Craig Caddis Festival and BBQ Cook-Off This Saturday in Craig MT.
Parade begins at 4pm
BBQ Cook-Off begins at 4pm.
Silent Auction at 4pm.
Live Music with Max Hay at 4pm
Live Music with Rocket to Uranus @ 8pm.
Live Auction at 715pm.
See you in Craig! We got tents to keep you dry and the silent and vendors will be housed in the fire hall if need be! Come on down for the benefitting the Craig Volunteer Fire Department!
Friday Foto Renegade Edition today on the Headhunters Fly Fishing Blog.
Montana’s daily fishing blog from the Missouri River.
Renegade’s still catch fish.
Honest.
This one caught by Ryan Smith of Avid Angler in Lake Forest Park Seattle WA.
He proved it once again that fish eat Renegade’s.
And thanks to the entire gang that came out this year. enjoyed the fishing, the fellowship, and the laughter that all of you provided. Good times. See you again next April.
If you need to put together a fantastic group trip to the Mo call us and we will make it easy for you. Lodging, guiding, suggestions, and anything else you may need. The spring is a great time to come. Or anytime you think is good.
Headhunters Fly Shop is in full swing with the $300 Spring Special.
Yes, guided fishing trips and discounted lodging here in Craig Montana. Craig Trout Camp has lodging starting @ $125 and it has become very popular for this 45 day period leading us into the spring rains of May.
Why not take advantage of these discounted full day trips here in central Montana. We have our full guide staff at your disposal with 10 Headhunters guides ready for Missouri River action. Your full time Missouri River fly shop is ready as well. We have a full compliment of winter and spring clothing for any condition that you may encounter.
Lots of our summer guests come on out and warm up their casting arm on rising midge fish, hungry scud eating trout, and streamer causing browns. Check out the lodging site here to line up your Craig Trout Camp stay here in town.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]A little un-fishing today at Headhunters. Which I normally do not do. Most of my ‘un-fishing’ activities are not blog worthy. But I’ve been creeping around at night chasing the Aurora Borealis with my camera this week, and got a few shots that I thought Headhunters Nation might dig.
While you think of the Aurora as being a far northern phenomena – and it is – we do get some decent ones here in Montana. But most people are not awake or sober enough to see them. I have been guilty of both. Repeatedly.
But all the stars aligned two nights ago, and I got to see the Aurora. And more. Here’s a shot near Augusta. You need to get away from the lights and Augusta is.
click on any of the photos to enlarge[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”10694″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]I knew it would be good right when I left the house around 9:30 and could already see some glow. The camera captures way more than the human eye. Here’s the faint glow right outside Cascade early in the evening.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”10696″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]So I’m taking a shot of the Aurora – which takes a total of 40 seconds – and I turn around to look at the moon while waiting. Out of the corner of my eye I see a huge ‘meteor’ coming right at me. Slow. I wait for the image to finish, grab the tripod, run across Hwy 287, set the tripod, frame and level, and press the shutter. The camera was already all set for Aurora shooting at 20 sec, so I really didn’t know what I would get. This is what I got:[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”10698″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]I really couldn’t believe a meteor would travel so slow, but I’m no spaceman. It turns out that it was not a Meteor, but a Chinese booster rocket returning to earths atmosphere. Litterbugs.
Here’s the second shot of the Fireball as it races off into the Aurora and eventually some very hefty Canadian littering fines.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”10701″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]After the ‘meteor’, the Aurora really cranked up and I got 50 or so great shots. Just kept driving North with my head out the window.
And here’s one more, just because we probably won’t do another Auroran Borealis post in the next 20 years. Cool shot with a Sun River ranch house under the lights…[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”10703″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Pretty Cool, huh? Well, what else is there to do in Craiglandia on a winter night. As we say in fishing, if you don’t go, you don’t know.
Some of these shots (the Meteor Shot in particular) are rolling around the web with others taken last night. Because of the Aurora forecast, there were people out with cameras.
The above ‘meteor’ shot is on NBC Science News with more great photos.
I originally uploaded it to Spaceweather, which has all sorts of information about… weather in space, as well as Auroras. You can see it and others there as well. One of the Aurora nerd sites I visit daily.
Softserve News is the go to Aurora Forecast and information site.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[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]
Our biweekly tying event is again in Craig tonight @ Headhunters Fly Shop.
6-8pm with Ninch, Max and Braden, Mark, and maybe additional Headhunters around.
Come one come all to this relaxed fly tying affair.
Watch this on Hans Stephenson’s excellent website and store, Dakota Angler & Outfitter in Rapid City South Dakota. Make sure you swing by when traveling or visiting Rapid City.
You could add a little rainbow coloring to this pattern to make it more Missouri River like. Or not. Both work well!
Materials
Hook: C200bl Size 14-16
Weight: Lead Wire
Thread: 140 Denier Ultra Thread
Body/Legs: UV Micro Polar Chenille
Back: Clear Cure Goo
Carrie with this nice winter caught brown trout this last weekend.
Caught it on the swing.
Nice work Carrie, thanks a ton for the photo and keep on swinging!
P.S. Randall and Carrie also lost a couple Switch rods here on the river. A SAGE TCX and a SAGE One with Hatch reels attached to them. Let us know if you have a lead on them. Thanks.
