Fly Fishing Technique

Headhunters Fly Shop Advanced Fly Fishing School

Headhunters Advanced Fly Fishing School

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Headhunters Advanced Fly Fishing School Introducing the Headhunters Advanced Fly Fishing School on Montana’s famed Missouri River. Yes, in the past few years we here at Headhunters have had many requests to present a school for those who want to improve their western fly fishing game. And why not do it here in central Montana. … Read more

Stockig Wing Caddis

Stocking Wing Caddis Step By Step

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Stocking Wing Caddis Step By Step During the caddis fly hatch on the Missouri River, it’s a good idea to have several patterns with differing profiles in your box including there Stocking Wing Caddis. It makes sense to have some high floating patterns that are easy to see as well as some low-profile patterns that sit … Read more

Last Headhunters 2016 Free Spey Clinic

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In some incredibly balmy weather on Saturday – high 60’s – we held our final free spey clinic off the 2015-16 winter season. The full house enjoyed the usual classroom presentation, light winds, a wide variety of lines and rods, and some great fun with our crew. The class was super enthusiastic on the water, and our instructors saw some great improvement in this group. And quickly as well. They must be listening.

Just want to give a quick shout our to all of our spey instructors. Ben McNinch, Sara Roholt, Dwayne Sutphin, Curt Reynolds, Braden Lewis, Mark Raisler and Beth Hood all did a great job. I received compliments on all of them this winter. Great job team, and we hope you’ll be back to help out in 2016-17. Remember, the reason they’re good is that they are out there doing this all the time. They fish.

We hope that all of our students enjoyed themselves and took away at least a little something from our clinics. Don’t forget that our demo spey gear is rigged and ready to go if you want to get out on the Mo’ and swing up a fish or two. Maybe you just need to try some lines and get your outfit dialed in. Let us know.

Don’t forget that we have 1 more clinic available this spring, and it’s with spey guru’s Whitney Gould and Mike McCune. Call the shop if you want more info on spending a day with these outstanding instructors.[/vc_column_text][us_grid columns=”3″ post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” images=”17955,17956,17958,17964,17961,17960,17968″ orderby=”post__in” items_gap=”” items_layout=”gallery_default” img_size=”us_600_600_crop” overriding_link=”popup_post_image” breakpoint_1_cols=”3″ breakpoint_2_width=”768px” breakpoint_3_width=”480px” breakpoint_2_cols=”3″ breakpoint_3_cols=”2″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Montana troutspey

In Defense of Switch Lines…. Just Kidding.

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Lately I’ve seen a resurgence in the dreaded “switch” line. Particularly on newer spey rigs purchased regionally. At our last clinic there were no less than 3 new outfits present rigged with switch lines. All were recommended as part of a rod/reel/line kit from where they were purchased. All 3 left the clinic optimized for spey casting with standard Skagit or Scandi shooting heads, and happier owners.

I’ve been bashing switch lines for years, and thought I had gotten in front of the disease. Apparently it has emerged as a new strain that is more resistant to my opinion. Or maybe just more folks are buying their spey gear in the Northern Rockies, where it’s less likely you’ll run into a knowledgeable spey technician, than in, say, Portland or Seattle.

While I’ll admit that in the last 2 years I have finally seen some useable switch lines, they still represent such a huge compromise that there is no way I can recommend them, nor have I ever met an experienced caster who prefers them over Spey lines. Or even uses them.

So let’s back up quickly, and review what these lines are designed for…

The term “switch” was first applied to rods short and light enough to be used as a single hander, and long enough to be used for spey casting. Remember that at the time a 13′ #7 spey rod was considered small, so the jump down to 11 feet was drastic. The problem was that no lines existed that would perform spey casts on these new rods. And if they did, you certainly could have used those lines on your single handed 9′ 5 weight to spey cast. So really, these were just shorter spey rods, and it baffles me why they didn’t refer to them as that. By building “switch rods”, however, manufacturers unwittingly sped up the trend towards shorter and lighter two-handed rods. In fact we’ve now reached the point where the difference in length between a “switch” rod and a “spey” rod is measured in inches, not feet.

Instead of designing much needed short-head spey lines for this new category of rods, manufacturers decided to match the new lines to the term, instead of the rod and the customers demand. Also, some of the rods were “overhead” 6 weights, and some were “spey” 6 weights. So we ended up with a bunch of switch rods and switch lines that had no consistency in length, taper, or grains across the industry. Nobody had a clue how to design a line that could perform powerful spey casts and act as a traditional overhead fly line. Because it can’t really be done. More on that later.

Now 5 years ago, there were still some folks around talking “switch”. The idea that you could spey cast down through a run, then turn around and upstream fish back up in single handed fashion (with the same fly line). But those that tried quickly found out that; a) most switch lines were terrible spey lines; b) spey lines are way too heavy to single hand cast effectively, and c) throwing dry flies on a switch rod sucks.

But for each angler I talked to looking for a true switch set-up, I talked to 100 who were looking for a small spey rod. I really don’t hear the “switch” discussion anymore, although there are no doubt rivers – or more likely runs – that do benefit from the ability to do this quickly with one outfit. But like I said, you could do it with your 9′ 5 weight with the right line (Wulff Ambush). And while I do run into folks who ended up with a switch line as part of their new Spey kit, few of them asked for it. Simply a case of an uninformed salesman innocently matching up the rod, reel and line out of the catalog. In other words, if you ask for a switch rod – and don’t ask for a particular line – you may well end up with a switch line.

You’re hearing what sounds like a little fly shop criticism here. In reality, I’m pointing out the fact that we live in Montana, and nobody should expect every fly shop employee in the region (and no Big-Box) to be an authority on Spey lines. Just like you shouldn’t expect a Montana fly shop employee to be an expert at rigging billfish leaders. Or a Florida fly shop employee to know what Gink is. Many of them need a little direction from you.

Back to the Clinic…

So, back to our last clinic and 3 poorly lined rigs. The first two were matching off-brand rod,reel,line outfits. They were good rods, termed “switch”, and were lined up with very long belly “switch” lines with heads past 50 feet long. The owners said they performed flawlessly while overhead casting nymph rigs, but they couldn’t seem to spey cast them at all. No doubt. Neither could I. Felt like sewing thread. For these two I went to the other end of the spectrum and quickly rigged them both up with short Skagit heads from OPST and Airflo. Both rod owners loved them, and quickly picked up a couple of spey casts now that they could feel the line doing it’s thing. They also quickly realized that they needed two reels and lines for their rods, as they wanted to continue to use the switch line for single handed casting. An Echo Ion reel for $79 solved that problem.

They also went out and swung several nice Missouri River trout after our clinic on the Skagit head/sink-tip/streamer combo.

The second rod was the Orvis Clearwater switch with the Orvis Hydros Switch Line. I have cast this line quite a bit, and consider it one of the best of the switch lines (second to the Wulff Ambush). It is a true 50/50 compromise – unlike the above example – and performs spey casts much better with it’s shorter, heavier head. But it’s still a massive compromise. Look at it this way, it casts both spey and overhead, but it also performs both styles of casting half as well. This angler could feel what was going on better than the other two, but could not get the power to transfer from his hands to the line. This is because ALL switch lines are underlined compared to their Spey cousins (or all Spey lines are overlined). They have to be so that overhead casts can be performed.

Gary Sandstrom, designer of the Wulff Ambush lines understands this:

Typically a good starting point for switch rods is an Ambush 8 weight (290 grains) will load a 5 weight switch rod, Ambush 9 for a 6wt switch and a Ambush 10 for a 7wt switch (rated for spey application). If the rod is a true single hand, then just match the same Ambush line weight to the rod line weight.

So, Sandstrom and Wulff say +3 line sizes for Spey, and stay at recommended for traditional overhead casting and rods. Thats a massive difference in grains, and is the reason that designing a switch line that performs well in both disciplines is nearly impossible.

This angler was interested in accurate and powerful spey casting, and understood the technique. Looking around I think he quickly realized that the switch line was not going to provide the performance of a true shooting head. He asked me if he should try a Scandi head before I could even bring it up. After rigging it up, he didn’t really have to change much. His technique was already solid. If anything he powered down, as he now had a properly balanced outfit and a line he didn’t have to fight. Booming casts out there with control and ease.

Lesson: If you want to spey cast, get a Spey line.

But remember, the problem was that the right lines didn’t exist for these shorter rods. We often ended up with shooting heads a touch too long and lacking the ability to add – and turnover – a sink tip and large streamer. Finally, we are now seeing the extremely short head spey lines to match these shorter rods perfectly. These new lines are also built in ultralight weights for the new generation of “Micro” or “Ultra-light” spey rods that range from 2 to 4 weight. No line has been more popular at our shop this year than the OPST Commando Skagit heads. These have been designed from the ground up for shorter spey rods, and lengths range from 12′-18′ and 150-475grains. I would call customer satisfaction 100%, and I would include our shop staff in that. Airflow makes the Skagit Compact Switch (hate that name), which is a great line but substantially longer at 19′-20′. RIO makes the Skagit Trout Max, which is best for very short rods with it’s 11′ head length, and is only available in the lightest grain weights. These are all Skagit heads that require the addition of a tip (floating or sinking), and have the ability to fish deep and throw large-ish flies.

Now we just wait for the 18′ Scandi head I hope to see from someone this summer.

So, forget the term “switch”. Throw it away. If you’re on this site reading this post, you’re likely looking for a smaller spey rod used for Spey casting for trout and other resident fish. If so, you probably live around fisheries that you fish with a single hander and a bobber all the time. Why would you look for a spey rod to do that with?

And if you do want to roll a “switch” rig, I recommend you stick with a single handed rod, and perform single-handed spey casts with a short head line like the Wulff Ambush (18′). If you want to swing streamers on foot, and strip them from the boat, the OPST Commando is an excellent choice, and we are selling those heads for that purpose as well. None of the switch or spey lines are useable for technical dry fly fishing.

Most importantly, find a local fly shop rat who knows the spey game. And they don’t need decades of experience in the Skeena drainage to be of assistance. It means he or she has educated themselves when it comes to spey gear – in particular lines – and are enthusiastic about and practice two-handed fishing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Montana Spey Clinic

A Chilly Spey Clinic

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our rescheduled January Spey clinic took place in some Chilly conditions on Saturday. As you can see in the image above, plenty of ice in those snake guides. Plenty. Despite the fridgid temperatures, we had a full house and no whiners. Although a few folks – say 80% – did not stick out the casting until the end. That includes me. A terrifying north wind of about 10MPH showed up and conditions went from damn cold to too damn cold in a hurry.

While it was too cold to enjoy and practice casting for more than a couple of hours, we had an excellent group. The rookies did a great job and picked it up quickly. We had some experienced caster as well, and it’s always fun to work on some more advanced tweaks with them. The light – but fridgid – upstream wind meant it was a right shoulder day for casting. Everyone enjoys that.

We have two more clinics coming up in Feb and March, as well as the Mike McCune/Whitney Gould clinics at the end of April. Hopefully we won’t need our electric socks for those ones.

Thanks to all who participated in last weekends Spey clinic. Good swinging![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][us_image image=”16515″][vc_column_text]These two were the last to leave, and take away the “Tough Guy” award for this weekend. Congratulations!

I hope we didn’t leave that rod laying in the snow?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

McCune Gould Spey Clinic

Mike McCune & Whitney Gould Spey Clinic

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The dates are set for our 2016 spey sessions with Mike McCune & Whitney Gould. For those looking for some hands-on Spey instruction in a small 3:1 classroom setting, you’ll find no better opportunity. Mike & Whitney are among the worlds best Spey-casters and instructors, and their class is not a “demonstration”. You will be casting and getting personal instruction from both of them. Class size is limited to 6, so you know your getting more than a few minutes of personal help from each of them.

Due to their busy schedule, these will be the only classes Mike and Whitney offer this spring in Montana.

These classes filled up very quickly last year. We are starting with 3 dates, but are open to adding a day if needed (additional dates will be adjacent to existing dates). Why not get 6 of your Steelhead pals together and lock up a class to yourself?

2016 DATES:

One day classes will be held on April 29, 30 and May 1. Cost $200/pp.

Class will be held at a private venue  just outside of Craig beginning at 9:00am. Bring your own spey gear, though Headhunters can provide gear if you need. We recommend that you have some spey casting experience if you plan to attend. Lunch provided by Headhunters.

Whitney will also be available for private lessons for those who would like some 1 on 1 instruction.

Call Headhunters to sign up at 1-877-379-3597 or 406-235-3447.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][us_image image=”16519″][vc_column_text]Mike & Whitney after a day of swinging on the Blackfoot River.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Fly Tying Night In America This Wednesday

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This Wednesday (1/13/16) at 6:00 PM Headhunters will be hosting the first Fly Tying Night in America session of the season. Hopefully we’ll be welcoming back some familiar faces from last winter as well as some new tiers. If you’ve never attended before, it’s a pretty laid back affair but some cool flies get produced and some beers get crushed. You can see some flies from past tying sessions here and here. Mark and Max will be filling up their boxes for the upcoming guide season. Ben will no doubt be tying something top secret (that alone should be reason enough for you to come) and Dewey will probably be tying something he can swing. John is behind the camera these days, but he’s tied about everything at one time or another so he is full of useful advice for anyone that asks (so are Mark, Ben, and Dewey). Sara usually isn’t behind a vise, but she does attend to contribute her charm to the affair. If you click the links above, you’ll see that some of the regulars from last year like Jim, Jerry, and Terry are very skilled tyers as well.

I’m not sure what everyone will be tying this year, but Ben said he’s gonna be tying some sort of foam bug (his specialty) and I’ll probably be tying Zirdle Bugs for the shop.

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Zirdle Bug.

If you’re a new tyer or someone who wants to learn a useful pattern, the Just Add Vise Kits that we sell in the shop are a great way to go. They contain quality materials and are designed for tying “go to” flies that almost every MO river guide has in his/her box. The selection of patterns is comprehensive to the point that I was seriously considering challenging myself to only fish flies from the JAV kits for the whole 2016 year.

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Just Add Vise kits available at Headhunters Fly Shop.

For nymphs you have the Rainbow Czech Nymph, Purple Lightning Bug, Pink Lightning bug, Pink Firebead Ray Charles, Zebra Midge, Little Green Machine, Pearl Lightning Bug, Clouser Crayfish, Tungsten Dart, Grape Slushy and Zirdle Bug.

For dries you have the Rusty Parachute, Longhorn Beetle, Improved Unibomber, X-Caddis, UV Para Ant, Buzzball, and Half Chicken.

For streamers you have the Kreelex and Coyote Clouser.

What else do you really need? You could totally get through the year with nothing but the patterns listed above. I might do it some year, but not this one. I enjoy tying flies and experimenting with new patterns too much. If you’re the kind of guy or gal who feels the same way, I’ll see you this Wednesday night at 6:00.

Spey Clinic Bumped

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Unfortunately, the weather is forcing us to move this weekends spey clinic to the following weekend, Jan. 16th, 2015. The forecast is for a high temperature around 12 and a low that morning of around 7 degrees. We have also had quite a bit of floating ice on the upper river the last 2 weeks, and if that persists with the cold weather it would make casting & swinging impossible.

We have actually held a clinic or two in these conditions,and while we all had fun for an hour or two, it was more or less a waste of time. Guides freeze up in less than three casts, hands are numb making it impossible to feel & secure your shooting line, and getting in and out of the water on the shelf ice can be dangerous.

It also looks like there will be some snow on Friday night/ Saturday morning and we don’t want anyone driving to Craig in icy conditions.

The clinic will be held the following weekend – Saturday Jan. 16th – at the same time and place. Plan on being at Headhunters by 8:30-45. Classroom presentation will start at 9am.

You will automatically be added to the Jan. 16th class, so if you can’t make it on that date, please contact Ben or Sara and let them know (1-877-379-3597 or 406-235-3447). They will get you into one of our other clinics in Feb. or March.

