An April Remeinder to not Tread on Redd

An April Reminder to not Tread on Redd

An April Reminder to not Tread on Redd A reminder today regarding the Rainbow Trout Redds currently in the Missouri River. Don’t step on them. They, the eggs and trout doing the fragile incubation and spawning dance of tomorrows trout population, would like you to give them a break. Social distance yourself from those trout … Read more

Upper Missouri River Watershed Alliance Video

Upper Missouri River Watershed Alliance Video

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Upper Missouri River Watershed Alliance Video

The new video from Upper Missouri River Watershed Alliance.

Snowing here in Craig today.

This video shot in early August. It was warmer then.

Hey if you are looking for organizations to donate monies to this year, we would like you to consider donating to UMOWA. Your watershed, your fishery, needs your help.

Or a simple membership. It’s cheap, and you can feel good about the Mighty Mo.

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UMOWA Annual Rendezvous June 22nd in downtown Craig MT

Tonight! UMOWA Annual Rendezvous June 22nd in downtown Craig MT

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Tonight! UMOWA Annual Rendezvous June 22nd in downtown Craig MT Tonight! Plan to attend the Upper Missouri River Watershed Alliance Annual Rendezvous, Tonight! Saturday June 22nd. BBQ, beer, wine, silent auction items, a Missouri River update, and what is happening with our local watershed organization. Come join, meet, greet, chat, and enjoy the fellowship … Read more

Smith River Comment Period Ending May 10th

Smith River Comment Period Ending May 10th If you care about the Smith River, Montana’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) needs to hear from you.  Until May 10, 2019, the DEQ is accepting comments on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a large copper mine a foreign-owned company is proposing in the headwaters of … Read more

Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Project Video

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Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Project Video

We couldn’t say it better ourselves. A film supporting the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act.

It truly is a special place. The entire drainage. Love seeing our friend Stefan Larrson in this short. Love seeing the beauty of the Blackfoot. We love the smell of the westside. The fishing. The feeling. The entire package.

Check out more @ www.blackfootclearwater.org

We fish across the divide as often as we can get over there. It is just fabulous. Check in with Headhunters if you want to head over to the westside. Mark, John, Brett, Ben, Braden are all interested in helping you discover the Blackfoot.

Sign a letter of support if you want to your kids and their kids to enjoy the Blackfoot River for generations to come!

More snow in the canyon this morning. 6F and another 4 inches last night and this morning. Snowing now. Gonna snow-blow at the shop so we can get around!

Rarely see as much snow on the ground as we have now. It keeps coming. But the amount of snow here and the snow that we have in the mountains are two different things. We want more in the mountains. Here in Craig at 3400′ it really does not make an impact on our summer flows. At all. But it does show that winter and snow accumulation is indeed happening.

Long weekend. Watch conservation videos. Tie flies. Nap. Clean your fly lines. Organize fly boxes. Shovel snow.

Headhunters closing early Sunday for a bowling affair about 1pm.

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The Beaverhead in trouble

Zinke and BLM Lands in Montana

Zinke and BLM Lands in Montana Zinke promised something quite different than he left in his legacy. Legacy, a funny concept. I think he promised to leave Montana in better shape than he found it? Editorial from Tony Bynum in the Missoulian. Scraped it from Moldy Chum yesterday. As former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke rides … Read more

Your Trout Voice and Concerns Matter

Your Trout Voice and Concerns Matter

The upshot from Walleye’s Unlimited is this: They want more big walleye in the reservoirs and river systems. Catch rates and average size has decreased in the recent past. WU would like FWP to encourage walleye growth. The complaint is that trophy walleye fishing is not close enough for those who reside locally. Trout anglers … Read more

Wolf Creek FAS Proposed Improvement Project

#TBT Wolf Creek FAS Proposed Improvement Project

Wolf Creek FAS Proposed Improvement Project Ed Note: Lots of conversation about the updated, paved, striped Wolf Creek Boat Ramp since completion late October. The WC FAS has been changed, to exactly the proposal below. It is identical to the superimposed image below. We’ve had several folks complain to us, here at Headhunters, that we … Read more

Upper Missouri River Management Plan Scoping Meeting Tonight in Helena

Upper Missouri River Management Plan Scoping Meeting Tonight in Helena Meeting tonight at Montana Wild in Helena at 6:30 pm. Your voice determines the future of our Cold Water fishery. This is the pan for the 3 reservoirs above Holter Dam and the river sections below the dams. Canyon Ferry, Toston, and Hauser are what … Read more

FWP Wants Your Opinion – Upper Missouri Reservoir Plan

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is requesting comments that will help them define the future of Fisheries management for the Upper Missouri River Reservoirs as well as the Missouri River from Toston to Holter Dam. 20 years ago, it’s unlikely you’d hear a fly fisher-person talking about angling on the Upper Missouri River anywhere other … Read more

Clean. Drain. Dry.

Clean. Drain. Dry.

