Why Get Guided?

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Why Get Guided? We hear this question a lot in the shop. Mark has written about the subject here and here. If you’ve wondered the same question, I’d recommend that you read these links. The following is a short and timely example of why a person might want to consider a guided trip: A couple … Read more

Friday Midge Image

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Friday Midge Image Rain and wind for th weekend. If it calms down, at all, you may find more of these today. Not a great midge spring at all. But, it is not over yet. Maybe the BWO’s will save us?! I’m ready for bait of the dry fly to get me stoked about the … Read more

Please Leave Redds Alone!

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[vc_row 0=””][vc_column 0=””][us_image image=”26680″ align=”center”][vc_column_text 0=””] Please leave trout redds in the river alone! Rainbow trout are actively spawning in the river now and will continue to do so for the next couple months. The Missouri River is one of the best wild trout fisheries in the country. Wild trout are not stocked, they must spawn … Read more

April. Craig Montana.

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April. Craig Montana. All is well in downtown Craig Montana. Fishing? Some good days and some not as good. Catch rates is what I am speaking about. They are all good days…just some days you catch more fish. But thankfully we do not base our happiness quotient on catch rates. We base it on the … Read more

Missouri River Bugs – April

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Last week we collected our first sample of bugs from the Missouri River below the Untouchable’s Bridge. The bugs that we collected were about what you would expect for April. Sows and scuds composed the majority of the biomass, but midges and blue-winged olive nymphs were abundant too. Somewhat surprisingly, PMD nymphs were abundant and almost the … Read more

Be Deliberate – Nymphing Tips

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Be deliberate in your actions when you are fishing. Lately we have been doing a lot of nymphing and having a lot of success, especially below Craig. However, the success has not been distributed equally. The anglers who have a plan, and are fishing deliberately are the ones who are enjoying most of the success. Here … Read more

Hump Day and all is well

Hump Day and all is well

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Hump Day and all is well 4240cfs and a stones throw from 40F water temperature. More precipitation this week with moderate temperatures. A chance of snow showers in the forecast for the coming weekend and beyond. Don’t forget your foul weather gear wen heading out into the Montana springtime. Flows looking good and midges are … Read more

On The Brink

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I think the river is about to explode. The water color has changed a bit in the last couple of days, I’m finding fish in some unusually fast and shallow water, and yesterdays streamer bite was like in the olden days. I fished with former Simms Representative and World Angler Jon Yousko yesterday. We’ve been fishing together for well over 10 years, but it’s been a few years since he and I had really good streamer fishing. Yesterday was really good.

And that funky algae brown color thats been emanation form Holder Dam seemed to disappear yesterday. Not sure if it was the lake turning over or something more sinister. By yesterday afternoon on the drive home, the river had that inky blue-black color that I associate with spring fishing.

While we were wearing out our 50+ year old arms throwing streamers, Headhunters guide Ben Hardy was keeping his clients bent trowing nymph rigs. So all is right with the Missouri River. Now we just need a blanket BWO hatch and a cloudy day.

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Sunday Fishing Update

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Sunday Fishing Update Looks like a mix of sun snow and rain for the week ahead. Today? Some sun, 52F, and light winds from the SW. Yesterday? Pretty good out there. As far as the nymphing goes. The dry fly? I did not see any midges making an appearance in the canyon. They may have … Read more

Saturday Swing Scenery

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Out doing a little spey fishing with Missouri River first-timers Greg and Sam yesterday. The swung fly was not incredibly productive, but we did manage to score a few times. Thats Greg landing a nice Brown above. These guys are all about the two-hander, and pushed it into the wind all day on the lower river. Fishing reports are varied right now, with most guides calling it “good enough but not great”. Plenty of smaller rainbows especially in the Canyon and below. Some nice Brown Trout around with that springtime aqua sheen on the gill plate.

Enjoy the weekend wherever you’re playing. If you’re in Craig, Izaaks opened last night, and the ribs looked great as usual.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”26571″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Paper or Plastic?

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Paper or Plastic? Soon, you might be hearing this question at your local fly shop as well as the grocery store. AFFTA has announced that they are making recycled paper fly boxes available to fly shops as an alternative to the usual plastic fly cups. These new boxes are part of Costa’s #kickplastic campaign with … Read more

First Madison Rainbow Trout

Get Those Kids Out There!

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Spring has pretty much sprung around here. We still need the water to warm a little to kick off the BWO, March Brown and Mothers Days Caddis hatches, but it’s not far off. Spring offers some of the easiest fly fishing of the year on the Missouri. Nymph and streamer fishing can be spectacular, and the dry fly fishing is as good as it gets when conditions are right during pre-runoff. And we all like spectacular fishing.

You know who else likes spectacular fishing? Kids. You don’t have to give them that lecture about “patience” when their rod is doubled over all day. They won’t get “fidgety” when fighting a fish. They learn quicker. They focus a little harder. And they want to go again.

