BWO’s

Mid Week Missouri River October Fishing Report

Mid Week Missouri River October Fishing Report

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Mid Week Missouri River October Fishing Report Facts today for the Mid Week Missouri River October Fishing Report. Fishing is good. Not too good during the am session. Stay up late, sleep in. Get out late. Then fish. The afternoon bite is much better than the before lunch deal. If you did not get out til … Read more

Hump Day Fishing Report Montana's Missouri River

Hump Day Fishing Report Montana’s Missouri River

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Hump Day Fishing Report Montana’s Missouri River Lots of ways to skin the cat out there. Dry, dripper, nymphing, streamer fishing. Your choice. Swinging too. It is all on here in central Montana. You can nymph them up at pretty much whatever depth you like. Some are deep with split shot. Some are deep without … Read more

Tuesday Missouri River Fishing Report

Tuesday Missouri River Fishing Report

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Tuesday Missouri River Fishing Report The river is active out there as we are headlong into this popular September month. Nymphers love to visit in September as the fish get off of the August slow down. Although this last August was as good as we could hope for with much better fishing than the previous … Read more

Blackfoot River September Fishing Report

Blackfoot River September Fishing Report

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Blackfoot River September Fishing Report Fished the Blackfoot yesterday and today. Can’t tell you what happened today, but I can chat at you what happened yesterday. Flows ar equate low with Bonner registering about 400 cfs. Boney, skinny, thin man. Ran the NRS IDB yesterday, but will be running my Adipose Flow today. Saw … Read more

State of the Missouri River Craig Montana 8.26.16

State of the Missouri River Craig Montana 8.26.16

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State of the Missouri River Craig Montana 8.26.16 Bringing you the State of the Missouri River Craig Montana 8.26.16. Headhunters is the information source on the banks of the famed Missouri River. Keep it tuned here for your daily bite of trout information, education, and trout fishing entertainment. So how are we doing as we move … Read more

Missouri River May Rain Days

Missouri River May Rain Days

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

May Missouri River Fishing Forecast

May Missouri River Fishing Forecast

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May Missouri River Fishing Forecast Today on the Headhunters Fly Shop Blog you get the May Missouri River Fishing Forecast. What to expect, wish for, and believe for the month ahead. Missouri Rive May Weather and Water Forecast May is the second rainiest month of the year. The only one that exceeds May is June. … Read more

April 28th Missouri River Fishing Report

April 28th Missouri River Fishing Report

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Shit hot short fishing report today this Thursday in late April. BWO’s: Top to bottom. Hatch generally in the afternoon, but yesterday started about 937am and did not stop. March Browns: Yep. This is a short lived hatch and when you blink it will be gone for another year. 7-10 days of this bug … Read more

Headhunters Fly Shop 2016 Event Calendar

Headhunters Fly Shop 2016 Event Calendar

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A few dates to get into your calendar for the upcoming 2016 season. Headhunters events, community events, and hatch events that can make your vacation planning easier.

The water looks like it will be in the average range for the summer ahead. At this early point we feel that we can state that fact. But Mother Nature does make the call.

February

February 6th: Headhunters Free Spey Casting Clinic. Sold Out

February 10th & 24: Headhunters Fly Tying Night in America. Wednesday @ 6pm-8pm. 

Midge Hatch: Can start in the middle of the month. We will keep you up to date here on this very site about the activity. Some epic hatches can get your dry fly mania going.

March

March 5th: Headhunters Free Spey Clinic. Sold Out. If any openings occur we will inform you here on this blog.

March 9th: Final Fly Tying Night in America @ the shop 6pm-8pm

March 15th-April 30: Spring Special Guide Trips $350. Our famous Spring Special for all to attend. Full day guided trips to knock the rust off.

March 15th-April 30th: Spring Special Lodging pricing. Call Headhunters today to get killer deals, 30% off,  on Craig Trout Camp losing and other great Missouri River area lodging!

Midge Hatch: Continued Midge action throughout the month. Get your early season dry fly fix.

Skwalas?

April

Spring Specials all month long with Guide Deals @ $350 and area lodging discounts.