More snow over the weekend.
We may be catching up for the unseasonable weather leading up to today. Oh, save for the two periods with high temps topping out below zero. While we may not stay for long this weekend under zero, it may occur.
Some watched football and received front he holiday period. Some finished up the bird hunting season by storing their decoys right where they lay…until next year.
Others fished.
I thinking of warmer climates for a fish or two.
Like down south…
A cool film made by Scumliner Media a few years back.
Enjoy it on this Monday. Hope you are enjoying it at home or away.
“SuperNatural” – Tailout Teaser from scumliner media on Vimeo.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I released a new video, Switch it Up, featuring some two-handed fishing on the Missouri River a couple days ago. Last night I was going through a bunch of FB comments and shares in my inbox, and noticed that PNW Spey guru and Steelhead guide Tom Larimer had shared Switch it Up on his page. Here’s Tom’s link to the video, and the shares, likes, and comments:[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8588″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Cool. Thanks Tom. Always nice to receive a compliment from a two-handed angler of your stature. Much respect.
But, did you notice the comment from Paul Huffman at the bottom? I did.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8590″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Very observant Paul. As I was editing the video, I noticed some of the massive strip strikes anglers were using. And if you noticed, you only based that on a few clips in a short non-instructional video. I looked at dozens of clips of hook-sets.
The answer, Paul, is that you’re not wrong. But neither are these anglers.
First, I’m going to assume that Paul is a Steelheader, as he is a “friend” of Tom Larimer’s and is commenting on Tom’s Facebook Page. So let’s start there.
In general, I sweep the rod to set the hook on a Steelhead. Down low, and to the beach. Many moons ago I guided on the Snake and Grande Ronde Rivers, and that’s how I told my customers to do it. I definitely was not preaching a strip strike. I don’t think anyone was back then.
In theory, Steelhead move from a holding spot to take your fly, turn with it, and return to their lie. Thats potentially a tremendous amount of movement from a pretty big and heavy fish. If you’ve fished for Steelhead for a while, you’ve had one of those takes where the best move is to do nothing but get your fingers out of the way of the handle! Those are takes from big fish moving a long distance.
Because Steelhead take the fly in this manner, a low, slow and powerful pull by the angler generally sets the hook the best. Quicker sets can pull the hook free. No set at all is probably a better move. Probably.
So Paul, most of the anglers in this video do quite a bit of Steelhead fishing, and set the hook like you. Sweep it.
But, over the last several years, these anglers have done quite a bit of winter trout fishing with two-handers here on the Missouri River as well. The strip strike you see (it’s actually combined with a sweep) is a result of how these fish take the fly.
Resident trout are not migrating, so while they are technically holding in a “lie”, they are not there temporarily. They live there. We are imitating food sources for fish that have plenty to choose from and eat all the time.
Trout are unlikely to make a big move and turn hard on your fly. I always envision them slowly following and investigating that bug. Eventually curiosity gets to them and they “nibble” on it. Often more than once.
Unlike a Steelhead who “turns” with that fly and returns to a lie, a trout may be facing you when you set that hook. A tougher situation for the angler.
So, when we’re fishing the Missouri River, and fish takes, we need to get that hook set the instant we feel like he has it. If not, he will let go very quickly.
So, you see that more aggressive “strip-strike” in the video. Here’s a frame-grab of Ben McNinch sweeping his long arms back to make sure he has one pinned:[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8592″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]While Ben is definitely performing a strip-strike, you can see that he is sweeping the rod as well. Think of it like he’s trying to “speed up” that sweep.
Another factor that dictates how you set the hook with a two-hander is where did the fish eat it. And I don’t mean the “in the mouth” joke.
Where means where in the swing. The further out they eat it (or the sooner after the swing begins), the less you have to do. On the Missouri River, we do get a lot of takes out in the middle. Part of what makes this river a great place to swing.
If you watch that video again, you’ll see Sara Roholt doing just a sweep-set on a fish that ate right as the swing starts. Like a classic Steelhead yank.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8594″ size=”full” link=””][vc_column_text]Many of the strips sets you see are at or near the hang-down. On the Missouri River, a fish that takes near the end of the swing can be tough to get. The strip-strike helps get those ones. The clip of Beth Hood stripping and sweeping into one was on the hang down. In fact I think that fish had grabbed the fly 2 or 3 times already in that swing. Beth was getting pissed at him, and made him pay![/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8596″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]
Slower flows have the same effect. The slower the flow, the more speed and power we need to put into the hook-set. The faster the current, the more we can let the fish and the rod do the work. Remember these are resident trout who grab all sorts of things that swim by them.
Steelheaders who haven’t thought about this will certainly think of situations where the strip-strike applies to them. Super slow flows, fish on the hang down, or sometimes just dour, hatchery fish that don’t like to take the fly with much zeal. Nibblers. I hate them.
And, we definitely have big trout in this river that wheel and turn on it like a Dean River fish. In that case, we certainly don’t need to perform and kind of strip.
Paul’s question was about which method takes up more line. But I think you can see it’s the speed at which we take up that line that forces us to use a little more than just a sweep, at least for certain situations.
So, that’s my take on how to best set the hook here on the Missouri River, and how it differed from Steelhead fishing. Glad I took a look at some FB comments to get the wheels turning.
