boat

Boat Ramp Report

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This weekend temps are expected to get up into the high teens. Normally, this wouldn’t bring anglers out of their winter holes, but we’ve had nearly 6 weeks of unfishably cold conditions, and if the wind lays down I expect we’ll see a few boats on the river.

We get tons of calls during the winter – from all over the region – asking about the fishing conditions. Those who haven’t fished here in the winter ask the usual questions. Fly patterns, tippet size, slow or quick water, are we doing shuttles, is Joe’s open? (c’mon man)… the usual. You can tell if it’s someone who’s spent some winter time on the Mo’. They ask “how are the ramps?”. They can be dicey.

Each year we pull a rig or 3 off the ramps, and hear about a few others. Right now I would rate things as a Blue Square with a few Black diamonds. No green runs right now, but you will get some fresh tracks! If you are coming up to Craiglandia for some winter angling, make sure and bring your tow rope (2 are better), jumper cables, good tires and 4 wheel drive. Remember that many of the ramps do not have cell service!

I checked out all of the ramps yesterday anticipating some traffic this weekend. I didn’t check the Holter Dam or Wolf Creek ramps. Ice likely won’t be a problem. If there is you can usually put on your waders and stomp a hole. Duck hunters know what I’m talking about. While shelf ice rarely prevents a launch at these two ramps, plenty of folks still get their rig stuck, so be careful. Mark and I have been known to shove our boat onto the snow at the top of the ramp and slide it down to the water, rather than risk sticking a rig and ruining a fishing day. But Mark and I have been know to do stupid things.

So, here’s what the ramps from Craig down look like if you’re wondering…

CRAIG – GROOMED

More snow than I would have expected but plenty of tracks and some boats have been in/out recently. Might be icey from the polar plunge on New Years Day. More gravel on skiers left.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”21763″ onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]

STICKNEY CREEK – POWDER/CRUD

Normally a good bet in the winter, but looks super sketchy! Kind of shocked it hasn’t had at least some use as Craig to Stick is a popular winter float. I would not try this unless I had a second rig with me. And I’d make him go first.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”21764″ onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]

SPITE HILL – POWDER/PACKED POWDER

Actually looks decent, except for some shelf ice that can probably be busted out. It’ll be almost over your head at the end of the ice. And theres a recent set of trailer tracks. The Burbot boys have the road down in nicely groomed.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”21765″ onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]

DEARBORN – POW!

If you’re looking for fresh tracks, this is the spot! For fishski, that is. If you’re looking to launch your boat, plan on getting stuck on the chairlift. A whole lot of nope.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”21766″ onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]

MID CANON – POWDER

Not packed out, but this is a green run even on a powder day. The slope is short and the gradient shallow. Should be good to go (but don’t blame me if you yard sale!)[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”21762″ onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]

MT. PALACE – SKIFF OF NEW

Palace didn’t look nearly as treacherous as I expected, but there’s a lot of vertical on this run. The good news is that you can easily get your trailer tires to the water. Always a sketchy call with snow, and there was tons of drift ice in the lower Canyon today. This is a fun one to slide the boat down![/vc_column_text][us_image image=”21761″ onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]

PREWITT CREEK – WINDCRUST

Looks like the Bombadier missed this one. Usually some tracks during the winter but nada. And the shelf ice is way out there. Consider this OB.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”21759″ onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]

PELICAN POINT – AVALANCHE DANGER!

Always a double black diamond after a storm. That cornice on skiers left looks like it could go at any moment!? Hopefully Mark will get in there with some explosives this week, but if not it’s a no-go. And if you launch here just to prove me wrong, you’ll have to drag your boat the last 4 miles across the ice. Possible take out with a long winch strap.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”21758″ onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

New Boat Smell…. ME!

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I’m back on the sticks guiding full time in 2017, and I’ve been without a drift boat for a couple years. My raft, my Towee, and my boots have been my main modes of covering water. Today I drove up to Helena to pick up a brand new Adipose Flow, the best guide boat on the market. Stoked.

While I was there I got to check out the new Adipose “Runoff”, a high side model for those who want a little more wave punching ability in their hull. I gotta say it’s a pretty sweet boat, and Adipose decided to lay the first one up in vacuum infused carbon-fiber.

