Headhunters Life

Things we do and see on the Missouri River Montana.

Spring Sunshine, Snowpack, and Surprises

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Spring Sunshine, Snowpack, and Surprises Been pretty nice here on the river. Good fishing, good weather, fresh air. But, as I write this Wednesday evening it is snowing hard, with an inch on the ground in the past 30 minutes. So the title of this blog could possibly be Spring in the Rockies. Spring … Read more

Flies… To Go!

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And of today, the front door at Headhunters will be locked and we are asking customers to use the “takeaway” window on the Side of the building, AKA the “beer drinking porch”. Trying our best to help everyone keep their distance, and to protect our staff as much as possible. You can order online, call … Read more

Weekend Recap

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Whoa, what a weekend. Saturday saw the masses descend on Craig and the Missouri River. While there were plenty of fisherman, there was plenty more folks just getting out of the house and enjoying some flawless March weather. Sunny with highs just past 50. And no wind. Lots of families and kids. Lots of wade … Read more

Saturday March 21st

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Saturday March 21st Spring in Craig Montana. And in your neighborhood too. The earliest spring equinox in 124 years. It snuck right past me! Maybe you too? Sunny Saturday March 21st. 3rd day of Spring. 50F and yes, sunny. Anglers out on the river breathing fresh spring air. Enjoy the third day of spring whatever … Read more

Fishing & Weekend Operations

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Headhunters is still open, and we’re getting a number of calls asking if we will be open this weekend. Answer: Yes, we will and are. We’re really here as a service provider at this point. Shuttles, lodging, guide trips and those little but important things like flies, tippet, inda-mabobbers, flopatant, etc. Nice weather and the … Read more

Thursday Throwback Ants

Thursday Throwback Ants

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Thursday Throwback Ants High water this coming year? We don’t think so. This image of creepy ants is from 2010. A high water year for sure. Does not look like we will see this kind of run-off this year. Unless it starts raining cats and dogs sometime in the next month. And that could … Read more

Friday Foto It's March

Friday Foto It’s March!

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Friday Foto It’s March 71F today on the river. Calm for the morning session, windy for the afternoon. Tonight possible snow flurries. Again on Saturday nite too. Montana. Spring. Normal. SNAFU. The fishing is picking up. Along with the springlike weather the water temps may start their annual climb out of the cellar. A bundle … Read more

In defense of Dry FLy Anlgers

In Defense of Dry Fly Anglers

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I wrote a recent blog reminding us, we, the industry need to be a aware of the wants and needs of all anglers. Reminding us that whether you be a nympher, a streamer junkie, or a dry fly fanatic there is a place for you in this widely accepting recreation group. While some of us … Read more

Winter Day Dreaming

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Winter Day Dreaming  Another installment of Dick Magill. Angler. Thanks for the great summer story today Richard. I too am looking forward to the summer season. Not that I don’t like spring, and I don’t really like winter…summer keeps my motor running. Long days, warm evenings, frothy Margarita’s, PMD’s. Ahhh. Summer. I’m getting really excited … Read more

The Police Live at Beat Club 1978

The Police Live at Beat Club 1978

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The Police Live at Beat Club 1978 Showed off the Chameleons this past week. But they do not compare to the talent in this late punk band. The Police. The Police had a hand in shaping the music of the 80’s. Pretty strong showing. Raw talent. Honed. Practiced. Edgy. Punk-ish. Just like a young … Read more

Friday Foto Hardy Country

Friday Foto Hardy Country

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Friday Foto Hardy Country Windy. Warmer. Still winter like here in the canyon and beyond. The weekend even warmer. And probably windy. February is nearly over. Hooray. My least favorite part of the year. By a wide margin. March is around the corner. Hooray. More midges. That is good. Have a great weekend. HH open … Read more

Sunday Surf Flick 1965 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational

Sunday Surf Flick 1965 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational

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Sunday Surf Flick 1965 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational

Snow on the ground here in Craig.

