[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]It’s July, and that means hot fishing, hot weather and sometimes some hot tempers. You people are too wound up. It’s just fly fishing!
Take ‘er easy this morning and check out some uber-mellow Scandinavian fly fishing. Calming tunes, Sea-trout, Howler Bros., and Hipsters who know how to dress without looking like fools. I wish I could pull off that look.
The Scandi crowd has this type of artsy-shallow-depth-of-field fly fishing film-making down to a science. Bravo.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/126007330″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
I’ll try to stay on track with this fishing report as the last post was awesome. A weight lifted form my shoulders. Thanks. Love it.
Warm weather will greet you and some smoke in the airways. Highs in the lower 80’s and even dipping below at times.
Bugs all over the river or not. Depends on the day for the Trico’s, PMD’s and Caddis. Choose your reach and cross your fingers. The best is on the upper. Or the lower. The mid section has not been all that productive for either the nymph or the dry.
So go where you want. It’s all good brah.
Lots of anglers around as we move into the peak of the peak season. Wade anglers, boats, and this weekend some pleasure floaters too. Fridays have been the start of the pleasure floater weekend too. They get on it. Go early if you want some tuber solace.
PMD’s the last week not as good as the previous week. They are not done by any stretch though. We should have them around for another…?
Trico’s daily on the upper. And the lower. Not so much int he middle.
Weeds worsen as you head downstream. Until the rapids, then they magically shake out.
Downwinged caddis are all the rage. PMD spinners still get it done. Cripples are not a bad idea either. Trico spinners and the double winged versions are good. Trico duns can get it done and the CDC emerger is cool too.
Head out nymphing with weight flies, THead PT’s, worms, FB’s, Silvey’s Pupa’s, tiny beaded slender bodied nymphs, Zeeeb’s, Trigger nymphs, Frenchie’s, Micro-Mays, Tailwater Tiny’s, and a bunch of other techy tiny mayflies of your choice.
Average for the month.
Should be a pretty sound weekend with a ton of folks here. Most of the July anglers make their annual pilgrimage to the Missouri River. Some m,ay even pop over the hill to the Blackfoot. You should. It is pretty nice over on the west side. Ask us for a trip over if you wish or integrate it into your annual July trip.
Night fishing can be good, and cann be bad. You have to go to know. Late shuttles and helping out the afternoon angler is one of our specialties. Ask our very fishy staff about their recent travles. they are out and fishing every moment they are not on the river, or at Joe’s…
Shop open damn early and open quite late. Have a rack of ribs at Izaak’s and a night cap over at Joe’s Bar. You deserve it.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]We kind of consider Henry’s Fork anglers to be our brothers. Or maybe cousins. They actually enjoy using 6X. We see a ton of them up here in the weeks after the RR Ranch opener, and we’re all looking for the same things. Big fish eating little dries. And we want them tough.
Here’s a great Henry’s Fork edit from renaissance man Marc Crapo. The best part about “the Beard” is that I’m not sure how to even link to him. He’s everywhere. And nowhere. Just google him.
Here’s his latest film showing the diversity of the upper Snake River watershed and Eastern Idaho. Crack a beer and enjoy.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=492&v=3CB0InObSys”][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]Here’s some more information from friends on the Henry’s Fork…
Your choice. I wrote a blog a few years back of the Top 10 Worst Fly Fishing Products and got a ton of flack about it. So if you are the squeemish type, stop reading now. You may exhibit these behaviors and be offended. So if you are that kind of light hearted happy go lucky type of feller…Click over to any feel good page of your choice NOW.
All honesty today on this portion of the Headhunters Blog. July wipes all of the candy coating off me. This is a tough river with tough fish and if you like to contend and want to get a ton 4 fish of fish to hand then you gotta be a player.
A disclaimer: For the squeemish…I’m not saying that it is not, meaning July, a time for everybody because it is. A wonderful time to be here. But if you are gonna go out there and be a cowboy, you better wear your chaps brother. And be able to swing that lasso around magically.
Top 5 Don’ts of July
These are directed to the dry fly anglers in the audience…not nymphers. Nymphers Unite!
Don’t drag the fly over the trouts head on the first cast. Don’t do it. The most common way to offend a fish, to let the trout know you are in the region, to piss off the fish, to insure that you may definitely not not catch that trout, to alert the enemy that you are about to attack, to not catch that fish you are casting at is to drag the freaking fly over his head on the first cast. That is how most anglers don’t catch rising fish. Period.
Don’t tell me you are gonna buy a new fly line after your month long dream trip to Montana. Hey this is the show man. Get the new fly before you come out. The fly line is the vehicle that carries the fly to the desired target. It is the MOST IMPORTANT part of the equation. Bar none. Cleaning fly lines a few times throughout the day is a good idea too. The fly line is the vehicle that delivers the fly to the desired target. Don’t sell your self short with at bad fly line. Don’t be that guy. Don’t do it. Beg, borrow, cheat or steal one and you will be so happy. You like new tires on your car? You like new socks? You like new and clean fly lines. It is the vehicle that delivers the fly to the desired target.
Don’t get mad when you miss fish. It happens. Batting .300 is a big deal when dry fly fishing. You don’t get them all. Don’t get mad.Get even.
Don’t be a dick. Plenty of fish for everyone. I have seen some really good respect and truly genuine good behaviors this last couple of weeks. Nice work fisher fellers. It looks good out there. Give wade fishers room. Give boaters room. No need to crowd. Plenty of dicks in other sports. Let’s keep this one relatively dick free.
Don’t throw the fly 12′-29′ above the trout and expect it to drift all the way to the trout. Nobody can drift it that far consistently. Of course some fish are caught when we drift it through the fish we are targeting, and then continue downstream for another 47 1/5’…but that is not all that efficient. Throw at the fish, drift 3′-4′ and repeat. Not a new idea. Not my idea. Just the right idea. Target a trout and cast at him. Not above him. Cast at the trout. Not above him. Don’t do the alternative.
Do have fun.
Do enjoy the dry fly bite.
Do drink to your boys after the day.
Do get out early.
Do practice casting at home before your trip of a lifetime and enjoy your trip even more. This is the show, Don’t practice here, in the boat, between fish. Do practice casting. You will catch more fish. Those who cast better catch more fish.
Do use liberal amounts of sunscreen.
Do come back y’all.
Don’t complain. Nobody like a complainer.
Do enjoy the entirety of the day.
99 of 100 casts are some sort of slack line deal. Straight lines need not apply.
Do keep the trout int he water and not drop them in the boat. We are all offenders on this deal. Keep em wet this summer. We have really tried to not post fish outta the water photos this yer. We are on board with the keep em wet deal.
Do pay it forward. All the good stuff man. Enjoy the Missouri River.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]No bugs yesterday. Some here and there, but not really any hatching action to speak of.
A short Trico hatch on the upper and a bit of the lower.
That is the honest poop.
Today? Who really knows. Warmer temps should bring the bugs back. Although he PMD’s did make a small appearance on Tuesday. Sunday in the cold and rain weather? Good Trico hatch in the morning. So before you begin to freak out, keep in mind that Mother Nature works in strange ways. Strange ways.
The weather for the week is forecast for sunnier skies and air temperatures on the more seasonal side. What should you do? Fish I say.
PMD’s on the entire river with the highest populations on the upper reaches. Duns still on the menu but some of those trout will give you fits while engaged in the catching/fooling game. Some reports of un-catchables showing up. You know the trout. The Un-catchable Trouts are out and about. Give them a shot. Good luck. And congrats in advance if you can it done. If not, no worries man. We all get beat buy at least a few of the good ones.
Some nice trout in the river this summer. Is it a huge fish summer? No, not really. But nonetheless some really nice fish. Still looking healthy.
Caddis are still the patterns that most are touching the rising trout with. Caddis. For years most called this a caddis river. Not necessarily a mayfly joint. And there there were some that always came for the Trico’s.
The Trico’s are into the 2nd week. You should see a pattern of morning hatches with predicatbel spinner falls late morning. Get out early and enjoy the fun.
Love the symphony of sipping trout.
The nymphing fellers are singing a bit of the blues. Difficult bite at times and the weeds can foul up the hard sexy bank. What to do? Cast off that weed and get back in the water. Ask any local angler and they will have a technique for removing the weeds from your fly and line.
Good nymphs include bigger worms, any number of smaller narrow bodied mayflies like the Military May, Peep Show, Micro May, Ju-Ju PMD, Magic Fly, Zebra’s and slender PT’s. Some have been strong arming them with bigger Tungsten PT’s, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear’s, smaller softies, and your favorites too!
Shop open at 530am for a spell while we drift through the remainder of the month. Open early for any and all your Mo River needs. We got a ton of flies, over a dozen sunshirt models, hats galore, BUFF, SIMMS SunGloves and SunMasks, SAGE Demo Rods, RIO demo fly lines, free coffee, and the best bullshit on the Mo.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Dave Hartman from Stripn Flywear over on the west side sent us this Shark Fishing/Big Lebowski tribute. Good stuff. Anything Lebowski is good stuff.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmaU8q0o3QI”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]I have just returned from my second annual trip to Beaver Island, MI. Fantasy land for Carp fishermen. I wasn’t scheduled to go this year, but filled in at the last minute for an angler who had to cancel. Glad I accepted the invite.
While the group was equivalent of last years, the weather was not. MUCH NICER this time around. Sunny skies all days except one made for good water temperatures and great sight fishing. The excellent guides from Indigo Guide Service kept us on fish every day. Some days better than others, but there were no blanks to fill in.
