A nice shot on Friday.
Friday Foto.
Looking good this weekend of rSpey Casting the Missouri.
We are The Missouri River Spey Shop.
Demo’s galore, lines too.
Stop in and see us for any of your single or two handed equations.
See you on the river on this fantastically beautiful weekend.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Fly Tying Night in America resumed last night in Craig, MT. We kind of announced it at the last minute, and folks came from both directions – Helena and Great Falls – as well as locally.
Some pretty nice efforts last night. No screwing around in this group, just filling up the boxes with flies to be used on the Missouri River.
Here we see Ben McNinch whipping up some of his favorite winter swing patterns. He pounds the fish behind his house with this fly. I’ve used it. It works…[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”9264″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Our good friend Terry from Great Falls spun up a bunch of Foxy Clousers. If I could only use one streamer in a variety of sizes on the Missouri, this would be it.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”9268″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Mark wound up a bunch of Buzzball’s for this summer. These ones are on the dark side. I like that. A good tone for dead caddis. June will be here before you know it. And Mark knows it.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”9265″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Jerry tied up a mixed bag of Pink nymphs for the Missouri River. Some Lightning Bugs and some Firebead Scuddish type flies. Looks like he’s ready to hit the river. He might be out there right now? Nice stuff, and mandatory for this time of year.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”9269″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Local trout/duck bum John Heckert watches Mark work some Buzzball magic. Not sure if John is learning from Mark, or giving advice?[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”9266″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]
Let us know if you want to join in for Fly Tying Night. We general hold them on Wednesday nights through March, maybe April. Contact Mark at mark@headhuntersflyshop.com for more information…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
The month? January.
The day? Not really sure.
The year? Twenty Fifteen…Crazy how that sounds. It sounds like we live in the future!
Hello! Jared here, on the inter-web-network. I am here to report that things are very chill here in Cascade County. Days have been filled with nice walks, good food, and plenty of drinks.
The snow sliding has been pretty damn good so far. I recently took advantage of a sweet deal at Showdown Ski Area. $20 for dudes on Wednesdays! They call it Manuary! The three of us, Kurt Michaels, Ben Hardy and myself thought that was pretty awesome. Good to get out and enjoy the outdoors with a few friends. While yearning for warmer summer weather it sure is nice to experience the cold winter weather skiing and snowboarding here in Montana.
When the weather is too gnarly to go outside, I log in many hours behind the wheel of my Playstation. Not having played too many video games as a kid choosing to enjoy outside activities I can definitely say I love to game. Inside is OK by me.
At the end of every fishing season, which seems to arrive later and later each year, I always look forward to a few simple things.
Peace.
And quiet.
A cozy house and many days to do whatever the day brings to me
My wife
and my dog.
In October we recently lost our beloved big brown dog Duke. After the season ended I realized Duke and I would not be going on any adventures together anymore. Needless to say I had lost my Chi.
RIP Duke, you were awesome.
A month rolls by, along with peace and quiet and my wife without our dog Duke. That’s when I met Moose. While many choose to mourn for months and months I decided to jump right back in the saddle and get another companion for myself and my wife.
Moose has brought a new ray of sunshine into our lives and I look forward to all the new memories we will make.
The Moose is loose!
Guide season will be upon us sooner than later and the rest of the winter and spring will slide by quickly. Some tie with Moose in the snow, some winter fishing with friends on the Mo, and some more sliding on the hill. Moose will be along side us the entire way. Hooray!
The days are getting longer and my mind is getting clearer. Soon it will be March and guiding will be a part of my everyday. The Spring Special is huge and getting bigger every year.
Until then, Peace. Quiet. Cozy House. My wife. And our dog Moose.
Jared Signing Out…
A bulleted list of all you need to know about winter fishing Montana’s Missouri River.
January is warming. Will it last? Probably not.
Fly Tying tonight at 6pm.
The New Year arrived and it has moved behind us and now in the distance.
Lots of anglers out this last weekend with the first weather weekend over 40F in the last couple months. With the warmth we got the wind. But, that did not keep the many thick headed Montanan’s from getting out of the house. Thanks for coming by and visiting us. Some Demo Spey Rods out the door and a few fly lines getting spooled too.
A few cabin rentals recently as Craig Trout Camp is open for business. The roads have thawed in town and the mud is emerging. Nice.
The water temps remain cool int he mid 34F range but it has not stopped the fisher folks. Water levels in the high 4K’s and will remain for some time. The water for the summer is sowing and building in the Rockies. We are all smiles!
This Wednesday Jan. 21st: Headhunters Tying Night in America. Ninch and Mark will host this mid winter tying night Wednesday at 6pm til 8pm. We’ll see you for a couple hours of random fly tying.
Thursday Jan 22nd: The Upper Missouri Watershed Alliance is holding its first annual member’s meeting at the Craig School on Thursday January 22nd starting at 6:00 PM. The Alliance which is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the Missouri River for future generations will present their planned projects for the coming year. Public Welcome!
On the program will be a presentation by Grant Grisak, from Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks on the current “State of the Missouri.” Grant is a biologist responsible for Montana’s Region 4.
David Stagliano is a biologist with 18 years of experience in freshwater ecological studies. David has done studies of aquatic invertebrates in Idaho, Michigan, and Kansas and is currently the Aquatic Ecology Project Leader for the Montana Natural Heritage Program. David is the head of the Alliance’s aquatic resource committee and will discuss historic and current aquatic conditions.
Guy Alsentzer, Environmental Attorney and executive director of Missouri Riverkeepers, Inc. will give a presentation of their work to preserve the Missouri by enforcing water quality standards.
The Alliance will provide a potluck dinner with drinks. All interested parties are invited for an evening of fun and information and a chance to show your appreciation for the Missouri River.
Great Weather this coming weekend. Come out from Billings, Havre, Whitefish, Bozeman and Calgary. Good cheap lodging, discounted guide trips,a dn awesome wade fishing. Joe’s Bar open at 8am daily. Open late for your dinner of frozen pizza. The winter fishing is pretty good. Walleye guys are stacking them in the cooler at the dam. Ice fishers on the lake report a damn good Perch bite.
Sunday February 1st: Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. Fly Shop closed at some point in the afternoon for pre-funking with the staff.
Saturday February 7th: Our next FREE Spey Casting and Fishing Clinic. Sign up today for the last couple spots. This well attended clinic is fun for all from beginner to advanced 2 handed caster.
Ninch says flies start arriving Feb 5th: Headhunters updates its world class Missouri River fly selection. Flies by the barrel-full coming in weekly as we prepare for the summer ahead.
The Missouri River’s Winter Fly Shop: We have all the stuff you need for winter angling on the Mo. Gloves, demo rods, hand warmers, free coffee, shuttles, spey line demo’s, information, lodging, sale items and flies.
Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service Spring Special: $300 Guide Trips start March 15th and run thru April 30th. This incredibly popular spring pricing special fills quickly. It books backwards from the end towards the beginning. The latter weekends in April are all but gone. Get on this soon if you want a specific guide for your spring warm up guide trips on the Missouri. Cheap lodging too. Craig Trout Camp and a couple other properties are involved in this spring special.
McCune/Gould Spey Clinic April 11th and 12th. This world class sustained anchor clinic is $200 and well worth it. A few who attended last year are already signed up for the second time Whitney and Mike will be here in conjunction with Headhunters Fly Shop. Call today for your reservation and deposit. Find out more about this clinic here.
Good fun to be had here on the Missouri River this winter. Good fishing, cheap lodging, great fellowship, Joe’s Bar, and Headhunters Fly Shop. Here entertaining the angler daily.
Sara speaks this week with 10 questions from Sara.
Similar questions were asked to Dewey this previous week and now it is Sara’s turn.
We have a few more people of interest coming up too. And, and we have some winter guide blogs in the can as well.
Sara has been with us at Headhunters Fly shop and Guide Service for 6 years and is integral to our operation.
10. Your favorite reach of river. Why?
Prewitt to Cascade
9. Favorite season of the year? Why?
Spring. Fresh and green.
8. What rods do you like to fish with?
Pro1 7 wt 1 Piece Streamer, SAGE One 9′ 5wt and 6wt, Loomis NRX LP 5 wt
7. How do you like to roll. With friends, solo?
Solo. I love my dog.
6. What is your personal Conservation focus?
My thoughts are just be good. Don’t be a dick. Be nice to others. Does that work?
5. Do you like the fishing lifestyle?
Yes.
