fishing report – Page 3

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 12.26.14

December 26, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Getting to look a lot like Christmas around here.

8″ of snow yesterday and getting colder all weekend long. By the time we get to Monday the daytime temps are cold enough to keep you from the water. Unless, unless it changes.

The anglers fishing before the storm, and Christmas Day have been doing quite well with the seasonal flies of choice. PINK…Lightening Bugs, Scuds, Sows, Czech’s, hot spotted midge, worms. Red is cool too.

Slow and shallow or medium depth or deep. Fins your hot spot and nymph e’m up.

Swingers and strippers are finding fish int he slowest of the slow at the back end of the drift. On the hang down. Twitch or tug at the end while crossing your fingers. That can be tough.

Water temps are holding above freezing at 36.5F. The colder air settling in for the weekend will drop that a bit. Missouri River water flows are 4280cfs. Pretty normal for the last few years. We should expect it to be stable for some time. Even if it moves up or down it will not be enough to change matters.

Actually a few midges around this last week again. Next week more?

Headhunters Fly Shop open all week long for your Missouri River needs like shuttles, guides, boats, flies, coffee, info, lodging, and a ton of simple bullshit. Fly shops have a lot of that kind of stuff…

Missouri River Winter Solstice Fishing Report 12.21.14

December 21, 2014 by Mark Raisler

The shortest day of the year. Not a bad day to fish the Missouri River near Craig Montana.

The fish gotta eat, even on the shortest day.

Terry Armstrong casting a 2 handed rod this last week on the Missouri River. Terry loves to fish. And fish he does with his 2 handed rod, a bamboo from Sweetgrass, and a few other favorites he has acquired over the years. You can commonly see Terry fishing the Mo a couple days a week.

Headhunters open daily, and today at 8am. We will be open for a short day on the 24th and closed, the only day of the year, closed on Christmas Day. Back open at 8am on the 26th, Canada’s Boxing Day. We will have a few guide trips out the week following Christmas. You could get on board with a post Christmas week guide trip. $300 Spey trips and $400 regular guide trips. Give us a shout for a timely guide trip this Christmas season.

The fishing? Good. Nymphing is really quite good in the winter months. The fish are only in specifically painfully slow water. Deep and slow. When you find them, you got them.

The weather for the week ahead is normal. Some snow, some clouds, some wind, and you. Highs in the upper 30’s and into the 40’s.

Pink is the word. The latest word on the street, or river, is Pink Lightening Bugs in the am and moving toward the AMEX Czech, Firebead, or Caviar type flies. Sows are still in fashion with Zebra’s never falling from grace.

Find the slowest stuff and ply your trade. Use the right amount of split. You can go split less if you desire. The slower water allows the flies to be int he zone a while, slower water more time in the water sinking…keep them in and hit ’em hard if the bobber hiccups. Stop in and we can get you pointed in the right winter direction. We got it all from bobbers to split shots to the right flies and a clue about the right kind of water.

The water temps are holding at their historically normal levels. 36.5F is quite normal. When it gets colder than 36F things do slow down a bit. But if it stays in this range warming a quarter of a degree once in a while the fish stay pretty active. They gotta eat.

Water flows are below the historical average but that is quite common in the last decade. Lower snow packs and levels have required the water managers to err on the safe side. Flows are 4400cfs with the norm being nearly 5000cfs. A nice wade fishing level. Anything near 5K is a good winter flow and makes for easy access.

Rainbows are quite healthy in the winter. They do gain weight as the winter moves towards early spring. They spawn in the spring and hence the weight gain. Browns are losing the fat as the winter progresses and the rainbows are going the other direction. Rainbows lose fat in the summer months post spawn.

The streamer and 2 handed anglers are faring well this week too. The river didi have a green tint to it the last couple weeks. Still does.

Smaller flies have been the theme. Black buggers, black leeches, bastardized buggers, Skip’s Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, R2R, Superflash Zonkers, Micro Zonkers, and many more. Come in for a great streamer selection, best on the river.

Your streamer store on the Mo with a plethora of sink tips, VersiLeaders from RIO, cut to length Airflo sinking leaders, Scandi and Skagit lines, several different running lines, and reels to boot from Abel, Nautilus, Hatch, Echo, Orvis.

Dry fly fishing? Not so good this week but the weather can get the bugs excited. Snow and sleet can get the midges all worked up. But every day is a new day. Clusters with a tiny Zebra dangling from it can be great. Our midge selection is up to date and filled with goodies for winter and spring midging.

We have a ton of DEMO Rods for you to try this week. Kick ass sale items like fly lines, SIMMS wading boots, HH Logo’d items like long and short sleeve shirts, hats, SIMMS Logo’d fishing shirts, flip flops, a nice selection of sale flies, and accessories galore!

Remember the store is open daily 8-5. Short hours open til noon on the 24th and closed on the 25th. Happy holidays and safe travels as you make your way to friends and family this week.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 12.6.14

December 6, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Spey Clinic today!

Fishing today as well. If you are not attending the 1st of our 4 Free Spey Casting/Fishing Clinics you might as well fish.

So, what is happening on the river?

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 12.6.14

The weather is good. Yes, over 40F and not too windy at all. Thursday and Friday were quite nice and the anglers on the river reflected the positive change. Cloudy and calm. Hi’s above 40F all week long with a mixture of rain and sun. Snow today, somewhat.

You can always give us a call for a wind or more detailed actual report. Operators are standing by!

Winter nymphs are the norm for those tossing the bobber rig. Smaller streamers for those swinging. Midge clusters for those hunting heads.

4500cfs and the water temp at 37F. Wade fishing is nice and easy. Boat fishing too, but why not wander around on foot getting a little exercise in-between spots.

All kinds of gifts for the angler in you at the shop. Thermos, SAGE, logo’d Headhunters gear, fly lines, GIFT CARDS, KAST Gloves, Abel reels.

Shop open daily for shuttles, flies, info, coffee, demo rods, bobbers, hand warmers…

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 11.29.14

November 29, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Windy and cold. Some snow too.

While there are a few anglers tough enough to come on out on days that make most stay indoors you don’t have to feel bad if you don’t make it out on questionable holiday weekends like this one.

When driving up the road Friday afternoon to the tiny town south of us Wolf Creek to pick up my mail I was nearly blown off the road numerous times. Then upon arrival at my home I was treated to the no power deal.

None. Awful dark. And cold.

That is a feeling you can have on the river when the fish are not biting.

Awful dark. And cold.

But the anglers that have been brave enough to ply the fly fishing trade have been quite successful.

Streamer fishing is the all the rave but the nymphers are the ones who have been cleaning up.

Pink is the word. Winter is here and we are in full pink force. Worms too. Al the best slutty flies are working and fishing well. We got suffer Christmas bins full of them at Headhunters Fly Shop.

Black Friday is passed us but we have sales gong on all month long as we move from the Thanksgiving month and into the Christmas month. Remember, we are open daily for all your Christmas giving needs. Check out the Online store for cool stuff shipped to your doorstep.

Deeper with the nymphs than the last month or two. Get ’em deeper with split shot. The fish will not suspend until the bugs decide to hang out at that level. Deeper is better now. Find those deeper buckets and drop the flies in there. Hit it when it moves even a little bit.

Streamer fishers are still out there and will be swinging for the entirety of this month ahead. Stop in for a fantastic selection of streamer patterns. We are the place for over 125 streamer patterns in stock. Awesome.

We have a pile of streamer add on items too. RIO VersiLeaders and Airflo weighted leaders along with tippet made for streamer fellers.

Shop open daily for guided trips, rental boats, shuttles, flies, killer sale items all month long including SIMMS items deep;y discounted. Boots and waders. Stop by for the table of death with items that have to leave the store this month.

Happy Holidays from a snowy and cold Craig Montana.

[forecast]

Headhunters Fly Shop Fishing Report Missouri River Montana

November 20, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Fishing is OK. Not great, but not terrible either.

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being off the charts the fishing comes in at a 7.

A strong 7 though.

You could give it another point or two if you factor in the solace factor. It is quiet. It is perfect.

Continuing with video week as we move through November. We are past the tipping point. We are closer to December than we even can fathom. The holidays are upon us.

Headhunters Fly Shop Fishing Report Missouri River Montana

Most are swinging and tossing stripping and ripping streamers. The other set is nymphing. Some dry fly action here and there.

Lots of waterfowl around as well.

Guided trips out this weekend with a few $300 Spey Trips coming up as we near the holiday week. If you war in on this gig, call us.

Fly shop open daily at 8am. Shuttles, flies, the best info on the river, killer 2 handed demo rods, hot coffee, sale items, and get your Christmas shopping done early. Why not.

Missouri River Arctic Blast Fishing Report 11.14.14

November 14, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Got real cold this week. Looks like it will extend through the weekend.

So, not much fishing going on here in the Missouri River canyon.

Looks like snow today on the somewhat accurate forecast. More accurate than normal. Unfortunately accurate.

Those few who have been braving the cold have had frozen snake and stripping guides along with frozen fly lines and frozen toes, ears, noses etc.

Shop open daily from 8-5 if any of you wander down to the river for the weekend. We have a couple cabins available for $125 and Joe’s bar is still open till 2am.

The warmest spot in the canyon, for sure! Joe’s Bar indeed.

So, not much to report but there have been some bigger bugs around. Of course. Lower the air temps to ZERO and they come. Fish rising predictably in the predictably rising spots and zones.

Anglers on Sunday and Monday from the early part of the week saw a few pretty good sized pods eating a bundle of insects as they moved from subsurface to the surface and off. Albeit slowly. The of the water deal.

Also look for the dorsal and fin show in softer waters not isolated to but including eddy’s and inside bends.

Flows are at the 4400cfs mark and water temps are plummeting daily. Fell a few degrees this week. We should expect the same this coming week too.

Cancelled a couple guide trips this weekend do to cold air temps. Even with heaters in the boats, lots of Thermos’ filled with piping hot chicken broth, whisky, smiles, and hats? Ya, let’s wait a few more days and go when it is somewhat more entertaining. The winter program is certainly different from the summer program. Looser for sure.

Swingers should come back out of the house this weekend. A bunch of 2 handers around in the winter months. Remember the FREE Spey Clinic Saturday December 6th. Sign up today for your spot. Bring your girlfriend, your wife, your neighbor, your co-worker…or all of them.

That is all the news that is as we bring you the most up to date fishing report for the Missouri River. Thanks for reading as always and let us know how we can help plan your 2015 Missouri River vacation.

Headhunters Fly Shop Fishing Report

August 9, 2014 by Mark Raisler

All is well as we finish the first week of August.

Generally a soft period fishing Montana’s Missouri River. Why? Because the rest of the rivers in Montana are actually fishing this time of year. While the Mo fishes all 12 months the rest of the state has to deal with run-off consequently a shorter fishing season. So as the rest of the the state enjoys their peak, we settle into a late summer program.

What does that entail you ask? Well my fishy friends here are the highs and lows of August fishing Missouri River style.

Headhunters Fly Shop Fishing Report

Early mornings. Well not as wearily as the last month. You can actually sleep in a bit. If you make it to the water by 8 or 9am you still get the best of the Trico spinner fall. Not a big rush as the pressure here is light. Wander out to your favorite flat and have that last cup of Joe. Then dress your line and make that first cast.

Early off in the afternoons. Don’t stay out til 5 pm. Come in and take yourself a Siesta. Nap for a while, review the days events, then wander over to Joe’s for a Bloody Mary. Then to Izaak’s for a Pulled Pork Platter. Then off to bed to dream of the big Mo River Trout.

Hopper Time. Rock it all day long if you are so inclined. Headhunters has over 50 hopper patterns for your Brown Trout fix. Stock up for other rivers too. We got Chubby’s! Lots of them. Honest. Buy a box full.

Fish Caddis. There are not a ton of caddis in water, in the air…but they trout will eat them. Tie it on and let it ride.

Fish the Blackfoot with one of our guides. Want to experience something different than the Missouri? Let us show you another river and new world. Freestones are cool!

Try fishing the smallest flies in your box. They work! Tiny flies here on the world famous Mo are certainly challenge. Are you up for it?

Fish a new stretch. The lower river is fun. Not familiar with the canyon? Try it. You might enjoy the scenery and the hungry brown trout.

Trico’s are still happening in the am. Get out there and enjoy it. Remember that the flies you choose do not have to be Trico’s. You can fish other food items over the heads and the mouth will respond.

Headhunters open daily @ 6am for all your river needs. The fall clothing is in the store and the remaining summer stuff must go. Stop by for killer sale times like shirts, hats, flips, flies, fly lines, and the like. We’ll greet you with a smile.

Big Brown Trout on Dry Flies

August 2, 2014 by Mark Raisler

You like good fish on top?

