Missouri River Fly Fishing Report – Page 37

Friday Foto

April 3, 2015 by Mark Raisler

Looks like overcast skies for the weekend. You like dry fly action? We do.

The wind-devil has been staying away for most of the week…he delivered some pretty hefty winds last weekend. So we should have some solace from the wind?

Who knows.

We do know that Izaak’s is open and the river is fishing well. Joe’s Bar you ask? Yep, open!

Most of the businesses in Craig are open save for the Taco Truck, but they too may be open soon. Izaak’s at 3pm and serving dinner. Izaak’s will be closed Monday nights for the month of April. Head on up to the Frenchman for dinner if you need a bite.

Shop open at 8am and open late til 7pm for all your Mo River trout fishing needs! We have lodging avail for this weekend too. Give us a call and hop in one of our discounted guide boats for $300!

Tomorrow is our 8th birthday here at Headhunters. How should we celebrate?

Headhunters Missouri River Fishing Report 4.2.15

April 2, 2015 by Mark Raisler

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report reporting some of what happened this last week on the Mo from the Dam to at least Pelican Point. Some anglers below towards Cascade as well.

Lodging in Craig is booming and Izaak’s is open for the season! Izaak’s open daily @ 3pm for cocktails and dinner at 4pm. Stop in Craig for your full service experience. They will be closed Mondays through April but open the rest of the week. Joe’s is always open for your late night hang!

The fishing is getting better as the days pass by this spring. Consistent fishing is arriving as the the grass becomes greener. Nearly all businesses open in Craig. Almost. The Taco Cart not up to speed quite yet.

The weather sours starting today while the trout wear bigger smiles.

Headhunters Missouri River Fishing Report

Hot hatches on the horizon include our generally good spring baetis and the continuance of midge flies. Both will be gracing us with daily emergences this coming week. A few BWO’s out and about this last week. Meaning a few, like 3 seen recently. More to come soon. In conduction with the snow flurries panned for the week ahead? Maybe. You’ll just have to be here to witness it.

Bigger flies on the surface as well as our spring stones can be found under rocks too. Still a month out from the March Browns. Let’s play with the existing insects first.

Nymphers are out daily fishing all the way from the dam to ? How low can you go…

Streamer anglers stripping as well from top to bottom. Dry lines, intermediate tips, and some who like to go deeper yet. Hickman’s and Coffey’s and Kraft patterns are getting it done. Come by for the streamer super store in Craig. Open daily for your streamer fantasy at 8am.

Water temperatures continue their climb and stall occasionally. Like today, tomorrow.

Flows are in the lower 4K’s. Hiccuping this week is what we may see.

The weather will screw with us in the next few days. Check out the forecast and/or call us for the up to the minute fishing and weather reports.

I for one am packing a few Thermos’ products in my boat today along with hand warmers and a few pair of KAST gloves. W shave both the Raptor and Steelhead models for your spring fishing pleasure. Try the SIMMS ProDry as well. The HH staff love these as well!

Lots of winter and early spring pieces in stock at Headhunters. We truly are your Missouri River Spring Specialists! While the rest are still ramping up we are in full spring swing. Stop in for a hot cup of Joe and fill your Thermos on us. See you before and after your wintery weather

Headhunters Famous $300 Spring Special

April 1, 2015 by Mark Raisler

Headhunters Fly Shop is in full swing with the $300 Spring Special.

Yes, guided fishing trips and discounted lodging here in Craig Montana. Craig Trout Camp has lodging starting @ $125 and it has become very popular for this 45 day period leading us into the spring rains of May.

Why not take advantage of these discounted full day trips here in central Montana. We have our full guide staff at your disposal with 10 Headhunters guides ready for Missouri River action. Your full time Missouri River fly shop is ready as well. We have a full compliment of winter and spring clothing for any condition that you may encounter.

Lots of our summer guests come on out and warm up their casting arm on rising midge fish, hungry scud eating trout, and streamer causing browns. Check out the lodging site here to line up your Craig Trout Camp stay here in town.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 3.30.15

May 1, 2019March 30, 2015 by Mark Raisler

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Headhunters Fly Shop fishing report is as follows…

While most are still nymphing anglers are branching out more and more everyday. Lots of anglers tossing the blind dry and just as many tossing the streamer fly. Both having success.

Nymphers are fishing secondary and tertiary shelf lines all times of the day. Some venturing into summer like water…with very little success. Those whoa re staying closer to the seasonal fishing norms are doing well. More consistent is the bite and in more kinds of water with more kinds of flies.

Yes, nymphing is expanding its window of possibility.

Streamer anglers are gaining strength as we move into water temps that are more conducive to trout movement and that makes this wily group smile. Sink tippers and dry liners are being seen bankside in every reach. Slwo and medium slow is the mantra.

Encourage the pause…

DFO’s are tossing any seasonal fly they desire. Big fluffy and flat low profiled and Adams like are the themes that we are sticking beside. Some good rising fish to midges here and there in that normal goofy spring midge like water. You know th type of whacky water I am commenting on if you are one of those great white midge hunters.

The dry fly bunch is coming out of their winter coma.

Water flows are holding at the 4K mark. Water temperatures are moving upwards above the 40F. level. As a Headhunters guest mentioned a couple days ago “Whoa, when it gets 42F it becomes magical.” There is some truth in that statement. The biggest part of that statement is that as the temps move higher the fish get feisty-er. The bugs do too.

Check out the trend above. Natural spring direction. We like the longer days, warmer air temps, increase in bug activity, and the more common usage of Fly-Agra.

Lots of new stuff in the store daily with the addition of 10+ new Headhunters Logo’d T’s and racks full of Headhunters Logo’d hats. Logo wear also from SIMMS as well as the store is nearly full to the brim!

Open daily @ 8am for all your midweek sunshine needs. Snow later in the week. We still have loads of cold weather wear for your spring time weather conundrum. Fresh hot perked coffee and hand warmers for those in need.[/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=”7592,10449,10999,10937,4038,4469,11082″ post_type=”ids” no_items_message=”” items_layout=”shop_trendy” items_gap=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

R.E.M Can’t Get There from Here

March 29, 2015 by Mark Raisler

Remember when rock videos were weird.

I think just to be weird was the primary reason.

I heard this snappy tune two mornings in a row after dumping the boat in the drink. Thought I should pass it on to you folks. There has to be a reason?

The fishing not as weird this last week.

Somewhat consistent catch reports let us know that maybe we are near the turn.

Water temps in the 40F range and rising.