The Missouri River in April and May offers some of the best kids fly fishing I’ve ever seen, though a drift boat or raft is required. You can rig up a simple indicator rig with 1 fly, no split shot and a bobber, and you’re virtually guaranteed some fish. Young anglers don’t have to worry about long casts, as fish can be caught right off the tip of the oars. Heavy tippet can be used which saves on break-offs that are so common later in the season. The slow moving currents favor younger eyes and the sometime slower reflexes that children have. The boat also removes the dreaded backcast obstacles the can frustrate new casters young and old.

No Boat?

Not everyone owns a boat, but if you live in Montana you probably know someone who does. If you live in Bozeman you can probably walk out your front door and see 4 or 5. Borrow one, or see if a neighbor or friend will take you and a child out for a day. And if you have a boat, go find a neighbor kid who wants to go. Not much is more satisfying than mentoring young anglers.

If you’re a Military Veteran, you can reserve one of our 2 Project Healing Waters boats for free. The only thing we like to see more than our nations Veterans out on the water, is Veterans out there with their families.

Rent a boat. All of the fly shops in Craig offer boat rentals for around $150 per day (which includes your shuttle). While not inexpensive, it’s an easy way to get out on the Missouri. We even launch it and pick it up for you. And remember this; you could rent that boat 10 times in a year and you still wouldn’t have paid for the trailer on a new Adipose or Clackacraft drift boat, so it really does make economic sense. And your child will never forget it.

When August Trico fishing rolls around, you should probably leave the kids at home, unless you want to teach them a lesson in frustration and humility. But during the spring months conditions are ripe for young anglers. Go get them hooked.

Tips for Fly Fishing with Kids:

Use 1 nymph, a bobber and no weight. This reduces nearly all tangles for anglers of all ages! I like to pick a larger, weighted, bright nymph (San Juan Worm, Bubble Yum, etc.) that gets hit harder than more subtle patterns. Young kids often have trouble seeing a take in the indicator. The harder a fish grabs your fly, the easier it is to see.

PINCH THAT BARB! Nothing will ruin the day quicker than a barbed hook stuck in a kids face. And if you don’t know the “mono” hook removal trick, Google it or ask a local fly shop to show you.

Use heavy tippet. Kids are going to “horse” fish, and use what guides call the “death grip” on the line. Some fish will pull off, but it’s better than breaking them off. And no child wants to hear your lecture about necessary tippet diameters. I usually use 3X.

Let them net a few. Kids absolutely LOVE to net fish. If you have two children in the boat, let the one in the front net fish for the one in the back. Teamwork baby! (Often, a child will decide he likes netting the fish more than catching them. If this happens stop fishing immediately! That child runs the risk of becoming a fly fishing guide.)

Don’t teach too much. Teach them how to cast just far enough to catch a fish (just past the oar blades). Let them use two hands and go too far back (which creates open loops and fewer tangles). Don’t teach them how to false cast, reach cast, throw negative and positive curve casts, steeple casts, or anything else you learned on YouTube. You are going to have to teach them to mend and set the hook properly and quickly. Focus on that, as thats what catches fish.

Have Fun. You’ve heard it before but it bears repeating. Have fun!

 

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New Scientific Anglers Spey Lite Lines

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A couple of months ago, Scientific Anglers sent me a few prototypes of some new “Trout Spey” lines they were working on. I’ve been fishing them regularly and have been really impressed. They cast extremely well, and feel right (not too heavy, not too long) on a variety of 3 and 4 weights I’ve tried them on. Last night, I returned home after swinging the Missouri with said lines (last fish on the prototypes above), and there on the counter was a package from SA with the final product.

Called the SPEY LITE, they are available in Skagit heads and integrated lines, and a Scandi Integrated line. They are offered in grain weights 150-360. The colors are nice but understated. The Skagit in a Horizon Blue, and the Scandi in a standard Willow Green. I would like to see the Scandi in a shooting head, but after fishing the integrated version for a while now, I may be coming around. The reason I like the head system is mostly for convenience. With an integrated line I have to have a reel dedicated to that line. Also to come later are matching shooting lines. If the shooting lines on the integrated lines I’ve tried are any indication, these should be very popular among the trout crowd.

One of the most innovative features is the textured transition zone. SA has added a transition zone into the integrated lines that is both colored – so you can see it – and textured – so you can hear/feel it. I immediately found this to be super helpful while stripping in to make a cast. No more staring into the sun to see if was at or near the right spot. This feature alone sets this line apart. I expect this feature to be on the shooting lines when they come out. For now, you have to get an integrated line to see what it is like.