We do. The Missouri River is producing some really nice fish on the dry fly.

You can nymph them up too. Streamer fishing? OK I guess. “Not Much” is the quote from Dewey @ Headhunters.

Big Brown Trout on Dry Flies

Why would you fly fish with the big bug when you can hook ’em with the small white winged black? To each their own…I guess.

The great thing about the Missouri River is that you can skin the cat in so many differing ways.

Small techy dry fly fishing is at it’s peak right now. Go to your spot and get them on the small dry. Whether it be the PMD. the Trico, the mysterious caddisfly.

If you want to roll the terrestrial betwixt points of rising interest feel free to do so. I would. Well, only if you like that sort of thing.

The Big Brown Trout on Dry Flies deal.

Missouri River Summer Dry Fly Love

Honest. Dry Fly Love.

We so commonly, as of late, meaning the last decade, get categorized into a nymph loving resource. True in some respects.

Not true in others. Respects that is.

Montana’s Missouri River is a classic, the classic maybe, dry fly river. 7K catchable fish per mile. Just think about that for a moment. Name the other resources with that kind of number. 180K insects per square meter. Do the math on that one. Name some other rivers with that number.

So, fish the dry fly. We never disregard the value and effectiveness of the nymph, of the streamer fly. Never. We advocate the use of all. The ability to fish so many different disciplines on any given day is one of the reasons that the Missouri River is highly regarded in so many trout fishing circles.

While we love all the participants in so many differing styles of trout fishing…we love the dry fly.

It is why so many of the locals, the hangers on, the employees, the trout bums, the guides, the shop staffers, the waiters, the bartenders, the dreamers, the dry fly lovers, the travelers of the dry fly, the monks of the dry, the purists, the fantasizers, the reach casters of America.

They love this time period.

Who doesn’t love to catch or at least cast at Big Brown Trout Dry Flies?

Welcome to the Mo in August,. It truly does get more difficult as the month ticks by. Really hard in fact. Practicer a few times in your yard before getting on that jet airplane. You will appreciate the fly rod time in hand upon making the first cast on our beloved river.

The fishing has been just fantastic. Not everyone likes us to tell all to the readers. Well I do not believe that stating that the dry fly fishing is pretty damn good, pretty awesome, some may say mind-blowing….is wrong. The dry fly fishing on any given day is very good. Lots of opportunities for you fellers that like to toss the tiny dry.

Long live the dry fly fisherman!

Check out this kick ass video from Scumliner Media titled Dead Flies Don’t Swim…

Dead Flies Don’t Swim from scumliner media on Vimeo.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 8.1.14

August 1, 2014 by Mark Raisler

The update is as follows. The fishing is fantastic in the morning, not so good in the afternoon!

The heat and some weed growth have kept the post lunch fishing a bit slower than we like. Those who like to get it done head out early and take advantage of the pre heat bite.

Good Trico spinner falls almost every day. Some are not as good as others as the hatch in conjunction withs gentle breeze can diminish the fall.

Remarkably good PMD action still to be had as the spinner falls have been quite impressive. Even some decent emergences in areas nearly every day. Don’t forget about this mid summer mayfly yet.

Caddis better in the evenings with good catch reports coming from the late night gang. Shuttles available at the shop if you plan on heading out after work. Stop in for a shuttle and a batch of kick ass flies.

Terrestrial fishing is as good as you are. Toss it out there as you can and let ‘er ride. Twitch if you can. Only if you can. A fine line between dragging the fly and twitching the fly. Perfect practice makes perfect.

Not as much pressure as we move into the month of August. Come on out early and make a half day of it for your pleasure. Come during the week if you need some real solace. Get out there!

Lodging has some availability as well. Give us a shout and stay in Craig this August at the Craig Trout Camp here in downtown Craig.

Still no fires bothering us here in our neighborhood. Good news.

The fish are getting a touch finicky if you foul up the initial drift. Get your game face on and make the first drift count. Give folks lots of room out there too. Treat others as you you would like to be treated!

Headhunters open at 6am for all your trout fishing needs. Fall clothing in stock as we near the fall. Not nearly yet, but it will be here before we know it. Open late for your late shuttles and lodging needs.

Lots of caddis patterns are working well. While we do not have our normal abundance of Caddis Flies this summer.

[forecast]

Silly Sunday Scenery | Brown Trout Edition

July 27, 2014July 27, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Brown Trout on a dry fly.

A big purple Hopper.

Ninch said it would work.

It did.

Enjoy your day of rest, this day, today, Sunday.

It’s as good as you are…

July 24, 2014July 24, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Today’s Missouri River Montana Fly Fishing Report is as follows…

It’s as good as you are. Simple and true.

The yearly statement about your skill level and how it correlates to your catch rate. John and I were talking about this concept on the porch a couple evenings ago. And it rings true every year this time of year extending into and through August.

We are of course speaking about the dry fly end of the spectrum, but can certainly be applied to the nymphing game as well. If you rock your own boat and row it down the river this is certainly true. You gotta know where the fish live and feed. Then your angler, the feller in the bow, must execute the drift properly and let’s hope you have a grip on the trout bait of the day. Then you can find success.

But back to the original question and answer. Q: “How’s the fishing?” A: “As good as you are.”

What does that mean? It means that the insects are doing their part. Hatching daily, somewhat predictable spinner falls, and rising in/at consistent locations. It means that you are required to do your part. Cast well, drift better, and set the hook.

Those anglers who cast better, drift better, fish better catch more fish.

No offense intended to those anglers who do not posses the upper level skill sets. That is not we we intend by this post. Lots of parallels in other sports. Those who play more basketball score more points. Those who ski 50+ days a year are more comfortable skiing steeper terrain. Those who either practice casting and/or fish more often catch more of our late July finicky freely rising trout. Just that simple.

A few tips that can improve your experience here on the Missouri River for the remainder of the summer include…

Approach the fish gingerly and with care. It is the time of the year when your anchor needs to be deployed quietly. No stomp and splash actions please. Those fish will vanish quickly.
The high and bright sun puts the trout in a defensive mode. Wen it is sunny, predators from above can spot fish easily and the trout instinctively are aware of the danger. A presentation that drags over the trout can put them down.
Make a couple practice casts beside the fish first and get yourself into a successful situation. Measure the line you need, understand the drift, and then make that first presentation.
There is no rush. the fish are feeding. You do not have to get in there fast. Haste makes waste. It truly does. Approach the rising trout with a plan and execute it. It is not a race to see has rapidly you can get rid of those sipping trout.
Use a reach cast or the proper cast for each situation. Generally a slack line presentation of some sort should be employed. That is what the practice casts next to your target are good for. Understanding the drift before your present the fly to the fish. I have always said that 99 of 100 dry fly casts here on the Missouri River are reach casts. That means more than 1 in a row. That means 99 of 100. The fly has to be drag free nearly all of the time so those who continually drag the fly over across and around the fish cannot expect to have the fish eat the fly. So commonly we are using a dead bug pattern like a spinner. Spinner are dead. Dead flies do not swim. IF the fly is dragging violently you cannot blame the fly pattern. The only one to blame is?
Practice casting at home. Those who see their casting instructor, or just pull the fly rod from the tube a few times before the trip…catch more fish. The conversion rate is much higher.
If you are approaching the trout on foot…walk quietly. They are wild animals and suspect the worst. They may not go down, but they are aware of your presence. If you are approaching via boat, anchor a ways away and sneak up on them!

Just a few reminders for those who love to stalk rising trout. Do yourself a favor and practice a few times before coming. Casting wildly in-between rising trout does not qualify as practicing. Enjoy the river and enjoy this time of year. It really is fantastic dry fly fishing. Kind of as good as it gets. Really.

[forecast]

Missouri River Mid Summer Fact Sheet

July 12, 2014 by Mark Raisler

The flows are coming down per the blog and the USBR as scheduled. Should be int he mid 4K’s Monday.

The flows are good for all including the wade fishers and the boat anglers. The flows are currently holding at 5290cfs and the water temps are 61F. Not bad for the middle of July. The weeds have not become a problem. Not at all.

The bugs are good and the hatches are consistent. PMD’s, caddis, Sally’s, and Trico’s are here and available for our hungry trout.

Lots of boats on the upper and not as many on the lower. Spread out is good for all.

The days are getting shorter and the night time fishing is decent. Get out if you wish. We got your back and will do late shuttles.

Guided trips are avail in the late month if you need a late July fix. August will be kick ass per the current wage temps and the late season higher flows. Every cooler day we have here in July adds a day of good fishing in August.

September is booking and October is filling too. Get your plans together and get on out here this fall for one of the nicer times of the year. We love October.

Need more info? Call the shop anytime for lodging, fishing, and bug hatch confirmation. We love to chat about trout fishing the Mo!

Blackfoot River Fishing Report 7.8.14

July 8, 2014July 8, 2014 by John Arnold

We’re finally starting to get over to the Blackfoot River on a regular basis. Our favorite freestone has been fishing for a while with deep, heavy rigs, but we’ve been waiting for the water to clear and the surface action to pick up. Also, we’ve been way busy fishing the Missouri River, which has been excellent. A couple of our guides have been over to the Blackfoot in the last week, and reported good fishing and Salmonflies. Guide JP Basile and I decided to head over on a rare day off to see for ourselves.

The Blackfoot is on the drop and was flowing 2600 cfs (at Bonner) while were on it. Though the upper main stem is running low and dirty, the North Fork is high and clear so visibility below the confluence is not an issue. Water temperatures are in the high 50’s. Comfortable for both fish and fishermen. We wore shorts.

The big stoneflies were definitely hatching. The fish have seen some pretty intense angling pressure over the last week and were a tad bit suspect of our offerings. Refusals and whimsy takes were not uncommon. We caught fish on a wide variety of dry flies from #12-#4. We did not use a dropper at all, though we did try some emerger style trailers. No doubt we would have hooked many more fish with a dropper. As it was we had some pretty decent fishing, including a few nice ones like JP is showing you here. The big Cutt-bow above was a particularly strong fish.

As the Blackfoot continues to drop, you can expect smaller insect to come into play. Yellow Sallies, PMD’s, Green Drakes, Caddis and others will have the fish looking up, especially in softer thigh-deep riffles.In prime Salmonfly water you will continue to see the big bugs for awhile.

Nymphing is good, though we prefer to stay on top. It takes a bit of filtering to get past all of the aggressive smaller Cutts, but worth it when one of the big ones inhales your offering. As stated, I think you can use a wide variety of patterns and sizes on the Blackfoot River right now. I would definitely be trying some Green Drake patterns as well as small to medium size Chubby’s, etc.

We always get our shuttles from Leroy and Sue at Ovando River Shuttle – 406-793-3717 or 406-210-4164. Give them a call.

Missouri River Summer Fishing Report 6.23.14

June 23, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Good fishing to be had in the month of June. Great? Some days yes indeed. Others, just good.

Lots and lots of folks around this weekend as the Montana contingent was out in force. The Dearborn River received a ton of pressure as it is flat able late into the month. Get on it if you want to enjoy our smaller creeks this summer. A mini Smith River is what many call it. The flows on the Dearborn are falling at 315 cfs and should be fishable/floatable for another week? Maybe?

The Missouri River is holding at 4070cfs and a water temp of 57F. Downwards go there flows and the temps.

Missouri River Summer Fishing Report

The nymph anglers are getting it down too with both shorter and longer nymph rigs. The Worm is still in play but is becoming second fiddle to top flies like the Frenchie, the Peep Show, Blooms Weight Fly in both purple and gold, Tungsten Death Metal and a Tunghead PT. Look for something hanging below that like a PMD nymph or a caddis or a Sally depending on your reach you choose to fish. Stop in the shop at any time for a up to the minute nymph report. We can help in many ways…

The fishing is really great for those wishing to dry fly fish all day long. Yes, you too can do it. Look for the right water and post up. If you like to fish a blind dry, you can do that too.

Headhunters Unite!

Make the first drift count. The #1 Rule in dry fly fishing.
Dead flies, i.e. spinners, do not drag, or swim. “I’m giving it action” is not a comment we, or the trout accept. The trout make the final decision.
Set your anchor outside, or in the water, before you approach the trout and then let it down quietly by hand. You will catch more if you sneak in to place. Sneak attacks do not utilize loud dropping sounds of the anchor. Sounds like a Amana Refrigerator dropped from the sky? Not too good man.
Sit while fishing if you are close. Even if you are not close, get low and stay low. Fish have conical vision. IF you are standing like a beanstalk waving your arm wildly around, they may sense that a predator is near. BE a predator, not some crazy person swinging the line in haphazard paths…
If you must stand, stay a lone distance off of the fish. You will hook more!
Use cripples, spents, and emergers. They work well here not he Mo. HH has the most river specific and greatest selection in the tri county area. No bullshit.
Have fun. Be serious about catching trout. But with a smile. Be friendly to other anglers. Wave. And, be polite. And, treat other anglers like you would like to be treated. Don’t low hole. Be courteous. Have fun!

