You like dry fly fishing?
Does your fishing partner or your wife believe it is sinful?
Yah, we do too.
Love AC-DC and sinning?
Yah, me too.
Enjoy this break from staring at sz 22 Trico Spinners.
Rock out in your living room. Or in the airport. Preferably in the bar.
ACDC Detroit 1983 in the Motor City with Sin City.
Similar to Craig MT. We welcome dry fly sinners here in Montana’s Sin City.
The twice annual Reach Cast discussion kicks off today this hump day in mid July.
The other time we talk about this is when me, Mark, has nothing else to say ion the mid winter.
Or nothing of value daily to say about fly fishing the world’s finest trout fishery.
Long time clients Joe and Paul Taylor are here from Rome NY and they do understand the validity of the reach cast. More fish are caught when you employ some sort of slack line presentation when fishing to our often difficult bastard fish freely rising trout.
I’ve been fishing with them 15 years and they know what I’m gonna say before I say it. Comments like, “I know, a reach cast would work here” come from their mouths when I open my mouth to gently probably rudely suggest trying…
If you don’t, you may as well be practicing non fish catching techniques. Shoot, you can do that at home, in your back yard without freely rising wildly reproducing whities rainbows and browns.
Back to the Reach Cast. Use it. Live it. Love it. Test on Monday.
Use it only if you want to catch more fish.
Reach Cast from scumliner media on Vimeo.
Great Trico hatches on the Mo daily. The Trico’s came on time while the caddis are behind schedule.
Top to bottom you can find your favorite white winged black friends coming off in the morning and the spinner fall to follow.
What should you throw? All of them. Or your favorite.
Squeeky’s Trico box is below with the Trico love he feels.
Top Row L-R: Quigley’s Cluster, Micro Para’s, Griffith’s Gnats, Double Posted Cluster Midges
2nd Row L-R: Random Para’s, CDC Trico Emergers, CDC Clusters, Matt’s Hi-Viz Midge, Pearl Hot Top GTrico, Quig’s Cluster
3rd Row L-R: Off Color Buzzball, , Harrop’s Posted Trico Spinner, CDC Trico Duns, Random Spinners, Double Wing Trico Spinners, Orange flavored Buzzballs
4th Row L-R: H & L variants, Royal Wulff’s, Harrops Hi-Viz CDC Trico Spinners, Mark’s CDC Griffith’s Cluster, Sparkle Wing Trico RS2, Glass Beaded Sunken Trico
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Another weekend gone, and another set of photo’s from father/son Ken and Max Rubino in my inbox. This Great Falls duo puts in a ton of days on the Missouri River. It’s a rare weekend that they aren’t in the shop arranging a shuttle.
I don’t hear Ken talk much about Carp, but Max won’t leave them alone. I suspect that he takes a peek in every slough they float by. His favorite Carp fly? I ain’t telling, but if you look closely, and are familiar with the Headhunters fly selection, you can figure it out. Hint: It’s not some drab, small bead-head.
This is a magnum Carp for our section of the river. Max actually looks like he might be straining a little hefting it for the camera. Ken and Max also did a little evening fishing for trout, but I can’t show the pictures and give away the fly…
One tip Max. In the picture with that Carp on the tape, it looks like you have a cold beer in that koozy. I’m not sure, but I think that it’s against the law to drink beer while Carp fishing in Montana until you’re 18?
Nice pic’s team Rubino. Keep ’em coming. As for the rest of you, get out and do a little Carp fishing.[/vc_column_text][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_image image=”5784″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
The top 5 Tips to get you through the month of July.
Dry Fly fishing is here in force and those who want to step it up can.
If you need to go the the next level consider some of these tips!
You may already know these tips and if you do, I’ll try some new ones later this week.
The fishing is just fantastic. It can be damn hard at times. That is usual for dry fly fishing. Honest.
Happy Monday!
The original New Breed Chicks Rule gal Stephanie Lisser returns to us today for an encore.
A standing “O”!
Stephanie fishes a ton. Well, only on the Mo, and this just her 4th time this last week.
Stephanie also caught her first posted up dry fly fish on a Buzzball. Fun times had by all here fishing Montana’s Missouri River.
Her husband Brian fishes a ton. Honest.
But did he make the blog this sunny July Sunday?
Nope.
Nice to have you back in the spot light Steph.
You are a New Breed Chick and you Rule!
The flows are coming down per the blog and the USBR as scheduled. Should be int he mid 4K’s Monday.
The flows are good for all including the wade fishers and the boat anglers. The flows are currently holding at 5290cfs and the water temps are 61F. Not bad for the middle of July. The weeds have not become a problem. Not at all.
The bugs are good and the hatches are consistent. PMD’s, caddis, Sally’s, and Trico’s are here and available for our hungry trout.
Lots of boats on the upper and not as many on the lower. Spread out is good for all.
The days are getting shorter and the night time fishing is decent. Get out if you wish. We got your back and will do late shuttles.
Guided trips are avail in the late month if you need a late July fix. August will be kick ass per the current wage temps and the late season higher flows. Every cooler day we have here in July adds a day of good fishing in August.
September is booking and October is filling too. Get your plans together and get on out here this fall for one of the nicer times of the year. We love October.
Need more info? Call the shop anytime for lodging, fishing, and bug hatch confirmation. We love to chat about trout fishing the Mo!
Just fantastic weather and fantastic fishing on Montana’s Missouri River.
This is the busiest time of the year so if you do not like fishing near others, this may not be the environment for you. Unless you explore and understand the intricate, mundane yet predictable, movements and rhythms of fly flickers.
Think about your approach and execute.
PMD’s, Trico’s, Caddis, Sally’s, a bundle of other tiny mayflies, midges, and hatching daily here on the Missouri. Top to bottom. Dam and locales further north.
The flow will do this according to the knob handlers at the dam(s). Mother Nature really dictates what happens. Many like to blame the dam water predictors…you try to predict the future. I have been critical in the past about the Ouija Board Water Management of our waters but no longer harbor hard feeling for those responsible for the decisions made on our behalf. It has gotta be damn hard to work in that capacity trying to enable happiness from many many water factions.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
Inflows into Canyon Ferry are declining while releases continue to evacuate storage out of the exclusive flood pool. To balance the rate of evacuation and flow reductions, the following operation change is required at Canyon Ferry Dam and Powerplant.
CANYON FERRY RELEASES AND OPERATIONS: Times are Mountain Daylight Savings Time (MDST)
At 0900 hour on Friday, July 11, 2014:
Decrease releases through the river outlet gates to 930 cfs.
Maintain releases through the spillway gates at 0 cfs.
Maintain turbine release at ≈ 4,900 cfs (≈ 1,303 MW-Hrs/day using 90.2 cfs/mw).
Maintain release for Helena Valley Project at 670 cfs (340 cfs pumped to Helena Valley and 330 cfs discharged to the Missouri River).
Decrease release to the Missouri River to 6,160 cfs.
Decrease total release from Canyon Ferry to 6,500 cfs.
At 0900 hour on Saturday, July 12, 2014:
Decrease releases through the river outlet gates to 430 cfs.
Maintain releases through the spillway gates at 0 cfs.
Maintain turbine release at ≈ 4,900 cfs (≈ 1,303 MW-Hrs/day using 90.2 cfs/mw).
Maintain release for Helena Valley Project at 670 cfs (340 cfs pumped to Helena Valley and 330 cfs discharged to the Missouri River).
Decrease release to the Missouri River to 5,660 cfs.
Decrease total release from Canyon Ferry to 6,000 cfs.
At 09 : 00 hour on Sunday, July 13, 2014
Decrease releases through the river outlet gates to 0 cfs.
Maintain releases through the spillway gates at 0 cfs.
Decrease turbine release to ≈ 4,830 cfs (≈ 1,303 MW-Hrs/day using 90.2 cfs/mw).
Maintain release for Helena Valley Project at 670 cfs (340 cfs pumped to Helena Valley and 330 cfs discharged to the Missouri River).
Decrease release to the Missouri River to 5,160 cfs.
Decrease total release from Canyon Ferry to 5,500 cfs. (continue on next page)
At 0100 hour on Monday, July 14, 2014:
Maintain releases through the river outlet gates at 0 cfs.
Maintain releases through the spillway gates at 0 cfs.
Decrease turbine release to ≈ 4,330 cfs (≈ 1,303 MW-Hrs/day using 90.2 cfs/mw).
Maintain release for Helena Valley Project at 670 cfs (340 cfs pumped to Helena Valley and 330 cfs discharged to the Missouri River).
Decrease release to the Missouri River to 4,660 cfs.
Decrease total release from Canyon Ferry to 5,000 cfs
So that is the latest. The water temps will do? Sometimes they rise, sometimes they fall. Let us know how we can help while staying and fishing the Missouri River.
We are open daily from 630am and open late for any shuttles you may need, the best in flies, friendly sage advice, casting help, new fly lines, lodging, and guided fishing trips. Headhunters is the place to make your Missouri River experience fulfilling.
[forecast]
Morning, afternoon, and evening fishing on the Missouri.
It’s good.
Wish you were here.
Check out the last several posts on this very blog if you need to catch up, or get a primer for the near future.
All the bugs are here, the fish are happy, and we are too.
The water is falling gradually so the wade fishermen are excited about that.
The dry fly dudes are excited about the targets.
We, we are excited about you the guest. Let us know how we can help while enjoying your Missouri River trip.
July is a long one. Enjoy it. And, be nice to your neighbor angler.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Local “shop kid” Adair has a new hobby. Quickly freezing mayflies is the latest in 9 year old entertainment around here. Never tried it myself, but I have quickly discovered that frozen Mayflies are much easier to photograph than “hot” bugs. Here’s a couple of detailed shots of our favorite Missouri River Mayfly for those who have never looked close, or those who can’t because the eyesight ain’t so good no more.