This clinic is full with a waiting list, so please don’t call to try and add your name.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Macroinvertebrate Report from UMOWA

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On December 22, the Upper Missouri River Watershed Alliance (UMOWA) released the Baseline Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Report 2015 for the Upper Missouri River, MT, prepared by David Stagliano. The purpose of this study was to provide baseline macroinvertebrate (bug) monitoring data in order to assess the aquatic biointegrity, or health, of the Missouri River. This study is the most comprehensive study of its kind thus far performed on the Missouri River. In addition to the study’s conservation significance, it has yielded a lot of information that may be of interest to Missouri River anglers.

Study Findings:

Samples were collected at ten sites on the Missouri River between Holter Dam and Cascade, at one site near Toston, and at one site near York’s Island. A total of 93 different macroinvertebrate taxa were collected. Of these, 47 were mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies (EPT taxa) which are of particular interest to fly anglers. The other 46 taxa were midges or non-insect organisms like aquatic worms, scuds, sowbugs, or snails.

The overall density of bugs was greatest above the town of Craig with densities averaging 12,000 individuals per square meter. As distance below Holter Dam increased, there were generally fewer bugs, but a greater diversity of different taxa. In other words, there are more total bugs upstream but a greater number of different bugs downstream. Samples taken near Cascade had the greatest number of different taxa found at one site (47). On average, approximately 27 different taxa were observed at each site.

Mayflies:

There were 21 species of mayflies identified. The dominant three were BWO’s (Baetis tricaudatus), Tricos (Tricorythodes explicatus), and Pale Morning Duns (Ephemerella excrucians). The dominant mayfly at each site was determined by season and the amount of silt present in the river bottom. Trico proportions increased with silt presence whereas PMDs and Baetis generally preferred riffle habitats.

Caddisflies:

There were 19 species of caddisflies identified. The dominant caddis was the Little Sister Sedge (Cheumatopsyche) but other net-spinning caddis (Hydropsyche sp.), microcaddis (Hydroptila), snail-cased caddis (Helicopsyche borealis), and long-horned caddis (Oecetis sp.) were also common. The large orange October Caddis (Dicomoecus gilvipes) was found throughout the sample sites but most common below the Dearborn River.

Stoneflies:

There were 7 species of stoneflies identified. They were observed sporadically across the sample sites but their abundance and diversity was greatest at downstream sample sites. Stoneflies were also common around the mouths of Little Prickly Pear Creek and the Dearborn River. The stonefly species collected included Golden Stones (Hesperoperla pacifica and Claasenia sabulosa), Yellow Sallies (Suwallia/Paraperla), Spring Stones (Amphinemura), and Green-winged Stones (Isoperla). Even one Salmonfly (Pteronarcys californica) was observed below the mouth of Little Prickly Pear Creek.

Seasonal Trends:

The study showed a seasonal trend in the makeup of the aquatic communities. Following the spring runoff, the overall abundance of bugs directly downstream of both Little Prickly Pear Creek and the Dearborn River was very low. This was probably due to riverbed scouring by the high spring flows in these tributaries. By summer, mayflies and caddisflies were numerous at most of the sites. As hatches tapered off during the fall period, mayfly and caddis numbers dropped and non insect taxa such as sowbugs, scuds, worms, and snails made up a greater proportion of the aquatic community.

Comparison With Historical Data:

Prior to this study, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) sampled several of the same sites during the mid-2000s. Compared to their study findings, caddis numbers have decreased during the last decade while midge and sowbug numbers have increased. This change may be due to increased sediment build up combined with aquatic vegetation trapping sediments.

As UMOWA continues to sample these sites each year, anglers will have a better idea how the macroinvertebrate community in the Missouri River is changing over time. This study will also help inform future river management decisions.

 

The table below shows all of the mayfly, caddisfly, and stonefly taxa that were observed for all the sample sites. LPPC site name refers to Little Prickly Pear Creek. Boulder site name refers to riprap bank above Dearborn River. US = upstream. DS = downstream.

  • x = present but rare
  • X = common
  • XX = abundant
  • XXX = dominant

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The following figures illustrate the macroinvertebrate metric averages for all of the sample sites during all seasons (spring, summer, and fall). Errors bars are standard error (SE). Blue arrows indicate where Little Prickly Pear Creek (LPPC) and the Dearborn River enter the Missouri River. For the site names, US = upstream. DS = downstream.

EPT taxa = mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies.

Use the slider arrows to view each of the five graphs. If you would like to view these graphs in the context of the full report, click here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][us_image_slider ids=”16245,16243,16246,16242,16244″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

It's time to work on your casting technique

It’s time to work on your casting technique

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It really is time. You have the rest of the winter to get it done. It only takes a few minutes a week. And, you will reap the rewards for the entire season.

A building block for even greater accuracy, distance, and fun on the water. So what is holding you back? You can certainly spare 10 minutes a week. Get yourself motivated for better fishing this year.

But you must ask yourself these questions first.

  • Do you want to become a better caster?
  • Conversely do you want to catch more fish?
  • Do you want it bad enough?
  • Do you want your buddies to envy your dry fly cast?
  • Do you want to cast with ease in windy conditions?

Or are you comfortable with where you are currently at? If you are you need not read this blog. Skip the re-runs of Christmas television and spend a couple minutes with your rod in hand.  Or if you are at work…stash your fly rod in your trunk and practice a bit at lunch. Good idea huh.

Speaking of the windy conditions question above. Most anglers have trouble even with the slightest breeze. Newsflash: It is commonly breezy in many fishing situations. So what can you do about it? Practice. Practice in the wind.

The wind, light winds under 15mph, should not affect your cast. But for most even the lightest wind, light winds under 5mph, really compromise 99% of anglers. Don’t let that happen to you. Learning a few basic techniques can let you rise above the conditions.

A double haul gives you the tools to rise above the wind. Most folks believe the double haul is for distance, and true it can help for casting farther. But the increased line speed that the double haul creates is even a better answer to windy conditions.

Some tips for becoming that better caster include getting yourself into a casting lesson with someone in your area. They are easy to find. Go to your local fly shop and ask them who they would recommend.

I just thought of the casting at lunch program. It really does make sense. Get outside and cast. It’ll be good for you body, your mind, and all those fish you have not met…beware!

Make a plan for your casting improvement this coming year. It can be your New Years Resolution. 10 minutes a week is all it takes to move to the next level of caster. To the next level off angler. And then, happy fishing. It’s really that easy…

 

Wednesday Workshop Find the Right Water

Wednesday Workshop Finding the Right Water

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At some point every conversation when speaking with new anglers to the Missouri River turns to this very topic. Whether spring, summer, fall, or winter the biggest part of the fish catching game is fishing in the right water. Finding the Right Water can be the most difficult part of cracking the code.

So often we blame the fly for poor performance. And maybe sometimes you are right. That fly might suck. Commonly it is the waster type you are fishing. Finding the right water is imperative for all seasons success.

So what does winter water look like? In a word…

  1. slow
  2. boring
  3. uneventful
  4. sluggish
  5. sedate
  6. leisurely
  7. unhurried
  8. downtempo

Get the drift? Commonly found at the bottom end on an island. On inside bends may be the primary location for this kind of water here on the Mo. Wherever you are fishing the winter season you must find the slower, or slowest water.

Fish just get cold. They do not like the cold temps either. We as humans aren’t big fans either. Not everybody can be snowbirds, or we would. Am I right?

The comfort temperature zone is in the 50’s for trout. Not in the mid 30’s. The metabolism of the trout slows as well. They are not in that “all fired up mode” that we so enjoy in the midst of trout gobbling PMD emergers. So keep this most important fact near the top of your list when searching for right winter water.

The best nymphing winter water is 3-5 foot deep with very little pace. Inside bends and tail-outs are both very good places to start. The thing about winter nymphing buckets is that there are very few really great ones. Maybe only one a mile.

If the water you are fishing feels too slow it probably is not. If the water you are fishing is moving that is good. If the water you are fishing is stopped. That is bad. It the kind of nearly pond like water that you would never fish in the summer. Unless you like tossing fry flies to those difficult scumlining scum suckers.

Fish the soft inside bend type water and figure it out. I commonly, when boat fishing,  do a few laps working from the bank side toward the center of the river to find the fish. They are in there. They really are. The trout live there.

Finding the right winter water is imperative for winter angling success. That is the initial battle any time out fishing. Enjoy winter nymphing here on the Missouri or your local river.

Remember: It is the slow stuff.

 

 

5 Tips for Missouri River December Angling

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Headed out for a December trip to the Mighty Mo? We think you should enjoy it. Here are a few Wednesday December tips for success.

  1. Fish in the heart of the day. If the temperatures are well below 30F in the morning, go have breakfast, and an early lunch. Then head out. Fish when the fishing is good. Period. The afternoons are far better than the mornings.
  2. Nymph in the soft water for winter hook-ups. Find the soft water and watch the bobber in the slow water. Hit it if the fly, or the bobber, moves a millimeter contrary to the current. Hit ’em all!
  3. Pink is the best color for winter nymphs. The Amex, Pink LB, FB Ray, FB Blooms Weight Fly…Pink is the answer. But, having said that the mayfly patterns still have validity. Through the month of December. Then…then totally PINK.
  4. Swing it. Fish the 2 handed rod. Trout Spey your favorite run. Learn something new this year. Swing the  fly of your choice. The fish can be in the bottom end of the run, on the drop-off, or even in the middle of the river. But more often  the fish are in the softer water. Look for the winter water. Search it out. Find it. Fish it. Twitch it. Swing it. Enjoy it.
  5. Enjoy the winter months. Not many folks around. Don’t crowd other anglers. There is plenty of water out there to fish. Find a run that you have not fished before. Discover new water while you have the chance. Seize the season.

 

Enjoy the winter months. December is awesome. The fish are still pretty active. The water temps are 39F. The fish will move on the fly. Not like the summer months, not like on a hopper, but they will grab it will conviction.

Some takes can also be so very soft. The tick tick tick of the small bite will drive you nuts. Cast again and let it happen.

Remember to sleep in and come late. Fish late. The fish like it when the sun comes off the water. But we also like the just afternoon bite.

This just in today. The water level forecast from the Canyon Ferry Water Operations Plan…

5 tips for Missouri River December Angling

Troutspey Techniques

Mike McCune – Troutspey Retrieve Methods

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Mike McCune does an excellent job of covering the primary methods we use to add action to the fly when swinging for trout with our two-handers. You also get to watch some excellent, relaxed, compact, troutspey casting. Watch enough and you might get pretty good.

This may be one of the most oft asked questions we get at the shop. “We understand the cast, but how do we fish the fly?” As Mike says in the video, imparting some action to your fly usually makes a big difference when fishing for trout. If you try to use a dead “Steelhead Swing”, more often than not you’ll have fewer fish come to the fly.

The first “jigging” motion is the main retrieve the Headhunters crew uses on the Missouri River. You can do this with your running line under your rod index finger, or do it independently like Mike. When using mono running line you will want to make a half wrap around your fingers so it doesn’t slip when a fish takes.

We also use his upstream “Madison” retrieve is certain situations, but as Mike states, we use them all and they all work.

Watch the video below.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/146467809″][vc_column_text]Here endeth the lesson.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Fluorescent Flies

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As Mark recently pointed out, water temps are falling and we’re moving into winter. Scuds and sows are king and pink flies or flies with firebeads will continue to gain popularity as winter progresses.  Popular winter flies include the Pink Lightning Bug, Amex, Rainbow Czech, Pink Ray Charles, Pink Scuds, Worms, Rainbow Warrior, Sows, Zebras, Ninch’s Pill Popper Scud and Bubbleyum Sow, Mason’s Peep Show, and Ju-ju Baetis.

Why do these particular patterns work so well during the winter? If you don’t care why they are working and only that they do, stop reading this now, get some of these patterns, and go catch some fish. If you are curious, read on.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]What do these flies have in common? Most of them incorporate fluorescent pink or orange materials. A lot of anglers might tell you that these flies work because they are being taken as eggs. This might be the case. However, independent of the egg hypothesis, the fluorescent materials in these flies make them very visible to the fish.

Fluorescent materials have some unique optical qualities. When light of any wavelength hits fluorescent materials, these materials continue to reflect light of their own color. This means that fluorescent orange firebeads will appear bright orange regardless of depth or water clarity. Additionally, fluorescent materials are able to absorb ultraviolet (UV) light and continue to reflect their original coloration. In other words, fluorescent materials look bright and are visible from a long ways off even in deep water.

Fish facing upstream will notice a fluorescent fly coming downstream sooner than any other colored object, and if the fish is able to quickly notice the fly, the chances of the fly getting eaten improve dramatically. If you check out the photos at the bottom of this post, you’ll see what I’m talking about. They show the fly under regular light compared with how it looks under UV light. The fluorescent hot spots really stand out.

Some of you might be ready to call bull at this point and claim, “I’ve caught millions of fish with non-fluorescent flies!!!” I’m not going to argue with you.  I’m only suggesting that adding a fluorescent firebead or hotspot to a fly will make it easier for a fish to notice it. And isn’t that what we all want, to get our flies noticed?

Now, let’s take another look at some effective winter nymphs and try to interpret their effectiveness in the context of fluorescent materials. I examined the fluorescence of these flies by shining the shop’s UV light on them and noting what parts glowed. You can check out the fluorescent qualities of your own flies by shining a UV light into your fly box.

  • Pink Lightning Bug – The pink antron tail is somewhat fluorescent.
  • Amex – The pink dubbing in the abdomen is fluorescent.
  • Rainbow Czech – The pink hotspot is fluorescent.
  • Pink Ray Charles – The non-bead versions have a fluorescent orange thread head. The bead-head versions have a fluorescent orange firebead. Check out the photos of the firebead version that accompany this post.
  • Ninch’s Pill Popper Sow – The pink firebead is fluorescent.
  • Ninch’s Bubble Yum Scud – The thread is fluorescent orange and there is a fluorescent pink dubbing hotspot.
  • Worms – Some patterns are tied with fluorescent thread. Other patterns incorporate a firebead.
  • Rainbow Warrior – The underbody and thread collar are both tied with fluorescent orange thread.
  • Sows – Many patterns incorporate fluorescent thread heads.
  • Zebras – Often not fished with fluorescent materials, but why not?
  • Mason’s Peep Show – The orange thread collar is very fluorescent. Check out the photos accompanying this post.
  • Ju-ju Baetis – The Flouro-Fiber material that the wing case and legs is tied out of is fluorescent.

If you’ve already been fishing these flies, hopefully this post will help you understand why they work so well. If you haven’t been fishing these patterns, give a few of them a shot the next time you go out. Or maybe some of you have your own secret killer patterns with fluorescent materials in them? If you have a UV light on your fly tying bench, I’d recommend shining it into your fly boxes. The results are pretty interesting. We also have a UV light in the shop if you want to go to town on our bins. Or you can come in and find plenty of fluorescent threads and beads in the fly tying selection that Ninch has put together in the shop.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Firebead Pink Ray Charles
Firebead Pink Ray Charles under regular light.

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Firebead Pink Ray Charles Under UV Light.
Firebead Pink Ray Charles Under UV Light.

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Mason's Peep Show under regular light.
Mason’s Peep Show under regular light.

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Mason's Peep Show under UV light.
Mason’s Peep Show under UV light.

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Womens Spey Clinic

Women’s Spey Clinic

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Headhunters manager Sara Roholt and guide Beth Hood held our first women’s spey clinic this weekend. As expected from these two, the clinic was a success and all who attended learned a thing or two about spey casting, rigging and equipment from these 2 spey-junkies.

Sara and Beth are on the water all winter throwing their spey rods, so this isn’t a social experience. These gals know what they’re talking about.

Former Headhunters staffer and Bozeman photographer Jess McGlothlin was also in attendance, and provided these great photos. click to enlarge[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_image image=”15200″ onclick=”lightbox”][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]

ON WATER

Saturday was on the cool side, and excessively windy. The girls chosen spot (at Ben McNinch and Nick Stipech’s pad) proved to be the least windy spot on the river. An excellent choice.

Sara and Beth followed our standard clinic protocol, starting with an hour-plus of classroom explaining the gear and terminology, followed by on water casting instruction. Sara ran the in-classroom session, as her knowledge of equipment proved invaluable. Beth headed up the on-water casting portion, and worked on fundamentals starting with the final launch stroke.

