craig trout camp

Headhunters Spring Special

Headhunters Spring Special thru April 30th!

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Headhunters Spring Special thru April 30th! Our annual discounted guide trips and local Craig lodging have become quite popular. If we believe Oscar Wilde and his quote, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” then we are doing just fine. Our 8th year of the Headhunters Annual Spring Special … Read more

Headhunters Fly Shop Winter Lodging Rates, Guide Trips, and more!

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Headhunters Fly Shop Winter Lodging Rates, Guide Trips, and more! Headhunters Fly Shop getting into the winter swing here in Craig. Open daily for all of your winter fishing needs including lodging, guide trips, and spey info and lessons and gear. And more! While some of the shops in the canyon close here at Headhunters … Read more

October, September, Missouri River Montana

September is upon us, October coming soon!

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September is upon us, October coming soon! Fall is on the way. Yep. But not before some more summer. Fall does not officially start until September and the Autumnal Solstice beginning the 4th week of this pivotal month. Water temperatures will be falling and the days will becoming shorter. We are looking forward to tearing … Read more

2017 Craig Caddis Festival Photo Gallery

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] 2017 Craig Caddis Festival Wrap Up Last Saturday, Craig hosted the 11th Annual Craig Caddis Festival and BBQ Cook-Off. This year, the weather cooperated (it only poured rain for a little bit) and the turnout was great! The official count is still pending, but over $10,000 dollars was raised for the Craig Volunteer Fire … Read more

Annual Spring Special

Headhunters announces Annual Spring Special Guide Trips and Lodging

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Headhunters announces Annual Spring Special Guide Trips and Lodging Deals February is nearly over and we turn our attention to our upcoming Annual Spring Special. This hyper-popular pricing schedule has many of our anglers all fired up! Along with discounted lodging on the banks of the Missouri River why not couple both deals together for … Read more

Missouri River Fishing Report Weekend Update

Missouri River Fishing Report Weekend Update

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Missouri River Fishing Report Weekend Update All good heading into this April weekend here on the Missouri River. Izaak’s is open, the BWO’s have arrived for real, Midges abound, and the sun is shining. I understand the Oasis is open all days of the week as well. Joe’s Bar? 8-2am daily. Headhunters Fly Shop daily … Read more

Missouri River Weekend Fishing Outlook

Missouri River Weekend Fishing Outlook

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Missouri River Weekend Fishing Outlook

The weather has turned for the better. Way better. Or warmer. Some wind attached to the warmer temperatures as well. Pretty normal. We get a few spells like this every winter and the local anglers take advantage of the opportunity.

If you check out the ned several days it looks like snow will be occasionally falling from our Montana skies. Not much, but threatening daily. High temps in the 20’s and low 30’s. Certainly fishable. Yesterday a bundle of wade anglers on the water with more than a handful of boats above Craig. Even a few below town too.

Swingers and nymphers alike. About half and half. Curious trout spey anglers in the store taking advantage of the demo rods and full line of trout spey gear on hand in downtown Craig. Look us up if you have any questions about anything spey related.

Firebead is  the hot fly. Tailwater sows holding their own. Foxy Clousers, small leech patterns, and traditional streamer patterns are reputed to bring winter trout to hand.

A guide trip or two on the water this weekend as some are experiencing cabin fever. If you need a way out…we can help. Demo your Adipose Boat at Headhunters this winter too. Interested in getting one of those hot Montana skiffs in your driveway? Stop in for any info in regards to the Adipose Flow.

Successful fly tying night last evening at the store. The regular crew was there in force tying and bullshitting. Streamers, bobber flies, and some techy small summer flies were tied. Fun times. Next Fly Tying Night in America Wednesday January 27 6pm.

Still some cool stuff on the sale rack. Always new and updated fly lines, terminal tackle, winter wear including a bevy of gloves and hats. Your Missouri River SIMMS dealer with Howler Bros, Orvis, and tons of cool Headhunters Logo Wear.