Town pretty busy this weekend. Izaak’s open tonight again @ 3pm serving til dark. Grand Opening for the summer on the 1st.

See you on the Mo as we move from March into the fantastic month of April. Spring Special in full swing with $300 Guide Trips. Cheap lodging too as we have about 5 properties discounted for your vacation pleasure.

Izaak’s Opening Day

March 29, 2015March 29, 2015 by John Arnold

Opening Day at Izaaks has become almost as important to Montana anglers as the small creek opener. We’ve been getting calls for weeks asking, “when is Izaaks going to open?” Last night was it. The Pacifico’s were served up just as good as I remember them. I was in early to have my first drink of the new season, and caught the crew in action as they were getting ready for the opener.

Hunter and Angler Dollars important to Montana

Hunter and Angler Dollars are important to Montana!

September 5, 2015March 28, 2015 by Mark Raisler

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]A quick video from the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks today on the Headhunters Fly Shop Blog.

Winston Greely shoots and produces the videos for the department. Nice short vids about the topic of fish, wildlife,a dn parks. I see a theme there.

I met Winston 17 years ago here on the river. His love of the outdoors and fishing led him down the media path to a fantastic career with the FWP. Pretty cool stuff!

Ag dollars have fallen into 2nd place as recreation has led the way in terms of state dollars in the last decade. Hunter and Angler dollars are important and feed a bundle of Montana families.

We can only say thanks to you folks for making this state part of your lives while supporting the Outdoor Recreation businesses like ourselves.

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Weekender Nymph Patterns

March 27, 2015 by Mark Raisler

New flies for Headhunters Fly Shop this week.

Every time we turn our head Ninch stuffs the bins full of new flies. Why? Cause he can’t help himself.

And we like additional options to fool our trout here in central Montana. We can’t stand flies that do not work. We get rid of them quickly replacing them with new patterns for you. Try them out on the laboratory know as Montana’s Missouri River.

This week’s newest selections @ Headhunters…

Purple Haze (Soft Hackle)
Hogan’s Spring Creek Geek
Allen’s Holla-Back Girl Purple, Pink, Brown
Jake’s Flash-a-Midge Black
Two Bit Hooker Brown, Olive
Flash Bang Midge Red, Cream
Tungsten Juju Baetis Red
Allison’s Wild Thing Purple
Barr’s Copper John (the original, not those shitty knock offs)
Trask’s Little Devil

This weekend to be warmer than normal on the Mighty Mo. We have guides out daily and river lodging for all comers. Give us a call or stop in for RV sites, Adipose Rental Boats, shuttle services, the Missouri River’s best fresh fly selection, and cool new logo gear for your whole family.

Open daily @ 8am and later than the rest for late night trout needs.

Izaak’s Restaurant open Saturday and Sunday 3/28-29!

March 26, 2015 by Mark Raisler

Izaak’s Restaurant in downtown Craig is open for business Saturday and Sunday 3/28-29 @ 3pm and dinner served at 4pm.

Chef John said lets ride as we see a good push of anglers coming to Craig this weekend.

Izaak's Missouri River Fly Fishing — Craig Montana’s Apres Fishing Hang!

Warmer air temps this weekend with Izaak’s opening adding another bar and of course the only full service restaurant in Craig. One of the only in the canyon!

They will be closed Monday and Tuesday withe the Grand Opening April 1st and running wide open 7 days a week through the fall.

Welcome back Izaak’s! We are happy to see you again and our taste buds will be satisfied on Saturday Night!

Kreelex Just Add Vise Video

May 1, 2019March 26, 2015 by Mark Raisler

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]This maybe the most popular JAV Tying Kit we have?

You’d have to ask Ninch. He’ll know.

It is one of the most talked about streamers on the Mo, and rivers, streams, lakes, and of course bass ponds.

A few in the past week have asked us to post a little something about this fly. Again.

Here it is. The answer. The Kreelex. Love it. Live it. Fish it.

Buy this baby at Headhunters and get it started. Tie your own?! Why not.

The beauty of Headhunters Kreelex JAV Kit is that you can add another 10 flavors of Krenik Product to your grab bag here at the store.

Then the Kreelex flavors are only limited by your imagination.

Screen Shot 2015-03-25 at 9.42.53 PM — Kreinik Metallic available at Headhunters Fly Shop. Call us today!

Think of all of the combos. Pink and Gold. Gold and Brown. Brown and Olive. Olive and Black. Black and Red. Red and Green. Green and Blue. Blue and Purple. Purple and…

It is that time of year to stock up and get on board with the streamer fly. Our bins at the shop are filling daily as more of your minnow imitating pattern love arrives via UPS.

How are you gonna deliver your brown trout candy this spring?

Start it here with the Kreelex Just Add Vise Kits only @ Headhunters in Craig.

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Changes Coming Soon

March 25, 2015 by John Arnold

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Spring is not coming. It’s here. Though I’m certain we will still see a few wet & heavy blizzards in the next 2 months, you can see by the forecast that both air and water temperatures are ahead of where they should be.

Julie and I were out working on the yard the other day. In March.

And the early spring will make for some early changes to the fishing. We’ve already spotted a few Skwala’s, and a few fish have been caught on the dry. A few.Depends on the day and where you go. And how you fish.

March is typically full of indicators and pink flies. That stuff will still work, but during a warm spring like this one, you’re going to have options:

Throw a Dry Fly

Yes you can fish the Skwala, though our hatch is not like the legendary emergences west of the divide. But still, you will catch some fish on foamy’s if you stick with it.

I don’t always believe they are eating it for a Skwala. Missouri River trout like to rise, and as long as one is looking up you have a shot. And who cares anyhow? Catching fish on big dries in March is a luxury for us.

Just ask yourself, WWZD?

Streamers

We’ve been swinging streamers on two-handers for months, but during late-winter we seem to do a little better from the boat. The fish are starting to move from the deep holes, and you’ll find fish that are “new” to a bank. And those kind of fish are dumb.

A floater or intermediate tip will work, but we recommend a heavier tip until later in the spring. We like the Airflow Streamer Max a lot, and it’s designed to be cut back a bit if it’s fishing too deep.

A floater will work, however. Just depends on where and how. In the above picture of Pete and Jared I took the other day, Pete is throwing a big streamer tight to the bank on a floating Wulff Ambush line. He nailed a big Brown right after this pic.

Hit a Lake

We’ve been hearing all kinds of great lake fishing reports, from the Blackfeet Reservation to Perch on Holter. There are big Pike at the head of Canyon Gerry. Just about everything is open so you have plenty of options available.