4. Do you think Craig will change upon sewer installation?
Yes. There will be more places to stay. I think more folks will try to bring business here. I don’t think it will get busier, I think the existing folks (businesses) will develop more businesses.
3. One hatch? Which one?
Trico’s.
2. Where do you like to fish outside of Craig?
Anywhere warm and saltwater. Primarily warm.
1. How about 6X? Yes or no?
No.
Bonus Question 1. Hunting or fishing? Which do you love more?
Both. Same.
Bonus Question 2. Barbed or barbless?
Barbless, all the time.
Bonus Question 3. Did your family get you involved in the outdoors?
Yes. My Dad.
Bonus Question 4. Who is/was your biggest fly fishing mentor?
Yes, My Dad.
Bonus Question 5. Has working in the fishing business changed your love for it?
Um, no I don’t think so.
Thanks Sara for enduring a couple minutes of questioning from Mark this last week. We know you have much more to do that to answer Mark. The folks on the phone are much more important…
Sara loves Saltwater fishing and wants to do much more. She is constantly cold and hovers around the heater at Headhunters swaddled heavily in down clothing.
Sara also love to hunt upland birds. She truly wishes that the bird hunting season lasted about six months.
Give her a call at the shop if you would like to get on our summer schedule. She is a booking genius!
And a pretty good shot!
It is that time of year when we scour the country in search of a few good Headhunters employees.
You can see above one of the many the joys of working at a fly shop. Today we counted flies. Tomorrow? Answering the phone, selling fly rods, booking summer guests, shuttling a few vehicles. The daily grind. Is it that bad? No, certainly not.
Some even find it fun and rewarding. It does not hurt that you would be living on one of the premier trout rivers in the world.
The word is out. We need a couple shop staff for the year. Estimated starting time Mid April-first part of May thru October. We may entertain a seasonal employee as well, May/June thru August. So get your resume’s in and we will attack them with vigor. As with application process those who present themselves well will get the first attention. Want to dive into the world of fly fishing in one of the world’s coolest and fishiest rivers, towns? Get on it!
So, you want to work in a fly shop. Do you really know what you are getting into? If you think working at a fly shop entails sitting around and drinking coffee while you surf Moldy Chum and read the latest issue of the Drake, then don’t apply with us. Working at Headhunters is fast paced, and sometimes high stress. The Missouri River is one of the most popular fisheries in the world, and Headhunters is known as the information center on the river. We expect our employees to provide customers with the highest level of customer service, and most accurate information. Our team environment is both demanding and fun to work in, but it’s not “easy”.
We are generally looking for knowledgeable, energetic and enthusiastic anglers to join our team. Youth rules around our shop. We like folks with energy. A passion for fly-fishing mandatory, both to work at Headhunters and to live in Craig. There’s not much else to do. If hitting Starbucks in the morning and the symphony after dinner is important to you, you probably won’t like living in Craig. If choking down a burger and a brew after a 10 hour day, then fishing the evening caddis until after dark is more your style, you’ll love it.
If you are interested in working at Headhunters, you must send us a resume’ to begin the process. Fill it out just like they teach you in high school… references, work and eduction history, etc. Make sure and include any information you think we should know about you and who you are. A grip ‘n grin shot of you with a nice fish wouldn’t hurt either. Those that live close enough to come for an initial interview are encouraged to do so. Position finalists may be asked to come to Craig for an interview. Questions can be sent to john@headhuntersflyshop.com or mark@headhuntersflyshop.com.
Starts: Mid April/May 2015
Hours: Full Time/Seasonal
Salary: $10/hr
Closing: February 7th 2015
Shop duties include high end customer service providing information regarding the fishing on the Missouri River. Some shuttling of vehicles. Some lawn maintenance. Some rigging of rods and reels. Fly shop stuff. You will need some Point of Sale/POS skills which means familiarity with computers. Strong phone skills are a plus too. Fly knowledge and fly fishing product knowledge is certainly helpful.
Requirements:
Send Resumes to mark@headhuntersflyshop.com or sara@headhuntersflyshop.com with “Resume” or “Employment” in the subject line please!
Starts: April 1, 2015
Hours: Full Time/Part Time
Salary: $10/hr
Closing: Never
Our shuttle service is an important part of our operation. We provide shuttle all year, and from April through October routinely do 20-50 shuttles a day. Shuttle drivers work very hard, and should expect hours to be 2-6 hours a day. Sounds like fin just driving up and down the river, huh? Not always. The work is hard, mistakes are not tolerated and the days can be hot and long during June, July and August. The schedule is pretty flexible, and it’s a great way for those looking to stay busy and earn a few bucks during the summer.
Requirements:
Contact Julie Arnold (julie@headhuntersflyshop.com) at the shop; 406-235-3447.
Boat ramps are pretty sketchy as of late.
Several fellers have been stuck. For lengths of time. Be sure you are prepared to be stuck. Liquids and food. A beer or two and a bag of jerky.
Chains have been seen this last week several times.
This photo at the Craig Boat Ramp Saturday afternoon. Needed chains for many river extractions.
Check closely your boat ramp before you get stuck.
Unless you got plenty of beer and jerky…
Where are you going? This summer, are you coming?
Have you fished the entire river? If you have not it may be time to give yourself a treat and fish some new waters, on the Missouri River that is.
Check out the link here to get to the PDF version if you wish and get it on your desktop. Or the printable version too.
We have this map available in the store. The only full size free comprehensive Missouri River map in the tri-county area. Honest.
Sunday today and the Hawks play this afternoon. Beat Green Bay is the theme. for two owners born and raised in wet Washington State.
Big Sky Country is based on this line. I can see for miles. The Who did a tune int he late 60’s with this theme.
Are the messages congruent? No not really.
Nevertheless a great classic Who tune.
Warm here today on the river with snow melting. Windy! Highs tipped 50F yesterday and more today?
Anglers around an fishing. Warm, and windy. Some spey dudes and some nymphers.
Snow at the front end of the week. Some more winter weather for sure ahead.
Enjoy your Saturday and the I Can See for Miles concept.
Pretty good stuff out there.
It is damn cold most days and there is ice on the shore, on the boat ramps, clogging you guides.
Joe’s Bar is open and the fire is burning til 2 am daily.
Look at the boat ramps before you choose your drift. Some folks have been stuck on the Craig boat ramp, Stickney, Wolf Creek. So either carry a big set or choose the dam, Spite, maybe Craig. We are doing shuttles when the air temps are floating above 32F. Well folks are fishing then. We’ll do your shuttle when the mercury dips below as well, but we find not as many hardy souls out when the wind chill plummets.
Shop open daily with brisk glove sales and the free coffee seems to be popular. Anglers getting their reservations in for the upcoming year. We’ve been quite busy with the phone work. Some 2 Handed Spey Rod sales too. The Echo Glass Rod getting lots of attention.
The Echo Glass Switch 11′ 6wt is my favorite, so far. A real easy casting feel. Nice. Come in and try any one of the 3 DEMO’s we have in stock. All 3 lengths in stock..
Back to the winger fishing report. Pink still.
The water temps are very cold and the fish are near stopped water. Just a 1/2 click above moving. Softly eating. 34.5F is the water temps. The air temps of 40F this weekend may raise the temps 1/4 of a degree during the day, Maybe. Water flows are near 4700cfs and that is pretty normal for this time of year.
Water flows as of January from the water folks predicting the future are below.
Swingers are getting the trouts on smaller bugger and leeches. Scandi lines with inter mediate tips are the most common with some Skagit-eers getting it done as well dredging with non weighted patterns.
Some midge around and some milling fish just subsurface. All normal winter action. We would not mind a couple water degrees warmer.
Cabins and the big house on the Craig Trout Camp available or rent this weekend. Rainbow and Brown Cabins @ $125 and the Craig House starts @ $150/2 guests. $50/head beyond that.
Come on by and we can help. Open at 8am and around til 5 daily. Some cool sale items, lots of Spey and Switch Fly Lines in stock along with stacks of single handed lines from RIO, Wulff, Airflo, Orvis, and Cortland. Some killer sale lines as well that have to go, now!
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]They’ve finally arrived, the much anticipated and touted ECHO Glass Spey & Switch models. We’ve been playing with these for a couple of months (we magically got our hands on one of the early production models), and it’s thumbs up from everyone. Easy casting, powerful and fun. Yes, fun. How can a fly rod be fun? Try one and see.