Open daily 8-6pm for shuttles, winter discounted lodging at Craig Trout Camp, and all things trout…

 

First Call for Summer 2016 Fishing and Lodging

First Call for Summer 2016 Fishing and Lodging

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First Call for Summer 2016 Fishing and Lodging

Heading into the Christmas Holiday in a couple weeks. You will be surrounded by friends and family. A good time to discuss your summer 2016 fishing plans.

It ’tis the first call for summer 2016 fishing and lodging plans. The mega booking time after the new year may be too late for the specific property you are after. Certainly guides get booked a year in advance so it is never too early to get your name on the books.

June and July are two months that do book a year in advance. If you have to come in any of those two months we suggest you get it done shortly. Those who wait til the last mine have less to choose from.

Get your Lodging @ Headhunters Fly Shop

The best properties in Craig MT
The best properties in Craig MT

Craig Trout Camp is our primary lodging and the favorite of long timers coming to the Mo. All 4 properties are right in town close to the fly shops and Izaaks. Joe’s bar too. And don’t forget the river.

Craig is one of those rare trout towns located right on the river. The Missouri River.

Craig Lodging is a web site with more than twenty nightly rental properties and RV sites in close proximity to the Missouri. It is a goto lodging guide for all of our favorite rental properties.

So why don’t you get some dates nailed down and give us a shout at the shop. 406-235-3447. Our booking experts are available 8-6pm daily. We can educate you further beyond the information provided on the lodging web sites.

Headhunters Guide Service

First Call for 2016 Fishing and Lodging
Guide Ben Hardy of Headhunters Fly Shop

Get your guides picked out as well. We have great tenured guides for your Missouri River fishing pleasure. Professional full time guides that call the Missouri River their home. A long time returning staff will treat you to a insightful and educational day(s) on the river that you will not soon forget.

You want to get hooked up with a rental boat during your stay? We have those too.

Want to travel light? Just bring your carry-on and we will supply waders if needed, and rods too. Headhunters is your one stop fishing shop. We got you covered here in Craig.

Headhunters operators standing by 877-DRY-FLYS or 406-235-3447.

This is the first call for 2016 booking. Don’t wait til the last call…

 

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 11.16.15

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Good to great November fishing here on the Missouri River. Fantastic nymhing and swinging and some out there swinging the little soft hackled ones too.

The best in the nymph game is to head down the sow and scud road. Choose a big one and a little one. Most are leading with a larger Firebead like the ubiquitous Rainbow Czech in a 10 or a 12. How about Bloom’s Weight Fly in the FB Rainbow coloring. If you like to add the split shot your options grow like weeds in the summer. Then you can toss any type of larger sow/scud combo. Yes, most are leading with a larger fly up top.

DSC_5367
Clark with his first Mo River Rainbow

For the tail fly the sow/scud is good too. A smaller sized 14-18 pattern is a a good choice. Some are tossing the BWO nymph as well. Pretty hard to beat a Little Green Machine or some sort of skinny derivation thereof. Black, red, rusty, grey purple, and olive flavored midge patterns are finding some fish daily.

Dry fly anglers are finding fish on leeward shores in the afternoon. Some BWO’s, Pseudocloeon’s, and midges of a thousand varieties are out there. Not in any huge numbers though. Search and ye shall find.

The dry fly game has been really quite difficult. Longer leaders and smaller tippet sizes are most certainly required in most dry fly situations.

Streamer fishers are chucking daily. Lots of this enthusiastic crowd around this last weekend. Some nymphers, a few DFO’s, with boat and bank big fly guys making up the majority. The weeds are not an issue as we are following up a not too weedy summer with this lower water late fall. Dry lines and intermediate tips are the most common. Both unweighted and weighted streamer can work. Find your water type and address each fishing mystery accordingly.