I can’t say enough about the guides and the people of the island. Kevin Morlock, Steve Martinez and Austin Adduci are 3 pro’s, and everywhere you go on Beaver Island you’re treated like a friend and offered a drink.
I’m not going to do an extensive review of this trip. It’s awesome. If you like sight fishing in crystal clear water for big fish, you’ll dig it.
Here’s a few images of the trip. Click on any to open them up in a lightbox.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_grid type=”s” post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” images=”12464,12462,12461,12460,12459,12458,12468,12469″ orderby=”post__in” items_gap=”” columns=”6″ items_layout=”gallery_default” img_size=”us_350_350_crop” overriding_link=”popup_post_image” breakpoint_1_cols=”6″ breakpoint_2_width=”768px” breakpoint_3_width=”480px” breakpoint_2_cols=”4″ breakpoint_3_cols=”2″][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]On the way home, Shawn Conbs and I even hit the Pere Marquette for the famous Hex hatch with veteran guide Walt Grau. The hatch only lasted an hour (then it got really cold), but I was pumped to float a Michigan trout stream for the first time.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_image image=”12463″ size=”full” link=””][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]If you’re interested in this trip, feel free to ask any question in the comments or by email. It’s a great one, and I will go back again. Again.
Many river with Hoot-Owl closures around the state. Not the Mo.
Phone calls daily about what the fishing, flows, and water temps will be like tomorrow, August, and even October.
The short answer is we will be OK.
History would tell us that the river will be open in August. We survived drought years on ’01, ’02, ’03, ’04, ’05, ’06, ’07. And that with low flows. Only one time did the river exceed the 3500cfs mark in that time frame.
Water flows for 2015
Today the river flows are 3950cfs. The USBR tells us they will hold at this level for the summer. 4100cfs is the projected flow. The Canyon Ferry Reservoir is 97.3% full. The water temps are lower than the last week from our cold spell yesterday where air temp did not rise above 55F. A 40 degree temperature change from the 4th. Check out the water temps…
A big fall yesterday
So, based on history, we will be OK. Mother Nature holds the cards and we cannot see into the future. So, take that as you will and either come out, or stay home. I hear the Caverns of Mystery are killer this time of year.
The fishing report for the Mighty Mo is as follows…
Trico’s are on the rise. Sunday morning in the light rain the bugs went bananas. A great hatch and the first mega hatch for the Trico’s of the summer. They are right on schedule as they generaly come the the 5th of July. That in my book, is the historic first hatch of the year. The 5th is the arrival date.
Lots of patterns will get it done. Watch for the duns to get eaten early in the hatch. They generally stop eating the tasty dun as the month passes by. But early on they do lie the dun. The emerger can be good too. A CDC pattern will suffice. We also like the Quigley’s Cluster Dun with a ply wing. Good stuff.
PMD’s have not been as spectacular as they were last year. We did not have a good caddis last year and the good PMD’s saved our ass.
The PMD spinner fall has still been good. The hatches not as good as stated above. But we should have the PMD around for another month or so. The best flies have been traditional poly winged spinners, Harrop’s anything spinners hi-viz and CDC, Captive duns, transitional duns, and even the dun too!
Caddis flies all throughout the resource. Good to great mornings and afternoons for the caddis fly. Has it been easy? Nope. the first part of the dry fly season is easier thatn the latter half. The fish do get smarter. And the fish above Craig are smarter too. Try below Craig for fish that are not PhD level…yet.
Skittering caddis flies are all the rave in the afternoons. Stocking Wings, Angelo’s Burn Winged, X2 Caddis, Red Stag Caddis, Double Duck, Missouri River Specials are all god times fro you on the river.
Sally’s are not around often enough to make a difference. But having a few in your box is not a bad idea!
Ants and hoppers are on the cusp. Just sayin’.
Give us a shout if you need up to the minute fishing reports and such. We are open all day long for any river needs like sun protection, shuttles, flies, coffee, free honest info and of course our porch is always open for the only fly shop in downtown Craig with free cell coverage, we have a booster, and the wi-fi too.
Check out our logo wear too. You gotta take something home for the kids and we have kids clothing and has!
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]As per usual, Headhunters put on our annual Fourth of July BBQ and Fireworks crowd for a small but exuberant crowd in Craig last night. Braden helped get the crowd fired up before he, Shane and I lit the fuse…
Many stayed late to jam with Rocket to Uranus on the deck at Izaaks. I left right as a major wind storm ripped into town in front of the wet cold front we are experiencing today. Tornadoes on the High-Line last night. A good storm, but we hope all are OK up North.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_image image=”12447″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
My Caddis box for the last few years. I have another less used box full of caddis flies that used to work.
They probably still do but they have fallen out of my personal favor.
Still rocking another full box or two of soft hackle caddis flies.
Squeeky’s Primary Caddis Fly Box for the Missouri River
But this is my primary caddis box. If I cannot find it in this one I must not need it.
It does not mean that the flies in this box actually work all the time. They commonly do, and they commonly do not.
This last week it has been my go to box when the fish stop eating the PMD. Find a tough fish that will not succumb to a Trico or a PMD? Try a skittering caddis.
You can get away with a bit of slide on your fly and the fish may still be interested.
Try the caddis. This is a caddis river.
With the lack of caddis last year, 2014, we are so stoked to see them buzzing around. Are they as thick as I have seen them? No. Not at all. But they are a player morning til night.
A few guides and shop staff heading out after work and finding success with the poor flying moth like caddis fly. Honest.
The reports are pretty good yes sir. Shuttles after the others shut down for the day. Come in late and fish til dark!
Top Row:X-Caddis in a few sizes. 12-18. Great fly here on the Mo. Low Rider is the key so many of the flies ride in the film. Thanks Craig Mathew’s. Outrigger Caddis. Not as good this year? Kingreys Hi-Viz and Others. Flat winged beaut’s! Delta Winged Missouri River Specials and King’s River Caddis. A perfect profile. Black Slick Water Caddis for night time use or at dusk. A dark winged fly can stand out well against the late evening glare!
2nd Row:Bloom’s Caddis and Stalcups Caddis. Both excellent. The Bloom’s Caddis is righteous. A great Mo River fly pattern. And you can see it! Some Elk Hair, Slickwater, and other hair winged flies. Angleo’s Cut Wing, homegrown, Translucent Emergers, and Stalcups Clear Winged. Double Duck, Cornfed Caddis, CDC patterns, Stocking Winged, Buzzballs, and Spents.
3rd Row:Buzzball’s, Cluster Midge, Spruce’s. Hairwinged and Bloom’s. Grey Trudes. A great pattern I learned from Neale Streaks. Skittering Caddis. A good afternoon idea. Elk Hairs, Poly Winged floaters. CDC and Elk size 15-17. A very good pattern as the fish get stinky later in July! Bailey’s Stocking Winged Caddis tied in Italy. Translucent Pupa’s and Translucent Emergers. A bundle of folks use these flies daily. Try it! Some fuzzy and Hi Viz in the last bin.
4th Row:Flat Winged Para’s and Spruce Moth. Small X-Caddis 16, 18, 20. Various Spent Caddis including Pat Elam’s Spent tied for the Mo. Translucent Pupa’s. Spents, Fuzz Face, Cut Wings, etc. Stocking Wings and other CDC winged caddis flies.
Boxes like this one above are always a work in progress. Flies fall in and out of favor with both fish and fishermen.
How do you roll? Love just a few or do you love lots of patterns? Some stay true to just a few. I go the other way. I am a collector and fly hoarder. Love flies for sure. Yes I do.
The caddis should be in play for some time and are always a favorite for Missouri River fly fishing anglers. It is prevalent up and down the Missouri River corridor.
Mostly tan and some dark and some green flies in our mix. Always a good idea to tie on a tan one. You cannot go wrong if you only fish the tan ones.
Try a caddis fly next time you are frustrated with the mayfly reaction here on the river.
See you this holiday for fun on the river and in town later that night. Rocket to Uranus playing on Izaak’s Porch @ 8pm. Fun all day long at Headhunters. See you beginning at 6am and late til 9pm daily.
Lots of regular late June and July anglers ont he river whether they be wade fishing, drifting, or fishing with a guide the feeling in Craig is familiar and enjoyable.
Does every fish eat your fly? No.
Will they rise daily? In some spots.
Are there bugs around including PMD’s, Trico’s, Sally’s, and Caddis? Yes indeed.
The key to your fishing July Experience is to choose your favorite stretch and have at ‘er. Enjoy your familiar water and catch a few, miss a few, and even land a few. The rec floaters are here daily as well but most are plenty friendly. The best way to handle folks running over your fish is to smile and realize that most are not doing it on purpose. It is all about intent. Those folks and floaters do not understand what our plight is. And why would they. Fly Flickers are a strange bunch and not many non-anglers know how nuts we really are.
Our spouses do though.
Good fishing all month long. We love July and enjoy the opportunities to cast at rising trout.
The weeds bother some and not others. The floaters bother some and not others. Some like the upper river and others the mid or lower reaches. Some like ham and some like turkey. Some believe this daily update and others do not believe a word we say. Sometimes the fish rise and other times they do not.
All your choice. Haters gonna hate. A democratic society we live in and we must understand that some complain and others don’t.
We for one are not complaining about nothin’. It is summer and the fishing ain’t easy.
A big heads up if you can recognize the trout that will eat the dry fly and the ones that just will not. Sometimes changing flies will get it done, and other times the fish just will not eat the one with the hook in it.
4th of July Party in Craig. Rocket to Uranus plays at 8pm at Izaak’s Porch with craziness beginning about 4, 5, 6, 7pm?