Clean. Drain. Dry. Every time you leave the boat ramp. Clean. Drain. Dry. That is the rule now. The means every time you pull out. Take time to clean, drain, and dry your vessel. Pay particialuar attention to pulling off weeds. Get all fo theater out of the boat. And, drive fast to dry. Boaters, … Read more

YNP Bans Felt Soles

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY –Aquatic invasive species (AIS) could have devastating ecological, economic, and recreational impacts on Yellowstone National Park. They are costly to manage and extremely difficult to eradicate. Due to the urgent need to prevent these destructive species from entering the park, felt sole waders and boots worn by anglers will be banned … Read more

Press release from Montana TU

Press release from Montana TU NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 21, 2018 Contact: David Brooks (MT Trout Unlimited Executive Director), 406-493-5384, david@montanatu.org Chris Schustrom (MT Trout Unlimited State Council Chair), 406-260-1198 chris@gardenwallinn.com   Citizen Initiative Filed to Prevent Permanent Pollution from Abandoned Mines HELENA – On Wednesday, advocates for clean water and responsible mining filed … Read more

UMOWA plans Streambank Restoration @ Prickly Pear

UMOWA plans Streambank Restoration @ Prickly Pear

UMOWA plans Streambank Restoration @ Prickly Pear Ed Note: This just in from UMOWA. Their first stream bank project on the Missouri River. Progress from our local watershed group. Congrats. Look forward to seeing more projects like these here on the MO! Upper Missouri River Watershed Alliance has completed plans for a full restoration of … Read more

Chasing Coral Trailer

Chasing Coral Trailer

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A great film trailer today about coral conservation.

Chasing Coral is dramatic. I will be watching it today on Netflix.

Beats shoveling snow here in central Montana with outdoor temps currently at -12F. Got a couple more inches of snow yesterday including last night. Snow flurries happening right now but looks like not much more accumulation until later this week.

Fishing looks likely as we movie into a few more moderate temps mid week. I’m sure we will see a few anglers on the water as it is the first break in at least two weeks.

I bet skiing is good! Looks like the Montana hills have gotten a nice shot of new snow! Go skiing this week. Fish next week.

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Smith River Turnout Helena Scoping Meeting

Smith River Turnout Helena Scoping Meeting Good turnout Monday evening. Lots of attendees. Some interesting points brought up to the DEQ. All surrounding ground water, bonding, economics, and the like. It is not a popularity contest at these events so it really does not matter how many folks cheer. Most importantly is the request for … Read more

Save Our Smith

Smith River Mine Scoping Meeting Helena 6pm Monday Nov 6th

Smith River Mine Scoping Meeting Helena 6pm Monday Nov 6th Tonight in Helena a boat rally along with the Helena DEQ Scoping Meeting at the Radisson Colonial Hotel 2301 Colonial Dr Helena MT tonight at 6pm The boat rally is at 3pm around the capital. This event to show the strength sending a message to … Read more

Smith River Mine Scoping Meetings

Smith River Mine Scoping Meetings GF Monday Night!!!

Smith River Mine Scoping Meetings Montana’s Smith River is renowned worldwide for its clean water, rugged canyon scenery, and the incredible trout fishery that many Montanans hold near and dear to their heart. The Smith River is a permitted river for not only commercial sponsored trips but also recreational trips as well. This in response … Read more

2016 UMOWA Water Quality Report

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] 2016 UMOWA Water Quality Report Yesterday we summarized the 2016 UMOWA Macroinvertebrate Report written by David Stagliano of the Montana Biological Survey. Today we are going to discuss the 2016 UMOWA Water Quality Report.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”27520″ align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Study Design In 2016, UMOWA began collecting water quality data at the same seven sites where they began … Read more

2016 UMOWA Macroinvertebrate Report

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] 2016 UMOWA Macroinvertebrate Report On March 17, the Upper Missouri Watershed Alliance (UMOWA) published the results of the 2016 bug study performed by David Stagliano of Montana Biological Survey. We are late in sharing the results, but with the UMOWA Annual Meeting coming up in Craig this Saturday, June 17th, I thought now might be … Read more

Two Mussel Encrusted Boats Intercepted

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Over Memorial Day weekend, two mussel encrusted boats were intercepted in Montana. Invasive species pose a constant threat to the quality of our waterbodies in Montana. As anglers, it is our responsibility to be educated about invasive species and our role in preventing their spread. The remainder of this post is republished from the Montana … Read more

UMOWA: The Case For Flushing Flows

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The Case For Flushing Flows The Upper Missouri Watershed Alliance (UMOWA) recently released their spring newsletter. Within the letter, UMOWA discusses the history of Missouri River flows and the beneficial contribution that flushing flows have upon the health of the Missouri River. The remaining text of this post is republished from the UMOWA spring newsletter.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”27520″ align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] River … Read more

Kicking Plastic

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After several years of threatening to do so, a few of our guides – myself included – are switching from store bought plastic water bottles to other methods of transporting and distributing water to our guests. Most guides I know hate the garbage produced by the hundreds of plastic bottles they throw away each year. Costa, Orvis, Fishpond, Patagonia, Yeti and others have directed both consumer and guide “kick plastic” campaigns over the years. Everyone nods in agreement during the presentation, and agrees to switch to “hard” water bottles in the future. But few do.

