clinic

Mike McCune Spey Clinic

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[vc_row][vc_column][us_image image=”18584″][vc_column_text]Mike McCune will be returning again this spring offering two days of intense Spey instruction in Craig. We are offering two different 1 day session with Mike on March 31, and April 1. Class size is limited to 3, so you’ll be getting lots of hands-on instruction with one of the best two-handed casters and instructors in the business. Mike’s clinics are especially helpful for those seeking to learn the finer points of sustained anchor casting with Skagit heads. We recommend that you have some experience casting and fishing with a two-handed rod before attending, as Mike’s clinics are not what we’d call 100 level.

Where’s Whitney?

Whitney may show up at the clinic, but likely she’ll be on the river as a guide for Headhunters this season. We’re super stoked to have a multiple World Champion caster on our guide staff this year, and you can always hire Whitney for a day of Troutspey on the Missouri if you want to get some personal instruction from one of the best.

Sign Up

Call the shop at 1-877-379-3597 or 406-235-3447 to sign up for Mike’s clinics. With such a limited number of spots available, they will go quick. Bring your own gear, so Mike can work with you and the rod/line combo you are accustomed to. If you haven’t gone “troutspey” yet, we will have some ultra-light rods available for you to try out. That’s a big reason Mike will be on the Missouri River this spring!

Cost is $200 per person, and lunch will be provided.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/129327269″ video_title=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Troutspey Clinic

Next Troutspey Clinic – Jan. 28 & 29

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our next Troutspey Clinics will be held Jan. 28th and 29th. You can expect the emphasis to be on trout and Skagit techniques with lightweight rods. Over the years our clinics have slowly morphed from a Scandi influenced general casting clinic, to an ultra-light trout rod, Skagit style of casting. I think we’ve finally arrived at gear specific to trout, and a focus on that as the intended target for most of our attendees.

Of course we will still have heavier rods present as well as all of the lines to go with them. Especially important to those who want to try a variety of lines and maybe get a few pointers on Skagit vs Scandi technique. Or even try a mid-belly line if you want that challenge.

There will be one class each day, and as usual they will fill up fast. Again, we are limiting our classes to 12 students this season. You’ll get excellent instruction and a great student to teacher ratio, but you can’t wait until the last minute. Call the shop to sign up.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Last Headhunters 2016 Free Spey Clinic

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In some incredibly balmy weather on Saturday – high 60’s – we held our final free spey clinic off the 2015-16 winter season. The full house enjoyed the usual classroom presentation, light winds, a wide variety of lines and rods, and some great fun with our crew. The class was super enthusiastic on the water, and our instructors saw some great improvement in this group. And quickly as well. They must be listening.

Just want to give a quick shout our to all of our spey instructors. Ben McNinch, Sara Roholt, Dwayne Sutphin, Curt Reynolds, Braden Lewis, Mark Raisler and Beth Hood all did a great job. I received compliments on all of them this winter. Great job team, and we hope you’ll be back to help out in 2016-17. Remember, the reason they’re good is that they are out there doing this all the time. They fish.

We hope that all of our students enjoyed themselves and took away at least a little something from our clinics. Don’t forget that our demo spey gear is rigged and ready to go if you want to get out on the Mo’ and swing up a fish or two. Maybe you just need to try some lines and get your outfit dialed in. Let us know.

Don’t forget that we have 1 more clinic available this spring, and it’s with spey guru’s Whitney Gould and Mike McCune. Call the shop if you want more info on spending a day with these outstanding instructors.[/vc_column_text][us_grid columns=”3″ post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” images=”17955,17956,17958,17964,17961,17960,17968″ orderby=”post__in” items_gap=”” items_layout=”gallery_default” img_size=”us_600_600_crop” overriding_link=”popup_post_image” breakpoint_1_cols=”3″ breakpoint_2_width=”768px” breakpoint_3_width=”480px” breakpoint_2_cols=”3″ breakpoint_3_cols=”2″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

McCune Gould Spey Clinic

Mike McCune & Whitney Gould Spey Clinic

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The dates are set for our 2016 spey sessions with Mike McCune & Whitney Gould. For those looking for some hands-on Spey instruction in a small 3:1 classroom setting, you’ll find no better opportunity. Mike & Whitney are among the worlds best Spey-casters and instructors, and their class is not a “demonstration”. You will be casting and getting personal instruction from both of them. Class size is limited to 6, so you know your getting more than a few minutes of personal help from each of them.

Due to their busy schedule, these will be the only classes Mike and Whitney offer this spring in Montana.