Shop open at 6am for your river needs. Happy July.
Top Ten List today on the Missouri River Fishing Report…
Late June into early July. Most are heading out early. The heat has been a factor so get out there and get ’em. Take a Siesta, a nap, a full shift at Joe’s.
Water temps are at 62F. Higher than normal? I really don’t know. But I do know that the dooms-dayers will tell you we are fouled. I try to stay more positive than that, they, them. Flows are at 4100cfs.
4th of July Party @ Headhunters. All day for America’s Birthday. BBQ, Beer, Fireworks.
PMD’s are in style. The two hour period that you cannot catch them? I too am familiar. A PT is the way.
Crips, spinnners, emergers, transitional duns, half duns, captive duns…plain old duns? Your choice. Every day seems to bring another story of success and failure. We love love June and July.
DFO’s Unite.
Weeds? Yes. More than normal? Maybe. Deal with it or go to the Madison.
Caddis anglers are happy too. Good time in all sections. Skittering in the afternoon for your after noon fun. Get those PMD’s off of the line and change it up. Try the Stocking WIng, Missouri River Special, King’s River, X-Caddis, Buzzball, clipped Troth, Angelo’s Cut Wing or your fav. Swing it swinger.
Trico Season is upon us. A game changer for sure. Now the DFO gang can use up an entire bottle of Frog’s Fanny by noon.
Shop open at 6 or earlier this week for the long run. Free coffee and the first and last open on the river. Come in and chat with our very own long time trout bums. They do fish daily and can give you some recent insight and on the river reports.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Many rivers, resources, and regions boast that most anglers are over the age of 65.
Not true on the Missouri River.
Cats like these two frequent Headhunters on their way to the river.
Via the web, the blog, the Twitter, the facebook, the Instagram, and inside the small yet welcoming confines of Headhunters Fly Shop on the Eastside downtown Craig we love the youth in fly fishing.
If you do not have youth, you do not have perpetual longevity of sport.
We subscribe to the younger generation without forgetting about our peers in this all ages game.
Some say the younger set does not understand or respect the fishing tradition.
Oh, they do. They just want to create their own history. Build on the past and move toward the future.
Fishing is so much fun because everyone has license to do it how they want.
And that includes flat brims, DFO’s, late nights followed by early mornings, staunchy ‘ol stinky flyfishing curmudgeons, eagerness to learn, and time integrated into everyday for checking out birds, bobber flingers, bugs, texting, and laughter.
What drives me to this blog today is the two fellers up top.
Wolf Creek Bridge, 618am, Saturday, 26 June 2015.
Tying dries for the morning sesh.
Alive and well on the Missouri.
Trout Bums.
Come one come all.
We got free coffee in the morning fella’s when you have a late one at Joe’s.
See you @ 0600 downtown Craig.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_grid orderby=”title” order=”asc” ids=”9418,11322,10976,10969,9573,11727,9982,9071,9529″ post_type=”ids” no_items_message=”” items_layout=”shop_trendy” items_gap=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Have not spoken to Dan this year but gotta believe the Ghost of Dan Present is here…sayin’
“Cosmic.”
I second that comment Dan.
Cosmic is the word. Honest.
Dry fly fishing is as good as you make it. As good as you could expect it. As good as you dream abouyt.
Except for the conversion rate. That is totally up to you.
Do you have to land the fish to count it? Some do, some don’t and yet other don’t care at all about the landed trout.
They are into the entire experience. In its entirety.
PMD’s off daily on the upper. How many? Enough. Some days the hatch is magnified. Others not so much.
Caddis on the lower reaches is the key. Just like the upper river fish will take a caddis, the lower river fish will take a PMD…but both prefer the former, or latter?
Yellow Sally’s can be part of your day too.
Drakes? Yes. Read John’s post a few days ago about the occurrences…
Blackfoot? On fire.
The Missouri River? On fire.
Rainbow Release on the Missouri River
I was asked at the bar how I thought the fishing was. I stated…“Damn good.” The feller asked why I thought it was as such and I stated back…“When do you ever have as many opportunities at rising fish than right now.” And he said…“You know you are right. I pass several, if not dozens of rising fish till I come upon one I want to tangle with. if I stopped and fished to every rising fish I would consider it unbelievable.”
It is because where else do you have the opportunities like we are so very fortunate to have here on the Missouri River in June?
“I ask you where?”
Nymphers are delighted and so are the dry fly anglers. The weather is hot and getting hotter.
Will we survive? Yes.
Is it over? No.
Will the bugs hatch in the sun? They always have before. PMD’s and Caddis and Sally’s and Trico’s and Ants and Hoppers…are all sunny weather bugs. No?
Is it hot this weekend, or forecast? Oh yeah.
We sure love the summer here in Craig, the epi-center of fly fishing on the Mo. Fly shops, Joe’s Bar, Izaak’s Restaurant, Wolf Creek, Cascade…all of it.
Visit us daily @ 630am and the latest open on the river til 9pm.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Publicity about a proposed Copper mine at the headwaters of the Smith River is generating loads of criticism from sportsmen and women from Montana and abroad. While I haven’t heard or read an positive comments regarding the mine, I’m sure there are at least 2 or 3 Canadian mining executives who are in favor of it.
More absurdity in the never ending assault on the environment in the name of greed. More money for a handful of folks, in this case not even Montana or US citizens.
To many Montanan’s, this issue has become our own “Pebble Mine“.
Here’s a recent video from SaveOurSmith.com.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/OQZx4eRmWqA”][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]I’m not even going to waste time describing the beautiful Smith River or why it should be protected. Few that read this blog would not know.
Also, support groups like American Rivers, and Montana TU, and use the Save Our Smith Facebook page to spread the word.[/vc_column_text][us_btn align=”center” target=”_blank” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smithriverwatch.org%2Fabout-the-smith%2Fprotecting%2F” style=”6″ label=”LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SMITH RIVER MINE PROPOSAL” custom_width=”200px” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22font-size%22%3A%2217px%22%7D%7D”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Suddenly, the Bahamas are considering legislation that would affect foreign anglers ability to fish unguided – which has become popular in recent years – as well as prohibit foreign ownership of fishing lodges.
We know quite a few anglers who love to do the DIY Bonefish thing on Long Island or Eleuthera. Not so much for the quality as for the kick back, beer-in-your-hand low pressure style trip it provides.
We know far more anglers who visit the many fine Bonefish lodges on the islands, some of which are foreign owned.
I’m not totally hip to who the players are – it’s a little out of my realm – but it sounds as if a handful of Bahamian guides/lodge operators are trying to create an exclusive and non-competitive environment for themselves.
Sounds like Smithers, eh!?[/vc_column_text][us_testimonial author=”Ben Bullis” company=”AFFTA”]The proposed legislation would essential destroy the sustainable fishing industry of the Bahamas. [/us_testimonial][vc_column_text]
YOUR VOICE NEEDED NOW!
Typical of this type of pre-planned political move, the comment period ends this Friday June 26th! You can help out by copying the following message (provided by Ben Bullis/AFFTA), or writing your own and e-mailing it to fisheries@bahamas.gov.bs[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]Dear Sir or Madam:
I strongly oppose the proposed fisheries regulations currently being proposed for the Bahamas. The issue of protecting the fisheries resource is not one of ownership but rather one of sound, common-sense stewardship. It is in the best interest of the fishing lodges and outfitting operations – whether they are locally owned or foreign owned – to protect the resource on which their businesses depend. Further, every fishing lodge in the Bahamas provides the country much needed jobs. Please focus your attention on the health and protection of the fisheries and do not attempt to regulate the guides and lodges. The proposed fisheries regulations are quite literally a bad solution in search of a problem that does not exist. The traveling angler has many choices throughout the Caribbean and throughout the world. If the Bahamas passes this legislation and sends the message that destination anglers are not welcome in the Bahamas, then he or she will quite simply take their business elsewhere. Thank you for your attention.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]We’re pretty damn lucky to live and fish on the Missouri River. Most of our hatches are like clockwork, and are of long enough duration that you don’t have to “chase” them. If you’re a dry fly angler, it would be hard to argue that there is someplace better when it comes to fish, hatches and bugs. They are consistent. Most of them.
Consistent hatches make for spoiled anglers. And we are that.
I’ve been chasing Drakes my whole adult life in Idaho and Montana. It’s the one hatch that seems to stay in my blood. Probably because it’s never a guarantee. Even if the weather, water temp, air temp, CFS, lunar phase, photoperiod, personal hygiene and Karma are all in order, it still may not happen.
Like last night. I had the chance to spend the evening chasing Drakes with Cascade trout bum John Heckert and legendary Montana guide Tony V(aleriano).
Chasing. That would be the right term.
Despite good reports from the night before, nice weather and all that great Karma packed into one boat, it did not happen. There were a few bugs, but just a dash here and there.
While there were fish up rising, they weren’t eating the Drake. Probably emerging caddis (yuck!). And I wasn’t going to cut off a Drake for a caddis. That’s not why I came.
I will concede that it was not perfect. Everything was, except the air temperature (a little cool) and most likely my hygiene and karma.
It’s good that there are guesswork hatches like this. You can do all the research you want, but that won’t help. You have to go to know. It involves some hard work, effort and failure to get to that big dividend at the end, and keeps us both excited and humble.
[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_image image=”12367″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Tony Valeriano booming out a cast at a lone riser.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_image image=”12366″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]John Heckert checking his rig.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_image image=”12365″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Brown Drake.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_image image=”12364″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]But it was a beautiful evening.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]If you stayed out late on the river last night – and I mean real late – you witnessed a spectacular Norther Lights display. A really big show, as the man said.
