Headhunters Life

Things we do and see on the Missouri River Montana.

Here we go into winter like weather...

Here we go into winter like weather…

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Cooler weather today and tomorrow. Check out the forecast if you are heading up or out here for a fishing spell. Bring warm gear. If not pick it up at your cold weather fly shop in Craig, Headhunters. Check out the counter punch to Patagonia’s Puff Ball from SIMMS. We got it and we like … Read more

Browns and Brews Review

Browns and Brews Review

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Browns and Brews Review Good times last night in Craig Montana. Red Lodge Ales, The Front Brewing Company, The Mighty Mo Brew Co, and Eagle Beverage poured beer from 4-8pm. Yummy is all I can say. Many enjoyed the tastes and sounds of Rocket to Uranus playing on Izaak’s Log Jam til dark. Dancing? … Read more

Missouri River Labor Day Weekend Fishing Report

Missouri River Labor Day Weekend Fishing Report

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Missouri River Labor Day Weekend Fishing Report Good reports from most coming into the shop int he afternoon. The Missouri River Labor Day Weekend Fishing Report looks pretty promising. Good decent not too hot weather with light winds and a party in Craig to boot! Today we give you the bulleted version of the Fishing Report. … Read more

Browns and Brews Fest & Big Sale!

Browns and Brews Fest & Big Sale!

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Browns and Brews Fest & Big Sale! This Saturday in Craig Montana we have the 2nd Annual Browns and Brews Craft Beer Festival. Craft Beer Fest! Breweries Red Lodge Ales, Mighty Mo from GF, The Front Brewery from GF, and Eagle Beverage will be in attendance for this grand occasion. 4-8pm is the Fest with … Read more

Roaming Montana

Roaming Montana

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Getting out and roaming Montana this week. Good friend EBitty and myself roaming around and fishing a bit. Love the Missouri River here in Craig but always good to more of Montana than just the canyon. And so we did. A good reminder that there is more to Montana fishing than our own backyard. When … Read more

Creek Fishing

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Did a little “Crick” fishing’ with my daughter yesterday. Had to get out and have a walk around. And catch some fish in a boulder filled stream. We found a few, and we also found surprisingly cold and powerful flows for late-summer. Some of that is due to recent Thunderstorms dumping ample rain over the Upper Missouri region, but most of the higher elevation freestones I’ve fished this summer seem to have “normal+” flows, despite the drought conditions many of Montana’s larger lowland rivers are experiencing. I’ve heard this from a handful of anglers from other parts of the state as well (but not everywhere).

I’m always at ease tackling a small mountain stream this time of year, knowing I’ll only need a handful of flies and some 4X. If things get tough, I’ll throw on a BH dropper. Yet I continue to find these “easy” fish doing what all trout in Montana do in August. Eating Tricos. You’d think after so many years of doing this it would no longer be a surprise. Yet it is, and I still rarely have anything close to a Trico in my backcountry box.

And some of the bailout and inside lies these freestone geniuses can set up in are just as tough as the Missouri. Maybe tougher considering the cliffed-out, deep wading, brush busting, knee scraping approaches you need to make. But it’s fun, and most of our local creeks contain some good fish to go along with the smaller trout one expects. Fish that are worth bruises and punctures.

We didn’t catch a ton of fish, mainly because we didn’t fish that much. This kind of trip involves some non-angling activities. Hiking, checking out caves, general exploring and maybe a river nap. But when we fished we caught them, and I don’t think we found a fishless pool. And that’s not always the case.

While these streams can and do suffer from extremely low flows, warm water and a lack of oxygen, they don’t seem to be this summer. At least no where I’ve looked around North-Central Montana. There are some fantastic mid and upper (“side country” and “backcountry”?) elevation freestone opportunities right now that shouldn’t be viewed as a plan B. Excellent fisheries with good numbers of fish and some good ones if you look hard enough and walk long enough. Before you do go, however, take a thermometer and check the temp. If you’re not familiar with the stream try to get some intel on regular flows for this time of year (many of these streams do not have USGS gauges).

Get out there!

