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 Early June Projection

Missouri River Early June Projection

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Missouri River Early June Projection Headhunters Fly Shop, your Missouri River information pipeline, brings you the projections for June. Some guesses and coin tosses as well. Mother Nature drives the bus, so we can only speculate what will really happen, but below you can assure yourself that some of these events will, have, and … Read more

Comprehensive Monday Missouri River June 3rd Fishing Report

Comprehensive Monday Missouri River June 3rd Fishing Report

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Comprehensive Monday Missouri River June 3rd Fishing Report The water is falling. The water is falling. Let’s hope they, the water managers, are not crying wolf. Scheduled to drop below 6K this morning. That is good for the wade fish crew. Now you can step in the water my fishy wade fish crew. All we … Read more

Saturday Superstitious Stevei Wonder Soul Train

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Saturday Superstitious Stevei Wonder Soul Train I’d give up half of my casting skills to dance like anyone of those cats on Soul Train. Instead of practicing casting, I may have to play the music lower, in the mornings while scribing these blog posts. Superstitious? I’m not either. But I do dance by myself … Read more

Headhunters Sub-Surface School Sept 25-29 2019

Headhunters Sub-Surface School Sept 26-30 2019

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Headhunters Sub-Surface School Sept 26-30 2019 Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service announcing the Headhunters Sub-Surface School Sept 26-30 2019. A great way to climb your way into the cellar with techniques, tools, and lessons regarding all things sub-surface. Nymphing secrets, streamer intricacies, and more to solve the sub-surface puzzle of the Missouri and beyond. Yes, … Read more

Tuesday Missouri River Water Update

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Tuesday Missouri River Water Update She’s coming out of the Dearborn River and Little Prickly Pear pretty quickly! The Dearborn peaked yesterday at 5000+ cfs. It is falling rapidly, and may shake out this week. Although we are gonna have a bit of warm weather starting today. Currently 4460 cfs. Mud? Yep. It will … Read more

Memorial Day 2019

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Memorial Day 2019 We remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. We have always honored our veterans and active duty soldiers in all military branches. Headhunters includes veterans and active duty soldiers in our annual giving regimen. But today, we bow our heads and think of those who have fallen. Here and overseas. … Read more

River Nomad Vid

River Nomad Vid Sunday Holiday Weekend

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] River Nomad Vid Sunday River Nomad cool vid from Pat Clayton and John Arnold. Visit Pat Clayton at his new gallery in Philipsburg Montana. A must see in the small Montana mountain ‘burb. Let him know we sent you. http://fisheyeguyphotography.com John Arnold of Scumliner Media is busy here at the Headhunters Mothership. You can … Read more

Silly Saturday Scenery

Silly Saturday Scenery

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Silly Saturday Scenery Rainbow. Double Rainbow. What does it all mean? Raining here in the canyon, and beyond. A bundle of rain on the easter front fo the Rockies. It’ll come down the Dearborn. Mud. Coming. Sunday. How long will the March Browns stick around? Maybe not an issue as the Mo Day’s Caddis will … Read more

Summer is Coming Game of Thrones T's

Summer is Coming Game of Thrones T’s

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Summer is Coming Game of Thrones T’s If you are a fan, you gotta have this T from House of Headhunters! Game of Thrones is a hot topic, and so is this Headhunters only apparel. Order yourself and your friends a couple T’s today. You will feel better about the end of the GOT … Read more

Thursday Fishing Report from the Gang @ Headhunters of Craig

Thursday Fishing Report from the Gang @ Headhunters of Craig

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Thursday Fishing Report from the Gang @ Headhunters of Craig Great weekend ahead of us here in downtown Craig Montana on the banks of the Missouri River. Sunshine, and warmer temps. That is what we are praying for here! A bit more spring like weather. Missouri River Hot Topics! March Browns are still in … Read more

The Mid May Missouri River Water Update

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The Mid May Missouri River Water Update Spoke with Stephanie Micek of DNRC yesterday morning. She said about 7K-8K for the remainder of the month. Unless something like rain, snow, or sun, or warm nights etc…happens. The lake level is about 75%. Some to fill. The inflows are over 14K. So it is happening. … Read more

Craig Caddis Fest and BBQ Cook-Off Saturday May 18th

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Craig Caddis Fest and BBQ Cook-Off Saturday May 18th Pretty stoked for our annual Fundraiser for the Fire Department this coming Saturday May 18th! We will see you in Craig! 13thAnnual Craig Caddis Festival & BBQ Cook-Off Saturday May 18th   Benefitting the Craig Volunteer Fire Department 4pm til 10pm in downtown Craig Montana Parade starts … Read more

Tuesday Tying Kits Half Chicken

Tuesday Tying Kits Half Chicken

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Tuesday Tying Kits Half Chicken

A local classic that I first saw fishing with Mark Daly and LT back in the day. Don’t know who created it, but one of those two certainly had their hands in it. Both long time Mo River anglers and two of Squeeky’s influences for sure. Learned a ton about the river from both of those cats.

