Fly Fishing Gear and Equipment Reviews from Montana.
Jerry from Helena has bought a boat from Helena.
He owned a cherry Clackacraft for a couple years and then upgraded to this sweet looking and rowing green Adipose Flow!
Nice work Jerry.
You too can own one of these beauties.
Get on their website today and get in!
[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]
[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]
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.
Are you ready for the Summer of SAGE? We are.
While we like lots of different fly rods form many different manufacturers…we love our SAGE Rods the most.
The Missouri River can be a demanding arena with as many differing conditions as you can dream up. Or are those nightmares.
Wind, distance, sitting, off shoulder. All circumstances we endure, encourage, and expect here fishing Montana’s Missouri River.
Mark has fallen in love with this rod. Yep, me the soggy rod fan of the recent past. “Take all those softies and give ’em to those who like niche casting tools.” That is what I say. Yes, a time and a place for them, but not in my boat. I know guys will complain saying…blah, blah, blah. Well to you I state…“You use them, I’m sticking with a tool that will give me the best performance all the time.” All the time. Not part of the time.
It has not taken over as the #1 seller here at Headhunters Fly Shop, but it is making ground on the SAGE One. Most like the One for all around fishing situations. I like the Method.
A rod that all anglers can throw from the never ever to the long timer who has cast and owned rods across the board. Check out the SAGE Blog a couple months ago by Mark here.
A hyper fast tip flexing rod that as I mentioned above all anglers can throw well. The Konnetic Technology has been extended here withe the Red Rod making everybody better. The dampening effect of the Konnetic science allows the angler to cast the line with ease. Taking out the wows in the back and fore casts lets you pull line sooner. Pulling line is all the fly rod can do. The fly rod, a long highly priced stick, cannot push fly line as I have can tell. Physics does not allow it to happen ever. Although we as men try to change that piece of science, physics, every time we put a fly rod in hand.
The most popular rod with not only the crack staff at Headhunters but our guests too. A forgiving fast action rod that mates well with most peoples casting stroke. Almost everybody loves this rod. While the red rod has some haters, the black rod only has those in love with it. Some have stated that it feels and casts like a better SAGE XP. A better XP? Yes, true story.
For the Missouri the 4wt thru the 7wt make perfect sense. The 4wt for those who like to use the lighter stick for not only their own streams and the Missouri. The 5wt for an all around dry fly pea shooter. The 6wt for a nymphing stick that beats most with efficiency and power. And finally the 7wt for those who like to chuck and duck. Why not get them all!
Come by and cast the SAGE One for yourself and see what all the chatter is about.
This is not a rod for everyone. Just for those who like to stalk fish the old fashioned way. By sneaking up on them.
The Circa is a rod that those who enjoy the slower action of a classic and enjoy the flexible fight of a more traditional fly rod.
Available in weights 2 thru 5 beginning with a 2wt. @ 7’9″ all the way to up to the heavyweight 8’9″ 5wt. We love the latter for the Mo.
Jerry Siem love this rod and so do many of us. A rod you take fishing when you are on your own time. A rod when fishing by yourself is important. A rod for trout fishing when numbers do not take center stage.
A rod for those who enjoy the journey, not the destination.
Come by and take a SAGE Circa for a long walk.
This is a great fly rod from SAGE. The Grey Rod will make a fan of this Washington based company overnight. Or in a day on the river. Gifts for the beginner angler often include the SAGE Approach. We fish it in the 5wt and 6wts. here on the Missouri daily. Many of the Headhunters Guides rock these in their boats. In fact the SAGE line is represented well in our Team Headhunters boats. You will see a ton of One rods, many Method rods, and SAGE rods represented like RPL’s, SP’s, XP’s, Z Axis, TCX’s, TCR’s, SLT’s, and more!
If you need to feed your SAGE demon, see us here at Headhunters in Craig Montana. We got the rods you do need for our famous river. We have DEMO SAGE Rods for use daily. Come and cast one on the only Casting Range in Craig sponsored by SAGE and RIO.
We love this reel. Just got them in late last year and we are rapidly becoming big fans.
Good looking and sleek, ported, sealed Disc Drag, shiny. What is not to love? We thought we better review this fantastic marvel of functionality for you to enjoy this monday. Summer is coming at us rapidly and you may need a new reel to accompany you to Montana. If you have to much packed, you can just pick one up when you arrive in Craig at your favorite Craig fly shop Headhunters.
