Headhunters Fly Shop Going Forward We here at Headhunters feel pretty fortunate for 2020. We do, and we thank you the Headhunters out there. Our customers. Below is the outline for the Holiday period ahead of us. We are updating you the Headhunter of the Holiday period ahead of us as we navigate the new … Read more
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Late October Weekend Missouri River Fishing Report Fishing is heating up. It has not been a record fall as we write this fishing report mid day Friday October 25th. Fair fishing. Not fo the fickle. Those who fish here more often, are having more success than the anglers who are maybe here for the … Read more
Friday Foto Get your Lodging lined up image Parked in front of Brown Drake Lodge swinging on Thursday. Got a couple here. You want to fish to a few trout sipping here in the mid Summer? Or in the fall for a trout spey run in your front yard? Pretty killer. I’d book it today, … Read more
Summer Foreshadowing Just the 24th of January today. We have more than our toe dipped into the proverbial year, more like our ankle has entered the water. We are just beginning. And having that ankle submerged made me think of wade fishing, which then made me think of flip-flops, and finally Missouri River summer PMD’s. … Read more
Missouri River Winter-Spring Info Sheet 2nd day of the year here in downtown Craig as we take a look at the future. The past is so last year. Still damn cold here thru today but it will crack the freezing mark Wednesday allowing us to venture towards the river. The shop is also open normal … Read more
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Silly Sunday Scenery Fall Foreshadowing Early signs of fall. Today we look at Silly Sunday Scenery Fall Foreshadowing here on the Headhunters Fly Shop Blog. Those bushes always turn red before anything else. The last week of July you see a change. A few more hot days ahead of us early this week and then … Read more
Heading into the Christmas Holiday in a couple weeks. You will be surrounded by friends and family. A good time to discuss your summer 2016 fishing plans.
It ’tis the first call for summer 2016 fishing and lodging plans. The mega booking time after the new year may be too late for the specific property you are after. Certainly guides get booked a year in advance so it is never too early to get your name on the books.
June and July are two months that do book a year in advance. If you have to come in any of those two months we suggest you get it done shortly. Those who wait til the last mine have less to choose from.
Get your Lodging @ Headhunters Fly Shop
The best properties in Craig MT
Craig Trout Camp is our primary lodging and the favorite of long timers coming to the Mo. All 4 properties are right in town close to the fly shops and Izaaks. Joe’s bar too. And don’t forget the river.
Craig is one of those rare trout towns located right on the river. The Missouri River.
Craig Lodging is a web site with more than twenty nightly rental properties and RV sites in close proximity to the Missouri. It is a goto lodging guide for all of our favorite rental properties.
So why don’t you get some dates nailed down and give us a shout at the shop. 406-235-3447. Our booking experts are available 8-6pm daily. We can educate you further beyond the information provided on the lodging web sites.
Headhunters Guide Service
Guide Ben Hardy of Headhunters Fly Shop
Get your guides picked out as well. We have great tenured guides for your Missouri River fishing pleasure. Professional full time guides that call the Missouri River their home. A long time returning staff will treat you to a insightful and educational day(s) on the river that you will not soon forget.
You want to get hooked up with a rental boat during your stay? We have those too.
Want to travel light? Just bring your carry-on and we will supply waders if needed, and rods too. Headhunters is your one stop fishing shop. We got you covered here in Craig.
Headhunters operators standing by 877-DRY-FLYS or 406-235-3447.
This is the first call for 2016 booking. Don’t wait til the last call…
Good to great November fishing here on the Missouri River. Fantastic nymhing and swinging and some out there swinging the little soft hackled ones too.
The best in the nymph game is to head down the sow and scud road. Choose a big one and a little one. Most are leading with a larger Firebead like the ubiquitous Rainbow Czech in a 10 or a 12. How about Bloom’s Weight Fly in the FB Rainbow coloring. If you like to add the split shot your options grow like weeds in the summer. Then you can toss any type of larger sow/scud combo. Yes, most are leading with a larger fly up top.
Clark with his first Mo River Rainbow
For the tail fly the sow/scud is good too. A smaller sized 14-18 pattern is a a good choice. Some are tossing the BWO nymph as well. Pretty hard to beat a Little Green Machine or some sort of skinny derivation thereof. Black, red, rusty, grey purple, and olive flavored midge patterns are finding some fish daily.