Sara thought that most attendees were interested in applying spey techniques to local trout fishing in Montana, as opposed to future Steelhead trips. We think that’s great. Get out there and swing up some Montana natives!

“It’s exciting to watch a group of women of varying skill levels come together to learn something new! Sara and Beth were excellent teachers, and it’s hard to imagine a better setting for the new Montana Spey angler to put their new skills to use.” – Jess McGlothlin

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EQUIPMENT FEEDBACK

Because we receive a lot of feedback about gear at our clinics, we were looking forward to a women’s only perspective. Sara’s compiled feedback was that the group really enjoyed the Orvis Clearwater Spey (first) and the Sage Method (second). Not as popular were the Echo Glass Spey/Switch and new Redington Chromer. We’re receiving a bunch of Echo TR’s this week, and I would expect them to be as popular as the Orvis.

Very interesting. The Clearwater (med) and Method (fast) are two completely different rod actions, but two of our favorite. No surprises there. The Echo Glass Spey and Switch rods are shop and customer favorites, but we have always heard negative comments from the ladies. We attribute this to the extra weight of these fiberglass rods. Men seem not to notice, but women most definitely do. The new Redington Chromer has received “meh” reviews from our staff, and from this group apparently.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_grid columns=”2″ post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” images=”15204,15205″ 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″][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]

SKAGIT vs SCANDI

The group used both Skagit and Scandi lines, and Skagit prevailed as the easiest and most enjoyable. We all know that Skagit lines are a bit easier to throw. The ladies group would also agree more fun to throw. They definitely do more of the work for you, which is nice.

Sara, Beth and Headhunters also provided some warm soup, veggie trays, chardonnay and I heard there was some Bailey’s floating around. All appreciated from the sounds of it. It was a little windy and cool Saturday.

MORE CLINICS?

Will we hold more ladies Spey Clinics? Up to Sara and Beth, but I would expect that we will. If you’re interested I suggest harassing Sara at the shop.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

When slumping, go back to the beginning.

When slumping, go back to the beginning.

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Been in a slump this last week. I’m done guiding daily and it is time to take myself fishing.

I like fishing for me. I like fishing with me too.

But I have been sucking. Slumping is really too tame a description.

Fishing badly. Poorly. Really just awful.

So today I went back to my roots. I wade fished a couple spots that I use to love. That I spent an inordinate amount of time fishing at 20-odd years ago. I went back home. Back to the beginning.

The last spot of the day is a great wade fish run with soft water. Perfect for my soft hackle.

I had fished the soft hackle for most of the last week with limited success. A few fish daily, but not really the bite I had expected or anticipated. Pretty poor overall.

Mostly smaller fish with a few several breakoff’s of larger fish that I totally farmed.

Maybe I was fishing water that was too fast. Wrong flies? Poor swinging technique? Probably the latter.

As I stepped into the run I saw a couple soft movements of trout in really skinny water. Would my soft hackle bring a trout to hand? I felt quite comfortable in this run. Like a homecoming.

Memories of hours spent wandering around this island set with fishing friends flooded my head. Warm memories. Fond memories. Fishy memories.

The 7th cast a solid tug. Fish on.

Your are never too old to go back to the beginning.

Top 10 Missouri River November Flies

Top 10 Missouri River November Flies

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Top 10 Missouri River November Flies

These will get you through the front end of the month. Plus your fall favorites too. Bring it all when you visit the Mo this coming week or two.

In your boat should be a quiver of fly rods. Or just your favorite will suffice. Like your new Sage PULSE, the everything fly rod. In a perfect world you may have a streamer rod, a two-hander, a nymph rod, and a kick ass dry fly rod. Just bring them all.

Rig the dry fly rod with a Nymen’s BWO Cripple. Rig the streamer rod with your favorite fall killer, like a Olive Bugger. Rig your nymph rod with a Rainbow Czech Nymph and a Little Green Machine. Done and done and done.

Flies that we love for the next week or two include…

The flies are (L to R, T to B):
Buzzball
Nymen’s DOA Cripple BWO
Harrop’s Captive Dun BWO
Quigley’s 1/2 Dun BWO
Schmidt’s UV2 Bugger Olive
Mozuri Minnow
Tungsten Zebra Midge Murdered Out
Little Green Machine
Allen’s Holla-Back Girl Pink
Rainbow Czech Nymph

Friday Foto along with BWO Report

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Shitty bright sun this week. Some overcast yesterday afternoon. More this weekend.

Thank the fishing gods for putting this sunny month to bed. Let’s finish the month with darker skies.

Having said that I feel better. No more t-shirt afternoons please.

Makes for great pictures. Not great dry fly fishing.

The BWO’s are around in the 18 size range. Not enough yet. Will this weekend break it wide open?

 

Double Rigging a Streamer

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October and November are terrific streamer fishing months on Montana’s Missouri River. Everything this is donning their fall suits including the trees, animals, and our big and fat trout.

Halloween is on the way and the Brown Trout are dressing for the occasion.

Why not toss some streamers while fishing the MO. Tired of throwing just one streamer fly? Try two.

Here on the Missouri we are not afraid of a couple things while chucking the big bug. Strong tippet material and double rigging.

We commonly use 0X, or 1X, or even 2X for those delicate streamer presentations. But usually the heavy diameters.

We love to double rig as well. This is the 3rd time I’ve posted this in the last 3 or 4 years but have been requested to do so again. So here it is.

Double Rigging a Streamer
Double Rigging Streamer Diagram Headhunters Fly Shop

We like heavy  tippets and this swivel. Or a tippet ring. Or a blood knot with the streamer attached to the tag end of one of the two knot legs. Your choice. The swivel allows you to tie any butt section or formerly tapered leader along with any size tippet toward the terminal end.

Some tie two streamer together with the second fly off of the first fly bend. That works as well. Need something new to try? Try this. We like the bigger fly on the back end chasing the smaller fly toward the fly line end.

Enjoy and see you swinging a few out of your favorite streamer flat this fall.

Fishing the Missouri River Short Leash

Fishing the Missouri River Short Leash

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A great October nymphing rigging technique.

The short leash is employed as well in this lower water period.

Can you rig long and roll? Sure. Sometimes int he mornings and in the high and bright sun we love to go deep.

Short Leash
A good short leash fish in the lower canyon

But in the afternoons when the minuscule Pseudo fly comes off you may want to go short. Some fellers run really short and without the Tungsten bead. Your choice. You can go any which way you want to. How about a Lightening Bug and an RS2? How about a Two Bit Hooker and a Little Green Machine? How about a traditional Pheasant Tail and a Zebra Midge?

All good choices. Get your Palsa Tabs out or your smaller Thingamabobber, Strike Foundy ‘lil Nuggets, or your yarn. Tie on what you like and run it.

Need more info on this topic? Stop by the store and see what the hype is all about. Open daily at 7am…

And as we move deeper into fall please do your fall weather dance. No need for sunny skies in October. No need.

 

Whitney Gould Spey Instruction

Red Shed Spey Gathering

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]above: Whitney Gould started off the morning instructional sessions. I headed over to the Clearwater River last weekend for the annual Red Shed Spey Gathering (aka Speyclave), a celebration of spey casting and Steelhead fly fishing that incuded product demo’s and spey casting instruction from many of the West’s best spey casting instructors. This is … Read more

Why Wade Fishing is a Good Teacher

Why Wade Fishing is a Good Teacher

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Yes sir Wade Fishing is a Good Teacher. A great teacher indeed.

Many Missouri River anglers are boat centric. A big resource with lots of water is served well with a drift boat. You can see and fish so much different water in any given day with a boat. The Missouri River is made for drifters.

But is a drift boat the best way to learn this massive waterway? Yes and no. While you get to know more water do you really understand the complexities and intricacies of said river?

I mean intimately. My answer is no. You don’t really get to know the entire story until you get your boots on the ground.

Dry FLy Flat
Flat surface with undulated bottom

The surface of the Missouri River is relatively flat. Some riffles, runs and pools but the grand scheme is flatness everywhere. Some can get confused and intimidated from the vast size of this river. I fully understand. Just driving alongside the river while enveloping its width will make your fly fishing  mind swim in confusion.

The first thing you want to do is break down the big river into small river components. As mentioned above there are riffles, runs, and pools. And lengthly flats. Wide too.

The second activity to learn is to walk the banks and get in that river. Walk and wade. You truly get that first hand knowledge of the subsurface Missouri River topography by wade fishing. Undulations and buckets along with weed mats, weed shelf lines, and diminutive mid river seam lines are all locations for fish holding.

Knowing where the bugs hatch and where the fish hold on any given day or light condition is imperative for continued river knowledge and Missouri River growth.

This vast resource is a great wade fishery.
This vast resource is a great wade fishery.

Wade fishing can accelerate this process. Just getting out walking the banks and railroad tracks getting a vantage point above the river can be beneficial too. Steve B. arrived about 10 years ago learned the river quite rapidly with this technique. He spent at least half of that first couple years fishing the Missouri not fishing the river. You would see Steve peering through brush, walking the tracks, and standing up in the boat just learning about the texture of this giant river.

Then Steve got out of the boat and walked around knee deep for a couple years implementing his already expanded river knowledge. The result is as expected. Steve caught a bundle of trout. Big ones too. Watching trout while learning the subsurface river structures gives you an unfair advantage. We’ll take any of those advantages as an angler. We need ’em. The fish are wild animals and while we win a few battles through out the day the trout usually win the war.

The upshot of this article to day is that getting out and enjoying the river ankle to waist deep will not only improve you as an angler though advanced river knowledge you will get a bit of exercise as well. A double win for you the angler.

Guides, including myself, get trapped inside the drift boat and getting out and just fishing a run or two on your own can add to your learning curve. I should do it more often. It is a goal for me this fall. Get out more. Get out often. Walk the banks again. Learn the subsurface structure as it does change subtly over time even without big water events.

Boat owners in general are trapped with the comfortable confines of the boat. Get out and get active. All of the bank anglers know a little something about their favorite waters. They may know it better than the floatation device crowd.

So which way are you gonna lean? Inside or outside. Wet or dry.

Tippet and Leader Article

Tippet and Leader Article

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]One of the most common questions I receive in the boat concerns the reasoning behind the leader and tippet I am using. I am sure that the saltwater guides, steelhead, salmon, and bass guides receive the same questions.

It is not that it is not all that intuitive. When you approach a wall full of leaders in any fly shop there is an staggering number available today! They range from 5’ 1X to 15’ 7X. Which one do I need? What length do I use? Does it matter? What strength and what is that “X” thing? Do I use 3# if I am only catching trout under 3#? A 3 pack of leaders? Do I need more than one? I certainly do understand where the confusion stems from.

The confusion regarding the purchasing and the rigging of trout fishing gear can be cleared up if we understand why we are using specific leaders and tippet.

When I first started fishing most of my fly fishing mentors built leaders by hand. Leader designs by George Harvey, Gary Borger, Jim Vincent, Lefty Kreh, or any one of your trout club buddies. Hand tied leaders were not only popular but common. The consistency and quality of these machine built tapered leaders was not what it is today and some anglers just did not trust them. The quality, consistency, and selection of today’s leader and tippets can be overwhelming! The number of fantastic leader products of yesteryear did not come close to the selection of leaders on the shelf today.

We can find leaders for such specific uses as Bass, Tarpon, Redfish, Muskie, and of course trout. Most are made of nylon but you can find leaders with coated steel for those toothy critters too!

Let’s talk about the ‘why, what, and how’ of specific trout leaders and tippet.

Fly Fishing Leaders are generally tapered. They start with a butt section, lets say 0.021”-0.25” and taper to 1X or 0.10” to 7X or 0.004”. Hand tied leaders would have several knots, as many as 7, to achieve the same kind of taper. That is why machine tapered leaders are so easy to use. No knots! Just loop it on your fly line http://www.rioproducts.com/fishing-tips/looping-the-loop/ and tie on a piece of tippet to finish out the rig.

The Why, What, and How of Trout Fishing Leaders

Dry Fly Leaders

Dry fly leaders are built with the angler in mind! Generally 9’ to 12’ and even 15’ these leaders are very good at turning over the light CDC fly you are presenting to the trout. Dry fly leaders are not meant to turn over with the reckless abandon that the nymph leader will, but designed to finish strong, yet land lightly. I like to start at a 9’ 3X or 9’ 4X as my generic dry fly leader. Great for prospecting with an Adams, an Elk Hair, or any smaller grasshopper or attractor pattern.

Simply add some tippet whether it be a length of 4X onto the 3X leader end or 5X for the final piece of the 9’ 4X leader. 12” to 48” will suit you fine. Don’t be shy about adding a 48” section onto a 9’ leader. If the formula is right, and it is designed to deliver, it will turn over.

It never hurts to practice some of this stuff in your yard to discover which leader length is for you.

Recently, 2014, I was turned onto the 12’ RIO Powerflex Leaders. Awesome. For tailwater, spring creeks, or pressured fish this is the right leader for you. I became very familiar with an additional tippet length of 48”. Total length from fly line to fly? 16 feet! Works like a charm. I found that if it does not turn over perfectly you need not worry. Let the current pull it downstream and the slack in the line/leader, will help in achieving that perfect drag free drift. Fish are rarely afraid of a perfect drift!

The RIO Powerflex line http://www.rioproducts.com/fishing-leaders/freshwater/powerflex-trout-leader/ of leaders will get you through the toughest of trout fishing situations.

Why would I use a Fluorocarbon Leader?

Fluorocarbon leaders are stealthy. A leader that many nymph fishermen use allowing the flies to achieve depth sooner. Fluorocarbon leaders sink. Not like sinking leaders with added weight, but the porous nature of the Fluorocarbon material will not float like its nylon cousin. I find myself using them when the fish have been pressured. Mid Summer and late season trout can dictate this useful leader for specific uses. Having a Fluorocarbon leader in your wallet can be a smart thing. Use it wen you need it.

How about those Indicator Leaders?

Here in Montana the RIO Indicator Leader http://www.rioproducts.com/fishing-leaders/freshwater/indicator-leader/ is tied on my nymph rod for months. I begin to employ the Indicator Leader in November and it does not come off until mid summer. The 10’ length is perfect. A powerful butt section and a very =short 2′ taper will easily turn over any indicator or heavily weighted split shot rig you may find yourself using. The long and level tip section allows for rapid sink rates. This leader tapers from the butt section to the static diameter remainder after 2 feet. 2 foot of taper from butt to the diameter of your choice. I like to use the 1X/0.010” as my everyday nymph leader. The beauty of the 8 foot level section measuring 1X/0.010″ is that I do not have to worry about the taper when adding, subtracting, or fixing a tangled leader. I know that after the very short 2’ taper the leader is 1x or 0.010”. No freaky leader building math needs to be done. Simplicity is what I like.

This leader sinks rapidly as well. No knots to slow it down or knots to catch those pesky weeds. Traditionally tapered leaders sink slower. Not always good for nymph fishing when the goal is to get the fly to the fish as soon as possible.

The orange butt is easy to see while fishing and stiff enough to turn over even the heaviest of split shot nymphing rigs. The tough nylon is perfect for attaching sometimes large split shot to the leader. You can make split shot stay put on 1X!

Are there specific leaders for streamer fishing too?

You bet there are and they are useful. A 6’ Steelhead/Salmon leader can work well for our trout here in Montana. A great leader for those two handed rod fellas too. If you are trying to match rod length for a 2 hander the 12’ Steelhead/Salmon Tapered Leader is good as well. Whether you need it short for tying off of a RIO Outbound Short Streamer http://www.rioproducts.com/fly-lines/freshwater/specialty/outbound-short/ line or to get the right leader for your two handed set up there are leaders designed for every conceivable use.

Some guides use the 7 1/2’ 3X Powerflex Trout Leader for nearly everything. Why? Can you get along with just one leader? You can and some do. The beauty of the 7 1/2’ length is that you can build it much longer for dry fly use. You can shorten it by a couple feet and lash a giant streamer to it. Or you can just use it at 7 1/2’ and tie a nymph directly onto the leader. A generic leader used by many.

What is the #1 selling leader?

The RIO Powerflex Trout 9’ 3X. It once was the RIO Powerflex Trout 9’ 4X. Why the change? Who knows. The reality is you could also use this one leader for many uses. Chop for nymphing, lengthen for dry fly, or mutilate for streamer chucking.