Blue Winged Olives: Late in the month. If water temps rise early we can see some BWO action earlier in the month. Look for 42F for the start of this historic spring hatch.

The big bugs may come too.

Great nymphing all month long. The streamer gang gets going too. Strip the big bug for the big brown trout.

May

One of the favorite months for the Headhunters staff. Good to great blind dry fly fishing and probably the best in streamer fishing. More big brown trout are caught in this month than any other. Meaning, the biggest brown trout. 

March Browns: The middle of the month can bring out this early mayfly. The fish get kinda stupid for this bug. We love the March Brown hatch here on the Missouri River.

BWO’s: Good afternoon action for this twice yearly hatch.

May 20th: Montana Fly Fishing Film Festival. Headhunters hosted night before event at 8pm. Come enjoy some Montana made films, food, beer, and swag the day before the Craig Caddis Festival.

May 21st: Saturday the 10th Annual Craig Caddis Festival and BBQ Cook-Off. Big time event in Craig. Come one come all. Food, beer, live music, live and silent auction, parade…a good fundraiser for the Craig Volunteer Fire Department. Email Mark if you want to be involved, donate any auction items, or BBQ for fame! mark@headhuntersflyshop.com www.caddisfestival.com

June

Caddis Flies: The beginning of our favorite summer hatch. Get ready. One of the two busiest months on Montana’s Missouri River.

Pale Morning Duns: This 2 month hatch begins about the 3 week of the month. You want in?

June 18th: Headhunters Summer Solstice Party. A big time afternoon BBQ and party. Contests, swag, fun with your favorite Headhunters til dark. More on this as we get more planned. As you know, we love to throw a good party.

Brown Drakes: Late in the month. This short lived hatch brings out some regular visitors to the Mo.

July

Trico Hatch: Can get rolling on July 5th. Lower water years it can start earlier. Higher water years as late as the 4th week. Many anglers favorite hatch. An amazing Missouri River hatch.

July 4th Party: Another big time party at Headhunters. America’s Birthday. Afternoon BBQ with fireworks at dusk.

PMD’s, Caddis, ant and hoppers too: The best dry fly month of the year. Consistant dawn til dusk.

August

Dry flies all month long. Getting more difficult as the moth progresses. Some don’t like the month because of the weed growth in August. Techy dry fly anglers like it for the difficulty level. Not many anglers during latter half. Pretty quiet.

September

September 3rd: 2nd Annual Browns and Brews Craft Beer Festival. This afternoon even 4-8pm is bound to be one of the summers best. 6 local breweries will share their beer during this tasting event. Live and silent auctions, live music, and food vendors will round out this Saturday Labor Day Weekend event. Book your guides and lodging now for best availability.

One of the better nymph months. The angling pressure increases again as the kids are back in school. If the month is cold you can see some BWO action late. The Pseudocloeon comes and drives folks mad. A fun time on the river.

October

Some anglers favorite month. Historic BWO hatches have been down but the Pseudo’s are around. Streamer anglers like October.

BWO’s: Generally late in the month. Good to great dry fly fishing depending on the year.

Headhunters Fly Fishing School: These are in the planning stages and we will post soon about this idea. Families, dry fly fans and nymphers alike will find something to learn at these Headhunters sponsored schools.

Missouri River BWO Fishing Report 10.21.15

Missouri River BWO Fishing Report 10.21.15

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Baetis are here. BWO time fishing Montana’s Missouri River.

Light hatch yesterday and the day before. It should POP soon. We would love more of those clouds and drizzle and some fall like winter weather. Bring it.

The streamer bite is not as consistent as we think it should be but our trout are eating a few.

Flows somewhat stable at these lower fall time levels. Still at 3280cfs with water temps falling slowly currently @ 55.5F. Looking and feeling good.

Missouri River Canyon Stretch Fly Fishing
Sunny weather is sure pretty. We’ll take the clouds though please!

Cooler weather on the way with some sun and daytime highs this approaching weekend in the mid-40’s at best. Hopefully the weather guessers are wrong about the sun.

