Mark Raisler

Squeeky Oar Lock is cold. The New Year will bring some goo fishing...swinging flies for the next 4 months. Then...spring brings dry fly fishing. Hooray!
Missouri River Mid-September Fishing Report

Missouri River Montana Mid-September Fishing Report & Updates

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Missouri River Montana Mid-September Fishing Report Water temps falling and currently 61F. Looks like it will be at or below this temps as we move into the remainder fo the month and on to October into winter. She has peaked and we are headed downwards towards the BWO and October Caddis period. Water flows are … Read more

Tuesday Fruit Roll-Up Just Add Vise Video

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A great fly for swinging this fall. For stripping this fall. For having in your arsenal as we move into the fall.

This came around a few years ago and has been a fantastic producer here on the Mo and beyond.

We have ’em in stock in all kinds of flavors, sizes, bead colors. Come by the shop or give us a shout for a bag full of leech goodness preparing your self for a good fall Mo River Session!

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Monday Morning Missouri River Fishing Report 9.14.20

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Monday Morning Missouri River Fishing Report 9.14.20 Not too bad out there. On a scale of 1-10, it is a 6.5? Or a 7? Yes room for improvement as we move through the month. And improving daily is our theme here in downtown Craig Montana fishing the Missouri River. The rest of the month … Read more

Headhunter Fly Line Video

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Headhunter Fly Line Video

A great fall fly line for your pleasure.

Selling well all year long. We have enjoyed the success of this line for 13 months and continues to put smiles on the faces of dry fly anglers.

Headhunting this fall? Order your Headhunter Lone today!

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Thursday September 10th Missouri River Fishing Report

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Thursday September 10th Missouri River Fishing Report Pretty good up there at the dam. Fished around yesterday with the Zebra being the star. Small brown nymphs or larger purple or tiny BWO nymphs will get it done. 4′-5′ to split. I strung out several little split’s #6’s spaced out about 6″-8″ apart and it helps … Read more

5 Hot September Tips for the Missouri River Fly Fisher

5 Hot September Tips for the Missouri River Fly Fisher

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What to do when your September fishing day goes soft? How about a few tips to get the blood flowing and the mind searching for the next best thing. 5 Hot September Tips for the Missouri River Fly Fisher Look for heads in the morning. Hold out Trico’s are still around and we not only … Read more

Autumn Leaves A Jazz Standard

Autumn Leaves A Jazz Standard

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Autumn Leaves A Jazz Standard

And an Autumn Standard for Squeeky Oar Lock.

I just love this tune. Have posted a few versions of this tune over the years and again today, a kick ass version by some jazz giants.

Chet Baker Flugelhorn, Paul Desmond Alto Sax, Bob James keyboards, Ron Carter Bass, Steve Gadd Drums.

Personal life, logistical, and fishing mentor, music lover LT introduced me to Bob James later in life circled up around the campfire, so to speak, in a baby blue single wide. Some of the best times of my life.

Bob was entrenched in Jazz Life but did write a tune you are all familiar with the theme to Taxi. Bob’s talents run wide and deep in the jazz culture, fusion, and pop. A fav for hip hop samplers and smooth jazz fans as well.

Autumn Leaves blowing around the river today as a heavy rain and wind event greeted us yesterday ushering us into the real Autumn here on the Mo.

Autumn Leaves are falling. Not many bugs rising. But mare to some. Tiny BWO’s, October Caddis, that tan fall caddis bug, true BWO’s, some more Callibaetis. A changing of the season.

Real fall does not arrive for another couple weeks, but the foreshadowing yesterday was real. Some snow in the Rockies proves we are heading away from summer. Quickly.

The phones have been lit up with guide and lodging bookings for the Autumn and Fall ahead. A nice time to be here. September is rolling along, and October is nearing rapidly.

If you like Autumn Leaves, this is your time.

Trout Spey is right around the corner…

Happy Tuesday out there.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgn7VfXH2GY”]

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Labor Day Sale @ Headhunters of Craig!

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Labor Day Sale @ Headhunters of Craig! And fishing report. Bog Fly Sale @ Headhunters this weekend. You have seen the previous post and check it out for the details. Today here, we’ll give you the addendums and additions for the sale beginning Saturday @ 7am Flies. Yessir. 50% off today and tomorrow. Buy as … Read more

Kreelex JAV Video

Kreelex Just Add Vise Video

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Kreelex Just Add Vise Video

Some fellers use this fly exclusively. Meaning just this fly pattern. Only. All the time.