Tie this up for any PMD, caddis, or even March Brown action this coming summer. It begins to produce this month in conjunction with the Mother’s Day Caddis.

Fish it. Do it. Buy it. Tie it.

More Headhunters Just Add Vise kits on the way soon. 7wt. and John have been hashing out some new favorites. We can’t wait to see the next evolution of this famous Craig Montana product homegrown from your information and education source on the Missouri River.

Our JUST ADD “VISE” fly tying kits are super popular. These kits are designed for tyers who have grasped the basic moves of fly tying, and are priced just as if you bought the materials individually. The package comes with everything needed to tie 2 dozen flies, and has a material list included so you can re-supply when needed. You can watch our short “how-to” videos if you need help with a step or two. These are super popular, and are great for those camped out on the Missouri River pr in their living rooms watching golf, or baseball, or something your wife loves?

Check out the Half Chicken on our online store. Or check out the category for all of your fly tying love straight outta Craig MT.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/121418965″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]

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Monday Fishing Report

Monday Fishing Report

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Monday Fishing Report A short and sweet Monday afternoon fishing report for m the info source here on the banks of the Missouri River Montana. Kelly Waring with this beautiful Brown Trout fishing with Guide Brett Matula. You rule, New Breed Chick Kelly! BWO’s Yes. Lower, and middle river action. Afternoon of course is … Read more

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother’s Day

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Happy Mother’s Day A day late? Most Mom’s are familiar with this behavior. Yes. I know mine is. My wife and I did send flowers on time. But this post is belated. We love Mom’s. Mom’s are the reason that all of us are on this planet. To fish. Yep. And Mom’s are OK with … Read more

Hump Day Tips

Wednesday Workshop

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Wednesday Workshop Several, maybe 20, tips for the week and weekend ahead. Some rain, maybe some snow NO!!, some sunshine, and lower waters? Maybe. A soft week on the river as many are hungover from the April Spring Specials. Out of area guides and outfitters will be in our neighborhood for the next couple … Read more

Smith River Comment Period Ending May 10th

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Smith River Comment Period Ending May 10th If you care about the Smith River, Montana’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) needs to hear from you.  Until May 10, 2019, the DEQ is accepting comments on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a large copper mine a foreign-owned company is proposing in the headwaters of … Read more

Monday, May, Neil Young, and Harvest Moon

Monday, May, Neil Young, and Harvest Moon

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Monday, May, Neil Young, and Harvest Moon

Dull, dreary, Monday, May, Neil Young, and Harvest Moon.

The harvest moon is later in the year. A true harvest moon comes near the autumnal equinox. I worked in agriculture in my teen sand early twenties having been spawned and reared in north of Seattle in Mount Vernon. The Skagit Valley has rich soil, is famous for tulips, peas, strawberries, lots of seed crops, the Skagit River, and the gateway to the San Juan Islands.

I operated a pod stripper, a pea combine, working nights 545pm til 545 am for 3 college summers. Seen some beautiful large harvest moons…while harvesting. So this song has always been dear to my heart.

In that combine I learned to smoke cartons of cigarettes, drink coffee, eat bulk chocolate getting heartburn so bad that you could not fall asleep, and sing Harvest Moon start to finish even bellowing out the harmonica portions.

While I did not sound quite like Neil I kept myself awake, and entertained. I also sang tons of Jazz Standards, my favorite nighttime tune being Misty. Attempting to sound like the silver fog, Mel Torme.

The Silver Fog. Great nickname. Mine for years before coming to Craig was Sparky. Only a few know that here in Craig. Very few. I did like the nickname Sparky.

Now Squeeky Oar Lock will have to do. Or Mark. Mark is fine as well.

Wet weather ahead of us and is kind of clammy this morning. The flows at 10K. May or may not see movement this week. Not terribly warm nor is it terribly warm in the evenings in the mountains. The snow melt stops in the hills if it drops below 40F at night. So not too much movement this week ahead.