To learn more than you need to know about Ephemerella Infrequens, here it is at Troutnut.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_image image=”5750″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Once upon a time, Mark and I ordered all the flies for Headhunters. It’s a grueling task, especially when it comes to finding and having faith in new flies that we’ve never tried. These days, the Ninch does all the fly ordering (which I’m thankful for). Ben does an excellent job of finding new productive patterns, using his instincts and listening to the “word on the creek”.
While Ben takes on an extreme load for Mark and I, it means were not in tune with what we have in the bins. Nearly every day I walk by our massive fly selection and notice something I’ve never seen before. Today I picked out a few flies that – were I still guiding every day – I would definitely be trying right now on the Missouri. They have all of the elements I like in mid-summer patterns. While they are not all necessarily new patterns, they’re new to Headhunters and new to me.
CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO OPEN IN A LIGHT BOX[/vc_column_text][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_grid type=”masonry” post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” images=”5733,5734,5735,5736,5737,5738,5739,5740,5741,5742,5743,5744″ orderby=”post__in” items_gap=”” columns=”6″ items_layout=”gallery_default” img_size=”us_350_350_crop” overriding_link=”popup_post_image” breakpoint_1_cols=”6″ breakpoint_2_width=”768px” breakpoint_3_width=”480px” breakpoint_2_cols=”4″ breakpoint_3_cols=”2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
We’re finally starting to get over to the Blackfoot River on a regular basis. Our favorite freestone has been fishing for a while with deep, heavy rigs, but we’ve been waiting for the water to clear and the surface action to pick up. Also, we’ve been way busy fishing the Missouri River, which has been excellent. A couple of our guides have been over to the Blackfoot in the last week, and reported good fishing and Salmonflies. Guide JP Basile and I decided to head over on a rare day off to see for ourselves.
The Blackfoot is on the drop and was flowing 2600 cfs (at Bonner) while were on it. Though the upper main stem is running low and dirty, the North Fork is high and clear so visibility below the confluence is not an issue. Water temperatures are in the high 50’s. Comfortable for both fish and fishermen. We wore shorts.
The big stoneflies were definitely hatching. The fish have seen some pretty intense angling pressure over the last week and were a tad bit suspect of our offerings. Refusals and whimsy takes were not uncommon. We caught fish on a wide variety of dry flies from #12-#4. We did not use a dropper at all, though we did try some emerger style trailers. No doubt we would have hooked many more fish with a dropper. As it was we had some pretty decent fishing, including a few nice ones like JP is showing you here. The big Cutt-bow above was a particularly strong fish.
As the Blackfoot continues to drop, you can expect smaller insect to come into play. Yellow Sallies, PMD’s, Green Drakes, Caddis and others will have the fish looking up, especially in softer thigh-deep riffles.In prime Salmonfly water you will continue to see the big bugs for awhile.
Nymphing is good, though we prefer to stay on top. It takes a bit of filtering to get past all of the aggressive smaller Cutts, but worth it when one of the big ones inhales your offering. As stated, I think you can use a wide variety of patterns and sizes on the Blackfoot River right now. I would definitely be trying some Green Drake patterns as well as small to medium size Chubby’s, etc.
We always get our shuttles from Leroy and Sue at Ovando River Shuttle – 406-793-3717 or 406-210-4164. Give them a call.
We constantly get questions about our big fish.
Not just how and why we have so many fish over 18″ but also where all the little ones are. And where do they live? And, why don’t we catch any little trout?
All great questions. Do we know where and why and how of the small trout? No not really.
They may live up the creeks until they make their way into the big Mo.
We would know more but since we rarely catch the juniors here.
If you want to catch smaller trout you may have to go to other rivers.
But having said that, our boy Danny manhandled this mini trout at the boat ramp trolling it in yesterday.
Nice and small. A rarity here fishing Montana’s Missouri River.
One of our favorites Hunter here on the property this last weekend. He loves Headhunters.
Parents Andy and Amy were here as well although Hunter would hitchhike up here if he were given the chance.
The tally for fish caught this 4th of July weekend includes dozens and dozens of Perch on the docks at Holter Lake. A Walleye from the lake too. A giant Rainbow from the river…and maybe more as well. Most likely more.
Hunter is a natural fisher dude.
We love seeing fellows like Hunter get jazzed about the outdoors. His grandfather was here as well. 3 generations of anglers all hanging out and learning about the important things in life. Respect, honor for nature, and how to interact with not only humans but the other creatures that make up our world.
Just awesome Hunter. Good to see you and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
Good to great depending on who you talk to. The guides out have been reporting good dry fly action in the mornings and slower afternoons. Good evening bite is pretty normal and it has been good enough to be out the last 3 hours of daylight.
The visiting anglers have been having a blast too. Good dry fly opportunities coupled with red hot nymphing has kept you busy from dawn til dusk. Rental boats, your own boats, wade fishers have all benefitted from cooler water temps and these great simmer flows. We do not like the short flows of below 3000 cfs.
Gord Dawson straight outta Clagary with this nice trout caught with HH Guide Jared Edens this last week on a dry fly. Nice work!
PMD’s coming in the morning hours and the spinner fall happening sometime during the day. The upper has about as many PMD’s as the rest of the river but the lower reach has been on fire. Try it if you dare.
Caddis are in the canyon and beyond. Not too many on the upper river but that will change as the month progresses. Spents are not all the rage yet but they will be important as the July moves through and the days shorten. The translucent pupa is the key for dangling something off of your dry. Weighted pupa’s are key too. Find one you like and send it down to the depths. We also like Silvey’s Pupa. Flashy son of a gun.
Trico’s have made their initial appearance and the spinner fall while not epic has been producing some good times. Fish looking up.Try an emergent CDC pattern to give you entertainment before the day really gets rolling.
Sally’s are cool too. The Sally bite on the surface has been really good. Not all that common for our river system but they have been working well. We love the low riding Outrigger patterns for the Sally. Try the caddis version too! Just sayin’.
Want to see some really cool images from John taken Macro Style? Look at this morning’s Monday Blog for a stunning peek below the river surface.
The traffic on the this last weekend was evident on the upper and middle sections of river. Less pressure lower down. You could say the same thing for the weeks ahead. If you want less pressure…do some figuring. And stay with the plan. Or just go up top and battle.
The flows are and will come down as the river inflows at Toston continue to diminish daily. Read this blog post yesterday to see the specifics of what will happen. We just got the July forecast from the USBR and will post later. The initial look indicates lower flows than we are seeing right now. Per usual. We should see flows int he 5K range shortly. Keep it here for the most and up to date info on the Missouri River corridor.
Water temps continue to increase as the days become warmer. Summer is here, we think. Overcast and dead calm this morning with afternoon winds and warmer temps as I write this Mid Day Monday Missouri River Fishing Report.
There are plenty of bugs and plenty of fish to be found. Lots of good wade fishing too. Had to write the blog yesterday in regards to the fears of many anglers that think the Missouri should be better? I just told them to go to the Henry’s Fork and wait for the fish to rise. And wait some more…
For those of you who are coming and those of you who appreciate this great resource I applaud you. We love it and respect it and appreciate it. For those of you who complain about only catching X number of trout, that there are no bugs and no trout…move on please. I hear the Madison calling your name.
It is truly busy here not eh Missouri River in this the busiest months of June and July. Honor, respect, watch, learn, appreciate, smile, encourage, mentor, teach, enjoy this great river and we will see you on the porch for a cold beer @ Headhunters.
The fly shop open daily @ 630 am open late til 9pm for all your river needs. Flies, shuttles, info, coffee, sun wear, hats, sun hats, sungloves, sunscreen, GINK, Shimi-Shake, Frogs Fanny, Hatch Reels, SAGE Fly Rods, RIO Fly Lines, and mush more for your shopping pleasures.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Braden and I set up the Macro Tank the other day to see what exactly is squirming around in the Missouri River. Lot’s of PMD nymphs, and relatively few Yellow Sallies like last week. I do see many stages of PMD nymphs as well. Looks to me like a more olive nymph patterns than the more mature amber nymphs with dark wing cases we gathered last week. Also, lots of scuds and the Damsel nymphs are showing up.
If you want to know exactly what we have here, you’ll have to talk to Braden face to face. Stop by the shop. He’s hesitant to identify things quickly. He does his homework, and does it right.
Do you need to know what they’re called, or just what they look like?
We’re still getting our photo set-up dialed in. Expect the images to get better soon.[/vc_column_text][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_grid type=”masonry” post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” images=”5695,5696,5692,5691,5693,5690,5689,5688″ orderby=”post__in” items_gap=”” columns=”6″ items_layout=”gallery_default” img_size=”us_350_350_crop” overriding_link=”popup_post_image” breakpoint_1_cols=”6″ breakpoint_2_width=”768px” breakpoint_3_width=”480px” breakpoint_2_cols=”4″ breakpoint_3_cols=”2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
A common wade fishers belief. That there are no fish below Craig. I do understand that the upper is classic wade water and that the wade fish opportunities are not as prolific downstream…but having said that, there are some ways.
With the water higher than we have had in 2 years in July, remember the 4 yrs of high water? Let me remind you of ’08, ’09, ’10, ’11. Remember those high water years? With the water higher than we have had it in 2 years there is some disappointment from some Mo River visiting anglers that these flows of 6800cfs have ruined the river.
Well let’s look at some facts first before we come to rash conclusions based on emotion.
Check out the graph from Sunday morning and look at where the triangle is. That is the historical average. It is based on 68 years of evidence. So we are higher than the last umpteen, 68 to be exact, years. Yes. By a couple hundred cubic feet per second. I challenge you to show me on a ruler how much difference 250cfs is in real height values. I believe it would be in the less than 1 inch range. The difference between 3000cfs and 9000cfs is 18inches. True.
