Lots of folks call the shop and inquire about guide services. Many of you who have not had the wonderful opportunity to be guided before, you are in for a trout fishing treat.
Squeeky’s father suggested he write this blog for all those who ask why? “Why would you hire a trout fishing guide if you already know how to fish?” Or, “Don’t you already know how to fly fish? Do you really need a guide?”
What kind of folks hire guides or Why would you hire a fly fishing guide?
Bank Sipping Big Brown Trout
All walks of angling life hire fly fishing guides. From the 1st time angler who wants to learn everything from which end of the fly pole to hold to advanced/expert anglers who want to fish to finicky bank sippers with a a sz 24 Trico spinner.
All anglers want to learn, almost all. Enjoying the day with a full time Missouri River Guide will give you the time to not only hook a few, but to learn about casting, entomology, why the bobber is called an indicator or to point out birds, Mink and other streamside wildlife.
Yes, all types of anglers hire fishing guides. Some just want a guide to usher them down the river and row, while others want the full meal deal. Soup to nuts. There are lots of reasons you could hire a fly fishing guide.
What does the Guide Trip Include?
The Missouri River Guide Trip is all inclusive.
Flies.
All included @ Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service. Not all fly shops or guide services include flies. Be sure to ask your Outfitter if this is included. Otherwise you may pay additionally for flies used during the day. Back in the day most of the operations charged for flies. That concept is changing. So if you needed or lost 23 flies during the day the up-charge could be 23 flies X $2.50 equaling $57.50. No, not here at Headhunters. All flies are included in the trip price.
Fly Rods.
Again, most Outfitters and Guides provide gear for the day. We encourage you to bring your favorite gear but it is not imperative. If you like your 8 1/2’ Winston 8’6” IM6, then bring it. If you like your hyper-fast pinpoint precision casting SAGE Method, then bring it. Most guides have top ‘o the line fly rods for your use, pre-rigged and ready to go. Headhunters also has FREE demo rods for you to enjoy or embrace for the day. Many anglers seize the opportunity to try that new SAGE ONE or the Orvis Helios 2 or even a Sweetgrass Bamboo 5wt for dry fly targets. Why not have fun and give current fly rod technology a test drive? Again, ask your guide if he has gear for you as many assume you will be bringing your own.
Terminal Tackle.
What does that mean. It means leaders, tippet, split shot, bobbers and the like. All guides will have this. Unless you hire a guide born before fiberglass drift boats became widely used. Not that there is anything wrong with that…
Lunch/Drinks/Snacks
Included with most trips all over Montana. Headhunters yes. The Saltwater Flats Captains generally want you to provide lunch, not the freshwater trout guides of Montana. Headhunters provides a nice high quality delicious sando, snacks like chips, fresh fruit or salad, dessert like a cookie or chocolate, and non-alcoholic beverages. Guides will have a bundle of bottled water, leaded and unleaded sodas, and the like. You will have to provide any alcoholic beverages if you like a beer after lunch. Or some even prefer one before lunch. You are on vacation…
Some guides will have daytime snacks too. This is up to the guide so if you want anything like Beef Jerky, sunflower seeds, peanuts, nicotine products including cigars and snuff, trail mix…bring it for yourself. The guide will have plenty of room to stash any additional snack items. The bottom line is if you want some additional stuff because you get hungry at 10am, then tote it along.
Waders
Most bring their own waders in the spring and fall. In the summer months many wade fish and hangout in the boat in flip flops, Crocs, wading sandals. Headhunters has SIMMS waders gratis for all guided clients. Check and see if your outfitter has the proper gear for you.
The advantage of having rods, reels, flies, waders on site you can travel light. Just hop on the jet airplane and begin enjoying your trout fishing vacation. We got your back.
What kind of day will you have?
You are the Captain!
You design the day. Your guide will commonly ask you what you want to do for the day or if you have something specific in mind. Do you want to Head-Hunt looking for single sippers bankside or nymph up a pile for body count anglers or work on your streamer presentations and streamer casting? It is imperative that you have a few ideas about your goals and convey them to your guide. It is the only way for both of you to have success. This may be the #1 item on your agenda. Think about what you want while booking the fishing trip and let the booking individual in on this secret.
You could say something like “I am a dry fly fanatic. I just want to hunt heads.” Or you may say “I’ll gladly nymph until the hatch, then I would like to find a few rising fish.” Or, “I’ll leave the dry flies to those other guys, I just want to pound the banks with a streamer!”
Questions you can ask while booking a fly fishing guide include…
Is the guide local and does he fish this river often? Will my guide travel to meet me and what rivers will we be fishing? An analogy would be if you were to host a Chinese Party at your house with Chinese decorations, theme, and Chinese Food…wouldn’t you hire a Chinese Chef? Sure you would. You would probably not hire a French Chef for this task. While the French Chef is probably familiar with Chinese Cuisine, it is not his specialty. Chinese Chefs cook better Chinese Fare. The French Chef could probably pull it off…but is that what you want in your Chef? In your fishing guide?
