Seasons of the Mo

Seasons of the Mo We love the winter season. A slower pace of life. Time moves slower. Winter can do that to a feller. Time to think about… …the Seasons of Fishing. How different they are. How enjoyable the summer hatches are. How cleansing the Spey Casts of winter can be. …the Seasons of Nature. … Read more

Last Minute Gift – Echo Gecko

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We just received a bunch of Echo Gecko Kits for that young angler looking to get into the quiet sport. We’ve been out of stock for a couple of months, and these will likely go quick. The Echo Gecko is the all-time best selling single rod model at Headhunters. Not just a gimmick, the Gecko … Read more

More important than fly fishing

More important than fly fishing

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

More important than fly fishing

I’ve watched this speech number of times over the last nearly 30 years. Jimmy V gives a great speech.

Not everybody can give a great speech. In fact very few can. Very few.

Jimmy Valvano gives a good speech.

This speech brings me to tears every time. And leaves me feeling uplifted.

It also makes me recognize that many things are more important than fly fishing. Way more important.

1600 Americans die from Cancer everyday. Everyday. Covid is bad too.   Infection and death rates are alarmingly high the past couple months. And increasing. There are so many things more important than fly fishing.

Fly fishing can give us a release that is important to many of us. Mental health is important.

Balancing, understanding, and metabolizing all of the stressors in our daily lives is pretty tough in the current climate.

So fly fishing is a healthy release.

But again realize that it is a minor player in the overall scope of our lives.

Jimmy V. Watch this speech if you have not. Watch it again if you have. I think it is a vehicle to center myself, and maybe you too.

A good reminder to donate to causes like cancer research. While most of us may not know many who have lost the COVID battle, we all know  humans who have been affected by cancer.

Thanks Jimmy V. Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.

Words of wisdom for fly fishing, and beyond.

 

[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuoVM9nm42E”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Black Friday Sale!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]From today through Sunday we will have a few select items at special prices for “Black Friday”. You can find everything on our sale page in our webstore. A lot of these items, like our “Dry Fly Master Kit”, make great gifts for the Holiday’s. You’ll also find our Headhunters branded caps, beanies, sun hoodies … Read more

Happy Headhunters Thanksgiving

Happy Headhunters Thanksgiving

Happy Headhunters Thanksgiving Have a great day with or without your family and friends today. A Thursday Throwback to November 2008. Our first year as Headhunters Fly Shop. We had just returned from taking the entire staff, less than 10 including John Julie and Mark, to the Grande Ronde and Snake for the week. Came … Read more

Headhunters Fly Shop Moving Forward

Headhunters Fly Shop Going Forward

Headhunters Fly Shop Going Forward We here at Headhunters feel pretty fortunate for 2020. We do, and we thank you the Headhunters out there. Our customers. Below is the outline for the Holiday period ahead of us.  We are updating you the Headhunter of the Holiday period ahead of us as we navigate the new … Read more

Astrud Gilberto Stan Getz Girl from Ipanema

Astrud Gilberto Stan Getz Girl from Ipanema

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Astrud Gilberto Stan Getz Girl from Ipanema Still snowing. Calm. Perfect. About 6″ in Cascade. A bit less this morning in Craig. Calm. 8.5″ in Great Falls. More on the way here in Montana. So I drift towards Bossa Nova and warm summer tunes. One of the classic jazz standards along with a tune … Read more

Missouri River Mid-September Fishing Report

Missouri River Montana Mid-September Fishing Report & Updates

Missouri River Montana Mid-September Fishing Report Water temps falling and currently 61F. Looks like it will be at or below this temps as we move into the remainder fo the month and on to October into winter. She has peaked and we are headed downwards towards the BWO and October Caddis period. Water flows are … Read more

River closures around Montana

River closures around Montan Several rivers in southwest Montana will close to fishing during the afternoon each day due to a seasonal rise in water temperatures. “Hoot-owl” restrictions prohibit fishing during the hottest times of the day. A hoot-owl restriction prohibiting fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight each day will go into effect on Aug. … Read more

Monday July 13th Headhunters Fishing Report

Monday July 13th Headhunters Fishing Report Facts for the day…meaning yesterday. Fishing reports are always, a day late! Today is a new day, and live it man! Flows dropping daily. Inflows at 4K-ish/Toston. Flows here under 6. Wade fishers paradise. Water temps 60-ish. Trico’s? Today yes. Tomorrow yes. Just starting though. Decent spinner fall today, … Read more

Dearborn River: Last Call

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We were just about call an end to the Dearborn River Float season, but thanks to Mother Nature, the Dearborn just got a shot in the arm. Heavy rains in Central Montana have pushed the river up to the 400cfs mark from the low 200’s. It’s dropping now, but may hold over 300cfs for the … Read more