Want me to keep going? The flows are normal. Well, no…just over normal. About 300cfs over normal.
Check out this chart from the inflows @ Toston and see what history tells us. If you do not like charts, I don’t as I am a failed History Major, then let me explain. The flows are and will come down. If you look carefully at the triangles, historical average, you will see that in one week we should be at a water level of approx. 6K cfs and the following week you will see a flow average of 5K cfs.
See. Perfect.
As for the bugs. Not as many hatching as we would like. Mother Nature gets to choose the insect quotient.
Here is the hatch report for Sunday July 6th 2014.
PMDs daily. Pretty anemic hatches the last 3 days. Water temps got ’em down? Maybe. The flows? Probably not. Mother Nature? certainly. They will come back. Remember the BWO resurgence in early June? The latest we ever had them. Bugs are funny. They are a mystery too.
Caddis. Not too may. Although a trout will eat when presented on a platter. Or first cast.
Trico’s. Not yet. Maybe today.
PMD’s. YEs. Some days a ton, others not as much. Crips, emerges, spinners. Good spinner falls can be had anywhere anytime here on Montana’s Missouri River.
Caddis. Lots and lots. We do not see the caddis emergence like clockwork like we did way back in the day. Pre 2000. So be ready for a caddis event anytime any day. Spents and sunken caddis work well on the mid river sections.
Trico’s. YEs. Towards the bottom. Or even the middle. Shoot, as I write the males could be coming off here in Craig. BE here is the plan. Here in Craig.
Sally’s. More and more daily. No big punch yet. The trouts love them subsurface and occasionally on the top too. But for us here on the Mo is is mostly a subsurface fish catching deal. Again, all these big events are tied to water temperatures. The flows up and down I guess could have fouled things up. But, who knows and maybe.
PMD’s. Same as above. Sometimes good, sometimes not. Let’s hope they come back but the science behind is? While I have heard lots of speculation, as we fishers love to spin a tale, yet no conclusive evidence to make me believe any of it. Give me some evidence, precedence, substance and I will bend an ear. Until then I don’t believe the hype.
Caddis. Yep.
Trico’s. Could be.
Sally’s. Sure.
The other big bug. If you are reading this at home you are too late right. Maybe next year.
The water temps here below Holter Dam are holding a daytime average of 61F. Believe it. They drop to 58F at night with nighttime air temps hovering around 60F.
So that is the skinny for all you folks out there in cyber fish land.
Higher water? It is not higher than average fellas. Maybe putting fish off, maybe not. I don’t believe that is the case at all. One fishers opinion.
Fish below Craig? Nope. Don’t go below Craig Montana. Go to the Dam everyday. It’s good up there.
Bugs upriver? About as many as everywhere else except there are more below Craig as I write this very storied blog. Tough for that certain sect that does not believe that you can fly fish below Craig.To that sect I say…“You may not like it. Stay on the upper for sure.”
So as Mother Nature strings us along this wonderful dry fly month of July, just remember that these are wild fish on a not so wild controlled water release system that we are so very lucky to live and work and recreate on and around. We love it so and it is not always perfect. It just is not. If you like lots of bugs, go to the Fork. Their problem is no water and not many fish. Everybody has got problems. Look beyond them and go out and enjoy the river.
That is the Sunday Missouri River update brought to you by the friendly honest folks at Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig Montana. The World’s Funnest Fly Shop and your Missouri River information magnate.
Open daily @ 630am and open late til 9pm. Later this coming week we may go earlier.
We have done it. The big 4th of July party here in Craig Montana is over. Over for another year.
Lots of folks around for the only big 4th of July host in Craig Headhunters Fly Shop with our famous Garlic and Onion Burgers and Kosher Dogs slathered in Kraut and mustard.
Our 7th Annual Fireworks display went off without too many hitches. No lost digits that we know of.
Thanks to John, Dewey, and Braden for again braving the elements, and explosives…a good show was pulled off after dusk.
The tiny fishing ‘burb of Craig survived yet another colossal party. If you have not been to Creaig for the 4th, you would really like it. Plan now for the coming year. It really is a lot of fun.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Here’s a short I dod a year ago today. I was playing around with the 240fps WVGA setting on the GoPro Hero 3. Pretty cool super slo-mo. Enjoy your Holiday weekend, and please be safer than Team Headhunters was in 2013! After watching this we decided to use cakes instead of mortar tubes…[/vc_column_text][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/99947567″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Yes one of our favorite holidays. Celebrate America’s Birthday with us here in downtown Craig.
We will be BBQ’s up some burgers and dogs and hanging out all day long and well into the evening. Fireworks at dusk.
Bring your helmets and a six pack and we will see you on the banks of the Missouri.
It is all coming together. PMD’s, Caddis, Sally’s, and some bigger bugs around as well. Figure out your perfect dry fly pleasure and go for it.
The flows are 6760cfs and the water temps have fallen into the 59F range. Whoa. Goofy deal here on the Mo.
The good news is happy and smiling anglers into Izaak’s nightly. Then finishing at Joe’s.
We will see you for an afternoon burger before the evening bite, then Izaak’s, then fireworks, then Joe’s, then bed…then another great day ont he Missouri River.
The fly shop open daily @ 630am and open late til 9pnm. See us for all your Missouri River needs!
The flows will fall soon enough so the bank anglers can rein again. Wade too. When will it happen? Soon, maybe.
Trico’s are on the way. The 5th of July is tomorrow.
Renee Faltings shows off her sick PMD inventory. Renee is from the Ketchum/Hailey, ID area, and all the cool kids there rock a Richardson Chest Box. They always have. Many moons ago I was a guide on Silver Creek and had one myself. I did not, however, paint my toenails blue. It was the 80’s, and I painted them teal or purple.
Interested in one? It takes quite a while to get your build from Richardson, or you could call Renee’s buddies at Silver Creek Outfitters and see if they have any in stock. They sometimes do.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]The other day I was picking a few big “foamies” out of the bin for a day on the water. A customer leaned over my shoulder and asked “what the hell I was going to use those for?”. “The Missouri”, I responded. He gave me that “you are a liar look” all fly shop owners have received at one time or another (whether they are telling the truth or not). I wasn’t lying.
Many visitors to the Missouri River during mid-summer are in search of technical “match-the-hatch” fly fishing. And we are too. We love it.
So why would I be picking out some big foam stonefly patterns if I like matching the hatch? Because, I like matching the hatch…
While technical ‘purist” think of PMD, Baetis and Trico hatches when they envision themselves standing in the Missouri, the fact is that we do have a few other bugs that dictate what the trout are looking for. Just a few.
Everyone knows that ant patterns – like Missouri River guide Dave Bloom’s Ant – are a staple for dry fly fishing. I’ve often said that if there was a “One Fly, Dry Fly” contest on the Mo’, I’d choose this pattern. And there’s a reason. Get out and walk the willow lines banks and scabby flats and you’ll see ants everywhere. Ants on bushes. Flying ants. Ant hills. They’re everywhere.
While a #14 ant isn’t exactly a “foamie”, many latin spouting Eastern anglers scoff at the notion of throwing an ant pattern. To them it’s the same as throwing a Royal Wulff or stimulator. But in reality, an angler on the Missouri is most definitely matching the hatch (albeit terrestrial) when tying on an ant pattern.
And those big Foamies? Well, we do have a few Golden Stones and Salmonflies on the Missouri River. A few. We also have plenty of hoppers and Yellow Sallies. If you look around, you will see the big stoneflies and the shucks they leave behind on stream side rocks. And while you won’t see many flying or on the water, they are here. It’s almost like they hatch at night.
And because they are there, our trout eat them. The big ones are always on the lookout for a large winged meal with rubber legs. While guiding “Margarita” Ron Bartek last week, we managed a few fish each day on the big flies. Only a handful of fish, but they all looked like this…[/vc_column_text][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_image image=”5619″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]These bugs are not for throwing into pods below Wolf Creek. They’re best suited towards searching the banks or fast flats when little else is going on. You absolutely need some experience to figure out the right kind of water, but it does work. Sometimes it works great.
Rev. Ninch from the Church of Flyentology picked out a few of his favorites for you to see. While He probably won’t tell you when or where, he’ll show you the bug. Will I tell you? Nope. Somethings you have to figure out without the help of Google. But we’re giving you a start.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_grid type=”masonry” post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” images=”5638,5639,5640,5641,5642,5643,5644,5645″ orderby=”post__in” items_gap=”” columns=”6″ items_layout=”gallery_default” img_size=”us_350_350_crop” overriding_link=”popup_post_image” breakpoint_1_cols=”6″ breakpoint_2_width=”768px” breakpoint_3_width=”480px” breakpoint_2_cols=”4″ breakpoint_3_cols=”2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Char Ford fishing with Headhunters Guide Jared Edens today on this updated fishing report from Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig Montana.
It is July, and the fishing is easy. Well sometimes. I am referencing the Porgy and Bess tune from the Gershwin Brothers. Catfish are jumping’…
On any given day the stretch you fish can be quite vacant. Look around and go the other way. It works. After the 5th? Maybe.
Not too many bugs yesterday as we are in a mode where sometimes they are gonna come big, and other days not so much.
Dry or Die. Most that are here for the July period are DFO’s. Tie them on and cast. Bring your industrial bottles of GINK and Fly-Agra. Get out early and stay out late.
Blind fish the dry. Many do this in between rising fish. A good way to pick up a couple extra trout. Look for 18″-36″ of moving water and toss an attractor like an ant or a giant Adams or some sort of caddis.
Dry-Dropper. Something that not many of us do. It sacrifices both the dry and the dropper. We believe that it is perfect for freestone rivers, but not so hot for our river. Reduces the effectiveness of the dry and the dropper equally. Choose one or the other. Your most efficient option.