Headhunters open daily early and open really late too. Free coffee, information, shuttles, flies galore, demo rods, the best knowledgable staff in regards to fly lines, fly line cleaners, HH sungear, sunscreen, ice…we got all you need for your Missouri River adventure!

New Breed Chicks Rule Raining Cats and Dogs Edition

June 23, 2014 by Mark Raisler

A submission from our friend Stephen Caldwell and his wife Torrey from the rainy Mo this last week.

It is sunny now and we aim to keep it that way for a while.

Here is the short note that Stephen sent along.

Mark,

Maybe this is worthy for a New Breed Chicks Rule? My wife Torrey Caldwell told me she’s had enough of those rainbows that she was consistently pulling out of the water all day, she said I want a bigger brown.

So we started fishing “brownie” like water and she popped the hook on 3 very nice ones prior to this one. She was very happy with this one, she picked it off out of a pod of rising fish with a small sz 18 caddis dry in the middle of a rain storm.

Not too many chicks out there are sniping browns off out of a drift boat during a downpour with a smile on there face like that, and the ones that are we need to make sure to not take for granted because they are awesome.

Thanks,

-Stephen Caldwell

New Breed Chicks Rule Raining Cats and Dogs Edition

Nicely stated Stephen. We need to celebrate them and encourage them to bring their friends! New Breed Chicks do Rule!

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 6.16.14

June 16, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Great fishing man. Dry fly opportunities for those who like that sort of thing.

The PMD image above shot by our good friend David from Calgary. He got this with a point and shoot, some luck, and a shit ton of talent. Thanks David for the kick ass PMD Image!

Still a bundle of nymphers around but the dry fly bite and what, how, why, and when seem to be the topic of conversation on most Craig porches.

June is upon us. The days are long, the solstice is near, the dry flies are popping,a dn we are headlong into the heart of the season. Still a touch soft this weekend, but Monday, today, it starts. We are in the peak of the peak. June, the last week, is damn busy. The next month will be nutso. Good fishing from dawn til dusk daily. The shop is open early for those early birds. Remember: Early bird does get the worm.

Still some availability in the last two weeks of July. Strange real. Seems that the slide towards June has happened. We see that trend until the 2nd high water year in a row. Then back to July they run. Then the transitions starts all over again.

June is damn good, that is why the slide to June. The fish are not as educated, the fish are fresh, the water temps are cooler, the pressure is less.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

The bugs, yes. PMD’s of both kinds are coming off. Not in the huge numbers we would like, but the afternoons at this point hold some hope. Lots of fish rising and not as many noticeable bugs. Remember: This is a film feeding type of river. You may not see the fish eating pretty little duns like they do in your trout fishing dry fly dreams.

So it appears as if the fish are eating nothing. They are eating something near the surface, but not on the surface a lot of the time. They can eat off the top, but as I state here and will for the next 2 months…not all the time. It amy appear as though they are feeding on the top, but they are not. Near the top, near the surface.

Cripples, emergers, spinners. Nuff said.

Flows are holding flat at 4440cfs and the water temps are @ 58F. All good for the dry fly fish. The volume and the depth that most trout are lying in 18″ to 36″ of water. But sometimes much shallower. Keep your eyes open.

The Dearborn is still floatable at 400ish cfs and somewhat stable. Water temps in the upper 50’s too. Just right! The Blackfoot is at 5K and on the slow down slope. We will be there shortly. Keep it here for updates on the Blackfoot River as we will be heading over the divide all summer long!

The weather for th week ahead is cooler than normal. Where will it lead us? It will slow the afternoon bite, until the afternoon. Slower temp increases of the water will keep the insect emergence at bay until later in the day. The sun has to get a little higher.

Remember: Friday Night June 20th we have the Montana Fly Fishing Film Festival here on the grounds of Headhunters with the 2nd Annual Drift Boat Drive-In. BBQ, get a cocktail at Izaak’s or Joe’s Bar, swag, prizes, contests, etc…Bring your Pick up and back it up with lawn chits and enjoy the show at DUSK here in Craig!

Planning a trip and concerned about the summer flows? Well don’t be. We are heading, and already engaged in, a great flow regime for the remainder of said summer. Should be in this range, the 4K plus range for the whole run. Through the end of October. Sound good? Well it should. It feels good. Our fish love this level and the wade fishing is awesome. The boat fishing? Awesome too!

Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service in Craig is your information source for all things Missouri River. We are the education leaders and we can help you rig your rod, point you in a dry fly direction, help with fly selection…You know the shops you go into and hardly get a “Hello” from the staff? That is not Headhunters in Craig. We greet you and look forward to meeting you. Let us know how we can help from lodging to guiding, to wade fishing to boat rentals to rod and line matching to just a conversation about emergence behaviors over a cup of coffee.

Headhunters Fly Shop open daily @ 630am for shuttles, flies, info, coffee, boat rentals, lodging, Wi-Fi, cell service with our cell booster, boat washing for invasive species, rental waders, demo reels with killer fly lines, and much, much more!

[forecast]

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 6.13.14

June 13, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Good to great depending on who you chat with. Weekend in the West is certainly upon us and with it brings thunderstorms last night and today.

Bring your rain gear and your Gink.

The dry fly bite has been good and not many bugs. The lower river has enough caddis to get your blood pumping and heard a rumor of a Yellow Sally too. March Browns, as well? Baetis still and issue as the season has really begun and the flies are having their way with the confusion.

The trout are not confessed as they are willing and rising freely. The Missouri River Mystery has shown its face already as not all the fish are rising to the surface. Some of that famous not eating on the actual surface behaviors already being exhibited.

So what will the trout eat? The flies that sit in the film, that do not ride too high. Although I have had success and others have seconded the mini Stimi approach along with other attractor stuff. We like the spinner approach for the most part. Like the Adams that sits flush with the water. Harrop’s array of spinners is popular, the Half Dun Hatching is one of our weapons, emerges will suffice as well.

What will the water do for the near future? For the long term this summer? Well, lower than many expected. The doomsayers will have to wait another year for the high water to overcome us. The 11K did a nice job and the trout are fat and happy. Just how we like them. Look at the chart below from the USBR to peer into our future.

The water flows today are 4480cfs. Wade fishers paradise. Yep. Those who like to wade acres and into center river flats are excited to see these summer flows return.

PMD’s are truly on the brink. See a few around with the caddis, as mentioned above, showing down river. Sally’s in the week ahead too. We will keep you informed here on this daily juggernaut called the Headhunter.

Call us up if you need lodging or a weekend guide. We have rental Diablo Kayaks, Inflatable Drift Boats, and Adipose Flow Skiffs for your floating pleasure.

Come by the shop this weekend for shuttles, all the patterns you will need on this fantastic resource, coffee, information, our new free map of the stream, sale items, demo rods, lodging, fly line cleaner from RIO, demo lines too. Open daily at 630am and late for all your late afternoon dry fly shuttles.

Silly Saturday Scenery | Road Less Traveled Edition

June 7, 2014 by Mark Raisler

You coming to Montana?

It may be the Road Less Traveled.

We will welcome you.

This is the road to the Blackfoot River over the other side, the wet side of the divide.

We will be traveling across soon enough. Til then we will have to fish the premier dry fly fishery in the state.

BBQ Tonight on the property @ Headhunters Fly Shop in downtown Craig.

See you there about 5pm for snacks before you Rib Dinner @ Izaak’s.

The fishing is getting good…

Missouri River Fly Fishing Map

June 6, 2014 by John Arnold

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve done a little tweaking to our popular Missouri River Montana Fly Fishing Map recently. Cleaned it up a little, and made some adjustments that reflect changes to access over the last few years. The new copies will be arriving at Headhunters soon, and we will no longer be printing them on the back of our brochure. Who needs a brochure in this digital age? We will have un-folded maps on paper you can scratch notes on. Secret fishing spots, where you his the Redbreast on your last trip, etc.

You can also find the map in a PNG format on the Missouri River Map page on this website. If you want to print your own, you can also download a printable PDF version here: Headhunters 2014 Missouri River Map.

Thanks to the crew at Media Works in Bozeman![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Missouri River Flies for early June

June 4, 2014 by Mark Raisler

The bottom is dropping out right now as I write this Tuesday evening. Look at the chart. You will approve.

Already speculation that there will not be enough water to fill the reservoir. It is just that until we see what the level is like in the last week of June.

What we do know is the dry fly fishing will turn around. Tuesday afternoon saw some glimpses of the future. And I gotta tell you, I liked it.

Wednesday, today, will bring us more info, real-time knowledge and a fishing report.

Tuesday turned up smelling a lot better than Monday. Way better. The fish were on the bite and the river was nearly empty. Really quite nice.

Check out the levels and smile. We’ll see you on your favorite dry fly flat soon.

Knock on wood.

Missouri River Flies for early June

Row 1: San Wire Worm, UV Czech Nymph, Tailwater Sow, Purple Weight Fly

Row 2: Tungsten Dart, Tungsten Reckoner, PT Soft Hackle, Olive Anato May, Two Bit Hooker, Little Green Machine, Angelhair Flashback PT, Tungsten Redemption PMD, Red Zebra Midge

Row 3: Buzzball, Parachute Black Ant, Purple Haze, Purple Phase Loop-WIng, Nymen’s DOA Cripple Baetis, Elk Hair CDC Caddis

Row 4: Bloom’s CDC Caddis, Double Duck Caddis, Johnson’s RC Caddis, Stockingwing Caddis, Tan Wing Emerger, Translucent Caddis

FLOW UPDATE! Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 6.2.14

June 2, 2014June 2, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Just in from the USBR Tim Felchle this morning.

It appears the snowmelt runoff into Canyon Ferry Reservoir has peaked and inflows continue to decline. To control the rate of fill and assure the reservoir of refilling, releases out of Canyon Ferry to the Missouri River will be gradually decreased. As a result, the following operation changes are required at Canyon Ferry Dam and Powerplant.

CANYON FERRY RELEASES AND OPERATIONS: Times are Mountain Daylight Savings Time (MDST)

At 0900 hour on Monday, June 02, 2014:

Maintain releases through the river outlet gates at 0 cfs.
Decrease releases through the spillway gates to 3,000 cfs.
Maintain turbine release at ≈ 5,600 cfs (≈ 1,315 MW-Hrs/day using 102.2 cfs/mw).
Maintain release for Helena Valley Project at 810 cfs (380 cfs pumped to Helena Valley and 430 cfs discharged to the Missouri River).
Decrease release to the Missouri River to 9,030 cfs.
Decrease total release from Canyon Ferry to 9,410 cfs.

At 1500 hour on Monday, June 02, 2014:

Increase releases through the river outlet gates to 2,000 cfs.
Decrease releases through the spillway gates to 0 cfs.
Maintain turbine release at ≈ 5,600 cfs (≈ 1,315 MW-Hrs/day using 102.2 cfs/mw).
Maintain release for Helena Valley Project at 810 cfs (380 cfs pumped to Helena Valley and 430 cfs discharged to the Missouri River).
Decrease release to the Missouri River to 8,030 cfs.
Decrease total release from Canyon Ferry to 8,410 cfs.

Welcome to June. We love June. It is one of the two busiest months. June and July.

Why are they the two busiest months? Dry Fly Action is the primary reason. For a good solid two months we got the best in the region. The Tri-State Region. While the rest of the state can be blown out, high and muddy, we are right int he wheel house for great fishing.

All three disciplines are in play and the fish generally cooperate. Mostly.

But the dry fly is the primary reason folks visit the river every summer.

This is in it’s heart a dry fly river.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

If you continually work hard and fish well, you will catch fish. –Headhunters Guide Jared Edens

Guide Peter Skidmore with Bob and this nice brown trout last week. Bob has come twice with Randy who has been visiting Headhunters for 5 years now. They really love the Craig experience. The fishing is OK too they wanted me to say.

So very true. Tough sledding some days and some runs and some periods of the day for all of us, all of you, all of them. Not much for the dry fly bite this last weekend, but that will come soon.

The streamer fishing is tough too. Some fish in shallow water regions like the 18″-36″ in banks. Look for that perfect water and strip on through. White, yellow, and the brighter colors being the most popular. Still rocking T-7, T-10 and intermediate tips daily. The water temps are at the magical 53F+ mark and the fish will follow, chase, attack when prompted correctly, or often.

Flows 11K as I write on Sunday evening. Will it recede this week? Check out the inflows at Toston Sunday afternoon below. Indicative of things to come? Foreshadowing the future? We think so.