Blowing pretty hard around the river.

Some may stay home and watch this cool Hawaiian Surf Flick.

Others may tune into the XFL!

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Headhunters Fly Shop is looking for a few good men and women!

Last Call: Headhunters Fly Shop Hiring Summer Staff 2020

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Want to join the Have some great resumes on tap at the shop already with interviews being conducted as we write! But it is not too late to get your resume in to mark@headhuntersflyshop and sara@headhuntersflyshop.com Why not work with us this summer and beyond. Fun work atmosphere, great structure for learning and advancement, strong … Read more

Old Faithful

Ditching Old Faithful

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Ditching Old Faithful From our revealing Dick Magill, Angler Series comes todays blog by crack staffer and writer Richard. Want to speak with Dick Magill? Stop in and see him weekly @ Headhunters of Craig. When you are on the water and you’re are digging through your streamer box, what’s going through your mind? Are … Read more

PMD's and Cheap Trick

It’s just like the First Day of PMD’s

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It’s just like the First Day of PMD’s

You know, the first good day.

That is what Cheap Trick’s “Ain’t that a Shame” Live at Budokan ’78 makes me feel like.

You gotta turn this up to 11. Then push play.

The build up with drummer Bun E. is reminiscent of late May on the Mo. The sun is shining longer each day. Summer is near. You hear word of a couple PMD’s seen on the lower river. Then some at Mountain Palace. 5 days later…

Push Play here man. (If you haven’t yet man)

And that is what PMD’s in June and July feel like to me. Pure rock and roll. Just like this hard chargin’ guitar rock theme. Rick Nielsen on screaming lead guitar. Robin Zander, who looks like a rock star, with the vocal gymnastics of late 70’s rock and roll vocalists. Tom Petersson laying down a deep bass beat coupled with Bun E. Carlos stroking the drums like a polished dry fly angler.

Strong. Full of sound. Analogous to an epic PMD emergence.

Play it twice. This track deserves it.

I’m gonna play it loud when I get home tonight again. Possibly with an overpoured Margarita.

And run a mental movie with the summer sun on my head. The light breeze delivers the blooming Lilacs past my nose. The soundtrack of nature emanating from the earth. The act of PMD’s inundating my being on their journey upstream…

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Fly Fishing Resolutions

Fly Fishing Resolutions

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Fly Fishing Resolutions Great photo above of Guide Eric Mondragon fishing with friend Carl and Golden Trout-Dog (TD) a couple years back. This image is what spawned me to write out my fly fishing resolutions. That image signifies all that is good with fly fishing. Outdoors, sunshine, dry flies, pets, friends, boats, the sound of … Read more

A first look at our water forecast in 2020

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A first look at our water forecast in 2020 John and I recently spoke about the water levels for the first time this winter. While we are not scientists, biologists, water managers, degreed in any way that would make us qualified to gauge what will happen in 2020…below is what we spoke about. A bit … Read more

Silly Sunday Scenery

Silly Summer Sunday Scenery

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Silly Summer Sunday Scenery John Ewing casting at rising fish this past summer. John is a non-local local fishing the Missouri River at least a couple times a year traveling from Maine. A long time Missouri River lover and he today provides our image for Silly Sunday Scenery. John spent his career behind the lens … Read more

January Missouri River Forecast

Missouri River Fly Fishing January Forecast

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Missouri River Fly Fishing January Forecast

January Missouri River Weather Forecast

Pretty stable for the next ten days with air temps in the mid 20’s at night along with daily highs in the mid 30’s. Lots of cloud cover predicted so may be a decent time to fish?

The average temperature for January includes a highs of 35F and lows of 15F with 0.51 inches of precip which adds up to about 9″ of snow. The wind chill can be impressive with winds from the north. The prevailing wind is generally from the southwest which is not nearly as biting as the evil wind. Check out the 2020 totals here on US Climate Great Falls site.