While we – and other reviewers – believe that these are great learning tools, they are also deadly in the hands of experienced spey casters. It’s one big spring that cannot be overpowered. They are also relatively light, considering how much glass and resin is involved in the construction.
The price is unbeatable, and I’ve stated before that the price would appeal to many as a second or third rod, but we would have no problem using these as a primary rod for nearly any two-handed application.
We have the 12′ 4″ #6, 12′ 9″ #7 and the 11′ #6 in stock and available for demo. Swing by and try them out if you’re in Craiglandia. Get your’s now, as I don’t expect them to last long.[/vc_column_text][us_grid post_type=”ids” no_items_message=”” columns=”4″ items_layout=”shop_trendy” items_gap=”” ids=”8949″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Hooray! Once again Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service is hosting famed spey casters Mike McCune and Whitney Gould. They will be conducting their very popular 2 Handed Casting Spey Clinic focussing on Sustained Anchor Casts.
Last year these 2 clinics sold out. We expect the same again this year. We already have a few guests signed up.
These clinics are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday April 11th and 12th.
Mike is a longtime PNW Steelhead guide, and was on the ground floor of NW speycasting (he’s the “M” in your Rio MOW tips kit). Whitney is the women’s world champion speycaster (Spey-o-rama). They both spend most of the year guiding two-handed anglers from Alaska to California, but do make their annual spring trip to Montana where they offer a few select clinics at Spey oriented shops like Headhunters in Craig.
The class emphasis will be on “sustained anchor” casts from both river right and left. Class size is limited to 6, so you can be assured you will get attention and instruction from Mike and Whitney. There are not a lot of opportunities to get hands on instruction like this, especially in trout country.
Cost is $200 per person. You are encouraged to bring your own equipment so that Mike and Whitney can help dial you in with the rod/line combo you will be using. If you are new to spey casting and need to borrow equipment, Headhunters has a big quiver for you to borrow from with rods from SAGE, Echo, Orvis, and T & T.
Mike & Whitney focus on the cast, not the gear. Skagit, Scandi and Long Belly rigs are all invited. Late in the day they often play around with the challenges of Long Belly lines for those who wish.
Mike McCune has been on the front edge of of Spey Innovation for some time and with the addition of Whitney Gould and her spey casting expertise make this the clinic to attend this spring!
$200 will get you an all day long opportunity to increase your knowledge in sustained anchor techniques. Starting at 9am and going all day long with lunch provided by Headhunters.
Class size limited to 6 so you will get all kinds of personal attention.
Whitney Gould is a world champion spey caster and a long time instructor and guide. She is highly regarded in the industry and we know
Here is an article by Mike McCune about spey tips from RIO.
Call Headhunters Fly Shop 406-235-3447 to secure your spot for this very popular springtime spey clinic.
You folks know we are enamored with the SAGE Method series.
Ultra fast action rods that are perfect for those who like a red big stick with power.
While we love the 5 and 6 weights for summer dry fly and nymphing action we have become pretty excited about the SAGE Method 2 handed rods. We have a number in stock and a pile of SAGE Method Demo’s too. Feel free to stop on by with questions about any of the SAGE models and specifically the Method.
We’ve got better than a half dozen for you to try. Or try the 2 handers at one of our Free 2 Handed Spey and Fishing Clinics. The Saturday session is full but feel free to get on board February 7th and March 7th. Book your slot today.
But stop in anytime at the Missouri River SAGE demo center.
Sage Method Rod from Far Bank on Vimeo.
A nice shot of Mountain Palace.
I haven’t posted one this last week have I?
A pic of MP, my favorite formation on the Mo, near here, in central Montana.
Mountain Palace brought to you today by Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service.
A good Free Spey Clinic yesterday. Some new blood, some old blood, and a couple instructors, and lots of success by the attendees!
Thanks for coming, see us again in February and March. The 7th of the month for both of these upcoming clinics. And, Gould/McCune on April 11 and 12. Sign up today.
More on this fabulous clinic tomorrow.
Happy Sunday and enjoy the football. Tie a few flies too…
The return of Fly Guru Ben McNinch will signal the annual fly counting exercise.
Ben, and the rest of us will be counting flies in the next week, sometime.
Spey Clinic today here on the Mo with your Missouri River winter gang.
Whitney Gould and Mike McCune Spey Clinic April 11 and 12. Announcement coming soon. Sign up early for insured entry. Ask at the shop for more info.
Cheers. Happy Saturday!
Counting Flies from scumliner media on Vimeo.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Some say summer is for SIMMS.
We say, don’t forget about winter my fishy friend.
We so often find ourselves thinking about summer fishing behaviors when we fantasize about fishing. Flip Flops, some shorts and a SIMMS fishing shirt. I know that is where my mind often drifts. Thinking of warmer days as we trudge through the mindless winter here in central Montana.
Well the reality is just this. There simply are more days when you need to include cold weather gear here in Montana than the polar opposite.
Waders lead this winter tale as we pull them on more often in than not September thru May, sometimes even June. We live in our waders. The SIMMS G3 is our clear choice. Mid priced and bombproof. Every angler knows that SIMMS makes the only wader Made in America, the only one, and the quality of the product is guaranteed. The G3 is the warrior. You can get into the G4, but for us here on the Mo, with very little barbed wired jumping and not much bushwhacking we like the comfort and ease of the SIMMS G3 Wader.
The SIMMS Slick Jacket is our go-to winter shell. Longer for covering your SIMMS ExStream Jacket easily. “Propelled by GORE-TEX® Pro Shell fabric, with stretch, the Slick flows with your body for superior mobility, while the ultraclean outside-in design delivers snag-free performance from hood to bottom hem.” This truly is your best bet for tromping around Montana winter waters.
A simple SIMMS Zip Top Fleece is one way to go. The SIMMS ExStream Jacket is yet another. Why not be warm. Comfy in fact. Fishing is not supposed to be chore. Nope. More fish are fought when we are comfortable.
We are constantly wandering around with 2 handed rods in the winter and the Slick/Kinetic combo fits the winter Missouri River bill perfectly. Reach though pockets on the Slick allow you to find that lip shit in your interior pocket. And that flask? Oh, keep that in your outside Slick pocket for convenience.
If your blood runs a little warmer you may enjoy the SIMMS Kinetic Jacket. A great outerwear piece that you can wear out or hide under your Slick Jacket. Your choice. The new Simms Kinetic Jacket is just what we’ve been waiting for. A “puffball” on steroids. We love the hood for super chilly mornings and windy fall days. It’s has some stretch, which makes casting easier. It’s lightweight and the combination of synthetic materials means that when your arm gets wet while releasing that trophy, you’ll stay warm. This jacket is perfect by itself, or under a rain shell. A “must-have” for off-season trout fishing Montana’s Missouri River, or your local winter fishery!
SIMMS is for much more than just summer. It has so many more uses than just one season. SIMMS can outfit you for your other season wear. We got the goods in downtown Craig for your winter, and summer, fishing pleasures![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][us_grid post_type=”ids” no_items_message=”” columns=”4″ items_layout=”shop_trendy” items_gap=”” ids=”6650″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][us_grid post_type=”ids” no_items_message=”” columns=”4″ items_layout=”shop_trendy” items_gap=”” ids=”8879″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][us_grid post_type=”ids” no_items_message=”” columns=”4″ items_layout=”shop_trendy” items_gap=”” ids=”8910″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Still an unsettled weather pattern upon us. Not many anglers out on the water this week at all.
But the phone is ringing and folks are inking in their 2015 Missouri River Montana Fly Fishing Trip! A gentle reminder that the months of June and July book a year in advance and availability of guides and lodging is sinking fast, if not already gone. So, don’t be too surprised if you thought that calling in January for the coming mid summer rush is soon enough. Call today if you are at all interested in the dry fly months.
Back to the river here in Craig. Cold. The water temps are between 34.5 and 35F. Really quite cold. Ice in your guides often for sure. The flows are up to 4750cfs due to the extreme cold. Ice and slush in the river near Mid-Canon. Probably impassable when you near Prewitt Creek and totally blocked and a river bank to bank of ice chunks when you get the doctor’s house in the Cascade run.
In town this week, Great Falls, a shit show for sure. Cars in the ditch, on the highway the same. Folks that are too aggressive and those who are on the other end of the spectrum are in trouble. Do not travel if you cannot handle the snow. Just sayin’.
Fly Tying Night cancelled tonight due to weather and travel restrictions.