Most probably were not, as anticipated late evening hatches did not materialize as expected. At least where I was.
I’ve seen many great evening rises, but few Aurora Borealis displays like last night.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_image image=”12357″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_image image=”12358″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]When you grow up in the West and fly fishing is part of your life, nothing feels much more natural in your hand than a 9′ 5 or 6 weight fly rod. Except maybe a beer. And I have two hands so both feel great.
But if you grown up in Smithers, BC, it’s probably a 14′ 9 weight two-hander. And if you grew up on Big Pine Key (the Isle of Misfits), a 9′ 12 weight Tarpon stick feels as natural in your hand as rusty bicycle handlebars.
Where am I going? In my opinion the biggest challenge trout anglers face when fishing the flats is the change in gear. It’s not the hook-set, not spotting the fish, standing higher over the water, longer casts or guides screaming at you. It’s the unfamiliar feeling of that broomstick action 10 to 12 weight in your hand.
You may be a great trout caster, but the first time you step on the bow of a skiff with a powerful Tarpon rod, you are probably going to display some suckiness. And it’s because that rod just doesn’t feel natural. Not even close.
I do a bit of Saltwater fishing, and it still doesn’t feel ‘natural’ for me to hold a rod over 8 or maybe 9 weight. I can do it, but I have to rewire my brain for a few minutes each morning. And after lunch. I find myself ‘thinking’ about the cast while executing it, something I do not do while trout or Steelhead fishing.
On my most recent trip to the Florida Keys, Julie and I took a pair of new Sage SALT rods. A 9′ #9 for the Permit we didn’t catch, and a 9′ #11 for Tarpon we did. (For techies, the #9 was lined with an Airflow Bruce Chard Tropical Punch, and the #11 with the new RIO Tarpon Quickshooter. Both were great.)
I had cast the SALT a few times on the grass, and last year at it’s introduction at the Fly Tackle Dealer Show. It felt incredible. Fast, light, forgiving. Cast close and far with equal prowess. All of those adjectives you read on every rod review ever written. But there was something a bit different. Something familiar.
But it wasn’t until we got out on the water that I realized that while it did not feel like a Sage ONE 5 weight, it definitely felt way more like a ‘fly rod’ than any other fast-action saltwater rod I had ever cast. Still foreign, yet somehow comfortable. Like Canada.
I noticed that Julie – who typically struggles a little with Tarpon rods – really didn’t have to adjust too much. She wasn’t launching perfect casts 90 feet into the wind, but she was getting it there at regular fishing distances. And she seemed to be concentrating on the placement and retrieve of the fly, more than trying to load up that rod. And that’s when you’re fishing.
The 9 weight really fished like an 8, which starts to get into that ‘familiar’ zone if you’re a trout fisherman. No problem getting it to load up and cast accurately.
It’s actually pretty easy to make a saltwater rod that everyone can cast. Just make it a noodle that loads with no effort, right? It’s been done before (Biix), and we actually had a very slow Epic fiberglass #10 with us as well (the Bandit, which was not designed for Tarpon fishing, but was a blast to fish with). Super easy to cast and quickly put it right on the spot. So why not use something like this?
Because it turns the already difficult battle with a Tarpon into an apocalyptic event. You can fight them well enough with a softer rod at the beginning of the fight. But as the battle turns from watching him run into bringing him in, things become problematic. You can’t turn the fish, and that last 30 feet to the boat is nearly impossible. And the fight is going to last longer because turning a fish can be tough.
Make an already long fight longer (twice as long?) and you might not be so happy. I know this because I watched Julie battle a 65 pounder for half an hour. We had it close enough to the boat to jump on for 15 of those minutes.
So, back to the SALT. It felt more ‘natural’ to me, and made it easier to transition from casting BWO dries on the Missouri one day, to throwing a large Tarpon Bunny west of Key West the next. It still had plenty of power to fight large Tarpon with, however, and that is very important to me (and most Keys guides, I’m certain). Really a perfect balance of easy (for the salt) casting and lifting power.
Highly recommended for trout nerds like us.[vc_icon color=”text” size=”xs” link=”” external=”0″ icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-star”][/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_image image=”12253″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]Cool image of Julie all bent up with the Swift Epic “Bandit”, and 7′ 9″ 10 weight. Tough to get a Tarpon to the boat with a rod that unforgiving. Swift has recently announced the Epic “Boca Grande” 12 weight, which unlike the Bandit was designed for Tarpon fishing. Should be great![/vc_column_text][us_grid post_type=”ids” no_items_message=”” columns=”4″ items_layout=”shop_trendy” items_gap=”” ids=”8052″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Our annual PMD hatches are in full swing now – along with a few bazillion caddis – and the fishing has been spectacular when the weather cooperates. It has more than not this month.
If you want to know a bit more about Pale Morning Duns (Ephemerella), we recommend a couple of bug-nerd sites. Both West Fly and Troutnut have some great detailed information and images of theses bugs. They also do a pretty good job of keeping things up to date. (For example: I did not know that Ephemerella Infrequens – our smaller Western PMD – have been lumped with two other sub species into Ephemerella Excursions! Who knew!)
Understanding the hatch is an important part of angler success, and it has occurred to me that in recent years, “hot flies” have become so important to most anglers, that very few understand “why” the hot new fly is so effective.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][us_image image=”12285″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][us_image image=”12283″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][us_image image=”12284″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][us_image image=”12282″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]These have all been the hot new fly at one time or the other over the last 25 years. They still are very effective PMD patterns, if you know when to use them.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]
WHAT HAPPENED TO UNDERSTANDING THE HATCH?
I was quickly re-reading both Westfly and Troutnut and I came upon this statement:
Trout take nymphs all day, and duns and emerging duns during the hatch. The best places are slow runs, backeddies, and under overhanging vegetation. Shortly before a hatch, dead-drift a nymph near the bottom. As the hatch begins, present a nymph near the surface or as a rising nymph. As trout begin taking duns off the surface, tie on an emerger, cripple, or dun pattern.
Sounds simple. And if you’re my age you heard this many times from your mentors. But it occurred to me that “understanding the hatch” is no longer part of the formula for success. At least for those more recent to the sport.
In the instagratification iWorld we live in, no one cares. When I’m in the shop, nearly every customer – and many guides – simply ask “what’s the hot fly?” They really aren’t interested in the “why”. Just what works. It doesn’t even need to be referred to as a “PMD” pattern. It just needs to work.
Which is fine. I really don’t care if you have no interest in entomology. But, I am going to assume you have an interest in catching more fish. Or any, in some cases.
WHY
Understanding the insect life cycle and stages of the hatch helps you catch more fish, and here’s why:
Trout quickly switch between insects and stages of insect during the course of the typical June/July day on the Missouri River. The intensity of insects, light, wind, hatch, angle of the sun, angler pressure, and more can all affect what the fish you’re working eat.
Now, when it’s on, it’s on. There are those hero days when it seems you can throw anything in the river and they eat it.
But, there are those days when you can’t seem to figure it out. When I’m helping customers in the shop, I’m often answering questions about situations that occur when the fish go from easy to tough. To me it’s simple. Your double-nymph rig quit working because the fish elevated as the nymph began swimming to the surface. Shallow it up. They quit eating your dry because they switched to spinners. A very common situation on the Missouri River.
Analyzing what is happening in front of you involves a little self education about your prey and their food source. It does not involve switching from one fly to another because the first one didn’t work.
These are all thoughts that run through the brains of those who understand the mayfly life-cycle. And it’s not rocket science. Spend 30 minutes looking at the above sites and the links within and you’ll no doubt glean a piece of information that will come in handy soon. If you can quickly identify a change in the fish feeding behavior, you will stay on top of the game. If you’re going to switch from one hot fly to the next, then you’re just guessing.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Some say this is the best time of the year. The weather is warm, the days are long, the wind is light, the bugs are popping…
All good things to have on your favorite trout fishery.
June is 2/3 of the way gone. Already! We have passed the summer solstice and now the days get shorter. Not for a while though. We will enjoy the warmth, the not too hot warmth throughout the week ahead realizing that the summer heat generally comes in the month of July. It is coming!
Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 6.22.15
The State of the Missouri as it stands is as follows. Some may call it a fishing report, and they would be right. But here are the latest and greatest updates as we see it in downtown Craig Montana fishing the world famous Missouri River.
Familiar Faces in Craig Montana
The non-local locals have arrived in force. That only means one thing. It is game on. The dry fly fishing is good enough to fish all day long with the bottle of GINK staining your shirt from the time you roll out of your cot on the banks and look for early morning coffee. Go as early as you wish and find a few sipping before the hatches of the day get going.
Fish as late as you want as well. The caddis will keep you entertained until you cannot see you fly. Black and dark winged patterns will get you some bonus time after that sun falls behind the Rockies to the west.
Need something late in Craig? Headhunters Fly Shop open later than the rest til 9pm daily. Your late shuttle folks in town is Headhunters.
Missouri River Caddis Explosion?
The caddis are nearly everywhere. But if you have to fish the caddis all day long you should find yourself in the canyon section. Stickney Creek to Pelican is your best bet. Fish the down winged versions we love so well. X-Caddis, All Stages Caddis, CDC Stocking Wing Caddis, Para-Caddis, Translucent Emergers, Twightlight Caddis, Hot-Wing Caddis, Henryville for the classic anglers int he bunch, Missouri River Special or King’s River Caddis…the lower wing profiled stuff is good. Fish the Troth if you are so inclined. We like to clip the hackle from the bottom of those high floaters here on the Mo. The Buzzball is a good option too!