I do know a few outfitters who provide water and water bottles for their guests, including our friends at the North Fork Crossing Lodge on the Blackfoot. And I suppose outfitters in remote camps in Alaska and Russia have no choice. But by and large, most fishing guides buy dozens of the inexpensive bottled water “flats” you can find in every grocery store and gas station from Forks to Key West. It’s frightening to think of the volume of plastic garbage the fishing industry contributes to Mother Earth each year.

I checked out Ban The Bottle to get a few numbers, and read that the average American throws away 167 water bottles each years. Scary for sure, but I’ll bet some guides come close to that each week during hot weather in July and August!

So, as part of my return to guiding this year, I promised myself I would finally “kick plastic”. Which prompted both agreement and discussion among our guide staff on how to implement that. The two big hurdles for most guides include:

  1. Bottled water is cheap. Probably the smallest daily expenditure for guides. Right behind spit shot.
  2. Customers don’t trust us or our water bottles.

Having guiding for long enough that I don’t really care what my guests opinions of my water bottles are (or much else), I decided to give it a whirl. I did a little research, and combined with my own experience decided on the following 32oz Nathan water bottle for guests in my boat. I purchased a bunch of these in “paired” colors so each dude can have a couple of the same color.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”27455″ align=”center”][vc_column_text]The first day I broke these out – with a brief explanation as to why they weren’t being served Albertson’s bottled water – I got 1 “good for you” and 1 sideways glance as the customer hesitantly took a sip. That has more or less continued. I’m probably batting just above .500 when it comes to approval/disapproval. Quite a few have asked if it’s “safe to drink from” (seriously?) while others could care less. They’re thirsty.

I understand why anglers who’ve hung around guides for any length of time would be suspect. Guides are not the cleanest creatures. Dirty boats, trucks, waders, coolers and clothes are all part of the package.

But I don’t know many guides who would intentionally hand a client a “used” water bottle from the day before. But I do know a few…

So I am carefully washing mine in our high temperature dishwasher each time they go in the cooler, whether they were used or not. After being washed they are immediately filled and put in the “drinks only” refrigerator at our house. One reason I chose these Nathan bottles is that they have a removable silicone mouthpiece that can be sterilized separately.[/vc_column_text][us_grid columns=”2″ post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” images=”27458,27456″ orderby=”post__in” items_gap=”” items_layout=”gallery_default” img_size=”us_600_600_crop” overriding_link=”popup_post_image” breakpoint_1_cols=”2″ breakpoint_2_width=”768px” breakpoint_3_width=”480px” breakpoint_2_cols=”4″ breakpoint_3_cols=”2″][vc_column_text]

So that’s my program, and some of our other guides are doing it differently. Some are sticking to the bottled water from the store. Some are using paper cups and water tanks. Some believe stainless cleans better. Some clients only drink beer anyhow!

My single biggest concern is not that a guest will disapprove, but that they won’t drink enough water during the course of the day.

BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE!

If drinking out of a clean water bottle that has been used before scares you, then we suggest you bring your own water bottles on a guided trip (at least 2 x 32oz). Even if your guide is carrying store bought water you will be reducing the amount of plastic waster that your boat produces. And if your guide doesn’t care about the environment, you will at least be saving him 2 or 3 bucks. Believe it or not, you can also buy a water bottle in our shop!


Note: This blog post is available as a live and loud version from our shop manager and kick plastic queen Sara Roholt. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Please Leave Redds Alone!

[vc_row 0=””][vc_column 0=””][us_image image=”26680″ align=”center”][vc_column_text 0=””] Please leave trout redds in the river alone! Rainbow trout are actively spawning in the river now and will continue to do so for the next couple months. The Missouri River is one of the best wild trout fisheries in the country. Wild trout are not stocked, they must spawn … Read more

Paper or Plastic?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Paper or Plastic? Soon, you might be hearing this question at your local fly shop as well as the grocery store. AFFTA has announced that they are making recycled paper fly boxes available to fly shops as an alternative to the usual plastic fly cups. These new boxes are part of Costa’s #kickplastic campaign with … Read more

Mussel Update

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Proposed Rule Changes Last night, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks hosted a public hearing on new rules aimed at controlling the spread of invasive mussels. The new regulations include the following: All out of state watercraft would need to be inspected by FWP prior to launch in any Montana waterbody. All watercraft leaving Canyon Ferry … Read more

Friday Conservation Flicks

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Methow Headwaters

The Methow is not an incredibly great fishery, but it lies in an incredible valley in Washington’s North Cascades. If you’re a Washington Resident, it  represents some of the best fly fishing for trout the state has to offer. Learn about the community resisting proposed mining threats on the headwaters. #underattack

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A River’s Last Chance

California’s might Eel River faces multiple threats, as most California water sources do. But the Eel still could be one of the healthier watersheds and fisheries in the State. Filmed by Shane Anderson.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Clean. Drain. Dry.

Clean. Drain. Dry.

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Clean. Drain. Dry.

Do this. Commit.

