Saturday Snow. Haiku too. The cold enveloped me as I walked out of the shop while the snow battered my face taking this image Saturday about noonish. This haiku was blown, and stalled cracklin’, on my rear leg. Another 9 degree winter Saturday in downtown Craig Montana. Snow falls river white, A bare hook, bobbin, … Read more
RIO Nymphing Leader The next 4 months you may need something like this on the end of your fly line. Nymphing Leader? Why should I rock a nymphing leader you day. Can’t I just use a regular tapered leader, something I already have? Sure. If you run out of those old stiff and curly hobbies … Read more
February Top 5 Not my favorite month. Not too much going on. Slow. My February Top 5 below this Thursday February 1st. Midges may happen mid month. That is a breath of fresh air. Lends itself to spring thoughts. Already some midge action. Midges dancing around on the surface coaxing trout eyes upwards. Scattered and … Read more
Hump Day Fishing Report 1.31.18 Good times out there coasting into the beginnings of February. January is water under the bridge. Hooray. One day closer to spring. Bring loads of snow to the hills in February please. We could use a better water year than we have had in the past several years. Nymphing Report … Read more
We answer spey questions and clear up confusion daily @ 8am.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/183565378″ video_title=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
March SPEY CASTING Madness We are launching our March SPEY CASTING Madness schedule today on the Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service Blog. March 23rd, 24th, and 25th with 3 spey clinics raising the bar on your Spey Game! It all begins on Friday March 23rd with Women’s World Champion Distance Spey Caster Whitney Gould … Read more
Friday Fog Foto Craig Bar Lite snow this weekend. Cloudy too. Might be a nice weekend to step out to the Mo. If you live anywhere else around the American neighborhood fishing may not be on your schedule. If it isn’t, that’s cool too. Family may be in order. Or skiing. Or something outdoors. You … Read more
Summer Foreshadowing Just the 24th of January today. We have more than our toe dipped into the proverbial year, more like our ankle has entered the water. We are just beginning. And having that ankle submerged made me think of wade fishing, which then made me think of flip-flops, and finally Missouri River summer PMD’s. … Read more
They are here. They have arrived. SIMMS Challenger Pull On Boots in the 14″ length are in store today.
These will be popular with the boat only crew. Never put on waders? Sounds damn good to me. Pull on your favorite hoody along with your SIMMS Pro Dry Bibs adding your SIMMS Moon Boots and off to the river you are.
A perfect compliment to the already dialed in lifestyle you have. Just add the Challenger Pull On boot from SIMMS.
A check’d fleece interior with SIMMS totally worthy Right Angle Foot bed will keep you not only foot fatigue free, warm, yet sweat free. The 14″ height is perfect for launching your drifter and kicking it inside the cozy confines of your own private dinghy. No worries on the return trip either. Step in, attach the bow rope, crank it and head to the ‘ol drinking hole.
I’ve seen a trout spey caster or two rocking it ankle deep in these either practicing a few snake rolls or swinging through a not so secret skinny run.
The neoprene upper and pull on tag in the rear of the boot will help you get them on with ease. I have been just stepping into them and shoveling the driveway. Quick run to the dump? Fooling with the sprinkler heads in your yard? Shit-kickin’ it telling fishing lies in the garage drinking with friends?
Remove them with ease finding the prominent kick-off tab on the back side of the boot. The sole is not designed for trekking in the outback. A non-marring siped sole is made for interior drifters, skiffs, or driveways. It does not posses a 4WD style tread pattern for off roading. No, this is your daily city driver.
Yes. Perfect for everyday tasks.
We have them at Headhunters. Come by and try them on.
Late January Missouri River Fishing Report Mid Winter check on Montana’s Missouri River as we today give you the Late January Missouri River Fishing Report from your information source Headhunters Fly Shop of Craig Montana. Facts fill the fishing report in this Winter Edition. Again I remind you that what is reported, in fishing reports, … Read more
High And Dry @ Headhunters Fly Shop If you spill this on your shirt, it won’t stain it for life. And, it floats your flies…High and Dry. Damn fine products. Available @ Headhunters Fly Shop of Craig. Stock up on your next visit.
Friday Foto Swingin’ Good weekend for swinging flies. Weather? Variable. Standard. What’er you gonna do? Watch football? Tie flies. Nap on the couch. Organize flies? Clean fly lines. Surf the web. Plan your summer trip. Clean the garage? All of the above? It is mid January. Full winter depression should not set in for a … Read more
One Month ’til Midges? Spending the week in Western Washington as the hard rain has got me thinking…One Month ’til Midges? I did not start out with this exact thought. It started with the hard rain, and being thankful that it was raining because I like rain. I grew up on the wet side and it … Read more
This is a really great rod. Whether you want the distance (D) version or the feel (F) version you will be overjoyed with either.