So what will happen?

Everything that goes up must come down.

Reports from all over the board this weekend. Good, bad, and ugly. We fully understand as we all have shitty days while trying to fool the trouts. Shitty catching that is, fun times must be had or it may not even be worth the trouble.

The weather is June like with daily thunderstorms reminding us that we are so very close to the Rockies. Those who do not bring rain gear are tempting fate. We all know how that story ends.

[forecast]

Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service open everyday from 7am. Open lat til 8pm as well for late afternoon dry fly shuttles, information, line cleaning, bullshitting, porch sitting, info gathering, and anything you may need to make your stay better.

Used the “s” word 3 times wiring this blog.

Soon the fishing will be hot.

Shit Hot.

4 times…

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 5.28.14

May 28, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Great weather and not many folks around make for a great week.

Nice and quiet for the last time. For about 10 weeks. Then June, July, August.

With the increase in guests we have an increase in the dry fly bite. More bugs, more fish looking up. Got your plans yet? Call today for guides, lodging, information.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

More of the same with some changes too. Nymphing is the best way to get some in the net while the dry fly bite exists and streamer anglers are getting a few as well.

What will you do? Some of each if you wish.

The dry fly guys are finding a few during the day eating caddis down low. Low in the canyon, down low in the Cascade region. March Browns are all but gone til next year. But, but there are still some BWO’s around and the fish are on them. On them in a manner that many do not recognize. Baetis spinners are filling the mouths of late afternoon feeding fish. Look for softer spots where 9K cfs fish rise. Near banks for sure.

The trout are eating the dead bug. So whether you like to fish the spinner, a Harrops Hi-Viz works nicely or a Hackle Stacker too, or if you like the cripple approach that is fine as well.

The flows are holding int he upper 8k range and 8690 falls into that category. Water temps are 54F and just right for the time of year. Some movement throughout the day is normal.

Nymphers are still rigging their system with 6′-7 1/2′ from bobber to split shot. The worm and the Rainbow Czech Nymph are the most common top flies with the Caddis Pupa making a run for the top spot. The bottom fly can change through out the day and the hot ones are sows, caddis pupa, pink tops, Ray Charles, translucent pupa’s with beads, Purple Weight flies…

Streamer fans? Sink tips with additional sink tips with wither weighted or non weighted patterns depending on your tip weight. Banks are the focus of these anglers and they are picking up some fish daily. Overcast and hazy mornings help this parade of casts.

The weather has been downright pleasant. Too pleasant for some and just right for others.

[forecast]

The shop is open daily @ 7am and open later than the rest as we prepare for the summer months. We will stay on pace with your fishing schedules and always be here, be there, be everywhere for your Missouri River fishing needs!

We have some availability for the next week, maybe two if you need to get out and beat the heat, beat the summer pressure, or just relax and have a Headhunters Guide drift you down the river. Want to learn a new stretch or improve you reach cast? We can help…

Check out John’s Weekly Newsletter here if you want another angle and to keep in touch with a deeper conversation about the Mo!

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 5.26.14

May 26, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Two things we are excited about this Memorial Day Weekend include the sun and at the river.

The two stars of the show. And you.

You are a star too!

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

Water levels are Dearborn 1120cfs and Little Prickly Pear 351cfs. The Missouri is running at a current level of 8670cfs with a water temperature of 54F. Right in the wheelhouse of trout favorite temperature. It is like our 68F. The trout love 54-58F. Perfect. Jump and run and fight hard do our trout.

The river below the Dearborn is off color. Is it fishable? Yes, sort of. Some are going down and scratching out a day. Others not so hot. You choose. The upper river is quite crowded so the lower may be an option for you. Depends on your game. Into the experience? Lower. Into body count? Upper. Half of both? Craig to Palace?

The Dearborn while floatable is not for fishing yet. We will keep you on top of the action here on the Headhunters Fly Fishing Blog.

Nymphs that Rule!

Flies that the trout like are all over the board. Talk to 10 different anglers and you will get 10 different outcomes. The flies and type that are so very popular this weekend and week ahead include narrow bodied mayfly nymphs like the Two Bit Hooker and the Brush Hog. Little Green Machine and his cousin the Red Headed Step Child. Indigo Children can work and Micro Mays, Peep Show’s, Angel Hair PT’s, and the like.

Midge Pupa still playing well at the dam and locales downriver. Fat ones, skinny ones, one’s you tied, one’s you stole from your fishing partner. Caddis Pupa playing a huge role as you drift downriver. Probably on the upper as well.

Had a feller in the store ask me why we would toss a caddis when he had not seen that many adult caddis in the Craig region. I simply reminded him that caddis, all insects, are living subsurface before they enter our atmosphere. So, the caddis are very active subsurface before the “hatch”. So bring your fly box full of caddis flies.

Dry Flies that we Love!

Caddis and other flies that are making a move include XCaddis, X2Caddis, Translucent Pupa, Stocking Wing, Goddard, CDC and Elk, AC Caddis, Buzzball, Adams, Ants of all kinds. We are nearly into a zone where many differing flies will get the job done. The difficult part is finding the fish. When you find then you can generally get them.

Stop and look for rising fish in normal rising fish locations. If you want to blind fish you certainly can get it done. Not a terrible idea. Bring couple

Baetis Spinners for the secret fly. Got it? Secret Fly is a BWO Spinner.

Streamer Fishing moving forward or deeper

Tips, intermediate tips, T-8 and more to get you to the zone where the fish are. The high and bright sun has not helped your streamer bite this last weekend. If you want to get out and get on it in the morning, that would help. If you want to get out and fish during the evening session you may get rewarded. Or not. But how will you know if you don’t go.

Flies that leave the store more frequently than others include the ever popular Dali Lama, Yellow Yummy, White Zonker, Ramp to Ramp, the leech is back, Gold-Diggers, White and Natural Sculpzilla’s. This game moves fast as you know so if you need up to the minute fly reports, come on by and check out the largest streamer selection in Craig.

The week ahead in Montana

Enjoy the rest of today as the worm week for most starts tomorrow. Rest and get ready for the coming weekend. Let us know how we can help. If you are coming to Montana and scheduled to fish another Montana river we may see you here in Craig. Craig is rolling and in full summer motion. All ahead full.

June is right around the corner and the bugs are happening. Get ready for a good one? One for the ages? Maybe. We will have to monitor the water levels closely and hope for the perfect storm.

[forecast]

See you in Craig this coming weekend. Or just come this week. Let us know how we can help with any questions, concerns, or info needs regarding Montana’s Missouri River.

Friday Foto Memorial Day Weekend Fishing Report

Friday Foto Memorial Day Fishing Report 5.23.14

May 23, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Hooray for the weather, for the holiday weekend, for the trout.

All good things happening here in Craig Montana. Kicking off the weekend in the west!

If you are not coming this weekend, we certainly hope we see you this coming weekend, or for the hell of it, try the mid week. Take the week off. We’ll understand.

This last weekend with the Caddis Festival was awesome. But who could beat this weekend with the weather and the fun here in Craig. Check out the weather. Over 80F today!

[forecast]

Friday Foto Memorial Day Fishing Report

To keep you on track while packing for your trip tot he Mo, we have compiled a list of items to include when rolling up to Craig Montana.

Drift Boat. The flows are at the 8770cfs zone and we want you to have a great time. A boat will allow you greater freedom as the wade fishing is diminished with these spring release flows. No boat? Rent one from us! Try out the NRS IDB. You may like it. An Adipose Flow? A Diablo Kayak? Yep, we got those too! Fun floating devices at Headhunters.

BBQ. Bring one of these if camping. Or visit Izaak’s. Open daily @ 3pm for cocktails, 4pm for dinner. Try the Nacho’s for a pile of goodness. Ribs for dinner. Home made ice cream for dessert. See Stevie or Claudia for a Moscow Mule!

Headhunters is rumored to have a Tube Steak BBQ on Saturday? You heard anything about that?

Rods. Bring fly rods. Lots of them. A streamer rod with a set of sink tips, a dry rod with a RIO Gold attached, and a Nymph rod with a RIO Indicator II line. Want to try a new rod for 2014. We got ’em! Demo a rod from Headhunters like a SAGE Method or One or Circa for those with dry fly aspirations. An Orvis Helios 2? A Sweetgrass Mantra Bamboo? You want one of those? Try before you buy at Headhunters.

Flies. Bring a boat load. Or get some additional hot flies from the shop. We’ve got the most comprehensive selection in Craig. Bar None! Scuds, Sows, FB’s, derivations of Mayfly nymphs that will blow your mind, caddis pupas and emergers, Midge Mania, dry flies like cripples and emergers for the March Brown emergence, and a vast selection of caddis dry flies as they are happening now and the invasion could come this weekend.

Sleeping bag. Don’t forget the sleeping bag and have to sleep on the hood of the truck. Not that I’ve ever done that. Check out our www.craiglodging.com site for over 20 great canyon rentals!

Camera. Bring the camera for hero shots and for capturing the moment your buddy falls out of the boat.

Beer. Whiskey. If you space it, you can always pick up a 12 pack at Joe’s. Open daily @ 8am. And you know the rule. If you see me in the bar @ 2am, send me home.

Mini Bike. For hi-jinks around camp. If you need a shuttle, call us, stop in, or just send us an ESP message. Ninch can pick up on those type of things. He is very perceptive.

Wiffle Ball and Bat. For fun after fishing. Don’t throw out your casting arm. And definitely not your rowing arm!Or just come to the porch and hang.

Sunglasses and sunscreen. A sun shirt for good measure too. It’s gonna be real nice.

Smiles. Bring a bundle of them.

The cooler. A YETI. Full of the BBQ fixin’s, Budweiser, Gatorade for the hangovers.

A map of Craig. If you don’t have one stop into the shop and we will draw you one. Just get off on exit 234 and you should be fine. How do you know when you get Headhunters? Just look for the funnest fly shop in the world, and turn right.

Headhunters open all weekend @ 7am with a free cups of Joe for those in need. Open late til at least 8pm for evening shuttles, apres fishing hang, fly line cleaner, sun hats ,shirts, gloves, sunscreen, flies, free info, an ear to bend, smiles, boat wash, demo rods, boat rentals…

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 5.21.14

May 21, 2014 by Mark Raisler

The water levels remain stable as the higher level snows have started to come off. Albeit just recently. Like yesterday.

So when will the river be in the 6K range? Not for a while is my guess. Late June?

Just throwing that out there. I hope it sticks. We got a lot of water to run through before we can even dream of those kind of flows.

Is the dry fly fishing good? No, not really. It is if you find a few. Those who are looking have had success. But you gotta look.

The fish are not all that educated at this point. My and those who I have spoken with this last week have echo’d the same story. Spot ’em you got ’em. But you gotta spot ’em first. Adams, clusters, May Browns, and even heard of a few taken on a caddis towards the lower river. Good evening action, well bugs, caddis on the lower as well.

We do know that the bigger browns are showing up in nets throughout the river. And some really big Rainbows too. A few fish on the tape this last week in the 24″ range. Honest. Peter Skidmore Headhunters All-Star and Lynn straight outta Tennessee with this pig in the photo.

Floaters, boats, and just plain drifters all over the river. If you want some peace and quiet the dam is the place. I have heard rumors of just one boat up there this week. And not just once.

So that is the story. Need some facts to get you through this humpday? We ll just keep reading.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

Missouri River Flows & Temp: 8690cfs, 49F.

Little Prickly Pear Flows: 327cfs and level. A touch of color. Gone around the corner.

Dearborn River Flows & Temp: 845cfs & 48F. Had a few float it. OK. Not great. Good scenic float, some fish. Call the shop for an update if you plan on going.

Hot Nymph: WORM? Sows, Scuds. Caddis down river. Micro Mays, Little Green Machines, BWO Bubblebacks, Hot Spot PT, Tung Death Metal, Tung PT, HAre’s Ears, Zebra’s, Newman’s Own, Don King’s, Amex, Choi’s Spicy Scud…

Hot Dries: Adams with various colored post for viz! Buzzball, Nymen’s, Purple Craze, Smoke Jumper, RS2. Bottom line? Something yo can see and they will eat it. Most of the time. PS, don’t drag it too many times!

Hot Streamer: Skiddish and his 2 cousins. FireEye Kreelex, white, flashy brown. Bright fly bright day? Try it.

Hot Float: The reach with the fewest boats.

Hot Tip on Clothing: All the kick ass sungear at Headhunters. Sun Gloves, BUFF, Freefly logo’d hoody’s, SIMMS Women’s hoody’s, SIMMS Mens hoody’s and crew necks, Freefly crew necks logo’d, 12wt. neck gaiters and sun shirts, FishPond logo’s and original art sunshirts, HH logo’d sunshirts, SIMMS Sungloves…and more. We have sunscreen too!