While I’m not a big lake guy, this is a great time of year to catch a big trout in the shallows. Willow Creek, Nilan and Bynum Reservoir near Augusta are all solid bets. Calling FWP in Great Falls will get you some detailed info on what size of fish are in which lakes.

And if you (or a buddy) has a Walleye boat, it’s an excellent time to go fill a stringer with fish taco fixin’s.

MAKE SURE IT’S OPEN!

Many smaller streams are tempting right now, but make sure and check the regulations to see if it’s open. For instance, the Dearborn River is CLOSED RIGHT NOW! But I know that I will see folks fishing it under the I-15 bridge almost every week until the opener on May 16.

Odds are pretty good that if it’s too small for a drift boat, it’s closed. But check regardless. Some small creeks are open, and sections of larger rivers may be closed right now.

And Keepemwet.

[forecast]

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Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 3.24.15

March 24, 2015 by Mark Raisler

Go small and get the take. That is the word on the street as we move into the latter week of March.

Has madness ensued? Not quite but we are getting ripe.

Water temps still rising and the fishing is good enough to bring some of those rainbow colored trout to the surface. Clusters may not be the key as the better fish are now keying on the single midge. Size 20 and 22 midge patterns can get it done. Try the single posted mini Adams for a good trout midge bug. Don’t like that mayfly style fare? Go with a Poly Posted single midge, Matt’s Midge, Quig’s Midge, or anything small and midge like. Anglers choice.

Can’t see it? Trust your fishing partners eyes. Or just whack it when you think the trout is on it, near it, etc.

The streamer bite is decent as we move into the 38F water temp. Will it get warmer? Oh yeah man. Daily from here on out. Unless ‘Ol Man Winter re-appears.

P1030544 — The fly fishing information leaders in Craig

The nymphing? Getting better as the spring weather pattern takes hold. We should see an increase in consistency with less hit and miss feeding behaviors. The normal winter/spring fare can work on any given day. Just keep changing until the trout respond. Some days they are totally off of the Firebead patterns. Just sayin.’ Remember your winter/spring mantra. Slow water is a friend of the bobber bunch.

Flows are down and will remain so unless something with the snowpack changes…which is not in the long-term forecast. The water guessers state that it will remain at 4100cfs range as they are in the active storing of water stage. The normal fill date is the 3rd week of June with the Canyon Ferry Reservoir seeking a 97% fill value. We will keep you posted as the spring water situation comes into focus.

How about your Tuesday? We suggest working on the weekends and fishing during the week. Shop open daily for any of your Missouri River needs. The friendliest staff on the entire river and your information experts here in Craig. See you soon…

Essential Addt’l Items for your Drift Boat

May 1, 2019March 23, 2015 by Mark Raisler

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Everybody has the basics in their drift boat.

YETI Ice Chest, spare oar, extra oar lock, spare boat plug, warm jacket, rain pants, a heater when it’s cold, gloves…

Pictured above are some of the things that I feel are necessary for bringing your game up to the concierge level.

I am striving for the concierge level for sure. I really think it is a function of age. I’m old enough to have a number of killer fly rods, extra reels, boat heater and kerosene heater systems, the right clothing, SIMMS Waders, Kast Gloves…but why go without when spending 1/2 of the year in a drift boat.

Essential Addt’l Items for your Drift Boat

Cotton Terry Hand Towels. My favorite extra item int he boat. Used to dry your hands. To wipe your mouth. To clean any mess that may develop during the day. I use them clean for a day, then y=they clean the floor the following morning, then to the wash. Good for a wash or two until they become totally grotie! My clients favorite addt’l item.

Micro-Fiber Towel. An update tot eh Terry Towel. Used for sunglasses, camera equipment, anything f=that needs a clean and soft towel.

Beef Jerky. Good everyday at 10 am. If you start drinking beer at 89am, then 9am is the appropriate starting time. The bigger bag the better. Beef Jerky makes every fishing day better.

Extra Car Keys. I have 3 in the boat. Seems like the right number. I put them all back in the boat. Don’t get locked out at the ramp. If you do, make sure you have plenty of Beef Jerky.

Sharpie. Everybody needs few Sharpie’s around.

Chocolate. I like the big Toblerone Bars. Big enough to share. You can hoard it if you wish, but if you get busted you gotta have some for others. This tube holds 6 big bars. Stock up at Costco when you see items like this!

Hand Warmers. I buy these too by the case. I have never had too many of these in the boat. It’s like having too much money. Never heard that phrase out of anybody I know. I warm them up on the dashboard in the heat of the window defroster int eh truck on the way to the put in. Then put them ion your shirt pickets warming your core for the day. A 2nd pair in your gloves or outer pockets to warm those fingers too!

An extra extra boat plug. Takes no room. Find the 2nd one when you cannot locate the 1st one.

An extra super warm hat. This one is waterproof too. With ear flaps. DWR finished. 90% of your body heat escapes though your head. Cover it for all day warmth. Keeps the rain off too. Extra comfort without sacrificing a ton of space.

Matches/Lighters. Ever had to pull over, start a fire, to get warm? I have. Most of my friends have too. Lots of flame sources are pretty important to me these days. Safety is key. Only two kinds of people. Those who have needed to start a fire, and those who will need to sometime in the future.

Baby Wet Wipes. You only need them if you don’t have them. Big bang for a little product. These can be clutch!

RIO Fly Line Cleaning Towelettes. Why even get in the boat if your fly line is not slippery and clean. Better shooting, better floating, all better all the time. These 99 cent towelettes are the most important indirect item in my boat. I use them 2-4 times a day when fishing. The best way to get your fly to the target is by having a perfectly slick fly line. The RIO Line Cleaning Towelette is essential!

Electrical Tape. This stretchy waterproof tape can be used for lots of fix it jobs. While Duct Tape is great too, we already know you have roll in the boat somewhere. This secondary roll is essential too. A roll or two fits nicely in any drift boat orifice.

Eyeglass Repair Kit. Eye protection, safety, is the number one rule in any fishing situation. Not tipping the boat over is pretty important too. Small screwdrivers, nose pads, extra little tiny eyeglass screws, in a tiny little tube. Pick one of these kits up at your local grocer or at the glasses store. The small screwdriver also works on fly reels. Bonus.