Maybe Tom will chime in?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Cool video produced by In the Riffle about the proper way to tie a soft hackle.
Many only wrap one full wrap as too many hackle fibers can minimize the effectiveness of this should be tied slight pattern.
Enjoy on this quite nice Wednesday here in the canyon. Tying Night in America, in Craig start after the new year. Wednesdays of course.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nr4t4908PnA”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]With the resurgence of fiberglass fly rods, it was only a matter of time before someone brought archaic glass technology to the two-handed market. Leave it to ECHO to be the first with a production model (there are some blanks out there), and they’re bringing both switch and spey models to us this winter. I first saw these at the iCAST/FTD show in July, and the “wiggle-test” alone told me I must try them.
Here’s the product intro from Red at ECHO via Midcurrent:[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/106846577″][us_separator text=”GLASS TWO-HANDER ARRIVES” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]So, there they are. Now I just need to give one a try. The one thing I know about non-graphite construction, is that I will either love it or hate it. There’s a lot more room for error when a manufacturer decides to go down the glass road.
We had briefly “grass-cast” the rod at our shop a few weeks ago during a visit from ECHO rep Brandon Prince. Loaded with a 510 Scandi, you could actually huck it off the sod. But that was our only test, and I wanted to give it a real workout before our Swing Season starts on the Missouri. Miraculously, an ECHO 12’9″ #7 glass two-hander arrives days before a scheduled Steelhead trip in Eastern OR. The perfect place to try it out.
[/vc_column_text][us_separator text=”FIT & FINISH” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]Fit & finish are very nice on this rod. The blank is a classic glass color I believe aficionados refer to as “honey”. Very cool and the olive wraps look great on it. Guides are typical two-handed chrome.
I really like the grip and seat however. The grip is a classic “cork-only” style that you rarely see anymore. No, it doesn’t have 15 colors of burled and rubberized cork spaced throughout it. Which is fine by me. There is quite a bit of filler in the grip, but grips I see on rods costing 3X as much have the same. And at $300 I’m not going to say a thing.
I really like the reel seat. It has a brushed/satin finish that reminds me of glass rods from the 60’s and 70’s. It also has a cork insert which I like. It also stayed tight while fishing, and you can put a tremendous amour of force on this rod, which often loosens reel seats and ferules (which also stayed true).
The rod comes in a nice natural colored cordura case with sock that’s a “rounded-triangular” shape.[/vc_column_text][us_separator text=”CASTING” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]I fished the ECHO glass 95% of my trip, lined up with a Airflo Compact Scandi 480gr head. The grain window is 480-590, and is designated correctly. While I will probably stick with the 480gr Scandi, I think I will recommend a 510gr for most casters in our shop. For Skagit systems, I will most likely use a short head at the top of the grain window.
Casting is effortless with this rod at short and medium distances. While obviously not the most powerful stick you’ll throw, the slow and smooth action definitely puts a smile on your face. And while slow, is not what I’d call “glacial”. It’s has some pop, and a ton of latent energy gets built up when you load the rod. You can really crank on this thing. Which is fun.
While the slow action makes you think Skagit, it throws a Scandi with power and accuracy, though you do need to nail the timing at longer distances. It doesn’t take long.
Speaking of longer distances, the ECHO glass easily casts the distances most anglers will find themselves fishing. I never felt that I didn’t have enough rod or distance, but I could get to “the end” of what the rod was capable of doing comfortably. I think using a 510gr line (or a longer head) would have added a few feet and some “punch” to the end of my longer casts.
There are a few situations where fiberglass might hurt you. Giant rivers like the Thompson, and very windy rivers like the Snake and Deschuttes come to mind. But other than those unique places, I think this rod can be an everyday driver for most anglers. If I was packing for Smithers today, it would be the first rod in the car.
I didn’t use the ECHO glass for Skagit purposes, but I have no doubt that it launches a short head and a big tip. I will find out shortly here on the Missouri. Watch out Walleye.[/vc_column_text][us_separator text=”FISHING” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]The big concern with fiberglass (or bamboo) is the extra weight you’re carrying while holding your rod. A few ounces add up over the course of a week. The first thing I noticed when I picked it up, was that it was lighter than expected, and the butt diameter of the blank was much narrower than I expected. Good job ECHO.
But, it is heavier than some of the most modern graphite rods. The other rod I fished during the week was a similarly sized Sage METHOD 12’6″ #6, and I definitely could feel the difference. The weight does add up over several long days of fishing, but I don’t think I would call it a deal breaker. Smaller anglers or those with wrist/elbow/shoulder problems might find it an issue.
I found the rod light enough to balance with a Hatch 9+ no problem. My 7+ was a touch on the light side, but I would have used it without complaining. The rod does not feel like it needs an extra-heavy “spey” reel.
The slow action and extra weight do make mending a breeze, however. Long mends were effortless.[/vc_column_text][us_separator text=”CONCLUSION” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]The ECHO Glass two-hander is a great rod, and what I would call an unbelievable deal. A glass Spey rod for $300 could sell as a “gimmick” rod. Something you break out here and there for the challenge, comments and a few laughs. But this rod is not a gimmick. It’s a great fishing and casting tool. It really has few weak points, and for most anglers it may be all they need. The easy casting stroke will be less frustrating for newer two-handed casters as well. And for $300 you can easily afford to pick one up for a second (or 3,4,5) rod. More importably, those new to two-handed fishing can get a great rod without selling your roommates gear on ebay.