Dry fly anglers are finding fish on leeward shores in the afternoon. Some BWO’s, Pseudocloeon’s, and midges of a thousand varieties are out there. Not in any huge numbers though. Search and ye shall find.
The dry fly game has been really quite difficult. Longer leaders and smaller tippet sizes are most certainly required in most dry fly situations.
Streamer fishers are chucking daily. Lots of this enthusiastic crowd around this last weekend. Some nymphers, a few DFO’s, with boat and bank big fly guys making up the majority. The weeds are not an issue as we are following up a not too weedy summer with this lower water late fall. Dry lines and intermediate tips are the most common. Both unweighted and weighted streamer can work. Find your water type and address each fishing mystery accordingly.
Don’t forget about the swingers. Every day I see more than a few 2 handed fellers out there. It is pretty common to witness a number of anglers in the winter months casting in our great swing runs. Again the water is on the shallow side so the Scandi set is all over it. The Skagit gang is doing well with either a floating tip or an intermediate set-up with un-weighted or lightly weighted patterns respectively.
Headhunters is Montana’s choice for Trout Spey. We stock all of the lines, tips, leaders, reels and rods for your Trout Spey adventures. Give us a ring if you need any info in regards to this two-handed game.
Lots of folks around this last weekend specifically on Sunday for late fall fishing. We have rental units in Craig beginning at $125/night. A great way to spend your weekend here fishing the MO. Lots meaning a few boats on the river. Solace mid-week is a given.
Water flows in the low 3K range. Water temps dropping predictably now as we move into the latter half of November. Should remain normal for the time being. I think the water managers are holding water now for the anticipated lack of winter here in the Rocky Mountains. I think. I am no meteorologist or water planner. Just sayin.’
Shop open daily 8am-6pm. Winter rates start today with guided trips @$400 and Craig Trout Camp cabins beginning at $125.
P.S. The fish on the upper river are huge. The Rainbows are big. Honest.
Lots happening on the Missouri River this spring and into the summer months. Just wanted to outline the events, hatches, and happenings in the foreseeable future.
Missouri River February 2015
Almost over. The midges are out and some an be caught on top. March will bring even more topwater activity. February has seen an increase in water temps and the streamer fishing and swinging of flies has been productive.
Missouri River March 2015
March 4th. Fly Tying @ Headhunters Fly Shop 6pm-8pm A free for all with tying and fellowship. Te final fly tying night of the year.
March 7th. Headhunters last Free 2 Handed Casting and Fishing Clinic. Full. Demo 2 Handed Rods and Switch Rods avail daily. Your 2 Handed and Switch Trout Rod HQ in Montana.
March 14th. IF4 Event sponsored by Missouri River Flyfishers Hilton Garden Inn 730pm Tickets avail at Headhunters Fly Shop and at the door. HH will be there and representing! Look for our booth at the show and stop in for some killer swag!
March 15th. Our famous Spring Special begins today and runs through the end of April. $300 Guide Trips, discounted lodging by at least 33%. The Craig Trout Camp and a few surrounding properties are on board for this fantastic inexpensive spring fishing retreat. Call today to book with our crack staff 406-235-3447. www.craiglodging.com
Midges are in full effect and we begin dreaming about the BWO’s. They will not arrive in March, but fantasy is a big part of fly fishing! Better dry fly stuff in March with good to great midging. Nymphing and streamer fishing rock star. Swinging? Pretty damn good too.
Missouri River April 2015
Headhunters Spring Special continues all month long. Discounted fishing and lodging. Midges strong, BWO’s make an appearance, steamer fishing getting stronger, nymphing is great. Busy towards the end of the month and not so much in the beginning. The fishing is good in the front end of April and we have availability of both guides and nightly housing.
April 1st. Izaak’s open for business. Hooray! Great food available in Craig for the spring summer and fall.
April 10, 11, 12. McCune/Gould 2 Handed Casting Clinics. Sold Out. These world class casting instructors and guides are here to help with Sustained Anchor casting. Very popular. The clinics filled very rapidly and we added a 3rd date. Also filled. You could call and get on a waiting list maybe if you are so inclined.
Missouri River May 2015
Cadis Fest Parade!