The water temperatures are not terribly cold. Yet. Currently hovering around 35-ish. Bouncing between 35-37F for the past couple weeks. Without the frigid well below zero temperatures for a good long spell the river will not become slushy or un-fishable.

The water levels are holding in the lower than average zone by  about 1400cfs. Don’t know as of posting what the water direction will be before the end of the wet season in June, but we do know our snowpack is below average.

 

January Fishing Forecast

Cold. Our coldest fishing month. Or one of the top 3. Again we will not know the outcome until later this spring. The non winter-like November and December have led us into quite a boring start for the New Year. Wear warm clothes, warmer socks, and bring your Thermos.

Morning fishing is for those who like to sneak out there before the fish are bothered by the winter sun. Some wait until after breakfast to begin their slow journey to the river. Fish the noon til 4pm slot until the sun stays out later if you like the meat of the day.  As the winter fades to spring then you may begin to enjoy the morning more often. But that is a couple, or a few months away.

Nymphers come on strong in January. The primary attack for fish catching includes anything pink. Or at least start with anything and then figure it out. Firebeads are really a hot ticket in the next couple months. Really strong through the end of spring.

Fish the real winter water all month long. The stale stuff. Almost stopped, yet still moving.  The inside bends towards the end of the moving area. Then focus on depth. The water is pretty low so go with shorter than normal rigs. Split or not is your choice. A house divided on this lead filled topic.

Swingers comprise about half of the winter Missouri River angling participation stats. Skagit fishers are getting fish on the line. Fishing pretty well from top thru the canyon. Check with the shop before heading out for not only boat ramp health but shelf ice coverage.

Headhunters Fly Shop

Open daily for all things Trout. Your leading Montana fly shop for all things Trout Spey. We have the full lines of RIO, Scientific Angler, OPST, and Airflo spey lines, tips ,and accessories. We have become the authority in this arena with the entirety of the staff engaged and involved with the two handed rod all winter long.

January is a busy month for booking spring, summer, and fall guide trips and nightly Missouri River lodging. You want to start your Missouri River legacy this year? Or continue your family Montana trip? Start making your Montana trout memories by getting your name on the books for 2021.

Headhunters open daily @ 8am til 1pm. Mask Mandates continue at Headhunters of Craig.  Enjoy your January whether you be skiing, finishing up the waterfowl season, or hibernating. Give us a shout. We love talking trout![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/88700134″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Happy New Year Headhunters of the World

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Happy New Year Headhunters of the World

Happy New Year to all of you out there in Blog-land, the Headhunters Stratosphere, and friends from all walks of life.

We wish you all the best in the year to come.

Achieve your goals, laugh a bunch, and of course fish more than last year.

Whichever side of the cosmic universe you lean, remember that when you are flyfishing, nothing else matters.

The great equalizer.

Zen and shit.

That is a comforting concept.

Embrace it in 2020.

Happy New Year.

Make it a damn good one.

A year, no, a decade full of memories…

 

Ed Note: Ziggy covering up top, Bob and the video below.

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Joe’s Craig Bar Polar Bear Plunge

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26th or 27th Annual Joe’s Craig Bar Polar Bear Plunge Wednesday January 1st @ the Craig Boat Ramp @ High Noon! News coverage attends yearly. You dress yourself up or down in some sort of bathing suit coverage. Immediately following the Annual Chili Feed @ Joe’s Bar. All proceeds going to the Craig Volunteer Fire … Read more

Christmas Spey by Jeff Kennedy

Christmas Spey by Jeff Kennedy

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Christmas Spey by Jeff Kennedy Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah. Wishing you the best today, this week and throughout the upcoming year. Thanking all of you for a fantastic 2019. Looking forward to a wonderful 2020. A cool Christmas Spey fly painting from Jeff Kennedy titled Christmas Spey. Check out Jeff Kennedy art here … Read more

You'll Shoot your Eye Out!

You’ll Shoot your Eye Out!