A Tippet Primer

Do you mean to say I don’t attach a 2X tippet to my 2X leader?

The initial confusion in regards to tippet material comes from the “X” system. Why and what is 2X and why don’t I attach a 2X tippet to the end of 2X leader? Let’s get the “X” system straightened out first.

The “X” system is based on a factor of 11. It is quite simple actually and once you learn it you will never forget it. A 3X tippet is 0.008″ inch equalling the factor 11. 3+8=11. A 5X tippet measures 0.006” for a total of 11. You can see the correlation now. An 0X measurement is 0.011” Still adds to 11. 0+11=11. Now that the mystery is gone let’s move onto getting your leader prepped for fishing.

You can tie 2X tippet to a 2X leader. But you generally would not. There are exceptions to all of the fly fishing rules.

Leader and Tippet Frequently Asked Questions

How do I straighten my leader after getting it out of the package?

How do I straighten my tippet material? Do I use friction like I saw my father do with that old piece of rubber inner-tube hanging from his vest? NO!! While I did this for many years I have been straightened out myself. You never want to use friction to straighten a nylon or fluorocarbon leader. Ever. While it will straighten the leader, it also will reduce the strength and integrity of the material. This was an eye opener for me. I had been giving the trout an unfair advantage for 20+ years!

So how do you appropriately straighten your 12’ 6X leader? Zack Dalton of RIO and SAGE informed me a couple years ago that you simply pull on the leader in the same manner you stretch your fly line before use. If you do not already do this yourself you have seen anglers do this before. The leader and fly line both have memory and often times they need to be straightened. Take a section of the leader and pull firmly but without too much force with opposing hands. This will straighten the leader out so that you will get rid of the curls, the memory, in your leader.

What is the leader formula that most trout anglers use?

The most common theory and leader design formula used to be 20% butt section, 60% taper section, and a 20% tippet section. Generally you would tippet out beyond the leader tippet section of a leader with your own tippet section. The 20/60/20 formula has changed in the recent past. Now most are following, or most trout anglers in my region, are following the 60/20/20 formula.

Should I have different leaders for different situations?

Yes. A leader wallet http://www.rioproducts.com/fly-fishing-gear/storage/leader-wallet/ will be something you find yourself needing at some point during your leader discovery journey. Leaders are not a single use item, most of the time, they can be removed from your fly line and re-inserted into your leader wallet for use at a later time. I find myself changing leaders for the situation. An easy change from nymphing to dry fly fishing with a single rod is quite common!

My nymph rod has a 10’ 2X Indicator leader, my streamer rod has a 5’ 12# leader, and my dry fly rod is set up with a 12’ 4X leader. Why?!

Now we know that there are different leaders for different disciplines. Your leader wallet is an accessory that you may find important as you expand your world regarding leaders. Understanding not only the “why” of your leader selection but the “how” is important. I commonly have guests show up with a new 9’ 5X leader on their nymphing rod. While you may use that in some rare occasions it is not the right start for the Missouri River where 3X is more common than 5X on your regulation nymph rigs!

Having choices and understanding that dynamic nymphing requires the angler to become adaptive to many nymphing scenarios.

Dry fly fishing requires the same. Sometimes you may have to lengthen your leader when fishing for finicky surface sipping trout. Stretch out the tippet and the leader. You may want to shorten the leader when casting in the wind or when required to make an accurate cast where upon you can only achieve a short drift.

When I change from trout angling with a single hand rod to a 2 handed rod do we need different leaders for that application?

Oh yeah. Every type of rod and fishing application deserves appropriate leaders for the situation. Bonefish need a specific leader, Trout, Steelhead, 2 handed rods, Bass, Giant Trevally, Tarpon, and on down the line.

Leader & Tippet Maintenance

Leaders do not last forever. I do find leaders even in my own leader wallet that need to be trashed. If you pull a leader out and it is brittle, discolored, or exposed to the sun for too long it may have been compromised. Use your best judgment and toss accordingly if needed. No sense in losing the big one with either a leader or tippet material that has seen better days! Tippet is the most common offender. I commonly see clients with aged tippet. If it has been hanging on your spool tender or tippet “T” for 5 years? It is too old. Toss it. Fluorocarbon does have a much longer shelf life. While Fluorocarbon does last for many years, you should always check before using it in trophy situations. I always figure if I can stand to lose that precious fish, then use anything. If you break a couple trout off without undue stress while fighting the fish, then it may be a tippet issue!

What “X” size tippet should I use for what size fly?

This is a very common question in my boat. The larger the “X” number the smaller the fly. Yep, an inverse relationship. One more of the many fly fishing conundrums we learn to enjoy. The list below gives us a general idea of how to assign fly size and tippet size.

7X – fly sizes 20, 22, 24, 26 etc.
6X – fly sizes 16 – 24
5X – fly sizes 14 – 22
4X – fly sizes 12-18
3X – fly sizes 8-14
2X – fly sizes 6-10
1X – fly sizes 2-6
0X – fly sizes 0-4 and bowling balls too.

So I put it all together and what do I get?

You are heading out dry fly fishing and how do you know what leader and tippet to put on? Let’s say you are fishing for trout on a small stream with a size 16 Elk Hair Caddis…you would loop on a 9’ 3X leader and tie 24”-36” of 4X and cast away. You could get away with a 7 1/2’ 3X and a couple feet of 4X as well. But that is for my river. Your river, stream, creek, pond, or lake may be totally different.

Anglers Choice

It really is your choice. You will get a feel for what works for you as an angler as you become more familiar with leaders, leader construction and design, and your personal preferences.

You will learn that you can dictate what any specific leader will do, how it will react, and the presentation of said leader. By adding and subtracting tippet material you can truly enhance your fish catch rate! Honest.

The more you know about leader design, specific leaders for difficult situations, what works well for your game the more success you will have on the water![/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=”7907,7721,7854,9129,6962,11727″ post_type=”ids” no_items_message=”” items_layout=”shop_trendy” items_gap=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 6.22.15

Missouri River August Tips

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A few tips to get you through this coming week. It’s gonna be hot and the fish don’t really care for the high and bright sun.

Missouri River August Tips

  1. Get out early. We’ll see you at the shop before 7am. We open at 6am and amny guides on the water before the 7am bell. Fish until you get too hot and that should be enough for the trout too.
  2. Long leaders on both the hopper rig and the techy dry fly rig. Start with a 12′ something or other and tippet it out another few feet. Too long you say? The trout make the ultimate decision.
  3. Manage expectations. While late last summer we had unbelievable Trico emergences…this summer we do not. So a few fish to hand is really quite good. Enjoy the river for all it has to offer.
  4. Pack a full cooler. Have a nice lunch on the banks of the Mo and walk around either picking up the seldom seen trash or skip rocks. Lots to do here beyond fishing.
  5. Enjoy your family. The bottom line. Enjoy the entire experience.

Shop open early at 6am for all your river needs. Suncreen, flies, ice, shuttles, YETI products, logo wear and much more…

 

Squeeky's Top 5 Don'ts of July

Squeeky’s Top 5 Don’ts of July

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Or should it be the bottom 5 don’ts of the month?

Your choice. I wrote a blog a few years back of the Top 10 Worst Fly Fishing Products and got a ton of flack about it. So if you are the squeemish type, stop reading now. You may exhibit these behaviors and be offended. So if you are that kind of light hearted happy go lucky type of feller…Click over to any feel good page of your choice NOW.

All honesty today on this portion of the Headhunters Blog. July wipes all of the candy coating off me. This is a tough river with tough fish and if you like to contend and want to get a ton 4 fish of fish to hand then you gotta be a player.

A disclaimer: For the squeemish…I’m not saying that it is not, meaning July,  a time for everybody because it is. A wonderful time to be here. But if you are gonna go out there and be a cowboy, you better wear your chaps brother. And be able to swing that lasso around magically.

Top 5 Don’ts of July

These are directed to the dry fly anglers in the audience…not nymphers. Nymphers Unite!

  1. Don’t drag the fly over the trouts head on the first cast. Don’t do it. The most common way to offend a fish, to let the trout know you are in the region, to piss off the fish, to insure that you may definitely not not catch that trout, to alert the enemy that you are about to attack, to not catch that fish you are casting at is to drag the freaking fly over his head on the first cast. That is how most anglers don’t catch rising fish. Period.
  2. Don’t tell me you are gonna buy a new fly line after your month long dream trip to Montana. Hey this is the show man. Get the new fly before you come out. The fly line is the vehicle that carries the fly to the desired target. It is the MOST IMPORTANT part of the equation. Bar none. Cleaning fly lines a few times throughout the day is a good idea too. The fly line is the vehicle that delivers the fly to the desired target. Don’t sell your self short with at bad fly line. Don’t be that guy. Don’t do it. Beg, borrow, cheat or steal one and you will be so happy. You like new tires on your car? You like new socks? You like new and clean fly lines. It is the vehicle that delivers the fly to the desired target.
  3. Don’t get mad when you miss fish. It happens. Batting .300 is a big deal when dry fly fishing. You don’t get them all. Don’t get mad. Get even.
  4. Don’t be a dick. Plenty of fish for everyone. I have seen some really good respect and truly genuine good behaviors this last couple of weeks. Nice work fisher fellers. It looks good out there. Give wade fishers room. Give boaters room. No need to crowd. Plenty of dicks in other sports. Let’s keep this one relatively dick free.
  5. Don’t throw the fly 12′-29′ above the trout and expect it to drift all the way to the trout. Nobody can drift it that far consistently. Of course some fish are caught when we drift it through the fish we are targeting, and then continue downstream for another 47 1/5’…but that is not all that efficient. Throw at the fish, drift 3′-4′ and repeat. Not a new idea. Not my idea. Just the right idea. Target a trout and cast at him. Not above him. Cast at the trout. Not above him. Don’t do the alternative.

 

Do have fun.

Do enjoy the dry fly bite.

Do drink to your boys after the day.

Do get out early.

Do practice casting at home before your trip of a lifetime and enjoy your trip even more. This is the show, Don’t practice here, in the boat, between fish. Do practice casting. You will catch more fish. Those who cast better catch more fish.

Do use liberal amounts of sunscreen.

Do come back y’all.

Don’t complain. Nobody like a complainer.

Do enjoy the entirety of the day.

99 of 100 casts are some sort of slack line deal. Straight lines need not apply.

Do keep the trout int he water and not drop them in the boat. We are all offenders on this deal. Keep em wet this summer. We have really tried to not post fish outta the water photos this yer. We are on board with the keep em wet deal.

Do pay it forward. All the good stuff man. Enjoy the Missouri River.

 

And thanks for being cool.

Montana PMD fishing

Fishing PMD Hatches

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Our annual PMD hatches are in full swing now – along with a few bazillion caddis – and the fishing has been spectacular when the weather cooperates. It has more than not this month.

If you want to know a bit more about Pale Morning Duns (Ephemerella), we recommend a couple of bug-nerd sites. Both West Fly and Troutnut have some great detailed information and images of theses bugs. They also do a pretty good job of keeping things up to date. (For example: I did not know that Ephemerella Infrequens – our smaller Western PMD – have been lumped with two other sub species into Ephemerella Excursions! Who knew!)

Understanding the hatch is an important part of angler success, and it has occurred to me that in recent years, “hot flies” have become so important to most anglers, that very few understand “why” the hot new fly is so effective.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][us_image image=”12285″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][us_image image=”12283″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][us_image image=”12284″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][us_image image=”12282″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]These have all been the hot new fly at one time or the other over the last 25 years. They still are very effective PMD patterns, if you know when to use them.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]

WHAT HAPPENED TO UNDERSTANDING THE HATCH?

I was quickly re-reading both Westfly and Troutnut and I came upon this statement:

Trout take nymphs all day, and duns and emerging duns during the hatch. The best places are slow runs, backeddies, and under overhanging vegetation. Shortly before a hatch, dead-drift a nymph near the bottom. As the hatch begins, present a nymph near the surface or as a rising nymph. As trout begin taking duns off the surface, tie on an emerger, cripple, or dun pattern.

Sounds simple. And if you’re my age you heard this many times from your mentors. But it occurred to me that “understanding the hatch” is no longer part of the formula for success. At least for those more recent to the sport.

In the instagratification iWorld we live in, no one cares. When I’m in the shop, nearly every customer – and many guides – simply ask “what’s the hot fly?” They really aren’t interested in the “why”. Just what works. It doesn’t even need to be referred to as a “PMD” pattern. It just needs to work.

Which is fine. I really don’t care if you have no interest in entomology. But, I am going to assume you have an interest in catching more fish. Or any, in some cases.

WHY

Understanding the insect life cycle and stages of the hatch helps you catch more fish, and here’s why:

Trout quickly switch between insects and stages of insect during the course of the typical June/July day on the Missouri River. The intensity of insects, light, wind, hatch, angle of the sun, angler pressure, and more can all affect what the fish you’re working eat.

Now, when it’s on, it’s on. There are those hero days when it seems you can throw anything in the river and they eat it.

But, there are those days when you can’t seem to figure it out. When I’m helping customers in the shop, I’m often answering questions about situations that occur when the fish go from easy to tough. To me it’s simple. Your double-nymph rig quit working because the fish elevated as the nymph began swimming to the surface. Shallow it up. They quit eating your dry because they switched to spinners. A very common situation on the Missouri River.

Analyzing what is happening in front of you involves a little self education about your prey and their food source. It does not involve switching from one fly to another because the first one didn’t work.

These are all thoughts that run through the brains of those who understand the mayfly life-cycle. And it’s not rocket science. Spend 30 minutes looking at the above sites and the links within and you’ll no doubt glean a piece of information that will come in handy soon. If you can quickly identify a change in the fish feeding behavior, you will stay on top of the game. If you’re going to switch from one hot fly to the next, then you’re just guessing.

Here endeth the lesson.

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The Voice of a Wade Angler

The Voice of a Wade Angler

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I used to be a wade fisher. A wade angler. A bankie.

The Voice of a Wade Angler
Fishing a nice riffle on Montana’s Missouri River Fly Fishingare. I get out and wade fish often. The liberty of the boat is the difference. I can get back in and move to another region of the river.

I have been boat fishing for over 15 years so my vision has been skewed. But I hold the bank angler close to my heart. I love the wade fisherman. His mission is different from the boat angler. One narrow focus with very different methods employed to achieve the same goal. Catch trout on the Missouri.

The boat angler can move readily with his floating craft. The wade angler cannot. He is the lone foot soldier. He drives to a spot, gets out, and marches to the fishing location of choice.

Wading boots are important for the wade angler. They are the vehicle. I do like the new SIMMS Vapor Boot. Just me talkin’.

Back to the plight of the bank angler. Let’s review some rules that all bank anglers follow.

The Voice of a Wade Angler

Rules to live by

The farther you walk, the better the fishing? True. 

When you find the kills, do not tell a soul how to get there. True. Certainly not that crafty trout bum at Joe’s Bar. You gotta tell jut one feller, and it is over. Especially if it is a dyno-mite PMD or Trico spot…

The Voice of a Wade Angler
Respect the wade angler and his water. Don’t take the channel. Go around.

Don’t trespass. Trespassers are losers.

Great wade fish spots include an easy walk, without trespassing, a few different types of water including a nymphing shelf and a dry fly flat. Although one or the other will suffice depending on the time of year, or your fly fishing mood. And secretive.

One of the finest qualities of the Missouri River is the vast opportunities to wade fish and access points. It really is a great river for the wade angler. Small gravel and very few spots with dangerous rocks, slippery bowling balls, and rapidly moving waters.

Don’t low-hole your fishing buddy. Or the angler you do not know, yet. Don’t be a dick. Lead by example.

The Voice of a Wade Angler

How Boat Anglers should approach the Wade Angler

One of the worst things to happen to the wade fisherman is to have one of those yahoo’s in drift boats, tubes, pontoon boats, rafts…float in and through his water. That is worst case scenario. I see it all the time. Respect the water of the bank angler. The feller casting into that riffle, he is fishing that riffle. He has walked in and he is actively fishing. Yep, he is thinking to himself…

“Hey bud, open your fucking eyes…I’m right here. I’m fishing here. Please do not run over my water. Hey boat dude, I’m right here.”