Don’t forget about the swingers. Every day I see more than a few 2 handed fellers out there. It is pretty common to witness a number of anglers in the winter months casting in our great swing runs. Again the water is on the shallow side so the Scandi set is all over it. The Skagit gang is doing well with either a floating tip or an intermediate set-up with un-weighted or lightly weighted patterns respectively.

Headhunters is Montana’s choice for Trout Spey. We stock all of the lines, tips, leaders, reels and rods for your Trout Spey adventures. Give us a ring if you need any info in regards to this two-handed game.

Lots of folks around this last weekend specifically on Sunday for late fall fishing. We have rental units in Craig beginning at $125/night. A great way to spend your weekend here fishing the MO. Lots meaning a few boats on the river. Solace mid-week is a given.

Water flows in the low 3K range. Water temps dropping predictably now as we move into the latter half of November. Should remain normal for the time being. I think the water managers are holding water now for the anticipated lack of winter here in the Rocky Mountains. I think. I am no meteorologist or water planner. Just sayin.’

Shop open daily 8am-6pm. Winter rates start today with guided trips @$400 and Craig Trout Camp cabins beginning at $125.

 

P.S. The fish on the upper river are huge. The Rainbows are big. Honest.

Headhunters Missouri River Fishing Report 4.2.15

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Missouri River Montana Fishing Report reporting some of what happened this last week on the Mo from the Dam to at least Pelican Point. Some anglers below towards Cascade as well.

Lodging in Craig is booming and Izaak’s is open for the season! Izaak’s open daily @ 3pm for cocktails and dinner at 4pm. Stop in Craig for your full service experience. They will be closed Mondays through April but open the rest of the week. Joe’s is always open for your late night hang!

The fishing is getting better as the days pass by this spring. Consistent fishing is arriving as the the grass becomes greener. Nearly all businesses open in Craig. Almost. The Taco Cart not up to speed quite yet.

The weather sours starting today while the trout wear bigger smiles.

Headhunters Missouri River Fishing Report 

Hot hatches on the horizon include our generally good spring baetis and the continuance of midge flies. Both will be gracing us with daily emergences this coming week. A few BWO’s out and about this last week. Meaning a few, like 3 seen recently. More to come soon. In conduction with the snow flurries panned for the week ahead? Maybe. You’ll just have to be here to witness it.

Bigger flies on the surface as well as our spring stones can be found under rocks too. Still a month out from the March Browns. Let’s play with the existing insects first.

Nymphers are out daily fishing all the way from the dam to ? How low can you go…

Streamer anglers stripping as well from top to bottom. Dry lines, intermediate tips, and some who like to go deeper yet. Hickman’s and Coffey’s and Kraft patterns are getting it done. Come by for the streamer super store in Craig. Open daily for your streamer fantasy at 8am.

Water temperatures continue their climb and stall occasionally. Like today, tomorrow.

Flows are in the lower 4K’s. Hiccuping this week is what we may see.

On the rise.
On the rise.

The weather will screw with us in the next few days. Check out the forecast and/or call us for the up to the minute fishing and weather reports.

I for one am packing a few Thermos’ products in my boat today along with hand warmers and a few pair of KAST gloves. W shave both the Raptor and Steelhead models for your spring fishing pleasure. Try the SIMMS ProDry as well. The HH staff love these as  well!

Lots of winter and early spring pieces in stock at Headhunters. We truly are your Missouri River Spring Specialists! While the rest are still ramping up we are in full spring swing. Stop in for a hot cup of Joe and fill your Thermos on us. See you before and after your wintery weather

Headhunters Fly Shop January Update 1.19.15

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The New Year arrived and it has moved behind us and now in the distance.

Lots of anglers out this last weekend with the first weather weekend over 40F in the last couple months. With the warmth we got the wind. But, that did not keep the many thick headed Montanan’s from getting out of the house. Thanks for coming by and visiting us. Some Demo Spey Rods out the door and a few fly lines getting spooled too.