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You’ll Shoot your Eye Out!

Spey casting is easier than shooting your Red Ryder.

You won’t shoot your eye out with a 11′ 3wt.

Merry Christmas from all of us here in Craig!

Don’t Shoot your Eye Out![/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrAwb9ptu9U”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Sunday Surf Flick

Sunday Surf Flick WSL Jaws

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Sunday Surf Flick WSL Jaws

This may be more difficult than a long dry fly cast in the wind.

One thing for sure, fly fishing on the Mo is less dangerous.

And maybe as exciting?

Happy Holidays. Shop open daily 8-5 Sunday, Monday. Christmas Eve til noon. Get your shuttles early if you are headed our way. Closed Christmas Day. Open again the morning of the 26th.

Intermittent media for the coming couple weeks. Items for thought include your summer 2020 plans, your Trout Spey set-up, the job offering at Headhunters for 2020, and your 30′ dry fly cast.

That should keep you occupied. Again, Enjoy the weeks ahead. Be safe.

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Fish Smoker Friday

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Fish Smoker Friday

Been smoking cheese and fish for a couple weeks now.

I always feel, near the end of the month long smoking session, that I have got ‘er dicked. I have it figured out. I am on, in the zone, firing on all cylinders.

Until I watch videos like this one from ACME Fish in Brooklyn. This cat is on his game.

Was in NYC the summer and graced the smoked fish counter at Zabars on the Upper West Side a couple times.

Dreamy. Got lots of smoked fishes. And soft cheeses. And fresh baked French bread. And ate it up.

Enjoy your weekend. Looks pretty good on the Mo. Thursday was dead calm and overcast. Friday? Today? Good as well. Saturday good. Sunday snow.

I’ll be at home smoking more fish. Halibut this weekend. Brined and smoked. Then mixed into a salad for life on a cracker.

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Small Business Saturday in Downtown Craig

Small Business Saturday in Downtown Craig

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Small Business Saturday in Downtown Craig Howdy out there in Trout Land. It is Small Business Saturday in Downtown Craig. Lots happening at the shop. Good sales items are finding their homes and a few are gonna make it into Santa’s Bag too. All items available online here, the sale page. All Flies 50% thru … Read more

Black Friday Sale!

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here Ya Go! Below you’ll find our specials available from today through Monday here on our online store, over the phone or in the house. Winter Storm: Due to the recent Winter Storm that left area roads sketchy, we may be operating on limited hours Friday Nov. 29 (9am-4pm). If you’re planning on coming down … Read more

Thanksgiving 2019

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Thanksgiving 2019 Happy Thanksgiving. Here’s hoping you are spending it with your family and friends. If not today, then a memorable sometime in the near future. We are in a blizzard. Getting kinda used to it. Might be our 9th or 10 snow. This Thanksgiving storm is a doozie! Travel safely. We give thanks to … Read more

Thanksgiving Week Weather/Fishing Forecast

Thanksgiving Week Weather/Fishing Forecast

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Thanksgiving Week Weather/Fishing Forecast Icons filled with snow flakes for the entire week. Temps not rising above freezing beyond the Thursday Holiday thru the weekend. North winds. Hopefully not too serious at least some of the days. We will be open unless we aren’t. The weather could tip the scale on whether, the weather wins. … Read more

Black Friday… it’s this Friday!

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This weekend Headhunters will have a few very special deals for our annual Black Friday Sale. In typical fashion, our staff has picked a few special and limited items for the pre-holiday sale season (if there is a “pre-holiday” season anymore). If you tune in to our website this Friday, you’ll find specials on a … Read more

Summer 2020

Summer 2020

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Summer 2020 The first of the Holiday weeks. This is a big one. You will see family and friends. Drink a bit. Tell some lies. Watch some football. Maybe fish. Definitely Nap. A call to you to discuss your 2020 summer fishing plans. Get in now, secure your perfect Mo River Lodging, and book your … Read more

Winter is around the corner

Winter is around the corner

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Winter is around the corner Snowing Tuesday afternoon. This may be the last of fall. Not that we had much fall around these parts. A smattering of guide trips out this last week and coming this weekend. This could be our 8th snow storm of the early winter. Winter arrived early and continues to remind … Read more

Beastie Boys Live Glasgow 1999

Sunday Beastie Boys Glasgow 1999

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Sunday Beastie Boys Glasgow 1999

Best concert I never went to. Honest.