Casting wise, these lines performed how I like a line to perform. They cast and fish light, but with power. They are not clunky rectangles like some Skagit heads, but they’re no whimpy either. They also seem to fish with less drag on the swing than some lines, which is very nice when fishing smaller flies and slower currents. The soft-hackle crowd is going to love these on a #2 or #3. The Scandi lines have a built in intermediate tip, which is nice for casting turnover, fishing small unweighted flies, and maintaining your anchor in the wind.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_image image=”26548″ align=”center”][vc_column_text]

SPEY LITE SKAGIT HEAD

150 GRAIN 11’ / 3,4m 11’ / 3,4m 150gr / 9,8g
180 GRAIN 11’ / 3,4m 11’ / 3,4m 180gr / 11,7g
210 GRAIN 12’ / 3,7m 12’ / 3,7m 210gr / 13,6g
240 GRAIN 13’ / 4,0m 13’ / 4,0m 240gr / 15,6g
270 GRAIN 14’ / 4,3m 14’ / 4,3m 270gr / 17,5g
300 GRAIN 15.5’ / 4,7m 15.5’ / 4,7m 300gr / 19,4g
330 GRAIN 17’ / 5,2m 17’ / 5,2m 330gr / 21,4g
360 GRAIN 18’ / 5,5m 18’ / 5,5m 360gr / 23,3g

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SPEY LITE INTEGRATED SCANDI

150 GRAIN 20’ / 6,1m 100’ / 30,5m 150gr / 9,8g
180 GRAIN 20’ / 6,1m 100’ / 30,5m 180gr / 11,7g
210 GRAIN 21’ / 6,4m 100’ / 30,5m 210gr / 13,6g
240 GRAIN 22’ / 6,7m 100’ / 30,5m 240gr / 15,6g
270 GRAIN 23’ / 7,0m 100’ / 30,5m 270gr / 17,5g
300 GRAIN 24’ / 7,3m 100’ / 30,5m 300gr / 19,4g
330 GRAIN 25’ / 7,6m 100’ / 30,5m 330gr / 21,4g
360 GRAIN 25’ / 7,6m 100’ / 30,5m 360gr / 23,3g

[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]I should add that I have been using the Third Coast Textured Spey Tips from Scientific Anglers, and really like them. The light sinking versions are all a 4×4 combo of two densities (I/S2, S2/S4, etc.). I tried them to see how well they cast on SA’s own lines, and they do it very well. I should add that I don’t really like the floater. It’s too bulky and is half white, half optic green. A little bright for trout fishing. But if I’m using a floater I can use a ploy-leader or the Scandi.

Speaking of Poly Leaders, there were also some new Sonar Leaders in the package. Scientific Angler’s version of the popular “poly-leader”, these appear to be much higher quality than others I’ve used. Way stiffer, and the coating flows right into the level 1 foot tip. I’ll need to get out and fish them.

The new Lines – retail and demo – and leaders are on order and should be arriving shortly at Headhunters. I know many of you have been jonesing for a Scandi line for your Trout Spey. Here it is. And I think those looking for a true-to-weight Skagit head that casts tight will love this new head.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Casting Range

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TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!

For many anglers springtime means “gear time”. Lots of things on the to-do list. Cleaning lines, tying flies, cleaning out that mess you call a boat bag, and for many it means some new equipment. In March rods are probably the most talked about new item around the shop. Everyone wants one but are you actually going to pull the trigger?

One of the best ways to help talk yourself into it is to cast it. We encourage all prospective buyers to try before they buy, whether out on the water as a demo, or on our 100′ casting range on the side of the shop. On water gives you a chance to fish a rod, and on the grass gives you the opportunity to try several rods and – more importantly – several rod/line combinations quickly.

The casting range has been a busy place lately as customers search for both a new favorite rod and line. Above are a couple of our customers trying out some Sweetgrass bamboo rods with a couple different lines. They were even trying a #4 on a 5 weight rod to speed up the action. Only bamboo aficionados think that way. But it usually works.

Because fishing is usually a mid-day affair this time of year, it gives you a couple hours before or after fishing to try out some new gear. We’ve had customers out on the range trying out the new G Loomis Asquith, the Sage X and Pulse, the Orvis Covert (I think they’re just looking at the super-cool blackout paint job in the sun) and the wonderful Epic Fibergalss rods. And we always encourage you to take at least 2 or 3 different lines out with you.

Yes, we have tons of demo lines as well. Including all the troutspey heads you would ever consider. But you really need to walk over to the bridge and try them out on moving water with the two-hander. Grass Casting won’t tell you much with your spey rod.

