fishing report

Saturday January 23rd Missouri River Fishing Report

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Saturday January 23rd Missouri River Fishing Report Still kinda winter here in central Montana. Cool this morning as well as yesterday with air temps dipping into the single digits. Not much snow, if any accumulations int he last couple months. Mild air temps for the most part with afternoons a solid option. More spring … Read more

Thursday 12.17.20 Missouri River Fishing Report

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Asked the shop staff what the previous 10 flies out the door were and they are as follows. Kures Micro Zonker Red Delicious Doppleganger in Grey Fruit Roll Up Black Pig Pen Leech Wooly Bugger Black Grizzly Beth’s Briches Arnold’s Sili Scud 10 Pill Popper Tailwater Sow Yum Yum Rainbow Czech Nymph Firebead Ray Pink … Read more

Fall Fishing Report 2020

Wednesday November 4th Fishing Report

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Wednesday November 4th Fishing Report Another winter storm lurking out there for the latter part of the week as we continue to see non-seasonal warm temps coupled with the ubiquitous sun inspired winds. And that is how it has gone this fall. That has been our pattern. Unfortunately. 2020 is a strange one… Of … Read more

Monday Morning Missouri River Fishing Report 9.14.20

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Monday Morning Missouri River Fishing Report 9.14.20 Not too bad out there. On a scale of 1-10, it is a 6.5? Or a 7? Yes room for improvement as we move through the month. And improving daily is our theme here in downtown Craig Montana fishing the Missouri River. The rest of the month … Read more

Missouri River Montana Monday Fishing Report 8.24.20

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Missouri River Montana Monday Fishing Report 8.24.20 August. Our slowest two weeks of the summer season. Thanks last two of August. And we like it. The river is in tough shape as it moves through the mechanisms of warm weather, daytime highs, lower water levels, and weeds. As September arrives and passes so do the … Read more

Joe Walsh Rocky Mountain Way

Joe Walsh Rocky Mountain Way

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Joe Walsh Rocky Mountain Way

Another installment of great Rocky Mountain music today on the Headhunters Blog. Today rocker Joe Walsh and Barnstorm with Rocky Mountain Way.

John mentioned this tune yesterday as a lock for the blog this week. I couldn’t agree more. A power rock

All good here in Craig Montana on the east slope of the Rockies. It’s Monday. A great weekend behind us with a fantastic dry fly weather week in front of us. Some wind mixed in as the daily air temps in the mid 60’s chance of rain, mostly overcast skies, and you? You coming soon?

  • Flows 4800 cfs.
  • Water temps 52F.
  • March Browns for another week or two? This fickle bug shows up, then leaves. May is the period.
  • BWO’s for another week or two?
  • Midges? Another month.
  • Mothers Day Caddis? Yessir. This two week event is happening, sort of. May 18th was one of my best dry fly days in the last 20 years. BWO’s, March Browns, and Caddis filled the day. Dry fly all day long. About 5 years ago. Burned in my memory.
  • Rumors of opening to out of state traffic fill our phone lines, thoughts, and conversations. The governor of Montana may speak towards the end of this week in regards to moving into Phase Two, and could bring news about the 14 day quarantine. We are hoping for June 1st as the lifting of travel restrictions. Call today and get your guide and lodging dates for this possible change in regulations.
  • The fishing is damn good. The nymphing is lights out. Sows and scuds with the mayfly playing a large role too. Caddis nymphs are rocking too below Craig. Upriver the normal fare. Downriver more options for those dunking flies couple with split shot.
  • The dry fly bite is what it is. If you are in the right place at the right time, with the right cast, you can get ’em. Planning is important if you are headhunting the fish feeding near the surface. The weather plays a big part in the eagerness of the trout. Overcast skies help the fish look towards the surface. They do not have eyelids and cannot squint. Overcast skies have no relevance in the hatching of insects. Sun and wind help dry the wings of mayflies, a requirement for flight, and therefore are stuck on the water for a longer period. Consequently more time for fish to eat them. Bugs do not hatch better, on overcast days. Some mayflies do hatch better in a rainstorm as the water tension is broken allowing easier movement from watery environs to our atmosphere.
  • The canyon is the most popular float in the past couple weeks. Then the dam. Followed by the remainder of the Missouri River reaches.
  • Guided trips out daily here at Headhunters Fly Shops and Guide Service. We are not fully booked as we generally are die to the travel restrictions. We have several of our top guides available right now through the rest of the month. We love Montanans in the boat! Give us a call if you’d like to fish the river this week during this timely dry fly session. It’s good. Yep.
  • Lodging available as well. Give Julie a shout, 406-868-5473 and get yourself booked.
  • Fly Shop open daily. Shuttles, lodging, guide trips, rental boats, casting lessons, DEMO ROD SALE, Best Flies Under the Big Sky!, Montana’s Trout Spey HQ, Jet Boat Trips, BlackStrap Face Masks, Buff’s, mega Sunglass selection, our friendly informational/instrucctional staff to help you catch more fish here on the Mighty Missouri River!