Play Harvest Moon in your office today several times. Watch the vid, listen closely. Then play it again, close your eyes, and superimpose your Harvest Moon memories to this beautifully pleasant tune.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2MtEsrcTTs”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Sunday Scenery BWO Image

Sunday Scenery BWO Image

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Sunday Scenery BWO Image Dreaming of BWO’s. We have some coming off in the upper lower end. And probably the lower end too. And a few fellers are tossing dry flies at them. Ladies too! Water at 10K. Not too bad. Will it drop this week? Who knows. Snow in the forecast today, and more … Read more

#TBT Depth Perception Video

#TBT Depth Perception Video

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#TBT Depth Perception Video

Throw Back Thursday brings you Depth Perception by Scumliner Media. This throwback vid filmed in late July 2011.

You coming this late July? How about August? 2018, an to some extent 2017, was a unreal August experience. Really uncommon to have top notch dry fly fishing of the ilk we witnessed this previous August.

Will it happen again?

The combo you want is…No anglers. Lots of fish rising.

While it may not happen again, would you want to be here if it did? Book your Late July or August trip today. IT will make your May Thursday go by a little quicker. Operators standing by to take your call, answer your questions, and get you lodging too.

Calm, light moisture in the air, and quiet this 2nd day of May. We too are thinking about the summer months, dry flies, and cool drinks.

P.S. BWO’s on the river.

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Hump Day Hot Tip

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Hump Day Hot Tip You know, a fella could take a shot of his fishing license on his cell phone and keep it in his pocket, the phone. And the fishing license. But so many fellers forget to bring their fishing license out fishing, or even on the fishing trip. Yes, any license provider can … Read more

Clean Drain Dry Protect our Montana Waters

Clean Drain Dry Protect our Montana Waters

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Clean Drain Dry Protect our Montana Waters

Clean. Drain. Dry.

Do it every time. Guides, outfitters, and rec boaters must do this daily.

Then and only then can you stop the rapid destruction of your, yes your waters.

That means everyday you pull out of the Mo, you must …

Clean. Drain. Dry.

Even if you get back in, in the morning. Just get in the habit of Clean. Drain. Dry. Daily.

Educate yourself, and your neighbor. We have to do this together. As a fishing and boating community.

Clean. Drain. Dry.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B8E39Evex8″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

May Missouri River Fishing Forecast

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May Missouri River Fishing Forecast Today on the Headhunters Fly Shop Blog you get the May Missouri River Fishing Forecast. What to expect, wish for, and believe for the month ahead. Here we go out of April running full speed into the jaws of May! Hooray. Maybe spring will greet us this Month of May. … Read more

New Breed Chicks Rule Shalom Edition #2

New Breed Chicks Rule Shalom Edition #2

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New Breed Chicks Rule Shalom Edition #2 Shalom Thomas fishing with HH Guide Dewey this past Friday. Shalom and husband Marty, straight outta the North Shore in Oahu, have been here on the Mo a number of times and this is the second time Shalom has graced the New Breed Chicks Category. The previous time … Read more

Where is 7wt?

Where is 7wt?

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Where is 7wt?

Raining here on the Eastside Friday nite.

Saturday brings wind.

Sunday brings snow.

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Headhunters Fly Shop Weekend Fishing Report

Headhunters Fly Shop Weekend Fishing Report

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Headhunters Fly Shop Weekend Fishing Report The Weekend Update Facts: High(er) water again this spring with flows currently at 11,400cfs. Visability at least 2′ and in sore areas up to 4′. The river below the Dearborn River, while it has been inconsistent for fishing results, is certainly fishable.  Not much color from with the … Read more

Wednesday 4.24.19 Fishing Report

Missouri River Montana 4.24.19 Fishing Report

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Wednesday 4.24.19 Fishing Report The tributaries are falling and the river proper is rising. Makes no sense. Welcome to Montana. It may change soon. But here on this report we only give you info about things that have already happened. That is what a fishing report is. A report of info that has been gathered … Read more

Friday Foto Fishing Report 4.19.19

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Friday Foto Fishing Report 4.19.19 I liked the Yes and No format earlier this week. It fits my rapid posting early morning style, and needs. So here we head into another Montana Weekend in downtown Craig. Love to see you! Yes: Brown and gold streamers like the Kreelex. Or Sparkle Minow. Or olive flavored. … Read more

Caddis Fest Live Auction Art

Caddis Fest Live Auction Art

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Caddis Fest Live Auction Art Original Caddis Fest Art by Greg Meyer. He donated last year as well. Happy buyers at the live auction Caddis Fest & BBQ Cook-Off Saturday May 18th. Buy it this year will proceeds going directly to the Craig Volunteer Fire Department. October Caddis on the Missouri Greg Meyer I want this … Read more

