in September.
Give us a call for all thing Missouri. We got your back. Open daily at 6am and late til 9pm with helpful staff, ice, streamer fly lines, a ton of streamers, and great logo wear.
Don’t forget to come out September 5th for our 1st Annual Browns and Brews Fest.