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Dog Days this Week

Dog Days this Week

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Dog Days this Week We are a couple strong weeks away from the Dog Days of Summer but the temperatures will remind us that August is coming. Remember that July is our warmest month here in central Montana with August historically cooler. But it can be stale and stale. We may see this this week. … Read more

Friday Foto Rain Delay

Friday Foto Rain Delay

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Friday Foto Rain Delay Two of my favorites over the years. Tony and Sandy. Quite a pair. Enjoyed fishing with both of them. This is a rain delay a number of years ago under the tailgate at Stickney Creek. Rain and TStorms this weekend in combination with sun! Be prepared with the right rain gear … Read more

Commando Style – Explore Rentals

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we head into a drought year with at least some fishing restrictions, we thought we’d throw a long overdue shout-out to our friends at Phasmid Rentals (now Explore Rentals) in Bozeman. Owner Will Cassella has been a customer for years and runs an excellent 4 Wheel Drive/Camping/Boat Rental operation that many of our customers utilize.

If I could give one piece of advice during a low-water/hot weather year, it’s to BE MOBILE. The ability to quickly changes plans and rivers allows you to work around unexpected closures, poor fishing and sometimes the weather. Mobility means camping, not the typical hotel/lodge accommodations.

Camping means you’re either going to drive to Montana (can be thousands of miles) -or- ship some camping gear here ahead of your visit -or- go to Wally World and buy a crappy tent, sleeping bag, etc. to be left in the airport dumpster. Flying this kind of gear out has simply become too expensive, and the airline pain-in-the-ass factor has become intolerable.

Or, you can rent all of this stuff from Explore Rentals. It starts with a Suburban or Outback, and you go from there. You can add a camper or an NRS Freestone Inflatable Drift boat (one of our favorites). You can choose between multiple sleeping options, including the “Zzz” setup to crash in your car, or a variety of tents, sleeping pads and bags. A variety of cooking kits, coolers, tables, camp chairs, etc. is available. Explore even rents Bear Spray and two-way radios. The list is enormous.

While you won’t be as comfortable as you would staying in a nice riverside cabin with a shower and Satellite TV, you can quickly and easily move to where the fishing is best. And you get to do a little “roughing it”, which is good for you. Watch the sun go down on the bank of a different river each night, including some of those lesser fished places that don’t have services.

We’ve heard nothing but great things from our customers who have utilized Explore Rentals, and they’ve grown considerably in the last few years. If you are in the planning stages of a Montana fly fishing trip for later this summer – and you don’t mind sleeping on a pad instead of a bed – we highly recommend that you check out this option. Fly to Bozeman, pick everything up and then go where the fishing is the best.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

At least the hurricane force winds kept the flags flying all day.

The town that forgot how to 4th of July

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]photo essay by John Arnold

Every once in a while, a town forgets how to 4th of July. Yesterday was that day for the village of Craig. A handful of folks drifted through town to celebrate our Nations independence on a warm, windy and dusty afternoon. Through the magic of Adobe software, I’ve transformed these images into gloomy, high-contrast black and whites that make it seem much more miserable than it actually was.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_grid columns=”5″ post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” images=”19289,19277,19284,19282,19283,19286,19285,19287,19281,19278″ orderby=”post__in” items_gap=”4px” items_layout=”gallery_default” img_size=”us_350_350_crop” overriding_link=”popup_post_image” breakpoint_1_cols=”5″ 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]To be honest, we kind of saw this coming. And we still had a good time visiting with the folks who were around. They were all fisherman, which is nice. Craig could use a “4th off”, though I’m sure Joe’s Bar and a few the town residents still put on a good fireworks show. While some folks were bummed we opted out of the Fireworks and all night BBQ, it did give our staff the opportunity to roam around the region and enjoy some of the other Independence day celebrations. Or just sleep.

We hope you had a safe holiday and are ready for some July dry fly fishing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Montana Hoot-Owl Restrictions

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

BEAVERHEAD RIVER

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

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

BIG HOLE RIVER

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

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

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

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

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

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

GALLATIN RIVER

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

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

JEFFERSON RIVER

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

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

MADISON RIVER

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

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

RUBY RIVER

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

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

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

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SHOULD I EVEN GO THERE?