The upper river has yet to see the caddis explosion during the day but they are showing int he evenings and the daytime excitement will soon follow. The mid to lower reaches are on fire in the evenings. Head on down there and see for yourself. Actually the upper is good in the evenings too. Just not the shit hot bite we like to see int he summer. But that traditionally comes in July. June is reserved for the PMD.
Outfitter Stuart Dominick Casting at PMD Spinner Fish
PMD Love
PMD’s are on the upper and throughout the middle sections of the Missouri River. Most anglers are all hopped up on this bug. We are too. We have the Missouri River’s most extensive PMD selection for all your frustrations, your successes, and in-between as well. Read John’s article today about Fishing PMD Hatches.
The emergence happens about 9, or 10, or 11, or 12ish. The fish will eat some emergers as the bugs come off. Transitional duns, cripples, knock downs, and captive duns are all in the mix. How about a soft hackle or something that looks like a pheasant tail just below the surface? Good for a fish, or 5.
The spinner fall can happen anytime. Get out the flat winged spinners and have a ball. The Buzzball here is a good idea too. How about a sunken spinner? How about a beaded sunken spinner? All good ideas wen you are pulling your hair out, diving into your box several times, then tossing the whole box into the water.
Pretty good PMD fishing in the morning until sometime int he afternoon. Not a great evening pasttime. Caddis are made for that fix.
Yellow Sally’s
Not a great top water bug for us. Having said that the trout can get on them slashing in riffles and runs throughout the day in the early stages of the hatch. We have a few patterns that can get it done. The Outrigger Sally is the key though. You cannot have the wing profile too low on these insects.
The middle on the river and the lower reaches are seeing evidence of the Sally with this coming week getting stronger upriver too.
The Farkas Party from Calgary having a ball on the Mighty Mo!
Terrestrials
The Missouri River has long been an ant river. Try any flying ant int he red, cinnamon, or black varieties and let ‘er ride. Long leaders with a dropper can add some entertainment when the hatch you are after is waning.
Missouri River Flows and Water Temps
4320cfs and 57F. Nice for the remainder of the summer. Cooler water temps for the time being. We want them to stay lower for a while. The air temps will rise later this week and the water temps usually follow suit.
The weeds have begun to move toward the surface. Weeds may be a problem this summer as they have been in the past. Some do not like them and find them annoying. I agree. Will they be problem this summer? Probably. Call us. We will say something like this…“Yep, weeds are here. Yep, nymhing can be tough with the weeds in the water column. Maybe you should just dry fly fish?”
We have it all here in Craig including Project Healing Waters boats for rent, free of charge. Call us up if you are a vet, a retired vet, active duty…you all qualify for use of two Adipsoe Flow Driftboats any time. Call in advance and ask about our vets boats. You tow, you put in, and you choose if you want us to do a shuttle for you or not. We will facilitate this Project Healing Waters program fora ll vets from all branches of service.
We have DEMO Rods from SAGE, Orvis, G. Loomis, Echo, and Sweetgrass. Take one or two out Free for a day and let us know if you like it. We have DEMO Fly Lines too. Try it before you buy it. Take a few out and compare and contrast. That is the sure fire way to get you old or new rod lined up properly. And remember that we have a money back guarantee on nearly every product in the store. Get a line and you don’t fall in love with it? Bring it back and we will make it right. Replace it, or refund it. We got your back here in Craig.
Check out our Missouri River Montana nightly lodging site www.craiglodging.com for the Craig Trout Camp Rainbow, Brown, Sutton, and Craig Houses with 20+ others at your fingertips at Craig Lodging dot com.
We have rental boats too from Adipose Boatworks in Helena. Check them out here. After rowing the Adipose Flow you will understand why most of our guides row this craft daily!
Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service
Headhunters is open daily @ 630am for all your river needs. Helpful staff can guide you through the morning session with ease. Fill your coffee cup to the rim heading off to the river only a couple false casts away.
Call us anytime day or night for info, fly suggestions, shuttles, booking your guide and lodging needs here in Craig. The epicenter of the trout fishing world!
Safety regulators said Exxon Mobil failed to adequately heed warnings that its 20-year-old Silvertip Pipeline was at risk from flooding. They said the company lacked procedures to minimise the spill when the line broke.
Access Denied: New Mexico Gives Public-Water Wading Fisherman the Boot
The New Mexico Wildlife Federation’s Joel Gay summed up the sporting public’s frustration, “We don’t have a lot of water here in New Mexico. We do have 300,000 sportsmen and –women though. It would be really nice to be able to fish the resources that our supreme court says we have a right to fish.”
from OUTDOOR LIFE[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”12306″ size=”full” link=””][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][us_image image=”12295″ size=”full” link=””][vc_column_text]This looks like a great event down in Bozeman in a couple of weeks. Absolutely some of our favorite Fishy Artists from Montana.
“Trout: DeYoung, Matsuda and FishEyeGuy Art” – Débuts in Bozeman, Montana
A gala opening of fish art is slated for Wednesday, July 8, from 5-8 PM at the 406 Brewing Company in Bozeman, MT.
This exhibit is a collaborative art show of three of Montana’s well known fish artists, Derek DeYoung, Mimi Matsuda and Patrick Clayton “FishEyeGuy”.
The three artists will display original paintings and fine art prints highlighting the fish and waters of our western region. These contemporary artists call Bozeman and Livingston home and find the fish and waters of Montana as fuel for their art.
15% of all art and beer sales will go to the Madison-Gallatin Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
fisheyeguyphotography.com[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”12298″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]DeYoung’s work has veered off from the traditional fish illustration style. “I place more importance on using a unique style and palette rather than painting a fish to look photo realistic. The reason I’ve chosen fish as the subject of my life’s work is I find fish to be intriguing, not just as a fisherman, but as an artist. When painting fish, I try to capture all the intricacies they possess; their scales, patterns, dimension and texture.”[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_image image=”12301″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Matsuda’s art is directly influenced by her decade working in Yellowstone as a park ranger naturalist. “I paint to inspire people to preserve and protect wildlands and animals.” Ever since childhood, she has wanted to teach about animals and paint to tell their stories. Her art highlights the fantastic wild citizens that make our region so distinct. Matsuda will show her trout on pine and whimsical soft pastels of fly fishing.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_image image=”12300″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Patrick Clayton, aka Fisheyeguy, is the third artist in this fish art extravaganza. For a decade, Clayton has been traveling to the farthest flung river corridors with his underwater camera in tow, searching for the most beautiful salmonids on earth. He has documented the most iconic species swimming free in their natural habitats. Clayton will display all his best images as fine art prints hanging on the walls of the 406 Brewery.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
For those who love to fish for the PMD eating fish.
Caddis too.
Lots of folks around and if you like solace and winter/spring/fall type conditions stop reading now. Now is not your time.
Dry fly anglers are here and having a ball.
As Ninch is fond of saying the fishing report or your personal success story is as simple as this…
“It’s as good as you are.”
If you can really cast well, present well, and drift like a stud you will be rewarded with plenty of fish that will find your flies attractive.
If you drag it around out there in front of the fish and alert the enemy, the trout, you are in the neighborhood…you will not find as much success on the dry fly.
Don’t alert the enemy you are even close. Just like trophy elk hunters the trout angler should be super stealthy. Do it.
Be calm.
Be quiet.
Present silently.
Set.
The nymphers are crushing with Worms, Frenchie’s, Peep Shows, S & M’s, Tung Death Metal, Military May’s, Hot Bead PT’s, Harrop’s Yellow and Black Softies, Nitro Caddis, Caddis Pupa, PMD brownish nymphs, Weight flies, Sows, Zebra’s, Two Bit Hookers, Gidget’s, Split Backs, Crack Backs, Tungsten Reckoners, Tungsten Redemptions…and many more!
Pick your stretch and get out there. The fishing from dawn til dusk is good enough to bring you on out here to Craig MT.
Izaak’s is open daily at 3pm for drinks and 4pm for fantastic evening fishing fare.
Headhunters Fly Shop is open daily @ 630am and open late for all your apres fishing needs til 9pm!
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Here’s the official announcement from Sage on the Trout Spey rods we hinted at in our Montana Spey video.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WASH. (June 11, 2015) – Sage builds on its successful ONE family of fly rods with the addition of the LITTLE ONE and the ONE Trout Spey. Both new rod families utilize Konnetic Technology®, Sage’s exclusive rod technology that allows for slimmer blank profiles with maximized strength and energy transfer without sacrificing line speed, responsiveness, and accuracy.
“Anglers looking for ultra-light rods and rods made specifically for chasing trout with a Spey rod, now have the just that in the world-class design of the ONE rod family,” says Sage chief rod designer, Jerry Siem.
The LITTLE ONE couples the light blank with an ultra-light, custom anodized, up-locking reel seat and compact snub-nose, half-wells cork handle. This attention to detail offers anglers an ultra-light feel and ultra-light action from tip to butt. This family will retail for $850 and will be available in August 2015.
The ONE Trout Spey rods are designed specifically for two-handed casting and swinging flies for trout. These ultra-light Spey rods are delicate enough to protect small flies on light tippets yet are powerful enough to cast modestly weighted streamers on light sink tips. The Super Plus cork mini-Spey fore and rear grip complete these two models. These ONE models will retail for $1050 and will be available August 2015.