Clean. Drain. Dry.

Make it part of your daily routine.

But only if you like fishing Montana waters.

Honest. Do this. Do not spread Aquatic Nuisance Species to non-contaminated waters.

Clean. Drain. Dry.

Wash your boat @ Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig. You are always welcome to scrub away the ANS creatures hitchhiking on your drifter, raft, kayak, or PFD! Stop by anytime and use our cleaning station!

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Case of the Mondays

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Welcome back to the cubicle! Monday morning and we’re all recovering from a busy weekend. The sun came out, and so did all of the Montana anglers who’ve been secluded under a blanket of snow for the last few months. By winter standards, the river was packed. Fishing reports were varied, and frankly we heard a lot of tough fishing stories. Regardless of success, everyone seemed to be enjoying the fresh air and time on the water. Probably the first days of the year for many folks.

Nymphing reports were good if you know where and what to throw. We’re always preaching it this time of year, but “slow-water” was the word. Like not moving. And pay attention. The usual stuff produced, and a boat is really necessary for much of the river. The canyon had some good reports from those who didn’t spend the day in fast water.

Streamer fishing reports I heard were not great, but I think everyone I talked to caught at least some fish. Some two-handed anglers did very well. There were a few stories of fish in fast and shallow water, which I myself experienced on Friday with some explosive hits on a floating line way above “the bucket”. Might be some Rainbows beginning to move into shallow water for reproductive duties.

I spent Sunday fishing with Todd Tanner from Conservation Hawks, the Bigfork, MT based conservation organization whose mission is centered around the effects of climate change and future impacts to sportsmen. We decided to hunt heads while talking conservation, so I don’t have much of a report to give. The stars never aligned (wind, sun, clouds, bugs), but we did see an excellent midge hatch mid-day. All too brief, however. We also swung a fish or two.

Go check out the Conservation Hawks website and get involved. You may also be familiar with films produced by Conservation Hawks, as they’re typically included in the F3T lineup. While you recover from the weekend, hide from your boss and enjoy the most recent flicks from Conservation Hawks.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/197360846″ video_title=”1″][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/150681923″ video_title=”1″][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/124560152″ video_title=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Front Lines – Public Land Transfer Win

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See? It Does Work!

This week, public land rally’s were held in Helena, MT and Santa Fe, NM opposing the transfer of Federally owned and managed lands to states. Above you can listen to MT Governor Steve Public rally the troops and reference the legislation mentioned below. Over a thousand rowdy outdoorsmen and women turned out in Helena, and the rally in Santa Fe was reported in the “hundreds”. Both received mucho attention in the press, and were supported by a wide variety of sportsmen, conservation and outdoor industry groups.

Proponents of keeping these lands public believe that while the “transfer of management decisions” is what’s being sold, underlying all of the various state and federal proposals is a larger plan to eventually transfer many large parcels of western land to private interests. Interests like the oil and gas industry. I believe that.

Coincidentally – or miraculously? – on Wednesday, Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) announced he would be withdrawing HR 621, a bill directing the Interior Sec. to sell off 3.3 Million acres of public (BLM) lands. According to reports his office and social media accounts were flooded with angry messages from sportsmen and women who oppose the transfer of the public lands they recreate on. He has presented this bill in past years, but it certainly would have been vetoed by President Obama. This amounts to a total about face for Chaffetz, though you can expect him to be sponsoring and backing similar proposals in the future.

So keep pounding on the bad guys via email and social media. It works. But this isn’t the end, you can expect more to come from the GOP.


ZINKE and the RULES PACKAGE

If you’re wondering what all of the uproar was over the rules package that MT Rep. (and Interior Secretary nominee) Ryan Zinke voted for 2 weeks ago, it directly relates to this type of proposal. In past legislative sessions, Rep. Chaffetz would have had to show that selling these lands would generate more funds for the US taxpayer than the cost of selling them. You know, end up in the “plus” column in the books. Thanks to some sneaky rules changes by enemy of the planet Rob Bishop (R-UT) that is no longer the case. Inserted into the larger rules package that was voted on, a provision that Congress can sell off publicly owned assets without worrying about how they look on the bottom line of the Federal budget. Rep. Zinke voted in favor of this rule change. While he claims to oppose public lands transfer, his only vote this year says otherwise. Let him know you are against federal land transfer.  I will bet that many members of congress – including Zinke – also encouraged Chaffetz to pull HR 621 so they don’t have to show their cards – or less likely – cross party lines.[/vc_column_text][us_btn link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fzinke.house.gov%2Fcontact||target:%20_blank|” style=”4″ label=”CONTACT REP. ZINKE” custom_width=”200px” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22font-size%22%3A%2217px%22%7D%7D”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

F3T Time – Convergence

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/197360846″ video_title=”1″][vc_column_text]The Fly Fishing Film Tour is starting it’s way across the country, and here’s a trailer for one of the features titled “Convergence” from our friends at Conservation Hawks.