A few cabin rentals recently as Craig Trout Camp is open for business. The roads have thawed in town and the mud is emerging. Nice.

The water temps remain cool int he mid 34F range but it has not stopped the fisher folks. Water levels in the high 4K’s and will remain for some time. The water for the summer is sowing and building in the Rockies. We are all smiles!

A few events we have on our calendar for the month(s) ahead.

This Wednesday Jan. 21st: Headhunters Tying Night in America. Ninch and Mark will host this mid winter tying night Wednesday at 6pm til 8pm. We’ll see you for a couple hours of random fly tying.

Thursday Jan 22nd: The Upper Missouri Watershed Alliance is holding its first annual member’s meeting at the Craig School on Thursday January 22nd starting at 6:00 PM. The Alliance which is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the Missouri River for future generations will present their planned projects for the coming year. Public Welcome!

On the program will be a presentation by Grant Grisak, from Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks on the current “State of the Missouri.” Grant is a biologist responsible for Montana’s Region 4.

David Stagliano is a biologist with 18 years of experience in freshwater ecological studies. David has done studies of aquatic invertebrates in Idaho, Michigan, and Kansas and is currently the Aquatic Ecology Project Leader for the Montana Natural Heritage Program. David is the head of the Alliance’s aquatic resource committee and will discuss historic and current aquatic conditions.

Guy Alsentzer, Environmental Attorney and executive director of Missouri Riverkeepers, Inc. will give a presentation of their work to preserve the Missouri by enforcing water quality standards.

The Alliance will provide a potluck dinner with drinks. All interested parties are invited for an evening of fun and information and a chance to show your appreciation for the Missouri River.

Great Weather this coming weekend. Come out from Billings, Havre, Whitefish, Bozeman and Calgary. Good cheap lodging, discounted guide trips,a dn awesome wade fishing. Joe’s Bar open at 8am daily. Open late for your dinner of frozen pizza. The winter fishing is pretty good. Walleye guys are stacking them in the cooler at the dam. Ice fishers on the lake report a damn good Perch bite.

Sunday February 1st: Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. Fly Shop closed at some point in the afternoon for pre-funking with the staff.

Saturday February 7th: Our next FREE Spey Casting and Fishing Clinic. Sign up today for the last couple spots. This well attended clinic is fun for all from beginner to advanced 2 handed caster.

Ninch says flies start arriving Feb 5th: Headhunters updates its world class Missouri River fly selection. Flies by the barrel-full coming in weekly as we prepare for the summer ahead.

The Missouri River’s Winter Fly Shop: We have all the stuff you need for winter angling on the Mo. Gloves, demo rods, hand warmers, free coffee, shuttles, spey line demo’s, information, lodging, sale items and flies.

Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service Spring Special: $300 Guide Trips start March 15th and run thru April 30th. This incredibly popular spring pricing special fills quickly. It books backwards from the end towards the beginning. The latter weekends in April are all but gone. Get on this soon if you want a specific guide for your spring warm up guide trips on the Missouri. Cheap lodging too. Craig Trout Camp and a couple other properties are involved in this spring special.

McCune/Gould Spey Clinic April 11th and 12th. This world class sustained anchor clinic is $200 and well worth it. A few who attended last year are already signed up for the second time Whitney and Mike will be here in conjunction with Headhunters Fly Shop. Call today for your reservation and deposit. Find out more about this clinic here.

Good fun to be had here on the Missouri River this winter. Good fishing, cheap lodging, great fellowship, Joe’s Bar, and Headhunters Fly Shop. Here entertaining the angler daily.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 5.13.14

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The sun came out. Yes, I said it. The sun came out today. How about today?

Will it come today?. The weatherman says it will.

Just no more snow please for us here in central Montana. We have enough. Honest.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

The fishing is good and getting better. Some aspects are. Did we mention the weather is improving?