Sage also announced the MOD (moderate action $850), VOLT (fast action $650), PULSE (fast action $450) and a revamped version of the CLICK Reel ($259-299).[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_image image=”12270″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][us_image image=”12269″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][us_image image=”12268″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]And if you haven’t already seen it, here’s a short we shot with Spey Guru and Sage Advisory member Mike McCune talking about the ONE Trout Spey and using it while we fished the Missouri and Blackfoot. Mike had a great deal of input on the development of the ONE Troutspey.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/129327269″][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]
AVAILABLE IN AUGUST
We’re super excited to get the new Sage ONE Troutspey in the shop, and we will certainly be sweeping through the river with it this fall. We will also be attending the Fly Tackle Dealer Show in July and will have the scoop – as well as some hands on experience – with the other new models from Sage.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The big bugs have arrived and the fish are eating them. Salmon Flies fill the canyon and as of yesterday, the fish were hungry for them.
What will it be like today? No promises. I guess that deal is coming and going. I generally catch the hatch when it is going.
The river is greenish and perfect. It is falling too. 1480cfs at Bonner and falling rapidly.
Not as much pressure as I thought may be on the Blackfoot for a Stonefly hatch of this note.
A damn pretty float with a ton of fish on the big Salmonfly. What else could you want?
We love fishing on the other side of the divide. Why not take a day out of your busy Missouri River schedule and head over the hill. We’d love to introduce you to another Montana jewel.
Call up the folks at Blackfoot Angler for an update.
Breakfast at the Stray Bullet is almost a must and lunches are available too. A good stop on your way into the wilderness. The small General Store Blackfoot Commercial Company has an Espresso machine that will help those late nights at Trixi’s. And a gas station too! Lodging is good there as well with a few rooms available nightly.
All you need in a small Montana fishing town.
Dry flies are the norm on the Blackfoot River with big and bushy ones that we all can see attached to the end of your line.
The hatches coming off include a decent PMD, caddis, Salmon Flies, Yellow Sally’s, and some drakes too. Fun times all day long on this freestone across the divide.
Check out this video by Scumliner Media for an idea of how fun this trip can be!
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]I’ve long believed that extremely long periods of hot weather have a greater negative impact on trout and trout fishing than low water alone. We are heading into our normal “low flows” of summer. While we have enough to keep the flows above critical, we have none to spare. So far, we’ve escaped extreme hot weather of any duration.
The forecast for the rest of the month looks pretty good. No 90’s as of today. During lower water years it’s critical that we don’t experience too much hot (over 90 degrees) weather in June. We know we’re going to see hot air in July and early August, and don’t need the a jump start to increasing water temperatures in June. When we do, water temps increase too high too early, and the trout end of spending months instead of weeks in water temps at and above 68-70 degrees.
When this does happen – and it does – there is no reprieve for trout or anglers until the first freeze in the fall. So far, we’re looking OK.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”12243″ align=”center” size=”full” link=””][vc_column_text]As a fly fisherman, you hear a lot of talk every year about water flows, snowpack, etc. You don’t often hear talk about air temperatures, which have equal or greater impact when combined with low flows. And the Earth isn’t getting any cooler…
I don’t lose much sleep over the fact that warm water affects your fishing. That’s fishing. Sometimes it sucks. Sometimes entire summers suck.
But long periods of warm water are hard on the trout, and that does bother me. Right now the trout in the Missouri River are in excellent condition. They have had excellent feeding and spawning conditions, and the hatches have been excellent providing lots of calories. Over the last few weeks we’ve seen large Browns and Rainbows – that were a little slender a month ago – put on a tremendous amount of weight. An excellent indicator of the health of both the river and trout.
With no excess water and a hot summer, conditions for growth and health could quickly change. And not only does the weather affect the health of our adult population of Rainbows and Browns, it has a dramatic affect on the recruitment of juvenile trout.
While we won’t have any runoff to speak of this season, we do have enough water to keep the flows above critical. We just need Mother Nature to keep us under 90. That will keep water temperatures cool enough and the trout feeding and happy. Hopefully biting your flies as well.
Here’s the outlook for the rest of the summer (through August) and it does not look too bad. Central Montana is forecast to be near normal for both temperature and precipitation.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_image image=”12245″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_image image=”12244″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]As for water, we are forecast to remain around 4000 CFS for the remainder of the summer. That would be great, and I hope it holds true. 4K and water temperatures that don’t get past the mid 60’s too often should keep our trout in great shape. While low flows are never good for the river, extreme air temperatures can be much worse.
The only thing that can offset hot air is more water. Unfortunately for Trout, we are living in a world that get’s drier and warmer every year.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]From the boys at Montana Wild over the hill comes their latest flick, ‘Summer Haze’. Some great dry fly shots while fishing for Cutties somewhere wild. Check it….[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/129375444″][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]In another week or two you’ll be able to wade fish most of Montana’s backcountry streams. Many are doable today. Go check them out and leave the drift boat in the driveway for once. No, you won’t catch a bunch of 21″ Browns in the high country, but taking a break from the circus in Craiglandia will be good for the soul…[/vc_column_text][us_btn align=”left” target=”_self” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2Fmontanawild” style=”6″ label=”Montana Wild on Vimeo” custom_width=”200px” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22font-size%22%3A%2217px%22%7D%7D”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Bullet list Missouri River Montana Fishing Report today the 16th of June ’15.
Flows: 4690cfs. We should be holding at around 4100cfs for the summer. Inflows at Toston are about what the outflows are here. Normal procedure.
Water Temps: 56.5F. Cooled a couple degrees after the flows fell.
PMD’s: Daily. Look for the emergence before noon. Then fish on for a few hours. on discernible daily spinner falls of any notice. Save for one. But that should become part of your day in the next week. Floating mergers, trapped duns, and transitional duns are all the rage. That is the word in the bar. Reality? Sort of. PMD’s will drive you to drink.
Caddis: Still more popular on the reaches below Craig. Lots int he canyon and beyond. Flies that surf the film work the best.
Nymphers: Take the pupal version of what you are seeing in the sky and on the water and sink it.
Up down or in the middle? Your choice. All good my fishy friends.
Late night? If the weather is hot fish on. If not, drink at Joe’s and eat at Izaak’s.
The vibe is good and the bugs are out. Seasonable air temps have now put us back on our bug schedule. No longer are we 3 weeks in advance. water temps have leveled too and we can expect the 4.1K water levels for the remainder of the summer. Quite normal June conditions.
Dearborn River has fallen to 280cfs. The floating season is waning. The Pear is low. All of the feeders are low.
Shop open daily at 7am and open late for all your river needs.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]A must for any hard core Missouri River angler.
Tied originally for this fine river emulating dead midge shucks.
In conversations with Gary LaFontaine on the Trout Shop Cafe porch way back in the day Gary stated that even though the original calls for Coachman Brown he preferred to tie it with Orange Dyed Grizzly. He said he thought the fish keyed in on it sooner than the original edition.
He also said that in his Proven Patterns book he claimed it was created for the eddy below Mountain Palace, but actually was tied for the dead fly feeding fish at Jackson Rock.
Tie this one up for your upcoming trip to the Mo. Or get on board with the JAV Buzzball Tying Kit below or at the Mother Ship in Craig.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]From the guys at Felt Soul Media comes what might be the best Vimeo/online short I’ve ever experienced. There’s no fly fishing in this one. It’s for dog lovers.
It got 2.5 MILLION views yesterday alone, so odds are good some of you you have already seen it.
Perfect for a Sunday morning. Have a tissue handy…[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/122375452″][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]FELT SOUL MEDIA
Caddis and PMD’s are the theme for the next month. Both creeks.
The Dearborn is on the latter part of the floating season. Today the Dearborn is falling and currently at 353cfs. A few more days? Yes, but below the magic 200cfs mark it is pretty difficult to float. You’ll be dragging your boat several times.
Salmon Fly patterns brought a few fish to the surface on Thursday. Saw quite a few bugs including masses of PMD’s. Caddis later in the day as we fished below the 2nd rock garden. A good trip for sure that unfortunately relatively short in length of season.
The Missouri River? It is game on fro the dry fly anglers. PMD’s and Caddis keep you busy nearly all day long. The wind in the past few days, mainly yesterday kept the flies at bay for a few hours…
Today a seasonal temperature of 72F and light winds. The fish at the time of press, 11am, are going bananas.
Honest. PMD’s get big browns all fired up.
The time is now. The time is in the near future. The time is now. The fish do get smarter everyday we pass through the summer.
Sally’s? Oh, maybe.
A few Dearborn shuttles today, and for the next few days as well. Call us for local and Dearborn shuttles.
Shop open early and late for all your trout needs.
Need lodging for the summer? Check out www.CraigLodging.com for lots and lots of options here in Craig MT and riverside up and down the Missouri River.
The water flows for the summer according to the USBR will hold at 4100cfs.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Along with the rise in air temperatures come an increase in gnarly and violent thunderstorms. We’ve had a few, but are heading into the peak of the season.
Check out this incredible short from Nicolaus Wegner from just over the border in South Dakota. I’ve watched a few of Wegner’s time lapse films over the last year. Awesome.
Hope you don’t get to see this live while on the river this weekend…[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/130465665″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The latest app that fly fisherman will find useful (plenty that you won’t) is SHUTTLESNAP from our friend Brett Seng, Bozeman guide and photographer.
SHUTTLESNAP is designed to make arranging shuttles and receiving confirmation a breeze for both customers and shuttle service providers.
I won’t describe the details of the process, you can figure out how it works very quickly at the SHUTTLESNAP website. But here’s the nuts and bolts…
email or text the shuttle provider of the shuttle you need.
receive a confirmation that the shuttle provider received your request.
receive a notice that your shuttle has been completed.
pay via credit card through the secure CC processor.
Pretty simple. You enter your vehicle description and plates one time. And you can enter more than one vehicle.