CONVERGENCE, the new film from Conservation Hawks, explores the essence of fly fishing. In September, 2016, the CH team filmed Hilary Hutcheson and her daughters Ella and Delaney; Travis Swartz (a.k.a. “Hank Patterson”); Simon Perkins, Els Van Woert and their daughter Pippa, and Pippa’s grandfather (and Orvis CEO) Perk Perkins. CONVERGENCE is the story of these incredible anglers and their collective passions: their love for wild trout; for healthy landscapes; for clean, cold waters and for family and friends. The film also shares their concerns about the future, their desire to protect our fisheries, and their unease with our changing climate and rapidly warming planet.
CONVERGENCE is a collaborative effort between Conservation Hawks and Conservation Media. It follows the recent Conservation Hawks films COLD WATERS and CHROME, and will be part of the 2017 Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T).

Learn more at www.coldwaters.org[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Super Salmon – Worth your 25 minutes

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/169336239″ video_title=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Super Salmon by Ryan Peterson is a fantastic conservation video featuring Alaska’s Susitna River and threats it faces from a proposed dam. Following the incredible journey made by a Salmon, the film features the people and places that call this river home. The Susitna is an incredibly diverse ecosystem for Alaskan wildlife – and livelihoods for many – but is under attack from a few folks who only see dollar signs.

At 25 minutes long you won’t want to sneak this one in at work. Lunchbreak?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

BHA Quiet Waters Initiative

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Above: Headhunters guide Capt. Ryan McCourtney running his powerboat downstream from Cascade.

“Montana’s rivers and streams comprise less than 1% of our landscapes, but are valued and used disproportionately by people,wildlife and, of course, fish. They are the focal points of communities, offer recreational opportunities for non-motorized and motorized uses, as well as provide important habitats for wildlife and fish.”

The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) has announced it’s Quiet Waters Initiative, aimed at taking a proactive approach to motorized use restrictions on Montana waterways. Many of our waterways have no restrictions, and as BHA points out, advances in watercraft design mean there are now boats that can go just about anywhere. They have spent over a year taking inventory of Montana rivers and streams, as well as restrictions or lack of. They also interviewed local users along the way to help them get an idea about historic use and user conflicts while compiling a list of recommendations.

I don’t think I’d call this a heated issue in our area… yet. But we are starting to see more motorized use, as well as more consistent motorized use. If you live here you are used to seeing a motorboat here and there, often during higher flows in spring. During duck hunting season there’s usually a sled or two running around Craig. And guided visitors here for the first time are often shocked to see a jet boat screaming upriver. Minor conflicts that we hear about tend to occur between Pelican Point and Cascade. This area has a long tradition of motorized use, and is highly regarded by dry fly anglers who don’t appreciate the jet boat wakes putting their fish down.

Of course we also are home to the “Land of the Giants”, arguably the most popular fly-fishing-power-boat fishery in Montana. Conflicts in this stretch occur between wading and powerboat anglers.

Read the highly detailed recommendations BHA has for the state by clicking the link below.[/vc_column_text][us_btn align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fd3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net%2Fbackcountryhunters%2Fpages%2F2831%2Fattachments%2Foriginal%2F1476226083%2FQuiet_Waters_Proposal_MT_BHA.pdf%3F1476226083||target:%20_blank” style=”4″ label=”READ BHA PROPOSAL” custom_width=”200px” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22font-size%22%3A%2218px%22%7D%7D”][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fd3P9WIOzw&feature=player_embedded”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Yellowstone is more valuable than GOLD!

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Yellowstone is more valuable than GOLD!

We keep saying NO to mining in Montana.

We still say NO.

Not too much more to it that that.

No mining near our National Treasures.

Period.

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River Nomads Video

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/182807553″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Pat Clayton – CEO at Fisheyeguy Photography –  and I put together another “Life Aquatic” nature video, this time featuring some of the original Montana natives… Bull Trout. Took some work and some bushwhacking but we got some very nice footage, and of course Pat’s incredible underwater still images. And this is Pat’s first serious effort with some underwater video. Really cool watching big Bull Trout pay Pat no never mind. That’s what Apex predators do.

If you like Pat’s images – and you’re a social media buff – I highly recommend following him on Facebook. Great images, humor and some conservation commentary. I’ve said it before, but Pat’s devotion to trout and the rivers they inhabit is incredible.

Enjoy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Yellowstone River Fish Kill

UPDATED 9/2: The latest info on the Yellowstone River Fish Kill

Yellowstone River Fish Kill Here is the latest info. The Yellowstone is open, partially. Read carefully.   The latest info on the Yellowstone River fish kill includes updates from the governor, the guides, and FWP. We have spoken to a few Yellowstone river guides and they all say essentially the same thing. Holy Shit. This … Read more

State of the Missouri River Craig Montana 8.26.16

State of the Missouri River Craig Montana 8.26.16

State of the Missouri River Craig Montana 8.26.16 Bringing you the State of the Missouri River Craig Montana 8.26.16. Headhunters is the information source on the banks of the famed Missouri River. Keep it tuned here for your daily bite of trout information, education, and trout fishing entertainment. So how are we doing as we move … Read more