These classes filled up very quickly last year. We are starting with 3 dates, but are open to adding a day if needed (additional dates will be adjacent to existing dates). Why not get 6 of your Steelhead pals together and lock up a class to yourself?

2016 DATES:

One day classes will be held on April 29, 30 and May 1. Cost $200/pp.

Class will be held at a private venue  just outside of Craig beginning at 9:00am. Bring your own spey gear, though Headhunters can provide gear if you need. We recommend that you have some spey casting experience if you plan to attend. Lunch provided by Headhunters.

Whitney will also be available for private lessons for those who would like some 1 on 1 instruction.

Call Headhunters to sign up at 1-877-379-3597 or 406-235-3447.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][us_image image=”16519″][vc_column_text]Mike & Whitney after a day of swinging on the Blackfoot River.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Spey Clinic Bumped

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Unfortunately, the weather is forcing us to move this weekends spey clinic to the following weekend, Jan. 16th, 2015. The forecast is for a high temperature around 12 and a low that morning of around 7 degrees. We have also had quite a bit of floating ice on the upper river the last 2 weeks, and if that persists with the cold weather it would make casting & swinging impossible.

We have actually held a clinic or two in these conditions,and while we all had fun for an hour or two, it was more or less a waste of time. Guides freeze up in less than three casts, hands are numb making it impossible to feel & secure your shooting line, and getting in and out of the water on the shelf ice can be dangerous.

It also looks like there will be some snow on Friday night/ Saturday morning and we don’t want anyone driving to Craig in icy conditions.

The clinic will be held the following weekend – Saturday Jan. 16th – at the same time and place. Plan on being at Headhunters by 8:30-45. Classroom presentation will start at 9am.

You will automatically be added to the Jan. 16th class, so if you can’t make it on that date, please contact Ben or Sara and let them know (1-877-379-3597 or 406-235-3447). They will get you into one of our other clinics in Feb. or March.

This clinic is full with a waiting list, so please don’t call to try and add your name.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Womens Spey Clinic

Women’s Spey Clinic

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Headhunters manager Sara Roholt and guide Beth Hood held our first women’s spey clinic this weekend. As expected from these two, the clinic was a success and all who attended learned a thing or two about spey casting, rigging and equipment from these 2 spey-junkies.

Sara and Beth are on the water all winter throwing their spey rods, so this isn’t a social experience. These gals know what they’re talking about.

Former Headhunters staffer and Bozeman photographer Jess McGlothlin was also in attendance, and provided these great photos. click to enlarge[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_image image=”15200″ onclick=”lightbox”][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]

ON WATER

Saturday was on the cool side, and excessively windy. The girls chosen spot (at Ben McNinch and Nick Stipech’s pad) proved to be the least windy spot on the river. An excellent choice.

Sara and Beth followed our standard clinic protocol, starting with an hour-plus of classroom explaining the gear and terminology, followed by on water casting instruction. Sara ran the in-classroom session, as her knowledge of equipment proved invaluable. Beth headed up the on-water casting portion, and worked on fundamentals starting with the final launch stroke.

Sara thought that most attendees were interested in applying spey techniques to local trout fishing in Montana, as opposed to future Steelhead trips. We think that’s great. Get out there and swing up some Montana natives!

“It’s exciting to watch a group of women of varying skill levels come together to learn something new! Sara and Beth were excellent teachers, and it’s hard to imagine a better setting for the new Montana Spey angler to put their new skills to use.” – Jess McGlothlin

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EQUIPMENT FEEDBACK

Because we receive a lot of feedback about gear at our clinics, we were looking forward to a women’s only perspective. Sara’s compiled feedback was that the group really enjoyed the Orvis Clearwater Spey (first) and the Sage Method (second). Not as popular were the Echo Glass Spey/Switch and new Redington Chromer. We’re receiving a bunch of Echo TR’s this week, and I would expect them to be as popular as the Orvis.

Very interesting. The Clearwater (med) and Method (fast) are two completely different rod actions, but two of our favorite. No surprises there. The Echo Glass Spey and Switch rods are shop and customer favorites, but we have always heard negative comments from the ladies. We attribute this to the extra weight of these fiberglass rods. Men seem not to notice, but women most definitely do. The new Redington Chromer has received “meh” reviews from our staff, and from this group apparently.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_grid columns=”2″ post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” images=”15204,15205″ orderby=”post__in” items_gap=”” items_layout=”gallery_default” img_size=”us_600_600_crop” overriding_link=”popup_post_image” breakpoint_1_cols=”2″ breakpoint_2_width=”768px” breakpoint_3_width=”480px” breakpoint_2_cols=”4″ breakpoint_3_cols=”2″][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]

SKAGIT vs SCANDI

The group used both Skagit and Scandi lines, and Skagit prevailed as the easiest and most enjoyable. We all know that Skagit lines are a bit easier to throw. The ladies group would also agree more fun to throw. They definitely do more of the work for you, which is nice.