Missouri River Map

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Shane Wilson Netjob guide

Mid February Fly Fishing Report Montana’s Missouri River

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Mid February Fly Fishing Report Montana’s Missouri River Fished yesterday with HH Guide Shane Wilson and friend Adam Craig to Stickney. Had a great time. Fished a couple hours. Not hard. Social yes, fishing yes, lots of fishing energy, no. A short fishing session with air temp 22F, calm, partly overcast. Breeze came up from … Read more

High Winds in Central Montana?

High Winds in Central Montana?

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] High Winds in Central Montana? Yes. Only when the winter temperatures peak the 50F mark. We are forecast for 60F tomorrow. With increased winds. Winds Winter fishing is here on the Mo and we have seen lots of anglers out this past week. Winter rules apply. Today and tomorrow will bring high winds. But … Read more

Monday Morning November 4th Missouri River Fishing Report

Monday Morning November 4th Missouri River Fishing Report

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Monday Morning November 4th Missouri River Fishing Report Just the facts today on this Monday November 4th. Water Temps are good at a flat 45F. Would like them to stay here for about a month. It may be a shitty winter. And the weather gods may have shown their had already. Water flows are holding … Read more

Late October Weekend Missouri River Fishing Report

Late October Weekend Missouri River Fishing Report

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Late October Weekend Missouri River Fishing Report Fishing is heating up. It has not been a record fall as we write this fishing report mid day Friday October 25th. Fair fishing. Not fo the fickle. Those who fish here more often, are having more success than the anglers who are maybe here for the … Read more

Silly September Saturday Scenery

Silly September Saturday Scenery and Fishing Report

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Silly September Saturday Scenery Fall is here. Autumn may be gone with the snow from this winter event we are currently enduring, Snowing hard in Cascade with at least 2″ on the ground already this morning. Projected to be 15″+ in the next 48 hours. Yuck. But blowing hard from the North too. Snowing … Read more

End of August Fishing Report

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Our longtime friend RJ Maricich with a dandy Brown Trout he caught recently with guide Shane Wilson. On a hopper if you can believe it! And that’s the program right now for most. Hoppers. But there’s more going on than that, especially on the upper river. The trickiest call is the morning. You can 1) … Read more

Friday Missouri River Fishing Forecast July 19th

Friday Missouri River Fishing Forecast July 19th

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Friday Missouri River Fishing Forecast July 19th Fishing this weekend will be good. Trico’s in some sort of fashion, PMD’s, Caddis, Brown Drakes, occasional Pseudo’s, and Sally’s should keep you busy fielding dry fly opportunities. The upper river is great for the dry fly angler. If you like the flat dry fly sort of … Read more