Headhunters Footwear: Flips, sandals, covered toe sandals, light and fleet of foot SIMMS Vapor Boots.

River Vehicle: Drift Boat. Flows pretty high for good wade fishing. While you can wade, it is not as efficient as the other method. Come or call in for tips and boat rentals.

Headhunters Fly Shop: Open daily @ 7am for all your river needs. Flies too. We have the best, most specific, and techy fly selection here in Craig. It really is good. Need a new fly line? We got those too. Line cleaner? The fly line is the vehicle that delivers the fly to the target. Just sayin’ Trust me, I’m a guide.

Lodging Hotline: 406-235-3447 www.craiglodging.com

Bullshit Hotline for those who want to chat: 406-235-3447

Missouri River Montana May Dry Flies

May 15, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Here is a short list of flies that are rocking it in May. While we do not have the caddis flies on this list, they are very near.

Yep. Saw a this last week fluttering about while doing some evening dry fly fishing.

The river becomes quiet as most of the anglers here fishing Montana’s Missouri River keep banking hours.

Yes, it is nice at night. Not nearly as many anglers plying the fly fishing trade post 5pm.

Here is a current list of a few flies that are hot right now.

Next week too? Yes, probably. Try them. You might like them.

Missouri River Montana May Dry Flies

Guide Chute
Pink Hi-Viz Parachute Adams
Glarachute
Purple Craze
Swishers Purple Clumpa
Purple HaWiese’s Purple Phase
Nymen’s DOA Cripple
Harrop’s CDC Baetis Spinner
Last Chance Cripple
D & D Cripple
Sparkle Dun
ParaSpinner CDC BWO
Brooks Sprout
CDC Indicator BWO
Storm Chaser
Snowshoe Dun BWO
UV2 Sparkle Dun
Para March Brown
Traditional March Brown
Stranahans Brindle Chute
Para March Brown
Kory’s March Brown
Harrops D & D March Brown Cripple

These and more are happening right now.

What’s next? Caddis. Caddis are on the way. Some have been seen on and around the river. Until they really pop, the Mother’s Day Caddis that is, we will have to enjoy the midge, the BWO’s, the March Browns.

Looks like the spring weather will continue through the weekend ahead. What are you doing this weekend? Caddis Festival in Craig after you fish during the day? Sunday will be a good day too. Or skip work today and beat the traffic this weekend. Either is a great idea.

The Spring Opener for small creeks and streams is Saturday. Little Prickly Pear and the Dearborn in our neighborhood will both be open for the summer. Still keep in mind there are doe sensitive redd areas out there. Be aware and be respectful.

Get your dry fly rod out of the tube and drew the line. It is dry fly season too. At least that is how we are proceeding. Even if the dry fly bite is just heating up, we want to be ready. Truly ready.

Are you ready for the Missouri River dry fly bite?

It is not red hot, or even all that great yet. But it will be. Soon. It will be here soon.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 5.13.14

May 13, 2014 by Mark Raisler

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]

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 5.9.14

May 9, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Good weekend ahead of us here on the Missouri River. Good weather too. If you like potential snow and rain. You should like this weekend just fine.

The tributaries are clear and clean and the entire river is fishing just fine. Some of the normal mayflies for this month are starting to pop and we are just fine with that. BWO’s and a few March Browns seen too. Get on board and keep the dry fly rod out. Get it in the rotation for the weekend and beyond.

[forecast]

Things to remember for the weekend ahead and the Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

Lodging. Not your tent. Unless you like your tent. And your tent companion. www.Craiglodging.com

Boat. Bring your boat or you boat rowing dude, or gal. Rent one, a boat. Rent a rower at Headhunters. Or drag your own over and dump it in the Mo. We will help you with the fly selection and the reaches that you want to see. Go anywhere you want with safe cruising from the top to the bottom.

Flies. Firebeads, a bundle of sows, scuds, worms, Amex, Czechs, the color purple, Peep Shows, Frenchie’s, a plethora of midge patterns, and some cool white streamers. White was the color of the week. Will it hold through the weekend? Maybe. Dries like big Adams, a March Brown pattern or two, midge clusters, Buzzballs, Rabbit Foot Clusters, and many more our Fly Guru Ben McNinch has in store for you the Missouri River angler.

Gear. Raincoats. Handwarmers. Boat Heaters. Gloves.

Smiles. Wide ones please.

Flows. The tribs are clear and clean. No problem there. The Mo is near 9K. Below the Dearborn more like 10K. Its cool with the water temps at 48F bouncing around the last couple weeks with the variable daytime weather conditions. The Dearborn is falling and nearing 600cfs. The Pear shows a similar trend. Clear too.

The Missouri River. Great shape, great hatches, great times.

Headhunters Fly Shop. Open all weekend at 730am w/ free rot-gut coffee, flies, info, shuttles, that killer one of kind logo wear, gloves, new and super cool headwear from Buff, rental NRS Freestone Drifters, SIMMS waders…

Headhunters Guides Ben Hardy and Mark Raisler with guests last week at Mountain Place in the image above. We love the sun. The canyon is good and the lower river is getting better. The upper? Busy.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 5.6.14

May 6, 2014 by Mark Raisler

The water downriver is clearing already. The LPP Creek has about half the volume of mud as it was yesterday. Today, half as much again. Good vis all the way to Craig. The water is green but not dirty. I’d say 2 feet still in Craig with vis not an issue until you get to the Dearborn. Then not too bad. Guides all the way to Cascade again yesterday. No fear.

Tons of out of area guides here on the Missouri this wee and until Mid July. Until the west-side and north-side and south-side rivers recede. They all come to the Missouri. If you are headed here and need lodging please check out www.craiglodging.com.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

Good to great nymphing depending on who you ask. Morning was better than the afternoon yesterday, but today? Gotta go to know.

Worms were on fire yesterday. Today? Try it for your lead fly and go with it. It is a fly that the fish will come to in certain conditions. A valuable tool for spring conditions.

Sows, scuds, PT’s. The same stuff for the month. May is a terrific month for fly fishing on the Missouri. Will the dry fly bite come on?

That is what we are holding our breath about. The dry fly game. Still holding. Late nights is still the answer. For a couple. Not a handful.

Streamers? Yes.

[forecast]

Getting cooler and getting wetter. Yep, spring in Montana. We did like th 70F weather last week. More ahead? not this week. Maybe the weekend will bring nicer skies. Although the BWO’s like the overcast. The fish like the overcast. The BWO’s get stuck when it is cooler and wetter. That is why the dry fly bite is better during overcast days. The bugs stay on the surface longer.

Headhunters open daily @730am for all your Missouri River Fly Fishing needs. Gloves, sunscreen, killer logo wear, SIMMS products, RIO fly lines, SAGE fly rods, accessories galore, and the friendliest staff in Craig.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 5.3.14

May 3, 2014 by Mark Raisler

A couple hints today on the Headhunters Fly Fishing Report for this early May weekend.

Sow bugs man. Scuds and sows. Mostly the key for the Headhunters guides this week. Some mayfly action, but the prominent flies are of the crustacean variety. Come into the shop and see our vast and significant selection of sows. Scuds too. Czechs and a variety of many more.

Today the McCuneGould Spey Clinic is happening at 9am. Mark has some chicken marinating in a bag for the guests at lunch. First Headhunters BBQ on the property in Craig? Soon, oh so soon my fishy friends.

A couple spots open for the clinic tomorrow too. Call today and get yourself in to this once yearly Missouri River magical instructional class. You might learn a few things about spey. Quite a few things maybe.

The weather is cooling and so are the water temps. With the rise in air temps this last week we saw the water temps increase. Then the drop in sun in the sky, the wind, and such and we got 44F again. Baetis like it. Midges like it. The fish like it.

Clean and clear tributaries for your floating and fishing pleasure. The Dearborn, clean. The Prickly Pear, clean. Sheep Creek, clean. Stickney Creek, clean.

[forecast]

The NRS Freestone Drifter is on the property and ready to rent. Come by and see this perfect boat for the Madison, the Missouri, Belt Creek, the Blackfoot, the Dearborn, your river or creek. This is the sports car of inflatable drift boats. 250# of rubbery love. Yep, I said it.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 5.3.14

Good to great reports yesterday. Rec fishermen came in with varying reports. Not many fish in buckets and they are right. The fish are in-between the buckets. Run and gun with a couple sows, scuds, or Czechs. Worms too.

Midges and tiny attractor type flies like Rainbow Warriors, Gard’s Miracle Midge, Frenchie’s, Firebeads and the like are working as well.

Boats are top to bottom with many days the clogged section being the upper. WC has received a ton of pressure. Go later in the day if you want solace in that run. Craig down is a good choice. The canyon? Lower yet, you bet.

Dry fly guys are staying out late and getting a few to hand. Midge clusters like the Buzzball, the Griffith’s, big giant Adams, CDC Hanging Midges, Quig’s Cluster…and many more.

Streamer anglers are getting it done. Slow and fast both. Mostly the slow though. Toss the heavy bug with a sink tip. Get after it. Streamer fishermen are the oat positive of all of the disciplines. They may be the most fun. No fish to hand? Great day, lots of follows and some killer refusals. All good to that crowd. Good attitudes are infectious and these guys lead that parade.

Headhunters Fly Shop

Open daily @ 730am for all your river needs. Come in today and see us. We have some cool full coverage Buff’s that are awesome. A new line of sun wear from 12wt. Check it. Tons of new logo’d stuff that is sure to impress with the sun protection in mind…and a few collared shirts too. Demo rods galore, rental waders, rental boats including the new NRS Freestone Drifter as well as the always popular Adipose Flow, and fun people too.

Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig. World’s Funnest Fly Shop…

Missouri River Montana Weekend Fishing Report

May 1, 2014May 1, 2014 by Mark Raisler

The weekend us upon us and the weather is warm. Time to head out fishing to your local river or lake, or to the Missouri River. It’ll be fun!

The fishing report will be short and factual.

2 spots left for the Sunday McCune/Gould Spey Clinic. $200/head for some world class spey and 2 handed instruction. Mark will be BBQ’ing up some killer lunch and snack items during the day while the fellowship is sure to be great. Cast on both sides of the river with one on one instruction from both Mike and Whitney. A do not miss event to get your 2 handed cast in tune!

I ran into another local outfitter today and he wanted me to mention that the dry fly fishing is tough. Not a whole lot of fish rising. But there are some. He believed I had mislead you, the reader that the dry fly fishing was ‘on’. It is not ‘on’ per se, but there are fish rising toward the evening periods. Get out at noon and float til dark. You’ll see some busting midge balls as they float down the river. If you stay out late, you will see them. An Adams towing a Buzzball should suffice.

So one or two fish during the day will be the norm until it is not the norm, it is the exception. Those tossing the Skwala all day long have been pretty quiet. Blanksville I think is the address.

The nymphing was better today as the fish seemed like they would cooperate more willingly. Boats from the Dam to the tiny ‘burb of Cascade. Sows, Czechs, Ninch’s Pink Selection @ HH, FB’s, Worms, more PT stuff. The normal from the last couple weeks. Any number of midge pupa’s as well. Lots of good options for flies this weekend!

Longer from bobber to split than you are comfortable doing. 7’+ is the norm. A split or two to get you there.

[forecast]

Headhunters Fly Shop open daily @ 7:30 am and open late for that evening float you will be doing this weekend. Or knock off early to day at work and come down to the river.

May Day Missouri River Fishing Report

May 1, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Better dry fly daily. You will still have to work hard to find the sipping trout as there are not many in the high and bright sun.

But later in the day. When the skies become hazy? You know Headhunters runs shuttles late right? Just sayin’.

It can be pretty good with fish busting midge balls in a totally random manner. How do you fish for fish that are not rising on a specific bug in a specific lane?

It’s simple…Keep casting.

[forecast]

Sunny today and warm. Look for the bottle of sunscreen and hide the rest with a new Buff.

The Dearborn River and Little Prickly Pear streams are running clean. A touch of color for a couple hundred feet is all. No blown feeder creeks here. Stickney Creek and Sheep Creek are gin clear. Check out the charts and you will see stability.

May Day Missouri River Fishing Report

Nymphing about average. The fish are not on the hard core bite but tossing and chasing the bobber all day long will bring plenty of fish to hand. Good drifts allow you to be in the game. Bad drifts? Nobody has time for too many of those. Mend man.

And again man.

Baetis, midges, and more hatching from the morning hours onward. Fishing through the day into the evening will pay off!

The streamer guys are getting them in tailouts and finding the thinner water whether it be slow or fast. Get them in there and strip. The water temps rising are getting the fish in a better mood for the chase.