Loon UV Knot Sense. This is a product that I just love. Use it to fix a cracked/sliced fly line. Get rid of that hinge that is f***ing up your perfect slack line dry fly presentation. Use it to fix that groove in your favorite fly reel that is again messing with your line. Fill it in with UV Knot Sense! Use it to fix those leaking waders. The 12 holes you just produced crossing that barbed wire fence. Dab it on, and expose to the sunlight. The UV rays will immediately cure the goo. A product that is imperative in your drift boat.

Hot Sauce of your choice. I like several hot sauces! Who doesn’t. I currently have the Pepper Plant Chunky Garlic on board. A damn fine sauce. Big flavors of garlic married with various peppers. Good til the last drop. Makes that bland wife you buddy packed Pop w/ flavor!

These are items that I think will make your day go by smoother than expected. Why not live large in Montana. Big state, big times.

What are you favorite additional essential boat items? Let us know so we can add them to our own collection![/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=”6844,10999,9123,9116,6650,9071″ post_type=”ids” no_items_message=”” items_layout=”shop_trendy” items_gap=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Spring has arrived in Montana

March 22, 2015 by Mark Raisler

The grass is turning a color other than brown and the boats are on the water.

Guides are out daily as we move from winter into spring. Anglers from all over the state are staying with us and fishing their spring break away.

How about your spring break? Need one?

Give us a shout and we can steer you in the right direction.

Enjoy the March Madness here on Montana’s Missouri River.

Happy Sunday to you all.

Silly Saturday Scenery

March 21, 2015 by Mark Raisler

Shop shot with the Adipose rental boats in full show.

3 rental boats and a demo boat at Headhunters in Craig.

Most of the guides row the Flow ’round here.

Give us about if you want to reserve your Adipose Flow this summer.

Overcast and fishy feeling today. The weekend is here. Enjoy it.

Fly Box Organization Hell

March 20, 2015 by Mark Raisler

It’s over. I’m done. That hell has passed and now I can breathe easy.

My wife can sleep better too knowing that the kitchen table can be once again be used as a spot for eating meals.

Only took 10 days…

I know I promised that it would only occupy the central household table for a short two nights. I may have extended the project longer than I needed, but it is a difficult seasonal process.

You know the pain and whiskey/beer content measured in ounces, or drams, or quarts that must be consumed to even approach this project with a clear mind.

This year like most I had a plan going into the game. I was going to take all the hoppers out of their homes and re-use a couple of the boxes for a caddis dry fly re-org and gather all of the smaller terrestrials into the other hopper box. Then I was gonna move the midge nymphs into something smaller, the midge dries into a new magnetic divider small box(s), the streamers into a color coordinated 2 box system, along the way integrate the pre-purchased well thought through the new compartment boxes and 2 magnetic slim line boxes somewhere, then get the crawdads a new home, the 3 Season worm, scud, czech box cleaned out, the mayfly nymph box cleaned up too, the worm box needed to go, the Drakes an update, the March Browns all into the mayfly dry box, and then make room…

So you can see how this process becomes cloudy. Way cloudy. 5 bourbon rocks can make things a bit unclear too.

We have had several clients of the fly shop bring in cups, boxes, and random fly mayhem, hand over to a shop employee, and pay for them to organize and fill in. Wow!

Probably the smart way out for those folks who do not want to piss off their wife!

One of the biggest tasks is re-aligning all of the flies in fly shop fly cups. Some have BWO’s, and few streamers clotting up the cup. Some have worms from the spring period with tippet and tangled rats nest type f***ups, other faded and dust riddled flies from your patch. A few cups full of shitty flies that never worked that came right from your tying desk.

Then as you all know that when you get deep into the re-org process…you have a change of plan. A change, a hunch, a strong feeling that the first 11 hrs invested has been a complete waste of time as you formulate an entirely new plan.

Which of course takes 7 new fly boxes.

And a trip to the fly shop. You would order them online, but your wife has designs of using the table for something other than your long winded bullshit yearly fly organization.

Hence the immediacy of the fly shop trip. You could use the empty perfectly good fly boxes in drawers in your tying/man room…but they are old and that just will not stand. You would give them away, but you might need them some unforeseeable time in the future? Right?

Nonsense is the key to fly fishing and that theme runs deep. It infects anglers from age 8 to 88. It is pretty tough to avoid.

That is why we fight so hard for complete and total organization. If your flies are organized, they’re easier to find. Making it easier to catch fish? Maybe that does not correlate.

I think those who cast better generally catch more fish. But it certainly does not hurt to be ready for the game.

All spring we practice casting, read inane nonsensical articles like this one, and organize fly boxes.

Then the fishing season arrives and we in theory should be ready for action? In theory. On paper.

I know I am one step closer to becoming truly ready. My fly boxes are organized, categorized, and filled in anticipation of Trico’s, March Browns, BWO’s, Scud hatches.

A good time to get this task done in yesterday. But if you missed the deadline give it a shot this weekend. Just make sure to pick up a bottle at the liquor store on your way home.

Pick out something your wife likes…it’s for her.

Missouri River March Streamer Patterns w/ a side of Streamer Line discussion

May 1, 2019March 19, 2015 by Mark Raisler

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]March Streamer Fishing is?…which leads us to this article written by team members Dewey and Mark at Headhunters Fly Shop.

Missouri River March Streamer Patterns

With unseasonably warm weather this month the river is starting to get pressure. A popular lead in to the Missouri River fishing discussion sometimes starts with “Are they hitting streamers?” Yes is the answer. “Is the bite good?” Like Ninch says “Only as good as you are.”

That is sort of the truth according to Ninch. You can also go long periods with out any interest in your streamer pattern. Should you change? Only you can answer that question. It really is up to you.

How?

Fishing streamers can be accomplished floating, wading, or a combination of the two. Let’s start with wading. With the popularity of the two-handed rod increasing here in central Montana this method is an effective way to cover large water without wearing yourself out. With that being said it does not mean the same water cannot be fished with a single handed rod. It’s just a matter of how much back casting room you will have. And your preference too.

Where?

The fish seem to still be in the winter mode meaning they are grouped up and hanging in slow water. The sexy riffles and runs look good this time of year but generally hold less fish. The slow water at the tail-out is usually where the fish will hang. The same water we send people to nymph fish is the same type of water you may want to seek when tossing the streamer fly. Inside bends have also been good and don’t forget about the water that looks like whitefish water…it can be prime winter habitat for trout.

What Gear?

I like to fish water 3 to 6 feet in depth. Some anglers like shallower water and a few are more comfortable with the deep stuff. So what kind of line do you need to access those streamer loving trout? Floating lines will work in the slow not so deep water. Generally you get to the fish with a weighted streamer pattern. Lead eyes, coneheads, flies weighted with lead on the shank…all good ways to sink that tasty morsel into the trout zone..