Deep Nymph Rig. Get the flies not he bottom with a split shot. The bottom is where most of the fish live. Deep nymphing is batting for average. Singles win ballgames. For those who like to catch a bundle, this is your technique.
Streamer Fishing. Underrated summertime activity. Strip them fast before the weeds make an appearance. Explosive grabs and bigger trout. Try it when things get slow on the other fronts.
Headhunters open daily @ 630am and open late until 9pm. Stop in for the best in Missouri River Flies. Free info too.
The dry fly month has arrived here on Montana’s Missouri River. We love July.
It is one busy month though. Bring your battle gear and prepare for dry fly fishing madness.
The morning can be great, the veining too. Most fish bankers hours here but if you want to think outside the box so to speak, you can find a little bit of Missouri River Heaven.
The entire river is lit up with bugs. They seem to have taken a couple days off but they were back yesterday. Today? Probably more of the same. The month of July is famous here for dry fly fishing dawn til dusk. We concur.
Look at John’s Blog yesterday to see some of the better PMD patterns we employ here. Really cool stuff. Cripples and emerges and spinners rule the day.
Caddis are popping big time on the lower reaches. Anywhere below Stickney. Saw a bundle int he morning hours as we left Crag too. Some last night on the upper too. SO they are becoming prevalent on the entire ditch.
Sally’s are nearing the pop too. Water temps have held us back for this skittering elusive topwater insect. We do have some killer Sally patterns inout bins for you to try. Look at the Outrigger Sally and the Stacker. Our two fav’s.
Drakes? Late. See you local guru about this big brown bug.
Midges are the rule up top as the Euro crowd was out catching them on tiny midge patterns top side near the dam. Ulf Borjessen of MadTrout is out with some Swedes fishing here and there for a couple weeks. Mostly here with some Henry’s Fork and Madison mixed in for good measure.
So you have a bundle of opportunities with the dry fly. Find your peace here on your favorite piece of water. Less traffic downstream as of late. It has flopped over to the top side for many dry fly fans.
And the Trico you ask? Not for another week or two. Then we will be in full summer swing. Dawn til dusk.
Parties coming up include America’s Birthday and we celebrate it here in Craig. A cool place to be. We will have our normal big party not he 4th with BBQ’s, sale items, swag, fun, porch partying, and lots of BS.
The real crowds show on the 5th. Lots of the non local local’s here right now. Faces we have been seeing for 20+ years here not eh Mo. Lots of long timers around.
The flows are up over 6K and not so hot for wade fishers that are not in the know. You step into the water at 6K and it is near the top of your waders. Boats are a plus if you want to cove lots of ground, or water, and be efficient. The temps are above 60F. No just kidding. This morning we are at 58F. That is why our bugs are a little behind the curve. They have only touched the 60F mark a couple days. We suspect wight eh weather ahead this week that we will see them move upwards again. Cooler temps now mean better fishing alter. Honest.
You can also run into fish that will not eat the fly. Not so much today, but in a couple weeks she can get a touch touchy! We just move on to another target. Some cannot pull themselves away. That is OK too. To each their own. The Mo can offer something for everyone. Hard to impossible to quite possible to…every extreme here in central Montana.
If you are coming soon check out the water and pack sunscreen. If you need additional sun products you can visit the sun superstore here in Craig at Headhunters Fly Shop. We have everything you may need on that front. Sunshirts from SIMMS and FreeFly, sun headwear from BUFF and SIMMS and FreeFly, sungloves from SIMMS, BUFF, 12wt. Lots of logo wear too for you to rock at home or here in Izaak’s. I hear you get mad props from your lady friend too if you rock the right HH Gear? Just sayin’.
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The Funnest Fly Shop in the World open daily @ 630am and open late til 9pm for all your Missouri River needs. Shuttles, HH Gear, sun wear galore, info, the best in Missouri River Flies, GINK, friendly staff and free coffee daily as well.
See you on the porch tonight reliving the big one on a dry stories!
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Ninch and I were going through the fly bins the other day and pointing out a few of our favorite PMD patterns for the Missouri River. Right now. Cripples and spinners, mostly. There are others. Here are some macro shots of a few of them.
click on the images to bring them up in a lightbox.[/vc_column_text][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_grid type=”masonry” post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” images=”5609,5610,5611,5612,5613,5614,5615″ orderby=”post__in” items_gap=”” columns=”6″ items_layout=”gallery_default” img_size=”us_350_350_crop” overriding_link=”popup_post_image” breakpoint_1_cols=”6″ breakpoint_2_width=”768px” breakpoint_3_width=”480px” breakpoint_2_cols=”4″ breakpoint_3_cols=”2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Coming off of a great PMD week on the upper with the caddis on the lower reaches increasing in strength daily. Had one report from a long time resident here on the Mighty Mo that stated he had never seen so many caddis in his entire life. But, that may not be true…
Yep, it’s good. It’s summer.
I know you are coming out this summer so we do not have to cover that here today.
Caddis on the lower river are thick. Yes thick. Lots of bugs in the bushes. Not so many inundating the river arena yet. Strange yes. Why? I don’t know. This next month will bring them to the water.
PMD’s have been anemic in the last couple days with the howling wind conditions here locally. Less wind this coming week along with higher daytime air temps. 80’s I believe. Not the 1980’s
Streamer anglers have been getting it done too with ripping fast retrievals and leeches, shiny patterns,and your fav home brew too.
All the stretches of the river are being fished daily with lighter pressure here and there. Choose wisely and float on down.
Hot Nymph flies for the week ahead include…
Dry Flies that are leaving the bins at amazing rates include…
Hot streamers include…
We’ve had a lot of Demo Rods go 0out this last week. Fun stuff. Why not demo a rod from SAGE, Orvis, Echo, Sweetgrass Bamboo while you are here fishing the Missouri? We have SAGE Method and One, Orvis Helios2, Sweetgrass Mantra, Echo Gecko kids rods.
We also have a plethora of fly lines to try on your existing rod. RIO Gold, Grand, Outbound Short, and the latest RIO Perception Connect Core lines in many sizes. Take one out and see how it likes your fly rod. You may like it too!
Headhunters open daily @ 630am!
Hannah Uhde the relatively famous artist fishes with beau HH Guide Peter Skidmore on this beautiful day on the lower river.
Nice shot with the puppy too. Oh, and the cliche rainbow. Love the rainbow.
Check out Hannah’s kick ass art here on here cool website The North Art Company.
Not only sdoes this New Breed Chick Rule she has plenty of talents outside of angling!
We like Mayflies.
The Missouri River has Mayflies.
Lots of them.
Happy Sunday.
Great get together yesterday honoring Fly Fishing Legend Bob Lay.
Today, the fishing goes on.
All things flow down river. All of them.
Bob Lay Rules…
Those are the words that I think describe Bob. We should al be so lucky.
Those are the Bob Lay Rules.
Thanks Bob. Thanks so much.
Love the shots of kids with trout.
Van Seagrave here rocking a nice trout with Guides Ben Hardy and Brett Matula!
Fishing with your folks, your Dad, your family. Priceless.
Remember to spend time learning and enjoying the outdoors. Find a mentor. Do it.
Thanks to the boys out with their kids this last week. 3 generations of boys. Just awesome.
Dentist Joe releasing this fabulous Brown Trout this last week on a PMD Spinner. Awesome.
The PMD Spinner has been one of the stars this last couple weeks with it’s cousins the Cripple and the Emerger. Really great PMD hatches daily, with the weather tossing a monkey wrench in the mix occasionally. The rain can knock down the bugs…then we fish the Knock Down Duns. Not so bad.
Folks are still blind fishing with success. Lots. Come in and see us for the blind fishing cocktail of choice for the day. Adams, big ones, and ants of all sizes,a nd some other attractor stuff will work.
The PMD’s are hatching on the upper well withe the Caddis showing lower. A Yellow Sally Parade has not started as of yet but they keep threatening! Drakes?
Nymphing remains just over the top, per usual, with PMD’s, Sally’s and Caddis subsurface filling the fare. Any depth and sometimes many in one day will get you by. The fish are moving zones and may start deep, move into the secondary zone, then to the surface, then returning to the bottom again for the afternoon and evening session.
Some of the gang is staying out late for the last hour. It can be good. Early too?
Headhunters open early @ 630 am and open late as well for afternoon shuttles, flies, coffee, sungear, killer Logo’s hats and T’s, sunscreen, sun hats, BUFF’s, rain gear, and cool gift items for your family at home. See you this wonderful Montana Weekend ahead.
TGIF!
An article of love written by us here at Headhunters in March. Bob worked for Headhunters for a summer and we all fell in love with him. Tomorrow is his memorial, party, gathering, remembrance in Craig at the Vaders House on the river.
Here are some specifics about the memorial tomorrow June 28th.
Morning Floatilla: Departs at Wolf Creek promptly @ 9am. Bring your own boat arrange a shuttle and join the family as we float to Lone Tree pullout. Bob’s ashes will be returned to the river at 11am. From there we will continue to Craig. Please consider leaving early as we want to avoid traffic jam at the ramp.
If you prefer to join from shore meet the shuttle van in beautiful downtown Craig, the Shriners will drive you to Lone Tree FAS.
The van will also be running all afternoon from Craig to The Cabin on the Flats, Vader’s. Parking is very lmited please drive in, drop your coolers, chairs people etc. And then park your car back in Craig Catch the Shuttle and Join.
The Party begins at 130pm followed by a luncheon on the lawn. Please bring the following. Your own alcoholic beverages and mixers. Lawn Chairs salad to share and stories of Bob. There will be video booth where we can all share memories and stories about Bob.
Live music and Cherry Pie round out the day.
Bob Lay passed 2 weeks ago in Missoula with friends and family at his side.