Montana Directives

Headhunters Fly Shop Open Monday April 27

Headhunters Fly Shop Open Monday Montana State Governor Steve Bullock spoke at noon today about the opening of Montana Shelter in Place is lifted Sunday in Montana. The Stay at Home order will be lifted for Montana residents. 14 Day Quarantine for non resident non-business travelers remains in effect. The governor did not set and … Read more

The very latest happenings Craig Montana 4.20.20

The very latest happenings Craig Montana 4.20.20 Sunday was awful nice in Craig Montana. Nearly 60, light winds, with a ton of Montanans dragging their outdoor summer toys with vigor through our recently quiet fishing ‘burb. Here are the facts as we here at Headhunters World HQ see them this Monday morning. Lots of traffic … Read more

OPST Commando Smooth

OPST Commando Smooth Sale!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The new-ish OPST Commando Smooth is on sale at 25% off starting today. Most spey anglers are familiar with the OPST Commando Head. It’s the head that started all of this “micro-skagit” stuff, and is the most popular single-handed spey line on the market. The Commando “Smooth” is the integrated version of the Commando head. … Read more

Trout Spey Outlook

We’re still in Trout Spey season on the Missouri, and the swing bite remains good. As the weather and river slowly warm, the fish continue to get more active. The Rainbow trout are spawning right now in good numbers. It’s pretty easy to spot reds in and around faster 2-3 foot deep water. A sure … Read more

Last Call!

This afternoon Gov. Steve Bullock announced a Statewide “Stay at Home” order, similar to orders currently issued in many other states that order all non-essential business’ closed. We’ve been running a spartan operation all week, and this order shuts us down until April 10. Many of us were expecting this, and it simply expands on … Read more

Friday Foto Near Spring Edition

Craiglandia Phone Troubles. Standard.

We became aware today that some customers have had trouble getting through to us on the phone the last couple of days. Phone troubles are standard in Craig. Tin cans and string are more reliable. At any rate, we have the phone company on it. If you’re having trouble getting through, it appears our toll … Read more

Headhunters Advanced Dry Fly School July 25-29 2019

E-Newsletter to Return!

[vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A few years ago I quit sending out our E-Newsletter via email. Many of our customers liked it, and I received your emails requesting that we continue it. But I personally get tired of constant email communication in my inbox, and I know that a few customers “unsubscribed every time we sent them out. But … Read more

Two-hander Report

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Darn good swing fishing for early March on the Missouri, and more than a few spey anglers out searching. At least when the weather is nice. The water is still chilly, and you’ll find fish in the deep slow tanks typical of late winter. But you’ll also find some fish hanging in big shallow flats … Read more

Where Do Your Flies Live?

Another installment from Richard today on this very blog. The wildly popular Dick Magill. Angler  series speaks of fly boxes, winter, and the tying bench today. Enjoy. Happy Hump Day. Book your spring trip. Discounts galore! Where Do Your Flies Live? We’ve seen some unseasonably warm weather here in Craiglandia over the past few weeks. … Read more

Fly Fishing Film Tour in Helena Tuesday Nite February 11th!

Fly Fishing Film Tour in Helena Tuesday Nite February 11th!

Fly Fishing Film Tour in Helena Tuesday Nite February 11th Helena, MT 2020 Fly Fishing Film Tour Grandstreet Theatre Feb 11, 2020 at 7:00 PM (MST) Helena, Montana   The Pat Barnes Missouri River chapter of Trout Unlimited is proud to bring you the 2020 premier of the Fly Fishing Film Tour in Helena, MT at Grandstreet … Read more

Headhunters Gift Card

Fail Safe Headhunters Gift Card

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Fail Safe Headhunters Gift Card Still looking for that fly fishing gift? Want to make the right decision for the angler in your life? Want to get him or her something they will love? From a small business, with personality, who supports fishing families? Then we all agree. A Headhunters Gift Card it will … Read more

Strong Trout Spey – Finally

So we’ve now had a week straight of solid swing fishing And the river seems to have stabilized.  It’s still high for this time of year at 4600cfs, but it has stayed there for the last several days. Water temps are hovering around 36°. Sounds cold, but the trout seem too like it a lot. … Read more

#Giving Tuesday UMOWA

#Giving Tuesday UMOWA

#Giving Tuesday UMOWA Upper Missouri River Watershed Alliance, UMOWA, would like a few bucks from you today. Why not throw a few casts at the organization that watches the Missouri River and has improved bank lines, brought about awareness of possible aquatic weed issues, and sponsored aquatic insect studies. Why? Because rivers like the Missouri … Read more