Nearly every guide in Montana is here, not all of them, but soon the remainder will be here as the water all over the state is rising. We love it here and welcome all who attend. We can help the out of area guide, the out of area angler, all of them. We got the goods here at Headhunters and are anticipating your visit.

For those of you who planned on coming to the Missouri or are coming soon we will give you just the facts today on the nearly daily Headhunters Fishing Report.

  • The water is higher than the historical average, 6K, at an even 9K.
  • Water temperature is 47F. A couple degrees below water year temps.
  • BWO’s are popular subsurface.
  • Sows too.
  • March Browns are out. And fish may or may not like them.
  • Tributaries clean and clear. Falling too.
  • Fishing well from top to bottom.
  • What will happen when the daily air temps rise?
  • Headhunters Guides out daily. Plan your summer trip today and sleep better tonight.
  • Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service open every morning at 7am for any of your Missouri River Trout Fishing needs. Flies, info, terminal tackle, GINK, Shake and Bake, Rot Gut watery coffee, new fly lines, demo rods, NRS IDB’s…

[forecast]

 

 

Silly Sunday Scenery

Silly Sunday Scenery

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Rain day on the Missouri River. Raining as I rose this morning and may continue all day long.

The tribes have jumped a bit in the last 24 hours and the Dearborn is tossing some mud our direction. Brown for a spell, maybe a mile, then it is OK. Fish caught below the Dearborn all day long as I polled a couple anglers pulling out at Prewitt Creek last evening.

Dearborn at 875cfs and the Little Prickly Pear is running a cool 433cfs this morning. This rain may add some more water to these tribs.

Other than that, everything is cool here. The fishing is good withe the dry fly being the least of our worries this coming week? Unless the BWO’s decide to put on a show. Which may happen? Maybe.

Enjoy the remainder of the weekend with playoff BB and Hockey.

Thanks for reading this very fishy blog. We appreciate it.

See you in Headhunters on your next trip to Craig.

Missouri River Monday Fishing Report

Missouri River Monday Fishing Report

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Monday on Montana’s Missouri River and all is well. The flows are hovering around 8000cfs and the water temps are 43.5F.

The bugs are here and more are hatching daily. The dry fly weather is suspect as the air temps are rising and while we did not have an early Spring it seems to have shown up now. 73F for a high today. We like that.

Some water will come from the mid level melting that will surely occur the next few days. We will see some water come through the Dearborn, not much from the LPP. Stickney and Sheep Creek are usually unaffected.

The bugs though. They are excited about the warmer weather. We should see continued improvement in the hatch volume as the next few weeks come to pass.

Missouri River Monday Fishing Report

The nymphing the last few days has been difficult. You may see rosy reports elsewhere, but they may be seeing fishing through Easter colored glasses. While it has not been red, or even white hot, the fishing is good enough to keep the net wet. Are we catching them at our normal rate? No. Still pretty good compared to other rivers when they drop off the chart. We are catching some, not a ton.

Many of the Rainbows are on the spawn, some are out of the river, some are just not interested in pink flies. They are busy procreating. More trout is good. Good times man.

The streamer bite continues to be slow. While a few fellers are catching a few not he bigger bugs, it is not super duper streamer fishing. Deep and slow is the ticket if you want to go that route. Tips, sink rates, weighted flies…see your local fly shop for more information.

Dry flies? Yes. Cluster midges, single midge, Buzzballs, RS2’s, BWO Cripples, BWO emerges, CDC Midges, para Adams, Smoke Jumpers, Nymen’s Crips, Harrop patterns. We got them all and the trout are ready for action. More daily. More and more tip we can make an honest afternoon out of dry fly fishing. Soon.

The flows should remain stable for a while. We are still monitoring the inflows, Canyon Ferry is 71% full and holding at that level-ish for the last ten days. We will see how the water managers play their hand. They are looking for normal water levels this summer.