Aquatic Nuisance Species Reminder

Aquatic Nuisance Species Reminder

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Aquatic Nuisance Species Reminder Before moving to a new body of water you must wash your boat, waders, boots, or anything that may carry Aquatic Nuisance Species. This has become habit for many in the last several years with the increased education regarding evil parasites and such that can creep into our recreational waters. … Read more

Real Scary Shit

Real Scary Shit This developed yesterday. Actually the day before the signs were in place. The entire stretch of the Yellowstone, the trout fishing reach, is CLOSED TO ALL RECREATION. That is serious. Read it all at RT News, or this comprehensive article from the Helena Independent Record. Real Scary Shit. Keep invasive species away, … Read more

Jason Fowler Helena

Recycled Anchors

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A few years ago Jason Fowler walked in our shop and asked if we wanted to buy some “used” drift boat and raft anchors. When I asked him where he got used anchors, he told me he dove for them. With scuba gear (actually a hookah rig). He said he was going to try and find as many as possible. I bought a few from him – at a price not much different than what I pay for new anchors – and never expected to see him again.

But he came back again, and continues to do so. Jason has made it his mission to recover as much lead from the bottom of the Missouri River as possible. He logs all salvage, and to date has removed 1800 lbs of lead from the Missouri River below Holter Dam! And that doesn’t include the 9 anchors he stopped by the shop with the other day when I took the above photo.

At first, I though the idea of repurposed anchors at near full retail pricing was not going to work. But it does. We’ve found most folks don’t really care, they just need an anchor. And the fact that Jason is cleaning up the Missouri River while supplying anchors for fishermen appeals to a lot more folks than I would have guessed. And that’s a good thing.

Jason has become our primary provider of drift boat anchors. He sells us both “restored” anchors, and new ones he makes from the melted down lead anchors that he feels are unusable or unsellable. He can make you an anchor in any weight, and we typically carry 30lbers, along with a few 25 and 20 lb models. He also provides river salvage services (fly rod overboard?) and will look for and usually find anything you’ve lost to the Mo’.

If you see an unmanned blue raft unnervingly tracking down the Missouri River on it’s own, you probably just ran into Jason. I won’t go into the details of how he does it, but if you stop and talk to him he’ll be glad to show you. And be careful around him and his boat. Diver down!

We applaude Jason efforts to clean up the Missouri River. Support his efforts by purchasing one of his anchors instead of adding more new lead to the Mo’!

If you need an anchor or dropped that  new reel in the river, you can contact Jason at Missouri River Anchor & Salvage 406-465-3742.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

UPDATED HOOT-OWL CLOSURES

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Recent warm weather has increased water temperatures and decreased flows on a number of Montana rivers triggering Hoot-owl restrictions. It seems the days of complete closures are over. Here is the most recent update for those wondering which rivers are under restrictions. Remember, you can still fish these rivers in the early part of the day. We propose that you carry a thermometer and take water temperatures every hour. Also FIGHT FISH QUICKLY, and if you notice fish struggling to recover after the fight, it’s a good sign that it’s time to head to the bar for a cold one.

You probably shouldn’t trust my copy & paste skills, and check out the official report here.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]

Big Hole River

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/23/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to North Fork Big Hole River Mouth (7/22/2016)

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/25/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Big Hole River from Maiden Rock FAS to Notch Bottom FAS. (7/25/2016)

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/23/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Notch Bottom FAS to confluence with the Beaverhead River (7/22/2016)

Bitterroot River

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/29/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Bitterroot River from Tucker Crossing FAS near Victor to the confluence with the Clark Fork River. (7/28/2016)

Blackfoot River

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/29/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Entire Length (7/28/2016)

Boulder River

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 7/30/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Boulder River from Natural Bridge to the confluence of the Yellowstone River. (7/29/2016)

 

Clark Fork River

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/29/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Clark Fork River from the mouth of Warm Springs Creek near Warm Springs to Rock Creek. (7/28/2016)

Copper Creek

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/29/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Entire Length (7/28/2016)

East Gallatin River

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/08/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
East Gallatin River from Spring Hill Road Bridge (Hwy411) to the confluence with the Gallatin River. (7/7/2016)

Gallatin River

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/01/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
From the confluence with the Madison River at Three Forks to Sheds Bridge (Hwy 84) near Four Corners, MT (6/30/2016)

Jefferson River

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/01/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Entire river. (6/30/2016)

Madison River

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 06/30/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Madison River from Ennis Dam to the mouth (6/29/2016)

Mill Willow Bypass

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/29/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Downstream portion of Silver Bow Creek Closure (7/28/2016)

Monture Creek

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/29/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Entire Length (7/28/2016)

Morrell Creek

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/29/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Entire Length (7/28/2016)

North Fork Blackfoot River

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/29/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Entire Length (7/28/2016)

Ruby River

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/25/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Ruby River from Duncan District Road to the confluence with the Beaverhead River. (7/25/2016)

Shields River

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/29/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Shields River from Daisy Dean Road Bridge to the confluence with the Yellowstone River. (7/28/2016)

Silver Bow Creek

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/29/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Entire Length (7/28/2016)

Smith River

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/25/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Smith River from the confluence of the North and South forks of the Smith River to Eden Bridge. (7/24/2016)

Stillwater River

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Stillwater River from the Cliff Swallow FAS downstream to the Yellowstone River (7/29/2016)

Sun River

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/25/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Sun River from the Highway 287 Bridge to the mouth of Muddy Creek. (7/24/2016)[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”19560″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Montana Story 40 Years of Success Video

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The Montana Story 40 Years of Success Video

Awesome. A great story about this great state.