It is appropriate that Bob was being guided through the end as it was Bob that guided so many of us throughout his purposeful life.
Bob, for those of you who knew him, was truly great. A great person, a great mind, a great caring individual that always put you, first.
The last couple weeks when talking to folks who knew Bob a pattern developed. First the sadness would cross the individuals face. Then a wry smile as the person thought about Bob. Then they would invariably start telling a story about spending time with Bob and the hilarity that ensued. The thoughtfulness that Bob had brought and the caring feeling that Bob left you with.
The loss of a friend hurts more when that friend left a mark on you. Bob left a mark on many of us.
Bob always remembered your name. You were important to Bob. He spoke to you with respect. He recognized the importance of every conversation and situation. He was painfully honest.
Bob mentored many. Perhaps thousands. The number of people that I can list in my head is numerous. Multiply that by the number of friends Bob kept in his quarry, which included nearly everyone who crossed paths with Bob, and the actual number is staggering.
In the last couple weeks the number of stories with Bob as the central character is also staggering.
And Bob had character. Lots of it.
Bob Lay was a friend to the veteran. A vet himself serving in the Navy from ’62-’66.
Bob continued to serve his entire life. Bob was integral in the development of Montana Project Healing Waters Helena Chapter. As a board member and past President Bob always put the interest of the vets first. He loved helping and the amount of volunteer time and mentoring never seemed like work to Bob. His dedication to helping all he loved is surpassed by few.
Bob spent a ton of time with Federation of Fly Fishers tying flies at conclaves, shooting and teaching on video for the FFF. Bob co-wrote Introduction to Fly Tying with Al Beatty and it is still a popular FFF publication. Bob won the coveted Charles E Brooks Memorial Award in 2008 and stole the show by also winning the Dick Nelson Fly Tying Teaching Award in 2008. Both national awards. Bob was highly respected within the FFF and will be fondly remembered by the number of members he touched.
His involvement in annual FFF Conclaves, his teaching time, and his volunteer ethic will be missed by the Federation. I’m sure making that organization better through his involvement. That was the theme of Bob’s life.
Better through his involvement.
Bob had the uncanny talent of always making you feel comfortable. When you finished any conversation, cocktail, or project with Bob he left you with the feeling that you had helped him. He would thank you for the conversation, for your help, and for your input on said topic.
Then later, sometimes much later you would realize that it was he, it was Bob…Bob was actually helping you.
His humor was quick, dry, witty, and dirty. The kind of guy you like to have at a party. And Bob loved to laugh. He enjoyed telling self deprecating jokes that still has us smiling. Many will tell stories about Bob and his sense of humor for years to come. Honest.
Pat his wife of 47 years is a jewel. To live with Bob for that long would take a special lady. And Pat is that special lady. She too has a heart of gold and is a good as the day is long. We love Pat.
A couple years ago another good friend of the community passed, Michelle Wells. Bob and Pat could not make the memorial held in Craig and sent along a note to be read at her memorial service.It was an honest remembrance of Michelle and how she had touched Bob and Pat in the few short years of their acquaintance. At the end of the note Bob stated that he would remember Michelle and show his love and reverence by looking towards the sky and smiling.
We can do the same for Bob by looking towards the sky and smiling at Bob. But we all know that it will be Bob caring for us. Even without Bob on this green and watery earth he is still making us believe that we are helping him.
But we all know that the inverse is true. It’s really Bob helping us…
Wife Pat, daughter Suzanne and son Jim wish you all will attend the celebration of Bob’s life June 28th in Craig Montana. You should attend because Bob planned it. Growling Old Men will be strumming the guitars & playing some music, a few drinks will be raised in honor of Bob. And stories will be told.
Pat says the admission price is a story about Bob.
Many have stated, “Just one?!”
Bob graced us @ Headhunters by working for the shop a few years back. Bob certainly kept things light. We’ll miss Bob in Craig stopping in for a chat, a cup of coffee, and maybe a tug off of the bottle. We will keep you up to date here on this Blog when the time comes closer for us to gather in celebration of Bob.
He always said he’d go until there was nothing left. On, Sunday, March 16, 2104, Robert E. “Bob” Lay ran out of life.
Born in East Cleveland, Ohio, to Charles and Clarisa Robertson Lay on June 25, 1943, Bob grew up in Ohio until he entered the U.S. Navy in 1962. He was honorably discharged as an MM2 (E5) machinist mate on Aug. 29, 1966.
He then entered into a 35-year career in the telecommunications industry, starting out as a cable splicer in the manholes of New York City. He retired from PTI/CenturyTel in Dolores, Colo., in 1998 but then re-entered the workforce as a superintendent with Wilde Construction Company of Shevlin, Minn., responsible for construction of large fiber optic projects. From 2000 until his true retirement in 2004, he was a nationwide construction project manager for Bechtel Construction and Engineering of San Francisco.
Bob’s accomplishment that provided him the most pride was his family. In January 1964, he met his wife, Patricia “Pat” Sheridan. They were married on Oct. 28, 1967, in New York City. In 1969, Bob and Pat moved to Colorado.
Subsequently, Suzanne Janet was born on Jan. 14, 1971, and James Robert (“Jimbob”) on Dec. 25, 1974, in Longmont, Colo. On Sept. 4, 1994, Suzanne married Thurston Elfstrom. Together, the five of them have had many grand and glorious adventures, which Bob was sure would continue in the future. All five were together to share Bob’s final moments.
Bob enjoyed all of life to its fullest. Two principles he lived by were to tell the truth at all times and never pass up an opportunity to help somebody.
He was very active in Kalispell’s Trinity Lodge No. 152 and Algeria Shrine Temple, as well as Helena’s Algeria Shrine Temple. As a Shriner he was involved in helping children with disabilities receive the best care possible. He also served on the Flathead County school board, where he advocated for young adults — particularly those who struggled within the traditional school system.
He was a lifetime member of the International Fly Fishing Federation, where many of his contributions centered on teaching fly tying. In 1994, he chaired the national convention, held in Kalispell. In 2008, he was honored with the Charles E. Brooks Memorial Award and the Dick Nelson Fly Tying Teaching Award — the highest award the FFF bestows to a member for excellence in fly-tying teaching.
Bob and Pat moved to Helena in 2006. He then became active with Montana Project Healing Waters, Inc. He was subsequently the recipient of the highest civilian award the National Guard can issue, the Adjutant General’s Distinguished Patriot Medal, for his work with Project Healing Waters. He went on to serve as board member and board president.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Carolyn Virginia Anderson. He is survived by his brother, Richard (Carol) of Oakdale, Penn.; sister, Frederica Irwin (Don) of Arden, N.C.; good friend and brother, Carl Mucha (Jane) of Union, Ky.; along with his immediate family and close friends in the Masonic and fly fishing communities throughout the nation.
A memorial service and celebration will take place at one of Bob’s favorite spots along the Missouri river on June 28, 2014. To receive additional details email CelebrationForBob@yahoo.com. The service is open to anyone who would like to share stories about Bob.
If so inclined, contributions can be made to Flathead Shrine Club Transportation Fund, P.O. Box 762, Kalispell, MT 59903; or Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc., P.O. Box 695, La Plata, MD 20646 (please earmark your donation for Montana).
It’s a go. The dry fly fishing is a go.
Great PMD Hatches daily. The Caddis are gaining strength, the Sally’s too. Drakes? Soon. Saw some midge and some Psuedo’s today. The rain will bring a few Callibaetis as well.
Just a smattering of insects to choose from. Leave your other boxes in the truck making sure to have plenty of Fly-Agra, GINK, Aquel, Frog’s Fanny, Super Power Fly Floatant, Shimi-Shake, Shimi-Shake Spray, Top Ride, Loon Dust and the like. Amadou too.
Not as much pressure as you would think during the week although the Henry’s Fork Crtowd has arrived…what does that tell you about the Fork? Yah, something we’ve known for years. You rarely hear Mo River Anglers saying something like “I think I’ll head over to the Fork this weekend. Just too many rising trout here on this dry fly creek. I’d like to stand around more…”
In fact, have yet to hear anything like that.
Same stuff on the end of your line. Crips, emergers, spinners. Caddis too. Some skittering behaviors exhibited int eh canyon. The lower as well.
A big weekend upcoming. Bob Lay’s Memorial on Saturday. BBQ Friday Night to honor Bob and to kick off the real summer opener and the dry fly bite. He loved to fish dry flies! We may have shortened retail hours on Saturday to attend his party. Keep it tuned in here for the update.
The fishing weather was perfect Tuesday. Calm, muggy, overcast. Buggy too. Check out the forecast for the rest of the week and you will see what a perfect storm looks and feels like. Cool at night with some rain, then mid 70’s during the day. Yep, perfect.
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Stop in for Smith and Costa Sunglasses, kick ass sungear, an awesome and Craig leading women’s department, flip flops, sandals, sun hats, the best in flies, shuttles, coffee, info, smiles…open daily at 630 and open late too!
See you in Craig this weekend!
Hot Weekend Tip: If you want to eat at Izaak’s, go early to beat the crowds. Eat at 4pm til 530 pm and fish the late evening bite. Miss the food crowds and the fishing crowds. 2 birds, 1 stone.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]I’m sitting in the Traverse City, MI airport with Alex Landeen (above), waiting for our respective flights home. Alex to Tuscon, myself to Great Falls. We’ve both got our laptops out and are reviewing the images and video we captured on our first trip to Beaver Island. The typical verbal recap is going on as well. We both agree it’s an incredible place. Incredible.
I feel a little hungover, but I’m not. It’s more of a “cumulative” hangover from a week of fishing, dining and drinking with a great crew.