PRIVATE LESSONS

And we have been doing a few of our private lessons recently as well. If you would like some one-on-one instruction, sign up at the shop. If you need help with your spey cast, you’ll be forced to spend a couple hours with yours truly. If you want some single handed instruction, Mark will be your instructor. So far the feedback has been great. You really can learn a thing or two in a customized one-on-one situation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Sunday Scenery

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A packed house yesterday as the weather topped 70° in downtown Craiglandia for the first time this year. Seems early to me, but most folks don’t mind shorts-and-flip-flop weather in mid-March. The parking lots were full and the Headhunters Crew spent most of the day shuttling rigs between the Dam and Prewitt Creek. A giant herd of sheep headed up to the dam and the more adventurous souls headed into the Cañon.

Fishing reports were OK at best, and pretty rough at worst. Down was better than up. Not sure if it’s the how the what or the where? Wading anglers seemed to do much better as well.

I don’t expect it to be as crowded Sunday, and things will hopefully be a bit cooler and cloudier. And not so windy. But I wouldn’t bet on the latter.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Weekend Advice

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There’s going to be some folks out on the water this weekend. With temps near 70’s, and minor flooding shutting down a few streams around the state, we expect to see plenty of folks on the Missouri. We’ve had plenty roll through the shop this week. Fishing reports are all over the place, but yesterday we heard more bad ones than good. Here’s a couple pieces of advice that we hope brings you some success this weekend.

Let’s Get Small

Downsize those flies! Most Missouri River anglers throw a big “bomb” fly on the lead of their nymph rig during the spring. Usually it works. But not always. If you’re rolling through known spots and not getting any response, consider going to two small flies. Both small mayflies and midge patterns will work, and we wouldn’t hesitate to try a #18 sow bug. It may not be as fun as that big BH Pink/Gray scud, but you’ll actually be eating the primary food source for trout in March. Midges.

You will need to add some shot to your leader to achieve the right depth instead of relying on a heavy tungsten bead lead fly. I commonly switch to a weighted nymph rig with two contrasting midge beadheads (1 black, 1 cream or red) in the winter/spring, especially if; a) I’ve found a few fish in a spot and want to catch more, or b) am in water I know should produce but isn’t, or c) it’s cloudy and the midges are hatching. And I can’t stress this enough: If you are in a good spot that you know holds fish this time of year… do not leave until you hook at least a few!

Get Out of the Boat

Sometimes it pays to slow down. Even on a slow moving river like the Missouri, you are covering water much quicker from a boat than you would while wading. If you’ve hit a few of your favorite boat spots and still have a Zero on the scoreboard, stop the boat at the next one and spend a few minutes wade fishing. Mark and I did this the other day in a handful of spots and were rewarded in each of them (photo above). Sometime those fish need to see that fly a few times before they eat it. And i’m always amazed at how they will eat that big “bomb” fly if they see it go past their nose a dozen times.

Most of us have spend $250-700 on a good pair of waders. Use them.

Have Fun

We hope everyone enjoys the warm weather this weekend. We will be open and ready at 8am, and likely at the shop until dark Saturday evening. Swing on in and get the lowdown. The middle river is fishing well, so don’t feel the need to head to Holter. Humans are not heard animals. Izaaks won’t be open for another week, but you can grab a Tombstone at Joe’s, meander up to the Oasis in Wolf Creek, head down to Cascade, or throw the Hibachi in the ring and cook some food at the campground. If you plan on camping Saturday night, I’d probably grab a spot before you fish. I bet the Craig FAS is full tomorrow evening.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Missouri River Weekend Fishing Report

Missouri River Weekend Fishing Report

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Missouri River Weekend Fishing Report Looks like, fishes like, we are heading into that first big spring fishing transition. Many Headhunters out this week with both the staff and guided trips fishing a number of days. Consensus? Change is happening right now. Like we talked about a few days ago with the advent of the … Read more

Ready your fly line situation today!

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Ready your fly line situation today! Getting your gear ready in the spring is always a fun pursuit. I love getting out the fly rods and pouring over them on the kitchen table checking and looking and preening and loving and dreaming. Digging through the remainder of your gear is important too. The hardest way … Read more

Mussel Update

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Proposed Rule Changes Last night, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks hosted a public hearing on new rules aimed at controlling the spread of invasive mussels. The new regulations include the following: All out of state watercraft would need to be inspected by FWP prior to launch in any Montana waterbody. All watercraft leaving Canyon Ferry … Read more

Communication Breakdown?

Communication Breakdown?

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Communication Breakdown?

A rock and roll tune from the first Zeppelin album. Also a problem in the drift boat between the angler and the rower. Not always a smooth path to understanding.

Abbott ad Costello have a communication problem above. One of the best comedy bits of all time. Gotta watch it. Do it. 6 minutes of comedy bliss. Perfection.

How to improve your communication methods? Keep on keeping’ on, I guess.

Be calm. One of the methods I employ. And repeated mono-tone instructions.

I wait until later for the exasperation grunts and gestures.

The longer you fish with your fishing partner, your wife, guest and guide, kids…it does get better.

Both sides have to try and above all not get upset. That does not help anybody.