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

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

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

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

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

Brown Drakes

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I have been chasing Brown Drake emergences for almost 30 years. For years on Silver Creek, a bit on the Henry’s Fork, and since I saw one on the Missouri, which was 15 years ago. They’ve been seen lately. I don’t think they’re has been an epic evening yet. But I don’t know for sure, because sitting on the tailgate at the Cascade boat ramp drinking a Coors Light and watching isn’t the same as going. Here’s what I know:

  1. They hatch on the Missouri River.
  2. 50 people a day ask me if it’s happening, then tell me not to tell anyone else. It’s a secret.
  3. Brown Drakes hatch in the evening, though daytime emergences can and do occur in the right weather. Think low-light.
  4. Spinner falls typically precede the hatch, often right before or at sunset.
  5. The weather needs to be hot and calm for the big night.
  6. Brown Drakes are burrowing nymphs (need a soft bottom) and because of that, hatches on the Missouri can be localized where suitable habitat occurs. This is especially true in the Canyon and around Craig.
  7. I’ve seen the fish key on shucks. Especially during the daytime. Because in the day I can actually see if they’re keying on shucks.
  8. I’ve had success with glow-in-the-dark parachute posts.
  9. If you have poor hearing, bring your hearing-aids.
  10. It’s best to positions yourself looking west if possible. Into that late evening glare.
  11. There is no secret dry fly, they all seem to work to some extent. There are some secret nymphs.
  12. If you get on the water too early – and bring beer – it’s pretty easy to get a buzz that will affect your fishing.
  13. If you get on the water too early – and bring beer – and the hatch doesn’t happen, you may need a designated driver.
  14. Consecutive low-water years see the hatch intensify. Flood years knock it back (Spring creeks like Silver Creek don’t have this problem and have very consistent hatches).
  15. Once the lights go out, check your tippet/leader often for tangles.
  16. Dry Shake and Amadou patches are absolutely mandatory.
  17. Fish feel way bigger in the dark when you can’t see them.
  18. Browns are still smart at night.
  19. You’re always late on the hook-set in the dark, so hit it hard and don’t bring your grandpa’s Bamboo rod.
  20. Carp eat Brown Drakes too!
  21. I have seen Brown Drakes on every tributary of the Missouri I have fished. You should have a few in your box no matter where you’re going in late June/early July.
  22. If you go, it will probably suck.
  23. When you finally take a night off because it always sucks, you’ll miss the big one. 

So there’s a few tips to help you catch a trout on a Brown Drake. You’d think in all that time I would have learned more than 23 things. Guess not.

In all honesty it’s been a few years since we had long, consistent good hatches ( in the early 2000’s the hatch would go for 3 weeks or more!). The big water years a while back really knocked them down, but they’ll be back. And there are enough hatching to make it worth the effort if you hit the right night.

If you want to give it a try, pry yourself off the barstool at Joe’s and ask anyone in the shop for the right bugs and a point in the right direction.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father’s Day

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Happy Father’s Day to all of you Father’s. We honor our father’s out there ing and far. The Mo is fishing awesome. Bring your Dad out here and row for him. Certainly tie his flies on for him. And net the fish on his line. And pay for dinner. Honor him all day, everyday. Enjoy … Read more

Thursday Eagle Image

Thursday Eagle Image

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Get out there and find those PMD’s! This eagle is checking out the fish near the surface. Which there are lots of. Fish up in all kinds of cool locations yesterday. This weekend will be good. Love the lower air temps this week. The reservoir is full and all is good. See you on your … Read more

Missouri River PMD

PMD’s On Deck

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This weeks warm weather should get the Pale Morning Dun’s cranked up. Our very favorite Missouri River hatch. PMD’s epitomize downstream dry fly presentations on flat water. And the trout love them. That first week or 10 days is always significantly better than there following 4-6 weeks. The fish can be as “easy” as it gets. But we’re talking Missouri River easy.

Earlier I advised anglers to be prepared for all stages of the PMD hatch. While I won’t take that back, I will say that if you’re here for those first few days, just about any cripple will work. And we like that.

Here’s a few of our favorites from (L to R) Silverman, Quigley, Hodek, Quigley and Nymen. For the first week I personally might just grab a dozen Nymens, but those others are just so tasty – and proven as well. When things get a little tougher after the first week, the name “Harrop” will be added to that list.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Upper Missouri Waterkeeper sues EPA over Water Quality

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

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

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

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

Trending: Stream Access & Gubernatorial Race

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

MONTANA COWGIRL BLOG

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

High Country News

Montana Cowgirl Blog

Montana Conservation Voters

Montana Wilderness Association

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tJTJGcGx1Z2lucyUyRnBvc3QucGhwJTNGaHJlZiUzRGh0dHBzJTI1M0ElMjUyRiUyNTJGd3d3LmZhY2Vib29rLmNvbSUyNTJGaGVhZGh1bnRlcnMuZmx5c2hvcCUyNTJGcG9zdHMlMjUyRjc1NDUzNTc0ODAyMjkzMSUyNndpZHRoJTNENTAwJTIyJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1MDAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjI1MDIlMjIlMjBzdHlsZSUzRCUyMmJvcmRlciUzQW5vbmUlM0JvdmVyZmxvdyUzQWhpZGRlbiUyMiUyMHNjcm9sbGluZyUzRCUyMm5vJTIyJTIwZnJhbWVib3JkZXIlM0QlMjIwJTIyJTIwYWxsb3dUcmFuc3BhcmVuY3klM0QlMjJ0cnVlJTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGaWZyYW1lJTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Sunday Motivator