Popular with fishing guides, shop staff, and the you alike, this rod has performed miracles already on the Missouri River.
Come by today and demo this fantastic addition to your quiver. The Helios 3 edition is the best so far! You will not be disappointed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=11&v=qJ32sjo3Osw” video_title=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Summer Dreams Variable weather here in Montana. This weekend warm and windy. Last week, hyper-cold and snowy. The week ahead? Looks like more snow, and some variable weather patterns too. What I do know about summer, is…more consistency. And warmer temps. And dry fly fishing. Those are a few of my Summer Dreams.
Classic 3 Door Suburban Would love to have one of these classic 3 door ’68-’72 Chevy Suburbans. There is one in Great Falls. It used to be parked at the Dearborn boat ramp as the folks that had it at that time owed the property across front he boat ramp on the west bank. I … Read more
Friday Foto Mountain Palace Winter Real cold today. Lots of snow falling. Quite a bit overnight. Looks OK for the weekend. Much warmer temps. Maybe fishable. If you deem it fishable, stop in the shop. We have hot coffee. Unless you stop in after 2pm. Then we have tepid, or even cold coffee. But it’s … Read more
Today a soft hackle video with Hans S of the South Dakota Angler. We used to post a quite a few vids from Hans. A good tier. If you are in the SD region look up the SD Angler for all your fly fishing needs!
We use these a bunch in the fall. Alos during the spring session you could tie a Midge Soft Hackle, a BWO softie, and any generic mayfly or caddis soft hackles for swinging or nymphing success here fishing the Missouri River.
Perfect for the trout spey or single handed spey gang. Enjoy your Thursday.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4ZyRn3X5RI” video_title=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
How to interpret water data or Realism: A sport most anglers want nothing of. The case in point today revolves around a couple charts that we see most often used by bloggers like HH and beyond. Below is an article about how to navigate through all the bullshit you may see on social sites and … Read more
Tuesday January 9th Missouri River Fishing Report No dry fly action. Warm and windy here for the last several days with winter coming to greet us yet again this evening. More snow in the forecast. We love it. Bring more. More snow on the ground, more water. At the Shop A nice break this last … Read more
Silly Sunday Melting Snow Scenery You have 3 more days, including today to get out tree and enjoy the river before we slip back into a winter pattern. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. Then January brings winter in with snow an scooper temps. The snow has been melting rapidly after a foot or so was on the … Read more
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Montana Boat Builders Jason Cajune Video These truly are the most beautiful boats you will see on the river. Sara has one she bought second hand a few years ago, the skiff model. Super killer. A great sneak boat. I had a wooden boat that I got from a mentor of mine, a Greg … Read more
Friday Foto Warming here in Craig. Shelf ice around, but navigable. Check the boat ramps before doing anything too stupid. Come by the shop get a shuttle, fill the voids in your fly box, check out our Just Add Vise kits , and say hello to the HH gang. Have a happy first Friday of … Read more
White Snow, White Flies. And Pink. A few white flies to get you into the weekend here on the Montana’s Missouri River. The recent warm spell has got us pretty stoked. Water temps are still frigid but the air temps has bounced out of the basement into the 40’s. Feels awful fine out there this … Read more
Lots of folks call the shop and inquire about guide services. Many of you who have not had the wonderful opportunity to be guided before, you are in for a trout fishing treat.
Squeeky’s father suggested he write this blog for all those who ask why? “Why would you hire a trout fishing guide if you already know how to fish?” Or, “Don’t you already know how to fly fish? Do you really need a guide?”
What kind of folks hire guides or Why would you hire a fly fishing guide?
Bank Sipping Big Brown Trout
All walks of angling life hire fly fishing guides. From the 1st time angler who wants to learn everything from which end of the fly pole to hold to advanced/expert anglers who want to fish to finicky bank sippers with a a sz 24 Trico spinner.
All anglers want to learn, almost all. Enjoying the day with a full time Missouri River Guide will give you the time to not only hook a few, but to learn about casting, entomology, why the bobber is called an indicator or to point out birds, Mink and other streamside wildlife.
Yes, all types of anglers hire fishing guides. Some just want a guide to usher them down the river and row, while others want the full meal deal. Soup to nuts. There are lots of reasons you could hire a fly fishing guide.
What does the Guide Trip Include?
The Missouri River Guide Trip is all inclusive.
Flies.
All included @ Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service. Not all fly shops or guide services include flies. Be sure to ask your Outfitter if this is included. Otherwise you may pay additionally for flies used during the day. Back in the day most of the operations charged for flies. That concept is changing. So if you needed or lost 23 flies during the day the up-charge could be 23 flies X $2.50 equaling $57.50. No, not here at Headhunters. All flies are included in the trip price.