Honest.

I ties it on several winters ago, and never changed it.  re-tied it several times through that winter. But never lost it. And never changed it.

Many use it all year long.

You do with what you want with it. Got it?

Tie it up. The original colors seem to work the best. Nothing wrong with this fly.

Buy it. Tie it. Fish it.

If you don’t tie…buy a bundle in the shop. John has got the bins full of killer streamer patterns. Honest. Swing season has started and we have all you need there too. We are the trusted Trout Spey source. Along with the Best Flies Under the Big Sky!

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Missouri River September Fishing Forecast 2020

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Rolling into September 2020 and Covid Free in Craig Montana. All good here as we welcome Autumn with cooler daytime highs, today only forecast to reach the 60F mark. The nighttime lows are not dipping below the 40F point yet, but it Isi certainly coming soon. Time to wear your light puffy in the mornings … Read more

New Breed Chicks Rule Baliey Edition

New Breed Chicks Rule Baliey Edition

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New Breed Chicks Rule Baliey Edition A good one from New Breed Chick Bailey on this Saturday morning. Caught this one on a hopper. And yes, it was Bailey’s first day fly fishing. What a stunner for her first fish on a hopper too! Thanks Bailey for getting out there and making it happen with … Read more

Wednesday Workshop Frenchie Tying Video

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Wednesday Workshop Frenchie Tying Video

This fly is important for the nymphers on this river.

We sell tons of them in the fly bins and you are welcome to buy as many of them as you wish. OR you can tie a few before you arrive.

It’s heavy. Pretty narrow. No excessive tying material hanging from it to slow the sink rate. Simple. Heavy. Effective. Is a derivation of the classic Pheasant Tail. Has red on it. It’s heavy so it can dangle in the eyes of trout. Looks like fish food.

Tie a few up today! Or buy a cup full at Headhunters of Craig.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/336645879″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Missouri River Montana Monday Fishing Report 8.24.20

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Missouri River Montana Monday Fishing Report 8.24.20 August. Our slowest two weeks of the summer season. Thanks last two of August. And we like it. The river is in tough shape as it moves through the mechanisms of warm weather, daytime highs, lower water levels, and weeds. As September arrives and passes so do the … Read more

SIMMS How to repair waders video

SIMMS Wader Repair Video

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SIMMS Wader Repair Video: How to

Your waders leaking? Shouldn’t you get them ready for fall? Did you think to remind yourself of how freaking cold you were this past spring with that leak above your knee. Those wet feet? That laceration in your…

Yep. Whether you rock the only wader made in America, SIMMS, or you run an Orvis or other brand you outghtta get on the stick and send them in for repair. OR watch the video and repair them yourselves.

A good Autumn project in your garage or patio.

Swing Session is on the horizon. Make sure you have your waders in good repair![/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNT9Q14xAxc”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Wind Knot Video. 55% of Knot Strength!

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Wind Knot Video

You ever lose a trout because of a wind knot?

Yeah, we have too.

But most would tell you it is a Bad Casting Knot.

I know I would.

When I’m guiding I always re-tie taking out the BCK. When I’m fishing by myself I rarely do. And pay the price of shame when the big one pops the knot!

Every time you lose a trout, it is your fault.

How’s that for a Friday reality check.

55% is the knot strength of your tippet strength if you have a wind knot. Which I have seen happen when it is dead calm…[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5LcB-1gjzo”]

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Longhorn Beetle Tying Video

Longhorn Beetle Tying Video

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Longhorn Beetle Tying Video

Tired of tossing the hopper ad nauseum? Don’t want to throw anything purple or pink? Want to turn heads at Izaak’s when you let the table know you caught the the Buttery Brown you were hunting for?

Yeah, us too.

Why not get behind the beetle. Only sage long term anglers on the Mo tie it on.

Which camp do you subscribe?

Longhorn Beetles work on the Mo. On the lower reach as well. Some down there with success. How about it? Is 2020 the year of the beetle?

Autumn has arrived. Trout love beetles.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/122346646″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Trico’s Daily. Hoppers too.

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Trico’s Daily. Hoppers too. Friday Foto today on the HH Blog. Well into August and all is well. Trico’s hatching daily. Pretty cool this morning as the air temp is 46F in downtown Craig Montana. It will warm as the day passes. Real hot this coming week with temps clearing the 90F mark. Yessir. Still … Read more

Clouser Crayfish

Clouser Crayfish Tying Video

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Clouser Crayfish Tying Video

August nymphing requires lots of patience, potential weeds crowding your fly, and the Clouser Crayfish. Or a Zirdle.