It is why we have trout like no others.

Period.

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Montana Hoot-Owl Restrictions

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here we go. July 1 and we’re already seeing some “Hoot-Owl” closures around the state. That means that June was a little warmer than we like it. Or than the trout do. It seems early, and it also seems like just a couple of weeks ago some of these rivers were high and un-fishable. Here is the current list (as of 7/2/16):

BEAVERHEAD RIVER

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/01/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Beaverhead River from Anderson Lane to the Confluence with the Big Hole River. (6/30/2016)

This is the “lower” Beaverhead, downstream of Dillon to Twin Bridges. Not likely on your list of spots to hit unless you’re fishing with a guide from the Twin Bridges area.

BIG HOLE RIVER

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 06/30/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to the Mouth of the North Fork Big Hole River. (6/29/2016)

This is the way upper Big Hole drainage and a wade fishing area. Home to threatened Grayling. Probably not a place you had planned to fish.

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/01/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Big Hole River from North Fork Big Hole River to Dickey Bridge (6/30/2016)

This one will affect some anglers who like to fish the upper Big Hole just upstream from Wise River.

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/01/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Big Hole River from Notch Bottom Fishing Access Site to the Confluence with the Beaverhead River. (6/30/2016)

This section is well below Melrose and Glenn, and represents the lowest 2 floats on the Big Hole.

GALLATIN RIVER

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/01/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
From the confluence with the Madison River at Three Forks to Sheds Bridge (Hwy 84) near Four Corners, MT (6/30/2016)

The very lowest sections of the Gallatin and not likely a place you planned to fish in July.

JEFFERSON RIVER

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/01/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Entire river. (6/30/2016)

If they need to impose Hoot-Owl restrictions on the entire Jefferson on July 1, they should just close it. Stay off this one.

MADISON RIVER

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 06/30/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Madison River from Ennis Dam to the mouth (6/29/2016)

The entire lower Madison. Best left to the splash & giggle crowd this time of year anyhow. Again, probably should just be closed.

RUBY RIVER

Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/01/2016
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Ruby River from Duncan District Road to Confluence with Beaverhead (6/30/2016)

The very lower sections of the Ruby, and not likely a spot you were planning to hit unless you have access to private property.

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Broad, slow and shallow sections like the Missouri River near Cascade should probably see the same drought closures as many Montana freestones.

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SHOULD I EVEN GO THERE?

These restriction get very confusing to folks unfamiliar with Montana, and sometimes get over-publicized nationally, causing anglers cancel their trips to Montana all-together. For example, it’s likely that a national news organization will write the typical “Montana Streams Closed to Trout Fishing”, or “Montana’s Famed Big Hole Closed Due to Drought” story in the next week or two. In reality, the section of the Big Hole that receives 90% of the fishing pressure is still open and under no restrictions. And 99.9% of Montana’s rivers and streams are open to fishing!

On the other hand, broad, shallow lower reaches like the Jefferson and Madison below Ennis should probably just be closed. They get incredibly warm at times, and don’t have either the elevation or shady canyons to help cool them at night or when the sun is low. Political and economic forces have made the “Hoot-Owl” restriction the norm. 15 years ago many of these restrictions would have been imposed for 24 hours, not 10.

If you’re concerned about where you will be fishing, watch the weather, use your head and carry a thermometer. Just because a river is open doesn’t mean the trout are not in danger of over-stressing in warm water temperatures. The “Big 3” that never get restricted (Missouri, upper-Madison, Big Horn) all suffer from water temperatures that should trigger a closure. Again, those in power seem to have decided long ago to leave these rivers open no matter what stream conditions are.

So use your brain and think about all of the factors that affect the river you plan on fishing. Weather, elevation, shade, gradient and depth all play a factor into how a stream reacts to extended warm air temperatures. And be ready to pull the plug if you see the fish you catch having a tough time reviving after a fight. Ultimately it’s not the states decision where you fish, it’s yours.

Maybe it’s time you finally try the Kootenai River?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Wilderness Cutthroat – Video

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/171623459″][vc_column_text]I’ve spent a little time walking around in the woods with Pat Clayton this spring and early summer. Fishing the mountains and looking for interesting things to take pictures of. For those who don’t know, Pat Clayton is the worlds underwater trout photographer. You probably know whim as “Fisheye Guy Photography“. Last week we were chasing Cutthroat around in some high elevation streams and lakes, and ran into this incredible spawning ritual. Dead-centered it, as they say. Pat began taking some of his superb still images, and after doing the same from above the water, I decided to shoot some video of this incredible scene. I could have sat there and watched this for a couple of days.