Order one now! Or read on for additional info.
The Nautilus FWX (Feather Weight Extreme) series is the most technologically advanced and the lightest machined aluminum disc drag trout fly reel on the market.
The award-winning FWX reels feature our Sealed Carbon Fiber (SCFTM) drag system with the proprietary TORQ-XTM clutch drive and TPX bushings. This completely sealed, maintenance-free draw bar type carbon fiber disc brake delivers the smoothest drag on the market in a light fly reel. No sand, gravel, water or snow will affect the flawless performance of this amazing disc drag.
New for 2013: FWX 1/3 This reel combines all the strength and efficacy of its larger siblings into the smallest and lightest sealed disc drag reel available.
Reels are available in black, or brushed silver anodizing.
Like the NVG reels, the FWX sport our Giga arbor spool design that promotes faster line pick up and backing drying. In addition to the advanced spool designs used in these reels, we have added a new stainless steel 1-way clutch that is housed in our proprietary TORQ-XTM clutch drive that ensures instant drag engagement with no slack. The retrieve direction can be easily switched from left hand to right hand and the spools are easily changed with a push on and click off release.
One of the most popular creations to come out of the Nautilus think-tank is the industry first LaserIDTM line identification system: We have laser etched a white spot on the back of each FWX spool to write the line type and weight that you are using. Write with a permanent marker and wipe it off with alcohol when you change lines. No more washed out or lost line stickers.
 |
Sealed Carbon Fiber Disk Brake |
 |
9 lug reinforced clutch for instant drag engagement. |
 |
Giga arbor, the big game über-arbor. |
 |
Write the line weight on the spool. |
 |
Wrap your line or hang your fly on it. |
These are the top selling flies of this last week and weekend. What will be hot this coming week? Only you know what you will like, what the trout will like, and what we will have in stock ready for you.
The nymphing has been good in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening. Sometimes not so hot in the afternoon. Sometimes not so hot in the evening. Sometimes, not good in the morning either. But you gotta know to know. So you gotta go.
Check out the flows, adjust your depth, and get after it!
Here is a short list of flies that are rocking it in May. While we do not have the caddis flies on this list, they are very near.
Yep. Saw a this last week fluttering about while doing some evening dry fly fishing.
The river becomes quiet as most of the anglers here fishing Montana’s Missouri River keep banking hours.
Yes, it is nice at night. Not nearly as many anglers plying the fly fishing trade post 5pm.
Here is a current list of a few flies that are hot right now.
Next week too? Yes, probably. Try them. You might like them.
These and more are happening right now.
What’s next? Caddis. Caddis are on the way. Some have been seen on and around the river. Until they really pop, the Mother’s Day Caddis that is, we will have to enjoy the midge, the BWO’s, the March Browns.
Looks like the spring weather will continue through the weekend ahead. What are you doing this weekend? Caddis Festival in Craig after you fish during the day? Sunday will be a good day too. Or skip work today and beat the traffic this weekend. Either is a great idea.
The Spring Opener for small creeks and streams is Saturday. Little Prickly Pear and the Dearborn in our neighborhood will both be open for the summer. Still keep in mind there are doe sensitive redd areas out there. Be aware and be respectful.
Get your dry fly rod out of the tube and drew the line. It is dry fly season too. At least that is how we are proceeding. Even if the dry fly bite is just heating up, we want to be ready. Truly ready.
Are you ready for the Missouri River dry fly bite?
It is not red hot, or even all that great yet. But it will be. Soon. It will be here soon.
5 Ways New Fly Lines make you Smile!
Think you need a new fly line? I do.
I think you need a new fly line.
The simple truth is just this. It is the vehicle that delivers the fly to the target.
A Simple Fact.
We love new fly lines. Everybody does. It is like new socks but better.
It is the feel good product of fly fishing.
Headhunters has a bundle of DEMO fly lines for your demo pleasures. Think you want a new one but don’t know which fly line matches you SAGE One? What line should accompany your streamer rod? Why nymphing lines perform well when trout fishing subsurface? We got the answers.
We pride ourselves on knowing more that the average bear, or fly shop, about fly lines for the Missouri River. And why not? It is in our own backyard.
We have over 75 different fly lines in stock. A mountain of RIO Fly Lines for both single and double handers with all of the dry line options offered by RIO. RIO, Airflo, Cortland, Orvis, and Wulff lines available for your fishing pleasure.