This trip was put together by Cameron Mortenson (TFM) and Kevin Morlock (Indigo Guide Service), with the idea of bringing a variety of blogger/media types to the hallowed Carp fishing grounds at Beaver Island. I felt fortunate to be invited with the likes of Cameron, photographer Alex Landeen, multi-media producer Matt Smythe, and carp aficionado Dan Frasier of Carp Pro.
[/vc_column_text][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_image image=”5543″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Kevin Morlock (left) and Cameron Mortenson (right) heading out onto the flats on a rare calm morning.[/vc_column_text][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Kevin Morlock runs a pro-operation along with guides Steve Martinez and Austin Adduci. Gear, flies, knowledge and – most importantly – company were all top shelf. Not only did they show us the fishing, they spent the evenings showing us around Beaver Island’s eating and drinking establishments. Definitely putting in long days, but as they put it, “Island Life” is a big part of the Beaver Island experience. By the end of the week, you feel like your part of the community.
We also had the chance to eat dinner (it was great everywhere) with Steve West from the Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce, who shared his thoughts on what makes Beaver Island so special. He pointed out that along with the great hunting (turkey’s, anyone?)and fishing, BI is a great family destination. Our guides agreed, and all have their families out for a week of island life during the 4th of July week.
Cameron and Kevin arranged lodging at the Fisherman’s House, a chill cottage right across from the harbor on the main drag. We walked everywhere, and because crime is non-existent in this paradise, left our gear out on the front porch. I think I was buzzed enough that I left my camera gear out there as well a time or two.
Instead of taking the ferry, we flew out on Island Airways, and the crew there was friendly and accommodating. I hear the 2.5 hour ferry ride is a blast as well, especially if you bring a few “boat drinks”.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_image image=”5449″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
It’s really hard to describe the fishing at Beaver Island. I had read about it, and the idyllic descriptions of “flats that make you think you’re in the Carribean” seemed overstated. They’re not. We had some rough weather during the week, but when the sun popped out, it did not seem like the Great Lakes. The flats are smooth and blue, and the water is as clear as any I’ve ever fished.
The Carp here are big, and they can be aggressive. They feed on small invasive fish called Goby’s, which remind me of the many small “bullheads” I caught growing up on the Puget Sound. So this isn’t nymph or slow leech Carp fishing. The flies are big. Bigger and heavier than most Permit flies. The fish hunt and chase. Bring your 9 weight.
We fished on foot and from the boat. Both were productive. I usually prefer fishing from the boat with some eyes up on the platform, but the fish are so easy to spot and the flats so wadeable that being on foot would be my choice. Looking for Carp in rough water on downwind beaches was a blast.
The fishing here is going to appeal to the sight-fishing and saltwater crowd. If you’re a “body-count” fisherman, it may be a little tougher than you want. Casts need to be long and accurate. Not easy with the heavy flies and long leaders we often threw at deep tailing fish. Body-count anglers would love the Smallmouth fishing that takes place a little later in the year, however.
While the fish and the fishing are great, all three of our guides acknowledged that the island and the community were a big part of what makes the Beaver Island experience so special. Agreed.[/vc_column_text][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/98947199″][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_grid type=”masonry” post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” images=”5446,5448,5452,5551,5552,5553,5554,5555″ orderby=”post__in” items_gap=”” columns=”6″ items_layout=”gallery_default” img_size=”us_350_350_crop” overriding_link=”popup_post_image” breakpoint_1_cols=”6″ breakpoint_2_width=”768px” breakpoint_3_width=”480px” breakpoint_2_cols=”4″ breakpoint_3_cols=”2″][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Absolutely. Especially with a great crew like we had on this trip. I was hesitant to participate in a trip with a group of anglers unknown to me, but Cameron nailed it. Combined with an excellent bunch of guides, it was perfect despite some nasty weather that chilled the water and our fishing.
And don’t forget that this is coming from a guy who has been know to dis’ Carp fishing. But this is so cool. I’m changing my mind, at least at this location.
I could see doing Beaver Island with my hardcore Keys buddies, or with my wife and daughter.
Check out Alex Landeen’s great photo’s and writing about our trip to Beaver Island as well.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Good fishing to be had in the month of June. Great? Some days yes indeed. Others, just good.
Lots and lots of folks around this weekend as the Montana contingent was out in force. The Dearborn River received a ton of pressure as it is flat able late into the month. Get on it if you want to enjoy our smaller creeks this summer. A mini Smith River is what many call it. The flows on the Dearborn are falling at 315 cfs and should be fishable/floatable for another week? Maybe?
The Missouri River is holding at 4070cfs and a water temp of 57F. Downwards go there flows and the temps.
The nymph anglers are getting it down too with both shorter and longer nymph rigs. The Worm is still in play but is becoming second fiddle to top flies like the Frenchie, the Peep Show, Blooms Weight Fly in both purple and gold, Tungsten Death Metal and a Tunghead PT. Look for something hanging below that like a PMD nymph or a caddis or a Sally depending on your reach you choose to fish. Stop in the shop at any time for a up to the minute nymph report. We can help in many ways…
The fishing is really great for those wishing to dry fly fish all day long. Yes, you too can do it. Look for the right water and post up. If you like to fish a blind dry, you can do that too.
Headhunters open daily early and open really late too. Free coffee, information, shuttles, flies galore, demo rods, the best knowledgable staff in regards to fly lines, fly line cleaners, HH sungear, sunscreen, ice…we got all you need for your Missouri River adventure!
A submission from our friend Stephen Caldwell and his wife Torrey from the rainy Mo this last week.
It is sunny now and we aim to keep it that way for a while.
Here is the short note that Stephen sent along.
Mark,
-Stephen Caldwell
Nicely stated Stephen. We need to celebrate them and encourage them to bring their friends! New Breed Chicks do Rule!
Silly Sunday Scenery from Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service in Craig Montana.
This juvenile Eagle resting on a limb downstream of Craig.
Regal Eagle.
The fishing is damn good. For those who like to dry fly fish.
There are some folks around.
See you this week for more scenery shots format he Mo.
PMD’s, Caddis, Yellow Sally’s, Ants.
The upper river has a pile of PMD’s coming off in the morning with the spinner fall sometime in the afternoon. Emergers, cripples, and spinners. All you need. The mid and lower are experiencing the same thing. Those who like to post up and cast at singles are fishing from Craig upstream. Those who like to roll downstream and blind it out there…are fishing the canyon and beyond.
Caddis seem to be the game in the canyon and ad downriver. Terrestrials are can make a few fish llil up too. Sally’s are beginning to show in the middle and up river of Mid Canon. They are generally good to great in the lower canyon and in the swifter currents towards Pelican.
Downwinged flies are the key to success here on this fabulous spring creek like resource. Patterns that sit in the film, in the water, not high riding flies…are the KEY. Hence the Buzzball pattern. Use it soon.
The flows are just perfect for wade fishing and drift fishing. The flows are 4400cfs and the water temps are holding nicely in the 58F range. All good in this Missouri River neighborhood.
Stop in and say hello early @ 630 am for coffee, the best fly selection on the Missouri River, free info, killer HH fresh & artful sungear hoody’s, cigars, cool logo’d lids, RIO Fly Lines, SAGE flyrods, Adipose rental boats…open late for your afternoon and evening shuttles too. See you here in the eli-center of Montana fly fishing soon!
Drift Boat Drive-In Recap today not eh Headhunters Fly Shop Blog.
Great turnout last night on a long day. About 100 folks showed to view the Montana Fishing Film Festival in Craig last night. Fished all day, dinner at Izzak’s, Film @ Headhunters, pares film activities late night at Joe’s Bar. Keeping it in Craig is pretty easy to do with the river in town, food, the World’s Funnest Fly Shop, and 2 great bars. Sounds about right huh?!
Summer is off to a bang today as we reflect on last nights fun and today’s sun. Summer is here, this being the kick-off, and we are ready and willing. Headhunters is the place for all things trout in Craig.
The boys from Montana Fishing Film Fest are fishing today as well. A lower float towards Pelican. They hav been enjoying the trouting with surface eats for the latter portion of the week and we look forward to having them here again as the summer moves along. Maybe not this year, but they will be back for another raucous event in 2015. Look for more here on this very fly fishy Blog.
Free events are what we are all about and this was no different. We passed the hat and got some great donations for the boys, and HH picked up the rest of the tab. Hot dogs with Kraut, salty chips, and a few beers were devoured as the film kicked off about 930 pm. Dusk-ish in Craig. Perfect.
Films by Montanans for folks fishing in Montana, the Missouri River.
Tonight in Craig Montana at the World’s Funnest Fly Shop the Drift Boat Drive-In @ Dusk!
Drift Boat Drive-In June 20th. Yes, the 2nd Annual-ish Drift Boat Drive-in here in downtown Craig Montana.
If you remember the Brian O’Keefe event here on the Headhunters property a few years ago in late August then you will be jazzed that we are hosting yet another cool outdoor event.
The funnest fly shop in the world will host the Drift Boat Drive-in Friday June 20th at Dusk, post evening hatch, under the stars @ Headhunters. BBQ, prizes, swag, BYOB, fun Montana made films from Montana fishing film makers…and you!
BBQ starts about fish after you eat a few ribs at Izaak’s and with a few shots at Joe’s! See you at DUSK for this FREE outdoor summer film event!
A PMD dry fly caught Brown Trout.
Trusty Rusty Spinner.
Love it.
You coming to see a few PMD rise forms this month? How about next.
We will welcome you.
Stop in for a cup of Joe, a cool bench, and some fishy conversation.
We love talking about trout.
Pale Morning Duns are part of your day here fly fishing Montana’s Missouri River in June.
We love June as the bugs participate more willingly everyday. While the weather this last week has been really shitty, the fishing has stood up. The rain pouring out of the clouds Wednesday was impressive. A real test to your waders and your rain jacket. Better have a good one or go home early. You don’t want to go home early do you?