Wait, I did…

And no, we did not fish. They spawnin’!

When I got home, I decided there was enough material for a short edit. A kind of “tribute’ to our native Cutthroat Trout, and the Summer Solstice. Many in the Northern Rockies associate Cutthroat  Trout with Wilderness. Much the same that Elk and Grizzlies are symbolic of the backcountry. We’ve combined Pat’s underwater still photography (always incredible) with my video to produce this “unfishing” production. If you’re serious about trout, the environment, native species and habitat, you’ll probably dig it. And if you love high-elevation Cutthroat Trout you’ll really dig it. If you’re looking for some hip-hop (or banjo’s?) and millennial, flat-brimmed, bearded, badassery – you’ll have to look elsewhere. There’s no fishing in this one.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This is full time business for Pat. He’s a Fine Artist, and makes the majority of his income selling large prints. Constantly on the lookout for new subjects and places to shoot, he is either a) hiking the high country and looking for underwater photography opportunities, or b) at home on the computer editing those images, or c) scouring the back-allies of Bozeman and Livingston for high-lake intel. In the winter he skis. It’s been quite an experience for me to tag along on a few of his missions. Seen some awfully cool stuff this spring.

You can too. But you can’t drive to these spots, and there’s no fly shop or shuttles available. You won’t get an up to date fishing report except from yourself. Pat and I have failed, succeeded and hit a couple of home runs this spring. So put on your boots and go, it’s pretty fun stuff.

Check out Pat’s photography at:

http://fisheyeguyphotography.com

and if you like a little humor with your art, follow him on Facebook.

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Upper Missouri Waterkeeper sues EPA over Water Quality

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our friends at Upper Missouri Waterkeepers filed suit this week against the EPA over it’s approval of a so called “variance standards” for nitrogen and phosorphus pollution in Montana’s waterways. Excessive levels of Nitrogen and Phosorphus are leading contributors to the increase in “weeds & algae” anglers complain about on the Missouri, Beaverhead and other Montana rivers. These pollutants also threaten the long term health of Montana’s trophy trout streams.

In 2014, more than twelve years after first directed by EPA to do so, Montana adopted the “Numeric Nutrient Rule Package,” which consists of Water Quality Standards geared toward addressing pollution problems caused by excessive, unhealthy amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus in our rivers and streams ….. The variance rule represents two steps backward for our state because it exempts nearly every major wastewater discharger in the state – from the largest to the smallest, and even private polluters like mines – from meeting science-based pollution limits for 20 year periods of time.

[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”READ ARTICLE” color=”danger” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.uppermissouriwaterkeeper.org%2Flawsuit-challenges-epa-approval-of-weak-montana-pollution-rule%2F%23.V03q-VfAH8u||target:%20_blank”][vc_column_text]VIEW COMPLAINT

PRESS RELEASE[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Trending: Stream Access & Gubernatorial Race

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]You can’t really call attacks on our Stream Access Law here in Montana “Trending” because the attack is constant. If you live in Montana and follow the news or social media, you may be aware that Republican Gubernatorial hopeful Greg Gianoforte has been in the news lately, with many questioning his credibility and stance on Montana Stream Access. This week we posted this opinion piece by Ben Long at High Country News on our Facebook page and it received an abnormal amount of likes and a huge number of shares (for a news item). It’s a short read that speaks to the current threats to access in Montana.[/vc_column_text][us_btn align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hcn.org%2Farticles%2Fnote-to-politicians-dont-mess-with-fishing-access-in-montana||target:%20_blank” style=”4″ label=”NOTE TO POLITICIANS: DON’T MESS WITH FISHING ACCESS IN MONTANA” custom_width=”200px” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22font-size%22%3A%2218px%22%7D%7D”][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]

MONTANA COWGIRL BLOG

Much of the information about Gianofortes effort to block an existing public access near his Bozeman home came from this excellent article at Montana Cowgirl.[/vc_column_text][us_btn align=”center” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fmtcowgirl.com%2F2016%2F05%2F09%2Fput-a-fork-in-him-gianforte-sued-to-block-public-access-to-river%2F||target:%20_blank” style=”4″ label=”PUT A FORK IN GIANFORTE” custom_width=”200px” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22font-size%22%3A%2218px%22%7D%7D”][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]The immediate and loud response to a simple “repost” on our social media channels proves – once again – that the only people who wish to see the Montana Stream Access law overturned are a handful of wealthy, politically connected and greedy individuals. Hopefully all of our voices will destroy this candidates chances in the fall.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]RESOURCES: Here are a few places I consistently see conservation news of interest to me as a sportsmen and fly fisherman. Please add others in the comments.

High Country News

Montana Cowgirl Blog

Montana Conservation Voters

Montana Wilderness Association

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Public Land Water Access PLWA.org

Public Land Water Access PLWA.org Public Land Water Access PLWA.org is a great organization fighting to keep some of your land open. Commonly private interests insert themselves into our fishing and hunting life by buying, owning, and changing your land into their land…and consequently blocking the access that truly is allowed by law. “The mission … Read more