We will also be carrying the 12’6″ #6, and will have a switch or two to play around with.
All for now, but expect to hear and read more about the ECHO Glass Spey and Switch rods from us this winter.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
This super cool triple layered hand made glass plate arrive this last week from our friend Phillip Allen from Pennsylvania.
Phil fish with buddy John a few years back in conjunction with Project Healing Waters.
We love you Phil. Say hello to John and all back east. And we cannot wait to see you boys out here at some point in the future. We send our love to you Phil and many thanks again!
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Here is the latest video from Scumliner Media from some fishing from Mark and John on the Blackfoot River this past month. Get over there in the next week. Like this one and you may have some really good fishing![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_video link=”http://vimeo.com/107730712″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
You coming tomorrow for the fall party of the year? We hope so!
The menu is set with Chicken Skewers & Peppers, Garlic & Onion Burgers, Kosher Dogs, salads, chips and more!
The Wrinkle Neck Mules will a lose be playing on this balmy September afternoon Sunday @ 3pm and running til dark, about fish.
Come and see us at Headhunters for a Howler Bros sponsored event with live music, swag, prizes, sale items, fellowship, and you!
Stop on by and say hello. We’d love to see you. Enjoy the music, have a bite, and head home for Sunday Night Football.
See you soon…in downtown Craig.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Here’s a neat video from our bud and famous Montana artist Derek DeYoung. You get to watch the process of a DeYoung painting in creation, and Derek shares a little story about Redfish, one of his – and our – favorite species to chase. Check it out, and make sure and go to Derek’s website where you can order all sorts of cool fly-fishy art and paraphernalia. You can also get some DeYoung gear at Headhunters,[/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_video link=”https://vimeo.com/103727537″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]We had a visit from well known angler, photographer and tackle rep Jon Covich last week. Jon was taking his boys on a fly fishing trip through Montana before they had to go back to school. I asked these boys if they were excited to go back to school, and they both just dropped there heads and shrugged. Adair could learn something from these two. She likes school.
You’ve seen Jon’s photo’s on the pages of just about every fly fishing magazine over the years. You also may know him as a member of the Flywater Travel team. To see more of his photo’s go to www.joncovich.com, and here’s the direct link to his blog post about his trip.
Here’s a few of his great shots of the Missouri River.
[/vc_column_text][us_grid type=”masonry” post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” images=”6252,6253,6254,6255,6256″ 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][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today is Julie’s Birthday. You can’t wish her well face to face, because she is floating down the Elk River in BC (in the front of the boat, of course), sticking big Cutties on dries. Single dries.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”6143″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Julie making the right cast (above) and setting the hook into another big one (below).[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”6144″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Julie has been on fire this week, not only catching lots of fish, but lots of big fish. Here she is with our good buddy and longtime Elk River guide Darcy Richardson. They say these fish have shoulders. I would agree. At the top, guide Sebastien Stewart is showing off another big shouldered Cutt that Julie caught.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”6146″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]The Elk is a fabulous fishery, but the scenery is a big part of a fishing trip here. It’s incredible. Plenty of splashy waves to run, here with Darcy on the sticks. Also, it looks like it’s been a while since they’ve been in this spot, but they been in this spot. Julie is fine with the fact that these bear tracks are a little old.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”6149″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][us_image image=”6148″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][us_image image=”6153″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Our trip to Fernie, BC was great from start to finish. Great food as well, including some outstanding Sushi, Indian Food and great unique Mexican street food. Special thanks to Paul, Darcy and Sebastien at the Elk River Guiding Co. who made our trip memorable. These guys get down to the Missouri a bit as well, and you may run into them around the shop.
Speaking of the shop, thanks for all you do to make Headhunters run smooth, Julie.
Happy Birthday![/vc_column_text][us_image image=”6155″ size=”full” link=””][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Yep we did it. Team Headhunters went to the ballpark last night and rented a Suite for the staff and the guides. Fun was had by all.
The Voyagers lost 8-3. No worries. We ate well and tipped a couple beers back.
We love to hang with the gang both at work and off the water. Really a nice group of folks around the shop and on the river.
Dewey threw out the first pitch and it bounced off the fathers glove. Huh?
A few photos from last nights festivities for your Saturday.
Also a Don Henley Boys of Summer Video. Happy Sunday to you all!
Don Henley – The Boys Of Summer from Krystian Feledyn on Vimeo.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_grid type=”s” post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” 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_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_grid type=”s” post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” images=”6065,6064,6063,6062,6061,6060,6059,6054,6055,6056″ 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]
All you need to get through the day here on the Mo.
The fly patch says it all.
A couple Trico patterns, a few subsurface jewels, and a few hoppers.
Enjoy you river day. It is quiet today. Nice.
Shop closed @ 5pm today. Baseball tonight. See you @ 6am tomorrow.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Sara and I hit the Blackfoot the other day, along with my 9 year old daughter Adair. Rumors that some Spruce Moths were hatching had us up early and on the water, despite the fact that we’ve been working very long hours and fishing hard early and late here on the Missouri River.