Friday July 5th Headhunters Fly Shop Fishing Report

Friday July 5th Headhunters Fly Shop Fishing Report

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Friday July 5th Headhunters Fly Shop Fishing Report & Forecast Fishing is fantastic here on the Mo. The best water levels, water temps, hatch timing, dry fly opportunities, Craig Montana vibe, outdoor music, and fishing in some years for the July period. August is gonna rock too.  So here we go into the month … Read more

Monday Morning July 1st Missouri River Fishing Report

Monday Morning July 1st Missouri River Fishing Report

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Monday Morning July 1st Missouri River Fishing Report Hooray! July has arrived. All good here in downtown Craig Montana and the river is fishing well. PMD’s rule the day. And the night. Spinner falls can happen anytime during the day or evening. A great one the past couple evenings. Be on the lookout for the … Read more

Headhunters Fly Shop Weekend Fishing Report

Headhunters Fly Shop Weekend Fishing Report

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Headhunters Fly Shop Weekend Fishing Report The Weekend Update Facts: High(er) water again this spring with flows currently at 11,400cfs. Visability at least 2′ and in sore areas up to 4′. The river below the Dearborn River, while it has been inconsistent for fishing results, is certainly fishable.  Not much color from with the … Read more

Wednesday 4.24.19 Fishing Report

Missouri River Montana 4.24.19 Fishing Report

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Wednesday 4.24.19 Fishing Report The tributaries are falling and the river proper is rising. Makes no sense. Welcome to Montana. It may change soon. But here on this report we only give you info about things that have already happened. That is what a fishing report is. A report of info that has been gathered … Read more

Friday Foto Fishing Report 4.19.19

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Friday Foto Fishing Report 4.19.19 I liked the Yes and No format earlier this week. It fits my rapid posting early morning style, and needs. So here we head into another Montana Weekend in downtown Craig. Love to see you! Yes: Brown and gold streamers like the Kreelex. Or Sparkle Minow. Or olive flavored. … Read more

Monday Morning Fishing Report 4.15.19

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Monday Morning Fishing Report 4.15.19 The Monday Morning Fishing Report 4.15.19. Midway through our Spring Special here in central Montana. Going well. The other fantastic rivers in the state are somewhat fishing. But, if you want the cleanest water in the TRICO County region, come to the Mo. Call first. We got yer back @ … Read more

Monday Missouri River September 17th Fishing Report

Monday Missouri River September 17th Fishing Report

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Monday Missouri River September 17th Fishing Report Cooling air temps and water temps have slowed that un-real top water blind fishing bite. Stopped it? No. But certainly not as red hot as it has been. Replacing the morning Trico’s are the Pseudos on the lower reaches. They are moving up river as the days pass. … Read more

Friday Foto Rainbow Release

Friday Foto Fishing Report

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Friday Foto Rainbow Release Coming into a cooler weekend wether wise. Bring your warm clothing. Or come by the shop and stock up on all of the cool fall SIMMS gear that arrived yesterday. Downstream Jacket Puffy, the staff favorite Bulkley, Pro Dry Rainjacket, Midstream Puffy, and layering stuff that is sure to keep the … Read more

Friday Foto Weekend Missouri River Fishing Report 7.27.18

Friday Foto Weekend Missouri River Fishing Report 7.27.18

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Friday Foto Weekend Missouri River Fishing Report 7.27.18 Flows dropping to 4800 cfs today as we Monto the last gasp of July.  Wade fishers paradise. Daily events include the Trico spinner fall @ 845 am. Later in the morning you may see the PMD spinner fall. Move past noon and get the caddis out of … Read more

Missouri River Friday Fishing Report Headhunters Fly Shop

Missouri River Friday Fishing Report Headhunters Fly Shop

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Missouri River Friday Fishing Report Headhunters Fly Shop All good and getting better. Well, meaning, the water is scheduled to drop this coming week. Yup. It’s gonna happen. Flows at Toston Dam of the Missouri River are dropping rapidly. 13K Thursday nite. Will be falling all weekend long. Look at the progress. Above is the … Read more