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'boo This Classic from Scumliner Media

‘boo This Classic from Scumliner Media

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‘boo This Classic from Scumliner Media

A spring day here in central Montana.

Snow on the ground and 20F. Headed toward 40F today. Warmer this week with some scattered snow showers, rain, sun, and most likely some wind.

A transition week really. Will se see more winter lie conditions or will this week usher us into a springlike mode? Who knows. Again, tat Mother Nature creature is a tricky one.

This video by Scumliner Media titled ‘boo was shot a couple years ago. A good one to watch as you too figure out your spring. Should I fish, should I get out on the ski hill a couple more times? What should I do? Tie summer PMD patterns? Go for a drive along side your local stream?

Whatever you decide enjoy it today. Tomorrow is Monday.

We do have a couple Sweetgrass Rods in the shop that you may like. Come by and see if bamboo is in your future. Thanks to the Sweetgrass boys for keeping tradition alive and well in Twin Bridges Montana.

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Bruce Springsteen or John Dobson? You Choose.

Bruce Springsteen or John Dobson? You Choose.

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Bruce Springsteen or John Dobson? You Choose.

Modabi

Only funny if you know John Dobson.

A product rep that we fondly call the “Wolverine.”

Most call him Modabi. Whatever you call him, I bet Dobson could pull off a cameo with U2. Honest.

I do like this vid of Bruce singing with U2 in Times Square a couple years ago.

The Boss sings it loud. And hard.

“Where the streets have no name.” Reminds me of Craig Montana.

TGIF.

It’s a cold and snowy one here in central Montana.

 

 

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Casting Lessons

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Over the years, we have provided casting lessons to all kinds of people in all kinds of scenarios. But they have always been by request, including our popular spey casting clinics over the winter months. Recently we have seen an increase in requests for both single and two-handed casting lessons and trouble-shooting sessions (you could argue that most casting ‘lessons’ are really trouble-shooting sessions).

So, we are formally formalizing our in-house casting lessons. I will be heading up all two-handed casting lessons, and Mark will be heading up all single handed casting lessons, although some of our guides and staff may be involved as well depending on the situation. Here’s the details.

CASTING LESSONS:

  • Availability: Must be scheduled in advance
  • Cost: $100 for up to 2 anglers
  • Length: 2-3 Hours
  • Additional anglers or hours: $100 (ex. 3-4 anglers add $100 or 5-6 hours add $100)

Licensed required: We are requiring a valid Montana fishing license as some of all of these lessons will be conducted “on-water”.

Right now is a great time for a lesson, and we’ve had a few folks in for some instruction already. It’s warm enough to be comfortable, and you shouldn’t be doing this two months form now. You should be catching, not casting then. So, give the shop a call if you are interested in learning how to cast a fly rod, or need some help fine-tuning that backcast. 1-877-379-3597[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Downtown Craig

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Downtown Craig Somesnow in the ground. Snow for the next week. We like snow here in downtown Craig Montana. Makes for a better summer. Craig is warming up for the season ahead. More and more daily activity. Guide trips out of the shop  more frequently this week. Next week a few more. It’s certainly nearing. … Read more

Friday Conservation Flicks

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Methow Headwaters

The Methow is not an incredibly great fishery, but it lies in an incredible valley in Washington’s North Cascades. If you’re a Washington Resident, it  represents some of the best fly fishing for trout the state has to offer. Learn about the community resisting proposed mining threats on the headwaters. #underattack

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A River’s Last Chance

California’s might Eel River faces multiple threats, as most California water sources do. But the Eel still could be one of the healthier watersheds and fisheries in the State. Filmed by Shane Anderson.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Missouri River Fishing Report March 2nd

Missouri River Fishing Report March 2nd

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Missouri River Fishing Report March 2nd Spring is on the doorstep. Another couple weeks and we will reach the 1st day of spring. It’s coming. Although the Groundhog thing said we would face another 6 weeks of winter last month. And we are seeing here in central Montana. Snow on the ground and more … Read more

Headhunters Advanced Fly Fishing School

Headhunters Fly Shop Advanced Fly Fishing School

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Headhunters Fly Shop Advanced Fly Fishing School Want to get better at fishing the Missouri River? Want to improve your dry fly cast? Presentation? Fish finding skills? Well we do too! And this fall we once again offer Headhunters Fly Shop Advanced Fly Fishing School. We offer two sessions this October with the first being … Read more

Annual Spring Special

Headhunters announces Annual Spring Special Guide Trips and Lodging

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Headhunters announces Annual Spring Special Guide Trips and Lodging Deals February is nearly over and we turn our attention to our upcoming Annual Spring Special. This hyper-popular pricing schedule has many of our anglers all fired up! Along with discounted lodging on the banks of the Missouri River why not couple both deals together for … Read more

Missouri River Summer Foreshadowing

Missouri River Summer Foreshadowing

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Missouri River Summer Foreshadowing Snowing this morning in Craig. Bring it. We want more. While we trudge through the new snow amount we are continually dreaming of the summer scene above. Rising trout. Headhunting. Flip-Flops. See you this summer. Do that snow dance we talked about earlier this week. Somebody must have danced like … Read more

Clean. Drain. Dry.