The drive to the Blackfoot is just over an hour for us. Not bad, but the “early-on” culture at Headhunters required that I roust a 9 year old out of bed at 5am and hit the road. No easy task, as I had to ready the raft, gather the proper tackle, get gas and lunch… Thankfully, I didn’t have to roust the 29 year old out of bed. She was waiting for us with coffee at the Stray Bullet Cafe’ in Ovando.
Fishing the Blackfoot is an entirely different experience from our home waters on the Missouri River. Scenery, shade and crystal clear waters trump big fish and technical presentations. And there’s Cutthroat. Both Sara and I learned to fly fish chasing Westslope Cutty’s in Idaho (my spoiled daughter learned to flyfish on the Mo’). We both love them, and they represent the wildness of the Northern Rockies.
The fishing experience isn’t necessarily “trophy”, but the river experience is. There’s a very mountainous and remote feeling to much of the Blackfoot, at least when compared to most famous Montana trout streams. Cutthroat are the main quarry, but you’ll also encounter Brown, Rainbow and Bull Trout.
At one point, Sara spotted two big Cutts rising delicately in some flat water near the bank. By “big”, I mean these were 14, maybe 16 inch fish. Sara was pretty excited – I could tell she wanted to fish for them – but let Adair work them with a dry.
Adair is used to the quick takes of the Missouri, and she pulled the fly away from both fish before they got there. You know how slow those Cutts rise. She managed to get several more looks from the fish, but they wouldn’t be fooled again.
It was a pretty intense session, reminiscent of working some big rising fish on the Missouri. As we moved on, Sara continued to work the water hard, hitting every bucket, seam and riffle. She picked up several nice Cutts before we pulled over on some risers.
[/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=”5957″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Adair leans into a native 17 inch Cutthroat Trout she caught on a Spruce Moth pattern.[/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_column_text]Adair got another chance and nailed a very nice fish in the 17 inch range. These Blackfoot Cutts are very healthy right now. Heavy and strong, it’s a chore to pull them out of the slots that run through the bedrock bottom.
The fishing and hatch began to taper off late in the afternoon, though we still caught some smaller fish and Sara nailed a nice Brown on an Ant pattern. The fishing slowed, but the scenery and speedy riffles made the float out enjoyable.
While big western fisheries like the Missouri, Henry’s Fork, Platte and Bighorn garner so much attention, pure freestones like the Blackfoot are often given second class status. They shouldn’t. While Sara and I have had much better fishing recently – in terms of numbers and size – back on the Mo’, we both enjoyed a day off on the Blackfoot even more.
There’s something to be said for not having a specific game plan for each fish. Just floating down the river, flicking a dry out over the water. Kind of like it’s supposed to be.
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PMD Spinner hanging from the web of life here on Montana’s Missouri River.
Happy Silly Sunday Scenery from all of us here at Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig Montana.
Enjoy.
Late July and all is well.
The dry fly fishing has been fantastic and aided in part from the false overcast this last week from the fires to the North and to the West.
Now the smoke has been blown out by the wind as we head into the new week.
Sunday and a ton of non angler crafts will again float and drink while we fish and sometimes drink. It has been damn hot here so plan accordingly with the proper amount of water in the YETI Cooler. The weather will cool as we get closer into August and the water temps too.
The Trico’s will hold your interest for the morning session as they come off and spin in the mid morning hours. Some days they will stay on the water until well after noon.
Some days we have a good to decent PMD Spinner fall in the late morning as well. Hope that one of these events prolongs the dry fly bite. Some days we can have opportunities for fishing fish dawn til dusk. Lots of non-local locals here as the month comes to the end. August is a new deal.
Caddis are not around in the numbers that we are used to and they may come? I honestly do not really know the answer to that oft asked question.
We will keep you informed as to the dry fly and insect activity.
Flows are holding at the 4600cfs mark and the water temps are rising as the summer days pound on us. Not too hot though and while the weeds have begun to grow they are not a problem yet. The nights bring it to 62F and the days it can reach 66F. Let’s not have it reach higher.
As for the graph, the USGS Graph, it looks like they re-calibrated it and we are now at 4600. So was the 4K reading a farce?
Did I mention that August is a much cooler month here in central Montana and we will expect both the air and the water to cool.
Folks are spread out from top to bottom and fishing at night as well. Choose your drift and enjoy it. Stop in for a shuttle if you like.
We are now open at 6am for coffee, flies, info, boat rentals, sunscreen, and much more too!
A common wade fishers belief. That there are no fish below Craig. I do understand that the upper is classic wade water and that the wade fish opportunities are not as prolific downstream…but having said that, there are some ways.
With the water higher than we have had in 2 years in July, remember the 4 yrs of high water? Let me remind you of ’08, ’09, ’10, ’11. Remember those high water years? With the water higher than we have had it in 2 years there is some disappointment from some Mo River visiting anglers that these flows of 6800cfs have ruined the river.
Well let’s look at some facts first before we come to rash conclusions based on emotion.