Missouri River Summer Solstice Report June 21st 2018

Missouri River Summer Solstice Report June 21st 2018

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Missouri River Summer Solstice Report June 21st 2018 River flows came back above 15K this morning. The flows on the Dearborn are falling rapidly currently at the 3500 cfs mark. We expect to see the Dearborn flows continue to fall therefore the Missouri River below the confluence will be fishable again. Since the rain event … Read more

Headhunters Fly Shop Missouri River Fishing Report June 16th 2018

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Headhunters Fly Shop Missouri River Fishing Report June 16th 2018 The latest on Missouri River Flows Headed higher due to heavy precipitation basin wide today. Headed back above 12,000 cfs today. Rising above 13,000 cfs Monday. More precipitation Monday and Tuesday. An inch in this storm. Another inch combined Monday and Tuesday. June rainfall amounts … Read more

Missouri River Headhunters Fly Fishing Report May 7th

Missouri River Montana Headhunters Fishing Report May 7th

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Missouri River Montana Headhunters Fishing Report May 7th High water techniques apply. Fish towards the bank, or away from it. The best catch rates are those hugging the bank and tossing into the deep trough that lines the bank. Soft inside lanes are producing. Hard summer backlines are not holding fish. Too fast man. Pink … Read more

Missouri River Fishing Report April 29th

Missouri River Fishing Report April 29th 2018

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Missouri River Fishing Report April 29th 2018 Not normal Missouri River fishing. Lower than average catch rates. Difficult situations. Fluctuations in the water couple times a week. Swollen feeder creeks like the Dearborn and Little Prickly Pear. Lots of boats. No wade fishing to speak of. That is our reality. And we are one of … Read more

Late January Missouri River Fishing Report

Late January Missouri River Fishing Report

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Late January Missouri River Fishing Report Mid Winter check on Montana’s Missouri River as we today give you the Late January Missouri River Fishing Report from your information source Headhunters Fly Shop of Craig Montana. Facts fill the fishing report in this Winter Edition. Again I remind you that what is reported, in fishing reports, … Read more

Saturday Scenery… and a Fishing Report?

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A shot from yesterday to give you an idea of what it looks like ‘round here. As you can see, you won’t need your snowshoes. I call this photo “Silly Saturday Scenery” and dedicate it to Mark Raisler.

FISHING REPORT

The river has been very quiet this week. I think we’ve done a shuttle or two each day, and I’ve seen the occasional wading angler here or there. But I’ve also driven from Craig to the dam twice and not seen an angler. Typical quiet right before the holidays. School got out today, and I expect a few more anglers this weekend and into next week.

With the lack of pressure, we don’t have a ton of feedback to base a fishing report on. Most anglers I’ve seen or talked to have been swinging streamers from their feet, and doing well. Water type and fly choice seems to be all over the place. As I stated earlier in the week, I believe the fish are still transitioning to the winter tanks. You won’t find them everywhere in every run, but you can’t really ignore anything either. That’s a tough task when the days are short.

I would spend most of my time concentrating on 5he heads of runs (at the drop off), but I would start a little higher than normal for December. We’re still picking them off in fast water. In quicker water I would lean towards flashier bugs like the Skiddish Smolt, Kreelex, Zonker (all colors), Shock & Awe, etc.. When you get to slower “tanky”water is switch to a leech pattern or bugger.

Dont hesitate to fish a deep tip. I’ve seen some pretty good fishing with full deep sinking tips recently (10’ T-8 or close). Seems like the fish are still in some faster water, but holding a little deeper than they were 2-3 weeks ago.

I haven’t talked to more than a nympher or two. All reports have been good using the normal December imposters. The Rainbow Czech, various Firebeads, Red Worms, Pink Lightning Bugs, Zebras, etc. Mayfly nymphs are still producing.