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ben McNinch shows us a dandy Brown he landed the other day. Right when the water bumped, but hey, that’s his day off. Do you think Ninch is going to take the day off because they raise the water a little? Not a chance. And his he going to raise the white flag because things are tough? Negative.

Ben reported very good fishing – and several big fish – below Craig. He caught them on top and on streamers. He also broke out the two hander in a couple of spots and swung up a half dozen. Pretty good fishing, and we’ heard that from several folks in the last few days.

While the day they bumped the river was tough for some, once the flow stabilized and the fish settled down we’ve heard mostly good to great reports. Most of our guide staff reported that Friday was unbelievably good fishing both with nymphs and dries. The weather was perfect, and most of us like a little color in the water from runoff in the local tributaries.

The sun/wind over the weekend will give way to some moisture, clouds and bugs early in the week. Later in the week we will finally start to see high temperatures over 80 degrees (if the forecast holds true). I’m betting we may see the start of some intense PMD and Caddis hatches. Evening fishing could get very good in the next 7-10 days.

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Things To Do: Tower Rock State Park

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’re often asked what other activities there are to do around Craig if you’re not fly fishing, and hiking is at the top of the list for many. Unfortunately the Missouri River is surrounded by private land and hiking on Federal Lands is an hour or more away. But we do have a few local hiking spots, including our two local State Parks, the First Peoples Buffalo Jump in Ulm, and Tower Rock at the Hardy Creek Exit between Prewitt Creek and Pelican Point.

If you’ve ever fished the lower Canyon Tower Rock has caught your eye. It’s a massive 400 foot high rock that is right at the Hardy Creek bridge on I-15. Nearly everyone has floated by it, but not many visitors make the quick hike up it.

CLICK ANY OF THE IMAGES TO ENLARGE…[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_image image=”18821″ onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_image image=”18823″ onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Tower Rock has only recently become a State Park, though there is a long history of public use. The parking area is right near the Hardy Creek exit and the transfer station (dump). There are outhouses, parking and several interpretive signs. The rock was formally named by the Lewis & Clark Expedition in 1805. Here is an excellent article from the Billings Gazette about the park.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”18826″ align=”center” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Panoramic shot from “the saddle’ at the midway point and end of the formal trail. you can see Tower Rock itself on the right, Hardy Creek Rapids in the center, and Julie exploring some rock formations on the left.

The hike up is short, but there is a steep section that require a bit of stamina and some decent shoes. I wouldn’t wear flips in this one. You begin with a half mile section with little gain that parallels the Freeway. After that, you head straight up a bowl to the saddle at the midway point. There a great spot to stop and rest, take in the view and drink some water. Definitely bring along some water if it’s a warm day. Also keep an eye out for Rattlesnakes, especially if you brought your dog along.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][us_image image=”18820″ onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][us_image image=”18819″ onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]From the saddle you can head south (take a left) and scramble up a rocky spine to the base of the rock itself. At this point you’re only a few feet from the “summit” but I’ve never seen a way up to the top. At least not one I could get down from. 30 years ago, yes. Today, the views good enough from the base.

From this point you can continue south, going down then up to the top of a massive cliff overlooking the river. Here, you’re right above the big pool and rock immediately above the freeway bridge. It’s a great view from here to the south, and the coolest spot on the hike in my opinion.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_image image=”18817″ onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_image image=”18818″ onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][us_separator height=”22px” size=”custom”][vc_column_text]If you’re simply doing this for the exercise, you can knock out a quick up and down to the saddle in less than an hour. If you want to continue up and out to the cliff edge, I’d probably give myself 2 hours for a little hang out time. There’s some pretty interesting geology here (read all about it), and some great views. It’s not a wildlife viewing spot, but you’ll likely see some deer, and there’s usually some Bighorn Sheep hanging around, though I’ve never seen them on the trail side of the ridge. Raptors are also possible.