Check out the graph from Sunday morning and look at where the triangle is. That is the historical average. It is based on 68 years of evidence. So we are higher than the last umpteen, 68 to be exact, years. Yes. By a couple hundred cubic feet per second. I challenge you to show me on a ruler how much difference 250cfs is in real height values. I believe it would be in the less than 1 inch range. The difference between 3000cfs and 9000cfs is 18inches. True.
Want me to keep going? The flows are normal. Well, no…just over normal. About 300cfs over normal.
Check out this chart from the inflows @ Toston and see what history tells us. If you do not like charts, I don’t as I am a failed History Major, then let me explain. The flows are and will come down. If you look carefully at the triangles, historical average, you will see that in one week we should be at a water level of approx. 6K cfs and the following week you will see a flow average of 5K cfs.
See. Perfect.
As for the bugs. Not as many hatching as we would like. Mother Nature gets to choose the insect quotient.
Here is the hatch report for Sunday July 6th 2014.
PMDs daily. Pretty anemic hatches the last 3 days. Water temps got ’em down? Maybe. The flows? Probably not. Mother Nature? certainly. They will come back. Remember the BWO resurgence in early June? The latest we ever had them. Bugs are funny. They are a mystery too.
Caddis. Not too may. Although a trout will eat when presented on a platter. Or first cast.
Trico’s. Not yet. Maybe today.
PMD’s. YEs. Some days a ton, others not as much. Crips, emerges, spinners. Good spinner falls can be had anywhere anytime here on Montana’s Missouri River.
Caddis. Lots and lots. We do not see the caddis emergence like clockwork like we did way back in the day. Pre 2000. So be ready for a caddis event anytime any day. Spents and sunken caddis work well on the mid river sections.
Trico’s. YEs. Towards the bottom. Or even the middle. Shoot, as I write the males could be coming off here in Craig. BE here is the plan. Here in Craig.
Sally’s. More and more daily. No big punch yet. The trouts love them subsurface and occasionally on the top too. But for us here on the Mo is is mostly a subsurface fish catching deal. Again, all these big events are tied to water temperatures. The flows up and down I guess could have fouled things up. But, who knows and maybe.
PMD’s. Same as above. Sometimes good, sometimes not. Let’s hope they come back but the science behind is? While I have heard lots of speculation, as we fishers love to spin a tale, yet no conclusive evidence to make me believe any of it. Give me some evidence, precedence, substance and I will bend an ear. Until then I don’t believe the hype.
Caddis. Yep.
Trico’s. Could be.
Sally’s. Sure.
The other big bug. If you are reading this at home you are too late right. Maybe next year.
The water temps here below Holter Dam are holding a daytime average of 61F. Believe it. They drop to 58F at night with nighttime air temps hovering around 60F.
So that is the skinny for all you folks out there in cyber fish land.
Higher water? It is not higher than average fellas. Maybe putting fish off, maybe not. I don’t believe that is the case at all. One fishers opinion.
Fish below Craig? Nope. Don’t go below Craig Montana. Go to the Dam everyday. It’s good up there.
Bugs upriver? About as many as everywhere else except there are more below Craig as I write this very storied blog. Tough for that certain sect that does not believe that you can fly fish below Craig.To that sect I say…“You may not like it. Stay on the upper for sure.”
So as Mother Nature strings us along this wonderful dry fly month of July, just remember that these are wild fish on a not so wild controlled water release system that we are so very lucky to live and work and recreate on and around. We love it so and it is not always perfect. It just is not. If you like lots of bugs, go to the Fork. Their problem is no water and not many fish. Everybody has got problems. Look beyond them and go out and enjoy the river.
That is the Sunday Missouri River update brought to you by the friendly honest folks at Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig Montana. The World’s Funnest Fly Shop and your Missouri River information magnate.
Open daily @ 630am and open late til 9pm. Later this coming week we may go earlier.
Jan Lindsey with this nice brown trout fishing with Headhunters Guide Jared Edens.
Does it look like we like to fish with women? Well boy we do.
Headhunters loves to fish with both men and women. But the women seem to dig our guide staff. They are so very nice, educational, and fun to fish with!
Jan and her hubby Scott fell in love with the place a few years ago.
Well we love you back Scott and Jan. Thanks for hanging with us here in Craig.
We will see both of you more often here on the Headhunters Fly Fishing Blog!
Happy Father’s Day from all of us here at the epi-center of trout fishing in America. Yesterday Flag Day, today Father’s Day, tomorrow? Monday I think.
Staying and fishing with us here at the Craig Trout Camp are Lance, Brian, Fred, Graham, Ryan, Greg, David straight outta Calgary and locales thereabouts.
Thanks to the boys above for spending the long weekend with us here in Craig. Headhunters Guides Peter Skidmore, Brett Matula, Jared Edens, and Mark Raisler were fortunate enough to guide this great gang down the river Friday. A great time with nymphing, short leashing’, and dry fly fishing all mixed in. They rented boats Saturday and Sunday and with good results. They parlayed the info gleaned Friday into a few damn fine dry fly fish Saturday. Today? More of the same I would guess.
Honor your father today. Call him. Thank him. Go fishing with him.
Happy Father’s Day. Enjoy it.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Ninch, Mark and I headed out on the river yesterday. The plan was to shoot some video and get a day on the water together. An option that will be rare for any of Team Headhunters for the next few months. We’ve got a short (3 day?) lull – only a few trips a day – so, go get some ourselves, right? Maybe get some cool video for the blog?