Fly Rods.
Again, most Outfitters and Guides provide gear for the day. We encourage you to bring your favorite gear but it is not imperative. If you like your 8 1/2’ Winston 8’6” IM6, then bring it. If you like your hyper-fast pinpoint precision casting SAGE Method, then bring it. Most guides have top ‘o the line fly rods for your use, pre-rigged and ready to go. Headhunters also has FREE demo rods for you to enjoy or embrace for the day. Many anglers seize the opportunity to try that new SAGE ONE or the Orvis Helios 2 or even a Sweetgrass Bamboo 5wt for dry fly targets. Why not have fun and give current fly rod technology a test drive? Again, ask your guide if he has gear for you as many assume you will be bringing your own.
Terminal Tackle.
What does that mean. It means leaders, tippet, split shot, bobbers and the like. All guides will have this. Unless you hire a guide born before fiberglass drift boats became widely used. Not that there is anything wrong with that…
Lunch/Drinks/Snacks
Included with most trips all over Montana. Headhunters yes. The Saltwater Flats Captains generally want you to provide lunch, not the freshwater trout guides of Montana. Headhunters provides a nice high quality delicious sando, snacks like chips, fresh fruit or salad, dessert like a cookie or chocolate, and non-alcoholic beverages. Guides will have a bundle of bottled water, leaded and unleaded sodas, and the like. You will have to provide any alcoholic beverages if you like a beer after lunch. Or some even prefer one before lunch. You are on vacation…
Some guides will have daytime snacks too. This is up to the guide so if you want anything like Beef Jerky, sunflower seeds, peanuts, nicotine products including cigars and snuff, trail mix…bring it for yourself. The guide will have plenty of room to stash any additional snack items. The bottom line is if you want some additional stuff because you get hungry at 10am, then tote it along.
Waders
Most bring their own waders in the spring and fall. In the summer months many wade fish and hangout in the boat in flip flops, Crocs, wading sandals. Headhunters has SIMMS waders gratis for all guided clients. Check and see if your outfitter has the proper gear for you.
The advantage of having rods, reels, flies, waders on site you can travel light. Just hop on the jet airplane and begin enjoying your trout fishing vacation. We got your back.
What kind of day will you have?
You are the Captain!
You design the day. Your guide will commonly ask you what you want to do for the day or if you have something specific in mind. Do you want to Head-Hunt looking for single sippers bankside or nymph up a pile for body count anglers or work on your streamer presentations and streamer casting? It is imperative that you have a few ideas about your goals and convey them to your guide. It is the only way for both of you to have success. This may be the #1 item on your agenda. Think about what you want while booking the fishing trip and let the booking individual in on this secret.
You could say something like “I am a dry fly fanatic. I just want to hunt heads.” Or you may say “I’ll gladly nymph until the hatch, then I would like to find a few rising fish.” Or, “I’ll leave the dry flies to those other guys, I just want to pound the banks with a streamer!”
Questions you can ask while booking a fly fishing guide include…
Is the guide local and does he fish this river often? Will my guide travel to meet me and what rivers will we be fishing? An analogy would be if you were to host a Chinese Party at your house with Chinese decorations, theme, and Chinese Food…wouldn’t you hire a Chinese Chef? Sure you would. You would probably not hire a French Chef for this task. While the French Chef is probably familiar with Chinese Cuisine, it is not his specialty. Chinese Chefs cook better Chinese Fare. The French Chef could probably pull it off…but is that what you want in your Chef? In your fishing guide?
Headhunters Guides fish the Missouri River, the Blackfoot River, and the Dearborn River. Exclusively. If you are looking for a Madison River Guide, you would not hire a Missouri River Guide. In situations like this we will refer you to a Madison River Expert. A guide who works on the Madison would be abetter bet for your success. And conversely if you are wanting a Missouri River Guide, you would not…
How long is the day?
8-10 hours is pretty common. That might mean 8 hrs fishing with the other two hours getting ready, rigging rods, meeting you at your rental house, having a post fishing cocktail with you. Many guides go longer than the 8hr mark. If the fishing is damn good, guides want to go longer and enjoy the fantastic bite. If the fishing is shitty and you have several guided days in a row, he may suggest a shorter day making up the difference when the bite is red hot.
Guides will want to meet you at a time that will provide you the best opportunity for your fishing desires. If you like to hunt heads, he may want to get out before the rest of the gang. So early may be the right time. If you want to fish the evening hatch, he may want to meet you at High Noon. If you are fishing a half-day he may want to meet you at 9am and fish ’til afternoon encompassing the meat of the bite, spinner fall, streamer session. He has your back and will set the meeting time accordingly.