While it’s not an all-day adventure, it could be combined with a trip to Ulm and the First Peoples Buffalo Jump or the Nature Conservancy’s Crown Butte (we’ll get to that another time). It’s short enough that exercise nuts and nature lovers could actually hike Tower Rock before or after a guide trip.

Below: an interesting view of the Pelican Point area and the Chestnut Valley beyond.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][us_image image=”18822″ align=”center” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]If you’re not sure how to get there, just ask any of our staff. It’s very easy to find. If you floated the Missouri River for years – but never climbed up Tower Rock – you should give it a go. Just to say you did. It’s also a great hangover cure before a long day of fishing.

Right now the weather is perfect for a hike up nearly any time of the day, but watch out for afternoon lightning storms. Sunrise is beautiful. During the heat of mid-summer I probably would do it in the morning only.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”TOWER ROCK STATE PARK” color=”primary” align=”center” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fstateparks.mt.gov%2Ftower-rock%2F||target:%20_blank”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbSUyRm1hcHMlMkZlbWJlZCUzRnBiJTNEJTIxMW0xNCUyMTFtOCUyMTFtMyUyMTFkMTA5NjAuMTIxMjI0MDE3ODEyJTIxMmQtMTExLjgxNDg0MjU5NzU1NTUlMjEzZDQ3LjE4MzUyMDMxNDUyNzIxJTIxM20yJTIxMWkxMDI0JTIxMmk3NjglMjE0ZjEzLjElMjEzbTMlMjExbTIlMjExczB4MCUyNTNBMHgxMjRmYjRmNTNhYTMyMmQ2JTIxMnNUb3dlciUyQlJvY2slMkJTdGF0ZSUyQlBhcmslMjE1ZTAlMjEzbTIlMjExc2VuJTIxMnN1cyUyMTR2MTQ2NDMyNDE1MjEyNiUyMiUyMHdpZHRoJTNEJTIyNjAwJTIyJTIwaGVpZ2h0JTNEJTIyNDUwJTIyJTIwZnJhbWVib3JkZXIlM0QlMjIwJTIyJTIwc3R5bGUlM0QlMjJib3JkZXIlM0EwJTIyJTIwYWxsb3dmdWxsc2NyZWVuJTNFJTNDJTJGaWZyYW1lJTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Friday Foto – Storm Season

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our weekly image shows this wicked Thunderstorm that whacked the river last night around 8pm. This shot is taken near Cascade with the Adel Mountains in the background. Plenty of lightning associated with this cell. Finally. I love storms and they usually signal a day of good dry fly fishing.

Make sure and bring your rain jacket and pants this time of year. You never know where or when these can pop-up.

If you can tell you’re going to be in the lightning, my personal recommendation is to get out of the boat in a low spot with no big trees, and spread out! If you all sit together, you all may get it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

By the way… the Creeks are Open

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Montana’s “small stream opener” falls on the 3rd Saturday in May each year. That was last Saturday, and we always hold the Craig Caddis Festival on the opener. Rain pretty much swamped most folks creek plans last weekend, but now that the smaller freestones in the area are open, it’s time to keep an eye on the USGS Guages. As a general rule, rising is bad and dropping is good. You’ll need to know a little bit about each stream to know if the flow numbers (CFS) are good or bad, but that info is generally not hard to get.

The Dearborn and Little Prickly Pear are the most popular small streams locally. Both produce good fishing, and because Missouri River lunkers have access to these creeks, you may run into some unusually large fish. Whats the secret? The first guy to present a fly to them wins. Both of these streams are important spawning tributaries for Missouri River trout (Little Prickly Pear is most important), and you may run into some late spawners if you’re stomping around them in the next week or two. Leave them alone!

West of town there are a multitude of small streams that form the headwaters of the Blackfoot (the mainstream Blackfoot is open year around). I won’t call out any in particular, but they all hold Cutts and the occasional Rainbow, Browns and Bull Trout. Remember that targeting Bull Trout is illegal, even if you’re making the next great YouTube movie. Our advice is to drive around the area, look at the water (clear but high last time we looked), and find the calmest water to fish. Most of these creeks do not have a USGS station but you can get an idea by watching the Blackfoot gauge.

Closer to home but still to the West are the streams that make up the Sun River drainage. Access isn’t the best but most of these streams hold fish and many have some nice Brown Trout. A really easy spot to start exploring is below Gibson Dam a few miles west of Augusta. The fishing here can be inconsistent, but when it’s on it’s worth it. Beyond that you’ll need to figure it out yourself. Take advantage of Montana’s incredible stream access law to fish some of the smaller streams in this incredibly beautiful area.