You can also use any number of weighted streamer lines. The RIO Outbound Short has been on of long time favorites but there are a couple others that are great too. The Outbound Short F/I has a 15′ clear intermediate tip. Maybe the best all round Missouri River streamer fly fishing line. Easy loading with almost endless power is why this remains the top selling streamer line at Headhunters.

The RIO Outbound Short comes in a full intermediate version. Clear Tipped backed with a Transparent Yellow back end of the line. Gaining a cult following here in the shop and now bleeding into the hands and reels of some our our streamer junkie clients. Super shoot-a-bility will let you believe you are conducting business with a sniper rod!

Screen shot 2015-03-15 at 11.33.02 PM — RIO Outbound Short Streamer Line

The RIO Streamer Tip F/I is equally as good. A 10′ clear intermediate tip for lower water fall conditions here on the Mo. Lots of power for wind coupled with precise cast-a-bility that many like all year long!

RIO StreamerTip WF6F/S6 is an option for those who like to get a bit deeper. The 10′ blck tip sink rapidly with a floating back end. 6-7ips for those who like it deeper than the intermediate head can achieve.

The RIO Sink Tip rounds out our RIO Sink Tip Series with the 150 grain up to a 300 grain tip. 4-5ips sink rate on this 24ft sink tip.

Having some streamer fans inquiring about the Airflo Kelly Galloup Streamer Max Long fly line. We got ’em in stock for your streamer dreams! A fly line built for those who like to get the flies deep! This heavily weighted Airflo streamer line is for tossing those over-sized articulated streamers that Galloup disciples thrive on. If you fall into this category then you must have this adorning your streamer stick.

You can add any number of tips to the end of your dry fly line too. Do they work as well? No. No but they can gt you into a few fish in a pinch. VersiTips from RIO and weighted Polyleaders from Airflo are available at the shop. That is a topic for another blog. Later.

What Technique?

Dewey says: The fish are not too aggressive on the bite. Meaning that they may not be jumping on the fly, not the hard grabs often. I like to cast 3/4 down stream and let the fly swing to the hang down, directly below me. Most of my takes have been on the hang down. I have had success with a slight twitch at the hang down. Wade fishing is a great way to enjoy the day chucking streamer patterns to Missouri River Trout. You get into a rhythm that is calming. Until the jolt of electricity when the fish decides to whack it!

I have been throwing the two handed rod a bunch this winter. It is my preferred way to winter fish streamers. Why? It is newer to me and is certainly easier on my body. Plus it is so damn efficient replacing the incessant single handed casting with time in the water. Why not have your fly in the water more often. Seems to make logical trout sense!

Float fishing is a different game. The single handed rod still rules here. No application for the two handed rod unless you like to endanger those around you. Hooking the rower is still not a great path to take. The fish are holding in the same type of slow water. The slow water can be found in the traditional streamer water behind rocks, skinny water near islands and bends, or slow runs in the middle of the river.

Now is when the “only as good as you are” part comes in. It’s still early for the “get it in there and fast strip” type of streamer fishing. We find get it in there twitch and pause to be more effective. This is when matching fly weight to line type becomes important. If the outfit sinks to fast to avoid hanging up you will be stripping to fast. Keep the everything balanced for pause and twitch. If you can entice the strike by teasing the often suspect rainbow trout into that fateful aggressive open thy mouth reaction then you will catch more trout. If you can’t? Well, casting practice on the water is sometimes an excuse we use at the bar upon coming up blank!

I cast my single handed rod while floating down the river and switch to my double handed rod when wade fishing. Efficiency is important if you want to catch these sometimes bullish winter fish.

Missouri River March Streamer Patterns

Fly selection tends to be a little smaller than what we recommend a month from now. Size 6 or 8 is the norm with the occasional 4 or 10 thrown depending on pattern or water. Colors can very from day to day. I find if you have faith in your fly you oughtta/gotta fish it hard. Bring a cup full of winter or March streamer patterns to the water. The following patterns are a few we like to recommend for this time of year.

Hot Cone Wooly Bugger #6
Dali Lama Black/White #6
Bloom’s MRS Bugger #4
Bloom’s Bullhead Black/White #6
Olive Blossom #6
Sculpzilla Blackl/White #6
Kraft’s Kreelex Copper/Gold #6
Coffey’s Sparkle Jig Sculpin #1
Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow Brownie #6
Lil’ Kim Copper #4

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Just Add Vise Kits Live

May 1, 2019March 18, 2015 by Mark Raisler

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Over 10 new Just Add Vise kits created by Ninch and John this last winter. They are in stock and already finding homes at vises near you.

New videos for the new additions. New packaging too.

Headhunters Fly Shop Just Add “Vise” Kits Live

These popular tying kits are built for the river tyer. For the tyer who wants to tie an individual fly.

Want to eliminate the confusion and buy just, just what you need? Ya, we do too.

Pick up a few when you are in the shop or you can buy them online here. Get a couple for yourself and one for your neighbor. He likes to tie too!

All the materials for said fly are included with hooks, beads if needed, thread, ribbing, body material, dubbing, hackles…the entire ball of wax as they say!

New Just Add “Vise” kits @ Headhunters Fly Shop

Tungsten Dart
Rusty Parachute
Buzzball
Little Green Machine
X-Caddis
Half Chicken
Pearl Lightening Bug
Crayfish
Unabomber
Zirdle Bug

With the return of the existing JAV Kits @ Headhunters Fly Shop

Wire Worm
Zebra Midge
Foxee Clouser
Rainbow Czech Nymph
Firebead Ray Charles
Pink Lightening Bug
Mozurri Minnow
Long Horn Beetle
Parachute Ant
Kreelex
Grape Slushy

What else do you need to know? Oh, the killer no nonsense video that accompanies each pattern. On the world wide web on Vimeo. They also live on our Headhuntersflyshop.com page in the Resources dropdown menu at the top right of this very screen! Check it out. Watch the videos and decide what to tie for your upcoming Missouri River trip.

Here is the video of the Zirdle Bug. Enjoy!

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Howler Bros. gets in bed with Smith

September 5, 2015March 17, 2015 by Mark Raisler

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Check this collection out.

Screen Shot 2015-03-16 at 7.47.48 PM — Howler Bros/ Smith Backdrop Glass w/ ChromoPop

John and I received our front end Smith Howler Bros. sun glasses the Dockside model a few days ago and we are enjoying them. What is not to like. ChomoPop and Howler Bros together?