Clean. Drain. Dry.

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Clean. Drain. Dry.

Do this. Commit.

Clean. Drain. Dry.

Make it part of your daily routine.

But only if you like fishing Montana waters.

Honest. Do this. Do not spread Aquatic Nuisance Species to non-contaminated waters.

Clean. Drain. Dry.

Wash your boat @ Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig. You are always welcome to scrub away the ANS creatures hitchhiking on your drifter, raft, kayak, or PFD! Stop by anytime and use our cleaning station!

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New Boat Smell Wilson Edition

New Boat Smell Wilson Edition

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] New Boat Smell Wilson Edition Shane Wilson of Headhunters Fly Shop just got his Adipose Boatworks Flow. He is stoked! He traded in his last boat and got this beauty. Why do most Headhunters guides float this boat on the Missouri River? Ease of use. Stability. Customer satisfaction. We love this boat. And we … Read more

Thursday Snow on the Mighty Mo!

Thursday Snow on the Mighty Mo!

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Thursday Snow on the Mighty Mo!

Snowing in Craig Wednesday. More today? The weather guesser said it would.

Cooler this weekend than last. Highs in the lower 30’s.

Overcast.

This previous weekend gave us a taste of spring. But, thankfully it is a month or two away. Let’s stack up some of the white stuff in the hills, the mountains, the Rockies. For summer. Summer water is important.

So do your freaky snow dance in the office today. Invite a couple of your work posse over and do the funky jive.

Pattern it after this marvelous dancer below…

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KAST Steelhead Glove New and Improved!

KAST Steelhead Glove New and Improved!

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KAST Steelhead Glove New and Improved!

How could our #1 selling fishing glove be improved? We did not design it, we just love it. And, the crew at KAST has improved the now legendary Steelhead Glove.

The only fishable fishing glove used by anglers arose this great land has been improved on many levels.

Traditional waterproof gloves use a membrane that is nothing more than a giant bag, inserted between glove layers. Moisture is trapped inside the glove, creating a cold damp feeling. Your hands are dry, but they are still cold because you literally have a moisture barrier that inhibits breathability, and acts as a cooling layer inside the glove.

KAST Steelhead Gloves are designed to keep your hands bone-dry, give you maximum dexterity, and provide a layer of warmth when fishing in cold environments. Patented OutDry technology makes our gloves 100% waterproof/submersible, windproof, and breathable. Plus the warm fleece lining, and durable stretch shell give you the snug fit and uncompromising feel that you need in the fingertips, and an extended cuff for valuable additional coverage at the wrist. Go ahead, chase chrome in a snow squall, or tail a trophy king in frigid water, you can trust your hands will stay warm and dry.

Easy on and easy off make this glove more usable than many of the options on the market. While we consider the classic wooly fingerless glove the ultimate in fishing gloves, we cannot live without this glove for most/the rest of our day. Rowing, putting the boat in and out, releasing fish, swinging, nymphing, and all around winter hilarity.

This is a glove that the entire staff @ HH cannot live without. Created for 4 season swingers the KAST Steelhead glove tackles our cold and damp winter weather with ease. This updated model raises the bar on fishing gloves that most competitors will never achieve.

Come in and try these babies on. You will not be disappointed. Enjoy winter fishing here on the Missouri River and beyond. Order yourself a set today. They make perfect gifts for those anglers in your family that have everything.

 

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Fly Tying Night in America Wednesday Night in Craig 5-8pm

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Fly Tying Night in America Wednesday Night in Craig 5-8pm

See you in town tonight for the Wednesday Night version of Fly Tying Night in America. 5-8pm. A small group of tiers chewing the fat, and tying a few flies.

Who knows what will come from the vise…only you can create something special!

Little Green Machine Tying Video

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Missouri River Winter Nymph Fishing Success: Shane’s Top 3 Tips

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Missouri River Winter Nymph Fishing Success Shane again with today’s Headhunter’s blog post. We’re starting to see some more consistent warmish weather roll in, and it’s definitely bringing people to the river. I was able to get out last week and do some fishing with my wife, Kelli, and we had some good nymph fishing … Read more

Case of the Mondays

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Welcome back to the cubicle! Monday morning and we’re all recovering from a busy weekend. The sun came out, and so did all of the Montana anglers who’ve been secluded under a blanket of snow for the last few months. By winter standards, the river was packed. Fishing reports were varied, and frankly we heard a lot of tough fishing stories. Regardless of success, everyone seemed to be enjoying the fresh air and time on the water. Probably the first days of the year for many folks.