[forecast]

Call the shop for lodging this spring, for $300 Guide Trips through the end of the month, summertime guide trips and lodging, any gear you may need, to chat with a top level fly shop staffer, or just to see if we think the wind will blow. We are here 7 days a week for shuttles, flies, info, coffee, new SIMMS shirts, sunblock, Buff’s, sungloves, or even Smith or Costa sunglasses.

Open daily @ 8am.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.11.14

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Friday, Friday, Friday.

We are really close to the weekend. And the fishing is heating up. Literally.

The water temps are moving upwards and the fish are jumping upwards as well.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 

Water Temps have moved above the magical 40F mark. The flows are reaching toward the 7K level. Will find out more of what may possibly happen in the future as we will report our findings from the Missouri River Advisory Committee meeting today.

The fishing is getting better. Still not all that terrific in the streamer department but that will change as the month progresses. Flashy, Brown, and some white patterns are in the conversation. Check out the best streamer selection in the tri-county area next time you are in Craig at the Streamer HQ. We got an amazing array of streamer lines for your low, mid, or deep water streamer fantasies.

Nymphing good to great on any given day. The regular array of spring flies will do the trick. Worms have been red hot with Firebeads and all shades of pink bringing up the majority of the fish to hand. Midges of course are finding their way into the water and BWO flies are making more sense every day.

Most are 6′-7′ from split to bobber and using about the size of a B or a BB or a string of 4’s. Mix and match for indicator nymphing success.

Dries? Skwala anglers are getting a few a day. Fish them in the Skwala Method you dig and cross your fingers. Or clean your fly lines because casting and placement is damn important.

Midges are in play too. Have seen some actual rising fish the last couple days. A few more in the evening too. Come late and look for some heads.

Missouri River Weekend Weather

[forecast]

Cooler by the looks of it. Dress warmly for the weekend weather as the midges will be hatching and our green stones too. Warmer next week and we will continue with the spring weather. Warmer please.

The westside guides have been crossing the divide as they are blown. We are not never blown and we are open for any thing and any information and any lodging requests. Your favorite out of area fly shop is open daily at 8am.

Shuttles, fly rods, rental waders, all kinds of killer flies, information, demo rods, Adipose Boatworks Flow rental boats, warm clothing, summer T’s, Headhunters Logo Wear, and free hot coffee.

See you in Craig this weekend. Stop in and say hello.

 

Hump Day Trout

Missouri River Hump Day Trout

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Missouri River Hump Day Trout is a Brown Trout with Headhunters Guide Jared Edens.

Fishing in reaches other than the top end is in vogue as we move through the latter week of March.

It’s WFO. Yo.

This is the fishing report for the Missouri River today. Brown Trout are out.

You should be in.

We’re here daily with lodging options for those who end up in Craig.

Inexplicably.

We know. That’s how most of us got here.

Shop open at 8am for those who need coffee at the end of a long journey…

…where you ended up here on Bridge Street in Trout Town.

Montana’s Trout Town.

Missoiuri RIver Montana Fishing Images

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 3.23.14

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Looks like a better week coming at us. We are moving from snow and 30’s to sun and 40’s to rain and 50’s.

You like apples?

Tumultuous and wonderful all in the same breath.

Fishing? Good. Folks wandering around in all reaches of the Missouri and finding success. Where is your favorite run? You can pick and choose.

You like the lower? Do it. You like the Dam? Do that. You like the shadows of the canyon? Get in there.

Your best bet is your best bet.

Sunday and all is well. Continued anglers crawling out of their winter caves and finding Craig Montana as their temporary fishing release daily. Some come for the weekend. Some come for the week.

Just one question.

When you comin’?

The weather is the key for you comfort. If you don’t like Montana in the winter or the spring…don’t come.

If you like trout fishing before the pressure increases then come now.

We have cabins, guides, and a spot for you.

Check out the forecast and plan accordingly.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 3.23.14

For those who fish here is the latest on the latest…Nymphing heating up as the water temps reach to the 37F mark., Seems like every one degree higher the mercury creeps the fish just get hotter. And in such chilly watery conditions. 37F is good. 38F is better. How abotu 40F. Watch out.