A top fly for many nymphers this time of year. Add a split shot or not. Many let it ride as you drift over waving grass and bucket filled moving waters. The takes can be violent. Sometimes looks like the fish ate going 100 mph! The bobber certainly moves.

Six feet! If you cannot se the Indi move that far, fly fishing may not be your game?

One of our favorite “big nymphs” here on the Missouri, and it’s popular for bass and trout other places as well. We’ve put together this Clouser Crayfish fly tying kit with everything you need to tie 2 dozen flies. Perfect for yourself or as a gift.

Enjoy your Thursday. Seasonal temps here today with daytime highs in the mid 70’s. Warmer again as we move into next week.

Order your Clouser Crayfish today!

 

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Peter Speaks about August Flies

Peter Speaks about August Flies

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Peter Speaks about August Flies We have entered the dog days, The boys of summer are still roaming the streets of Craig.  85 and sunny, day in and day out turns into a slew of groundhog days filled with dry flies, sunburnt noses and the next installment of grossly exagrated fishing stories to bring … Read more

Lee Wulff and Curt Gowdy Video

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Lee Wulff and Curt Gowdy Video If you are old school then you will like this vid. A good one for this Sunday. All good here on the Mo. Sunday. Take a siesta this afternoon. It’s good for your constitution.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwK0gYTzRz4″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

River closures around Montana

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River closures around Montan Several rivers in southwest Montana will close to fishing during the afternoon each day due to a seasonal rise in water temperatures. “Hoot-owl” restrictions prohibit fishing during the hottest times of the day. A hoot-owl restriction prohibiting fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight each day will go into effect on Aug. … Read more

Always Worth the Trip

Always Worth the Trip Video Scumliner Media

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Always Worth the Trip Video Scumliner Media

The Blackfoot is a wonderful freestone river just over the Continental Divide from Craig Montana.

A one hour jaunt to the Blackfoot and a days worth of fun.

Big floaty flies that we can mostly see!

A great time to take a break on your Missouri River trip and see the other side of the mountains.

This classic video from Scumliner Media will get your juices flowing.

Call today and book your Blackfoot River Trip with Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service. We’d love to show you green trees, cutthroat, moving water…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/107730712″ video_title=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Presentation is Everything!

Presentation is Everything!

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Presentation is Everything! How important is it to present yourself well at a job interview? Put your best foot forward On a first date? Sloppy dirty shirt? Or clean. You get to decide this. You can control the outcome of the first impression. You can. Why you cannot predict is the out come of the … Read more

Sunday Surf Jam

Sunday Surf Jam

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Sunday Surf Jam

When you don’t make the first cast the best cast this is what you see and hear.

No, no, no.

Welcome to August on the Mo.

Push play and watch what happens.

 

No, no, no. The Bikini Lovers

Or tie on a grasshopper. The room for error is much greater.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YITgZvftaE”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Late July Missouri River Fishing Report 7.27.2020

Late July Missouri River Fishing Report 7.27.2020

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Late July Missouri River Fishing Report 7.27.2020 Just the facts today on this Headhunters Fishing report right outta downtown Craig Montana from your fly fishing HQ @ Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service. PMD’s. Waning we think. But the best dry fly can be the PMD spinner. Rusty or blonde. Have a few of these … Read more

Corn-Fed Caddis Tying Video JAV

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Corn-Fed Caddis Tying Video JAV

A good one for the Mo. And beyond.

Many swear by this pattern. The Corn-Fed Caddis.

If you don’t want to tie it, swing by Headhunters Fly Shop for fully stocked dry fly bins including the Corn-Fed Caddis in all sizes and flavors.

Enjoy your weekend. All good here in downtown Craig.