I am a huge Beastie Boys fan with influences that include jazz, funk, punk, soul, 70’s and 80’s beats, rock and beyond. A diverse music knowledge flows through their NYC veins.

And I grew up in this era. Watching this freaked me out. At 11:40 Time for Livin’ with the boys rocking their own instruments flipped me right out. Seriously.

Many times. Dancing in my living room. Wildly. Flippin’ out.

That is some punk rock shit right there man.

So if you are watching bad football today as the schedule is pretty weak, spin this vid up and go to work.

Skip you Pilates workout today as this will get the blood moving rapidly enough.

Watch in the garage, or the bedroom (hide) to let your family believe you can still dance appropriately.

Truly the best 45 minutes of my weekend. The fishing has gone soft the past couple days and that is upsetting. Expect a full report tomorrow. This brings me right back to center. If I am ever feeling a bit low, under-energized, solemn, sad…I’m a gonna turn this right on and recharge the batteries man.

Listened to Sabotage every morning ski bumming at White Pass in 1994. When this album, Ill Communication was released it shook our household. Daily. Starting with coffee etcetera every morning before work at 530-ish am.

You can find Sabotage on the live feed at 43:08. It rules.

And if you are not familiar with the video Sabotage, which shoulda won several awards, check it out below. Check out the 10 Facts about the Video Sabotage.   

Wiki Sabotage stats can be found here.

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Friday Foto Craig Bridge Scene

Friday Foto Craig Bridge Scene

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Friday Foto Craig Bridge Scene Chillin’ on this Friday mid-month. Spey trips out this weekend. The swinging is good. Been walk wading and enjoying it. See you out there this afternoon. After accounting work. At home. With Bailey’s in the coffee. Takes the edge off of the paperwork. Unseasonable temps keep us pretty stoked. … Read more

Mike says…I’d get out there this week

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Mike says…I’d get out there this week Speaking with Mike of Headhunters, on the phone, this morning at Trout Spey HQ standing in my bathrobe drinking Baileys along with a splash of coffee and he said…I’d get out there this week. Weather is conducive for fishing the Mo. Hi’s in the mid 50’s thru next … Read more

Friday Foto November Edition

Friday Foto Parrothead Edition

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Friday Foto Parrothead Edition A throwback today for Friday Foto Parrothead Edition. This shot November 2009. A snow year. As you remember ’08-’11 were all big water years. Therefore, a snowy winter. Including November. This shot after our second year open. We are now in the home stretch finishing season 11. Yes, time does … Read more

Beastie Boys meet Isley Brothers

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Beastie Boys meet Isley Brothers

One of my favorite jams of all time is on the Beastie Boys B-Boy Bouillabaisse, A Year and A day. 

The guitar sample is from That Lady Isley Brothers ’73 track that was a cover from The Impressions Who’s That Lady in ’64.

Love this jam. One of the good lines from the B-Boys track…

I’m fishing with my boat and I’m fishing for trout
mix the Bass Ale with the Guiness Stout
fishing for a line inside my brain
and looking out at the world through my window pane

A recent mural has been painted in NYC at the site of the Paul’s Boutique shoot below by Danielle Mastrion.

Check out the tunes below. You’ll dig ’em. Listen deep into That Lady parts 1&2 for the killer guitar riffs you will love.  A nice place to go in-between BWO hatches. Or football games if you are trapped at home today.

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Nate, Danielle and Mark @ FB NYC with Beastie Boys Poster