Come in and try one out. Come in and let’s discuss your fly line needs. Come in and we’ll spin up a new line for you today.
It’s a cinch. It’ll make you fish better. It’ll make you Smile!
Yes it does.
The current line-up of Headhunters Fly Shop Logo Wear Rocks!
With many designs by Headhunters consigned artists, a cool idea from Julie Arnold, and more from Headhunters Guide Peter Skidmore’s fiancé Hannah Uhde. What is next? Nothing. We got it all right now, today, in stock in the shop!
All of the Headhunters designs are proprietary. No “Name Drops” here. Headhunters prides itself on homegrown projects and our logo wear selection is no different. Sara, Julie, and John head up this original facet of our business.
Check it out. Come in for full details and hats, and shirts, and sun shirts, and button down shirts, and mugs, and coffee cups, Thermos’, magnets, and much more!
And one more…we have several more in stock. Last’ years favorite the Dead Drifter in Long Sleeve White and Long Sleev Black.
The Deaddrifters Skull in a sunproof hoody form Free Fly. And in a short sleeve white T. The women’s new line is cool too and we will post a women’s edition soon.
The Triptych Flies above is available in two colors in a sunroof oolong sleeve. The collegiate T’s are avail in several colors. The classic Headhunters Logo is in red and blue this year along with the standard issue white T. Kids stuff too.
The number of Logo’s hats this year is again amazing. The best selection of hats in the downtown Craig Corridor. early 50 different hats in stock for you Headhunters wearing pleasure.
Of course we have the H2 logo on some shirts too. We have button down shirts with logos adorning the pocket area. Classics.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/93172739″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]The much anticipated NRS Freestone Drifter has finally arrived at Headhunters. We’ve received many questions about this “inflatable drift boat” designed by the whitewater/fishing guru’s at NRS. Many questions revolve around performance, but just as many are curious about the packaging and set-up. After all, this boat comes standard ground shipping. Yes, you can mail it.
Sara and Ninch are here to give you an idea about the size of the package, and what set-up entails. Pretty easy as you can see. Sara says it took and eighteen pack to build it. Not true. I had a few of those beers as well while operating the camera.
If you’re interested in a performance review and video, give us some time to properly use the boat in a variety of conditions and rivers.
In the meantime, you can check out this post about our initial impressions of the Freestone Drifter from last year.
If you’re interested in purchasing one, we have 1 available right now (the rest were pre-sold). If you buy an 18 pack for Sara or Ninch, they might help you set it up!
Demand is high, so give us a call and let us know if you would like to be on the next shipment list.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Looks like nymphing is part of our daily routine here on the Mo this spring.
While we have dry fly opportunities daily, we also have lot so time in-between dry fly chances.
Streamer fishermen have not been setting any records either. So even they are leaning on the indicator for part of the day.
Use it as a tool to catch some trout.
Use it as a tool to learn the texture of the bottom of the river.
Use it to make your smile bigger.
Use it to kill time in-between hatches.
Use to teach fighting techniques.
Use it to float your nimps.
Use it to mix it up.
Use it to catch trout.
If you need some insight on how to rig with an indicator for Missouri River success stop on by the shop. We got yer back.
Bobbers come in all different shapes and sizes. The key for bobber success is for you to see minor changes in speed, in drift, in anything! For you to see the strike. Some like yarn, some the Thingamabobber, Fish-Pimp’s, Strike Foundry Sighters, and others Palsa Pinch-Ons.
We also have indicators for all occasions, for all types of angling, even for your type.
We have a few nymphs to drag behind the split shot too…
It is the time of year when we see a ton of new boats coming out to the Missouri River for the inaugural float.
Why not christen your craft on the Missouri?
This is one more of the many new boats we see on the Mighty Mo every year.
Dump your boat in the Holy Waters, stay at the Craig Trout Camp, and eat at Izaak’s, drink at Joe’s.
A perfect weekend.
Do you have a new boat ordered for the 2014 year? Why not? Most of America is flat broke on this Tax Day. A great day to get on the horn and order yourself a deduction for 2014? Right?
You can top it off with a $300 Guide Trip with Headhunters. A $400 trip at Land of the Giants.
While we love the Adipose Boatworks Flow Skiff we are looking forward to the arrival of the NRS Inflatable Drift Boats, the Freestone Drifter. You can read more about it here as we tested and reviewed this boat last August. We are promised they are in the mail en route to Headhunters, the funnest fly shop in the world. Maybe today? Maybe.