Having said that you can dictate the meeting time. If you like to sleep in tip 9am, have breakfast while reading the newspaper, and leisurely wander in at 10:30am…well you can. Just don’t ask your guide to promise you the best dry fly bite, the best of whatever you may want. He is a fishing guide, guide-like…he is not god-like. Mother Nature conducts the bug choir and the guide plays second fiddle to that part of that equation.
Mid-summer in Montana presents some interesting hot weather and some guides will offer split days. Late July temps can exceed 100F so the Guide to keep you and he comfortable and to offer fishing services during the most productive times of the day may want to meet you at O’Dark Thirty, or 5am and fish until 11am. Then meet you again at 6-7pm and fish ’til dark. This is a mid-summer operation.
Ben Hardy HH Lead Guide and his dog Reva
Can I bring my Dog?
Ask your guide. Some say yes, some say no.
Well, the drift boat that most guides use has two seats for anglers. Some folks want to bring 3 people on the boat, with the guide making four passengers. This rarelyworks. Ask your guide and do not be surprised if he declines the opportunity to guide 3 at a time. Rivers like the Bighorn in SE Montana operate this way, but not may other rivers. Some steelhead Guides want 3 anglers. But it is not as common as the two angler situation. The drift boat is built for two anglers.
The reason is that there is not a seat for that 3rd angler. The 3rd anger has to sit on the cooler, crowding wither the angler in front, or the guide. It usually compromises the entire day. The boat is not designed for 3. Think about 3 anglers casting at the same time. A mess! So, only two can fish at one time unless you go to a spot and get out and wade fish. Which is just fine unless you like to drift fish. Nymphing is a game that on our river, the Missouri, the drifting game is an effective and efficient method!
Ask Questions during the day!
Don’t be afraid to ask your guide to teach you something. Or if you want to learn about a reach cast, or just why he moved the indicator for that last run. Or why he added more split shot or removed it completely. Why he passed the last 17 rising fish and stopped at this particular rising trout? He will be glad to let you in on his thinking, on his reasoning, in his trout fishing mind.
When should I come?
Ask the Headhunters booking expert, or your outfitter the best time for you to come. The answer is different for different guests. You may not want to come in late July or Early August as the dry fly fishing becomes more difficult. Those fish are educated. That time frame is for those who like difficult sippers. But it is good timing for those who want to toss grasshoppers for big Brown Trout. You may not catch 10 of them, but you may get a couple big ones?
May, may be the time for you if you like un-educated trout eating Blue Winged Olives and Midge. June is crowded. The first half of July is damn busy. September is for nymphers with not many fish to toss the dry at. October is great for BWO’s in the afternoon with the nymphing filling the morning session. Fall is good for streamer fishing with the spring being even better! Ask anyone at the shop for a detailed itemization of hatch schedules, nymphing and streamer fishing seasons.
What is not included in my Guide Trip?
Fishing License.
You should provide your fishing license to your guide, outfitter, or booking agent as they will need some information from your fishing license for the Governor. No, they are not stealing your identity.
Gratuities.
A common tip is $100. Some tip as much as $200. A tip is a tip. Guide appreciate any dollar amount. Inviting your guide to dinner does not constitute a tip. He or she has another trip in the morning and needs to finish up today’s work and prep for tomorrow. Or, he needs to spend some time belly’d up to the bar finishing up the days work prepping for tomorrow.
Alcoholic Beverages. BYOB.
Will my guide show me wade fishing spots?
Sure. The best way to insure guide trip success is for you to ask questions and communicate constantly with your guide. He cannot read your mind. He is not god-like. He may be able to whisper some fish, but he cannot guess what you want or need from your guided fishing trip.
What should I bring on my guide trip?
Anything you want. Bring your favorite fly rod. That is why you have it. To fish world class water with your favorite tool. Sunglasses. All the clothing you think you need including raingear. It can rain in the summer too. Maybe for just 12 minutes, a 12 minute downpour. Hats, sunscreen, anything you like to have while trout fishing. The drift boats have plenty of storage. Just be comfortable.
Enjoy the Day!
The bottom line is just this…you get to dictate how the day goes. You need to communicate effectively with your fly fishing guide. You will design the day together, as you go. It is just that simple.
Lots of people take their first guide trip every year. Usually not their last. Some anglers like to fish with a guide for a couple days, rent a boat for a couple days, and wade fish a couple days. And then there are those who spend the whole week getting guided. It is totally up to you!
Make sure to check out our Spring Special for a scant $400/day. March 15th thru the end of April. The Missouri River’s favorite Spring Trip Specialists. We bring back nearly our entire guide staff for this annual popular event. Book today for your favorite Headhunters Guide. Great lodging pricing too @ Craig Trout Camp and other local lodging outlets.