Nymphing reports were good if you know where and what to throw. We’re always preaching it this time of year, but “slow-water” was the word. Like not moving. And pay attention. The usual stuff produced, and a boat is really necessary for much of the river. The canyon had some good reports from those who didn’t spend the day in fast water.

Streamer fishing reports I heard were not great, but I think everyone I talked to caught at least some fish. Some two-handed anglers did very well. There were a few stories of fish in fast and shallow water, which I myself experienced on Friday with some explosive hits on a floating line way above “the bucket”. Might be some Rainbows beginning to move into shallow water for reproductive duties.

I spent Sunday fishing with Todd Tanner from Conservation Hawks, the Bigfork, MT based conservation organization whose mission is centered around the effects of climate change and future impacts to sportsmen. We decided to hunt heads while talking conservation, so I don’t have much of a report to give. The stars never aligned (wind, sun, clouds, bugs), but we did see an excellent midge hatch mid-day. All too brief, however. We also swung a fish or two.

Go check out the Conservation Hawks website and get involved. You may also be familiar with films produced by Conservation Hawks, as they’re typically included in the F3T lineup. While you recover from the weekend, hide from your boss and enjoy the most recent flicks from Conservation Hawks.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/197360846″ video_title=”1″][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/150681923″ video_title=”1″][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/124560152″ video_title=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Think Pink. Again.

Think Pink. Again.

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Think Pink. Again. Winter is still here. Warmer this past week but the snow and winter like conditions are on our doorstep. Again. So what do we do? Think Pink. Again. Above are common pink patterns that produce well during the winter months here on the Mighty Mo. Do others work as well? Of course. … Read more

HFS Weather & River Conditions

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]In our constant effort to make our website more mobile friendly, we’ve just installed a new custom element to the home page of our website that we think you all will appreciate. The widget shows up to date reporting for the weather and water conditions people call and ask us about the most. It’s right here, to your left in real time. Temperature, wind speed, Streamflow below Holter Dam, streamflow graph and water temperature. You also get an idea of cloud cover and precipitation via weather icons. Custom made, just for you…

The slickest use of it may be on your mobile device (approx. 50% of our traffic comes to us from mobile devices). If you visit Headhunters on your phone, the new Weather and Water element is the first thing you will see. Weather (wind speed!) on top followed by the river report, including a graph to show you which way the flows are trending. If you click on the graph (blue line) it will take you to the USGS site for the Missouri River below Holter dam for all the details. Right below the river report is a button linking to our Fishing Report category from our blog, a most popular destination for online visitors. Below that you can click the Weather Underground icon and go right to the Wolf Creek weather station for a full and detailed weather forecast. Boom!

So right from the top you can use your phone to access everything you probably want to know about current fishing conditions on the Missouri River, and make that critical decision whether or not to hit the river. Handy if you’re in your cubicle inn Helena, a casino in Great Falls, or catching a connecting flight in Denver. Perfect for that trout bum mobile lifestyle.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-7″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Weekend Update Fishing Report

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The ice is gone on the upper river, most of the ramps are clear and the first thunderstorms of 2017 rolled through unannounced last night. We’ve just experienced two consecutive days with temperatures around 60 degrees and the forecast for the next week looks pretty darn good. There will probably be some wind along with the moderate air temps, but there’s often a little wind around these parts. I’ll take a day of fishing in just a puffball with a breeze any day in February.

I’ve had a chance to spend a little time on the water this week, and have been in the shop listening to incoming reports form a wide variety of single and two-handed anglers. Reports have been either “very good” or “blanked” for the most part. I blame the division among anglers on our new administration…

Or, it could be that the water is super cold (and feels it), and the fish are both tanked up and lethargic.

My findings this week? The cold water definitely has the fish tanked up in slow water, and even when you find them you really have to pay attention to detect a take. With water temperatures right around 35° (my feet say 25°), you’ll get more of a “grab” or a “stop” than a “hit”. You almost need to anticipate that tightness in your line or full stop in your indicator.

Like many of the anglers I’ve seen and talked to this week, I’ve been swinging the two hander exclusively. My best setup has been a Skagit rig (OPST Commando) rigged with a 5×5 MOW T8 tip. After that, 4 1/2 feet of 2X. As for flies, I’ve had success on both black and olive leech patterns like the Pig-Pen Leech. All of the patterns I’ve used were unweighted or weighted lightly. I’ve also heard some angler talk of Foxy Clousers and other minnow patterns producing. While I’m usually a big fan of the minnow pattern, when it’s really cold I like to imitate a slower moving food source like a leech, and fish it that way. I’m using a very slight twitch (not strip) while swinging the fly through a variety of depths, but always very slow water. I would describe it as the slowest water you can get a full swing in. I probably should be using a heavier tip like the OPST Riffle in some glides, especially with the unweighted flies I’ve been using. But I’ve been catching plenty of fish, and missing at least as many as I’m hooking.