Pink is the word when we get to the fly selection of choice. Any shade of red. Faded red, pink, rose, even peachy? Oh yeah. Find the painfully slow stuff, cast, watch the bobber, wait, and set hard.
Swinging clinic that is sold through this weekend Saturday. If you need to expand your 2 handed quiver stop in and see us. We have in the neighborhood of 15 2 handed rods to try. SAGE, Echo graphite and glass, T & T, Orvis. Lines too.
A full winter fishing selection on hand if you choose either the single of double hander. Indicator lines by RIO, Spey from Airflo and RIO, VersiLeaders, and any number of other winter accouterments. Bobbers, splits, tippet, info, coffee.
[forecast]
Fly Tying takes a lot of time when restocking personal boxes for the upcoming year.
This is a pattern that we use all winter long and one you should have in your box.
Tie this Firebead Soft Hackle Ray and order the Just Add Vise Kit at Headhunters Fly Shop.
The Missouri River Montana 2015 water flow projection. The snow is falling in the Rocky Mountains and stacking up for our summer water here in central Montana.
Several bouts of snow here locally and I know that the scattered storms crossing Montana are adding up to good news.
As you can see on the map above that the snow water equivalent is right on track. We don’t get to excited until the percentages are grossly skewed to one side or the other. It generally balances out. The winter is predicted to be colder and drier than normal. So…
Great Falls recieves 9, 8, 12, and 9 inches of snow January thru April. So we have the wettest months ahead of us with May and June contributing over half of our annual precipitation.
What does that tell us? More snow, sleet,a dn rain ahead of us. While it seems like the winter is long, it is, we are just a 1/3 of the way through it.
That is why we have Fly Tying Night in America coming up this Wednesday night 530pm in Craig. Weather permitting. If it is downright shitty, we will cancel. Fly Tying Nights are scheduled every second Wednesday night beginning this Wednesday January 7th.
2014 was an average water year. 2013 was below average. ’08, ’09, ’10, ’11 were all high water years. I believe that the norm is not the average. The norm is something well beyond the average.
We’re just passing along he current information and current snowfall, precipitation levels, and snow water equivalents.
We will keep you informed as the snow falls and the Missouri River Montana 2015 Water Forecast comes into shape. We really do not know much until we roll into late March, April and May. The snow fall is all on the ground in mid April. We will also post the DNRC prediction of water flows for the coming summer.
The flow they would like to hold though out the summer is 4200cfs. The projected big water level of about 10K cfs is what they, the water controllers, would like to see in June. Not 20K. But 15K is never too far out of the equation. If it rains 3+ inches in June, then we see some crazy shit. But, until then, we just guess a lot.
The Missouri River is a 12 month fishery with some ups, and some downs. Right now it is just cold and snowing. Give us a shout if you have any questions about water levels in any given month. We’ll guess right along with you.
The Tomlinson’s from Seattle Washington.
They used to fish Alaska and now they have found the Missouri River in Craig.
Mark fished with John, the patriarch, a 8 years ago. Then John brought his 2 sons and a couple son-in-laws and a friend as well.
Now the third generation has arrived. Schooling in Missoula and fishing with family on the Tomlinson annual fall Missouri River trip.
Headhunters Guides Peter Skidmore, Ben Hardy and Mark continue to enjoy fishing with the gang.
Can’t wait to fish with the boys again this year in September!
Start your Missouri River family legacy this year. Your kids will love it.
You might enjoy it too…
P.S. We miss you Rambo!
More snow over the weekend.
We may be catching up for the unseasonable weather leading up to today. Oh, save for the two periods with high temps topping out below zero. While we may not stay for long this weekend under zero, it may occur.
Some watched football and received front he holiday period. Some finished up the bird hunting season by storing their decoys right where they lay…until next year.
Others fished.
I thinking of warmer climates for a fish or two.
Like down south…
10 Questions with Dewey Sutphin of Headhunters Fly Shop 10. Your favorite reach of river. Why? Prewitt to Pelican. The braids above the boat ramp are awesome. Least favorite. Dam to Wolf Creek. 9. Favorite season of the year? Why? Spring. Before the grass comes. Not too hot. Not a 1000 people around. When the … Read more
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Happy New Year Headhunters. The Missouri River fared well as the Polar Plungers christened the waters once again in Craig @ High Noon starting the year of right!
Water temps for the plungers was 34.5F. Oh so cold. The trout are a touch on the slow side as well. Slush in the lower river most of the week. Probable for a couple more days of the same kind of icebergish water.
Below 36F, water temp, can slow the fishing down considerably. Usually does not slow the anglers down. Any day the weather is near freezing there are anglers about.
The water flows are up as the DNRC tries to alleviate shelf ice and anchor ice and other troubles that occur due to frigid air temps below 0F. 5K is the usual level for this quite common winter maneuver. Currently 4770cfs.
A bunch of snow on the ground. 8+ here in Craig still. Settling has occurred. Looks like we may get some more spitting on us as the weekend and front end of the coming week. Temperatures increasing daily with highs in the 30’s in the future.
Check with the shop about the boat ramp situation if you are dumping your boat in the water. The obvious and usable ramps are the dam and Craig and Spite Hill. No shelf ice hindering any of those ramps. The steeper ramps including Wolf Creek, Stickney Creek and Dearborn are iced up as I write. Mid Canon is workable too.
Shuttles daily with rental boats out this week too. Guide trips available to get your year started right.
Flies? Pink. Streamers? Small. 2 Handers? Skagit if you want to.
Free 2 Handed Casting and Fishing Clinic January 10th. SOLD OUT. A couple on the waiting list already. A few spots open for the February 7th gig.
Mike McCune and Whitney Gould Spey Clinic coming as well. We will let you know when we nail down the dating on this very special Sustained Anchor Clinic possibly in April.
Fly Tying Night in America coming Wednesday 7th @ 5:30pm. A good time for locals in an unstructured setting with some cold beers.
Headhunters open daily for shuttles, flies, lodging, booking summer trips, rental boats, sale items from SIMMS, new fly lines, VersiLeaders, and a ton of free information.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_grid post_type=”ids” no_items_message=”” columns=”4″ items_layout=”shop_trendy” items_gap=”” ids=”8226″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_grid post_type=”ids” no_items_message=”” columns=”4″ items_layout=”shop_trendy” items_gap=”” ids=”7619″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Take the day off.
You deserve it.
We are in the shop nursing our hangovers too.
Give us a call. The coffee is flowing to mask last nights…
Now you are coming home from the Christmas trip. Did you think about your 2015 trip? The time is now. Do it while availability is strong. The months of June and July are nearly booked. The front end of June is still good and the back end of July. The center parts? Booked.
Snow on the ground here in Craig and the phones are ringing. A couple high speed Headhunters Sara, Julie, Braden, Dewey are manning the booking hotline daily. 406-235-3447 or 877-DRY-FLYS
A few of the events coming down the pike as we prepare for the season ahead. This is your gentle nudge to think about your Missouri River trip ahead this summer. Booking in advance guarantees certain things…like lodging and guides.
2 Handed Clinic Saturday January 10th. Admission FREE. Limited to 12 participants. Booked through every time. Book your slot today if you would like to attend this very popular clinic.
$400 Winter Guide Trips.
Craig Trout Camp Lodging starting at $125. We have several winter lodging options all with a winter discount. Call for availability.
Headhunters is your 2 Handed Rod Demo Center. We got the fly lines too, lots of ’em to try. Come in for a wide variety of rods from SAGE, Orivis, T & T, Echo.
Midges start late in the month.
February 7th Free 2 Handed Casting and Fishing Clinic. Limited to 12 students.
$400 Guide Trips, Craig Trout Camp Discounted Lodging too.
Midges hopefully daily. Historically at least. Watch for water temps and keep it tuned here for hatch updates as they occur.
Skwalas?
Saturday March 7th our last and final FREE 2 handed Casting and Fishing Clinic. Limited to 12 participants. Call for reservations.
Headhunters Spring Special begins March 15th. $300 Guide Trips thru April 30th. Call to get in on this wildly popular spring discount. Brush up on your skills for the coming summer.
Craig Trout Camp discounted lodging continues thru the end of April. These cabins book quickly. Plan accordingly.
Spring Special continues through the month of April. $300 Guide Trips and discounted lodging. Best deals of the year.
Midges. BWO’s show this month. When? A guarantee, or closer to reality would mean middle of the month. On a warm spring, first part of the month. Skwalas too.