This new model is designed for heavier water, big standing waves, and perhaps for that dude that’s just looking for a bigger boat…[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”21328″][vc_column_text]If you’re interested in this hull, check out this short video showing off the new design and performance attributes. There’s more photos on the Adipose Facebook page. You can call Justin at the shop as well, but if you wait a few weeks you’ll get to see some more detailed images an on-water reports. Possibly some video as well.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]I also took this quick shot from behind the oarlocks at gunnel level to try and give folks an idea of the difference in height. As you can see, it’s not a dramatic difference in height. It’s more of a performance difference. I expect this model to be very popular in Missoula, on the Yellowstone and over on the rain soaked rivers of the coast. Justin has been getting lots of inquiries from Colorado as well, and plans to have it down at the Sportsmans show in Denver in early January.

Great looking hull, and like always Justin, Mike and Tracy have putt lots of thought into this one.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”21329″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

BHA Quiet Waters Initiative

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Above: Headhunters guide Capt. Ryan McCourtney running his powerboat downstream from Cascade.

“Montana’s rivers and streams comprise less than 1% of our landscapes, but are valued and used disproportionately by people,wildlife and, of course, fish. They are the focal points of communities, offer recreational opportunities for non-motorized and motorized uses, as well as provide important habitats for wildlife and fish.”

The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) has announced it’s Quiet Waters Initiative, aimed at taking a proactive approach to motorized use restrictions on Montana waterways. Many of our waterways have no restrictions, and as BHA points out, advances in watercraft design mean there are now boats that can go just about anywhere. They have spent over a year taking inventory of Montana rivers and streams, as well as restrictions or lack of. They also interviewed local users along the way to help them get an idea about historic use and user conflicts while compiling a list of recommendations.

I don’t think I’d call this a heated issue in our area… yet. But we are starting to see more motorized use, as well as more consistent motorized use. If you live here you are used to seeing a motorboat here and there, often during higher flows in spring. During duck hunting season there’s usually a sled or two running around Craig. And guided visitors here for the first time are often shocked to see a jet boat screaming upriver. Minor conflicts that we hear about tend to occur between Pelican Point and Cascade. This area has a long tradition of motorized use, and is highly regarded by dry fly anglers who don’t appreciate the jet boat wakes putting their fish down.

Of course we also are home to the “Land of the Giants”, arguably the most popular fly-fishing-power-boat fishery in Montana. Conflicts in this stretch occur between wading and powerboat anglers.

Read the highly detailed recommendations BHA has for the state by clicking the link below.[/vc_column_text][us_btn align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fd3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net%2Fbackcountryhunters%2Fpages%2F2831%2Fattachments%2Foriginal%2F1476226083%2FQuiet_Waters_Proposal_MT_BHA.pdf%3F1476226083||target:%20_blank” style=”4″ label=”READ BHA PROPOSAL” custom_width=”200px” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22font-size%22%3A%2218px%22%7D%7D”][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fd3P9WIOzw&feature=player_embedded”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Don’t Forget to Wash Your Boat!

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Above: Montana guide James Whitescarver cleaning every inch of his drift boat.

A few years ago, preventing the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) was all the talk. Wader manufacturers were producing non-absorbent boots with Vibram soles, Facebook was littered with ANS information, boat check stations were popping up all over the west, and every convention, trade show and meeting I attended included an ANS presentation.

In the high-speed, low-attention-span world we live in, you really don’t hear much about preventing the spread of New Zealand Mudsnails, Didymo, Zebra Mussels and Eurasian Watermilfoil anymore. Like ever. And we’re back to felt-soled boots.

Those who regularly travel on a route that has a Watercraft Inspection Station keep their boats clean. Guides like James Whitescarver (above), regularly travel between Missoula and Craig. He knows he will have to stop at Clearwater Junction to have his boat inspected by Montana FWP.

I have a feeling that James keeps his boat clean regardless, but not everyone does. Right now the Missouri is laying a pretty good scum-line on your boat.

During the “ANS Peak” one of the states mobile inspection stations was commonly set up at the Wolf Creek Bridge boat ramp. Haven’t seen it as much the last few years, but it may just be in a different part of the state.

ANS are a concern on the Missouri River due to the massive amount of “migratory” boat traffic we receive. If a species of concern is going to get transported somewhere via a drift boat, it’s pretty likely that it will end up here.

Likewise, you could easily “catch” something here, and transport it to your home river on your boat or trailer tires.

Please continue to keep your boat clean (and tires, waders, boots) and prevent the spread of ANS. You can pull into the drive at Headhunters and use our water, soap, brushes, etc. anytime. Many folks do on their way home.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

2015 Year of the Net

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

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

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

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

Here’s the big ugly:

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KEEP ‘EM WET CAMPAIGN

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

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

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

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