(the above image is the South Fork of the Sun River near Benchmark. Not the greatest fishery in the area, and it requires some hiking. The scenery is, obviously, spectacular.)

East of town offers good fishing, but you’ll need to do some driving. Although most folks think of multi-day floats when they think of the Smith River, but there are a few wade fishing access points above and below the Canyon. Headwater creeks around White Sulphur Springs all hold fish, but have very limited and sometimes physically difficult access. Beyond that are Belt Creek and the Judith River flowing from the Little Belt Mountains. Accessed through Great Falls, fishing the Little Belts is more of a multi-day proposition. Bring your Gazetteer, camping gear and make sure you have decent tires. I have found that landowners in the area are pretty easy about fishing if you ask nicely and with respect.

To our North there is very limited fly fishing. If you knock on the right door along the Teton River you might find some great fishing, but there are miles of less than stellar habitat as well. North of Choteau there are a few creeks worth exploring on both sides of the Blackfeet Reservation boundary, but few do with so many high quality lakes in the area.

To our immediate south is the aforementioned Little Prickly Pear and a few creeks in the Helena Valley, mostly fished by locals. After that you’ll run into the Boulder drainage which can definitely be worth exploring. By now you’re getting close to the legendary streams of Southwest Montana, so I’ll leave it there.

In reality, it will probably be 2-4 weeks before many of these streams are fishing well. Keep these areas in mind, however, as they offer solitude that can no longer be found on the big rivers during summer, and they can be full of surprise fish if you do your homework and beat some brush.

Speaking of beating the brush, we recommend that you care a canister of Bear Spray if you’re fishing west of Craig on either side of the Continental Divide. Small streams can be a horrible place to run into a Grizzly Bear, and obsessed fly fishermen are famous for focusing more on the stream than on the surroundings. You can purchase Bear Spray at Scheels in Great Falls, and it can usually be found in small towns like Choteau, Augusta and Lincoln.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Inconsistencies

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The above image shows Missouri River guide Eric Mondragon and clients shoving off into the wind at Wolf Creek on Sunday morning. We’ve had plenty of wind lately. Often from the north, which impacts everything from boat control and casting accuracy to hatches and angler comfort. Wind often indicates a change in the weather, and we’ve had that as well. Lots of changes and inconsistencies in our weather patterns this spring.

My first guiding job was in Ketchum, Id working for Todd Van Brammer at Sun Valley Outfitters. Todd often checked the weather (the newspaper and then The Weather Channel back then) and was looking and hoping for long periods of high pressure. “Inconsistent weather makes for inconsistent fishing” he would preach. He was right then, and still is.

We’ve had some great fishing this spring, but we’ve experienced some shockingly tough fishing as well. May is traditionally a great month on the Missouri River, and considered an “easy” time of year to put fish in the net, but that has not held true this year. Our weather patterns seem to be in a constant state of change, and – as my old boss taught me – so has the fishing. Hatches have not had a chance to settle in to a routine so the trout haven’t either.

Bottom line? It’s hard to expect consistently good fishing when the mercury and barometer are jumping all over the place.

According to the weather-man, things are about to change. Consistency seems to be headed our way. The forecast for the next 10+ days shows another day of windy conditions (today) followed by a solid week or more of partly cloudy conditions, highs in the 60’s slowly moving into the 70’s, and little to no wind by Missouri River standards.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][us_image image=”18766″][vc_column_text]No more big cold fronts and Pacific moisture, no more 80 degrees one day, 50 the next, no strong frontal systems. It looks like just what the dry fly angler needs. A week of winds less than 10mph, partial cloud cover and temperatures warm enough to trigger the bugs. And the wind-vane stays S and W where we want it. Flows are ideal right now – hovering just under 6000 CFS – and hopefully the stars will align and let us finish off this month strong. Water temps are approaching the mid 50’s which may trigger some of our June hatches a little early.

And I see some T-Storms mixed in as well, and I love seeing some boomers in the forecast. While I’m no fan of fishing in a lightning storm, I know I’ll see bugs on those days, including those insane micro-burst-hatches that often precede T-storms.

For those wanting to hit a freestone river, The Dearborn and Blackfoot should fall into nice fishing shape this week, and should benefit from the forecast. They both appear to be stabilizing and should drop and clear a bit if the forecast holds true. Those not-to-hot high temperatures and lack of significant rain are exactly what you want during runoff. Neither will be much of a wade fishing option this week – still to high – but should offer up some great float fishing.