Angler in boat after crashing into and getting stuck on the riffle bar that wade angler feller is fishing says something like…

“Havin’ any luck?”

 

When wade angler says something along the lines of 

“Hey man, I’m kinda fishing this shallow riffle here.”

Boat angler responds with

” I didn’t see you man.”

 

Nearly daily we encounter situation where we must make a decisions.  All of us, including me, need to give a wide berth for the bank angler. Guides are at fault too. It is generally a recreational boater, rental boat, or those who must not care about the plight of others which there are plenty of out there on the Montana rivers…Commercial outfits need to give these anglers a ton of water. Bottom line. The rest of the population as well. Give the bank angler a wide berth. Give him that riffle he is standing in. Do it. You got a boat and your responsibilty is to use it. Move onwards and learn some new waters if that needs to be the case. Honor the hike-in fisher feller.

And if he is not casting for the moment, it does not mean he is not fishing. Resting the water is a common practice and we need to see that. Keep you eyes open.

The Voice of a Wade Angler

I need to be heard, and seen.

The voice of a Wade Angler
See the fella’s from along way off. Make room for the wade angler

Education is the key. But how do we educate those who do not know or follow the rules of the river? Videos? Blogs? Bars? Educating by example? Yelling at those fellows exhibiting bad river behaviors?

I can tell you from experience that yelling education into folks generally does not win the fight. But I cannot say with any certainty that leading by example is any more effective.

Grassroots is the answer. Along with making an effort at all levels. Acting appropriately and with the other angler in mind has to be the way. Boats have to yield to wade anglers. Wade anglers have to understand that there are behavior standards for the wade angler as well. Follow the Golden Rule. Do unto others as…

Hey bud, look out for me. I have as much right to fish these waters as you do boat man. I usually don’t fool with you, so give me some slack, respect my water, and back off once in a while.

Who knows, it may come back at you. It may come full circle. You may get some karmic rewards for giving me some space…

 

Baetis Week. Dry-Dropper Rigs

Baetis Week. Dry-Dropper Rigs

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Today on the Headhunters Fly Fishing Blog we bring you new science. The dry-dropper rig.

No. Not new. Yet quite effective here on Montana’s Missouri River.

I was not a fan for many years. I had always believed that the nymph would hinder the drift of the dry. So why not put a couple nymphs and a bobber on if you wanted to nymph. And adding a dry to a dry was cool too.

Until the creation of these fantastic slim bodied mayfly patterns grabbed me.

photo-24 copy
One more way to fish for BWO fish.

Baetis Week. Dry-Dropper Rigs

Overcast skies can bring the trout into shallow waters and how should you capitalize on this opportunity? Dry-Dropper rigs. Two-Bit Hookers, Little Green Machines, S & M, Gidget, Magic Fly BWO…and more all with narrow abdomens.

Why the narrow ones? They sink faster. Tungsten heads help too. Tie it off at 12″ or deeper if you wish depending not he depth you want to achieve. Sometimes you may want to go as short as 6″. Some situations demand you go deeper yet.

How about the top fly? Any attractor that you like. I like the big Parachute Adams. We have them in several post colors like pink, chartreuse/pink, grey, black, white, and soft pink. A Wulff type fly will work. Small Chubby? OK. Double Posted Midge Cluster pattern? Yep. March Brown fly? Skwala? Any fly you can see well and can support a dropper fly will suffice.

With the advent of lower water this summer the water depth you are seeking can be slower than normal. Hence the effectiveness of the dropper rig.

How about those faster skinny riffles? Good for searching that type of water as well. Toss it upstream dn find out if there are any feeding fish in there.

Will they eat the dry? Oh yeah. Not quite as often as you wish. If they were really eating the dry you would lop off the dropper portion. I really think it is a good way to fish short and shallow. The Short Leash Nymph rigs are good for a touch deeper zone. Like in the 12″-36″ water column. The dry-dropper rig is great in 12″ or less.

Perfect for all of the shore centric anglers out there…but even better for those who fish the entire river bank to bank.

Baetis Week. Dry-Dropper Rigs
Fishing the dry dropper with success!

 

What kind of tippet do we tie to the top fly? 3X or 4X. Depends on the size of course. 5X to the dropper. We love a long leader here on the Mighty Mo generally starting with the 12′ RIO 4X and adding a bit of tippet tying on the dry and then continuing to the dropper.

Small droppers work really well this time of year with the advent of the superior BWO fishing.

  • Hey, are there a ton of trout on the surface? Depends on the day and the reach. Yes, and no.
  • Hey, do you fella’s have all those skinny bodied flies in the shop? Yep, you betcha.
  • Hey, can you show me how to tie this up in the store? Certainly.
  • Hey, should I try this upon my next visit to the Mo? Maybe.
  • Hey, this weekend looks like good BWO weather. Do you agree? Oh yeah.
  • Hey, we’ll see you out there with the net out.

Bottom Line: Keep it real by trying all kinds of things throughout the year. So many of us get in a rut concerning our fishing techniques. Those who are fooling around the most usually bump into cool techniques once in a while. Try it, you might like it.

Check out yesterdays BWO Blog here. Tuesdays BWO Blog here.

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Missouri River March Streamer Patterns

Missouri River March Streamer Patterns w/ a side of Streamer Line discussion

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]March Streamer Fishing is?…which leads us to this article written by team members Dewey and Mark at Headhunters Fly Shop.

Missouri River March Streamer Patterns

With unseasonably warm weather this month the river is starting to get pressure. A popular lead in to the Missouri River fishing discussion sometimes starts with “Are they hitting streamers?” Yes is the answer. “Is the bite good?” Like Ninch says “Only as good as you are.”

That is sort of the truth according to Ninch. You can also go long periods with out any interest in your streamer pattern. Should you change? Only you can answer that question. It really is up to you.

How?

Fishing streamers can be accomplished floating, wading, or a combination of the two. Let’s start with wading. With the popularity of the two-handed rod increasing here in central Montana this method is an effective way to cover large water without wearing yourself out. With that being said it does not mean the same water cannot be fished with a single handed rod. It’s just a matter of how much back casting room you will have. And your preference too.

Where?

The fish seem to still be in the winter mode meaning they are grouped up and hanging in slow water. The sexy riffles and runs look good this time of year but generally hold less fish. The slow water at the tail-out is usually where the fish will hang. The same water we send people to nymph fish is the same type of water you may want to seek when tossing the streamer fly. Inside bends have also been good and don’t forget about the water that looks like whitefish water…it can be prime winter habitat for trout.

What Gear?

I like to fish water 3 to 6 feet in depth. Some anglers like shallower water and a few are more comfortable with the deep stuff. So what kind of line do you need to access those streamer loving trout? Floating lines will work in the slow not so deep water. Generally you get to the fish with a weighted streamer pattern. Lead eyes, coneheads, flies weighted with lead on the shank…all good ways to sink that tasty morsel into the trout zone..

You can also use any number of weighted streamer lines. The RIO Outbound Short has been on of long time favorites but there are a couple others that are great too. The Outbound Short F/I has a 15′ clear intermediate tip. Maybe the best all round Missouri River streamer fly fishing line. Easy loading with almost endless power is why this remains the top selling streamer line at Headhunters.

The RIO Outbound Short comes in a full intermediate version. Clear Tipped backed with a Transparent Yellow back end of the line. Gaining a cult following here in the shop and now bleeding into the hands and reels of some our our streamer junkie clients. Super shoot-a-bility will let you believe you are conducting business with a sniper rod!

Screen shot 2015-03-15 at 11.33.02 PM
RIO Outbound Short Streamer Line

 

The RIO Streamer Tip F/I is equally as good. A 10′ clear intermediate tip for lower water fall conditions here on the Mo. Lots of power for wind coupled with precise cast-a-bility that many like all year long!

RIO StreamerTip WF6F/S6 is an option for those who like to get a bit deeper. The 10′ blck tip sink rapidly with a floating back end. 6-7ips for those who like it deeper than the intermediate head can achieve.

The RIO Sink Tip rounds out our RIO Sink Tip Series with the 150 grain up to a 300 grain tip. 4-5ips sink rate on this 24ft sink tip.

Having some streamer fans inquiring about the Airflo Kelly Galloup Streamer Max Long fly line. We got ’em in stock for your streamer dreams! A fly line built for those who like to get the flies deep! This heavily weighted Airflo streamer line is for tossing those over-sized articulated streamers that Galloup disciples thrive on. If you fall into this category then you must have this adorning your streamer stick.

Kelly Galloup Streamer Max Long Fly Line
Kelly Galloup Streamer Max Long Fly Line available at Headhunters

You can add any number of tips to the end of your dry fly line too. Do they work as well? No. No but they can gt you into a few fish in a pinch. VersiTips from RIO and weighted Polyleaders from Airflo are available at the shop. That is a topic for another blog. Later.

What Technique?

Dewey says: The fish are not too aggressive on the bite. Meaning that they may not be jumping on the fly, not the hard grabs often. I like to cast 3/4 down stream and let the fly swing to the hang down, directly below me. Most of my takes have been on the hang down. I have had success with a slight twitch at the hang down. Wade fishing is a great way to enjoy the day chucking streamer patterns to Missouri River Trout. You get into a rhythm that is calming. Until the jolt of electricity when the fish decides to whack it!

I have been throwing the two handed rod a bunch this winter. It is my preferred way to winter fish streamers. Why? It is newer to me and is certainly easier on my body. Plus it is so damn efficient replacing the incessant single handed casting with time in the water. Why not have your fly in the water more often. Seems to make logical trout sense!

Float fishing is a different game. The single handed rod still rules here. No application for the two handed rod unless you like to endanger those around you. Hooking the rower is still not a great path to take. The fish are holding in the same type of slow water. The slow water can be found in the traditional streamer water behind rocks, skinny water near islands and bends, or slow runs in the middle of the river.

Now is when the “only as good as you are” part comes in. It’s still early for the “get it in there and fast strip” type of streamer fishing. We find get it in there twitch and pause to be more effective. This is when matching fly weight to line type becomes important. If the outfit sinks to fast to avoid hanging up you will be stripping to fast. Keep the everything balanced for pause and twitch. If you can entice the strike by teasing the often suspect rainbow trout into that fateful aggressive open thy mouth reaction then you will catch more trout. If you can’t? Well, casting practice on the water is sometimes an excuse we use at the bar upon coming up blank!

I cast my single handed rod while floating down the river and switch to my double handed rod when wade fishing. Efficiency is important if you want to catch these sometimes bullish winter fish.

Missouri River March Streamer Patterns

Fly selection tends to be a little smaller than what we recommend a month from now. Size 6 or 8 is the norm with the occasional 4 or 10 thrown depending on pattern or water. Colors can very from day to day. I find if you have faith in your fly you oughtta/gotta fish it hard. Bring a cup full of winter or March streamer patterns to the water. The following patterns are a few we like to recommend for this time of year.

  • Hot Cone Wooly Bugger #6
  • Dali Lama Black/White #6
  • Bloom’s MRS Bugger #4
  • Bloom’s Bullhead Black/White #6
  • Olive Blossom #6
  • Sculpzilla Blackl/White #6
  • Kraft’s Kreelex Copper/Gold #6
  • Coffey’s Sparkle Jig Sculpin #1
  • Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow Brownie #6
  • Lil’ Kim Copper #4

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5 Tips for Better Missouri River Spring Fishing

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Fishing Reports from the last week have been varied. Spring like conditions are ever changing and it pays to keep a few things in mind when fishing the Missouri River the next couple months.

The water can be green this time of year and it freaks a lot of fellers out. Should it? Flows are 4700cfs with water temps in the 35.5F frame. It should rise this week. The temps not the flows.

5 Tips for Better Missouri River Spring Fishing

  1. Go where they aren’t. The people that is. Break out and fish new water. Change it up. It’s busy up river…
  2. Go Big. Big attractor type nymphs can get the job done. Worms, Scuds, your big fat favorite slutty fly.
  3. Go small. Zebra’s and tiny black flies catch big trout.
  4. Go Slow. Watch all of the boats float through the faster summer water. Maybe they are busy drinking though. The rower, when drift fishing, has to participate. Those who don’t engage the oar blades with the water don’t catch as many. Winter and spring fish reside in soft, deep, boring water.
  5. Go Fish mid-week. Weekends when the weather is nice are pretty busy. Come out and fish Monday-Thursday and take advantage of fewer folks on the water. Plan ahead and capitalize.

Be smart on the water. If you are the type of guy that like to go out and get some to the net you have to plan accordingly. Following the same grind, the same float pattern, and the same plan does not encourage angler growth. Changing, keeping it fresh, and fishing new water is a path to development.

Don’t stop learning or trying. If you need some suggestions how to force change in your life, stop on by the shop. We’ll lead you down some new roads, channels, rivers…

Headhunters Fly Shop open daily at 8am and now open later for your late afternoon fly fishing binging.

Missouri River Winter Trout Candy

Missouri River Winter Trout Candy for Bobber Lobbers

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Nymphing is the primary fish catching method of any winter trout fishery.

The Missouri River is no different.

So why not toss the sowbug. We have a ton of sows in stock and ready for winter angling.

At any given time you can throughout eh sow or scud. Most of the time some sort of sow/scud is attached to the end of our nymphing rig.

30 patterns above for a diverse batch of not only anglers but of trout. Some with beads ad some without.

Add a split shot and watch these sink to the feeding lane of your choice.

Soft inside lanes in nearly stopped water. Fish it if you can stand it. Most new anglers to the Mo’ do not spend the time int he right kind of winter water. They will learn. Fish the painfully slow inside lines…if you can.

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_grid columns=”4″ parent=”0″ orderby=”name” order=”asc” hide_empty=”1″ ids=”1021″ post_type=”taxonomy_terms” related_taxonomy=”product_cat” terms_include=”children” terms_orderby=”name” no_items_message=”” title_size=”1.4rem” items_layout=”tile_21_right” items_gap=”10px” items_quantity=”12″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_grid post_type=”ids” no_items_message=”” columns=”4″ items_layout=”shop_trendy” items_gap=”” ids=”10449″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_grid post_type=”ids” no_items_message=”” columns=”4″ items_layout=”shop_trendy” items_gap=”” ids=”10346″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_grid post_type=”ids” no_items_message=”” columns=”4″ items_layout=”shop_trendy” items_gap=”” ids=”10440″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Slow or Low

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A busy weekend means that we get to hear a lot of fishing reports. And we can tell you that for Friday and Saturday – and much of the last week – they’ve been all over the place. Streamer guys are pretty much getting their fish. It’s probably even better out of the boat than on the swing, though it depends on where you are.

Nymphing on the other hand, has been wildly unpredictable. But we’ve had guide trips out for the last 4 days, and they were getting them. So were local anglers that fish regularly in the winter, and know the river. But there were others who had some very tough fishing. Here’s three things we would recommend that you do to improve your odds:

1. FISH SLOW

Now, we’re telling everyone this. At  least everyone who comes in the shop and asks. Some are following our instructions, while others are not, though we don’t think that’s intentional. When we mean fish the slow water we mean it. Boring slow. Dead slow. Maybe even stopped. Our guess is that many of the anglers having tough nymphing are ‘outside’ of the line. They’re probably in a touch faster water than they should be.

We can actually see many anglers in the wrong water from the road when we’re doing shuttles.

Also, make sure you’re using split-shot. You need it to get that right-angle presentation, and keep things tight between your bobber and flies. If it’s not tight, you probably won’t see the take.

And speaking of ‘seeing’ the take, it will be very subtle – almost imperceptible – in that super slow water. Hit… everything.

below – Ben McNinch stressing the slow water tactics necessary at this time of year.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”10055″ size=”full” link=””][vc_column_text]

2. FISH LOW

Normally we aren’t recommending that anglers head below the Dearborn this time of year. But with the balmy, warm weather we’re experiencing, you should consider it.

The Canyon, riparian zone and boat ramps are totally ice free (I probably just insured we’ll get a bunch of snow this week). This is rare in February.  But if thats how Mother nature is going to roll, let’s play long.