Come in and rent the Inflatable Drift Boat the Freestone Drifter from Northwest River Supply. It kick’s ass. Adipose Rental Boats too. The Flow is really a great tool for this river.

May has arrived and we look forward to the sun daily. Sun daily is a good thing for we here in central Montana still chilled to the bone from the cooler winter we endured.

Shop open daily from 7:30am and late til 7:30pm. Tons of new logo wear has arrived along with hats and cool accessories too. Need sunglasses for the sun this week? Smith and Costa with all the hottest styles at Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.30.14

April 30, 2014April 30, 2014 by Mark Raisler

The fishing can be difficult as the Rainbows are, or seem to be on strike.

Or on the spawn. They are not as present as they have been or will be.

But the Brown Trout are out and being caught. Lots of big ones caught this month and more to come. Missouri River Fly Fishing Guide Ben Hardy with this big trout client caught this last week. The fishing will heat up as the fish return to the river from the tributaries and the Rainbows come off of the spawn. May will be a real good rocking month. It always is.

The nymphers have been beaten the last week with the catch rates down. Is it the depth, the flies, the flows, the weather, the sun?

Maybe. All you can really change is the depth, add more split or take some off. Move the bobber farther from the split, or closer. The drift? Mend better bro’. those are the variables we control.

The others? Mother Mo is large and in charge. Always.

[forecast]

The weather is warming through the week. Will the bugs keep coming on strong? Yes. Oh yes they will.

The flows are currently 8670cfs and water temps are holding at 44.5F. Good times. We expect the flows to be stable for a while. I see information on the web that may not be correct and pure speculation. Be careful who you trust for your info.

The tributaries will certainly see some more water as the mid and upper level snows will budge with the latter week daily air temps.

Another couple days of the Spring Special and then back to normalcy. Many that have enjoyed the $300 Guide Trips and discounter Craig Trout Camp lodging have pre-booked for the 2015 season. Do you want to be involved in the best deal in Craig this coming year? Then book today. Nothing wrong with planning a spring trip early. Just means you got more time to tie killer Pink Flies for next year.

Shop open daily for all things trout. Shuttles, flies, info, new kick ass logo shirts and hats, coffee, fly rods, waders, new fly lines from RIO, and much much more at 730am. See you late for after work shuttles and more.

Remember to check out our Freestone Drifter from NRS. Rent it today, buy one tomorrow. You will dig this boat!

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.28.14

April 28, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Flows holding at 8670cfs and water temps are 44F. Not bad for an April Monday.

The bugs have definitely arrived in a big way and some fish are responding. Look hard in the afternoons and post up for those surface friendly creatures. The dry fly gang has had a few fish to smile about this past week. Not many, but this week promises to be the breakout week. I think? Guessing Mother Nature’s moves has proven even harder than…insert your caption here.

[forecast]

Looks good to me. We hope the spring weather sticks for a while. At least until summer. Makes sense. No? May is a great month for warmer temperatures, dry flies, nymphs, better to the best streamer fishing of the year and still relatively quiet ont he river for pressure.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.28.14

Dry Fly Killers: Glarachute Adams, Purple Craze, Sparkle Dun, Nymens DOA black posted or grey, Smoke Jumper, and Snowshoe BWO Dun.

The March Browns should come this week. They generally do, according to history. That’s what we got to go on. The past will tell the future. They could be a week late though with the temps a touch below historical numbers. Do you remember your good March Brown spots/runs?

Nymphers: Still the same bugs with FB’s making a return, Worms, Trad. Lightening Bugs, Pearl LB’s, Purple LB’s, large Rainbow Czechs, T-Head Warriors, Purple Prince’s, Anato-Mays, Micro Mays, Zebra’s, Don Kink’s, Newman’s Own Midge.

The fish have been ornery this last week again with highs and lows. Some mornings good fishing, and poor afternoons. Then some days the opposite. Just like fishing can be. The water is deeper than you may think in some runs. Also the water speed has changed in lots of runs too. Slower in some spots while the faster regions will confuse you. Check it out and make a solid nymphing plan and go forward. If Plan A does not work, I hope you got the next in line. You will need it.

Watch and learn. Look for anglers with trout on the line and observe the type of water they are in, and find some water like it! See, learning is fun.

Streamer Fishers: Better daily. Kreelex, R2R, any one of many good looking leeches, for Walleye too, Skiddish Smolts in Olive, Brown, and regular, Black Bugger Jigs, Widowmakers, Daili Lama’s, Home Invaders, Yellow Yummy’s White Zonkers.

Sink Tips still the word. Heavier if you wish. Some still rocking the dry line, but not many. If you are, come in and get yourself a sinking tip. We got lots to choose from and we can educate you about how and why, and of course when to employ these game changing poly tips.

May is nearing and we are excited. We get continually jacked as the months roll on. The spring is upon us and summer is in the sights. But not for a while. About half of the staff loves May. It is their favorite month. A great month for blind dry fly fihsing, March BRown’s, Midge, BWO’s, the tail end of the Skwala, the first caddis, a nymphers paradise, and great streamer fishing for big browns as the rainbows are on the spawn adn not in the game.

What is not to love? Get out before June this year and ply your fly fishing trade on the Missouri River. Call us if you need assistance or stop in the shop daily open @ 7:30 am and open late til 7:30 pm nightly.

Remember us for all your lodging needs too. www.CraigLodging.com is your source for the widest variety and largest selection of rental properties for Montana’s Missouri River corridor.

Get in on our McCune/Gould superstar casting clinic this Sunday. A few spots left!

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.26.14

April 26, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Raining and sleeting out this morning as we movie into more winter here in Craig Montana.

Montana’s Missouri River is fishing well if you are prepared for the elements. Bring rain gear, hand warmers, a Thermos or 2 of coffee, a flask of whiskey, a cup-full of San Juan Worms, and a plan.

Lots of boats here this weekend as the other fantastic Montana river are out of shape. Folks from the Yellowstone, the Flathead, the Clark Fork, B-Root, Rock Creek Region, Broze-Man fellers, and many more. We are the relief valve for the state here on the Missouri River as we never blow out.

It is raining though. Should stop sometime this year? Like Monday. Totally. Back to our scheduled spring weather.

[forecast]

The last week of $300 Guide Trips as the Spring Special goes away in May. Get on board for the front end of this week and enjoy a cheap guide trip.

We also have a few more spots for the McCune/Gould Spey Casting Session Sunday May 4th. $200 will get you an entire day with these two Spey experts on the Missouri. Lunch included. A fun time will be had along with the top notch education.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.26.14

Good to great depending on who you talk to. The dry fly gang has been getting a few as the hatch improves daily. Today should bring a ton of BWO’s. Overcast, cool, moisture in the air and 50F. Just what those olives need. All you need is a box full of baetis flies and a strong reach cast.

The midgers have been doing OK too. More and more as the month passes by. Clusters are still producing well with the emerged coming a close second.

The nymphers have been having a ball. They are still gorging on the Firebead flies but the WORM is getting stronger asa lead fly. Rainbow Czechs continue to produce with the array of grey scuds fishing well too. Some are all PT all the time. Mayflies on the bottom, or filling both the top and bottom fly locations seem to be hooking a bunch of trout. Gard’s Glint Nymph and Rainbow Warriors are kicking ass. Hot Spot PT’s, Angel Hair PT’s, Red PT’s, Purple PT’s, Green PT’s, LB’s of all flavors…you get the drift? Get in and see our impressive selection of mayfly nymphs. Nearly 400 in our bins today.

Streamer anglers? Yes, getting it done. The snide is off this group and they are stripping their way to success. Still eating them on the pause. Watch and learn. Dead drifting with tension can work too. Sink tips? Yep.

Headhunters Fly Shop open daily @ 730am. Open daily late tip at least 730pm. Get your reservations for July or August today. Good dry fly action and lots of lodging still available. Operators standing by. How about the fabulous month of May? It rules too!

Silly Saturday Image

April 26, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Check it out.

Mark rowing switch.

He thinks he invented it.

I for now believe he did.

Thanks to westside Tony for sending this image.

He said: I think an appropriate name for this trick would be the ‘switch 180 inside out bobber chase.’

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.24.14

April 24, 2014 by Mark Raisler

The Spring Special rolls on as we enter the final week of $300 Guide Trips.

Grant, Paul, and Blair were out fishing today down from the northern region and graced us with this beautiful Rainbow image. More on the Facebook Page tomorrow.

The weather is cooperating somewhat with the wind hampering some of the dry fly action. The bugs were here yesterday but the fish didi not respond as we would have liked. Today? A new day indeed.

The rain did not come in the volumes that the weather guesser said it would and that is OK. We have enough water on the ground, in the ground, in the reservoirs, in the river this year.

The warm weather did not come either. Some did. But the tributaries felt a little pressure as the mid level snow budged a touch and is matriculating into our larger system.

The Dearborn is rising slightly at 461cfs and the Little Prickley Pear is off color at 271cfs and on an upward path. Both should be stable and falling before the end of the weekend. Or not?

Rain forecast for the weekend and today, tomorrow. How much precipitation will actually fall? Oh less than an inch. The high level snows are still frozen and will not move until we get daytime highs over 80F and nighttime lows over 40F. That has yet to happen. But we are still in April which is winter in Montana.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.24.14

The dry fly fishing that we normally witness is not upon us in the capacity that it normally is. But the weather, water temps, and water level have something to do with that. We are experiencing higher water levels than we normally have for April. Having said that you can find a few. Look hard in your old dry fly haunts and you may be rewarded.

Adams, Midge Clusters, tiny little midge patterns, with CDC emergent droppers can bring the trout to hand.

As for the streamer bite? Better every day. The water is warming and the trout like to move for the big bug more often when their metabolism is increasing. Plus, a long winter for them too. Hungry bastards like meaty treats. Stop into Headhunters for over 150 streamer patterns to choose from. The best selection in the Tri-County Region!

Headhunters has a full and wide selection of weighted tips for you to choose from as well. And streamer lines? Tons. A vast selection from RIO, Airflo, Orvis, Cortland. All the best for your the Missouri River angler.

Nymphers are having the best luck. Still deep with bobber to split in the 6′-8′ range. Pink is not out of favor but the normal flies are making their mark. A ton of midge patterns with mayfly patterns are leaving the bins after their long winters rest. Peep Shows, Frenchie’s, Angel Hair PT’s, Hot Spot Pt’s, Hot Spot Scuds, Arnold’s Sili Scud, Choi’s Spicy Scud, BK’s Pink Blob, Purple LB’s, Micro May’s, and many more!

[forecast]

Headhunters Fly Shop open 730am to 730pm. 12 hours of goodness for you the Missouri River Trout Angler. Izaak’s is open too daily @ 3pm with dinner @ 4pm. Yum. Uncle Joe’s Bar daily @ 8am. The Taco Cart not yet. The Frenchman in WC and the O too. See you in Craig this weekend for trout fishing fun. You know you want to come…

New Breed Chicks Rule #547

April 21, 2014 by Mark Raisler

New Breed Chicks Rule #547.

Lisa has always been a New Breed Chick. And she Rules.

Thanks for coming on out Lisa and fishing the Missouri River.

We will see you later this summer!

We love women anglers! They are the best. We also have female guides that will guide you or your wife. Give us ahsout.

New Breed Chicks are everywhere and welcome here in Craig.

Missouri River Monday Fishing Report

April 21, 2014 by Mark Raisler

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.

Saturday Missouri River Fishing Report

April 19, 2014 by Mark Raisler

All is good with the Missouri River. Nothing is blown, the creeks are clear, and the fishing is good.

The Dearborn, Prickly Pear, Sheep Creek, and Stickney Creek are all clear and not affecting the flows or the color. The color is green, and there is some turbid condition,s, mostly form the lake above. The fishing is strong.

The best news of the week is the addition of dry fly angling. Do we have riverwide mega hatches? No. Not yet. Some baetis and some midge have made the fish look upwards and we like that. Posted up casting to sipping trout is what we live for. So look and keep your eyes open for these opportunities, as they are still quite rare. More every day though!

The chart is good. We like this better in April than we do in June. The reason for the higher than normal water? To keep it away in June for the dry fly bonanza…like PMD’s, Caddis, that sort of thing.

The nymph bite was off yesterday. Strange really. Some had better results than others. Most considered it a tough day. But spirits are always high and we will return to normalcy today. The hiccup in the water to blame? Maybe.

The streamer bite continues to be quite slow. Why? Who knows. Ask Mother Mo. Sink tips like fast and like extra fast are in vogue for the bugger bunch. Flashy, brown, gold, white, yellow seem to be the buzz if you ask at the bar.