And speaking of The Weather Channel, check out our buddy/meterologist/fly fishing nut Reynolds Wolf at TWC.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Fishy Art Show in Bozeman

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Two of our favorite artists are holding their annual showing at the 406 Brewery in Bozeman on June 2 from 5 to 8pm. Pat Clayton – a.k.a. Fish Eye Guy – and Mimi Matsuda will be on hand showing their latest artwork during a fun and casual evening event that also includes beer! (another favorite thing of ours). You can check out the updates on their Facebook event page. Learn more about them and they’re talents:

Fisheye Guy Photography (Pat Clayton)

Mimi Matsuda Art

Pat specializes in showing the underwater environment that trout live in and native species. Mimi is a painter known widely for her humorous animal portrayals.

Check out these 2 great artists and stewards of the environment. And remember that 10% of what you purchase goes to TU.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][us_grid columns=”4″ post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” images=”18775,18772,18771,18770″ orderby=”post__in” items_gap=”” items_layout=”gallery_default” img_size=”us_600_600_crop” overriding_link=”popup_post_image” breakpoint_1_cols=”4″ breakpoint_2_width=”768px” breakpoint_3_width=”480px” breakpoint_2_cols=”4″ breakpoint_3_cols=”2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Art Show “Montana Wilds: Mimi Matsuda Art and Fish Eye Guy Photography – Débuts in Bozeman, Montana”

A gala opening of fish and wildlife art and photography is slated for Thursday, June 2, from 5-8 PM at the 406 Brewing Company in Bozeman, MT.
This exhibit is a collaborative art show of two of Montana’s well known fish artists, Mimi Matsuda and Patrick Clayton “Fish Eye Guy.” Matsuda and Clayton will display original paintings and fine art prints highlighting the fish, wildlife and waters of our western region. These contemporary artists call Bozeman home and find the fish and waters of Montana as fuel for their art. Matsuda and Clayton will direct 10% of proceeds to Montana Trout Unlimited.

Matsuda’s art is directly influenced by her decade working in Yellowstone as a park ranger naturalist. “I paint to inspire people to preserve and protect wildlands and animals.” Ever since childhood, she has wanted to teach about animals and paint to tell their stories. Her art highlights the fantastic wild citizens that make our region so distinct. Matsuda will show her wildlife acrylics, soft pastels and landscapes.

Patrick Clayton has been traveling for over a decade to the farthest flung river corridors with his underwater camera in tow, searching for the most beautiful salmonids on earth. He has documented the most iconic species swimming free in their natural habitats. “The wilderness has been more than a place for me to find a challenge; it is a place to reconnect with a natural world from which modern life too often pulls us away.” Clayton will display all his best images as fine art prints hanging on the walls of the 406 Brewery.

Trout Unlimited’s Montana Water Project’s Bozeman-based staff focuses on restoring streamflows to dewatered streams by collaborating with irrigators to maintain agricultural production while conserving water and updating water policy to ensure our world-renowned wild trout rivers keep flowing. Bozeman’s Madison-Gallatin Chapter of TU is among the largest of 1,500 chapters nationwide bringing grassroots support to restoring local streams and fisheries and advocating for fish-friendly policies in Helena. TU members and staffers are passionate about southwestern Montana’s unrivaled trout fisheries and share our wider community’s concern for wild and healthy streams.

10% of all sales will go to the Montana Trout Unlimited.

For more information: www.mimimatsudaart.com and fisheyeguyphotography.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Sunday Hangover

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Under dark skies and on and off downpours, the 10th Annual Craig Caddis Festival was held yesterday in Craiglandia. Our annual fundraiser for the Craig Volunteer Fire Department was attended by hundreds, and despite the cool and wet weather, the crowd was rowdy and supportive. We are still counting the money from the BBQ contest and other arts & craft vendors that participated, but no doubt it will reach way into the thousands. An important part or our local Firefighters annual budget. Look for a detailed report later this week.

As for today, it’s still cool but the sun is showing itself on the Missouri River. Thinking Dearborn? It’s toast after yesterdays deluge but should fall into shape in the next few days. If you swing by the shop today, keep it on the quiet side. Our heads are pounding.