Nymphing is good. Better in the afternoon. The mornings have been quirky and odd. Not all that shit-hot until the bugs come off. Then it is damn good. Deep in the morning and short to finish the day.

Some good fishing to have if you stay out late. Not a bad idea at all. No need to go at the break of dawn. Unless you have Bailey’s in your coffee and then, by all means.

Some cool groups fish the Mo in October. the RIO Products along with SAGE Rods were just here for a week plus, Blake Merwin of Gig Harbor Fly Shop in Washington bought out some cool fellers, Doc Paul is bringing out a multi-boat trip next week and we have hosted a bundle of 2 and 3 boat trips this month. Why not come out with a gang of your favorite anglers in tow. Headhunters Fly Shop can accommodate your group for lodging, catering, and guiding. One stop fly shop in Craig MT.

It may be our favorite month of the year. October is always a good one. Fun folks, fun fishing, and the dry fly fishing to rising trout that make your knees shake.

Shop open daily at 7am…stop in for a cup of piping hot perked coffee, cell coverage, and free WiFi on our porch.

Headhunters Baetis Week. Dry Fly Love.

Headhunters Baetis Week. Dry Fly Love.

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Boy do we love Baetis here in central Montana fishing the Missouri River. It is the real beginning of the spring dry fly game.

While the Midge kick it off, the Baetis bring in the dry fly year adding validity to the daily dry fly game. Do they come every day? Mostly. So do the Midge. So we begin to expect dry fly opportunities excellence on a daily basis.

In the shop there are daily questions about the flies we like to fool those sometimes finicky feeding trout.

We like the emergers and flies that sit in the film. Film flies rule. Baetis are all about hanging in the meniscus. So therefor those are the type of flies that our fly guru Ninch fills our overstuffed always stocked fly bins.

DSC_0072
Ken outta Seattle WA fishing the Baetis Dry this last weekend w/ HH Guide Mark Raisler

Duns are cool too. Who doesn’t like the adult. Cripples are what John, Jared, and Ben Hardy like. Spinners can come in handy too. John is also a fan of the BWO Spinner. Mark likes the Buzzball on everything else. But for BWO’s he fishes the CDC emerges most. Sara digs the small attractor type Baetis like the Purple Haze, Craze families which we do not even have listed. Those are a different category for us, but many like to throw the generics out there and our fish do seem to agree on one thing. Braden likes the bright dun stuff. Max is into the Spinner too.

It’s all about the presentation. And the right fly helps.

So what do we suggest? Any fly you dig. We all have our favorites and go-to patterns. What are yours? If you need a hint do not be afraid to swing by the fly shop. If you want to buy one of everything…two of everything…an even dozen? Why not. Be prepared. Fish well stocked.

Headhunters Baetis Week. Dry Fly Love.
Nearly 40 dry fly BWO patterns at Headhunters Fly Shop

We have not included the Para Adams in several post colors we carry, the Craze patterns, the emergent purple flavored filmy’s. That has to bring up the total closer to 60 patterns. Tired of fishing the same old patterns. Try something new this year, this week, on your favorite BWO reach.

Here are the flies as pictured above in some sort of order. Mostly in order as follows…

  • Top Row 1: Low Water Baetis, Hogan’s Sipper BWO, Harrop’s Short Wing BWO, RS2 BWO, Harrop’s Captive Dun, Harrop’s Captive Dun BWO, Brook’s Sprout BWO, RS2 Grey
  • Row 2: Harrop’s CDC Biot Emerger, Loop Wing Emerger Grey BWO, Indicator Parachute BWO, Para Cripple BWO, Swisha’s Clumpa, Quigley’s Half Dun Hatching BWO, Thor Cripple, Snowshoe Dun BWO
  • Row 3: Cripple Parachute BWO, Baetis Cripple, Harrop’s D & D Cripple Baetis, Harrop’s Last Chance Cripple, Sparkle Dun, Sparkle Dun Olive, Quigley’s Sparkle Flag BWO, Silverman’s Stacker Cripple, Nyman’s DOA Cripple
  • Row 4: Hi-Viz Para BWO, CDC Wing Para Spinner BWO, Harrop’s Hi-Vis CDC Spinner BWO, Harrop’s CDC Paraspinner Baetis, Silverman’s Stacker Spinner Olive, Passage’s Magic Fly BWO, Nyman’s Black Posted DOA Cripple, CDC Winged BOW Emerger, CDC Winged Emerger Grey
Missouri River Baetis Image

Missouri River Baetis Image

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Check it.