Fashion and function. Where Howler Bros. and Smith meet. The best of both worlds. Fish w/ a surf flair.

Remind you of any of the fly shops you know in Craig MT?

Howler Bros. gear arriving daily. Come in and see us for fashion and function!

Howler Bros. gets in bed with Smith.

Check out more here on the Howler/Smith Collaboration.

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A Green Cast

March 17, 2015March 17, 2015 by Mark Raisler

There is a green cast upon the land.

One of the early signs of spring.

Blossoms a few trees as well.

There are a few indicators of spring that carry weight.

The spring green cast is indeed one.

When the Bluebirds arrive. When the Golden Eye finally head north. When the Robin shows its fat rusty belly. When the Osprey come home to Montana’s Missouri River.

Those are the true signs of spring for me.

It is coming now. Ol’ Man Winter is loosening his grasp.

The Missouri River has that spring-like green cast…

A sign of the season. A sign of today.

Missouri River Monday Fishing Report 3.16.15

March 16, 2015 by Mark Raisler

Missouri River Monday Fishing Report from Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig Montana.

Ninch says: If you are not willing to change flies and concentrate in select areas you might have a skewed view of how the fishing is right now.

Dewey says: Look closely to see those heads popping up. You gotta stare for while sometimes or you may not see them.

Mark says: Manage your winter expectations. I like to set the bar low everyday therefore exceeding even my own expectations.

John says: Try taking off the split-shot in really slow waters. The flies will have enough time to sink. Also try taking the slack out of the line enabling quick strikes for winter nymphing success.

Braden says: Huh? It’s fishing well sometimes, other times not as well. Just be here during the former.

Sara says: Streamer anglers make the world go ’round. Throw it til your arm falls off.

Max says: Go small and natural. Skwalas may be coming soon?

Julie says: Toss your 2 handed rod for another month. That’s what I’m gonna do. Then DFO for me baby.

That is the word from the staff here at the shop.

Had some guided trips out this weekend. Had a great time, learned some new things about the river, and caught some fish. Oh, and fixed my cast too. That was the word from Ben Hardy’s guest who has moved here for work He is excited to be back near the Mo. Originally from Helena, just down the road.

The Spring Special is here for the next 6 weeks through the 30th of April. Cheap lodging starting at $125/night here in Craig and beyond. Call the shop for availability after checking out www.craiglodging.com.

Spring Special Guide Trips for a mere $300. Headhunters loves to offer this spring pricing schedule for those who use it as a tune up for the summer ahead. Knock the dust off your rod and casting arm with your fishing partner, your wife, your kids, or your favorite person, you. Busiest the latter part of April and books backwards towards today. Great guides available as our entire guide staff is eager to get on the water. It was the guide staff that brought this to the table 7 years ago. They said, hey we are ready to work and look forward to getting back on the water daily. It has become quite popular at Headhunters and we too are jazzed about seeing you folks back here in Craig.

Water temperatures are moving upwards as the days become longer. 37F this March 16th Monday afternoon.

Flows are holding at 4700cfs-ish. Water flows for the summer? Don’t know yet, but will have a better idea as the spring progresses. Snow on the ground at or about the middle of April is dictates long term summer flows.

Flies for the week? Midges could be the key to breaking the bobber winter curse. Bobber anglers the 2 best seem to be the Rainbow Czech and some sort of sow. Streamers? Kreelex is back. Sparkle Minnows too.

A touch dirty below the Dearborn as it moved from 200cfs yesterday to 381cfs as I write. Just be aware of changing water conditions starting now through the month of June. You can always call ahead to get the current wind, water, and shuttle services.

More an more people around as we move into the true spring period. Open daily @ 8am and late til 6pm.

New Breed Chicks Rule Molly Edition

March 16, 2015 by Mark Raisler

New Breed Chick Mooly out with her family this past week.

Can she fish? Oh yeah.

She is no stranger to a fly rod. Molly spent her formative years in Jackson Hole skiing the winters until the snow became water. Then she would fish the streams until the mountains came ending the summer. Both she and her husband were engaged in the outdoor recreation business until the kids stared coming.

When she spoke about her youth, meaning post college days, Molly lit right up.

The last 12 years she and Greg have been raising 3 children in Minnesota. Now the kids are of an age where they can easily cox them into the rig for road trips westward with rods and skis ~~delicately placed~~ crammed into the back of the Family Truckster.

All the kids cast and fish well. Molly said they run the entire family out on the lake in a pontoon boat, motorized, with 5 float tubes stacked on the deck. Stuff each child into a tube and toss them off the back. When the troops are deployed she and Greg get far enough away from the kids so when the children run into trouble they re far enough away that they have to figure it out on their own. A perfect theory in my book. Teaching self sufficient fishing behaviors is smart. You gotta start them young with this tough love fly fishing program for it to be successful.

Just a little guidance, encouragement, coupled with distance allowing for self discovery.

Pretty smart Molly.

She is a great angler who is quite excited to get back to the western rivers as she stated she and the gang will be back soon.

While Molly was interested in her kids catching a few fish she was not all afraid to punish her husband. I don’t know what the final tally was but I think Molly may have edged Greg out.

Silly Sunday Scenery

March 15, 2015 by Mark Raisler

Trout on the Mo.

Tons of Rainbows and some Brown Trout too.

Spring seems to have arrived along with the high winds.

Bring your kite if the forecast deems appropriate.

Or your big stick.

See you blowing towards Cascade…

Missouri River Streamer Saturday?

May 1, 2019March 14, 2015 by Mark Raisler

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]It’s coming. The time of year when the streamer junkies crawl from their dark fly tying dungeons and test their winters work on the Mo.

I would venture a guess that streamer time is here. Well, the front end of the streamer season at the very least.

Get your big stick out of the closet and get after it.

Need a new Streamer Line for your gun? We got ’em. RIO, Airflo, Orvis…10+ streamer lines in stock for 5’s, 6’s, 7’s and a couple in the 8 too.

Streamer tips available too. VersiTips and Poly leaders from RIO and Airflo.

Streamer leaders round out the terminal end.

Flies. Streamer flies? Well over 100 patterns in the stuffed Headhunters Fly Shop bins. The largest streamer selection in the Tri-County area!

Yes it is streamer season and we love it. Bobber fishing gets us through the winter but streamer fishing is what many dream about.

Begin your 2015 streamer dream today.