Thanks again to all who braved yesterdays weather to support our biggest local event of the year![/vc_column_text][us_image image=”18754″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Friday Foto

Friday Sun Foto

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Cloudy and rainy this morning turning to sun this afternoon. But the next week is littered with rain clouds and precipitation. We’ll gladly oblige. Fishing is good in May and this is no exception. See you this weekend on the Mo!

Missouri River May Rain Days

Missouri River May Rain Days

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Missouri River May Rain Days Missouri River May Rain Days from your information and entertainment leader here on the Mo. Rained all day yesterday. May rain all day today. The good news is that it is a cold and wet rain. Anglers ou there most of the day. Saw lots of boats headed for … Read more

Happy Mothers of Invention Day

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A tribute to all Mother’s today.

We totally honor all Mother’s today in central Montana.

Mother’s nurtured all of us in the fishing industry to follow our hearts.

And we thank you from the bottom of our souls.

Thanks Mom.

Enjoy Frank Zappa playing alongside the Mother’s.

Some of did move to Montana…

…although none of us entered the monied dental floss business.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ialhaxhr7iA”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Friday Foto Papu & four-O-six

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Papu of fourOsix in Helena Montana. The coolest lifestyle, ski, snowboard, sunglass, and outstanding clothing hang in Helena. Papu is releasing this sprite Missouri River Rainbow Thursday morning. Fished a Purple Haze with a  Peep Show below all day long. Papu fished with Dr Chris Mast of Helena. My dentist, and many of the HH gang … Read more

McCune/Gould Spey Sessions Recap

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Another long weekend of Spey Casting instruction with Mike McCune and Whitney Gould is in the books. We held 3 classes this year in what turned out to be absolutely perfect weather. No wind. 3 days in a row. In April. Unheard of.

As usual, all attendees were excited to get some hands-on personal instruction from these two instructor/guides. They are both on the same page, but each brings a few different twists and teaching styles. Nearly every student comments to me how much they appreciate the two different viewpoints.

We hope to be hosting them again next year around the same time. They will be around fishing through the week and you may be able to track them down and say hello or ask a question if you hang out in the evening. During the day they will be out fishing of course. Because they’re fishermen.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”18588″ align=”center” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]

Here’s a few shots from the weekend classes. I was in and out during the course of the day(s), and I noticed some pretty dramatic improvement from everyone who attended. Mike commented that the lack of wind made it especially easy to try multiple casts and different angles from both river right and left.

Thanks again to Mike & Whitney for providing the instruction, Julie for lunches and our good friends Bob and Andy Maricich for allowing us to use their property for the venue!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][us_grid columns=”3″ img_size=”us_600_0″ post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” images=”18585,18584,18583,18580,18587,18579″ type=”masonry” orderby=”post__in” items_gap=”” items_layout=”gallery_default” 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]

Spring Sale!

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]BIG Spring Sale this Friday and Saturday at Headhunters. We’re trying to make a little room by clearing out some merchandise from last fall, celebrating Spring, and declaring an “end” to both Swing Season on the Missouri, and out “Spring Special which ends on Saturday. We’re finishing off Swing Season in a big way with Spey-guru’s Mike McCune and Whitney Gould, who will be here through the weekend while offering their clinics on the Missouri River. If you’re not signed up for one of their clinics, you might be able to chat them up around the shop in the evenings.

Our Spring Sale will start Friday morning and go through Saturday evening at 8:00pm (maybe a little will be left over on Sunday?). We’ve got some great deals on fly lines (both single-hand and spey), sportswear (both mens and women) and outerwear, a few screaming deals on new fly rods and demo spey rods for sale as well. It’s been chilly and you might find a deal on baselayer items. You won’t find any deals on wading boots and sandals, unless you ask (limited sizes), but you will find the remaining stock of 2015 Headhunters T’s on sale along with the last of the Headhunters lids.

We will be marking more gear down and the weekend goes, so if you don’t see something you want on sale ask us. The worse we could say is no, right? Just depends on your behavior and out mood. If you’re not in the mood to shop, but are in the mood to fish, swing by before or after fishing and have a cup of coffee or a beer and say “hi”! Open 7am-8pm, as per usual.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Mid Week Missouri River Business

Mid Week Missouri River Business

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Cleaning up the week as it stands today with our Mid Week Missouri River Business Post. Lots happening with the weather, the fishing, the spewing Rainbows, and the ebb and flow of the early season here on the Mighty Mo. Mid Week Missouri River Business Don’t fish directly to those spawning Rainbow Trout. Have seen … Read more