We’ve been fishing the canyon with both streamers and nymphs, and it’s been very good. As good as I can remember it this time of year.

Streamers are pretty easy. Keep them in the slow stuff, and you should be using a sink tip of at least 3 inches per second (ips), but probably more like 5-7 ips. A big line like the Airflo Streamer Max works great, but so does an inexpensive VersiLeader from RIO.

The big advantage when nymphing down here is that you can really size up with your bugs. Yes, the typical winter stuff like Pink Lighting Bugs, Firebead Sow Bugs and Zebras will all work. But so will Crawdads, Pats Rubber Legs, big Worms and larger bead-head attractors.

You’ll get harder takes and more solid hook-ups with larger flies. Once you find a few, then you can size down and fish that spot harder, possibly even on foot as there are some nice steep drops in the Canyon. Fish congregators.

3. KEEP AFTER IT UNTIL DARK

If you stick with until dark – or close to it – you should be rewarded with some good action on any method, including possible dry fly fishing if the winds lays down. It’s the warmest time of the day if you’re a fish, and like any other time of year, when the sun goes off the water, the fish come out to play.

Starting too early, especially on a windy day, can have you cold and frustrated before the fishing really gets great.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Ryan McCourtney Headhunters

Back to Spey

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ok, I did a bobber report the other day. I hope you liked it, and that it helped you find success on the Missouri. If so, you should know that I made it all up. I only swing a two hander this time of year. I’m a swinger.

Back to Spey. Spent yesterday on the lower river with Capt. Ryan McCourtney. Swinging the long rod with Mr. Kreelex and Mr. Mozuri. Very good fishing, though Capt. McCourtney is still at the uncomfortable level with the two-hander. He can do it fine. He’s just used to being real good.

Put him on the front of a Maverick, or stalking a backcountry stream in New Zealand and he’s so at home he’ll probably take a nap. But he’s still getting the swing of things spey.

Kind of like watching me throw at a Tarpon…[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”10023″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]But it’s just fishing. And Ryan is an excellent fisherman. In fact he’s not really that good at anything else. Except Golf. And watching the golf channel.

And we found some excellent fishing on the lower river, which is no guarantee this time of year. A month ago, the area we fished would have been a better venue for the NHL Winter Classic than fishing.

But the crazy warm weather has melted all of the ice around Cascade, and we found a couple of runs that help good numbers of fish. They were all about the streamer, and deep presentations were not neccessary.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”10021″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Fishing with Ryan was a good reminder for me about how you need to read water with the spey rod. Ryan knows this section of river way better than I, but is used to conditions from April thru November.

This time of year – no matter where you fish – you need to find those long beaches with a good seam. When we hit those spots we had success. Even if they weren’t the most productive spots during the rest of the year.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”10022″ size=”full” link=””][vc_column_text]This holds true of the entire river. If you’re on the swing, you need to fish those long, shallow insides. I think that it is imperative that there is some deep and slow holding water somewhere near. This is where you find fish that are the most receptive to the swung/twitched streamer.

Lot’s of Brown Trout for us today, confirming the FWP numbers about Brown’s on the lower river.

Midp-depth presentations were the best. I was using the new RIO Light Scandi Versi-leader in a 7 ft. 5ips version, while Ryan was throwing the Scandi VersiTip with an intermediate tip. Didn’t really take more.

Looking forward to a big weekend on the river, with the forecast in the 60’s on Saturday of this Holiday weekend. See you at the shop, with your spey rod, I hope. If you need a nymph report, let me know. I’ll give you a good one…[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”10019″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

2015 Year of the Net

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here, we observe Missouri River guide Beth Hood using a long handled net to capture a nice sized Missouri River Rainbow. Good form.

The team at Headhunters has noticed that net sales, questions and available options have all increased in the last couple of years. It seems that more and more anglers are using a net. Or maybe they are buying better nets that are more useable? Hopefully, an increased use of nets means a higher survival rate on released fish.

Now we have always sold a lot of nets to drift boat anglers. If you fish from a drift boat, you must use a net. There’s really no other way to land a fish unharmed without pulling over to the bank. In fact without a net in the boat, you really don’t land much. I have proven this to many clients over the years by forgetting my boat net. Typically on my first guide trip of the year.

For years the most popular ‘boat net’ on the Missouri has been the big, black extendable Ranger boat net with a rubber bag. Personally, I hate them. They are way too big, they fall apart in a few days, requiring the liberal use of JB Weld, screws and duct tape. I’m sure you’ve seen Missouri River guides ‘stabbing’ fish 10 feet from the boat, which also annoys me.

Here’s the big ugly:

 

[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”9998″ size=”full” link=””][vc_column_text]Although I would never use one of these, I understand why you would. It’s long and big. And the rubber net is good for the fish. They lie nice and flat in it, and are easy to release without handling them. We got plenty in stock if you need one.

Your clients don’t actually have to have any fish fighting skills, and they’re cheaper than better nets at $80 (sometimes less at scummy big box stores).

My personal net is an S2 from Jackson Hole called the Big Al (this is not the way inferior EGO S2 slider POS net you see in big box stores). Mine is about 10 years old and still going strong. It’s welded aluminum with a rubberized bag that is long and deep. In fact Beth is using it in the above image.

It’s a tough and quiet net, that fits in any boat without being in the way. For a long time I considered it the only high quality boat net that wasn’t made out of wood. The only problem was that it cost $220, which is(was) more than most were willing to spend. (I’ve had many arguments about my $220 net lasting 10+ years versus others who buy an $80 Ranger every year)

S2 also made some ‘mid-sized’ nets that blurred the line between a hang-off-your-back net and a bigger boat model. These are the kind of nets used by some wade fishing guides, and they really are useful for smaller streams and fish. I carry one of these when I’m rafting on the Blackfoot and Dearborn.

S2 has disappeared (at least I can no longer find them online), but several others have stepped in to fill the $200 high-end boat net niche.

Two we’re carrying in the shop are the Fishpond Nomad Series, and the newer Rising Aluminum Net. These are both very well made nets, although we can’t speak to the long-term durability of the Rising model as it’s newer.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”10002″ size=”full” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.risingfish.net%2Fproduct_detail%2F136%2Faluminum-net” onclick=”custom_link”][vc_column_text]The RISING ALUMINUM NET is the right size for me. I would rather have a net that stays out of my way, than a longer reaching one that we are tripping over all day long. You’re supposed to land them, not intercept them half way to the boat.

This net appears to be well made. There is a machined screw that secures the hoop. No rivets like the bass crowd uses. It uses a clear rubber net that is lightweight (one problem with light aluminum nets is that a heavy rubber bag can make them hard to single hand).

The end of the handle screws off, revealing a watertight ‘flask’. I’m not joking. if you see someone who looks like he doing shots out of his net handle this summer, it’s a Rising.

They come in some cool colors, which is cool. I really like this net so far. Time will tell how durable it is. At $129, however, 3-4 years would make me more than happy.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”10004″ size=”full” link=””][vc_column_text]The FISHPOND NOMAD nets have been around a few years. First as just Nomad, then associated with Fishpond after being acquired by the Colorado bag maker.

These are one piece composite construction that has a thin rubberized coating making them grippy. Clear rubber bags are used on all models, and there are a bunch. These come in a wide variety of sizes from small wading nets, to boat nets 55″ long.

These have proven to be light and durable nets. You can chip off the coating it you treat them like a guide, but it has no effect on the net itself. They also come in a variety of camo-esque patterns. Cool-esque.

The boat-sized Fishpond nets run $200-229. Expensive, but from what I’ve seen worth it. With they achieve 10 year status like the S2? Only time will tell. We sold quite a few Fishpond Nomad nets last summer. Getting popular. Camo.

We also carry wood nets from Blue Ribbon, including the Guide Boat net. We definitely sell more hand nets than boat nets in wood. The Blue Ribbon boat nets seems durable – at least I’ve never heard otherwise – but i’ve never liked the HUGE round hoop on wooden boat nets. Takes up so much more room in the boat than it need to. I much prefer the long narrow hoops of modern nets. You know me. New school.

KEEP ‘EM WET CAMPAIGN

So if I haven’t sold you on the use of a net yet, maybe the Native Fish Society will. They have been promoting the Keep ‘Em Wet Campaign with anglers hash tagging photos on social media with #keepemwet. Lots of prizes!

If you post pictures on Facebook or Instagram holding fish in the air this year, people are going to make fun of you. This is serious. The best way to take that fish in the water photo is with a net under him.

I’ve definitely seen the blog community getting behind the #keepemwet campaign. Great to see the proper handling of fish get some ink (pixels, I guess). The use of a net is an important aspect of proper fish handling, especially for those fishing out of a boat. Use the net to release the fish please!

And here’s Beth Hood #keepemwet.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”10007″ size=”full” link=””][us_image image=”10013″ size=”full” link=””][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Missouri River spey fishing

Additional McCune-Gould Class April 10th

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Due to the demand for Mike McCune and Whitney Gould spey instruction, we have added another class session on Friday April 10th. This gives you one more chance to experience these great instructors in a 3:1 student to instructor ratio. If you want to learn more about sustained anchor casts, this is the class. Mike and Whitney are also up to answer any questions you have about Speydom at the end of the class.

It’s Friday. Skip work.

Currently we have spaces available:

  • Friday April 10 – 3 spots open
  • Saturday April 11 – booked
  • Sunday April 12 – 1 spot open

Call the shop to sign up at 1-877-379-3597 or 406-235-3447. Cost is $200, and includes the full day clinic as well as lunch.

Abandon Hope by HH Guide Ben Hardy

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Hope.  It’s a good thing, right? 

Wiki says that hope is an optimistic attitude of mind based on an expectation of positive outcomes related to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large.   As a verb, to cherish a desire with anticipation.  Hope gets people through struggles and affords optimism when things look bleak.

Common knowledge is that good fishermen must have hope.  We must be optimistic, or else why go?

Common knowledge also pairs good fishing and luck as natural partners.  As a guide, I am hopeful before a day of fishing and I am a huge fan of good luck, but there are times (lots of them), where hope and luck are a crutch that need to be destroyed.

A few years back, I was on the bow of a skiff scanning the four feet of clear water over green turtle grass and sea fans, looking for shadows. I heard “10 o’clock. 120 feet. See the mud? That’s our boy.”

My body tensed and I checked my coiled fly line for the tenth time in the last five minutes.  The permit tailed again, spraying water with his forked black tail. I spoke to myself as I often do, in tense times like this “Ok, Ben, breathe, relax, nice easy shot. You got this.”

“80 feet now, wait for him.  Ok cast!” the man on the platform said.

I false cast three times and dropped the fly six feet short of the fish and four feet to the right.  I let the fly fall then got tight to it and stripped three feet of line. I let if fall. I stripped again.

DSC_3809
Getting the game plan together on the Mo.

 

“He doesn’t see it. Cast again. Show it to him.”

I picked up fifty feet of line, and shot at him again. Five feet short of the fishes nose and six feet left.  I crouched, making myself small on the bow as I let it fall. Before the fly hit the bottom, I gave a long…slow strip. The fish was calm, feeding and milling, not feeling us at all.  I let the fly fall and stripped again. The fish didn’t react. I let it fall, and then got tight again.

“HE DOESNT SEE IT.  TRY AGAIN!”

I lifted the fly line off the water, and the fish exploded.  From calm and cool to terrified in a second.  She-Gone!  My head dropped, as I stripped my fly line back in.
Very quiet boat for a very long moment.

“WHAT IN THE HELL WAS THAT?  YOU ARE HOPING AND PRAYING. 

STOP HOPING. START KNOWING. 

DON’T HOPE HE SEES YOUR FLY. 

MAKE, HIM, SEE, IT!”

Stop hoping. Hmmm? That’s a novel idea. I was short and off the fishes shoulder each cast, but once in the water I was moving the fly like I was in the game. I was hoping and praying that the fish would do what he most likely wouldn’t.  See my fly from ten feet, swim over and eat it.

I see, fish with, and guide hopeful anglers who play out this scenario in my boat all the time.

And it’s perfectly natural. It’s human to hope.

Screen Shot 2014-04-26 at 7.38.39 PM
Ben out on the Mo, knowing it!

Mid-July, fishing to a big brown trout who seems glued to his weed mat, not moving an inch for our caddis. Or for our spinner, buzzball, ant or cricket. He won’t move for anything!

In May, that same fish will move two feet for our March Brown Cripple, but this isn’t May. He’s not the same fish. This is July.  Now, after four fly changes and forty casts, we’re beginning to wonder if this fish is ours to catch?  We make another cast, ten inches from the weed mat again.  The fly lands three feet upstream of the fish but well outside of him. And, like a hopeful angler, we feed line through the space of water that is not anywhere near that brown trout lane.

A perfect dead drift. Why didn’t he eat?

Because, we still have, possess, and are using hope as a fishing tool. We are hoping that Mr. Brown takes a notion to something he does not even see! And I must note for the first time since we’ve been watching and casting at this fish has he made a move outside of his 1 inch feeding lane. We are hoping he will leave his safe little happy spot, swim over, and eat our fly?!&%$*

Of course it happens, because weird shit happens all the time when fishing. But, but not often enough for us to use hope as a certified dry fly method! A better approach is to abandon hope.  Stop hoping that he does something he doesn’t want to.  Stop hoping for the anomaly, for luck.

Abandon Hope, and show the fly to the fish.

Make him see it.  I won’t speak for other guides, but personally, I’d rather see a fish spook from the fly landing too close on the first shot than to short a fish for forty five minutes and never show him the fly.

Abandon Hope.  That is the moral of the story?  Hahaha, well maybe just in a very small set of circumstances.

Keep on hoping for great hatches, good flows, cloud cover and no wind.

 

When your fly is on the water…don’t hope it, know it.

 

Ed Note: Thanks Ben Hardy for the killer article this Tuesday mid winter. Ben is busy this winter in Cascade MT remod-ing the house, waiting for an an addition of another kind, and rooting for his Patriots.

You can book Ben at Headhunters Fly Shop with just one phone call. Ben has been with Headhunters since day one. He opened the store in April ’08. Thanks for all you help Ben, then and now.

Check out Ben Hardy in this Scumliner Media piece Depth Perception

Depth Perception from scumliner media on Vimeo.

 

BC Steelhead Movie from scumliner media on Vimeo.

Missouri River winter flies

Fly Tying Night Efforts

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Fly Tying Night in America resumed last night in Craig, MT. We kind of announced it at the last minute, and folks came from both directions – Helena and Great Falls – as well as locally.

Some pretty nice efforts last night. No screwing around in this group, just filling up the boxes with flies to be used on the Missouri River.

Here we see Ben McNinch whipping up some of his favorite winter swing patterns. He pounds the fish behind his house with this fly. I’ve used it. It works…[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”9264″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Our good friend Terry from Great Falls spun up a bunch of Foxy Clousers. If I could only use one streamer in a variety of sizes on the Missouri, this would be it.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”9268″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Mark wound up a bunch of Buzzball’s for this summer. These ones are on the dark side. I like that. A good tone for dead caddis. June will be here before you know it. And Mark knows it.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”9265″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Jerry tied up a mixed bag of Pink nymphs for the Missouri River. Some Lightning Bugs and some Firebead Scuddish type flies. Looks like he’s ready to hit the river. He might be out there right now? Nice stuff, and mandatory for this time of year.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”9269″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Local trout/duck bum John Heckert watches Mark work some Buzzball magic. Not sure if John is learning from Mark, or giving advice?[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”9266″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]

FLY TYING NIGHT IN AMERICA?

Let us know if you want to join in for Fly Tying Night. We general hold them on Wednesday nights through March, maybe April. Contact Mark at mark@headhuntersflyshop.com for more information…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

McCune Gould Spey Clinic April 11th and 12th

McCune Gould Spey Clinic April 11th and 12th

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Hooray! Once again Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service is hosting famed spey casters Mike McCune and Whitney Gould. They will be conducting their very popular 2 Handed Casting Spey Clinic focussing on Sustained Anchor Casts.

Last year these 2 clinics sold out. We expect the same again this year. We already have a few guests signed up.

These clinics are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday April 11th and 12th.