May is most of the staff’s favorite Missouri River month. Fewer anglers than both April and June with lots of bug action.
Might be the best streamer month of the year.
Craig Caddis Festival and BBQ Cook-Off Saturday May 16th. Afternoon action with live music, BBQ eats, kids events, parade, live and silent auctions, and much more! We’ll see you at the 9th Annual Craig Caddis Festival.
Spring Stream Opener. The Dearborn opens the 3rd Saturday of May and we begin our Dearborn River Guiding Season. A great small stream in our own backyard. Check out the link for more info or call the shop. We love this short and sweet time frame to fish the Dearborn. Some years a month, some years less than a month. Call to get on board for this wilderness adventure.
Nymphing? Rock Star.
Sight fishing for late season Baetis and early lower river caddis. Midges too.
Lighter river pressure for sure.
Game Time. 1st or 2nd busiest month of the year. July is the other. Bookings for June and July begin in June or July, the previous year. Long time guests love the action in June high water or not.
River can be higher than you wish. Mother Nature is a hard one to read. Watch the site for our insight into what is happening for the water year ahead. Flows in the last 10 years have been extremely high, extremely low, and a couple of the years coming in at average. But average is not happen often in the last 25 years. So, a crap shoot. A risk that many, many anglers are willing to make.
Dry flies daily. Caddis, PMD’s arrive by the middle of the month. Good to great dry fly fishing depending on the water level. We are looking for under 8K for a very strong dry fly bite.
Book your Missouri River June trip soon!
We start fishing the Blackfoot River across the divide. A great day trip to break up your Missouri River week. A dry fly excursion that all who experience the Blackfoot are glad they did! Ask ay of the shop staff about booking a Blackfoot day or two.
Not a month for the fickle. Combat fishing. If you like solace it is not July. Why so many anglers? Dry fly all day. Honest.
Caddis, PMD’s, Trico’s, terrestrials. The most consistent dry fly bite of the entire year.
4th of July is one big ass party in Craig. Our favorite holiday of the year. Bar-None.
Book today if you want guides or lodging in the month of July, or June. Get it straightened out this week with your family and friends. Not a ton left on the table for lodging, and guides are dwindling fast. We have rental boats too.
Blackfoot River is in full swing. Our guides love to sneak across the divide for a day of Freestone Fishing on the Blackfoot.
Good in the front end of the month. Not as strong towards the latter part. Sometimes the water gets too warm for trout comfort and the perennial Missouri River weeds come into play.
Terrestrials, caddis, some PMD action but they are on the decline, Trico’s. Ants and hoppers rule the mid day with Trico’s on the plan every morning.
Get out early for the best fishing of the day.
The Blackfoot makes a lot of sense this month. Before dawn meet times to head over the hill to fish this fantastic river.
A very busy month. 4th busiest behind June, July, April. One of our best nymphing months.
Not a ton of dry fly action. Can do well on terrestrials and some Trico falls in the A.M.. Psuedo’s, small BWO’s, can get rolling in the afternoon. But don’t plan on coming to the Missouri to get your dry fly fix.
September is the sleeper month. It books earlier than you would think.
The last and final month of Blackfoot River fishing. Maybe the best of all 4 months. Not much pressure at all and the fall colors are just awesome.
Craig’s 1st Beer Festival Brews and Browns scheduled for the 2nd Saturday of the month. More info as we get closer.
Baetis, October Caddis, some midge, Psuedo’s. Good dry fly action. Historically great.
Nymphing is really freaking good.
Streamer fishing is dynamite.
One of the favorite months for long time Missouri River anglers, industry folks, out of work freestone guides, and you. There is a nice pace to October and we like it.
Lodging fills fast. At the time of this post October already has some ink on the calendar.
There is the entire year. Hatch periods are pretty consistent and our blog, this blog, has updates in regards to fishing, hatches, lodging, and guiding, and more! Not every event is listed like our impromptu Drift Boat Drive-Ins, Headhunters Free BBQ nights throughout the summer, live music, and all around hilarity on the grounds of Headhunters Fly Shop.
These are pretty strong outlines of the year but some of you may need even more information about types of lodging or setting up a group trip. We make it easy for you throughout the entire process. We are the Missouri River experts. If you need any additional information you can email us info@headhuntersflyshop.com or give us a shout on the Missouri River Hotline 406-235-3447 8-5 daily.
This is just awesome. If you dig Samba, and jive.
And 60’s Jazz.
Love the background banter of the band. Sounds like a party, all the time.
I’m sure they are drinking, I’d be for sure.
Happy Sunday. Enjoy this killer Adderly tune.
The first version is the kick-ass version recorded in San Francisco. The audio is just great.
If you are at work today…Close your office door, close your eyes, and drift with the music.
If you are throwing a cocktail party tonight…play this album.
Martini’s anyone?
This the the version with the live band, live video.
Craig Trout Camp is open daily, nightly.
Rainbow and Brown Cabins rent for $125/night and the Craig House starts at $150/2 night and $50/head beyond the first 2 anglers.
Spending the weekend in Craig Montana? Craig Trout Camp is open.
Call on your way to get your discounted winter season lodging in Craig.
A cool film made by Scumliner Media a few years back.
Enjoy it on this Monday. Hope you are enjoying it at home or away.
“SuperNatural” – Tailout Teaser from scumliner media on Vimeo.
Snow on the ground. More snow last night. More snow today.
Then it gets cold. Subzero man.
Happy Holidays.
There are a bundle of folks wandering around. Meaning more than 10, less than 20.
Stop in the only fly shop open today.
Headhunters.
Enjoy the beauty of the river during the off-season.
It truly is a fabulous place.
Montana’s Missouri River.
Buy this boat. This gently used craft is for sale at Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig Montana.
$4500 takes it away and we will add the M & M trailer for an addt’l 2K.
NRS Freestone Drift Boat Un-boxing from scumliner media on Vimeo.
Getting to look a lot like Christmas around here.
8″ of snow yesterday and getting colder all weekend long. By the time we get to Monday the daytime temps are cold enough to keep you from the water. Unless, unless it changes.
The anglers fishing before the storm, and Christmas Day have been doing quite well with the seasonal flies of choice. PINK…Lightening Bugs, Scuds, Sows, Czech’s, hot spotted midge, worms. Red is cool too.
Slow and shallow or medium depth or deep. Fins your hot spot and nymph e’m up.
Swingers and strippers are finding fish int he slowest of the slow at the back end of the drift. On the hang down. Twitch or tug at the end while crossing your fingers. That can be tough.
Water temps are holding above freezing at 36.5F. The colder air settling in for the weekend will drop that a bit. Missouri River water flows are 4280cfs. Pretty normal for the last few years. We should expect it to be stable for some time. Even if it moves up or down it will not be enough to change matters.
Actually a few midges around this last week again. Next week more?
Headhunters Fly Shop open all week long for your Missouri River needs like shuttles, guides, boats, flies, coffee, info, lodging, and a ton of simple bullshit. Fly shops have a lot of that kind of stuff…
Merry Christmas to all of you Headhunters out there.
We hope you are enjoying the holidays as we are with family and friends.
A classic shot from behind the shop in 2010. The snow is falling this Christmas too with nearly 4″ on the ground as this posts Wednesday night. We do love a White Christmas.
We sincerely thank you for your patronage this year and look forward to seeing all of you again this year.
Merry Christmas from all of us here in Craig!
A great film by John of Scumliner Media today to get you through this holiday week.
This short won Drake Magazine Fly Fishing Humor Film of the Year.
In case your wondering.
Will there be a sequel?
Enjoy your week away from work and the slower pace of home.
If you need some river ski lessons, we are in the shop daily booted up and ready.
PS Shop open til about noon today. Then we are off…
FISHSKI from scumliner media on Vimeo.
I don’t know the names of all of the flies in these images. I just don’t anymore. Ninch is the fly mastermind with some suggestions from John and I. But it really is his deal. So as the bins change as the trends change I find myself finding new killer flies to try all the time. Changing it up is fun. Nothing in nature stands still for too long.
That is the argument for changing flies too. Static behaviors are lame.
So I lost the list of the flies in this post. I know 2/3 of them. So while I do not know the proper names I do know that they all work when you toss them into the Mo.
Add a split shot and a bobber and hold on.
Find slower water too.
The dirty winter flies above include Peep Show, some derivation of a Zebra, Zebra’s, FB Sow, Ninch’s Pearl Ninja, Pink Lightening Bug, Tungsten beaded SJW, Rainbow Czech Nymph, Ninch’s Pink Beaded Sow.