May 16th. 9th Annual Craig Caddis Festival and BBQ Cook-Off. 4pm til 10pm. Live music, raffles, silent and live auctions, 10+ BBQ competitors, swag, kids events, all Craig businesses open, and the sort of kick off to summer on the Missouri River. Fundraising event for the Craig VFD. Fun for the whole family.
May is a month that over half of the Headhunters Staff just loves. Quieter than the coming months and it fishes extremely well. BWO’s, Midges, March Browns, some early caddis on the lower river. Fun stuff for dry fly guys, nymphing is ridiculous, and streamer fishing is as good as it gets. Many believe the fall is the best streamer fishing, but we would argue that May is tops!
Missouri River June 2015
Long use days with great dry fly fishing. PMD’s make their appearance in the 3rd week of June. Caddis are out and becoming stronger by the day. Our highest water is during this month. What will this year bring? Only Mother Mo knows.
Drift Boat Drive-In. A Montana Film event not yet scheduled. Keep it tuned in here for updates as they come.
June and July are the two busiest months on the Missouri River. If you have not booked yet, you may have missed it. Call for your June and July reservations today. Many of the guides and lodging spots book 51 weeks in advance.
Missouri River July 2015
Trico’s, PMD’s, Caddis, terrestrials. Need we say more. Very busy month on the Mo.
Headhunters 4th of July Party. Craig comes un-corked celebrating America!
That is the latest and greatest update on your Missouri River events, happenings, and hatches for the next several months. We are experiencing a great fishing early spring. More winter is on the way, but we are enjoying the warmer temps for the time being.
Call today if you need to book any lodging or guide trips. Headhunters open 7 days a week all year long for any of your trout fishing needs. Let us know how we can help.
Now you are coming home from the Christmas trip. Did you think about your 2015 trip? The time is now. Do it while availability is strong. The months of June and July are nearly booked. The front end of June is still good and the back end of July. The center parts? Booked.
Snow on the ground here in Craig and the phones are ringing. A couple high speed Headhunters Sara, Julie, Braden, Dewey are manning the booking hotline daily. 406-235-3447 or 877-DRY-FLYS
A few of the events coming down the pike as we prepare for the season ahead. This is your gentle nudge to think about your Missouri River trip ahead this summer. Booking in advance guarantees certain things…like lodging and guides.
January
2 Handed Clinic Saturday January 10th. Admission FREE. Limited to 12 participants. Booked through every time. Book your slot today if you would like to attend this very popular clinic.
$400 Winter Guide Trips.
Craig Trout Camp Lodging starting at $125. We have several winter lodging options all with a winter discount. Call for availability.
Headhunters is your 2 Handed Rod Demo Center. We got the fly lines too, lots of ’em to try. Come in for a wide variety of rods from SAGE, Orivis, T & T, Echo.
February
Spring fishing is great!
Midges start late in the month.
February 7th Free 2 Handed Casting and Fishing Clinic. Limited to 12 students.
Midges hopefully daily. Historically at least. Watch for water temps and keep it tuned here for hatch updates as they occur.
Skwalas?
Saturday March 7th our last and final FREE 2 handed Casting and Fishing Clinic. Limited to 12 participants. Call for reservations.
Headhunters Spring Special begins March 15th. $300 Guide Trips thru April 30th. Call to get in on this wildly popular spring discount. Brush up on your skills for the coming summer.
Craig Trout Camp discounted lodging continues thru the end of April. These cabins book quickly. Plan accordingly.
April
Spring Special continues through the month of April. $300 Guide Trips and discounted lodging. Best deals of the year.
Midges. BWO’s show this month. When? A guarantee, or closer to reality would mean middle of the month. On a warm spring, first part of the month. Skwalas too.
May
Rainbows are on the rise. Populations strong.
May is most of the staff’s favorite Missouri River month. Fewer anglers than both April and June with lots of bug action.
Might be the best streamer month of the year.
Craig Caddis Festival and BBQ Cook-Off Saturday May 16th. Afternoon action with live music, BBQ eats, kids events, parade, live and silent auctions, and much more! We’ll see you at the 9th Annual Craig Caddis Festival.