Missouri River Winter-Spring Info Sheet 2nd day of the year here in downtown Craig as we take a look at the future. The past is so last year. Still damn cold here thru today but it will crack the freezing mark Wednesday allowing us to venture towards the river. The shop is also open normal … Read more
Happy New Year 2018! Happy New Year to all of the Missouri River lovers out there! Happy New Year. Is this the year that you spend some time on the Mighty Mo, living out your dry fly dreams? Bring it on. We are excited about the upcoming year. 2018 will be great. A good start … Read more
A great film trailer today about coral conservation.
Chasing Coral is dramatic. I will be watching it today on Netflix.
Beats shoveling snow here in central Montana with outdoor temps currently at -12F. Got a couple more inches of snow yesterday including last night. Snow flurries happening right now but looks like not much more accumulation until later this week.
Fishing looks likely as we movie into a few more moderate temps mid week. I’m sure we will see a few anglers on the water as it is the first break in at least two weeks.
I bet skiing is good! Looks like the Montana hills have gotten a nice shot of new snow! Go skiing this week. Fish next week.
A fly that will get you through the winter. All winter. Pink is the theme for nymphing from December 1st until mid June?
We find ourselves using regular looking flies that represent insects beginning in mid March. But this gaudy beauty will get the job done for most of your days on the water for a while.
Still damn cold in downtown Craig. Polar Bear Plunge High Noon January 1st. You coming?
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] It’s cold. Think warm thoughts. I think it got to 10F. No wind though. Clear and bright. No wind though. We are in the treading water stage of the winter. It’s stale. Watched Hitchcock’s Rear Window last night. Wow! Great flick. Saw it many years ago but now through the lens of DVR it is … Read more
Merry Christmas from Headhunters of Craig Montana Merry Christmas from Headhunters to all of you. We appreciate you all year long and we are all thankful for you and your families. Enjoy this time with your friends and families. Be thankful. Merry Christmas from the entire HH family John, Julie. Mark, Ben, Sara, Dewey, Derrick, … Read more
Actually “Linus and Lucy” is the title of this tune. Composed by Vince Guaraldi the Italian Jazz Composer who composed most of the Peanuts animated television music.
I also dig Christmas Time is Here. The ethereal wispy yet flowing track that is spun throughout the christmas special.
The wikipedia link to A Charlie Brown Christmas Soundtrack.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1LUXQWzCno” video_title=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPG3zSgm_Qo” video_title=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I think Charlie Brown woulda felt better with a new fly reel. I know it makes some of the holiday angst go away.
Hope you got your Aluminum Christmas Tree up in the family room. They are all the rage.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
What do you want to do? Are you doing it? Did you have a crossroads decision at one point? We all did.
This is a fantastic scene with John Cusack in Say Anything 1989.
A great film if you like Cusack.
So, the quote. Think about it this holiday season. If you are ready to jump headlong into the fly fishing life, Headhunters Life, then drop the bomb on your folks this Christmas. Shortly after the New Year we will again be starting our search for 2018 employees. Get your resume up to date and be ready for when we ring the bell.
If you want to spend the summer with us and go back home to reality, we accept that. If you want to move to Craig full time accelerating your fly fishing advancement, we applaud that too. We have opportunities for you in ’18.
Until then, think about it. What would John Cusack do?
Friday Sno-Foto Cold in Montana. Snowing at press time this morning at 133am. More on the way. We like snow. The bitter cold? Not so much. -11F is cold, along with the wind. Happy Friday. Heading into the holiday weekend. Friends and family. Enjoy. This from the NWS… Friday Snow. Temperature falling to around … Read more
Winter Solstice. Fly Fishing To Do List. December. Super cold, super snowy, all locked up here in Montana. Winter Solstice is here today. We really do not like the deep of winter too much. We truly like the summer solstice better. It is warmer, the dry fly fishing is better, and beer tastes quite a … Read more
3 for Winter from SIMMS 3 for Winter from SIMMS. We are fishing all 12 months here on Montana’s Missouri River. We like to be warm and protected from the elements.So we give you these 3 terrific items from SMMS to keep those body parts warm! SIMMS DOWNStream Jacket I love this piece. Keeps me … Read more
Coming home is so very sweet! Out of town for a spell and returned home yesterday. Spent the time away in sunny Hawaii. Pretty nice and quite entertaining. Fished with my bro’ Marty Thomas, my wife Danielle, and Mike Hennessey. Mike has been fishing the flats of Oahu for some time and certainly showed us … Read more
A shot from yesterday to give you an idea of what it looks like ‘round here. As you can see, you won’t need your snowshoes. I call this photo “Silly Saturday Scenery” and dedicate it to Mark Raisler.
FISHING REPORT
The river has been very quiet this week. I think we’ve done a shuttle or two each day, and I’ve seen the occasional wading angler here or there. But I’ve also driven from Craig to the dam twice and not seen an angler. Typical quiet right before the holidays. School got out today, and I expect a few more anglers this weekend and into next week.