Next thing you know there will be baetis littering the surface of Mother Mo.

You may want to come for that. In the mean time we are waiting for the Midge Explosion 2014. Not here yet. Damnit. Maybe this week. Maybe. We’ll let you know about two days after it happens…that is when it will register. The first day can be an anomaly and those who are here get first whack at them. Just how it goes man.

So how goes your addiction. Are you ready to come, or will you wait for the BWO’s? The Midge? The Skwala? The Caddis in May? Or are you a PMD man?

Everybody has their weakness.

If you happen to be on your way, in your car, following this blog closely then you should be aware of the current conditions.

[forecast]

Water temps are in the 37F range and will move upwards this week. A couple strong temps days in the hi 50’s will move it more rapidly. But in time. Anything worthwhile is worth waiting for. Patience.

Still not too fantastic a dry fly bite. Although they are near the surface in some slack ass backwater areas. You can toss it out and wait. Some trout may find it attractive, edible. Start looking more this week. It really is about time. The mid month mark is generally the front end. Some years it comes early, earlier. But in reality not by much. Too cold, the water temps this winter.

Swingers are attaching tips and getting a bit deeper. Come in for suggestions and reminders that the water is a bit deeper. Careful wading to some of those islands you have become comfortable visiting. Be aware the water is up. Flows are 6340cfs at press time.

Tributaries are clean and clear and no problems there.

Shuttles daily, shop open at 8am, free coffee, don’t mind our construction we are always open for you the Missouri River angler.

Thanks for your support the previous 6 years. We appreciate you as a customer. Come by and say hello.

 

Spring Training Spring Fishing

Spring Training Spring Fishing.

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Love spring. For some the favorite season of the the year.

The grass in becoming greener, the snow is less frequent, the refreshing smells of spring, smiles come easier, and we become comfortable enjoying the longer afternoons and rising temperatures.

The beer on the porch seems to add a spring in our step too! Soon, the BBQ will come out of storage and fire up!

Spring Training Spring Fishing

A pleasant time of the year for all. A time of year to find the pile of fly rods in the corner of the garage and dust it off.

I love Mariner’s Baseball and a number of you like your local teams as well. Peter is an A’s fan, Ben is a Boston fan, Ninch, Stipech and Matula are Detroit fans…who do you root for?

When the Pitchers and Catchers report to spring training I get excited. Excited for the spring baseball, for the daily games on the television, for the awakening of summer. Spring is the precursor to summer. The snowpack is foreshadowing a great water year. Great water years produce lots of trout based on the spawning recruitment. More water creates more habitat for insects.

It’s all good.

The rhythms of baseball and the rhythms of guide life have numerous parallels.

A daily game. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose. You play for the sake of playing. You truly enjoy the process, the skill sets, the luck quotient, the sun on your face, the camaraderie amongst fellow guides and anglers, the repetivenss of the cast, the beauty of the sport, the intricacies of the flies, the mechanics of the drift, the minutiae that fly thread coloration makes, the same damn ham sandwich, the opportunity to learn, the length of the Missouri River summer which lasts as long as the major league schedule, the privilege to experience this world class resource on a daily basis.

It’s all good whether it be Spring Training or Spring Fishing.

How are you looking and feeling this spring? Good? Get out the glove or get out the rod and begin to enjoy the season that is upon us.

 

 

Headhunters is again offering the Spring Special. Feel like getting your Spring Training started? $300 Guide Trips and lodging starts @ $100.

 

Friday Foto Fishing Report

Friday Foto Fishing Report

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The water is up since the last report, since the last weekend, since the last snow and wind and rain events. Tonight? The Fly Fishing Film Tour stops into Great Falls at the Hilton Garden Inn @ 7:30pm. But the action gets t-rolling about 4:30pm with beers, contests, the best deals on gear all year … Read more