We will post here on this informational blog about the arrival, the first build, and the New Boat Smell that will surely ensue. We will have one, the NRS Freestone Drifter, for demo and you too can get on board with the hottest new boat of the young 2014 fly fishing season.
So if you like either and Adipose, a Hyde, a Clackacraft or one of these new babies above get your New Boat Smell out on the water for everybody to smell. Truly, one of the better aroma’s we can think of!
Happy Tax Day to you all. We hope your day includes a delicious lunch courtesy of Uncle Sam. Write it off. It is the American way.
No?
Headhunters Guide Jared Edens selling his 2010 RO Deville.
Black Dog Double Roller TrailerYou can see Jared and his boat daily at 8am and nightly at 5pm @ Headhunters Fly Shop. Or email him.
Here’s a pretty cool video showing the manufacture process for the Orvis Helios 2 back yonder in VT. Good job making a video about building fly rods that I watched to the end. The Helios 2 continues to one of our favorite rods. We posted a review/comparison of the Helios 2 and Sage ONE last year. We received comments and email from all over the world.
Unfortunately, that post got lost in our database crash last year.
If you don’t remember, we love both of these rods, but the Helios came out on top in the power department, and we gave it the advantage when it came to streamer fishing, and tossing big dry-dropper rigs. The ONE we preferred for our technical dry fly fishing on the Missouri.
Now, Sage has introduced the METHOD. We may have to do a METHOD/Helios 2 comparison. Pester Mark and I and we will get it done…
Orvis Helios 2 9′ 6 weight, Orvis Mirage reel, RIO Ourbount Short full intermediate (entire line is intermediate). My all time favorite streamer rig. It will be getting a workout on the blackfoot and Missouri soon!
“Simply Awesome.” That is the last couple words out of my mouth as I removed the SIMMS Vapor Wading Boot this last week. Headhunters says… | SIMMS Vapor Wading Boot I had worn it two other days and this had been my third use. My first guide day in it meaning the longest period on … Read more
The streamer short list today from the fly gurus at Headhunters Fly Shop. Missouri River Streamer Short List Swingers have been getting them on Brown Skiddish Smolt, Kreelex, and Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow. Strippers have been getting them on Brown Skiddish Smolt, Kreelex, and Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow. As you know, this is only the report. A … Read more
New Boat Smell Adipose Flow Style with Headhunters Guide Nick Stipech today. Nick had previously rowed a RO Deville, then a RO El Camino. He is excited about his new purchase. We’ll see Nick on the water gliding expertly and effortlessly to awesome dry fly water. Spring brings out many new exciting fly fishing related … Read more
These rule. $279 for a high quality welded seam wader. Yes, no stitching, no binding, no leaking. Lightweight, as easy an in and out wader on the market, and bombproof. The zippered model arrives in the store in a couple weeks for a mere $425. Killer price for a fully optioned wading product. Come in … Read more
Another Missouri River trout succumbs to the pink fly. Pink rules in the winter and spring. Some throw it all year and find that they need nothing else. When we use the term “pink” this time of year, we use it very generally. “Pink” could refer to a giant pink tungsten scud pattern, or a … Read more
It’s here. A Gore-Tex Bootfoot wader from the leading and only American wader manufacturer SIMMS has arrived in downtown Craig. The G3 SIMMS Bootfoot wader is the answer to all those who like easy entry and comfort. The most usable winter wader. Many still go the neoprene route but those are becoming as scarce as … Read more
Spring on the Missouri River means greener grass, Midges, Baetis, streamer fishing, and movement at Headhunters Fly Shop. Did you just add 400 more fly bins? You changing the store again? Don’t you guys ever rest? Are you bringing in more Missouri River specific fly patterns? Yes, yes, no, and yes. We are damn … Read more
Flies for Rivers is a great site with some kick ass flies, for rivers. Mostly an east coast slant as Buck ties flies for rivers he loves. Buck lives in Boise and ties for his local rivers in the West. If you want to turn back the clock and fish some classic patterns, well tied … Read more
You may have seen this cool new Made in America packs, gear portals, and pouches on a few of our guides or on your city streets. This product is crazy good. Hand made in America and colorful. When they aren’t building packs for you and I for river use, they are designing and building packs … Read more
With another two-handed (spey) clinic coming up this weekend, we thought we’d go over our lineup of two-handed rods. As two-handers get shorter and faster, we have constantly improving models available in that 6-7 weight range we like (385 – 450gr Scandi for Spey Trekkies). Your First Spey Rod We always like to preface talk … Read more