Leonard Flies

Leonard’s Awesome Flies

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Leonard’s Awesome Flies Not my first cup of Leonard’s Awesome Flies. Hopefully not my last either. Long time Headhunters friend Leonard ties some real nice patterns. Always thinking and tying creative Missouri River flies. He ties flies for a couple other resources he and fishing pal Rick frequent. Rick ties some nice ones too! I … Read more

Monday Morning Fishing Report 4.15.19

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Monday Morning Fishing Report 4.15.19 The Monday Morning Fishing Report 4.15.19. Midway through our Spring Special here in central Montana. Going well. The other fantastic rivers in the state are somewhat fishing. But, if you want the cleanest water in the TRICO County region, come to the Mo. Call first. We got yer back @ … Read more

Nirvana

Sunday Tribute Video Nirvana

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Sunday Tribute Video Nirvana

Kurt Cobain passed 25 years ago this week. April 5th 1994.

A pretty big part of my youth was mis-spent drinking, dancing, and enjoying live music in the Pacific NW.

Enjoyed it thoroughly.

Had an album release party at the house I lived in in downtown Tacoma WA. The album was Nevermind from Nirvana. The second commercial release from this legendary grunge band. Danced all night long in our living room with 30 of my closest friends.

The video, while not the explosive and energetic style that Nirvana displayed on stage with the full electric components, reveals the intimacy of the band and certainly Kurt. That is why I chose this vid.

As you know this is a David Bowie tune that Cobain covered. The Man who Sold the World is a fine tune.

Rock stars die too young. Great ones.

Nirvana changed the world, how we listen and love music. It certainly made an impression on myself and friends closest to me at the time. Hearing the tributes this past week brought a ton of those thoughts, feelings, and emotions of that period of my life in the early 90’s.

Saw tons of grunge and live acts in the Seattle/Tacome/Olympia I-5 corridor in my youth. Including Nirvana. Awesome.

Enjoy your Sunday and listening to a bit of Nirvana.

The Man Who Sold the World. Nirvana. Unplugged.

Watch it. Then cruise around YouTube watching and listening to the genius of Kurt’s melodic punk inspired compositions.

Watch the first vid and then the second. The latter is the one to knock the dust from the rafters.

Lithium. A good one.

Turn it up to 11. Dance in your living room. Invite your family to join you. Do it. It’s good for your constitution.

 

 

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Izaak's Opening April 11th

Izaak’s Opening April 11th

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Izaak’s Opening April 11th Hooray! Izaak’s opening for summer 2019 April 11th. First week of operation Thursday thru Sunday 4-9pm The following week Chef John and the gang will open Wednesday thru Sunday 4-9. I already smell the Smoker being fired up. Ribs on my mind. Headhunters love the Brisket Nachos! We will see you … Read more

Saving Grayling Vid

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Saving Grayling Vid

A cool mid-week vid from the Centennial Valley near the boarder in Montana.

Squeeky’s dad spent 3 summers working on this project. Enjoyed it. Said that everyone should take the drive into this stunning place.

And yes, the headwaters of the Mighty Mo start in this neighborhood. So the waters you view in this video runs downstream, to the hallowed Missouri River waters.

Enjoy the vid. Spiring is here. Fishing is good. Montana is good. Grayling are good.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=38&v=G3KG0wn_TqE”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Soul Sunday Marvin Gaye What's Going On

Soul Sunday Marvin Gaye What’s Going On

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Soul Sunday Marvin Gaye What’s Going On

Could listen to this Marvin Gaye song over and over.

Great message. Social commentary, not social media,  from Marvin Gaye that still holds water.

Soul Sunday here on the Headhunters Blog.

Cool and drizzling on the river today.

Spring has sprung. Lots of anglers out there. Still no access to the lower river boat ramps. Maybe next week.

Enjoy March Madness if you are so inclined. Tie flies. Clean fly lines. Clean all of your gear. I bet your rod and reels need a bit of attention too.

Just don’t get reel lube on the couch. It stains forever![/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppvBWIzvPvU”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Friday Foto

Friday Foto

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Friday Foto Spring is here. Friday Goto. Squeeky having problems with the BBQ charcoal. An early Headhunters Free BBQ. This one legendary of course because this is the moment that Adair realized that her fathers business partner is not too smart. Nothing has changed since this 2010 Friday Foto. Enjoy your weekend. We will be … Read more