Birds

Western Grebe

Western Grebe

by

Western Grebe This Western Grebe not afraid of high water. He can float. We can too. And fast. Water levels moving to 18K plus. I did not see it happening. Once again the best information cannot trump Mother Nature. She wins every time. See you out there this Holiday Weekend. Not a ton of traffic. … Read more

Missouri River April May Fly Fishing Forecast

Missouri River April May Fly Fishing Forecast

by

Missouri River April May Fly Fishing Forecast Squeeky attended the annual Upper Missouri River water Advisory Meeting last week and got the skinny on the upcoming water flow predictions and the update on the trout populations. Lots of folks in the room from dam operators, the power company, FWP agents and biologists, TU Conservation, UMOWA … Read more

Missouri River March Fishing Forecast

Missouri River March Fishing Forecast

by

Missouri River March Fishing Forecast Things to think about in March We are already a few days into the 3rd month here on the Missouri River. The Missouri River March Fishing Forecast looks strong. Average water levels and warming water temps are what we will see this month along with more and more midge flies … Read more

Birds, Bugs and Wildlife

by

Cool light, cool bugs, cool bucks, and cool birds on the Missouri this week.

Last week we had the Moose around. Have not seen him since.

Mink, Muskrat, and River Otters abound as well.

Birds, Bugs, and Wildlife
Blue Heron stalking a wild trout

The fall is a great time to see all kinds of wildlife in Montana. Golden and Bald Eagles as well as the Osprey are fattening for the winter. Blue Herons are always on the hunt!

Really a cool time of the year and we are just stepping into fall. The colors are starting to move from yellow to orange to deep red. Still some green out there.

Soon, too soon, the entire river will be colored various shades of brown.

Until then we will certainly enjoy the cooler temperatures and hotter fishing. Mother Mo fishes well until about Thanksgiving. The next couple of moons are two of the best all year.

Birds, Bugs, and Wildlife
Headed toward Mountain Palace Monday afternoon

Get out and enjoy the fall season wherever you are. Oly too soon will we be spending more time on the couch than we need!

Happy Autumnal Equinox tomorrow. Fall truly has arrived. Hooray!

DSC_0045
Mayflies fill the fall skies
Montana Bird Hunting

Opening Day – Montana Bird Season

by

[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Today was the upland bird opener in Montana, and for many one of the most anticipated days of the year. Hunting birds over pointing dogs is cultural in North Central Montana. More than just a weekend-warrior activity.

I had the pleasure of spending the day with Missouri River guru and PRO Bird Hunting Guide Michael “Mitch” Kowalski. Mitch was breaking in a new dog – and exercising a couple of veteran pointers – and invited me to tag along.

Though I’ve done a little upland hunting over the years, I’m no authority. If you need any questions answered around the shop, your best resource is Sara. The girls afflicted. She’ll tell you the opening date and the closing date. Everything else you have to figure out yourself. Yes, that includes where to go.

If you are interested in some world class guided upland hunting with Mitch, contact our buddies at PRO Outfitters.

Those interested in discovering places to hunt upland birds in Montana can check out the Montana FWP Block Management Program, which is a combined effort between private land-owners and FWP to provide hunting access on private land.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][us_image image=”13888″ link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]

“Superguide” and the new dog…

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 5.3.15

by

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]All is good on the Missouri River near Craig Montana. Up and down the river all of your favorite stretches are fishing well.

The wind has been haunting us for the week behind us and let us hope that it is not as prevalent as we move forward into May.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 5.3.15

Things to look for this month.

  • March Browns. They are here. From Craig on downwards. The trout love the dry. They are fond of the nymph too. Try a T-Head PT or any March Brown Nymph you like and a Para March Brown. We got Crips, Emergers, and Duns in stock today.
  • Baetis. The best hatch this month. Should go another couple weeks. Look for better fishing on overcast and inclement days. Pray for them. While we like the sun we also like rising fish.
  • The arrival of Caddis. Yep, this is the traditional month for the Mothers Day Caddis. Around Mothers Day? Probably.
  • The Drift Boat Drive-In Montana Fishing Film Festival @ Headhunters Fly Shop Friday Nite May 15th. Be there! The normal swag, fun, food, and beer type of party. The fun you have come to associate HH and the Missouri River with.
  • Craig Caddis Festival and BBQ Cook-Off Saturday May 16th. A big event for the entire family. The fishing is good too. See you after the day for food, music, fun, and cool stuff to buy in our live and silent auctions!
  • Slower traffic than April. May is a kick ass month for blind fishing mayflies and eighth fishing them too. Most of the HH staffers just love this month. For some it is their favorite. Yours too? It may be…ha!
  • Slower traffic than June as well. June the cork comes off. If you like to fish without as many anglers around you, then May is your time.
  • Lodging availability. Good times here @ www.craiglodging.com.

Food for thought as we get into the real season here on the Mo. Remember to be polite on the river. Have seen some real bullshit moves from boat traffic as of late. Boats running over wade fishers areas. I see boats not giving the wade angler enough room. Remember that those fellas have walked in and do not have the liberty to move like the boat does. So…give those guys some room fellas. Be polite. Don’t practice asshole boat maneuvers.

Headhunters has full stuffed bins of flies. And the ones you need the most. And the most popular patterns too. Lots of them. Some shops do not order enough flies for the season. Ninch does not like to run out. 7wt. told Ninch that is the key to fly shop success. Information, education, customer service, entertainment…and tons of flies. Ninch abides.

We’ll certainly have an impromptu BBQ later in the month, After the Caddis Fest Weekend. We will have some food on the Drift Boat Drive-In Night too. Maybe Smores?

Check out the Headhunters Logo wear that we have in stock. Over 50 logo’d hats to choose from and manufacturers hats from SAGE, RIO, Simms, Howler Bros, YETI, and mach more!

Headhunters Fly Shop keeps the longest hours on the river too. We are open at 7am and open late til 8pm. The hours will expand as the season moves into full summer swing. Your late nite shopping shop. Late shuttles too. Want to fish after 5pm? No worries. we got your back.

 

 

 

[/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=”11727,11322,10976,10969,4187,10959,11716,11735,11704,11352,10983,11278,4183″ post_type=”ids” no_items_message=”” items_layout=”shop_trendy” items_gap=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]