Mike is a longtime PNW Steelhead guide, and was on the ground floor of NW speycasting (he’s the “M” in your Rio MOW tips kit). Whitney is the women’s world champion speycaster (Spey-o-rama). They both spend most of the year guiding two-handed anglers from Alaska to California, but do make their annual spring trip to Montana where they offer a few select clinics at Spey oriented shops like Headhunters in Craig.

Whitney Gould Mike McCune Spey Clinic

The class emphasis will be on “sustained anchor” casts from both river right and left. Class size is limited to 6, so you can be assured you will get attention and instruction from Mike and Whitney. There are not a lot of opportunities to get hands on instruction like this, especially in trout country.

Cost is $200 per person. You are encouraged to bring your own equipment so that Mike and Whitney can help dial you in with the rod/line combo you will be using. If you are new to spey casting and need to borrow equipment, Headhunters has a big quiver for you to borrow from with rods from SAGE, Echo, Orvis, and T & T.

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Whitney Gould and Curt Reynolds having a laugh during last years clinics

Mike & Whitney focus on the cast, not the gear. Skagit, Scandi and Long Belly rigs are all invited. Late in the day they often play around with the challenges of Long Belly lines for those who wish.

Mike McCune has been on the front edge of of Spey Innovation for some time and with the addition of Whitney Gould and her spey casting expertise make this the clinic to attend this spring!

$200 will get you an all day long opportunity to increase your knowledge in sustained anchor techniques. Starting at 9am and going all day long with lunch provided by Headhunters.

Class size limited to 6 so you will get all kinds of personal attention.

Whitney Gould is a world champion spey caster and a long time instructor and guide. She is highly regarded in the industry and we know

Here is an article by Mike McCune about spey tips from RIO.

Call Headhunters Fly Shop 406-235-3447 to secure your spot for this very popular springtime spey clinic.

Montana spey fishing

Spey Lines – Diagrams for the Confused

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s really not that complicated, but the massive amount of advice from all corners of Spey-dom seems to confuse those new to the style. Here’s a few diagrams from our Spey Clinic presentation. CLICK TO ENLARGE[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8630″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][us_image image=”8629″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]

SCANDI & SKAGIT

Both Scandi and Skagit lines are SHOOTING HEAD SYSTEMS. Shooting heads are not new, having been around since at least the 60’s? About as long as me. I started to look for the history of Shooting Heads on Google, but screw it. If you still read books, you can find information on the use of short shooting heads attached to mono for both Steelhead and Saltwater fishing years ago. Tha’ts what Amnesia was invented for. Not the butt section of your sleazy nymph rig.

BACK to the Spey stuff. Like I said, they are both shooting head systems, and in reality very similar. They have also been produced as “integrated” shooting heads (1 piece) but those days seem to be gone. You definitely want the versatility of a head system so you can quickly change the style or weight of your shooting head based on conditions, etc.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8628″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]

TRADITIONAL

And here’s a profile of a generic traditional – or ‘long belly” fly line. If you look closely, you’ll see that I have specified the length as 55′ – 85’. That usually means 55′ +/- (mid-belly) OR 85′ +- (long belly). Yes they come in different sizes, but those are pretty close to some typical lengths. Please don’t comment or email me that you own a 49′ line that I didn’t mention. I got it.

Missing is the Uber-traditional Double Taper. That what me and my buddies used when we started doing this. RIO did not yet exist, therefore modern spey lines did not yet exist.

If we were all still using DT lines on our spey rods, I doubt I would be talking about this. Much tougher to cast.

If you want to learn more about Spey Lines, come to our free Spey Clinics (next one Dec. 10), or stop by the shop and talk to Sara, Ninch, Mark or myself.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Too Many Bugs?

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There can be, and I’m not talking about mosquitos. When the weather does the right thing and the bugs go nuts, Missouri River trout often get so focused on emerging insects that they start to ignore everything else. That includes my streamer? Hard to believe you can rip a Kreelex through a group of big Borwns rising in 8 inches of water and not get a response – or blow them up – but you can.

While we generally think of fish focused on hatches as a summer thing, it can and does happen in the winter. Things go dark, midges start to hatch in respectable numbers, and the fish that were pounding your streamer go dark as well.

When we’re swinging the Missouri during the winter months, as a general rule you do not want to see a bunch of midges hatching. The more fish you see rising, the less likely that you’ll get that pull you’re waiting for. Not always true, and not on all sections of the river (the Dam always seems to have it’s own set of rules). But I have experienced this enough over the years that I feel alright calling it a “rule”.

This sceanario is not typically a problem for us right now. Our big midge hatches are a couple of months away. But recently we’ve had some ideal hatch conditions and the bugs went off. And the two-handed fishing went south. Why? The fish have switched gears. No longer looking for that occasionally baby burbot to swim by. They are gorging on the millions of midge pupa rising through the water column.

Trout also move during a good winter midge hatch. It’s not uncommon to find them cruising slack water and back eddies. Midge larva are trick in those silty bottom spots with no current. Not where you want them to be when you’re swinging. If you think about it it’s really not any different than conditions you encounter during the summer months. The fish are shallow, or up in the water column where emerging bugs are available.

While you’re out on the river on those nasty, snowy days, pay attention and adjust accordingly. We love to swing, but there’s nothing wrong with a Midge Cluster/Zebra dropper either…

Montana Spey Clinic

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CLINIC #1 IS IN THE BOOKS

An excellent turnout for our first two-handed Montana Spey clinic of the year. The weather was nice, and we had a little glitch with our google drive sign up list and overbooked it. That’s OK. The weather was great – the best we’ve had in over a year – and the crowd was enthusiastic. All 18 of them, and we had some from as far away as Denver at this clinic. Might be the new distance record.

I continue to tweak our presentation and subject matter. We’re starting to get into the pure Skagit stuff a bit more, at least for those who want to learn “sustained anchor” techniques, as well as try Skagit lines instead of our preferred Scandi rigs. Ninch is your man.

I was glad to see several anglers really taking advantage of the gear available to them. Switching lines, rods, and tips to see how they’re rod reacts differently. It’s often dramatic. You just got to try it. Several attendees brought their own rods, and I think at least one or two of them will be looking for a different line. It’s so important that you get the right line for your rod. Try it, try it, try it…. That’s why we have all of those lines and tips at the shop.

And oh yeah, you can try them anytime your in town. Just swing by.

The ECHO Glass Spey Rod got a good workout, and most – if not all – of those who tried it loved it. We will have several more for demo (and for sale) by the first of the year. This rods really shined for those new to the sport. And veterans just love the funky, slow powerful action.

Our next clinic is Jan. 10th, weather permitting. Sign up now at the shop.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8550″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][us_image image=”8552″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][us_image image=”8551″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]After the clinic, Dewey just couldn’t help getting out there and nabbing a few nice Missouri River trout![/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8553″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Missouri River Swing Season

Missouri River Swing Season

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Missouri River Swing Season is upon us.

We have $300 Spey Casting/2 Handed Rod Guided Trips for the rest of 2014. All the way until the 31st of December.

We have done a few and have a few more slated for the upcoming week. Are you in? Why not try something new.

If you need a little nudge you should attend our Free Spey Casting Clinics with the first one being soon.

Missouri River Swing Season
Try something new this off season! Spey may be for you!

Saturday December 6th @ 9am. Come join us for an all day free clinic led by Headhunters own John Arnold. A killer PowerPoint presentation along side coffees and donuts at the Craig Trout Camp starts out the day with casting after the classroom session.

Many who have attended several clinics love the dry land presentation. After casting for a few days the second time you attend John’s presentation a few light bulbs in your head will pop off! The learning continues every time you attend.

Casting commences after the indoor session. Casting all afternoon local here in Craig. Several instructors will help you at whatever your casting experience is. This Free Spey Casting Class is limited to 12 students so get your name on the list today.

Remember the $300 Spey Guided Days until the end of the year. Free Casting Clinics begging December 6th and continue through the first Saturday in March.

Come out and learn something new this fall and winter with the perfect way to swing streamers on the Missouri River.

Missouri River Swing Season

  • Ever wanted to learn how to cast those funny long rods fellers are using with 2 hands on the rod?
  • Want to go on a northwest spey steelhead trip and don’t want to make an ass out of yourself with your buddies?
  • Want to show up knowing a thing or two about spey casting? Our clinics will get you started and casting well enough to catch fish!
  • Want to try out a bundle of DEMO Spey Rods from SAGE, Echo, T & T, and Orvis? Rods specifically chosen for swinging flies on the Missouri River.
  • Want to find the perfect line for your 2 handed rod? We have loads of demo lines, both Skagit and Scandi, to perfectly match your rod and casting style.
  • Want to get out of the house in December and come spend the day on the Mo’? Yeah, us too.

See you soon on the Mo’ wandering around with one of those funny long poles. Call today and get yourself on the FREE Spey Clinic list or book a $300 Spey Guided Trip. Remember we have cheap Craig Trout Camp Lodging too starting at $125. Make a weekend out of it!

 

 

Trout Fishing Temperature Game

The Trout Fishing Water Temperature Game

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Here are few Missouri River Water Temperatures that you may be interested in.

I know we have been waiting patiently chewing off my fingernails for a month now for the BWO Hatches that we are accustomed to on this great Montana river. While we do love to toss streamers in the fall, we also love to use that new dry fly rod that is begging to be cast…like your new SAGE One lined up with a RIO In Touch Gold!

We are always aware of the water temperature as we move higher in the spring months, but what is the higher end range for the baetis to start hatching on Montana’s Missouri River in the fall? According to this feller, we are right there at the number he states. So, let’s have at ‘er? No?!

Found this online, so I do not swear by the accuracy of this info. I stole it from the Frogwater Blog by author AJ Swentosky.

But, if you have been reading this blog for any length of time you understand that most of what comes from my keyboard is bullshit anyway.

So, with a grain of salt and a shot of shitty Tequila here are the numbers.

The Water Temperature Game

77°F – Upper limit of Rainbow trout survival

75°F – Temperature at which Rainbow trout stop growing

68°F – Temperature at which anglers should consider not fishing for trout

68°F – Temperature at which Browns and Rainbows start to become stressed

67°F – Temperature at which trout significantly decrease feeding

65°F – Temperature at which Brooks start to become stressed

60°F – Temperature at which Damselflies begin to hatch

59°F – Upper end of optimal fishing temperature for Cutthroat trout

58°F – Optimal temperature for PMD hatches

55°F – Optimal temperature for Quill Gordon, Hendrickson, Salmonfly, Trico, Green Drake and Caddis hatches

54°F – Upper end of optimal Baetis hatch temperatures

50°F – Preferred temperature for Cutthroat trout spawning

50°F – Lower end of optimal temperature for Crayfish activity

46°F – Optimal Brown trout spawning temperature

45°F – Optimal temperature for Chironomid hatches

45°F – Optimal Brook and Cutthroat spawning temperature

44°F – Lower end of optimal fishing temperature for Brooks, Browns, and Rainbows

42°F – Lower end of optimal water temperature for Midge hatches

40°F – Minimal water temperature for Baetis hatches

39°F – Lower end of optimal fishing temperature for Cutthroat trout

33°F – Minimal (not ideal) temperature for Midge hatches

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Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 10.27.14

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 10.27.14

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Today we are having the first cold weather in a decade. Or so it seems.

We have had themost pleasant fall that many can remember. Sunny and 70F. Standard for the 2014 season.

Today it changes. We command it to change. While this never works the timing of the storm could be the catalyst to get out true baetis out of its shell. Will it actually work? Golly, we hope so.

[forecast]

We have not truly gotten into the period of the year, most of the winter and spring, where the weather will dictate the day. We still have all of November and some of December to get through. The days of November can be so very pleasant. And, no people around.

Wide open dry fly flats…

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 10.27.14

Dry Fly Fishing

Dry fly fishing continues to be relatively limited throughout the day. If you are into posting up on classic sippers near the bank it has been somewhat limited. But you can go out and seek them out. Go first or go last. Those are the two methods to bank sipping success.

Or just have a better hatch. Really today could be the start. Let’s hope.

Blind dry fly fishing will get you a look or three per mile. Good enough to keep most paying attention. Caddis or a mayfly patterns can work. A skittering big orange caddis has been known to work this past week too. Yep, still.

Many would say that this October has seen the best blind October dry fly fishing in the past several years. Still going…

Streamer Fishing on the Missouri

Good to great depending not he reach, the angler, and the day. Good to great days have been heard and had by all.

The secret? Mostly slow stripping, or the pause. You can strip it fast too, but the fish have been interested in the pause. Or dead drift that SOB. Do it.

Smaller flies like baby sculpins, mini Sculpzillas, small black buggers, micro Zonkers, tiny leeches…or go big if that is your game.

The most popular of the fly lines include both he dry line or the 10′-15′ clear intermediate tips from RIO. We got them all int he shop if you need some help. Those truly savvy streamer dudes have a couple if not three streamer rods rigged. Just like those bass fellers. They have several rods at the ready. Why wouldn’t you?

Nymphing the Mo

Oh, it’s good. Use your normal fall or winter rig. It’ll work.

Missouri River Flows and Temperatures

4420cfs as of Sunday night and the water temps are below 54F. Dipping into the 53 range is good. Still warmer than normal. For sure. It will continue to dip as the week moves through. The flows should remain about the same for some time.

Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service

Open daily all winter long. 730am is when we arrive and we sill stay for your convenience til 7pm. The time change is nearing and we will go to an 8am start and 6pm finish as we move into November.

Tons of stuff still on sale. Rods, fly lines, flies, a few summer items, some fall stuff, a jacket or 3, a bundle of fly fishing accessories…something for everyone.

 

Missouri River October Flies

Missouri River October Flies

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Dries that have kept our interest this last week include some of the following. The weather has not been cooperating with clouds and moisture. But it should, would, will come? We are doing the snow and rain dance daily.

Row 1: Lewis CDC & Foam October Caddis, Orange Stimulator, Swisher Dancing caddis, Tan Para Caddis, Translucent Pupa.

Row 2: Nymens DOA Cripple, Harrops Last Chance Cripple, Baetis Cripple, Sparkle Dunn Baetis olive, Harrops Biot Emerger, CDC Indicator Comparadun.

Row 3: RS-2, Hi-Vis BWO Spinner, Snow-Shoe Midge, Q’s Cluster Peacock , Juan’s Midge Ice Emerger Black.

Nymphs that have been getting us through the week are per below. Get out there and get some. The morning show has improved and you can expect a pretty strong bite most times of the day. Although, it is better when there are a billion bugs not he surface.

When there is not a great hatch, the fishing can be slower. Then toss streamers?

Screen Shot 2014-10-12 at 9.02.04 PM

Row 1: ClawR Crayfish, Pat’s Rubber Legs

Row 2: Pearl Lightening Bug, Mason’s Peep Show, Micro Mayfly, Matt’s Autocad, Rainbow Warrior, Purple Weight Fly, Purple Lightening Bug, Zebra Midge, Tailwater Sowbug, Rainbow Czech

Row 3: Magic fly BWO, Newman’s Own Midge, Stout’s WD-50, BH Midge Pupa, Arnold’s Palomino Midge, Juju Baetis, Skip’s Anatomay, Mercury Flashback PT, Mercury RS-2, S&M Nymph

Missouri River Fly Fishing

A few Missouri River October Fly Fishing Tips

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We are in full swing for the month of October. Lots of stuff happening. Not the big bugs yet but they gotta be on the way. Tons of Pseudo’s around almost every day. Overcast conditions are heading our way as we move past the middle of the week towards the weekend. Bring it on.

Clouds.

A few Missouri River October Fly Fishing Tips

  • Sleep in. No rush. The sun needs to rise for the bugs to move up in the water column.
  • Think opposite of the rest of the gang. Be smart and you too can stay out of the boat and wade fisher hatch. Think about it and execute your plan.
  • Blind fish some of your favorite water. You may be surprised.
  • You can employ all three disciplines for any given day. It is fun to fish all three during the day.
  • Don’t fish like a dick. It is quite rude.
  • Tons of non-local locals around and hunting some heads.
  • October is short. You should come out. It gets cold in November.
  • 3 words. B.W.O.
  • Overcast. 45F. Moisture in the air. Calm.
  • We love October.
  • A parachute Adams works well. Check out the shop for a vast selection of Cripples, Emergers, Spinners.
  • Make the first cast a good one. The initial drift is king! Honest.