OPST Micro Skagit Rods

We’ve just received a handful of the new OPST Micro Skagit rods designed by Skagit legend Ed Ward. We’ve been excited to see these long-awaited rods, and feel fortunate to have gotten in on the initial small run, which was limited to 2 rods in each size. Because of the limited availability and our expected … Read more

Trout Spey Camp Roundup

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]above: Whitney Gould offers some tips to one of the casting competition competitors. WHAT A CRAZY WEEK! Somehow, we managed to set up for, hold, and clean up after a 3+ day event at the shop and get to Denver to attend the International Fly Tackle Dealer show. We’re back in Craig, and processing everything … Read more

Off Air

Off Air The Headhunters Brain Trust will be in Denver for the annual International Fly Tackle Dealer Show this week. The blog will be Off Air for the week. If you cannot survive with out daily HH News, check out our social sites. We will be covering the show, our travels, and beyond. Want up … Read more

Headhunters has Guides

Headhunters has Guides

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Headhunters has Guides Shane Wilson above laughing with his guests Tuesday, Need a fly fishing guide on the Missouri River Montana? Headhunters has guides.  A bundle of full time ones. Available all the way thru Christmas. And beyond. Call today for more on your fall fly fishing trip. 406-235-3447. Lines are open. Lodging too.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Trout Spey Gear Roundup 2019-20

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s time for our annual Trout Spey Gear Roundup as “Swing Season” approaches. A month from today we will be getting after it pretty hard (some of us are now), and in two months we wont be doing much else. We like to think we have a pretty darn good selection of Ultra-light Spey gear, … Read more

Weekend Update

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The “back-to-school” lull is in full swing, and it’s pretty quiet in Craiglandia these days. Which is nice. The guides are recovering from weeks of sun stroke, and our shop staff is fishing more and harder than they usually do. Speaking of staff, we will be losing a few this week. Peter Longoria will be … Read more

Life Aquatic

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I spent a day with my friend Pat Clayton helping him shoot some underwater trout images. By helping, I mean sitting on the bank and watching him slip into the icy mountain water to take photos. Occasionally I take a few above water pictures and catch a few fish. Most people know Pat by his … Read more

Headhunter Fly Line Update

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve now had several weeks to fish hard with our new Headhunter Fly Line, as well as receive feedback from the many customers who have purchased one. Generally speaking, it has been fantastic, the feedback has been incredibly positive, and sales are great. We’ll likely run out before our next batch arrives. Here’s a few … Read more

All good in this fishy neighborhood

All good in this fishy neighborhood Thursday today. The Headhunters Dry Fly School is picking off tonight and we could not have planned for better timing than we did. Did we know that the 2019 summer would bring strong dry fly fishing? Nope. But we have been saying our Dry Fly Prayers. And they have … Read more

Thursday Fishing Report from the Gang @ Headhunters of Craig

Thursday Fishing Report from the Gang @ Headhunters of Craig

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Thursday Fishing Report from the Gang @ Headhunters of Craig Great weekend ahead of us here in downtown Craig Montana on the banks of the Missouri River. Sunshine, and warmer temps. That is what we are praying for here! A bit more spring like weather. Missouri River Hot Topics! March Browns are still in … Read more

Clean Drain Dry Protect our Montana Waters

Clean Drain Dry Protect our Montana Waters

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Clean Drain Dry Protect our Montana Waters

Clean. Drain. Dry.

Do it every time. Guides, outfitters, and rec boaters must do this daily.

Then and only then can you stop the rapid destruction of your, yes your waters.

That means everyday you pull out of the Mo, you must …

Clean. Drain. Dry.

Even if you get back in, in the morning. Just get in the habit of Clean. Drain. Dry. Daily.

Educate yourself, and your neighbor. We have to do this together. As a fishing and boating community.

Clean. Drain. Dry.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B8E39Evex8″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Saving Grayling Vid

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Saving Grayling Vid

A cool mid-week vid from the Centennial Valley near the boarder in Montana.

Squeeky’s dad spent 3 summers working on this project. Enjoyed it. Said that everyone should take the drive into this stunning place.

And yes, the headwaters of the Mighty Mo start in this neighborhood. So the waters you view in this video runs downstream, to the hallowed Missouri River waters.

Enjoy the vid. Spiring is here. Fishing is good. Montana is good. Grayling are good.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=38&v=G3KG0wn_TqE”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Fisheye Guy Gallery in Philipsburg

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our good friend and photography guru Pat Clayton (Fish Eye Guy Photography) finally pulled up stakes in Bozeangleles and landed a couple hours west in the less busy Ski/Fish Mecca of Philipsburg Montana. Lots of folks in our neck of the woods spend a fair bit of time skiing at Discovery (Disco) during the winter … Read more