The nymphing trick is way more about where than what. Whenever reports are either “we killed ‘em”, or “it was tough” (what I’ve been hearing), the successful crew was fishing in the right spot and the unsuccessful was not. So if you’re not getting them, try some different water.

Weve had a pocket of warm air associated with Chinook winds hanging around for a while. It’s been chilly to our south, even in Helena. More so in Butte and Bozeman. In Craiglandia, it’s mostly been in the 40’s. Pretty comfortable for this time of year. We’re supposed to get a little snow this weekend, and as the high pressure breaks down it will cool down a little, but still comfortable for winter fishing. And the wind should lay down a bit next week.

Late November Missouri River Fishing Report

Late November Missouri River Fishing Report

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Late November Missouri River Fishing Report All is well here on the Missouri River. The first holiday weekend is behind us with the even bigger on ahead. Between now and then we should see continued decent fishing before we dive headfirst into the true winter months. The water temperature is 40F. That is good. Will … Read more

Thursday Fishing Report Montana's Missouri River

Thursday Fishing Report Montana’s Missouri River

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Thursday Fishing Report Montana’s Missouri River Past the tipping point of October looking at the Thursday Fishing Report Montana’s Missouri River. On the short end of the month. Boy, it is happening fast. We have had 6 great ones. Maybe 6 1/2. Do not miss the 7th. It is coming. Maybe in the next couple … Read more

Mid October Missouri River Fishing Report 10.12.17

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Mid October Missouri River Fishing Report 10.12.17 Good times in the fall months as we look at the Mid October Missouri River Fishing Report 10.12.17. We love the last couple months of traditional fly fishing here in central Montana. IT does get better everyday from here on out. All the way until Thanksgiving. Ten it gets … Read more

Missouri River Fishing Report September 26

Missouri River Fishing Report September 26

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Missouri River Fishing Report September 26 All good here in this neighborhood as we move into the last week of September and have October on our minds. The fishing has us thinking that direction too. The Dry Fly Bite Getting better every day. The past few days the tiny BWO’s are out there in the … 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

Missouri River Headhunters Weekend Outlook

Missouri River Headhunters Weekend Outlook

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Missouri River Headhunters Weekend Outlook Rain yesterday. Rain today. Rain tomorrow. Perfect.  If you are coming out this weekend you will be greeted by rain. Overcast skies. And food fishing. Anglers are fishing top to bottom. Lots of interest in the canyon. And why not. Fish live all over the river. The interest in the … Read more

Headhunters Fly Shop Late August Blackfoot River Fishing Report

Headhunters Fly Shop Late August Blackfoot River Fishing Report

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Headhunters Fly Shop Late August Blackfoot River Fishing Report Pretty good out there yesterday. Sunny, smoky, and fishy. Fished with friends from Hawaii for their first trip to the Blackfoot River over the divide. An awesome experience. Put in at Harry Morgan and floated to Scotty Brown Bridge. Pretty skinny up top in the North … Read more

Eclipse Missouri River Fishing Report

Eclipse August Missouri River Fishing Report

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Eclipse August Missouri River Fishing Report Fished yesterday Craig to Spite Hill during the eclipse. Fished all by my lonesome. Nice. Ate plenty of smoked salmon, pistachios, and drank several pouches of Capri-Sun. It was perfect. Ddi the fish rise better during the shade, eclipse period? Nope. But it was surreal. Not a lick of … Read more

July 31 Missouri River Fishing Report

Monday Morning July 31 Missouri River Fishing Report

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Monday Morning July 31 Missouri River Fishing Report Trico’s. Going good. Some mornings they seem to not get out of bed though. So, we hope they are getting after it as you are out on the water. Yesterday was a good day. Floated Craig to Mid Canon and lots of action. Less pressure from anglers allowed the fish … Read more