Headhunters Guides fish the Missouri River, the Blackfoot River, and the Dearborn River. Exclusively. If you are looking for a Madison River Guide, you would not hire a Missouri River Guide. In situations like this we will refer you to a Madison River Expert. A guide who works on the Madison would be abetter bet for your success. And conversely if you are wanting a Missouri River Guide, you would not…
How long is the day?
8-10 hours is pretty common. That might mean 8 hrs fishing with the other two hours getting ready, rigging rods, meeting you at your rental house, having a post fishing cocktail with you. Many guides go longer than the 8hr mark. If the fishing is damn good, guides want to go longer and enjoy the fantastic bite. If the fishing is shitty and you have several guided days in a row, he may suggest a shorter day making up the difference when the bite is red hot.
Guides will want to meet you at a time that will provide you the best opportunity for your fishing desires. If you like to hunt heads, he may want to get out before the rest of the gang. So early may be the right time. If you want to fish the evening hatch, he may want to meet you at High Noon. If you are fishing a half-day he may want to meet you at 9am and fish ’til afternoon encompassing the meat of the bite, spinner fall, streamer session. He has your back and will set the meeting time accordingly.
Having said that you can dictate the meeting time. If you like to sleep in tip 9am, have breakfast while reading the newspaper, and leisurely wander in at 10:30am…well you can. Just don’t ask your guide to promise you the best dry fly bite, the best of whatever you may want. He is a fishing guide, guide-like…he is not god-like. Mother Nature conducts the bug choir and the guide plays second fiddle to that part of that equation.
Mid-summer in Montana presents some interesting hot weather and some guides will offer split days. Late July temps can exceed 100F so the Guide to keep you and he comfortable and to offer fishing services during the most productive times of the day may want to meet you at O’Dark Thirty, or 5am and fish until 11am. Then meet you again at 6-7pm and fish ’til dark. This is a mid-summer operation.
Ben Hardy HH Lead Guide and his dog Reva
Can I bring my Dog?
Ask your guide. Some say yes, some say no.
Well, the drift boat that most guides use has two seats for anglers. Some folks want to bring 3 people on the boat, with the guide making four passengers. This rarelyworks. Ask your guide and do not be surprised if he declines the opportunity to guide 3 at a time. Rivers like the Bighorn in SE Montana operate this way, but not may other rivers. Some steelhead Guides want 3 anglers. But it is not as common as the two angler situation. The drift boat is built for two anglers.
The reason is that there is not a seat for that 3rd angler. The 3rd anger has to sit on the cooler, crowding wither the angler in front, or the guide. It usually compromises the entire day. The boat is not designed for 3. Think about 3 anglers casting at the same time. A mess! So, only two can fish at one time unless you go to a spot and get out and wade fish. Which is just fine unless you like to drift fish. Nymphing is a game that on our river, the Missouri, the drifting game is an effective and efficient method!
Ask Questions during the day!
Don’t be afraid to ask your guide to teach you something. Or if you want to learn about a reach cast, or just why he moved the indicator for that last run. Or why he added more split shot or removed it completely. Why he passed the last 17 rising fish and stopped at this particular rising trout? He will be glad to let you in on his thinking, on his reasoning, in his trout fishing mind.
When should I come?
Ask the Headhunters booking expert, or your outfitter the best time for you to come. The answer is different for different guests. You may not want to come in late July or Early August as the dry fly fishing becomes more difficult. Those fish are educated. That time frame is for those who like difficult sippers. But it is good timing for those who want to toss grasshoppers for big Brown Trout. You may not catch 10 of them, but you may get a couple big ones?
May, may be the time for you if you like un-educated trout eating Blue Winged Olives and Midge. June is crowded. The first half of July is damn busy. September is for nymphers with not many fish to toss the dry at. October is great for BWO’s in the afternoon with the nymphing filling the morning session. Fall is good for streamer fishing with the spring being even better! Ask anyone at the shop for a detailed itemization of hatch schedules, nymphing and streamer fishing seasons.
What is not included in my Guide Trip?
Fishing License.
You should provide your fishing license to your guide, outfitter, or booking agent as they will need some information from your fishing license for the Governor. No, they are not stealing your identity.
Gratuities.
A common tip is $100. Some tip as much as $200. A tip is a tip. Guide appreciate any dollar amount. Inviting your guide to dinner does not constitute a tip. He or she has another trip in the morning and needs to finish up today’s work and prep for tomorrow. Or, he needs to spend some time belly’d up to the bar finishing up the days work prepping for tomorrow.
Alcoholic Beverages. BYOB.
Will my guide show me wade fishing spots?
Sure. The best way to insure guide trip success is for you to ask questions and communicate constantly with your guide. He cannot read your mind. He is not god-like. He may be able to whisper some fish, but he cannot guess what you want or need from your guided fishing trip.