When it comes to shooting video, three things at the top of my “don’t like it” list are:
But, with the river jumped up slightly to 10,900 cfs – meaning nymph fishing would likely be the only option – and it being the only day we could all do it, we went.
The thought, of course, was that we will make nymphing look easy and fun. How could we not? Three pro’s like us, rolling down our home river hooking and landing fish at will. Nymphing is easy, and watch all these big Browns in the air! The reality was little different.
After a couple of 32GB cards of Ninch doing lots of mending, and Ninch landing a few fish, we decided to pull over and reassess. “Reassess” means that we pulled over to gather as many possible reasons and excuses that would explain our suckiness.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner parallax_bg_width=”110″ parallax_speed=”normal”][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_image image=”5173″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][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]We came up with plenty:
I could go on and on. And we did. They are all great reasons, and we have used them many times in the past. But the reality was that we were just sucking, and probably not giving nymph fishing in high water the respect it deserves. Just one of those days when we didn’t have it.
So we pulled over to skip rocks for awhile. Because skipping rocks is always fun, and it lets you burn off a little frustration.
The islands on the Missouri have some excellent rock-skipping-rocks, and we found them. Mark claims the world record is 23 skips, but I didn’t have time to check that one. Got to be more, doesn’t it? I’m sure I had some 23 skip tosses when I was 12 or 13.
The whole thing reminded me of skipping rocks with my dad and brothers when I was young.
Which made me wonder; did our dads teach us to skip rocks when the fishing sucked?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Welcome to the Headhunters nearly daily fly fishing report for Montana’s Missouri River.
Flows still at 9K and water temps flirting with 50F.
The tribs are still relatively clear and viz below the Dearborn, 987 cfs, is about 2 1/2 feet. Not bad at all below the Little Prickly Pear @ 341 cfs until…keep checking the chart for updates. Until now no worries.
So the spread is still good with the upper packed nearly daily.
Dry flies are stronger on the lower with caddis popping along with a strong March Brown presence. Found them eating spinners Monday afternoon. Although on any given day the Baetis pop can happen and a few will be chomping them up. Big Adams, March Brown Spinner and Cripples, D &D’s, Nymens, Traditionally hackled MB’s, Sparkle Duns, Caddis Softies, Downwings…clusters and many more.
Nymphs that are ruling include all kinds of sows, scuds, Ray Charles, Czechs, Nitro Caddis, Beaded Translucent Pupa, Purple Translucents, Blooms Weight flies, all kinds of pupas…
Streamers? Back on tap. Sink tips and the like to get the bugs to the fish. Skiddish in all flavors, Dali Llama’s, R2R’s, Leeches, , Yummy’s, Zonkers…
Weather not bad with the temps moving out of the 60’s into the 70’s along with nighttime lows as high as they have been all spring long.
Bottom line? Good with moments of greatness. Sometimes not too good wither withe the bite having been variable in the last week. But, with moments of brilliance. Saturday great bite. Sunday not as good. Monday slow morning better afternoon.
Let us know if you are coming our way and we will help you find a place to rest after you meal at Izaak’s. Breakfast at the the Birger Stand or down the road in Wolf Creek. Guides available daily with shuttles, flies, rods, reels, cool clothing and the like daily at Headhunters opening 7am-8pm. Swing on in and fill your cup…
A couple of our guide just love the Driftwood in Cascade Montana. A bar with a grill. In central Montana.
And they ought-ta like it. There are not a large number of restaurants in our neighborhood. The Missouri River Inn went south, again. The Oasis and The Frenchman in WC are going strong. Izaak’s is scheduled to open April 3rd. More on that later.
Back to the Driftwood, again for the 3rd time this Spring. I promise this is the last blog regarding the Driftwood in Cascade. Seems like the boys like to write about this spot.
One Trick Pony? Maybe.
Thankfully these two have redeeming guide qualities. They certainly know where the fish live…
The object of this blog, included in the title, is a burger aptly named the Hutterite at said bar in Cascade.
It is a hot dog, an egg, a couple O-Rings, a patty, cheese, and May-o-naise.
No lettuce or tomato. Might ruin it?
So what is a Hutterite you say? The Hutterites are a colony of folks…well here is the Wiki definition below.
Hutterites (German: Hutterer) are a communal branch of Anabaptists who, like the Amish and Mennonites, trace their roots to the Radical Reformation of the 16th century. Since the death of their namesake Jakob Hutter in 1536, the beliefs of the Hutterites, especially living in a community of goods and absolute pacifism, have resulted in hundreds of years of diaspora in many countries. Nearly extinct by the 18th and 19th centuries, the Hutterites found a new home in North America. Over 125 years their population grew from 400 to around 42,000. Today, most Hutterites live in Western Canada and the upper Great Plains of the U.S.
So here goes. A poem again from Jared, his second. With help from his sidekick Peter. Buckle up readers.
Ooohhhh….beef patty.
The hot dog coming
out of the fog
A little cheese with that bacon
We ain’t fakin’
If things look vague
put on a fukinegg
Cram an onion ring in there
and Let the bun
have some fun.
Written by Peter and Jared.