May 30th Headhunters Fly Fishing Report Missouri River Montana

May 30th Headhunters Fly Fishing Report Missouri River Montana

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May 30th Headhunters Fly Fishing Report Missouri River Montana All is well in downtown Craig Montana. Nothing to complain about here other than the slower than average dry fly bite. The nymphing is good and the streamer fishing…well nobody is talking about it so it must be either great, or crap. Water levels are currently … Read more

Hump Day and all is well

Hump Day and all is well

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Hump Day and all is well 4240cfs and a stones throw from 40F water temperature. More precipitation this week with moderate temperatures. A chance of snow showers in the forecast for the coming weekend and beyond. Don’t forget your foul weather gear wen heading out into the Montana springtime. Flows looking good and midges are … Read more

Weekend Advice

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There’s going to be some folks out on the water this weekend. With temps near 70’s, and minor flooding shutting down a few streams around the state, we expect to see plenty of folks on the Missouri. We’ve had plenty roll through the shop this week. Fishing reports are all over the place, but yesterday we heard more bad ones than good. Here’s a couple pieces of advice that we hope brings you some success this weekend.

Let’s Get Small

Downsize those flies! Most Missouri River anglers throw a big “bomb” fly on the lead of their nymph rig during the spring. Usually it works. But not always. If you’re rolling through known spots and not getting any response, consider going to two small flies. Both small mayflies and midge patterns will work, and we wouldn’t hesitate to try a #18 sow bug. It may not be as fun as that big BH Pink/Gray scud, but you’ll actually be eating the primary food source for trout in March. Midges.

You will need to add some shot to your leader to achieve the right depth instead of relying on a heavy tungsten bead lead fly. I commonly switch to a weighted nymph rig with two contrasting midge beadheads (1 black, 1 cream or red) in the winter/spring, especially if; a) I’ve found a few fish in a spot and want to catch more, or b) am in water I know should produce but isn’t, or c) it’s cloudy and the midges are hatching. And I can’t stress this enough: If you are in a good spot that you know holds fish this time of year… do not leave until you hook at least a few!

Get Out of the Boat

Sometimes it pays to slow down. Even on a slow moving river like the Missouri, you are covering water much quicker from a boat than you would while wading. If you’ve hit a few of your favorite boat spots and still have a Zero on the scoreboard, stop the boat at the next one and spend a few minutes wade fishing. Mark and I did this the other day in a handful of spots and were rewarded in each of them (photo above). Sometime those fish need to see that fly a few times before they eat it. And i’m always amazed at how they will eat that big “bomb” fly if they see it go past their nose a dozen times.

Most of us have spend $250-700 on a good pair of waders. Use them.

Have Fun

We hope everyone enjoys the warm weather this weekend. We will be open and ready at 8am, and likely at the shop until dark Saturday evening. Swing on in and get the lowdown. The middle river is fishing well, so don’t feel the need to head to Holter. Humans are not heard animals. Izaaks won’t be open for another week, but you can grab a Tombstone at Joe’s, meander up to the Oasis in Wolf Creek, head down to Cascade, or throw the Hibachi in the ring and cook some food at the campground. If you plan on camping Saturday night, I’d probably grab a spot before you fish. I bet the Craig FAS is full tomorrow evening.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Missouri River Weekend Fishing Report

Missouri River Weekend Fishing Report

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Missouri River Weekend Fishing Report Looks like, fishes like, we are heading into that first big spring fishing transition. Many Headhunters out this week with both the staff and guided trips fishing a number of days. Consensus? Change is happening right now. Like we talked about a few days ago with the advent of the … Read more

Missouri River Fishing Report March 2nd

Missouri River Fishing Report March 2nd

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Missouri River Fishing Report March 2nd Spring is on the doorstep. Another couple weeks and we will reach the 1st day of spring. It’s coming. Although the Groundhog thing said we would face another 6 weeks of winter last month. And we are seeing here in central Montana. Snow on the ground and more … Read more