What should I bring on my guide trip?
Anything you want. Bring your favorite fly rod. That is why you have it. To fish world class water with your favorite tool. Sunglasses. All the clothing you think you need including raingear. It can rain in the summer too. Maybe for just 12 minutes, a 12 minute downpour. Hats, sunscreen, anything you like to have while trout fishing. The drift boats have plenty of storage. Just be comfortable.
Enjoy the Day!
The bottom line is just this…you get to dictate how the day goes. You need to communicate effectively with your fly fishing guide. You will design the day together, as you go. It is just that simple.
Lots of people take their first guide trip every year. Usually not their last. Some anglers like to fish with a guide for a couple days, rent a boat for a couple days, and wade fish a couple days. And then there are those who spend the whole week getting guided. It is totally up to you!
Make sure to check out our Spring Special for a scant $400/day. March 15th thru the end of April. The Missouri River’s favorite Spring Trip Specialists. We bring back nearly our entire guide staff for this annual popular event. Book today for your favorite Headhunters Guide. Great lodging pricing too @ Craig Trout Camp and other local lodging outlets.
Let the fishing guide, guide… To get the most out of your fly fishing guide trip the best method is to let the fishing guide, guide you. Sometimes I get an angler in the boat who wants to guide me. And that is OK. I used to buck that feller, but now if that what … Read more
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.
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.
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.
Ed Note:This article sent to us by Headhunters Fly Shop friend Terry Armstrong in regards to their annual guided trip through Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service during the Spring Special. Headhunters Guide Nick Stipech is the guide in this story and a strong asset of our guide team. Thanks to all for participating and to you Terry for writing and fro you Gigi for becoming the fish magnet!
My Day with Nick and the Fish Magnet | Terry Armstrong
This year’s trip started the night before with us making sure all our needed gear and then some was packed and ready to go. We packed two 5 wt graphite rods; one was my old reliable workhorse rod a Sage RPL that has been with me over 25 years now, and the other my wife Gigi’s Winston.
Then just in case this happened to be the day the fish started poking their noses out and sipping on midges and BWO’s I threw in the Sweetgrass Mantra bamboo rod I bought last October and haven’t had much opportunity to fish with yet. Then I gave some serious thought to throwing in the 8wt streamer rod for good measure. I couldn’t help at least thinking about it. It’s the streamer junkie in me.
The rods where then followed with an assortment of other items deemed necessary for a day on the water in late April. Hats, gloves, handwamers, rain gear, and of course the condiments: wine (for her), bourbon (for me), and cigars.
We arrived Sunday morning at 8am in the thriving metro Craig area. Town was buzzing and the Headhunters Fly Shop parking lot was wriggling. To be honest I really didn’t pay much attention to the rest of the town except for a brief whimsical gaze in the direction of Joe’s Bar. We met up with Nick, our guide for the day, was already there and waiting. We exchanged pleasantries, decided on section of river to float, and transferred gear from our vehicle to his.
We started at the Wolf Creek Bridge without incident. Just the last minute usual trips to the little unisex concrete bathroom. I have to admit it is nice having someone rigging rods for you and putting the boat in the water while you light a cigar and enjoy the view. Or in Gigi’s case…wandering around the area contemplating possible hiding places for a Geo-cache reportedly in the immediate area.
The boat was launched and so began our day on the water. It was a great day of nymphing with a long leash and some scud imitations. Gigi as usual caught at least 2 fish to my one, and probably even better than that, but who’s counting?
On many occasions Gigi had a fish on before I even had my line all the way out. Chicks rule and she was a fish magnet on the water. The fish are definitely becoming more energetic with the warming water temps. Didn’t get a look at the backing but came close on a couple of occasions.
We were into fish all day long with mostly sunny skies and cool temps 40 to 50 degrees. The big “W” reared its ugly head at times but had an adequate number of merciful reprieves to keep the day fun. Half-way through the float I was thinking this was going to be to short of a day that we should have chosen a longer float, but by the time we reached Spite Hill to take out I had caught plenty of fish and was more than ready to bring a great time to a great end.
Gigi being the show off, and a fish magnet…she caught one last fish as we headed to the takeout.
Once again I ended a day of guided fishing as a slightly better angler then I started with a few more tidbits of knowledge added to my 35 plus years of experience. It never ceases to amaze me how little I know. After fishing the Missouri River 50 plus days a year for 35 plus years I still am learn new things every time I fish with someone else or read a book.
This was my fourth guided trip in my life and my third on the Missouri and I have ended each trip a little better angler than when I started. Thanks to Headhunters Fly Shop Nick Stipech for a great day.
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.
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.
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…
Today’s Blog from one of our top notch Missouri River Headhunters guides Peter Skidmore. Peter sent this blog in from fantasyland. Cascade Montana. If I were on death row receiving my last meal it would be a Chicago Style Hot Dog along w/ an ice cold Busch light! No question! Hello blog readers, I’m … Read more