Sara, Beth and Headhunters also provided some warm soup, veggie trays, chardonnay and I heard there was some Bailey’s floating around. All appreciated from the sounds of it. It was a little windy and cool Saturday.

MORE CLINICS?

Will we hold more ladies Spey Clinics? Up to Sara and Beth, but I would expect that we will. If you’re interested I suggest harassing Sara at the shop.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Winter Spey Clinic Dates

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve set the dates for the 2015/16 Spey Clinics at Headhunters. As usual, these dates are somewhat tentative, as we occasionally move them due to weather. But we make every attempt to keep those dates solid. We get quite a few attendees from out of the area who make plans far in advance.

These clinics are open to students of all skill levels, but are generally geared towards beginning spey casters. We do have more advanced students attend, and can help decipher any hitches you may have in your cast.

SPEY CLINIC DATES

DEC 5, 2015

JAN 9, 2016

FEB 6, 2016

MAR 5, 2016

The routine will be pretty similar. Meet at the Craig House behind Headhunters for coffee, pastries and a 1-2 hour presentation/Q&A session about equipment, casting and fishing techniques.

After that, we head to our private spot right on the river in Craig. You will see a short presentation on casting, then break up and work on spey casts with our instructors. Teacher to student ratio is typically 4:1.

Post class often involves some equipment/line discussions back at Headhunters. We may also enjoy an adult beverage from the YETI.

Classes will again be limited to 20 students. We turn away plenty of people for each class, so you are limited to 1 clinic per season. Also, if you sign up and cannot make it, please let us know so we can open up your spot to those on the waiting list.

Remember that all equipment is provided, but we encourage you to bring your own rod. If you think you may have the wrong line on it, we have plenty of demo lines for you to try. We will help you get it dialed up.

COST: FREE

Remember, we do these clinics for free! All of our instructors volunteer their time because they love swinging a two-hander.

WHAT YOU NEED

Bring warm weather gear, including gloves, hats and pocket hand-warmers. Bring your own two-handed equipment, but you can still try some of our gear if you wish. It is not unusual for a few of the Manufacturer reps to show up with more rods (and instruction) as well.

HOW TO SIGN UP

Call the shop and sign up. That’s it![/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]

NEW! WOMENS CLINIC

We will be kicking off the 2015-16 season with a small Women’s clinic with Spey instructors Beth Hood and Sara Roholt. The date is November 14th, and class space is limited to 6-8. No, women do not need to be taught differently than men. This is simply a chance for the gals to get together and learn about spey casting in a smaller, relaxed setting with two excellent two-handed anglers.

We are still working out the details on this class. Call Sara at the shop with any questions.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_image image=”14404″][vc_column_text]SARA ROHOLT[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_image image=”14403″][vc_column_text]BETH HOOD[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]

McCUNE/GOULD CLINIC

Spey Guru’s Mike McCune and Whitney Gould will be making their annual tour of Montana next spring, and will be bringing their casting clinics to Craig and Headhunters once again. Dates have not been firmed up yet, but expect them to be held sometime in April.

If you can’t wait to see Mike & Whitney until then, contact them through Whitney Gould Fly Fishing and book a trip on the Grande Ronde this fall, or OR/CA this winter.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”14401″ onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]Whitney Gould & Mike McCune on the Blackfoot River.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

WOMEN’S SPEY CLINIC

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Headhunters Spey Casting instructors Sara Roholt and Beth Hood will be holding their first Women’s Spey Clinic this fall on November 14. Class size will be limited to 6-8 anglers. Rods will be provided and this class will be geared towards beginning spey casters and those who have never tried it.

Sara and Beth fish the Missouri River with two handers all winter and are experts when it comes to finding and catching fish on the Missouri River with spey rods. They both have experience fly fishing for Steelhead as well.

If you’re interested in attending this clinic, call Sara at Headhunters 1-877-379-3597 or 406-235-3447.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”14403″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Montana trout spey

Trout Spey

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HAVE WE CROSSED A LINE?