Baetis are here.

Big time.

Call ahead if you need a Doctor’s Note from us.

We can totally forge one of those.

Then you can fish guilt free this week.

That Baetis Flu is going around and you got it bad.

 

 

The week ahead holds several Baetis related posts…a veritable how-to here on your Craig Montana information and education source…The Headhunters Fly Fishing Blog

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.14.15

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.14.15

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]We have folks all the time want us to call them when the fishing is “off the charts.”

It isn’t yet. 

Will it be soon? Yeah, maybe.

Every April the cork comes off and we are looking for that to happen sometime this month. April and May are really, really good fishing months here in central Montana.

Really, really good.

Do they match July, June, or even October? You gotta be the judge of that.

April is drifting by faster than we realize and May will be upon us with some of the shop staff’s favorite fishing. Streamer mania and great blind dry fly fishing with March Browns, BWO’s and midges keeping us busy until the spring caddis show.

As for today, yesterday and the week ahead? Looking good my fishy friends.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.14.15

Missouri River Montana Dry Fly Report
Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.14.15
Massive hatches of midges Missouri River Montana

Good dry fly days have been had with better and ultimately more consistent days ahead of us. The BWO’s are showing albeit not in huge numbers. Those Baetis boxes should grace your boat or vest for the next month for sure. Para’s, low riding emerges, trapped duns, transitional duns, cripples, and your own home brew patterns will get you through. Look for a Complete Baetis Blog coming soon.

Midges are here in force. Mega midge hatches all day long, on some occasions, will allow you to toss at rising fish when the wind falls below gale forces.

Midges are here in force.

Had to say it twice for effect. Big time midge hatches. Some years we have consistent daily emergences and some years we do not. This is one of the good ones. Midges can get you all revved up from dawn til dusk here on the Missouri River.

Patterns? Clusters, Buzzaballs, singles, G-Men. You have been reading this report for weeks now. All the regular stuff…plus your magic fly. We don’t keep any secrets here at Headhunters. Want to know the secret fly, the secret mayfly for the Missouri River? It’s commonly known as the Parachute Adams.

Missouri River Montana Nymph Report

Good to great. Getting better everyday. Fish moving into faster water as the temps rise and we can really see it. The water is dropping and be aware to adjust your nymph rigs accordingly. The dynamics of nymphing are constantly in flux and those who practice static fishing behaviors don’t use the net as often.

Look for center river water and get it on the shelf. Some are having success in those bank sided bubbly seams and runs. Others are staying closer to the center. Your choice. Lots of ways to skin cat.

Montana fly fishing Midges
Midges “Lined Up”

Patterns? Wide and varied. Still the primary objective is to sink that fly as fast as possible and keep it there as long as possible. That is the secret to nymphing success. Keeping the bait in front  of the target as long as physically possible. Honest. Trust me, I’m a fly fishing guide.

  • Gaudy beaded flies like the FB Ray, FB Caviar Scud, FB Pink Ray Soft Hackle, Hot Threaded Tailwater Sows, Ninch’s Lucent Bead Sow, Bloom’s FB Weight Fly, the Mexican Mayfly, Amex, Pink Lightening Bug, Holla Back Pink, Pierced Pink Nipple’s…
  • Mayfly patterns that are coming on strong include S & M’s, Peep Show, Indigo Child, Two Bit Hooker, Gidget, LGM, T-Head Pheasant Tail, BHGRHE, Brush Hog, Micro Mays, Red Headed Step Child, Pearl LB’s, un beaded PT’s, Ju-Ju Baetis…
  • Midge flies that sink include the ubiquitous Zebra. You could only throw that fly and do well. Food for thought. But if you havfta go a different route you’d have to come in and see what we have. I just fish the Zebra. Black Zebra. I will have to poll the gang at Headhunters and find out what all the hype is. I’ll get back to you.
Missouri River Montana Streamer Report

Streamer Fishing is getting better too. The water temps moving upwards gets those trout to move. To move towards that stripped fly. Bright fly bright day. Dark fly dark day. Try that.