The dries? Yes, as above on the rise. Good news. More as the hatch continues to wax. Keep it here folks. The info pipeline of the Missouri.

The weather? Spring-like today and tomorrow. We’ll see you applying your sunscreen liberally. Seen some burnt faces this week. Buff’s can help too.

[forecast]

Shop open daily with guide trips for $300. Spring Special in full swing. Discounted lodging too with Craig Trout Camp leading the charge. Call today and our helpful staff can get you into something for the week. Not all are discounted but they are all great and near the river!

8am is when you will see us at the shop for coffee, shuttles, flies, new SIMMS Waders, demo rods, info, and the general BS you should expect at Headhunters.

10 Tips for High(er) Water Success

April 17, 2014 by Mark Raisler

The flows this morning are 8360cfs. This is not high by historical flows, but is higher than some anglers are comfortable with.

High flows are aver 15K to us here on the Missouri. We will write another blog when she gets to that level, which we do not expect. The flows are similar to the 6K mark, but higher. Smart huh?!

Imagine the subsurface structure and put the flies on those structure points. Here is where long time Mo River Anglers thrive. They have a map of the bottom of the river etched in their minds and they are looking at it while fishing/drifting. Think of drop offs, bank lines, the old primary shelf, the secondary shelf…things like that. Fish love structure. They feed, hide, chill on structure points.

10 Tips for High(er) Water Success

Stay on the inside bend while nymphing. The fish don’t like that turbulent water near or on the rip-rap banks at this temp and at these flows.
Add a tip to your streamer line. If you are going to streamer fish, use a T-7 or T-8 tip to get it down to where the fish are.
Don’t rip your streamer back to you like you are on some sort of dreamy Galloup TV shoot. Slow and easy with long pauses. Get the flies down to the fish and then begin your stripping magic.
Look for other boats catching fish. See and learn what they are doing and replicate their movements. Don’t cut them off or low hole them, they may mention it to you. But watch and learn.
Chat with your fly shop, Headhunters, and glean some information from the staff. They are out fishing daily and will lend a hand in your success. Flies, split shot, technique, areas etc. Use them for knowledge and hints. Headhunters is transparent. We’ll tell you all we know.
Add more weight if you are not flirting with the bottom of the river occasionally. If you do not get the bait in front of the trout, they will not eat it. Period.
Float longer floats. Bigger, faster water will allow you to cover more water. There are only a few great runs per mile in these higher and accelerated flows.
As the Hazel gang in Maupin always say, “Fish good water well.” If you find ’em, stay on ’em.
Get good at striking the fly hard when the bobber moves. Only those who hit it more often catch more fish. Those who watch, well…you know the unfortunate answer to that equation.
Dry fly guys look for the bugs and slow inside tucked out of the way environs. You know those spots. Get in there and look, watch, wait…then cast. The BWO’s are out, or sort of coming daily. The midge yesterday was pretty epic in some areas. It is definitly happening as the water temps climb. We waited a long time, now it is the time. It will get better daily. We may be a week out still for consistent daily dry fly action? Bring your dry rod, you may employ it!

An easy 10 Tips for High(er) Water Success today from your information experts here at Headhunters Fly Shop in downtown Craig MT. Stop in any time for info, a vast Missouri River specific fly selection, tons fly lines, shuttles, or just to chew the fat. We dig fly fishing talk!

Ed Note: Hey if you want to view any of our past content you can! Just click on the Blog Icon in the Header for all of our fishing reports and blogs. Need to waste an hour or two at work? We got the content for you!

New Breed Chicks Rule | Carroll College Edition

April 16, 2014April 16, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Brittany and Allyson rock. They came out from Carroll College and fished hard in the driving snow this last Saturday.

It was damn cold. Actually, brutal.

Snowing sideways and the primary 15mph breeze coming from the North.

Headhunters Guide Beth guided these two into these great Missouri River Trout.

Thanks gals. See you on the river…

New Breed Chicks Rule!

Missouri River Monday Fishing Report 4.14.14

April 14, 2014 by Mark Raisler

As the weather warms just getting better everyday.

The sun always makes the fishing better. If you have had winter until yesterday morning that is. Today Monday?

I’m praying for sun. I did a little coffee & sun jig this morning before I wrote this Blog.

What will this week bring? Sun I hope.

[forecast]

Sun brings water temps that rise. Sun brings spring bugs to the surface. Sun brings smiles.

Missouri River Monday Fishing Report

Deeper, slower, slenderer is the word on the river for those who like to strip their fish in. Or on.

Try those follies too skinny for most. Those that are not articulated. Those patterns that look anemic to Galloup fans. They certainly sink faster. Too much volume on the fly keeps it suspended in the water column. Honest.

Skinny Flies Rule.

Nymphs sink faster when they are slenderized too. That is why the iron worm gets there. Ju-Ju Baetis. Zebra’s. Thread based flies. Those Copper Johnny deals. We used to call those Copper Johns…back in the day Wire Abdomened PT’s. Just sayin’.

Split shot helps it sink faster. The nymphs. Try two for twice the success. Slutty flies are the answer. Did get a few on those Copper Johnnies today. Back in the day we used to call them…

Saw a few BWO’s slipping by the chines Sunday afternoon in the canyon. Just a few. Midge mania later int he day as well. Clusters peeling off the boat on anchor near the shore.

Maybe the dry fly deal is maturing. Finally.

Rolling through the month with guides out daily, tons of shuttles, Missoula visiting daily, flies beginning to shift to normality, and lots of fishing friends showing on the porch for the first time this year. We love and enjoy seeing old friends.

And meeting new ones too.

Shop open daily from 8am and staying late for after work shuttles, the best in local logo wear, all the fresh info you can chew on…digest it at your own risk.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.11.14

April 11, 2014 by Mark Raisler

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.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.9.14

April 9, 2014 by Mark Raisler

The sun has come. But rain today and 61F.

The bite is on with good reports of nymphing and some highlights of Skwala action. The Skwala action is not red, or even white hot but a few have been fooled below Craig.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

Nymph Flies that are red hot, or Pink Hot include FB Sows, FB Rays, Soft Hackle Rays, Caviar Scud, Hot Beaded Softies, Rainbow Czech’s, Amex, Pink Lightening Bugs, Zebra’s, Purple Lightening Bugs, Rainbow Warriors, PT’s, Worms in all flavors, Skwala Nymphs, Rubberlegs…

Rigs that many guides and anglers are fishing run something like 6’+ from bobber to split, a couple spring favorite flies strung on below the split. Add more split if you need to get further down, but a size B should suffice. Add a touch more like a 4 or 6 if you need that extra horsepower. Moving the indicator will help too. Be in tune with your rig and if you are not hanging them as often as you think you should, change.

Streamer dudes are getting a few. The bite is not all that great for all the anglers. Reports of slow to non-existent streamer fishing are heard at the bar. But today is Wednesday and things could change for the better. IT is the latter part of the week. See you with sink tips and Poly Sinking leaders attached tossing long sloppy streamer casts here on the Mo soon! Book your lodging today for a place to rest your weary casting arms.

Headhunters carries a wide variety of Streamer lines. Why not get the right tool for your kick ass streamer rod this spring. Stop in and give the crack HH staff a heads up on how you roll. They can accommodate your fetish. Or at least point you in the right direction.

Skwala fishing on the Missouri River? Yes. While we do not have the numbers that some west side river have as far as the olive big bugs go, we do have enough to get the trout wound up and excited about this spring stonefly. Some are tossing them daily. We got the patterns that our trout love inside the warm confines of the HH HQ. Yes, in downtown Craig. Ninch has stocked the right stones for your dry fly pleasures. I hear purple is the new pink? What does that even mean?

Flows are stable at 6460cfs. Stable and flat for over a week. More info coming at you Saturday as we attend the Missouri River Advisory Committee meeting in Helena. More then.

Water temps are rising with the advent of Spring Air Temps! We are currently at 39.5F and we may touch the hallowed 40F today. Or tomorrow. What will happen then? Goodness is the answer. Greatness? Not til 42F.

Missouri River Montana Fishiing Report — Rising temps make us smile!

Check us out if you need any lodging or guiding service this month or any month ahead of us. We got all you need, well most, for your Missouri River trip. Just need info about hatches and such? We love to talk trout. Shop open daily @ 8am with shuttles, flies, info, warm hats, gloves, sunscreen, fly poles, and all the terminal tackle you can shake your fly stick at.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.8.14

April 8, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Spring is here. What? Yep. The 2nd day over 60F today and we are nothing but excited.

And warmer.

Get out your tube of sunscreen and apply liberally. Warmer tomorrow for sure.

[forecast]

The weather will be great all week with air temps over 60F. We dig it. Maybe it truly is time to crawl from your winter cave and wet a line.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

Nymphing is really good. But not for all. Those squirrelly trout can be tough to locate some days. Try and try and try again.

Adjust something if you cannot get them. There are only 3 things you can control while nymph fishing.

The drift. Mend, mend up, mend down, mend across…do something to keep the drift rolling along as long as possible. You can’t get ‘er done without participation in your drift. Your float. It is you who dictates the drift. Be involved. If you do not know how to do it, learn. It is an, the most, important part of the equation. If it is not presented properly the fish will shy away from your shit.
The depth. Split shot can get you there. Add more, add less, spread it out, concentrate it in one spot. Add a weighted fly, or flies. Be in control of your sink rate. Drop them, the rig, in the water and watch it sink. If it gets there fast, that is gooood! And for those who think nymphing is tying a 12″ dropper from your dry fly you my be fooling yourselves. While that works, it is surely not getting to the fish harbored on the bottom of the Missouri River. Those in the know have several sizes of split and use them often. Be adaptive and involved in your depth selection!
The fly. The fly pattern can be important. If the one, or ones you are tossing/sinking do not get bit, then change. Give them a chance though. Whatever that length of time may be is up to you. I would guess an hour without a take may be long enough. Many, some will change before that juncture. Pink is still the word. Grey, tan, reddish, pinkish, orange-ish seem to be flavors in the mix. Some purple too? Change it up when no action is the rule. You want action, get some!

Missouri River Stats

Flows are flat level at 6460cfs. The water is a touch turbid. That means there is a little color in it. Not dirty by any means, but greener than normal. Actually quite normal in the spring as the lake(s) above us are in a state of change. The ice is coming off. And certainly more will disappear this week with the warmer daytime temperatures.

The water temps are rising slowly. Maybe a bit more this week with the aforementioned sun penetration. 38.5F this morning. We are looking forward tipping over the 40F mark. Soon, oh so soon. Then we get that olive flavored insect we love so very much.

And sun this week. We got that too.

Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service

Check out the fantastic short by Scumliner Media here on this very Fly Fishing Blog Super-site. FISHSKI is the name. Fishing and Skiing is our game! It is really a fun video.

Speaking of videos, we are filming with the New Fly Fisher this week. We will let you know when this TV show will air. January 2015 is the word.

We are just coming off a big weekend with our anniversary, OGR14 in Zootown and here in Craig, along with a bundle of HH Guides out on the water. We are in full swing with the Spring Special. Cheap lodging @ Craig Trout Camp and a few other properties on the Missouri River in conjunction with $300 Headhunters Guide Trips. Fun times in your favorite fishing ‘burb in central Montana.

If you have not fished the Missouri this year, or ever…then maybe this is your year. We’d love to host you on this Blue Ribbon fishery.

Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service open daily @ 8am. We are open late if you feel the need or overwhelming desire to fish after work or book your tip while in you living room, in your slippers, dreaming of the Mighty Mo and the un-real Trico Spinner Falls in late July!

Shuttles daily, guides available, rental Adipose Drift Boats, any lodging needs, demo rods, flies, info, sunscreen, BUFF’s, or a shoulder to cry on. We got your back.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.5.14

April 5, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Yes pretty damn good. We add the sun divide the breeze multiply the fun and come up w/ the quotient this week as we have been in dire need of it for months.

The sun.

So fishing is a 7 with 1 point awarded for the comfort of air temperature.

The weekend weather is great. We look forward to fishing without gloves, snow toques, boat heaters and whiskey.

Just weak black coffee and a handful of streamers.

Streamer Fishing Report

Streamer fishing? Better than a stick in the eye. Great? Not really.

Some days are better than others. Again today reports across the spectrum. Some days are better than others.

Leeches of all flavors. Black, purple, red, olive and aural grey. They seem to be attracting the right kind of followers. Also this streamer pattern made for the Missouri River which the name has escaped me but it works. It is an articulated Sparkle Minnow. A double hooked R2R. Come in and see it. It is just killer.

Home Invaders, R2R’s, Coffey Sparkle Minnow in Smoke colors, Black Buggers, Micro Zonkers, full sized Zonkers in white or natural, Egg Suckers in purple or black, Skiddish in brown or olive, Shiela, Space Invaders, Kreelex…

Dries?