 

 

Missouri River Pseudos and Baetis

Pseudos… call them what you will.

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Mark and I hit the river at Pelican the other afternoon and both Pseudocleon (Pseudo’s) and Caddis were present in a big way. Fish were up all over the river eating both bugs. Mid-September is when both of these hatches start to ramp up, and the lower river is where things start. Cooler water down there. That’s the key.

Pseudo’s are often referred to as “Tiny Blue Winged Olives”, and apparently have been reclassified as Iswaeon Anoka. Got to keep up on my entomology!

Here’s a link to what Troutnut has to say about the Pseudocleon.

While these bugs may be part of the Blue Winged Olive clan, to the angler they are a completely different hatch. Yes they’re smaller. And that’s a pain as eyesight diminishes over time. They also emerge from the nymph sub-surface. Total pain in the ass. But the real difference lies in when and where they hatch.

Unlike Blue-winged Olives, Pseudo’s (or Anoka’s… I’m going to start calling them that) love the sun. They typically hatch from late morning through the afternoon on sunny (and cloudy) days. Unlike BWO’s, you don’t need a nasty cold front and rain to produce a big hatch. They also tend to hatch “riverwide” meaning in all types and speeds of water. Our true BWO hatches are often localized. You’ll see them above and below riffles, then you may float a mile without seeing any. Not true with the Anoka. They’re everywhere.

Our trout tend to key on the sub-surface emergers, especially in sunny conditions. Oh, it looks like they’re feeding on top to most anglers. And sometimes they are. But you’ll see lots of fins, and this means the fish are feeding just sub-surface. This can make matching the hatch extremely difficult. I love to fly fish, but throwing #24 emergers at roaming packs of risers in the middle of the river is not my favorite thing to do. I’d rather mow the lawn.

So how do we approach the Anoka hatch? Most anglers on the Mo’ will use traditional BWO cripples and duns down to about #20. This isn’t really the correct size (#22-24 is about right), but you can usually get fish to respond, especially if there is any cloud cover. Keep in mind that there are usually a few BWO’s present during even our earliest September Anoka hatches. Fish often pick them out of the masses, as they do Caddis.

The most important factor Anoka’s play, is that they get the fish up and rising. Yes they are difficult to match and fish, but – on the Missouri – it’s always better to have the fish up than not. If I know where they are, and that they are feeding on top, half the battle is already won. Now I just need to find a fly that I can see, and they will eat. For Mark and I the other night, that fly was a #12 Stimulator. Go figure.

So, the Pseudo’s – or Anoka’s – are here. Like clockwork. The hatches are big and they last for hours. Get out there and figure out a fly that works for you. Along with what appears to be an excellent fall caddis hatch, we’re on the front end of 6-8 weeks of fantastic dry fly fishing.

Here’s a few dry flies that I’ve had good success using during this hatch over the years. These are all bigger than the real bug, but usually get enough positive responses that I’m content:

  • Nymens DOA Cripple – BWO #20
  • Quigley’s Half Dun – BWO #18 – 20
  • Harrop’s D&D Cripple – BWO #18
  • Light Orange Parachute #20 (hard to find)
  • No Hackle – BWO #20 (hard to find, harder to tie!)
  • Light Olive Parachute #20

Don’t be afraid to a throw caddis at those fish, especially if you see a violent rise here or there.

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it's a team Effort

Do you Row?

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Today we talk about the individual charged with helping the angler in the bow of the boat. The angler, albeit important, does not hold the singular responsibility in the vessel. The guy holding those 9′ overpriced sticks is the guy holding all the cards. He can make or break your day. That person can put you in the spots, or just drift by and watch. Which category do you fall into?

The more often the oars are in contact with the water, the better!

So often you see boats floating down the river without any plan. Occasionally you see boats spinning in circles and you certainly know what is happening there. A rookie rower. We have all been there. Just trying to keep the boat off of the shore. It is truly frustrating and experience is the best teacher. Also watch how other conduct themselves behind the sticks. You can learn ton from watching a rower with stealthy moves.

You know the guy. You may have fished with some sort of rowing guru. It feels, looks, and is like he or she is not doing a thing. Nothing in fact. It is surgical how efficient professional or great rowers can be. Small soft movements with the oars. No hard and deep thrashing about. The sign of a new rower is one who makes took large or gross movements and is quite loud with his oar strokes. The good rower makes a number of smaller movements with soft oar entry and exit movements. Quiet is the theme. Efficiency is the game.

Its a Team Effort
A result of good rowing!

Execute the Plan

One who executes a plan for the future, for downriver, who is engaged in the fishing game. A good rower is constantly communicating with the angler, or anglers, and is willing to work with them. We so often see the rower pushing, pulling, spinning, or the worst of all of the rowing movements…nothing! Nothing is not good. I call it this style Wings Up! Don’t be that guy.

Having the oars out of the water for any length of time is considered evil by those who like to catch fish. That means that the rower is not interested in using the other tool laying next to him. The net. No interest at all. Many think that the rower does not carry that much responsibility. Wrong. He is the guy that cries the key to angling success. Whether that be drift fishing, common on the Missouri River, or posting up on rising trout.

When posting up on rising fish the rower plays a big role too. How, when, where are all factors in your angling success. Those who come in hot and drop the anchor like dropping a refrigerator out of the sky…don’t catch as many fish. sneaking up on the trout proves to be a solid technique. Alerting the enemy that you are in the neighborhood is never a good idea.

You are not doing your buddy a solid just by sitting your ass down in  the middle seat. No, not true. You actually have to do something with those sticks hanging out of the boat.

Those Sticks are Oars

Those sticks are oars my friend. To put your fishing buddy, the feller in the bow, into a situation where upon he gets to use the net…that rubber basket that you need to employ more often.

The rower, row boy, or oar boy needs to participate in the process or get out of the center and move into the back. The back seat in the drift boat is the seat where nobody is expected to do anything other than pitch his two buddies in the front two seats shit. And lots of it. That is the primary role of the dude in the back seat.

In the back seat you can drink beer, nap, take photos of wildlife, steal flies from the rower, clean your fly line or any other task you desire. The back seat is the privileged seat. The King’s Chair is the rear seat. Many think it is the front seat. Wrong. The front seat is the seat for work. Do work son. The back seat is for those educated anglers who want to watch until the fishing gets really good. Then the feller in the rear can jump into the game sighting non-activity for the last several hours. A good line at this point is something like “I’m just gonna make a few casts at this giant sipping Brown trout little Rainbow.”

It's a team effort
Bird’s Oar View

The Oarsman makes the Day!

Back to the rowing, the rower, the man in charge. You have to use the oars to get your buddies into the trout. You have to participate in the fishing game. Only if you dig your friends. The folks that cat h the most fish from a boat are the folks that have somebody helping along the way. If you are a fellow that uses the boat for transportation then disregard this wordy blog.

Those who keep the oar blades from the water, those that are afraid to make a few strokes for the sake of their fellow fishermen, those who think it is cool to make your friends cast a long, long ways to the trout, those who like seeing the bobber swim from the front of the craft to the back rapidly your friends want you to recognize that you may be the type of guy I am speaking about.

Your friends do not want to fish with you all that often if you suck at rowing. If you hear something like this at the boat ramp when you say that you would like to start out the day rowing “No Bob, I’ll start rowing today. Besides you rowed a lot last time. Why don’t you fish today and I’ll row. My treat.” If you hear something like this, you should question your skills behind the sticks.

Translation:

  • You are bad at rowing.
  • You make it impossible to fish.
  • I cannot stand fishing if we will be nowhere close to fish.
  • I hate it when you do not participate when I’m fishing.
  • Do you really think that I row like that when you fish?
  • Dude, please don’t touch the oars.
  • Oh, yeah…I’ve been fishing more with my wife.

Those are all statements that should make you understand that your buddies may not want to continue your fishing relationship. Honest.

You know the truth hurts sometimes. Those type of comments should be a wake up call for you. That is the nice way of saying insert insult here.

Rules for Rowing a Drift Boat

Never front row. We see this all the time. Fellers pushing downstream for no reason. Why would you take away the drift. Drift, while drift fishing, is everything. Having the bugs move at the same rate as the current helps those trout buy into our program. Back stokes and back rowing are what we do oat here on the Missouri. Slowing the boat down for more presentations and to get the bobber to move at the same rate as the water.

Less is more. A few strokes are generally all you need to make a move. To move the boat a couple feet. Big deep and hard strokes are for dodging rocks. Here on the Mo we do not have those issues. Here we want slow and gentle movements to deal with our technical current lines.

Point the nose away from danger and back row. A good lesson for those in faster water too. Point the nose, the bow, at danger and back away. Rowing toward bad stuff is just that. Bad.

Dip the oars into the water. They won’t melt and neither will you. You may even hear some applause from your buddies. They may even pick up the tab at the bar for you. They may even invite you to go fishing with them again. Try it. Do it. Embrace it.

It's a team effort
A good oarsman can put you in the right spot!

Be a better Rower

There you have it. If you are the type of fellow who does not row well, listen to your buddies. Try harder. Engage the oars with the water. It is OK. We all sucked at one point but those who are quite comfortable at rowing are so for a good reason. They practiced and learned from others.

Watch how those pros work the oars and blades. Look at seat position. Look at how often the oars come in contact with the water. It is often. The oars never stop moving. It is more of constant minor movements that get the job done. No drastic stokes digging water deeply. All surface strokes with purpose.

Go out and learn by yourself. Go out and take charge. Go out and get better. Go out and become a better oarsman.
Twist of Fate

Twist of Fate

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In a strange but true situation here on the Missouri River the Dry Fly Fishing is better than the Nymph Fishing.

Honest.

While the Missouri River is know for its famous dry fly fishing it is also a fantastic nymph fishery. Unbelievable in fact.

But, for the last couple weeks the nymph bite has been shitty soft. An understatement really. While we are still getting some trout to eat the nymph it has not been stellar. We are used to stupendous nymph fishing all year long. Of course we see some soft spots…this is certainly one of them.

Not that you can’t catch  few trouts on the wet fly. You can. But it not what we, or you, have become accustomed to. It will turn at some point. We will let you know here of course. But until then, do not expect to set any records.

The Dam is not even that hot yet. It will allow heat up as the month passes by and we approach September.

Twist of Fate. The Dry Fly is Hot!

On the other hand, the dry fly anglers are still having a heyday! Not much pressure for us in August and there are plenty of fish not getting bothered. Go out and find your Valhalla.

Some days there are rising fish all day long after the spinner fall in the morning gets the fish in the right mood. You know that feeling. The Trico Spinner Falls have been epic on any given day. Not always, but almost always. Less pressure here than in July and June have allowed the fish to become pretty comfortable sipping in historical summertime pods.

Then there are those lone fish. Do you like the loners? They can be brown in flavor.

Folks are finding the dry effective all the way through the canyon and downriver to Cascade. Check out the daily weed flow and choose your reach. Today the weeds not too bad. Better than the last few days for sure folks.

Headhunters guides are stretched out all over the river. Mostly downstream though as the hopper and attractor flies have been killer. Maybe not all day long but before the sun gets too high the fish are certainly in a positive feeding mode.

We love Trico’s and love to fish them. Get on out and enjoy a quieter river for another month. Then September picks up a little. Most of the rest of the state is fishing really well and we enjoy this time of year while some of our guests are fishing the Freestones. Like the Blackfoot!

If you love the dry fly, come on out and toss your line in. Most days I see more dry fly anglers than nymphers. Yep, true.

Shop open daily @ 6am and open late til 9pm. Late shuttles, flies, info, and the early stuff too. Coffee is on and hot early here in Craig.

Missouri River Reach Cast

Can an animated GIF teach you to Reach Cast?

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Our own Braden Lewis executing a proper reach cast. If you watch it enough times, will it embed itself into your brain?[/vc_column_text][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_raw_html]JTNDYSUyMGhyZWYlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRmltZ2ZsaXAuY29tJTJGZ2lmJTJGYWxzc2MlMjIlM0UlM0NpbWclMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRmkuaW1nZmxpcC5jb20lMkZhbHNzYy5naWYlMjIlMkYlM0UlM0MlMkZhJTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Reach Cast Video

The twice annual Reach Cast Discussion

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The twice annual Reach Cast discussion kicks off today this hump day in mid July.

The other time we talk about this is when me, Mark, has nothing else to say ion the mid winter.

Or nothing of value daily to say about fly fishing the world’s finest trout fishery.

Long time clients Joe and Paul Taylor are here from Rome NY and they do understand the validity of the reach cast. More fish are caught when you employ some sort of slack line presentation when fishing to our often difficult bastard fish freely rising trout.

I’ve been fishing with them 15 years and they know what I’m gonna say before I say it. Comments like, “I know, a reach cast would work here” come from their mouths when I open my mouth to gently probably rudely   suggest trying…

If you don’t, you may as well be practicing non fish catching techniques. Shoot, you can do that at home, in your back yard without freely rising wildly reproducing whities rainbows and browns.

Back to the Reach Cast. Use it. Live it. Love it. Test on Monday.

Use it only if you want to catch more fish.

 

Reach Cast from scumliner media on Vimeo.

Big Dries.

by

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]The other day I was picking a few big “foamies” out of the bin for a day on the water. A customer leaned over my shoulder and asked “what the hell I was going to use those for?”. “The Missouri”, I responded. He gave me that “you are a liar look” all fly shop owners have received at one time or another (whether they are telling the truth or not). I wasn’t lying.

Many visitors to the Missouri River during mid-summer are in search of technical “match-the-hatch” fly fishing. And we are too. We love it.

So why would I be picking out some big foam stonefly patterns if I like matching the hatch? Because, I like matching the hatch…

While technical ‘purist” think of PMD, Baetis and Trico hatches when they envision themselves standing in the Missouri, the fact is that we do have a few other bugs that dictate what the trout are looking for. Just a few.

Everyone knows that ant patterns – like Missouri River guide Dave Bloom’s Ant – are a staple for dry fly fishing. I’ve often said that if there was a “One Fly, Dry Fly” contest on the Mo’, I’d choose this pattern. And there’s a reason. Get out and walk the willow lines banks and scabby flats and you’ll see ants everywhere. Ants on bushes. Flying ants. Ant hills. They’re everywhere.

While a #14 ant isn’t exactly a “foamie”, many latin spouting Eastern anglers scoff at the notion of throwing an ant pattern. To them it’s the same as throwing a Royal Wulff or stimulator. But in reality, an angler on the Missouri is most definitely matching the hatch (albeit terrestrial) when tying on an ant pattern.

And those big Foamies? Well, we do have a few Golden Stones and Salmonflies on the Missouri River. A few. We also have plenty of hoppers and Yellow Sallies. If you look around, you will see the big stoneflies and the shucks they leave behind on stream side rocks. And while you won’t see many flying or on the water, they are here. It’s almost like they hatch at night.

And because they are there, our trout eat them. The big ones are always on the lookout for a large winged meal with rubber legs. While guiding “Margarita” Ron Bartek last week, we managed a few fish each day on the big flies. Only a handful of fish, but they all looked like this…[/vc_column_text][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_image image=”5619″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]These bugs are not for throwing into pods below Wolf Creek. They’re best suited towards searching the banks or fast flats when little else is going on. You absolutely need some experience to figure out the right kind of water, but it does work. Sometimes it works great.

Rev. Ninch from the Church of Flyentology picked out a few of his favorites for you to see. While He probably won’t tell you when or where, he’ll show you the bug. Will I tell you? Nope. Somethings you have to figure out without the help of Google. But we’re giving you a start.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_grid type=”masonry” post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” images=”5638,5639,5640,5641,5642,5643,5644,5645″ orderby=”post__in” items_gap=”” columns=”6″ items_layout=”gallery_default” img_size=”us_350_350_crop” overriding_link=”popup_post_image” breakpoint_1_cols=”6″ breakpoint_2_width=”768px” breakpoint_3_width=”480px” breakpoint_2_cols=”4″ breakpoint_3_cols=”2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]