The swinging gang is still out there. They are having success in a touch faster water as well. It need not be the stale part of the run anymore. Try stepping through the top ends of some of these runs. A fly with some weight will help in that arena as well.

Need Spey Lines or MOW Tips? We got it all on our on-line fly shop. If not, we will order it today!

Water Temps and Missouri River Flows

The water temps are climbing. Shocker! We would like them to climb slowly. But, we cannot control that sort of deal. Not yet at least. The better fishing is commensurate with the higher water temps. Shocker!

Currently roaming around the 44F mark. Should stall there for a while as we flirt with spring like weather for a couple days. Probably more BWO weather. Shucks.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.14.15
Wobbling around in the 44 range

The flows are in the 3860cfs ballpark and will stay no higher than that for a while. Check out the probable flows chart we will post tomorrow. Low man. May be a low water summer. Honest.

Missouri River Montana Weather

[forecast]

Headhunters Fly Shop open daily with piping hot free perked coffee to get your day going. Shuttles, the best in flies, Missouri River info and free maps, gloves, hand warmers, sunscreen, bug dope, shit hot cool lookin’ HH Logo Wear including the street ready Craglandia line.

Open late for any post or apres fishing needs like new RIO Perception Fly Lines, demo rods, all sizes of SIMMS only wader made in the states G3’s, and you local lodging source.

 

 

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Headhunters Fly Shop Fishing Report

Headhunters Fly Shop Fishing Report September 4th

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The Missouri River is fishing quite well. The Blackfoot too. Which river should you fish? How about both.

John and Mark are heading over the hill today to fish the Blackfoot for a couple days to see the cool color changes, the high mountain experience, and try to fool a few Cutthroat trout along with the healthy populations of Rainbows and Browns. Maybe a Bull Trout or two as well? We will give yo an update on the fishing in the next couple days as to the success of the trip across the Continental Divide.

The fishing on the Mighty Missouri is heating up for fall! The flow plans are in as well and it looks like we will be seeing a few more cubic feet per second than normal. Will that affect the fishing? It may get better. It will cool the water sooner for sure and maybe bring the bigger BWO’s out of hiding sooner tan the previous years. Will it release those weeds earlier? Maybe.

Screen Shot 2014-09-04 at 6.32.28 AM

All reaches of the river are fishing well. The Dam? Unbelievable. Big trout on tiny midges and some larger PT and mayfly patterns too. Try anything bigger? Stop in the shop and ask our knowledgable staff for any up to the minute hot flies for your Missouri River success.

The streamer fellers are not yet cleaning ups s the weeds in the water column will not let too many casts through before picking up the junk. How are the weeds? Not bad at all. I would say roar less than the two previous years not eh Missouri River. Shake ’em off, cast them off, or just enjoy the day. Have not had anyone of my clients complain about them in the last two weeks.

Quieter for another couple days and then the folks do return for the good September fishing parade. Nymphing is always rock star status in Spetember but this year the late summer caddis and ants have made their way into the conversation big time. Blind dry fly fishing is very good and try your hand at that in the afternoons is you so desire. Lots of good stories about not only the ant and the caddis but the hopper too. Whatever bigger fly you like tie it on and go out there and cast!

[forecast]

Not too bad and cooler mornings have been keeping the water temps in the right region. Nicer afternoons in the mid 70’s this last week and more to come. We can see temps creep into the 80’s in September but judging the summer and the cooler temps all year long, we do not see that happening.

The shop is open daily at 7am for all your Missouri River trout fishing needs. Some sale hangover items including deep discounts on DEMO rods from SAGE, Loomis, Orvis, Echo and reels, lines, shitty flies, fly fishing accessories, shirts, some rain gear and the like. We’ll see you this weekend on the Mo or the Blackfoot!

Enjoy the fall here in Montana with Headhunters.