Did not see may. But a few. A few, not more. More bugs Thursday and even more Friday. Today? Maybe they will rise.

Nymphers Dee-Light

Getting it done. PINK, Worms, a bundle of differing FB’s, PINK, Zebra’s, Exploding Midge, Newman’s Own, Don Ming, Dominick’s Dam Midge, Red Flasher, Stupor Sparkler…

Missouri River Weekend Weather

[forecast]

Better huh? Sun. Let’s hope it continues for 7 months.

Water Levels and Temps

In the mid 6K range. Temps are moving upwards and the sun penetration will help move the mercury higher. Can you say 40F soon? I can hear you brother and I applaud your exclamation!]

How about 42F for Skwala’s and BWO’s. Soon.

Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service

Party time tomorrow Sunday the 6th. Fun in the sun with a BBQ hosted by Orvis and Izaak’s. See you around 4pm for Craig MT April fun. You might like it.

See you daily @ 8am. We got your slot for the $300 Guide Trips. Headhunters is your lodging connection too. Why not book both at the same time? Seems reasonable.

Spring is here and the dry fly bite will start soon. Do a simple dry fly jig in your living room. If you are embarrassed, do it in your garage. We’ll take either and we appreciate your dancing even if your wife does not.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.3.14

April 3, 2014April 3, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Yesterday brought sleet, snow, rain, wind, sun, overcast, calm.

Today? Who knows. Probably more of the same.

Our Spring Special is picking g up speed and several guides out daily.

You cashing in on the $300 Special?

Bugger Chuckers

The streamer guys are getting happy. Are they crushing them? Sorta. Not setting catch rate records but the action is good enough to keep them in high spirits for the Lion’s share of the day.

Brown, sparkly, jiggly. You know. The good action. We’ve got some cool patterns that we know you haven’t seen. We’ll get you up to speed on the hottest patterns of the week.

Bobber Fare

Nymphers? Hot and cold. Some coming back with good reports, others not. The fish seem to be wandering according to the reports. Will they wander into your pink pattern? Let’s hope so.

Look for not so fast currents and seek the bottom. Split shot is the way to nimping nirvana.

And if the bobber hiccups a millimeter…hit it hard. You are trying to catch them right? Just sayin’.

PINK, WORMS, PT’s, and all of the derivations you can choke on. Just remember to not forget the ball bearings. Pinch them on your line and watch it descend. Rapidly I hope. The key to getting more fish on nymphs is to get the bait in front of the target species and keep it there a long time.

Keep in mind that as the water is deeper and may be continues to get deeper that does not always mean you want to lengthen your leader. The upper region of the water column can hold fish too. As the midges move to and fro…they can be staged in the upper third. Watch and learn while parked. Understand your surrounding and capitalize. That’s what predators do…

Had a client once ask “Did he eat one of the flies or this ball bearing.”

Dry Fly Fans

Not much to cheer about. Mother Mo is holding back. A blanket hatch a couple days ago in spots. Will it happen again? Maybe this weekend!

The BWO’s are moving subsurface so the annual spring appearance is bound to come in April. It historically does…

Weekend Weather

Better. Can’t be any worse than the last couple weeks. Maybe the weather conditions will hold for more than 2 hours at a whack. Variable has been the theme. The old adage is relevant even today…“If you don’t like the weather now, wait 5 minutes and it will change.”

[forecast]

We are nearly finished with our 2014 remodel. We think it looks great. Stop in and see the positive changes. We’ll pour you a cup of coffee, stay a while.

Lodging for the weekend is going away. Call today for a spot in the sun. Shop open daily from 8am and open late tip fish. Later is needed.

Big to-do Sunday April 6th here in Craig withe Orvis Guide Rendezvous Craig Style and killer BBQ from Izaak’s beginning at 3pm. Casting contest open to all with a Orvis Helios 2 and a reel and a line on the blocks for the top 3 finishers.

Izaak’s OPEN for business tonight. 7 nights/week @ 4pm. Serving tip 10 for you late night anglers. Bar open at 3pm. Welcome back to Izaak’s. I know we are all smiles here at the shop as Chef Winders opens the doors for the 2014 season. Welcome back Izaak’s!

Pink Lightening Bug

April 1, 2014 by Mark Raisler

This bug still in play. Will be for another month. At least.

Tie it. Fish it. Believe it. Buy it.

Just Add Vice for your April Fools Day tying binge.

You can find a dozen JAV kits hanging not he wall at Headhunters Fly Shop. Stop in and stock up…it may be winter for a while.

Missouri River Monday Fishing Report 3.31.14

March 31, 2014 by Mark Raisler

I think we are turning the corner on spring.

The indicator birds have arrived. The Robins and Starling last week. The Bluebirds a couple days ago. Yesterday the Osprey came home for the summer. The Goldeneye are on their way out…

And snow/sleet/rain last night.

The weather this week looks bester as the days pass. We like Wednesday through the weekend. Much warmer temps make us smile.

[forecast]

Missouri River Monday Fishing Report

The streamer bite is turning the corner too. Strip them slow in soft and deep runs with sink tips. Find water that is not too fast, not too slow…the water that is just right. Soft sides and hard sides are coming on. IF they do not respond, try different water. Then change the fly.
Flies that work for the bugger whackers include the Dalai Lama olive or flesh, Skiddish Smolt original or brown, Hot Headed Leeches in purple or black, mini or micro leeches in a few flavors, Ramp to Ramp in traditional colors, Kreelex in bright or yellow, Zonkers in all colors. The theme is jigged heads with a side of flash.
Nymphs? Standard Issue. Pink, Midge, and Baetis. You could try a worm is you wish too. Add more split and find the zone. It could be in closer, out farther, in faster, or maybe slower water. The fish can move, they can swim. The bite is consistent while the fish location may vary. Keep the flies in the water as long as possible.
Dries? Not too hot. A very slow March for the dry fly. While some fish have been caught, we are not out finding them wily and dry flies leaving the store are pale in comparison to nymphs and even streamers. More streamers leaving the store than fires? Yes. It will turn around. The dry fly bite and the hatch scenario.
Anglers this previous weekend fishing top to bottom. The entire river has fish and is fishing. The streamer guys going lower, the nymph guys staying higher.

Shuttles daily and good avail for the coming weekend in our local lodging spots @ Craig Trout Camp. A few other cool river houses avail as well. $300 Guide Trips continue to roll out daily. The best pricing coupled with the best guides? Slam dunk.

Laying carpet today. Fooling with rod display too. Installed new counter, counter tops, reel display and new line display this weekend. No April foolin’.

Give us a call and set up your summer trip today. Late July and August are looking good. Lodging and guides available…

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 3.28.14

March 28, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Looking up daily here on Montana’s Missouri River and here in Craig.

We’ve been fishing daily and the clients have been able to keep themselves warm with the trout action.

Not too much on the dry, none really, but there is hope! Nymphing and some streamer fishing will keep you busy enough.

The flows are still in the mid 6K range and will stay that way fro some time. Really quite refreshing for some while it does remove some of the wade fishing spots it encourages new learning of location due to necessity. Some of those skinny gravel bars have another foot of water on them and have been known to harbor midges and dry fly opportunities in the spring.

Water temps will reach 38F today and we like the movement upwards. More action, warmer water, more action. Period. Over 40F is a whole new ball game.

The sun today will heat things up. At least it will feel much warmer.

Stop in for the best Missouri River fly selection including an acre of nymphs, a field of dries, and a dungeon of streamers. We got you. You’ll have to come in and see it with your own eyes to see if you agree.

Hot beads, scuds, PT derivations, worms, and midge patterns rule the day. Try some other freaky shit too. It may work. The fish are in good shape and the takes in the last week have been more aggressive.

We have a few events coming to Craig MT n the near future.

Izaak’s will open for business on April 3rd. Hooray!! The hours will be 7 nights a week 4-9 or 10 through the month of April and then lunch coming on the weekends beginning sometime later. We are happy to have Izaak’s here and we know you feel the same.

The Missouri River Inn is closed as we speak. So nobody knows what the program is, but we do know it will not be open any time soon, and maybe not this summer. That is more than likely.

Sunday April 6th will bring the Orvis Guide Rendezvous to Craig and Headhunters Fly Shop. An afternoon Public Event with casting competition giving away a Helios 2 Rod, an Orvis Reel, and an Orvis Fly Line for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place! A BBQ will begin @ 3pm sponsored by Orvis and Izaak’s of Craig. Stop in after fishing Sunday and have a bite to eat and win a fly rod!

Headhunters Fly Shop Spring Special! $300 Guide Trips continue through the end of April. The last weekend in April is full but the remainder of the month has good availability. Get on board with this discounted guide trip and enjoy the first day out this year with a Headhunters Guide!

Craig Trout Camp. Rainbow and Brown Trout Cabins are $100/night. The Craig House starts at $150/night and Sutton House is $200/night for 4 anglers! We have a couple other discounted properties avail too. Call the shop for more info and reservations.

Headhunters Fly Shop Remodel. Yes again in 2014 we are not resting. We are installing a new Reel Counter, new counters and counter-tops in the front end, a new line display, new rod display, additional fly bins, and much more for your fishing convenience this year. Stop in and see us. We apologize for the minor mess…we are moving forward!

Shop open daily @ 8am for all your river needs. Remember we have Demo Rods and Demo Lines for you to try before you make the next step. Shuttles daily too. Flies, info, coffee, adn anything you may need to improve your Mo River Experience…

Missouri River Hump Day Trout

March 26, 2014 by Mark Raisler

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.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 3.23.14

March 23, 2014March 23, 2014 by Mark Raisler

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.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 3.20.14

March 20, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Rising Tide. The flows are now at 6500cfs+ and it is fishing well.

Remember that it is not 3K anymore and the water is moving faster. And, and it is deeper.

Where do Missouri River Trout live?

Having said that if you think about why fish reside in specific areas you will soon realize that the subsurface structure does not change by adding a foot or two of water on top of said housing. Therefore trout residences do not move far or at all when we experience higher flows. Just saying’.

Some fish do move towards the bank somewhat as the flows increase, but not always. No hard and fast rules when hunting troutskis.

Water temps are moving slowly upwards dn will again after the next snow storm moves through. Next week sometime. 36F is enough to make the comfort zone not too far away.

Spawning Rainbow Trout

Saw some Redds today out guiding. SO be aware that the Rainbow Spawn will be in effect for a couple months and be aware that if you stomp on them or harass spawning fish they are less likely to procreate efficiently. It’d be like your folks walking into you bedroom while you are making whoopee, throwing Peanut M & M’s at your head and heckling you…

Think about it.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report | March 20th

Flies that are making the grade include Pink LB’s, Amex, Rainbow Czech, Pink Ray Charles, Pink Scuds, WORMS, Rainbow Warrior, Sows, Zebra’s in a few different colors, Dominick’s Dam Midge, Red Flasher, Peep Show, Ju-Ju Baetis.

Steamer flies still in the brown arena, natural tones, yellow and white. Why not give black a try?

Dries? Near, very near. Saw a decent batch of Midges today mid afternoon. Not enough to get too many fish worked up. Saw some splashy play trout but nothing of substance.

New flies still coming in this month. Loading up the bins for Headhunting success. Stop in and see us change throughout the month of March.

Looks like snow for most of the week. At least that is what the forecaster is stating. Will it really snow again? Please don’t answer that question. Spring is coming…I won’t hear of anything else.

Missouri River Weather

[forecast]

Come on out this week and stay with us for cheap. Cabins starting @ $100. Guide Trips $300. We’ll even brush the snow off your windshield for you…and we’ll have hot soup in the boat too!

What do you think of the new updated site? Scumliner working on it and you will see it morph as the week progresses. Look for more long winded articles that will live on the site. How to’s, of course the videos, photo work, product reviews, low brow humor and lame attempts to keep you updated. Yes, the most current Missouri River Fishing Reports with total transparency nearly daily. They will keep coming at you in force as summer approaches…and we are not kidding like many so called fishing websites that promise the moon…and deliver bub-kiss.

Last year we posted on this very blog/fishing report site 758 times. Yep. Honest.

Trust me, I’m a fishing guide.

Keep it tuned here for the most updated, conscious, Missouri River fly fishing and lifestyle information source.

Friday Foto Fishing Report

March 14, 2014March 14, 2014 by Mark Raisler

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

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 3.11.14

March 12, 2014 by Mark Raisler

Daytime highs in the 40′ and approaching the 50’s as we move through this 2nd week of March. Some folks have looked outside, agreed with the weather, and made their way out to the river. And how happy they were. It has not always been the best of fishing, the best bite in this last … Read more