This will be an especially useful tool for those times when you use an independent shuttle service (as opposed to a fly shop) and you often end up leaving a message. Text messages also get through when phone service is sketchy, a common problem in Montucky.
I might not use this a lot here on the Missouri – I usually stop by the shop – but I certainly would like it for other parts of the state. I don’t keep all of the numbers for every shuttle service, so it would be nice to be rolling over to the Yellowstone and just use Shuttlesnap to find a shuttle service and arrange my shuttle. Especially if I’m on a dawn patrol mission.
So check it out and give it a try. Headhunters is the shuttle service for the Missouri, and we’d love some of our customers to give it a go.
Shuttlesnap is starting in Montana, but has plans to expand to other states on both fishing and whitewater rivers.
If you have any questions, you can ask Julie and Sara at the shop. They should be able to let you know the finer points and address any concerns. We’ve been in test mode for several weeks, and so far SHUTTLESNAP is a breeze to use.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]HERE’S A SCREENSHOT FROM THE SHUTTLESNAP WEBAPP:[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”12193″ size=”full” link=””][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Via the excellent Hatch Magazine is an article by Ben Kryzinski about proposed fish eradication in Soda Butte Creek. Fisheries managers from several agencies hope to get rid of non-native Brook Trout that they claim threaten native Cutthroat. Well known to many fly fishing folk, Soda Butte is in the Lamar drainage, along with the all too famous Slough Creek.
(no photo credit given but we assume Ben Kryzinski of the beautiful image above)
With dwindling populations of pure-strain Cutthroat in Montana – and elsewhere – the issue of eradication/restoration vs. “it ain’t broke don’t fix it” seems to become more polarizing among the angling community every season. It’s great when you read about some high-country restoration project in another drainage or state, but don’t attempt it on my weekend playground.
Missouri River anglers may not comprehend the idea of restoration, as we live and fish on the ultimate melting pot. Non-native Browns, Rainbows, Walleye and – coming soon – Pike, attract plenty of anglers and no complaints. I’m sure the next generation will fish for Smallmouth below Holter as well.
While native species are long gone in Craig, everyone seems to be having a great time catching loads of non-native (but naturally reproducing) fish. We know that many of our friends and customers regularly make the drive/hike to the Lamar/Slough Creek/Soda Butte area to enjoy the incredible scenery, wildlife and minimalistic fishing.
What are your thoughts on the Soda Butte proposal, and restoration in general?[/vc_column_text][us_btn align=”left” target=”_self” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hatchmag.com%2Fblog%2Fshould-yellowstone-eradicate-trout-soda-butte-creek-order%2F7712490″ style=”6″ label=”Hatch Magazine Article” custom_width=”200px” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22font-size%22%3A%2217px%22%7D%7D”][us_btn align=”left” target=”_self” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Ffwp.mt.gov%2Fnews%2FpublicNotices%2FenvironmentalAssessments%2Fconservation%2Fpn_0026.html” style=”6″ label=”Montana FWP News Release – Soda Butte Creek” custom_width=”200px” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22font-size%22%3A%2217px%22%7D%7D”][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Mark Raisler today. Judging by the hair you might guess 37. Maybe 38.
But I know the truth. Both about his age and that extroirdanary mop of hair. And this image pretty much sums up what I think of when I think of Mark.
Have a great day wherever you are floating today Mark. If you see him around Craiglandia today, make sure and wish him well…[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_image image=”12183″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Our good buddy Max from Great Falls is always looking for the next species. He’s hit quite a few in his less than 20 years. While all of you are obsessing over the quality of CDC in the wings of your dainty trout flies, Max is scouring maps and drilling veteran anglers for tips on how, where and when.
This spring his obsession was Pike. Looks like he can check that one off the bullet list. Nice job Max!
Extra credit for rocking that sweet Howler Bro.s lid…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Here is a sweet video that came through the feeds the other day. Incredible footage and fishing from those inspired filmmakers in Scandinavia (I think?).
These guys from Northern Europe always seem to combine great footage with some emotional narrative. They really love fly fishing. We get quite a few of these guys through the shop, and they tell us one reason they get so excited is that the season is very short in the far North. So short that they apparently go out and fish in the icebergs during the winter.
If you’re an Aurora Borealis nerd – like me – this video has you covered. Some great time lapse with people in it. Not sure how, but my guess is the camera operator told his buddy to go “sit on that rock with your rod and DON’T MOVE!” for an hour or so… cool stuff. Literally.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”12169″ size=”full” link=””][vc_column_text]Theres also some wicked cool shades in this flick. Smith! Are you watching!
So check out this beautifully done video. If you’re roasting in the Montana heat this week, it’ll cool you off. At 8 minutes you have time for a beer or two while you watch.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/129934099″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The latest Issue of Catch Magazine is out. Some great articles and incredible photos in this one. Really cool photo spread on Africa, and some great shots from the Salmonfly Hatch on the Henry’s Fork. Todd Moen shows you some great aerial imagery as well.
We think Catch is great, and well worth the $12 bucks for the year long subscription. Thats 1 beer in Key West…[/vc_column_text][us_btn align=”center” target=”_self” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fcatchmagazine.net” style=”6″ label=”GET CATCH MAGAZINE!” custom_width=”200px” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22font-size%22%3A%2218px%22%7D%7D”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]…he might have a pretty good shot of watching a great Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) show while standing in a Montana trout stream. He’d have to stay out a little later than usual. The bugs might be done and he’d have to throw a streamer or maybe a mouse.
A good magnetic storm is in the forecast for this evening. You can keep tabs on such things at Soft Serve News.
These pictures are from last night around Cascade. Quick and dirty just a few miles from town. There was no “large” geomagnetic storm in the forecast, so a bit of a surprise. Tonight is supposed to be “the” night.
Might be pretty cool to watch the Aurora down around Sheep Creek, or float Pelican to Cascade if you’re that brave. Bring bug spray.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Hot weather for the week.
It’s cool. PMD’s enjoy the high and bright sun.
The PMD emergence is the first true sign of summer. This is the moment when we can dash those awful winter and spring thoughts of snow, sleet, rain, wind. Unless we have our somewhat historical last storm of the winter season which can occur this week?
It doesn’t look like it but Mother Nature is a wild beast!
Flows? Here on the Craig River proper we are sitting at 6620. Normal? Yes. Will it get higher? Probably. Check out the chart above. Higher water in June is normal. We may see the June USBR projections today and we will pass them on as soon as we are able.
So inflows above in conjunction with the reservoir level will lead us down the road of higher water. The Canyon Ferry Reservoir is over the line this morning at 97.3% full. At 97% the Corp takes over and it is out of our hands.
What does that mean for our flows here below Holter Dam? Well, higher. When they reach the full lake level then historically they push the water through. Peaking the reservoir in the last week of June is the norm. So what does that mean? It means that whatever the inflows at Toston are, they historically match the outflows at Holter. Inflows at 10K. Outflows at 10K.
Before you freak out let’s see what the projection is. Don’t freak out yet.
That Toston Flow Chart above should see some decline today. Or tomorrow. Most of the low lying water from the previous storms has moved through as we watch the smaller tributaries fall rapidly. This morning the Dearborn is at 545cfs. Not bad. As you can see the flows are diminishing rapidly.
Float the Dearborn this week? Oh yeah.
The Blackfoot? Also coming into shape nicely. We love both of these tribes and fish when we can.
So you got that in your knowledge bank. The flows, the potentials, the whole deal. We see it as a good thing. Water for the summer. Water for the masses. Water for the people. Water for the trouts most importantly.
Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 6.8.15
Good to great. But not totally great yet. Some have good days, others not as good. The guided trips are producing as the nymphing game can be shaken up in these flows. The fish move around and it can take some time to locate them. Don’t be afraid to fish spring lanes with deeper bobber placements.
PMD and caddis nymphs rule the day with the Worm still in the mix. Firebeads for some as they throwback to a month or two ago with fly selection. Lots of them leaving the store daily so it must be something to think about.
Yellow Sally’s should be in the water column soon? Those bigger stones too?
They are coming. The caddis are coming daily
Dry fly anglers are getting more excited by the day. Almost consistent PMD hatches as we move into the second full week of June. In another week you can expect to see them daily. This week with the high and bright, as mentioned above, will bring it on in some reaches well. Evidence of the PMD all the way up the river with the concentrations mainly still below Craig.
Caddis are in fashion as well and again more bugs the lower you fish. X-Caddis, Translucent Pupa’s, Buzzballs, and the filmy companions can get it done.
Still the fish are not bothered and any number of patterns can work on any given day. The dry fly game is a bit easier to figure out than the nymph program. The trout get weird when water levels jump[ around.
Streamers? OK. But not the best time of year. Some success on flash flies has been reported from the staff and guides and a few bank anglers. Not much discussion as the dry fly is here and most are here for that reason.
We are entering our dry fly time of year and this river will support several factions of dry fly nuts. We encourage that gang and enjoy their discussions, company, and daily frustrations.
Call us up if any questions arise from this report or if you need even more info, a trip, some lodging, or just want to chat with somebody about the dry fly bite.
We are all ears here in Craig.
Headhunters Fly Shop open daily @ 7am and now open later til 9pm for your acres fishing hang. Late shuttles too. Need a new dry fly line? Why not come prepared for greatness with a new InTouch RIO Grand or Gold? You’ll be happier with a slippery floaty fly line…
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The calm before the storm. Almost.
Lots of folks on the river this fabulous weekend with the weather presenting a reason to slather on a cupful of Sunscreen!