Squeeky’s PMD Box for the Missouri River. It is one of my favorite hatches and in years past it certainly was. Is it today? Yes, I like the hatch that is currently going on. As the caddis become thicker, it will change.
Who doesn’t love tossing Rusty Spinners at bank sipping’ brown trouts? I for one do.
The Pale Morning Duns that come off include the Ephemerella infrequens and the Ephemerella inermis. The big one and the little one.
The trout will eat duns on occasion. The first drift is the right time to fool those finicky trout with the dun. It is the right time to trick them in every situation.
Do not be the guy who pisses the fish off on the first drift. Don’t be that guy.
Who is that guy? Many anglers try to get the trout on their first cast after identifying rising trout. They cast the fly near the trout, do not have enough line pulled off the reel, strip line off as the fly is rapidly approaching the target, the fly slides, the fish eats it, and that guy misses the trout because he is busy stripping line off the reel.
Squeeky’s Strong Suggestion: Do all that shit before you make your first presentation. Well, only if you want to catch more fish on dry flies.
Most fish are not caught on the first cast. Does not matter that you make multiple presentations beyond the first drift. The fish are aware that a dragging Rusty Spinner is not all that attractive, or appealing, or edible. Think about it.
Most fish are caught on the first drift though. Make it a good one. Do not rush. The fish is eating, no rush man. No rush.
Make sure you have the appropriate amount of line off the reel. Make a couple drifts on the outside of the fish. Meaning not near him. A couple feet on the near side will suffice. Make sure you understand the drift before you toss the fly into the zone.
Then when you have all the prep out of the way, make your presentation. It is amazing what the element of surprise will do for your net. It gets it wet. The element of surpass is eliminated if you drag your fly across their heads several times before making your first decent drag free drift.
Remember: If you are fishing spinner patterns they should not drag. Spinners are dead. Dead flies do not swim, twitch, move…and they certainly do not drag!
Go out there and make some good presentations to our freely rising trout. Approach the situation like you want to catch the fish. You are hunting a wild animal. Act like it.
Sounds like straight talk here on the fly fishing blog straight outta Headhunters Fly Shop? Just honesty here today. Put yourself in successful situations and you will be rewarded.
Row 1 L2R: Harrop’s PMD Spinner Blonde version, Brook’s PMD Sprout, Hackle Stackers and Hairwing Duns, Silverman’s Spinner & Hi-Vis Rusty, Harrop’s Rusty Spinner.
Row 2: Nymen’s PMD Cripple & Quigley’s Cripple, Limestone Cripple, CDC Harrop’s Cripples, Haystack PMD, Quigley’s Rusty Cripple, Harrop’s Hi-Viz CDC Para Rusty Spinner.
Row 3: Half-Dun Hatching, Trapped PMD Dun, Para PMD & Hackle Stackers, Para-PMD’s, Poly Wing Rusty Spinner.
Row 4: PMD RS2’s and other CDC Emergers, CDC Transitional Duns & Captive Duns, Pink Parachutes & Hackle Stackers, Emergent PMD’s, some sort of yellow tipped,eager/dun/spinner thingy’s, Harrop’s Pale Green CDC PMD Hi-VIz Spinners
We will see your this month plying your PMD trade here in Craig fishing Montana’s Missouri River. The PMD factory of central Montana.
Hey Mister…Pssst. Film Event tomorrow night at Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig.
Awesome. Purely awesome.
Sent to us by heads up Headhunter Brad Wiliiams of World Cup Supply.
Check out the Ultra Skiff site here for more info in regards to this groundbreaking, is that the right word, Ultra Skiff.
6′ in diameter and weighing 125# with a price tag of $1299.
It even says guides can use them on the video.
Talk about rowing in circles…
You gotta watch this video. It rules.
I wonder if Adipose Boatworks in Helena is picking this up. All those skiffs and pointy enders can go to the junk yard.
I’m getting’ me one of ‘dem round boats.
One of our new shop All-Stars speaks today on the Headhunters Blog.
Max is a recent graduate of University of Montana. He has been a great addition to our fantastic fishy staff here in Craig. Max wrote this about his fishing day a few days ago. Thanks Max.
One addendum…there are fish rising to small dry flies now! It has just happened with daily PMD and caddis events.
Pictured above is my good friend and fishing buddy Travis Rehm, with an awesome Missouri River brown that he caught on a size 18 BWO spinner this week. High wind speeds during the afternoon screwed up the Blue Wing action so we didn’t find as many heads as we would have liked, but we did find a few rising fish and were able to get them to eat—but only a few. So we mainly fished small dries blind along the shallow grass banks.
It has been my observation that one of the most productive techniques lately is this blind dry fly fishing. I look for small riffles in shallow water, usually less that a foot deep, and fish the inside seams with small attractor-dries that I can see i.e. Parachute Adams, Bloom’s Parachute Caddis, Hi-Vis Spinner etc.
The fish that I have found feeding in the shallow, quick water have been the easiest to catch, whereas the podded up fish in the slick water have been the trickiest—so if you find a fish up feeding right next to the bank in the shallows it is likely that it will eat on the first pass. It is also likely that it is a nice brown. The presentation is more important than the pattern for these fish (in my opinion) because the Mo has been somewhat between hatches this week so fish aren’t seeing a ton of food on the surface (also my opinion).
I haven’t seen an epic day yet this summer with small dries, but the brown in this photo is a perfect example of what you can catch on any given day while we wait for the caddis and PMD hatches to really take off.
One thing I have learned during my short time here at Headhunters is that The Missouri is the only river where I can go out in an evening and catch four or five quality rainbows and browns on tiny dry flies, and still feel like I got my ass kicked because I was unable to get one of the really big noses to take my fly down. Humbling is an understatement. I learn a little more about fly fishing and a little more about myself every time I fish this river.
The clouds this week and ever-increasing water temps should bring some phenomenal dry fly fishing our way. Needless to say, I’m stoked!
Thanks Max for the report. Max wrote this about the fishing a few days ago and the small dry fly deal is happening. Many of our guides have been enjoying the blind dry fly game as of late. They believe you can net just as many tossing a blind dry than you can with the nymph. Hmm. The Missouri is a dry fly river. Honest.
Jan Lindsey with this nice brown trout fishing with Headhunters Guide Jared Edens.
Does it look like we like to fish with women? Well boy we do.
Headhunters loves to fish with both men and women. But the women seem to dig our guide staff. They are so very nice, educational, and fun to fish with!
Jan and her hubby Scott fell in love with the place a few years ago.
Well we love you back Scott and Jan. Thanks for hanging with us here in Craig.
We will see both of you more often here on the Headhunters Fly Fishing Blog!
Yes, hatches daily now.
The trout will eat a PMD, a caddis fly, BWO’s, a Callibaetis, a Sally, an attractor pattern too.
Your drift has to be good. In a couple weeks your drift has to be perfect. The first time.
So it is a good time to be here. On the cusp. The fish are friendly still. YEs, friendly.
The boats are spread out and not much pressure, or feeling pressured. Some wade fisher-dudes but not many.
Come on in and see us for fly suggestions. Crips, emerges, spinners, and even some dun patterns are working well. I believe this is a presentation river. That the fish are interested in something buggy looking drift perfectly by the troutski. Until they don’t want it. And then I am a fan of changing to a new patterns. A techy fly pattern river as the summer progresses.
The nymphers are getting the job down with worms, sows, PMD nymphs like the Micro May, the S & M, the Military May, Two Bit Hooker, Tung Redemption, Harrop’s Orange Soft Hackle, Rainbow Warrior, Ju-Ju PMD, and a few others too!
BWO’s popped late in the afternoon with the advent of another rain storm. Spinners and small Adams did the trick with the baetis bite.
Caddis are coming off on the lwer end and moving up to the top as the week passes us by. Probably when the air temperatures climb higher. When will that be?
[forecast]
The flows are predicted to go to 4100 cfs and we believe they will. Should see stable flows at that level for the summer. We like it. Would we like a little bit more water? I for one would but would get a ton of disagreement from some. The water temps are 58F with flows currently at 4700cfs.
The weather will be cool and the fishing will be hot. Call in sick today or tomorrow and we will see you on the dry fly flat of your choice.
Shop open daily @ 630am…open late too.
Great fishing man. Dry fly opportunities for those who like that sort of thing.
The PMD image above shot by our good friend David from Calgary. He got this with a point and shoot, some luck, and a shit ton of talent. Thanks David for the kick ass PMD Image!
Still a bundle of nymphers around but the dry fly bite and what, how, why, and when seem to be the topic of conversation on most Craig porches.
June is upon us. The days are long, the solstice is near, the dry flies are popping,a dn we are headlong into the heart of the season. Still a touch soft this weekend, but Monday, today, it starts. We are in the peak of the peak. June, the last week, is damn busy. The next month will be nutso. Good fishing from dawn til dusk daily. The shop is open early for those early birds. Remember: Early bird does get the worm.
Still some availability in the last two weeks of July. Strange real. Seems that the slide towards June has happened. We see that trend until the 2nd high water year in a row. Then back to July they run. Then the transitions starts all over again.
June is damn good, that is why the slide to June. The fish are not as educated, the fish are fresh, the water temps are cooler, the pressure is less.
The bugs, yes. PMD’s of both kinds are coming off. Not in the huge numbers we would like, but the afternoons at this point hold some hope. Lots of fish rising and not as many noticeable bugs. Remember: This is a film feeding type of river. You may not see the fish eating pretty little duns like they do in your trout fishing dry fly dreams.
So it appears as if the fish are eating nothing. They are eating something near the surface, but not on the surface a lot of the time. They can eat off the top, but as I state here and will for the next 2 months…not all the time. It amy appear as though they are feeding on the top, but they are not. Near the top, near the surface.