The much awaited an anticipated arrival of the Kreelex has finally arrived. We got ’em in stock. Deep too. Both the kits and the actual fly. Although you should probably get on board with a couple dozen as to not be without. We have a few flavors! In the words of a trout bum who … Read more
A couple of months ago I was reading another great review of the Swift Fly Fishing “Epic” fiberglass fly rods. As with most of the fiberglass fly rod reviews I’ve read, it was good. In fact it was glowing. While I’m not a glass fanatic, I do enjoy throwing them in the right circumstances, and … Read more
It’s time for this task. Do they smell? I bet they do. Dirty waders don’t breathe well. Did I mention the stench that some acquire over time? Many, most, anglers do not take care of their waders. Never washing, never repairing pinhole leaks and applying Revivex is a far away dream. Reminds me of the … Read more
We love this piece for all season play. Have you worn your BUFF in the winter months? We have. Once you get onto this critical outdoor accessory, you never look back. There are two kinds of people. Those who wear the BUFF daily and those who thinks it makes them look funny. Honest. Once you … Read more
I have a few of them. The SAGE Method. I used to be, as many of you know, a soft rod guy. Well, not anymore. What I have learned, albeit slowly, that tip flexing stiffer fly rods are made for more than just softly putting the sneak on sipping trout…with-out the nasty wind in your … Read more
The SIMMS G4 BOA is a boot that many Missouri River anglers will be wearing for several years. Why? Ease of use. The RiverTek BOA, the predecessor, is a boot that many of the Headhunters staff has been wearing the past 2 seasons. Why? Ease of use. The comfort level of these boots is terrific. … Read more
Ken Stock got himself a new boat this year. 2013. How about you? A new boat for 2014? Why not. You deserve it. Or just hook yourself up with a punch card full of guided trips. Adipose Boatworks Flow is commonly on our New Boat Smell forum. A great boat for the Missouri River. Low … Read more
Check it. The Kreelex Just Add Vise kit is in stock. Kreelex Minnow. Just a few words about our Just Add Vise Kits today on the Headhunters Blog. And, Kreelex Minnows are as well. But only the Silver and Gold, the Bronze and Gold still coming… Until then, you will just have to tie your … Read more
Get in on the last minute shopping with delivery for Christmas today! Free Shipping too! If you need to get just a few more items for your fly fishing sweety-pie, call today @ 406-235-3447 Sara and her elves will pack and get that SAGE fly rod along with an Abel reel spooled up along with … Read more
I was fishing Montana’s Missouri River this last month with Luca Troiani of Sweetgrass Rods. He of course had a full quiver of Sweetgrass Bamboo Rods. You know the shop. The bamboo craftsmen, Jerry Kustich & Glenn Bracket were once associated with Winston Rod Co. Now, are out on their own building awesome bamboo products … Read more
Do It All Fly Lines? Rio Indicator Line v. Rio Perception In early October, John Arnold wrote a great Headhunters blog on fly lines for the fall. John called some of them “Floating Do-It-All Lines” and that really caught my attention. I seldom use a boat, so I’m always wading around with one rod. I … Read more
Why choose gifts under all the pressure of the holidays? Just get yourself and all of your friends a Headhunters Gift Card. Headhunters Gift Card | A Smart Choice Don’t know what you want for Christmas? We do. A Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service Gift Card. Call today and we’ll stuff an envelope full … Read more
Abel Classic Skull and Crossbone Reels at Headhunters Fly Shop now. A perfect gift for yourself this holiday season Abel Classic Skull and Crossbone The Abel Classic brings back the traditional look and feel of an ultra-lightweight Spey reel, but with the perfect modern fit and finish expected of an Abel. Get yours here @ … Read more
Headhunters Fly Shop Diablo Demo Kayaks are on SALE! We have a couple of these very popular and user friendly Diablo Kayaks ready to go from our door to yours this holiday season. You see the kayak gang sometimes as they sneak downriver as you round the bend. They have paddled up river and gotten … Read more
Essentials for Deep Winter Fly Fishing A couple weeks ago as I walked out my door for another late fall/early winter day of guiding, I realized that it was not fall at all! It definitely winter! The tides had changed. The bitter winter air had arrived. Not nearly yet a full winter effect, but the … Read more