Yes, these two are fly fishing guides. Not poets, thespians, or genius’. Fishing guides.
We know they are beyond help. But if you want to give either one of these fellas your poetry grade, your reviews, or just stuff a sock in their pieholes…you can book them for a Spring Special Guide Trip for a mere $300 til April 30th. Tie it all in with cheap lodging at Craig Trout Camp. A good weekend, or midweek trip to the Missouri River.
Thanks for reading. We promise the content will improve tomorrow…
PS: If their guiding skills were as poor as their poetry skills…they’d be working somewhere else!
The short fishing report from the info source Headhunters this morning.
The last week brought us snow and cold temps. This week, starting today brings us much warmer temperatures and no snow. Just rain.
Fishing is good. For many it is not great. The water levels have some grasping at straws. I know the feeling. Fished with Andy form Colorado yesterday and caught some nice trout. But they were not always easy to find.
The fish certainly have spread out in the watery freedom they have be granted. They are in all the normal spots. Slow and deep, faster and shallower, medium speed runs, deep slack eddy’s, and a few other locales as well. I just did not find them all. Definitely not. The river certainly is much bigger.
Worms and pink lead the charge with the BWO/Midge stuff coming in second place. Make sure you got them all in your boat bag/fly boxes before you get out on the water.
A handful of boats on the water this weekend with Saturday afternoon turning out to be the jewel. Sunday more snow and north winds.
This week we will have more spring like conditions. Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 47. South wind 6 to 8 mph.
Does that jive with your fishing schedule?
[forecast]
Dries? Too windy to bring too many up yesterday, but that is changing. I predict this will be the week the irk comes off. Or next week?
Streamers? Yep, with tips. Get them deep. Swinging at the tail ends of islands? Finding the perfect depth is harder with the flows.
Flows @ 6360cfs and water temps 37.5F. All good. Will be up for some time, we think with the low level snow and rains.
The high level snow and such has not moved. It has just been added to as the snows low come and go while the snows in the hills is staying put. We will open Pandora’s Box with the water meeting April 11th in Helena.
The shop is going through some changes this week as the counter got torn out yesterday. New fixtures for reels, lines, rods…all arriving this week. We will jam them into place and get on with the end of March.
The Spring Special continues with guides out this week. Guides out last week were treated with good fishing from the Dam to Cascade. You coming?
Shop open daily @ 8am with shuttles, flies, info, coffee, fly rods, cheap guide trips, fishing licenses, tippet, bobbers, split shot, waders and anything you may need for your trip to the Missouri River.
If you spend even 5 minutes a week surfing around blogs, forums, FB & Twitter, you should at least be aware that Montana and Utah continue to battle small but powerful (well funded) lobbies and individuals attempting to shutdown rivers and streams to public access. Here at home, it’s an every two year process. Our … Read more
John’s video last year that debuted at Down the Hatch Video Festival in Missoula. A cold spey clinic today with lots of indoor action. Next week, outdoor action too. Although we will venture out for a short, and frozen, casting session. Handwarmers required. Enjoy this film today dreaming about your next Steelhead adventure. Tailout – … Read more
From WIRED Magazine – by Mary Bates Interesting read from the wires… how those Salmon and Steelhead get back to the creeks they were born in. Salmon Inherit a Magnetic Map Young salmon with no experience of the world, and without any guidance, are able to use the Earth’s magnetic field to find locations on the … Read more
Due to the super cold temperatures forecast for the end of the week, we are forced to move our free spey/two-handed clinic to Sunday, instead of Saturday as scheduled. Temps on Saturday are forecast to be 0 degrees when we wake up, and a high of 15-20 degrees. Sunday looks like 36. Kind of no-brainer. … Read more
Cold ? Yes. Good? Yes. It really does not change much in the winter months. The weather changes more often than any other factor. Water temps wobbling between 34F and 35F. Pretty standard for winter months. Last year the water temps did not fall to those cool level all winter long. More in the 36F … Read more
Fever with Benny Hill and Dilys Watling. One of my favorites as a kid. Still funny.
You may remember this image in the summer. It was warmer. Much warmer. Planning for your summer, your Missouri River summer of 2014? It is not too early. In fact, the lodging and guiding choices in June, July, and August are slipping away from you. Just sayin’. Friday Foto It is not too early to … Read more
Tomorrow is the last day we will be accepting entries for our “Girl’s Rule, Boy’s Drool” photo contest. Get your entry in now! You can go to our Facebook Page to see all of the fantastic entries we’ve received. Thanks to all the great women anglers who have submitted photo’s so far. Above is our … Read more
More hooked up gals from New Breed Chicks Rule. Annie Osborn form the Missouri River in June 2013. Thanks Annie. You rule!
Squeeky back in the house today. Scumliner has been carrying his weight and more during my hiatus to Seattle. Hope I can make him proud, and write decent content for a change. He’ll be away this coming week Atlantic Salmon fishing with Headhunters Guide Ben Hardy. A two-handed break int he midst of summer. Perfect. … Read more
The votes have been tallied. A winner has been declared. Deciding which photo was the winner was tough with all of the great entries we had. Each judge picked their favorite 3 photos (judges were Mark Raisler, Julie Arnold, Jess McGlothlin, Sara Roholt and myself). To give an indication of how many great photos were … Read more