With the lack of pressure, we don’t have a ton of feedback to base a fishing report on. Most anglers I’ve seen or talked to have been swinging streamers from their feet, and doing well. Water type and fly choice seems to be all over the place. As I stated earlier in the week, I believe the fish are still transitioning to the winter tanks. You won’t find them everywhere in every run, but you can’t really ignore anything either. That’s a tough task when the days are short.
I would spend most of my time concentrating on 5he heads of runs (at the drop off), but I would start a little higher than normal for December. We’re still picking them off in fast water. In quicker water I would lean towards flashier bugs like the Skiddish Smolt, Kreelex, Zonker (all colors), Shock & Awe, etc.. When you get to slower “tanky”water is switch to a leech pattern or bugger.
Dont hesitate to fish a deep tip. I’ve seen some pretty good fishing with full deep sinking tips recently (10’ T-8 or close). Seems like the fish are still in some faster water, but holding a little deeper than they were 2-3 weeks ago.
I haven’t talked to more than a nympher or two. All reports have been good using the normal December imposters. The Rainbow Czech, various Firebeads, Red Worms, Pink Lightning Bugs, Zebras, etc. Mayfly nymphs are still producing.
The nymphing trick is way more about where than what. Whenever reports are either “we killed ‘em”, or “it was tough” (what I’ve been hearing), the successful crew was fishing in the right spot and the unsuccessful was not. So if you’re not getting them, try some different water.
Weve had a pocket of warm air associated with Chinook winds hanging around for a while. It’s been chilly to our south, even in Helena. More so in Butte and Bozeman. In Craiglandia, it’s mostly been in the 40’s. Pretty comfortable for this time of year. We’re supposed to get a little snow this weekend, and as the high pressure breaks down it will cool down a little, but still comfortable for winter fishing. And the wind should lay down a bit next week.
There are a few critical components of a Spey cast that I like to emphasize in our trout Spey clinics, because they are the keys to troubleshooting when your cast heads south. Clinics, demonstrations, books and YouTube are all great resources, but they don’t offer much help while you are out on the water. Maybe your different, but when my cast falls apart I’m usually on the water, not in front of my computer.
I’ve had the opportunity to cast and fish with (and just observe) some great Spey casters in my life. All the great – and consistent – Spey casters I have spent time around have one thing in common. They are masters of anchor placement. And, they pay close attention to their anchor on every cast.
Most of us are stoked if we place our anchor in a target the size of a drift boat. Most of the time that’s close enough to keep us fishing. But the great casters are placing their fly in an exact spot when they set the anchor. Like in an area the size of a basketball. And they “watch” the fly into that spot. It’s not too far fore or aft, and it’s generally very close to them.
For novice casters, I recommend that you try and set your anchor within a rod length of you. You can get away with a rod length and a half, but we’re trying to improve, right? Get it close. You want that anchor to be lined up with your target, and generally even with your body position to whichever side you intend to launch from.
I won’t go into the “how” here, there are abundant resources for that, and everyone has a different opinion. But I will stress that you’re never going to be a great Spey caster if you “drag” your fly into position. You are going to have to aerialize that line to achieve close and accurate anchor placement.
These can be very touchy/Feedly moves, and you need to spend some time practicing. Mileage counts here, and you’ll be rewarded by taking some time from fishing while you simply practice setting the anchor. Each time you get in a new run, practice your anchor set 10 or 20 times before you begin practicing and fishing. As you move through the day, you’ll begin to develop muscle memory from both sides of the river, both shoulders, and in a variety of currents and wind directions.
Sounds boring for sure. But you will never be a great two-handed caster until you master anchor placement. I always encourage students to find their own style. There are plenty of great casters out there, and they all have different options of which way is the “right way”. Find the one that works best for you.
And the next time you’re struggling through a run, stop and focus on your anchor placement. Improving the anchor tends to improve the cast.
The above image is not normal. It was taken yesterday morning looking upstream from Pelican Point. There should be ice jams and snow on the ground. When it’s real cold the river might be frozen over. Even on a warm and dry year, there should be some snow on those higher peaks and a little ice in those inside channels.
Not this year. Winter started great, but it’s been weeks since we have had any significant snowfall. Daytime highs and nighttime lows have been above normal. For the last few weeks it’s been jeans and sweatshirt weather. We have even had some smoke in the air this week from the fires in Southern California.
While we never root for drought conditions, it does create some unusual opportunities for anglers. On a typical year, fishing below Prewitt Creek would not be much of an option in late December. But for the next few weeks – according to the weatherman – you might find some good fishing on the lower river
The trout haven’t completely moved into the big, slow winter tanks yet, but they’re starting to. On some lower river stretches find8ng winter holding water can be difficult, and so can finding fish when the water temps are in the mid to low 30’s. With our unseasonable temperatures, you should still be able to find fish in shallow riffles.