We got the Streamer Fly Lines for your winter excursions here on Montana’s Missouri River. Headhunters Fly Shop is flush with them. We never stop thinking, or dreaming, about trout fishing. The Missouri River is a 12 month game, and we are all in! Streamer Fly Lines for Winter Fun As the water temperatures continue … Read more
A really cool product from Fishpond. The Nomad Series nets qualify for one of the cooler intro’s this winter. Carbon fiber and glass with a super ghost net will make this one of the items you want adorning your drifter this coming summer. The RiverKoat finish is damn fine. Grippy when wet. Lightweight with a … Read more
Team Headhunters Fly Boxes. Need something for a stocking stuffer? How about these dandy slimline HH Logo Fly Boxes! A Headhunters Gift Card fits nicely into an envelope to send your _______. Check out our smashing deals with our Black Friday Cyber Monday extravaganza. Enjoy! Shop open daily from 8am. Free Shipping all week long. … Read more
A Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service Gift Card. Think if it as your pre-paid fun pass for the Missouri River. Get it for $100 and gift your secretary. Get it for $200 for your kids. Haul off and drop the Full Monty @ $495 and get one for your wife equaling a summer guide … Read more
Black Friday Deals and Specials and Sale Items… Black Friday to Small Business Saturday on to Superfly Sunday and finally Cyber-Monday. We’ll be busy here all weekend long answering your phone orders, filling web orders, selling in store and living the dream while still fishing, talking about fishing, shuttling, guiding, having a few shots…and loving … Read more
Monday morning here in Craig Montana. We are settling in. Totally settling in. The pace has slowed from the slow pace last week. Now, it is truly weather dependent for the anglers daily arrival. Purely locals and some regional folks around. Some hunters, some anglers, some just lost asking questions in Craig. Bathroom, gasoline, why … Read more
Brian Cheyney today with New Boat Smell. We asked Brian what he liked most about his new Adipose Flow Skiff. His response? “It rows better than any other drift boat.” That’s about all you need to know. Ease of rowing is important. The most important feature for most. New Boat Smell Adipose Flow New Boat … Read more
I know I’m gonna get some shit for this post…but I don’t care. If you’re that tight today, lighten up or stop reading now. The world is full of overinflated blogs, reviews, fluffer-type articles praising products that really are not that good. And I think we can all agree that not every product that makes … Read more
Friday Foto has all you need to get through the day. Redbreast and a kick-ass flask from your favorite fly shop? We’ll sell you a flask. We can’t sell you the Redbreast. Although, we may pass you the bottle when it the mercury dips below 92 in the shade 30F.
Abel manufactures the cool shit. We can all agree on that. These Abel Nippers are one of the most popular accessories in fly fishing today. At 60 bucks a whack, these are not your fathers nippers. No, not at all. While the $5, $10, and $20 nippers work just fine, the Abel Nippers are a … Read more
We dig this product. A ton. Headhunters Fly Shop is the place that carries products that many fly shops do not. We get the cool shit, the kind of product that blows your skirt up. Hydro Flask is a high quality double walled Thermos that keeps not only soup hot, but Bourbon and Coke, cold. … Read more
Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service hosted the RIO Products team this year here in Craig fishing the Mighty Missouri River this last month of October. A fun time had by all. RIO hosts a number of dealers from around this great country. Vail Valley Anglers, Mend Provisions in South Minneapolis, Shultz Outfitters in Michigan, … Read more
An essay today of fly fishing leaders we like for the fall. Have bundle of leaders at your disposal for all day, all wee success. Ever wonder what we use? Well, here it is folks. We have also been known to tie a few at home for the Missouri River. But, that is another blog … Read more
We’ve just had our first big cold-front of the fall. Real cold. The one that brings rain, sleet and snow. Temps in the 30’s. Freezing hands. You forgot the coffee? This is the front that we wait for every year because it changes the fishing. Like a light-switch things will change. The nymph rig has … Read more
Get out your streamer rigs and toss them in to the water. The Missouri River preferably. We like it. The streamer rig that is an option is this one above with a swivel in play. We like to tie the short portion with stiffer, or heavier tippet. Will it stay away from the standing line? … Read more
Swing Season is nearing, and the FedEx guy brought us some new toys to play with today. A box of the new Thomas & Thomas DNA-XF two-handers arrived and we are chomping at the bit to get out on the water with them. I’d be out there right now if it wasn’t for the 40+ … Read more