Really super slutty stuff works well. Pink or orange or red flavors will get you through the cold months. Black works too.
Dry flies? Check them out below.
Buzzball, Dominick’s Reneball, Griffith’s Gnat, Harrop’s CDC Hanging Midge, 2X posted Cluster, CDC Cluster, and more. Any thing you like that looks good on the water. A crap shoot real is the deal. Tie on some sort dropper for a better shot. If you can go that way.
Happy Holidays and we will see you on the river. Or in the bar afterward.
The shortest day of the year. Not a bad day to fish the Missouri River near Craig Montana.
The fish gotta eat, even on the shortest day.
Terry Armstrong casting a 2 handed rod this last week on the Missouri River. Terry loves to fish. And fish he does with his 2 handed rod, a bamboo from Sweetgrass, and a few other favorites he has acquired over the years. You can commonly see Terry fishing the Mo a couple days a week.
Headhunters open daily, and today at 8am. We will be open for a short day on the 24th and closed, the only day of the year, closed on Christmas Day. Back open at 8am on the 26th, Canada’s Boxing Day. We will have a few guide trips out the week following Christmas. You could get on board with a post Christmas week guide trip. $300 Spey trips and $400 regular guide trips. Give us a shout for a timely guide trip this Christmas season.
The fishing? Good. Nymphing is really quite good in the winter months. The fish are only in specifically painfully slow water. Deep and slow. When you find them, you got them.
The weather for the week ahead is normal. Some snow, some clouds, some wind, and you. Highs in the upper 30’s and into the 40’s.
Pink is the word. The latest word on the street, or river, is Pink Lightening Bugs in the am and moving toward the AMEX Czech, Firebead, or Caviar type flies. Sows are still in fashion with Zebra’s never falling from grace.
Find the slowest stuff and ply your trade. Use the right amount of split. You can go split less if you desire. The slower water allows the flies to be int he zone a while, slower water more time in the water sinking…keep them in and hit ’em hard if the bobber hiccups. Stop in and we can get you pointed in the right winter direction. We got it all from bobbers to split shots to the right flies and a clue about the right kind of water.
The water temps are holding at their historically normal levels. 36.5F is quite normal. When it gets colder than 36F things do slow down a bit. But if it stays in this range warming a quarter of a degree once in a while the fish stay pretty active. They gotta eat.
Water flows are below the historical average but that is quite common in the last decade. Lower snow packs and levels have required the water managers to err on the safe side. Flows are 4400cfs with the norm being nearly 5000cfs. A nice wade fishing level. Anything near 5K is a good winter flow and makes for easy access.
Rainbows are quite healthy in the winter. They do gain weight as the winter moves towards early spring. They spawn in the spring and hence the weight gain. Browns are losing the fat as the winter progresses and the rainbows are going the other direction. Rainbows lose fat in the summer months post spawn.
The streamer and 2 handed anglers are faring well this week too. The river didi have a green tint to it the last couple weeks. Still does.
Smaller flies have been the theme. Black buggers, black leeches, bastardized buggers, Skip’s Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, R2R, Superflash Zonkers, Micro Zonkers, and many more. Come in for a great streamer selection, best on the river.
Your streamer store on the Mo with a plethora of sink tips, VersiLeaders from RIO, cut to length Airflo sinking leaders, Scandi and Skagit lines, several different running lines, and reels to boot from Abel, Nautilus, Hatch, Echo, Orvis.
Dry fly fishing? Not so good this week but the weather can get the bugs excited. Snow and sleet can get the midges all worked up. But every day is a new day. Clusters with a tiny Zebra dangling from it can be great. Our midge selection is up to date and filled with goodies for winter and spring midging.
We have a ton of DEMO Rods for you to try this week. Kick ass sale items like fly lines, SIMMS wading boots, HH Logo’d items like long and short sleeve shirts, hats, SIMMS Logo’d fishing shirts, flip flops, a nice selection of sale flies, and accessories galore!
Remember the store is open daily 8-5. Short hours open til noon on the 24th and closed on the 25th. Happy holidays and safe travels as you make your way to friends and family this week.
All the answers to your gift questions can be taken care of in one small black card.
The Headhunters Fly Shop Gift Cards can be charged with any amount you wish.
Get your wife a guide trip. Get your neighbor a $100 Gift Card. Get yourself a little something too.
Gift Cards are for those who don’t know what to get their friends or family. Or, they are for those who like to get their friends and family what they truly want.
A Headhunters Gift Card is for everybody. Order today and we can get it to your mailbox maybe the 24th? If not it will just be a New Years Gift. It’s never a bad time to get a gift card for your loved ones!
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Abel makes a very high quality fly reel.
Bar none.
We commonly get asked why an individual would buy an Abel.
The most common answer we could give you is because men like jewelry too.
It just manifests itself in a different manner.
For some it’s cars, for others it’s women, and yet others it’s Abel Fly Reels.
Can’t blame a feller for that now can you?
We have a nice selection of Abel Reel Male Jewelry in stock for the holidays. Your accountant said you ought buy yourself something nice before the tax session comes to a close. Right?
Why not an Abel. Abel looks good on you.
[/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=”6873,6896″ post_type=”ids” no_items_message=”” items_layout=”shop_trendy” items_gap=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
The Moller SkyCar.
This cat has several models for you to choose from.
As far as we know there are not any SkyCars on the road yet.
But the Moller Neuera, pictured above, and the Moller SkyCar 400 are two that strike my fancy.
No word yet for the development timeline of the Moller SkyBoat? We will keep you posted here.
Think about it. No need for a shuttle. No need for a truck to haul the boat to the river. No waiting at the boat ramp. No problem SkyHopping over the dude who just low-holed you. Fish places that never get boat pressure, or even foot traffic.
And be the coolest angler on the planet rolling up to the fly shop in this rig…
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Friday Foto from your good friends in Craig Montana flanking the shores of The Missouri River.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Looks pretty good for weekend fishing. Not too cold, not too windy…just right.
Stop in for anything you may need or give us a shout and book your 2015 Missouri River trip. We promise it will not be snowing during your trip.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s really not that complicated, but the massive amount of advice from all corners of Spey-dom seems to confuse those new to the style. Here’s a few diagrams from our Spey Clinic presentation. CLICK TO ENLARGE[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8630″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][us_image image=”8629″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]
Both Scandi and Skagit lines are SHOOTING HEAD SYSTEMS. Shooting heads are not new, having been around since at least the 60’s? About as long as me. I started to look for the history of Shooting Heads on Google, but screw it. If you still read books, you can find information on the use of short shooting heads attached to mono for both Steelhead and Saltwater fishing years ago. Tha’ts what Amnesia was invented for. Not the butt section of your sleazy nymph rig.
BACK to the Spey stuff. Like I said, they are both shooting head systems, and in reality very similar. They have also been produced as “integrated” shooting heads (1 piece) but those days seem to be gone. You definitely want the versatility of a head system so you can quickly change the style or weight of your shooting head based on conditions, etc.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8628″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]
And here’s a profile of a generic traditional – or ‘long belly” fly line. If you look closely, you’ll see that I have specified the length as 55′ – 85’. That usually means 55′ +/- (mid-belly) OR 85′ +- (long belly). Yes they come in different sizes, but those are pretty close to some typical lengths. Please don’t comment or email me that you own a 49′ line that I didn’t mention. I got it.
Missing is the Uber-traditional Double Taper. That what me and my buddies used when we started doing this. RIO did not yet exist, therefore modern spey lines did not yet exist.
If we were all still using DT lines on our spey rods, I doubt I would be talking about this. Much tougher to cast.
If you want to learn more about Spey Lines, come to our free Spey Clinics (next one Dec. 10), or stop by the shop and talk to Sara, Ninch, Mark or myself.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
The most recent issue of Catch Magazine is out now. As usual, great imagery from Brian and Todd. Tarpon, trout and a bad dam in Chile. If you haven’t paid for the 1 year subscription, do it.
Catch ain’t the only eMag out there. We also like Flymage and This is Fly. If you’re a Caveman and like to flip real pages, check out The Drake or Flyfish Journal. I probably missed some other cool ones. It’s winter, so you have time to find them yourself…
Things always slow down a little as the Holidays approach. Lots of stuff to do. I'm cleaning up the house before family arrives. You probably have some similar tasks that are preventing you from fishing or chasing birds.
Or you have a job.