As for access you can get on the water at Pelican Point, as well as from the “backside” on the Sheep Creek Road upstream from Cascade. You can do a nice short float from Prewitt Creek to Pelican Point, which has plenty of great Wade fishing water as well. The short days and often windy conditions in December mean that Pelican to Cascade is an unlikely option. You’ll be pushing a lot to get off before dark.
A swung fly (on a single or two-hander) is a great way to cover the broad runs on the lower river. Move fast and cover as much water as you can. Leech patterns are crushing it right now, but we always do well with flashy baitfish patterns around Pelican late in the year.
Nymph rigs will be similar to the upper, but I’d be using the bigger stuff – Czech mymphs, worms, scuds, crawdads – more than midge stuff you might find productive near Holter Dam. They’re eating midges, and midges will work, but you likely don’t need to go that small unless you find a group of fish midg8ng in shallow water. As with streamer fishing, cover lots of water quickly until you find them.
Dry flies may be a player, and we’re still seeing some BWO’s here and there. Midge hatches are not typically very intense until later in the winter, but I would certainly have a few Griffiths Gnats on me. Some of my favorite winter dry fly water is in the big riffles between Hardy Rapids and Pelican Point. You access this stretch through Anderson Ranch/FWP access points from Sheep Creek Road.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/146467809″ video_title=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]”Exactly how do you retrieve or work your fly?”
We still get this question A LOT. Spend a few minutes with our pal Mike McCune as he goes over a few of the techniques he uses while fishing for trout with a two-handed rod. And feel to free to change it up, or combine a couple of these techniques into your own home-brew retrieve.
You can also learn a lot while watching Mike cast.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
You should have a plan for setting the hook. When we dry fly fish we lift slow and high. In the Tarpon boat is an aggressive strip set. Bobber lobbers hit ‘em hard and fast.
Fishing a swung fly with a Spey rod is no different. You need a plan.
It’s a simple one, but many trout fisherman find it difficult to adapt. I see a lot of straight-up, high tip hook sets out on the river. And I see a lot of those fish come unpinned.
When you are swinging a fly down and across, you should prepare for the hookset by leading you line with the rod tip, not following it. Lead it gently, as if your about to pull the fly, and keep your rod tip low. Your rod tip should be below horizontal.
When a fish grabs, there will be a moment when you may have to make a decision about timing. Steelhead anglers will generally let the fish turn and take a little line before they come tight. Works great on Steelhead, but not on Trout. I’m not going to describe every kind of take you can get from a Trout, but it will range from takes you literally cannot feel to explosive strikes that can burn your finger. On those lighter takes you may want to let the fish take a bit before the hookset.
So, now you’ve decided to set the hook on a fish. You’re pretty tight to the fish already because you’re leading that swing (if you’re following your swing with the tip you may not even feel the take). Your rod tip is low and you should have the line under your finger on the grip, and your stripping hand on the line.
In one smooth motion you should sweep your rod quickly to the bank (keeping the tip low), and perform a long strip strike. If it’s a small fish or a fish that comes at you continue stripping.. long aggressive strips.
You should be hooked up now. Time to keep that rod low and towards the bank. Begin the fight in that position you finished your hookset on. As the battle progresses you can change angles however you need.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Mark and Danielle are in Hawaii checking out the BBQ situation, so it’s up to me to bring you “Silly Sunday Scenery”. Or was it supposed to be “Silly Saturday Scenery”? And come to think of it, “Friday Foto” kind of rings a bell…
While I’m unsure which day is dedicated to landscape photography, I’m certain that I’m too lazy to go backwards through the blog posts to find the answer. So here is a beautiful shot from the top of Dearborn Rock. As you can see, the weather was fantastic yesterday, and more of the same is in the forecast. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Feels like there should be a few folks out on the Missouri River searching for trout this weekend. Really nice temperatures with winds forecast to be around 10-15 mph (not bad at all this time of year). I’m guessing there be a few guys camped at Craig in this nice weather, and a few beers knocked back at Joe’s and Shotgun Annie’s this weekend. The new Craig sewer system is done and the construction work is even over. Nice and quiet with a chance of very good fishing…
The Missouri is still on the shift after the bump in water flows last week. I can also feel a drop in water temperature. Not a sudden or drastic one, but as its now down into the 38° range, your feet can feel that its cold. Those two factors are pushing the fish into deeper water, but they haven’t moved all the way down into the winter tanks. They are still favoring a decent current, so I’d suggest looking at the heads and bailouts of long runs.