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Bigfoot is a Spey Caster?

March 13, 2015 by Mark Raisler

Seen yesterday on the Missouri River in broad daylight.

Yep.

Bigfoot, Yeti, Speyfoot?

Bigfoot is a Spey Caster?

He’s a pretty good 2 handed caster. He likes SAGE rods. And he believes in catch and release.

He doesn’t eat trout? No, but he is fond of the Beef Brisket and a hand crafted Margarita at Izaak’s. Although he prefers Joe’s for activities after midnight. Who doesn’t?

We take all kinds of folks on guided Missouri River fly fishing trips. Some say we are the goto fly shop in Craig. Now we can add Bigfoot to our guiding pedigree. Not many can say that. Right?

Trust me, I’m a guide.

Bigfoot casts a single hander with ease too! And he is rocking the HH hat.

Notice Speyfoot is rocking the Headhunters Team Logo hat. He must be an online shopper as we have never seen him in the store. Gotta keep appearances to a minimum when you are as infamous as Speyfoot.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 3.12.15

March 12, 2015 by Mark Raisler

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report for March 12th 2015.

All is well on the Missouri River. Some folks around as we are enjoying a little early spring. Earlier than normal for sure.

Guide trips out nearly daily as we move toward the Headhunters Spring Special. Cheap lodging already and good all the way through the end of April. Couple $300 Missouri River Guide Trips with lodging starting @ $125/night in downtown Craig…a perfect spring get-a-way. Operators standing by.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 3.12.15

Not terrible. That is the long and short of it. Inconsistent is and has been the word.

If you are going through hell, keep going.

-Winston Churchill

That is my analogy of the month. Lots of anglers confused as to what is happening out there on/in that hallowed Montana river. The answer is just this simple. Fish are not being caught in every kick ass winter run. It just is not that kind of winter fishing this year.

The key seems to be to keep on grinding. All day long. Ramp to ramp.

What does that mean? Well to us it means to keep on keeping’ on. Keep changing flies. Fool around with depth. Look for winter water. Break down this big river into small river recognizable components. Find that soft inside spot, even if it is only 10 yards long and half that in width. Look for those mini winter jewels and toss your flies in.

It means that the streamer anglers gotta keep on chucking, keep on ducking, keep on stripping, keep smiling. Same deal. Look away from the faster runs and seek out the shallower and quiet tailouts, inside lanes, and the road less travelled.

Dry fly fellas? Creep and look. Plan ahead. Pray for overcast skies. Be diligent in your approach. Don’t get into a hurry.

Fly fishermen are famous for never giving up. For pushing through. For conducting totally stupid and inane behaviors repeatedly. We advocate those personality intricacies. Insanity is part of this, fly fishing, lifestyle.

Bottom line is just this. Fish are not being caught in every winter run. Do not get stymied based on the first 4+ runs you fish. While they may have sucked, the next run may hold the Holy Grail. It just might. You gotta keep going. Keep drifting. Keep casting. Keep fishing.

Understand that and enjoy the entire day. Fish for the fun of it. For the challenge. For the fellowship. For the love of the outdoors. For you.

So when we see you in the local watering hole, Joe’s Bar on the north side of Craig, we understand your plight.

It can be hell out there. The Headhunters key to success?

If you are going through hell, keep going.

If you still need some egging on, some flies that may work, leaders, fly line cleaner, split shots, hot coffee, a warm body to chew the fat with, sunscreen, and Fly-Agra Headhunters open daily @ 8am.

Future Fly Fishers

March 11, 2015March 11, 2015 by Mark Raisler

The Olsen Family fished with the Headhunters gang and what fun it was.

Finn caught this Rainbow late in the day and he was stoked.

We love that he was interested in keeping the fish in the water. #keepthemwet Fin!

Future Fly Fishers likes seeing young kids hanging out with their folks and fishing. Having a ball and fishing. Enjoying the outdoors and the family unit and learning about trout, flies, insects, conservation…and drinking Cokes and eating candy bars too.

That is all part of the experience.

Thanks Olsen gang. Hope to see all 3 kids back in Montana again int he future. Aidan, Kiki, and Finn. Safe travels during the rest of your trip as you head off skiing for a few days before returning to Minneapolis.

Tuesday Moving Pictures

December 18, 2018March 10, 2015 by John Arnold

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]More strange Cinemagraphs from scumliner. What are they good for? Not sure, but I sure like them. Pretty spacey. Might take a second to load, so be patient. Three different ones this week, starting off with guide Beth Hood:[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]Next my buddy and Carp Fishing guru Dan Frasier from over the border in SoDak. This shot is from my trip to Beaver Island, MI last summer.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]And finally Ben McNinch at the vise, where he lives…[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

5 Tips for Better Missouri River Spring Fishing

March 9, 2015 by Mark Raisler

Fishing Reports from the last week have been varied. Spring like conditions are ever changing and it pays to keep a few things in mind when fishing the Missouri River the next couple months.

The water can be green this time of year and it freaks a lot of fellers out. Should it? Flows are 4700cfs with water temps in the 35.5F frame. It should rise this week. The temps not the flows.

5 Tips for Better Missouri River Spring Fishing

Go where they aren’t. The people that is. Break out and fish new water. Change it up. It’s busy up river…
Go Big. Big attractor type nymphs can get the job done. Worms, Scuds, your big fat favorite slutty fly.
Go small. Zebra’s and tiny black flies catch big trout.
Go Slow. Watch all of the boats float through the faster summer water. Maybe they are busy drinking though. The rower, when drift fishing, has to participate. Those who don’t engage the oar blades with the water don’t catch as many. Winter and spring fish reside in soft, deep, boring water.
Go Fish mid-week. Weekends when the weather is nice are pretty busy. Come out and fish Monday-Thursday and take advantage of fewer folks on the water. Plan ahead and capitalize.

Be smart on the water. If you are the type of guy that like to go out and get some to the net you have to plan accordingly. Following the same grind, the same float pattern, and the same plan does not encourage angler growth. Changing, keeping it fresh, and fishing new water is a path to development.

Don’t stop learning or trying. If you need some suggestions how to force change in your life, stop on by the shop. We’ll lead you down some new roads, channels, rivers…

Headhunters Fly Shop open daily at 8am and now open later for your late afternoon fly fishing binging.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 3.8.15

March 8, 2015March 8, 2015 by Mark Raisler

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report from Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig MT.

Warm weather brings the folks out and the fish up. Overcast skies help things too. Today? Sun is the forecast.