Spring Stream Opener. The Dearborn opens the 3rd Saturday of May and we begin our Dearborn River Guiding Season. A great small stream in our own backyard. Check out the link for more info or call the shop. We love this short and sweet time frame to fish the Dearborn. Some years a month, some years less than a month. Call to get on board for this wilderness adventure.
Nymphing? Rock Star.
Sight fishing for late season Baetis and early lower river caddis. Midges too.
Lighter river pressure for sure.
June
Game Time. 1st or 2nd busiest month of the year. July is the other. Bookings for June and July begin in June or July, the previous year. Long time guests love the action in June high water or not.
River can be higher than you wish. Mother Nature is a hard one to read. Watch the site for our insight into what is happening for the water year ahead. Flows in the last 10 years have been extremely high, extremely low, and a couple of the years coming in at average. But average is not happen often in the last 25 years. So, a crap shoot. A risk that many, many anglers are willing to make.
Dry flies daily. Caddis, PMD’s arrive by the middle of the month. Good to great dry fly fishing depending on the water level. We are looking for under 8K for a very strong dry fly bite.
We start fishing the Blackfoot River across the divide. A great day trip to break up your Missouri River week. A dry fly excursion that all who experience the Blackfoot are glad they did! Ask ay of the shop staff about booking a Blackfoot day or two.
July
Trico Hatches on the Mo July and August
Not a month for the fickle. Combat fishing. If you like solace it is not July. Why so many anglers? Dry fly all day. Honest.
Caddis, PMD’s, Trico’s, terrestrials. The most consistent dry fly bite of the entire year.
4th of July is one big ass party in Craig. Our favorite holiday of the year. Bar-None.
Book today if you want guides or lodging in the month of July, or June. Get it straightened out this week with your family and friends. Not a ton left on the table for lodging, and guides are dwindling fast. We have rental boats too.
Blackfoot River is in full swing. Our guides love to sneak across the divide for a day of Freestone Fishing on the Blackfoot.
August
Good in the front end of the month. Not as strong towards the latter part. Sometimes the water gets too warm for trout comfort and the perennial Missouri River weeds come into play.
Terrestrials, caddis, some PMD action but they are on the decline, Trico’s. Ants and hoppers rule the mid day with Trico’s on the plan every morning.
Get out early for the best fishing of the day.
The Blackfoot makes a lot of sense this month. Before dawn meet times to head over the hill to fish this fantastic river.
September
Big Brown Trout on the Mo!
A very busy month. 4th busiest behind June, July, April. One of our best nymphing months.
Not a ton of dry fly action. Can do well on terrestrials and some Trico falls in the A.M.. Psuedo’s, small BWO’s, can get rolling in the afternoon. But don’t plan on coming to the Missouri to get your dry fly fix.
September is the sleeper month. It books earlier than you would think.
The last and final month of Blackfoot River fishing. Maybe the best of all 4 months. Not much pressure at all and the fall colors are just awesome.
Craig’s 1st Beer Festival Brews and Browns scheduled for the 2nd Saturday of the month. More info as we get closer.
October
Baetis, October Caddis, some midge, Psuedo’s. Good dry fly action. Historically great.
Nymphing is really freaking good.
Streamer fishing is dynamite.
One of the favorite months for long time Missouri River anglers, industry folks, out of work freestone guides, and you. There is a nice pace to October and we like it.
Lodging fills fast. At the time of this post October already has some ink on the calendar.
There is the entire year. Hatch periods are pretty consistent and our blog, this blog, has updates in regards to fishing, hatches, lodging, and guiding, and more! Not every event is listed like our impromptu Drift Boat Drive-Ins, Headhunters Free BBQ nights throughout the summer, live music, and all around hilarity on the grounds of Headhunters Fly Shop.
These are pretty strong outlines of the year but some of you may need even more information about types of lodging or setting up a group trip. We make it easy for you throughout the entire process. We are the Missouri River experts. If you need any additional information you can email us info@headhuntersflyshop.com or give us a shout on the Missouri River Hotline 406-235-3447 8-5 daily.
Ninch said to me the other day…you should write a blog about the Missouri River Summer Lodging conundrum soon. You like PMD’s like the photo above? Caddis hatches dawn til dusk? Being able to walk to all the fly shops, dinner, and Joe’s Bar? Yah, we do too! So, here we go. Announcing that Missouri … Read more