At any rate, we expect it to be a little quiet until after Christmas Day. There will be a few anglers out there. Those that somehow have priorities completely in order.
The weather looks good for fishing this week, if you can make it. Not too cold, not too warm. Might even see a few midges on the surface.
There has been a little bit of green funk in the river lately. Not sure if it's related to some kind of turnover in the lake, or if it's just the Whistling Ducks muddying things up.
While we've been swinging only with flashy streamers, others have been pounding them with nymphs. As I mentioned the other day, there were plenty of rising fish on Saturday with the storm. Keep your eyes peeled and a few midge clusters in your box.
[forecast]
Looking at the long term forecast it seems as fishing should be on your holiday “to do” list. Looks great.
We typically see a fair number of anglers between Christmas and the New Year. If the forecast holds I expect that to be the case this year. And with the fair weather we've had, conditions in the lower canyon have been very good. No ice and plenty of eager fish.
There can be, and I’m not talking about mosquitos. When the weather does the right thing and the bugs go nuts, Missouri River trout often get so focused on emerging insects that they start to ignore everything else. That includes my streamer? Hard to believe you can rip a Kreelex through a group of big Borwns rising in 8 inches of water and not get a response – or blow them up – but you can.
While we generally think of fish focused on hatches as a summer thing, it can and does happen in the winter. Things go dark, midges start to hatch in respectable numbers, and the fish that were pounding your streamer go dark as well.
When we’re swinging the Missouri during the winter months, as a general rule you do not want to see a bunch of midges hatching. The more fish you see rising, the less likely that you’ll get that pull you’re waiting for. Not always true, and not on all sections of the river (the Dam always seems to have it’s own set of rules). But I have experienced this enough over the years that I feel alright calling it a “rule”.
This sceanario is not typically a problem for us right now. Our big midge hatches are a couple of months away. But recently we’ve had some ideal hatch conditions and the bugs went off. And the two-handed fishing went south. Why? The fish have switched gears. No longer looking for that occasionally baby burbot to swim by. They are gorging on the millions of midge pupa rising through the water column.
Trout also move during a good winter midge hatch. It’s not uncommon to find them cruising slack water and back eddies. Midge larva are trick in those silty bottom spots with no current. Not where you want them to be when you’re swinging. If you think about it it’s really not any different than conditions you encounter during the summer months. The fish are shallow, or up in the water column where emerging bugs are available.
While you’re out on the river on those nasty, snowy days, pay attention and adjust accordingly. We love to swing, but there’s nothing wrong with a Midge Cluster/Zebra dropper either…
A list of the guide Christmas wish lists. Some fun stuff. And some good will.
What is on your Christmas wish list?
Peter Skidmore
Jared Edens
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]First of all, apologies for the “Friday Foto” on Thursday. Apparently I don’t know what day it is. So forget you saw it yesterday and be amazed again today.
Fishing has been excellent up to the dam and down the river to Pelican. I think a few even tried the Cascade section this week, as the ice is gone and the weather has been stellar. As I write this it is 66 degrees in Cascade. Very light breeze. Beautiful.
Here’s a report from one of our customers:
I was in your shop yesterday and you shuttled me in the canyon stretch. FYI, the streamer fishing was very, very good, and I nymphed very little. You’all sold me a white/tan streamer and a copper-ish streamer. Both worked very well . . . til I hung em up. I concentrated on the side channels where I could get out of my pontoon boat. The fish were in somewhat slow, 3′ to 5′ water . . . even in the main channel.
Sound like some very good fishing. We’re swinging the two-handers a bunch, and action has been great. Big Rainbow’s mostly. But above, you can see that Max nabbed a nice big Walleye the other day below Holter. Sweet. I especially like catching Walleye in the winter months, and fried in a light oil with a flour-egg-flour coating, cabbage, black olives, feta, lime, tomatoes and flour tortillas.
Most consistent Walleye fly for me: Black Marabou Leech pattern.
As stated the weather is phenomenal today, but looks to stay in the very fishable range for the next week. See you this weekend.
REMEMBER: Come by and grab a two-hander off our rack if you want to try something new, or just try it for the first time.
[forecast][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
From Scumliner today. Mark is on vacation. Here’s more spey stuff (that’s all I’ve been doing for months). The so classic Rod & Coat Rack at the “Upfront” on the Grande Ronde at Heller Bar. The Upfront is the beach on the downstream side of the Grande Ronde/Snake River confluence. As you can imagine, a pretty productive spot. This rack and it’s nameplates signify the local crowd that gathers here daily. Usually, one of them is the “Mayor”. I don’t think fly fisherman are invited.
I wonder who “Winger” is. That’s a good handle. An even better name…
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I released a new video, Switch it Up, featuring some two-handed fishing on the Missouri River a couple days ago. Last night I was going through a bunch of FB comments and shares in my inbox, and noticed that PNW Spey guru and Steelhead guide Tom Larimer had shared Switch it Up on his page. Here’s Tom’s link to the video, and the shares, likes, and comments:[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8588″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Cool. Thanks Tom. Always nice to receive a compliment from a two-handed angler of your stature. Much respect.
But, did you notice the comment from Paul Huffman at the bottom? I did.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8590″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Very observant Paul. As I was editing the video, I noticed some of the massive strip strikes anglers were using. And if you noticed, you only based that on a few clips in a short non-instructional video. I looked at dozens of clips of hook-sets.
The answer, Paul, is that you’re not wrong. But neither are these anglers.
First, I’m going to assume that Paul is a Steelheader, as he is a “friend” of Tom Larimer’s and is commenting on Tom’s Facebook Page. So let’s start there.
In general, I sweep the rod to set the hook on a Steelhead. Down low, and to the beach. Many moons ago I guided on the Snake and Grande Ronde Rivers, and that’s how I told my customers to do it. I definitely was not preaching a strip strike. I don’t think anyone was back then.
In theory, Steelhead move from a holding spot to take your fly, turn with it, and return to their lie. Thats potentially a tremendous amount of movement from a pretty big and heavy fish. If you’ve fished for Steelhead for a while, you’ve had one of those takes where the best move is to do nothing but get your fingers out of the way of the handle! Those are takes from big fish moving a long distance.
Because Steelhead take the fly in this manner, a low, slow and powerful pull by the angler generally sets the hook the best. Quicker sets can pull the hook free. No set at all is probably a better move. Probably.
So Paul, most of the anglers in this video do quite a bit of Steelhead fishing, and set the hook like you. Sweep it.
But, over the last several years, these anglers have done quite a bit of winter trout fishing with two-handers here on the Missouri River as well. The strip strike you see (it’s actually combined with a sweep) is a result of how these fish take the fly.
Resident trout are not migrating, so while they are technically holding in a “lie”, they are not there temporarily. They live there. We are imitating food sources for fish that have plenty to choose from and eat all the time.
Trout are unlikely to make a big move and turn hard on your fly. I always envision them slowly following and investigating that bug. Eventually curiosity gets to them and they “nibble” on it. Often more than once.
Unlike a Steelhead who “turns” with that fly and returns to a lie, a trout may be facing you when you set that hook. A tougher situation for the angler.
So, when we’re fishing the Missouri River, and fish takes, we need to get that hook set the instant we feel like he has it. If not, he will let go very quickly.
So, you see that more aggressive “strip-strike” in the video. Here’s a frame-grab of Ben McNinch sweeping his long arms back to make sure he has one pinned:[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8592″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]While Ben is definitely performing a strip-strike, you can see that he is sweeping the rod as well. Think of it like he’s trying to “speed up” that sweep.
Another factor that dictates how you set the hook with a two-hander is where did the fish eat it. And I don’t mean the “in the mouth” joke.
Where means where in the swing. The further out they eat it (or the sooner after the swing begins), the less you have to do. On the Missouri River, we do get a lot of takes out in the middle. Part of what makes this river a great place to swing.
If you watch that video again, you’ll see Sara Roholt doing just a sweep-set on a fish that ate right as the swing starts. Like a classic Steelhead yank.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8594″ size=”full” link=””][vc_column_text]Many of the strips sets you see are at or near the hang-down. On the Missouri River, a fish that takes near the end of the swing can be tough to get. The strip-strike helps get those ones. The clip of Beth Hood stripping and sweeping into one was on the hang down. In fact I think that fish had grabbed the fly 2 or 3 times already in that swing. Beth was getting pissed at him, and made him pay![/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8596″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]
Slower flows have the same effect. The slower the flow, the more speed and power we need to put into the hook-set. The faster the current, the more we can let the fish and the rod do the work. Remember these are resident trout who grab all sorts of things that swim by them.