Some good reports for those out headhunting on Saturday. Enough midges to get s few fish looking up? How many? One is enough say most.

Flies that fellers were coming in at the end of the day and hoarding? Midge clusters primarily, but a few popped a single dry midge patterning as well. Reneballs, Buzzballs, Harrop’s Midge Cluster, Quigley’s Cluster, Royal Cluster, Matt’s Midge, Snowshoe Posted Midge and more.

Those longer leaders are making their first real appearance too. RIO 12′, Harrop’s TroutHunter in longer lengths as well accompanied a few out the door on the way to the river this weekend. It’s time to update your gear from last fall. Dust it off, toss some out, and make sure you are ready for rising trout you may encounter.

As for the nymphers…good fishing in the right kind of water. Not so good in the wrong kind of water. Find the boring winter water. Which equals the good winter water.

Nymphs? All the good stuff. Pink, FireBeads, Sows, Scuds, Pink LB’s, Ninch’s Lucent Bead Sow, Worms, Caviar Scud, Zebra’s, Little Green Machine, S & M Brown, Two Bit Hooker, Indigo Child, Rainbow Czech’s, Amex, Newman’s Own Midge…

Streamer Bite. Not terrible. May not always be good, but there are some streamer chuckers out there getting after it. Some good stories, some not so good stories. Slow is the key. The water temp dropped this last week back to the 35F mark. It will climb higher as we move into this spring like seasonable weather.

2Handers are out and swinging around the river. Top to bottom you can find great runs for exploring. Headhunters is your Trout Spey Store. Look us up if you have any questions you need answered in this sometimes confusing game.

Hi’s near and maybe above 60F this next week. Check out the weather report on the right sidebar.

Shop open daily at 8am and now open later as the weather permits. Some are coming out for an afternoon wade fish or an afternoon float.

March Missouri River Water Order

March 7, 2015 by Mark Raisler

March Missouri River Water Order has come down the pike from the water managers in Helena.

It will probably not be a terribly high water year. Just a guess really. The image above is June 2010 w/ Kelley Lasek on the boat ramp at Mid Canon. On it. That is the old road upriver of the ramp, looking towards the VIP Ramp.

I doubt we will witness that this year. I may have jinxed it?

March Missouri River Water Order

Looks like the general lack of snowpack has started to affect the outflows this spring. The managers, US Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation, emailed today and stated that flows will be dropping to 4500cfs. Is that reason for alarm?

No not really.. But more common spring flows, the flows we like, are higher than predicted. Generally in a higher snow pack position the flows would be higher, or remain at the 5K mark for longer finally moving upwards to allow for an average run off period.

Will we see low water this year? Maybe.

Mother Nature is the designer and she has yet to let us in on her entire plan.

The wettest months are ahead of us in April , May, and June.

Stephanie Micek of the BOR stated that the snow on the ground in mid April is really what dictates the spring run off period.

We are fortunate as many of you know that a non-fishing run off period is not what we are talking about. But we are talking about consistent flows above 4000cfs for the summer months. And what ever you desire for the spring and early summer flows are we can all agree that Missouri River water flows above 4K make the late summer and autumn period much nicer.

The projected flows for the summer ahead as you can see below. There really is nothing wrong with 10K for a couple weeks. My opinion here.

If I was a gambler I would bet a case of beer on summer flows being…?

History of Brooklyn

December 18, 2018March 6, 2015 by John Arnold

No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful.

Penang Street Food

December 18, 2018March 6, 2015 by John Arnold

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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself.[/vc_column_text][us_separator position=”center” up=”25″ down=”0″][vc_column_text]Because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure? On the other hand, we denounce with righteous indignation and dislike men who are so beguiled and demoralized by the charms of pleasure of the moment, so blinded by desire, that they cannot foresee.[/vc_column_text][us_separator position=”center” up=”30″ down=”0″][no_blockquote text=”“ But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. ”” show_border=”yes” show_quote_icon=”no”][us_separator position=”center” up=”30″ down=”0″][vc_column_text]But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?[/vc_column_text][us_separator position=”center” up=”25″ down=”0″][vc_column_text]On the other hand, we denounce with righteous indignation and dislike men who are so beguiled and demoralized by the charms of pleasure of the moment, so blinded by desire, that they cannot foresee the pain and trouble that are bound to ensue; and equal blame belongs to those who fail in their duty through weakness of will, which is the same as saying through shrinking from toil and pain. These cases are perfectly simple and easy to distinguish. In a free hour, when our power of choice is untrammelled and when nothing prevents our being able to do what we like best, every pleasure is to be welcomed and every pain avoided. But in certain circumstances and owing to the claims of duty or the obligations of business it will frequently occur that pleasures have to be repudiated and annoyances accepted. The wise man therefore always holds in these matters to this principle of selection: he rejects pleasures to secure other greater pleasures, or else he endures pains to avoid worse pains.But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Mist of Madagascar

December 18, 2018March 6, 2015 by John Arnold

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself.[/vc_column_text][us_separator position=”center” up=”25″ down=”0″][vc_column_text]Because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure? On the other hand, we denounce with righteous indignation and dislike men who are so beguiled and demoralized by the charms of pleasure of the moment, so blinded by desire, that they cannot foresee.[/vc_column_text][us_separator position=”center” up=”30″ down=”0″][no_blockquote text=”“ But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. ”” show_border=”yes” show_quote_icon=”no”][us_separator position=”center” up=”30″ down=”0″][vc_column_text]But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?[/vc_column_text][us_separator position=”center” up=”25″ down=”0″][vc_column_text]On the other hand, we denounce with righteous indignation and dislike men who are so beguiled and demoralized by the charms of pleasure of the moment, so blinded by desire, that they cannot foresee the pain and trouble that are bound to ensue; and equal blame belongs to those who fail in their duty through weakness of will, which is the same as saying through shrinking from toil and pain. These cases are perfectly simple and easy to distinguish. In a free hour, when our power of choice is untrammelled and when nothing prevents our being able to do what we like best, every pleasure is to be welcomed and every pain avoided. But in certain circumstances and owing to the claims of duty or the obligations of business it will frequently occur that pleasures have to be repudiated and annoyances accepted. The wise man therefore always holds in these matters to this principle of selection: he rejects pleasures to secure other greater pleasures, or else he endures pains to avoid worse pains.But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Wednesday morning 12F.

Really damn pretty on the Missouri River in central Montana.

Weather nice this weekend. See you on the river or for apres fish at Joe’s.

Enjoy the continued spring foreshadowing.