The black leech is still my best pattern. Sara and I spent a few hours floating from the Dam to Wolf Creek yesterday with Russell Schmidt from G. Loomis. Finding and catching fish was pretty easy on the two-hander, and the deeper tips outfitted the lighter ones. The Leech was money, but we also caught fish on some smaller buggers. As usual for this time of year, the Rainbows we caught were all big.
But this Leech isn’t the only fly producing. Medium sized flashy patterns are starting to work well (about a month later than normal). Whitney Gould and Mike McCune were out yesterday and reported some good action on the Shock & Awe, a slender baitfish pattern tied on a tube (available at the shop). Kreelex, Foxy Clouser, Thin Mint, Brown Skiddish Smolt and Zonkers are also consistent patterns right now.
Streamer fishing from the boat is also good right now, and if you’re headed to the canyon make sure and rig up a 6 or 7 weight with any of the above patterns. You’ll usually not find me throwing huge articulated streamers on the Missouri, but if I was going to right now might be the time and the Canyon the place.
No clue on the nymphing report, I haven’t heard much in recent weeks. I suspect its pretty good if you can pinpoint the right current depth and speed. The typical Mo’ winter nymphs should produce. Think pink.
Bottom line… the weather is unseasonably warm, the scenery and light are spectacular right now, and the fish – especially the Rainbow Trout -are in fantastic shape and you’ll catch some of the largest fish you’ll catch all year. Time to hit it. Good Luck…[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”29300″ align=”center”][vc_column_text]Sara Roholt casts into big water with the new IMX Pro 11′ 11″ 4 weight.
Top of page G. Loomis sales rep. Russell Schmidt with a nice Missouri River buck.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Big Game hunting is finished but Upland-bird season is still going strong for many Montana sportsman, and the mild weather we’ve been having has created some great conditions for wing-shooters. Our upland hunting expert Sara Roholt can be hard to find around Craig this time of year. If she’s not in the shop (only 4 days a week in the off season), she’s probably following her dogs Waylon and Sturgill through the wide open country of eastern Montana, along with her husboyfriend and Missouri River guide Kurt Michels.
In this part of Montana, hunters like Sara employ pointing dogs while pursuing Hungarian Partridge and Sharptail Grouse. “Sharpies” are our native birds around here. Cool critters that evolved on the cold and windy prairie. These two species hold best for pointers, but if a Cock Pheasant gets up, he dies too. While most hunting takes place on private property, Montana’s excellent Block Management hunting program allows hunters to access a massive amount of private property. Sara has this program dialed, but also secures access using her wit and charm on other farms and ranches.
If you’re interested in learning more about upland hunting in Montana, and specifically how to gain access to private property, we do not recommend talking to Sara. She won’t tell you a thing.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”29295″ align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Were heading into a few weeks that are typically quiet, but offer some great fishing. Thats OK. The Mo’ can use a break. We will still do 2 or 3 shuttles a day – more on weekends – and there are a few wading anglers around. Winter on the river is way behind schedule this year, so conditions are comfortable if you do want to go fishing. If you want to go skiing, conditions pretty much suck. According to the weatherman, were headed into 2 weeks of unusually dry and mild weather.
Speaking of winter arriving late, we had some pretty good BWO hatches Saturday and Sunday at our Trout Spey Clinics. Neither Mark or I can ever remember seeing BWO’s on the water in December. And they were the really big ones. If you can hit some clouds and diffused light, you should be able to find a few sippers. I’d be looking in the channels between the Dam and Jacksons Rock. A big Nymens or Last Chance Cripple should do the trick.
With the whole river open, the next few weeks should offer some great two-handed fishing. If you’re already set, the entire river is fishing. Even down to Cascade. If not, swing by the shop, grab a rod and give it a try. A handful of streamers and soft hackles is all you need. And were seeing a change in the fishes behavior this week. Moving out a little deeper and hunting some bigger flies. The Browns appear to be finished with the spawn.
If you’re a veteran don’t forget about our 2 PHW Adipose Drift boats, free to use by any veterans or active duty members of the armed forces. This is a great way to get out on the river with your brothers. Call the shop and reserve in advance.
Missouri River Fishing Report 12.5.17 A short and sweet hit today on the Headhunters Fly Shop Missouri River Fishing Report 12.5.17 Water Temps stable and should be for a while. No foreseeable drop in nighttime air temp for thru the middle of the month. Currently 39F. Not dropping too fast at all. 36F is the winter … Read more
Now, the rest of the month. Headhunters Fly Shop Christmas Party last night. A great time had by all. We ate well too. A taco bar with 20+ side items to make your taco great. Carnita’s and Beef Barbacoa. Yum. Corona’s too. We finished up with Headhunters Fly Shop first Free Trout Spey session Saturday … Read more