Steelheaders who haven’t thought about this will certainly think of situations where the strip-strike applies to them. Super slow flows, fish on the hang down, or sometimes just dour, hatchery fish that don’t like to take the fly with much zeal. Nibblers. I hate them.
And, we definitely have big trout in this river that wheel and turn on it like a Dean River fish. In that case, we certainly don’t need to perform and kind of strip.
Paul’s question was about which method takes up more line. But I think you can see it’s the speed at which we take up that line that forces us to use a little more than just a sweep, at least for certain situations.
So, that’s my take on how to best set the hook here on the Missouri River, and how it differed from Steelhead fishing. Glad I took a look at some FB comments to get the wheels turning.
Maybe Tom will chime in?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here’s the latest edit, featuring the crew that stays around Craig for the winter, fishing the Missouri River with two-handed or “spey” gear. The class at our last Spey Clinic got to see the world premier. Aren’t you jealous?
[/vc_column_text][us_separator text=”MONTANA SPEY VIDEO” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/113932956″][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]The last time I filmed a lot of early winter two-handed fishing was when Sara and I shot “Down & Across“, 3 years ago I think? Seems like ages. It’s one of my most viewed videos at 27K views. It seems that you like watching some spey casting and fishing on the Missouri River.
We’ve definitely got a bigger crew doing it now, both in the shop and on the river in general. Many of the rigs I see around Craig in the winter months are not towing a boat, but do have a magnetic rod holder on the roof holding a variety of switch and spey rods. We like to see that. Anglers like Terry Armstrong from Great Falls are out there several days a week.
This video features everyones favorite “Spey Witch” Sara Roholt, along with Ben McNinch, guides Mark Raisler and Beth Hood, and new player Erich Bittman (TroutNV), who makes all of that cool laser engraved stuff at the shop. Pretty diverse group of two-handed anglers. Ben and Sara are Missouri River gurus, and do a bit of Steelhead fishing in the Columbia Basin. Mark is kind of a “trout-only” angler who loves to cast. Beth fishes here in the winter and you can typically find her on the Morice and Bulkley Rivers in the fall. Erich grew up in the Puget Sound and leans towards the Skagit side of things. He fishes all over the place, but moved to Craig full time a few years ago, and you will see him out swinging on the Mo (summer and winter). If you attend any of the Spey Claves in the PNW you will see him there as well.
Also a shout out to Simon Perkins and Orvis, who is a huge supporter of small fly fishing video production, including my own. Check out tons of fly fishing videos on THE TUG…
At any rate, the “Swing Season” has been great thus far, and we have a lot of nice weather in the forecast. Hopefully it will hold through the holidays so you can get out for a few days and enjoy the fishing. Int he meantime, enjoy some virtual fishing through Switch it Up – VIMEO LINK.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Our buddy Cameron over at the Fiberglass Manifesto is holding his annual 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS contest again. Cam has been doing this for several years, and it really is a big deal. Prizes aren’t crap or leftovers that manufacturers can’t get rid of. Typical prizes range from $500 to over $1000 dollars! Get some!
This years theme is made in the USA, and Cam has some great gear from 25 different manufacturers. The best part?
All you have to do is send an email. No pic’s, no forms to fill out. Just send an email each day…
Here’s the link to the post that explains everything;
http://thefiberglassmanifesto.blogspot.com/2014/12/12-days-of-christmas-made-in-usa.html[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8561″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
An excellent turnout for our first two-handed Montana Spey clinic of the year. The weather was nice, and we had a little glitch with our google drive sign up list and overbooked it. That’s OK. The weather was great – the best we’ve had in over a year – and the crowd was enthusiastic. All 18 of them, and we had some from as far away as Denver at this clinic. Might be the new distance record.
I continue to tweak our presentation and subject matter. We’re starting to get into the pure Skagit stuff a bit more, at least for those who want to learn “sustained anchor” techniques, as well as try Skagit lines instead of our preferred Scandi rigs. Ninch is your man.
I was glad to see several anglers really taking advantage of the gear available to them. Switching lines, rods, and tips to see how they’re rod reacts differently. It’s often dramatic. You just got to try it. Several attendees brought their own rods, and I think at least one or two of them will be looking for a different line. It’s so important that you get the right line for your rod. Try it, try it, try it…. That’s why we have all of those lines and tips at the shop.
And oh yeah, you can try them anytime your in town. Just swing by.
The ECHO Glass Spey Rod got a good workout, and most – if not all – of those who tried it loved it. We will have several more for demo (and for sale) by the first of the year. This rods really shined for those new to the sport. And veterans just love the funky, slow powerful action.
Our next clinic is Jan. 10th, weather permitting. Sign up now at the shop.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8550″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][us_image image=”8552″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][us_image image=”8551″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]After the clinic, Dewey just couldn’t help getting out there and nabbing a few nice Missouri River trout![/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8553″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Pretty good fishing, pretty good weather, pretty good times.
Adam straight outta Omaha fishing with his brother today and guide Mark Raisler. Fun times, used the net bunch,a dn had a couple pulls front he flask. All good all day.
The weather is getting much better and they, the weather dude, is threatening a day or two over 50F? What? December weather?
Pink is good. Worms are good. Firebeads are good. Sowbugs are good. Split shot is good.
Slower inside bends where the water speed goes from slow, to slower, to almost stopped. Look for the water speed that is one notch above stagnant. Then just toss the fly in and wait.
Hit the fly hard and hope it is a trout. Lots of rainbows getting bigger as they do in the winter months.
Saw a few fish roaming around near the surface, but they are decoys.
Streamer fishing is OK. Swingers are out and catching a few.
Water temps in the 36-37F range.
Guide trips for a winter bargain of $395. Guide trips out this last weekend, spey clinics too.
Spey Guide trips are @ $300 for the remainder of the month. Get some!
Fly shop open for shuttles, Xmas gifts, GIFT CARDS, fly lines, fly rods, flies, guide trips, rental boats, and anything fishy you may need beginning daily @ 8am.
You may have seen this short 1 minute film with Sara having some winter fun.
She wanted to go faster. But in the name of safety, and lack of Fireball, we kept the speeds under 30mph.
This is SOL’s favorite film by Scumliner. Short and sweet. And funny!
Enjoy this nice quick winter break from an early 2014 Scumliner Media Short Film.
Somewhere Out West from scumliner media on Vimeo.
Casting clinic yesterday at Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service.
Lots of folks casting, a ton of fellowship, and some fish were caught too.
Guide trips out today while the weather is cooperating. A few boats on the water using the only shuttle service in Craig. Quite a few wade anglers roaming the waters of the Missouri as well.
Enjoy fishing, napping, or watching football.
Or if you live here locally…all three.
Spey Clinic today!
Fishing today as well. If you are not attending the 1st of our 4 Free Spey Casting/Fishing Clinics you might as well fish.
So, what is happening on the river?
The weather is good. Yes, over 40F and not too windy at all. Thursday and Friday were quite nice and the anglers on the river reflected the positive change. Cloudy and calm. Hi’s above 40F all week long with a mixture of rain and sun. Snow today, somewhat.
You can always give us a call for a wind or more detailed actual report. Operators are standing by!
Winter nymphs are the norm for those tossing the bobber rig. Smaller streamers for those swinging. Midge clusters for those hunting heads.
4500cfs and the water temp at 37F. Wade fishing is nice and easy. Boat fishing too, but why not wander around on foot getting a little exercise in-between spots.
All kinds of gifts for the angler in you at the shop. Thermos, SAGE, logo’d Headhunters gear, fly lines, GIFT CARDS, KAST Gloves, Abel reels.
Shop open daily for shuttles, flies, info, coffee, demo rods, bobbers, hand warmers…
Headhunters Fly Shop brigs you the weekly Friday Foto installment.
Beth qualifies for New Breed Chicks Rule as well. Beth is a guide here on the Mo who is gaining a strong following.
Not all that fishy around here this last week but the week ahead looks much more digestible with daytime temps in the tasty 40’s.
Swing Class tomorrow morning at 9am. John says he has been tweaking the morning presentation getting ready for a new year.
Folks out tossing flies into the waters of the Missouri yesterday, today, and through the weekend too.
Let us know if we can shuttle, inform, educate, or treat you to our fly fishing Christmas gift Nirvana.
Posted with Blogsy