The anglers I’ve talked to who are having a very tough time finding fish all think they have the wrong fly on. Doubtful. All are likely spending too much time in the wrong water. Look for that slow, soft-bottomed gradual drop-off into a deep pool, and you should find fish. If you have to make a cast into it to see if there is any current, then you’re in the right spot. Forget about that favorite July spot, seek that winter water.  That deep holding water is a necessity in the winter, You need to be at least near some big tank.

To put it in perspective, if I were floating Wolf Creek to Craig on a nymphing guide trip tomorrow, I would concentrate all of my effort in 6 spots (doing some visual floating in my head right now). I wouldn’t even bother casting from a moving boat in between those spots. I would argue that 90% of the fish between the bridges are in those 6 spots right now. With one exception: I often find big solo Brown Trout hanging by themselves in faster, shallower water this time of year. But it’s a lot of searching to find them.

But not everyone is swinging a two hander, right? Of course not, but the fish don’t move when you change rods. You will still want to concentrate your efforts in those same spots described above. The usual winter pink and gray scuds and lightning bugs will work, along with some Zebra midges.. Start around 5 feet to a B shot and adjust from there. The most important part is to keep your indicator ahead of your nymphs. Yes, a little drag is OK in slow winter water, and keeping your mends to a minimum can be all the difference when it comes to detection a nibble with your bobber.

And speaking of midges, there are a few out, and there are a few heads up. Mostly I’ve seen the random, rolling, one-and-done fish on top, but I have seen a few fishing feeding somewhat consistently in glassy pockets near the banks. Not so many I’d head out expecting it, but enough that I’d make sure to have few midge dries, some desiccant and some floatant on me. The weather will have to be right for a really good midge session until later in the winter. But it is a possibility.

We’re doing shuttles and we’re open every day. We get plenty of calls from guys and gals “just checking” to make sure we’re open. Don’t worry, we are, 7 days a week. If you need us to hang around a little past 5 for anything just let us know.

All boat ramps look doable with the exception of Pelican Point. I didn’t check it last night, but the evening before it looks more like a glacier than the big old dirty snowdrift that it was. Still a ways to go on the north slope.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][us_image image=”26129″ align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Freddy Fly Step By Step

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Freddy Fly Step By Step Before the Chubby Chernobyl, John Foust’s Freddy Fly (or Fat Freddy) was a staple pattern throughout the West. Foust invented the fly for the waters around Missoula, but it has caught fish all over the world. The Freddy differs from a lot of modern foam patterns in its incorporation of a … Read more

Adipose Boatworks and Headhunters Vets Support

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Adipose Boatworks and Headhunters Vets Support Adipose Boatworks has been a supporter of veterans from the start. Since the inception of the business Mike Ward and Tracy Allen along with now frontman and manager Justin Waayenberg have been beleviers in helping American Veterans. And active duty soldiers as well! We too here at Headhunters believe … Read more

Mark Raisler Trout Spey Set-Up

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Mark Raisler Trout Spey Set-Up The break in the weather this week has got us out there fishing on the Missouri River again. Hooray! Happy Valentine’s Day too. We know you set your sweetheart up with something nice. Now, don’t forget about yourself. You deserve some love too! Facilitate your needs too. We have … Read more

Don’t Forget the Blackfoot

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you’re headed out this way in 2017, don’t forget to put the Blackfoot River on your list. Several of our guides – including Mark and myself – really enjoy spending time on this river. It’s the polar opposite of the Missouri, and the incredible scenery, excellent and varied freestone hatches, and diverse species attract us and a handful of our customer each year. Most folks come for the Missouri, and we get that, But we also get why some of them include at least 1 Blackfoot day in the itinerary.

We love the pre-runoff period in late April and early May, especially for tossing streamers. It’s relatively quiet at that time, and while dry fly fishing can be limited to afternoons, it’s very good. The river is typically on the low side and probably has a touch of color.

Late summer – late August and September – is another of our favorite times. Again, the river can see minimal pressure at that time, and the fishing can be  excellent until things cool off late in September. A variety of dry and dry-dropper rigs are usually the methods of choice.

This is also an excellent river to book a guided two-handed trip if you want to learn about the Troutspey game, or get some hands on casting instruction while catching some wild Cutthroat Trout. Both times work well for swinging the fly.

Call the shop if you have any detailed questions about the Blackfoot River and guided as well as DIY opportunities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Fishing Report – Get Out There!

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] This Past Week It’s hard to believe that the Super Bowl was only one week ago. A lot has changed on the river in the past week. We received significant snow fall during the middle of last week that added to the already substantial amount of snow laying around Craig. If you had been in Craig … Read more