Book your August trip today.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/336632401″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]

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5 Missouri River Summer Nymphing Tips

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] 5 Missouri River Summer Nymphing Tips Fish summer water. No soft insides, no slack ass water. Fish quicker oxygen filled runs. Summer fish love the caddis fly. Run without the split shot. Let it all hang out there with the swimming caddis roaming the undulated riffle runs of the Mighty Mo. Water levels are … Read more

July 22nd 2-6pm Drive Thru COVID-19 Testing in Craig MT

Today July 22nd 2-6pm Drive Thru COVID-19 Testing in Craig MT

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July 22nd 2-6pm Drive Thru COVID-19 Testing in Craig MT We will be co-operating with L & C County Public Health and Pureview Health Center as they administer a Sentinel Testing Program in Craig on. July 22. The aim of the program is to test “front line workers” (guides, shop staff, restaurant and lodge employees) … Read more

el SOL Video

el SOL Video

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el SOL Video

A fun short from Scumliner Media today on the Headhunters Blog.

This entire video is shot while fishing a cinnamon ant.

Ants work. Buy ants at Headhunters of Craig.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/69415236″ video_title=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][us_grid columns=”4″ orderby=”title” order=”” ids=”10502, 11111, 30236, 30858″ post_type=”ids” no_items_message=”” items_layout=”shop_trendy” items_gap=””][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Thursday July 16th Fishing Report Missouri River

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Thursday July 16th Fishing Report Missouri River All is well here in Craig Montana. Flows at 6K. Temps at 63F. Trico’s waxing. No fabulous spinner falls yet. Crowds on the upper. Not as much lower. Dry fly guys looking. Waders are here. Wade fishing is here. Caddis popping. PMD’s? Don’t know the path yet. Probably … Read more

Monday July 13th Headhunters Fishing Report

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Monday July 13th Headhunters Fishing Report Facts for the day…meaning yesterday. Fishing reports are always, a day late! Today is a new day, and live it man! Flows dropping daily. Inflows at 4K-ish/Toston. Flows here under 6. Wade fishers paradise. Water temps 60-ish. Trico’s? Today yes. Tomorrow yes. Just starting though. Decent spinner fall today, … Read more

How to Approach Like A Pro

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HOW TO APPROACH TROUT LIKE A PRO The number one reason that more anglers do not catch fish with a dry fly is because they do not approach rising fish in the proper manner. Most every angler (men) rush right in and foul it up. Are you familiar with the Old Bull, Young Bull parable? … Read more

Two-For Tuesday Missouri River Montana

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Two-For Tuesday Missouri River Montana A Montana double today on the HH Blog site featuring a married couple that fishes together. Well, Ben for the most part, but now Amanda as she shows her partner who the real angler is in the family. Brown trout generally trump the rainbow trout here amongst locals. Not that … Read more

Dead Flies Don’t Swim Video & 5 Things to Never Do Dry Fly Fishing

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Dead Flies Don’t Swim Video & 5 Things to Never Do Dry Fly Fishing

Water levels falling this week we think. They fell yesterday by a couple thousand and will fall again today below 9K. Hooray.

The dry fly bite yesterday was damn good as well. More to come as we get into the true dry fly period with water levels appropriate for the season.

Today we show you again Dead Flies Don’t Swim. A classic HH vid by Scumliner Media that shows the joys of July.

Dead Flies Don’t Swim is also branded on our dry fly specific fly line. We believe in the slogan. Meaning? Dragging flies do not get eaten by our voracious trout. Perfect dead drifts get us through the day for sure.

5 Things to Never Do Dry Fly Fishing

  1. Drag your fly. Dead Flies Don’t Swim. Dead bugs do not move on the water. The primary diet of our trout here in Central Montana is dead flies. Spinners, cripples, scents.
  2. Think you are good enough to toss the first cast into the lane and hope. Dude. I don’t know any body that good. Prep for a couple minutes and make the appropriate drift before you alert the enemy you are in the neighborhood. All men over 50 do this. Almost all. I’ve had a couple in the boat that don’t. Maybe a few. But not a lot. Fellers do this everyday. It’s bad. Catch more fish and practice a bit outside of the trout.
  3. Make your goal to catch the trout. Don’t foul it up early in the game. Make a plan. Execute. No plan?No fish. Guessing again? If you are a guesser, and I think you may be, then your goal is not to catch that trout. You can see everything. The fish rising, the fly floating not dragging, the fly. All the variables are in front of you. You can see them all. No secrets. No guessing. DOn’t guess your fly over there.
  4. Shoot line on rising trout. Most dry fly ops are within 30′. Some 25′. You do not have to shoot line 30′. Nope. Cast it with accuracy. Don’t shoot line at a 30′ target. You are guessing every cast. And that is bad.
  5. Get too close to another angler while dry fly fishing. Lots of water out there. Respect others water. BE smart. Don’t be that guy. You know. That guy the dick.

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