We wrapped up Spey clinic #3 this weekend, with 2 to go. It was a great group and the weather was fantastic. A SE wind forced the class to stick to their left shoulder for most of the day, so the double spey took center stage. By the end, we were working on off-shoulder snap T’s as well. There was some skill in the latest group, with several casters looking to fine-tune things, as well as try new lines on existing sticks.

We also had a new caster with a long-belly rig in the mix. I haven’t taught a new two-handed caster with a long-belly line in at least 15 years. In every class, I emphasize how much easier it is to learn with Skagit and Scandi shooting heads than with long-belly lines. This was confirmed to me in a big way this Sat. It felt like throwing sewing thread compared to a “head”. Rod position and timing are critical at every step. Kudo’s to this and any angler who wants to learn like that. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

The most interesting event happened right as we walked down to the river. There was an angler swinging a two-handed rod right on our “private” casting run. Now, it’s not really private, but you’re probably not going to walk there from a public access. This angler gained access through a neighboring piece of property, and was someone who I have seen over the years.

There is no conflict story here. I went out and talked to this local Spey-afficianado, and he was totally cool about the class. Headed off to another spot anyhow. But the fact that he was there made realize that we may have crossed a threshold when it comes to swinging the Missouri River with two-handers in the winter months. We have been doing these clinics for 3 years now, and It’s never even crossed my mind that there would be someone swinging in our classroom.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_image image=”9716″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]If you fish the Missouri River in the winter, you’ve noticed this transformation. Lots of rigs with magnetic rod holders on the hood, and an array of switch and spey rods on them. And it’s been like that for a few years.

But recently, I’ve noticed another change. Anglers are not coming in the store asking about spey casting and fishing. They’re coming in asking for it. In other words, we’re hearing less “what kind of line do I need for my spey rod”, and more “I need a 390 grain Scandi compact head”.

In other words, we seem to have crossed from the world of curiosity to a world of competence. It’s becoming more about the fishing (flies, spots, sink tip rates, etc.), and less about the newess, trendiness and curiosity of Spey rods. This I like.

Yesterday I had a long talk with Spey Casting guru Mike McCune about our upcoming clinic with him and Whitney Gould. This same subject came up, and Mike agreed that a new legion of trout-swingers is forming. Guys that aren’t doing it a little when Steelhead opportunities don’t exist, but doing it all the time because they like it, and it’s effective.

Although Mike is known as a Steelhead guru and spends his time fishing on the West Coast’s best rivers, he’s really into the trout spey thing. Both he and Whitney love the Missouri River, and Mike told me that Brown Trout have moved way up his list of coolest fish on the planet, and sit right behind Winter Steelhead at #2.

I consider myself lucky to live on one of the better “trout spey” rivers in the West, and am stoked to see so many other anglers getting into it.

In a few more years we may find ourselves driving down to the Dam in January and saying, “hey look, a guy with a single hander and a bobber!”.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Montana Spey Clinic

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CLINIC #1 IS IN THE BOOKS

An excellent turnout for our first two-handed Montana Spey clinic of the year. The weather was nice, and we had a little glitch with our google drive sign up list and overbooked it. That’s OK. The weather was great – the best we’ve had in over a year – and the crowd was enthusiastic. All 18 of them, and we had some from as far away as Denver at this clinic. Might be the new distance record.

I continue to tweak our presentation and subject matter. We’re starting to get into the pure Skagit stuff a bit more, at least for those who want to learn “sustained anchor” techniques, as well as try Skagit lines instead of our preferred Scandi rigs. Ninch is your man.

I was glad to see several anglers really taking advantage of the gear available to them. Switching lines, rods, and tips to see how they’re rod reacts differently. It’s often dramatic. You just got to try it. Several attendees brought their own rods, and I think at least one or two of them will be looking for a different line. It’s so important that you get the right line for your rod. Try it, try it, try it…. That’s why we have all of those lines and tips at the shop.

And oh yeah, you can try them anytime your in town. Just swing by.

The ECHO Glass Spey Rod got a good workout, and most – if not all – of those who tried it loved it. We will have several more for demo (and for sale) by the first of the year. This rods really shined for those new to the sport. And veterans just love the funky, slow powerful action.

Our next clinic is Jan. 10th, weather permitting. Sign up now at the shop.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8550″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][us_image image=”8552″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][us_image image=”8551″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]After the clinic, Dewey just couldn’t help getting out there and nabbing a few nice Missouri River trout![/vc_column_text][us_image image=”8553″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column][/vc_row]