Bustling as we move into the dry fly season. June is the tipping point for those who like to toss the dry fly…all day long.
Can you do it right now? Yep. Not the pod filled mornings and afternoons we all think of when dreaming about Missouri River dry fly fishing, but not bad none the less.
A few hints to keep in mind this month.
Missouri River June Saturday
Be courteous. Boat ramps, on the river, giving wade anglers a wide berth, wade anglers understanding that boats need a little space too…smiling.
First cast is the best cast. The 17th cast or presentation is not the one you want to rely on. The 1st cast is always the best. Remember that the element of surprise never falls out of favor.
Fish early, fish late. Go out early and get off early. Go out late and get off late. Headhunters is your all day long Missouri River fishing resource. We get here early to accommodate your fishing problem. Flies cost a couple bucks each. Counseling is expensive! Shuttles all day long too.
PMD’s are yellow in color.
Caddis fly like a wounded moth.
March Browns and BWO’s are all but gone. Some tiny mayfly shit happening that will drive you nuts. Do we have the fly for that sort of shenanigans? Yep. We call it a LaFontaine’s Buzzaball.
The Buzzball is King. Mark believes that wholly. He also writes this blog and is biased. He also believes that soda pop in a glass bottle tastes better. He also believes in 1st casts.
Splashy rise forms indicate tough to catch fish. random rises do not equal a hatch that you can predict. In this case, good drift catch fish. A tough nut to crack. Skittering caddis can work. Soft hackles can work. The Translucent Pupa is a fantastic fly for this erratic trout behavior.
Headhunters is the Funnest Fly Shop in the World.
Nymphs are on fire, most of the time. You can bump[ into a soft afternoon. It happens. Remember that when we fish during the golden hour before lunch and the fish will eat any type of drift good or bad…and then we head out after lunch and the fishing becomes more difficult…good drifts are more important when the fish become tight lipped!
Good drift catch fish. Both on the dry and on the nymph. Present properly and you will be rewarded more often.
When dry fly fishing it is important to cast at the fish. You can cast 12′-19′ above the fish, but you will not be rewarded. Cast at the fish. Short perfect drifts catch more fish.
We will have enough water to get us through the
Bring all your flies this time of year. All 3 disciplines are working. Bring all the rods too. If you need to DEMO a fantastic rod from SAGE, like the One, Method, Accel, Vantage, or Salt…we got ’em. Try it out on the river you love.
PMD’s for two months. Caddis for the next three? Trico’s in July. Terrestrials late this summer.
Not too early to book your fall trip to the Mo. Lodging and guides becoming booked. We are about half booked for the September-October time frame. An early warning. Well, a mid flight warning. By September the October dates are not as good.
Shop open at 7am. Earlier soon.
Summer is here and we love it. Happy Saturday to all of you!
The river is coming up. Good news for the remainder of this just yet began summer. We will have plenty of water as it looks like we will fill the Canyon Ferry Reservoir.
Currently climbing at 94.6% filled. A scant 2.4% to go! Nice. Mother Nature and the USBR got it right. Thanks to both!
The weekend weather also looks good. Temps in the 70’s and possibly 80 Sunday. You in? You coming?
Would it make you happier if you thought you had a chance to cast to a few rising trout?
Cross your fingers and find your sipping trout on the Mo. It is June and that is good news.
Sunny days and happy trout as the water temps are in the wheelhouse for the June bugs.
PMD’s like this temp!
A smattering of PMD’s. They will pop this weekend? Maybe. Lots of caddis showing and more in the lower reaches. Still some micro-mays around and the fish are not afraid to eat them up either. Spinners, crips, skitterers, spents, emergent individuals, and just plain old duns are creating a texture on the surface that drives DFO nuts just nuts.
Nymphers are happy with the game right now tossing all kinds of PMD Nymphs. The Trigger Nymph, Peep Show, Military May Brown, Tungsten Redemption are my favorites for sure. Caddis Pupa’s are getting some attention too. I like the Bloom’s Weight Fly in Gold, Silvey’s Pupa, Translucent Pupa with the bead in it.
PMD’s for the week ahead courtesy of Headhunters Fly SHop
But the real talk in Craig is about the upcoming PMD. And I could not agree more. Classic mayflies with trout sipping them make trout fishing dreams come true.
Dries (L to R): Cripple Thor PMD, Trapped Dun PMD, Quigley’s Half Dun PMD, Silverman’s Stacker Cripple PMD, Quigley’s Film Critic PMD
The Dearborn is falling albeit slowly. The mud has all but slid downstream and you should have no fear fishing below it. How about fishing the Dearborn this coming week? Call us for information in regards to the DB. We’ll tell you all we know.
See you soon in Craig. We will be hanging at the shop daily 7am til 8pm. Reels, fly lines, info, coffee, guides, the best in lodging, stuffed fly bins of dry flies, all of the popular nymphs, killer logo wear, and friendly smiling faces.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]First just a few…then a few more.
Saw a few of those June Mayflies today.
The lower is heating up with that ill flighted Trichoptera Gang.
The water temps are up and down. Well within the temperature range of our annual yellow Emphemerella emergence.
First just a few…then a few more.
Will they come? Soon. Soon my friends. We are right on the cusp.
The water flows will coming up as well as we adjust for the above normal rainfall this early part of June. The reservoir is filling on time @ 92.8% at press time. Inflows at Toston above historical averages now and climbing to 13K and beyond with the shower activity around the upper Missouri River drainage.
Water coming up on the Missouri River
The caddis flies continue to impress in the middle and lower reaches. The upper reach is clean and fishing well, most of the time.
The weather has been seasonal and predictably unpredictable. Rain, thunder, lightning, sun, calm, overcast, and wind will make up the majority of your day out there. That is the June status quo.
Don’t get caught with your proverbial pants around your ankles without the proper gear. It can snow this month and commonly we see our last snow fall near the second week of June. Just sayin’. Bring good rain gear and warm clothing.
Welcome to June. Great fishing, great fellowship, great times.
And some folks around too.
In a couple days we will have the water projections for the month and months ahead. Until then we will enjoy the 4000cfs range and the coming bugs. Until the perennial June flies make their anticipated emergence we will sees couple more BWO’s, a couple random mayflies like March Browns but more likely Callibaetis and Mother’s Day Caddis.
The caddis on parts of the river in the sun can bring a good good bite. If you do not see the sun out you may not see as many caddis. Food for thought.
We do love the month of June here in Montana. It is green.
The Dearborn is still running above 1000cfs and the LPP is in shape and fine. Sheep Creek also running clear.
Canyon Ferry is at 92.8% filled and filling rapidly! Inflows 11K with outflows at 3500cfs. Good news for summer water flows!
The rest of the game? Waiting for the bugs. Today and this week with rain on the mind we will wait and see. The water temps are rising slowly as we make our way into the wettest Montana month.
Bring your PMD nymphs, your caddis dries and nymphs, your streamer boxes, your BWO’s, a box of beverages of your choice and go out there.
Floats above the Dearborn are more common with the mud…but not everybody is fishing above the DB.
This month can bring weird weather so always pack appropriately. Rain gear is a good idea. Warm clothing is a good idea. Hot coffee is a great idea. Hot chicken broth? Oh yeah!
Still some time with only a few boats on the water this week. Then the cork comes off.
Shop open at 7 daily for all your river needs and the best in flies, fly lines, and information at Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When Mike McCune and Whitney Gould were here in April on their annual Montana spey fishing tour, I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days fishing with Mike and talking about the new “Trout Spey” gear he has been working on with Sage and Rio. Yes, little rods and little lines. But with lots of power. Watch first, then ask questions.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/129327269″][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]Having never fished with Mike or Whitney, I quickly learned that fishing for trout isn’t something they do to earn a few bucks teaching spey classes outside the PNW. They really enjoy it, and have been tinkering with ultra-lightweight spey rods for the last 5 years.
Mike had the final versions of some new 11′ 2 & 3 (200-250r) weight spey rods he has been working on with Sage for the last few years. For lines he was throwing final prototypes of the new RIO “Trout Skagit?” lines. Skagit heads 11 feet in length. Yes, 11 feet.
While I’ve been known to badmouth “ultra-light” spey rigs in the past (you don’t need them for the Missouri!), I must admit that Mike/Sage/Rio have nailed it with these. Distance is excellent. Wind performance nearly equal a 6 weight rod. The ability to throw larger flies – which Mike refers to as “payload” – is very, very good. Way past the size of flies that I personally use for trout fishing. And most Steelhead fishing.
Add to that extremely light in the hand and effortless to cast. In fact too much effort will be self-destructive.
The 11′ RIO Skagit head is shorter than you might think is possible. But with a “hands down” casual stroke it launches. You can use 10′ MOW tips on it, or cut your own a bit shorter. One huge advantage of these short tips is that you can strip line in a traditional streamer fishing style without running into junction knots and thick heads.
We will save the rest for the official release this summer.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]May is nearly over.
June is nearly here.
How much longer do you have to wait to get on that plane to come on out and fish the Mo?
Well, we hope it is coming soon.
Or if it does not come for some time, we will eagerly waiting your arrival.
Whenever your time comes we will welcome you.
Make your own bit of fly fishing history this summer on the dry fly capitol of the west.
It is still raining at the time of this post. Good news. The historically wet May may lead into the historically wet June. May brings 2.4″ and June brings more. We exceeded the May norms and will we create more mountain greenery this June?
We hope so!
A couple storms dumped about a 1/2″ of water over our region. Bring it!
Canyon Ferry level is now 89.4%. It’s coming…that is good.
Happy Friday to all those in Troutlandia from all of us in Craiglandia.