Flows are holding flat at 4440cfs and the water temps are @ 58F. All good for the dry fly fish. The volume and the depth that most trout are lying in 18″ to 36″ of water. But sometimes much shallower. Keep your eyes open.
The Dearborn is still floatable at 400ish cfs and somewhat stable. Water temps in the upper 50’s too. Just right! The Blackfoot is at 5K and on the slow down slope. We will be there shortly. Keep it here for updates on the Blackfoot River as we will be heading over the divide all summer long!
The weather for th week ahead is cooler than normal. Where will it lead us? It will slow the afternoon bite, until the afternoon. Slower temp increases of the water will keep the insect emergence at bay until later in the day. The sun has to get a little higher.
Remember: Friday Night June 20th we have the Montana Fly Fishing Film Festival here on the grounds of Headhunters with the 2nd Annual Drift Boat Drive-In. BBQ, get a cocktail at Izaak’s or Joe’s Bar, swag, prizes, contests, etc…Bring your Pick up and back it up with lawn chits and enjoy the show at DUSK here in Craig!
Planning a trip and concerned about the summer flows? Well don’t be. We are heading, and already engaged in, a great flow regime for the remainder of said summer. Should be in this range, the 4K plus range for the whole run. Through the end of October. Sound good? Well it should. It feels good. Our fish love this level and the wade fishing is awesome. The boat fishing? Awesome too!
Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service in Craig is your information source for all things Missouri River. We are the education leaders and we can help you rig your rod, point you in a dry fly direction, help with fly selection…You know the shops you go into and hardly get a “Hello” from the staff? That is not Headhunters in Craig. We greet you and look forward to meeting you. Let us know how we can help from lodging to guiding, to wade fishing to boat rentals to rod and line matching to just a conversation about emergence behaviors over a cup of coffee.
[forecast]
Pierce caught this trout on an Elk Hair Caddis fishing with HH Guide Ryan McCourtney this last week.
Fishing with Dad Robert Maloney on this Father’s Day. Happy Father’s Day to all!
Who said that you can only catch fish on nymphs up on the upper river?
This summer when planning your Missouri River Dream Vacation you should consider fishing on the surface any time of the day.
While you may not be guaranteed a giant, you may have the shot!
Thanks Pierce for this cool giant photo of you Rainbow on a dry!
Happy Fathers Day too!
Happy Father’s Day from all of us here at the epi-center of trout fishing in America. Yesterday Flag Day, today Father’s Day, tomorrow? Monday I think.
Staying and fishing with us here at the Craig Trout Camp are Lance, Brian, Fred, Graham, Ryan, Greg, David straight outta Calgary and locales thereabouts.
Thanks to the boys above for spending the long weekend with us here in Craig. Headhunters Guides Peter Skidmore, Brett Matula, Jared Edens, and Mark Raisler were fortunate enough to guide this great gang down the river Friday. A great time with nymphing, short leashing’, and dry fly fishing all mixed in. They rented boats Saturday and Sunday and with good results. They parlayed the info gleaned Friday into a few damn fine dry fly fish Saturday. Today? More of the same I would guess.
Honor your father today. Call him. Thank him. Go fishing with him.
Happy Father’s Day. Enjoy it.
Flag Day today and we are flying it high. The Flag that is. Happy Flag Day to you and yours this June 14th.
Tomorrow Father’s Day. Another big one. Remember both this weekend as yo are out and about hopefully fishing with your father waving the ‘ol stars and stripes.
It almost feels like summer, some of the time. We think full time summer will arrive this summer, sometime. Masybe not he first day of summer, which is next week. Maybe. We sure do love 75F and calm for the summer angling surprise. Surprise! Dry flies.
Cooler weather has haunted us this last week with a few days where you wish you had brought more clothing on board. If you happen to be wade fishing, we hope you had some extra layers in the truck. Had my gloves out today during a late spring squall. Bring your rain gear and an extra layer with you for good measure this weekend too.
[forecast]
Guides out daily with a lighter week behind us. Light traffic all week long and we sure enjoyed it. The last couple weekends have been warm and the splash and giggle crews were out in force. This weekend we expect lighter traffic due to the cooler weather forecast.
The Dearborn River is perfect at 405 cfs Friday night. The Blackfoot is above 5K shut falling on a slow downward jog until it comes into perfection soon. The rest of the state is coming into shape and soon some of the additional pressure that we feel when the entirety of the state’s rivers are off color and blown out. We love seeing our out of area friends arrive in the spring and we love when our out of area friends go back home too. We love both. So, if you like a bit saner river experience, you day is coming.
And back to the Dearborn River. It is perfect. Float it while you can. You will enjoy it. Call us for your Dearborn Shuttles and stop by for our killer selection of Dearborn River Flies!
Dry fly anglers should focus on dead bugs. An Adams is a good example of a dead looking bug. Some think it looks like a dun. Others a caddis. Yet others a mayfly dun. It can also look like a spinner and/or bits and pieces of dead decomposing bugs. Spinners, emerges, and cripples are among our first choices when figuring out patterns to attack our dry fly fish with.
Seek the center if your normal game is not working. Nymphers can go out in the middle of the river and get deep. Dredge the center and see what you find. You gotta have balls to do this as it is a freaky experience. Trust it. Stay true to your nymphing roots and make sure the flies re scraping the bottom and you change flies diligently if the previous batch sucks. If the edges ad the inside out lanes, and the historic channel edges do not work, change your deal man.
Headhunters Open at 630am for your early bird coffee and flies and shuttle set up/sign up. Get out early and beat your neighbor. We are also open late for the late afternoon crowd and that killer evening dry fly float. We can shuttle late!
Izaak’s serves dinner until 9pm. Don’t be late if you want the good grub in Craig. After 9pm? Joe’s Pizza. I like the Supreme myself.
Father’s Day tomorrow. Don’t forget Dad. Take him fishing! Or give him that new SAGE One he has been wanting! Do it. He’s your Dad.
Smile & Laugh. It makes the whole weekend better.
See you this weekend at the store. No BBQ tonight because we are saving it up for next Friday Night and the Drift Boat Drive-In June 20th. Almost the longest night of the year. We will see you at near dusk for a party Craig Style! Good times.
See our sale rack for the stuff that must go. Our $5/dozens fly sale bin is always changing. Rent our NRS Inflatable Drift Boat for anew spin on drift fishing and Montana Floating! We got your back here in the roughest part of Craig, the central district…
Good to great depending on who you chat with. Weekend in the West is certainly upon us and with it brings thunderstorms last night and today.
Bring your rain gear and your Gink.
The dry fly bite has been good and not many bugs. The lower river has enough caddis to get your blood pumping and heard a rumor of a Yellow Sally too. March Browns, as well? Baetis still and issue as the season has really begun and the flies are having their way with the confusion.
The trout are not confessed as they are willing and rising freely. The Missouri River Mystery has shown its face already as not all the fish are rising to the surface. Some of that famous not eating on the actual surface behaviors already being exhibited.
So what will the trout eat? The flies that sit in the film, that do not ride too high. Although I have had success and others have seconded the mini Stimi approach along with other attractor stuff. We like the spinner approach for the most part. Like the Adams that sits flush with the water. Harrop’s array of spinners is popular, the Half Dun Hatching is one of our weapons, emerges will suffice as well.
What will the water do for the near future? For the long term this summer? Well, lower than many expected. The doomsayers will have to wait another year for the high water to overcome us. The 11K did a nice job and the trout are fat and happy. Just how we like them. Look at the chart below from the USBR to peer into our future.
The water flows today are 4480cfs. Wade fishers paradise. Yep. Those who like to wade acres and into center river flats are excited to see these summer flows return.
PMD’s are truly on the brink. See a few around with the caddis, as mentioned above, showing down river. Sally’s in the week ahead too. We will keep you informed here on this daily juggernaut called the Headhunter.
Call us up if you need lodging or a weekend guide. We have rental Diablo Kayaks, Inflatable Drift Boats, and Adipose Flow Skiffs for your floating pleasure.
Come by the shop this weekend for shuttles, all the patterns you will need on this fantastic resource, coffee, information, our new free map of the stream, sale items, demo rods, lodging, fly line cleaner from RIO, demo lines too. Open daily at 630am and late for all your late afternoon dry fly shuttles.
Ed Note: The baby in the picture is a BOY! Mark, the blind author, made the mistake. Hence the re-post.
Brad Bischoff’s daughter’s new baby and trout picture all in one.
We love the next generation…
Thanks Brad for this killer photo of your grand-son, son-in-law, daughter, and rainbow!
Just awesome.
So I get invited to go on this Carp fishing trip by me friend Cameron Mortenson of the Fiberglass Manifesto. It’s to a place called Beaver Island, which sits in the middle of Lake Michigan. I’ve heard of it, and to Carp fly fishing fanatics it’s legendary. Kinda like the “Seychelles of Carp Fishing”.
Several months ago I accepted the invite. Now I’m there. Or here?
Also along on the trip are Dan Frasier (Carp Pro), Alex Landeen, Matt Smythe (fishing poet), and guides Kevin, Steve and Austin from Indigo Guide Service.
So far, an excellent crew in a great location. Incredible fishery. I’ll do a longer post when I return, so for now, a few images will have to do.
Lindsay Ruppert today on New Breed Chicks Rule.
Lindsay fishing with here dad Mike on their annual trip. Mike fishes the Missouri River often with Headhunters Guide Mark Raisler.
Thanks so much Lindsay for fishing with Headhunters and maybe we will see you again this summer!
The Missouri River Fishing Report.
You know when you should be here?
Today.
Or tomorrow.
A few PMD’s, caddis…tomorrow better.
The day after too.
Have you been here?
We have been.
Many of us were in this situation at one point on the Missouri.
Damn.
Still here.