missouri river

Montana's Missouri River A river designed for all skill sets.

Montana’s Missouri River A river designed for all skill sets.

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I have always said that the greatest thing about the Missouri River is that it is designed for all skill sets. Whether you be a rank beginner that has never held a fly rod or the top rod on your block the Missouri River has something to offer you.

Honest.

Lots of the anglers that have been visiting for many years love the dry fly game. The harder the better. And as many of you know there are some difficult sipping grout in difficult situations. Some anglers thrive on this type of impossible casting and drifting situation. And we got plenty of this kind of target.

Some guest on the their first visit have very little experience and some have never cast a fly rod. We have the trout for you too. We can tie on the bobber and let it ride.

For the experienced indicator angler we have a good variety of fishing for you as well. Short leashing and tossing it into tight and select seam lines will not only train you to cast with precision but is a stepping stone for the next level.

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John T with this nice Rainbow

Hopper fishing? We go that as well as chukkin’ streamers as far and as long as your casting arm will let you. Ramp to ramp if you can hang.

We are heading into the fall set and along with that we have some good streamer fishing. Still a few more afternoons with the sun high for the hopper.

Long and short leashing all day every day with the BWO on the horizon for those you like to stalk the large rising trout here on the Missouri.

We do have something for every angler whether you are new to the game or an old sage hand. The Missouri River holds the right cards for you!

We roll strong until about the middle of November with the single handed rod taking the lead. Then we get into Trout Spey Season and we enjoy that until the Cherry Trees blossom.

Visit the Mo this fall or see us next spring for our annual Spring Special.

The Missouri River does have something for everyone. Bar None.

Missouri River Week in Review: Images

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Just fun times here on the Mo this last week.

Following last weekend, Labor Day, with the Browns and Brews Festival here in Craig.

Rainy times. Then we moved into a sunny and warmer week with Trico’s in the morning, higher and brighter sunny skies with air temps reaching towards the 90F mark.

Missouri River Week in Review: Images
Hot days on the Mo!

Hot for sure. The fishing for the most part better int he afternoons with the owning session often slow.

The week ahead is approaching with cooler temps and more seasonable weather patterns. We want it to be more fall-like. We like tint BWO’s and afternoon mega hatches.

While the Trico’s will get you fired up, how about an overcast ceiling for 2 months!

Sunday morning below Craig. Lots of Trico's. And, and fish eating them.
Sunday morning below Craig. Lots of Trico’s. And, and fish eating them.

Big fish being caught too. A few over the hallowed 20″ mark in both flavors. Bigger browns are showing along with the super strong and virile rainbows on the upper river. A nice time to be around.

Like I mentioned above we have variable weather this month. Be prepared for highs to reach toward 90F and the lows in the mornings to be below 40F. So the selection of appropriate fishing clothes can be vast.

A sun-shirt acting as a base layer. Then a hoody or a secondary layer followed by your puffball. And don’t forget the rain gear and maybe even some gloves. Come prepared for Rocky Mountain fall weather.

Missouri River Week in Review: Images
Ben Hardy landing a nice lower canyon fish.

The entire river is fishing well. Good reports from all floating the Dam, the Wolf Creek section, below Craig, the canyon, and the lower river. Plenty for everyone to spread out and truly enjoy their favorite stretch.

Long time Headhunters Guide Ben Hardy stated yesterday that he had floated every reach but the Dam in the lat 3 days. Prewitt to Cascade, Wolf Creek to Dearborn, and Craig to Prewitt. That about covers it all.

News Flash: The Dam is fishing well. Lots of big trout on tiny flies like the Zebra.

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Blackfoot River in September. A nice place to be.

Don’t forget about the Blackfoot this late September. It is a skinny rough trip. Worth it? Oh yeah.

Fall is a wonderful time to be here. Give us a shout if you need any help finding lodging or guide services. The colors are turning and the fish are happy!

 

 

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report plus 5 Late July Tips

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report plus 5 Late July Tips

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The fishing report is as follows today on the Headhunters Fly Fishing Blog and Fishing Report Page.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

The old adage again comes into play as we state to many that the fishing is..as good as you are.

Truth here at Headhunters.

If you don’t like crowds stay out of the upper river.

Honesty too here on this daily blog.

Lots of pressure up top and it bleeds into the canyon as well. Many say hat this last weekend was as busy as they had ever seen it. Well, probably true. As I stated in the past, this is the tipping point and we will see fewer folks everyday from here on out.

The wild card is the other resources. Will we see anglers from around the state visit our river as restrictions elsewhere are tightened? Maybe. Time will tell.

Trico’s are the morning game. Good stories of success with emergers and duns. Spinners continue to work well here as they always do. Try a Trico Cripple for sneaky shit. Not many roll that way. Cluster Midges as a Trico Cluster can work as well. Double wings, Harrop’s Hi-VIz, Harrops CDC Spinner, and may more. Not having success witht eh Trico pattern fishng over Trico feeding fish? Try a Caddis. Do it.

Scant amounts of PMD’s around and the spinner fall is the key for angling success and fly choice. Or a captive dun. Or a floating nymph.

Caddis in the evening are your best bet. The PED deal is going on occasionally too. Spents, emergers like the Translucent Emerger or Pupa and a soft hackle too. LaFontaine loved the evening hatch here on the Mo.

Hoppers are happening. Some greenish small fella’s on the shore. A Red Legger works. Headhunters is your hopper destination. We have the best selection in the canyon. By far. Ninch is formerly from the westside and cannot stand not having the appropriate amount of foam in the shop.

Ants? Beetles.? Yes to them as well. Spruce moths out there too. See the most in the early mornings. Fishing it blind can provide some action.

It is a morning game in the recent past. The dry fly fishing has been going into the tank about noon. Some days til 2 or 3, others if the bugs go North with the South wind can end before noon. Hope and look for perfect summer breeze-less days for spinner and junk feeding longevity. But, do not forget about the golden hour too!

5 Tips for Late July Success

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report plus 5 Late July Tips
Clean your fly line often for Mo River Success. RIo Line Cleaners avail at Headhunters
  1. First cast is the best cast. For the DFO Army. Always the best cast. Only if you want to fool them.
  2. Nymphers find weedless water for sanity.
  3. Fish live in the weeds. So do the bugs. Maybe you should too?
  4. Prepare some conversation pieces for slow fishing. If the fishing is good, save them on 3″x5″ note cards for easy access at a later date. Or a long, long, long lunch.
  5. Fish in the am, then sleep. Then fish in the pm, then sleep. Perfect. A cocktail squeezed in at Izaaks and a plate of Walleye and Chips! I like the Wings too. Delicious.
  6. Clean your fly line a lot. But you already know this tip!

Shop open at 6am daily for any of your river needs. We have the new NRS Freestone Drifter in stock and for sale with the new updated drains. Just awesome. Come by and see it or take it out on the river for a spin. Rentals daily including our Adipose Fleet too.

 

 

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 6.26.15

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“Cosmic Dude”

Dan Gard would have said this. Or did. Or is.

Have not spoken to Dan this year but gotta believe the Ghost of Dan Present is here…sayin’

“Cosmic.”

I second that comment Dan.

Cosmic is the word. Honest.

Dry fly fishing is as good as you make it. As good as you could expect it. As good as you dream abouyt.

Except for the conversion rate. That is totally up to you.

Do you have to land the fish to count it? Some do, some don’t and yet other don’t care at all about the landed trout.

They are into the entire experience. In its entirety.

PMD’s off daily on the upper. How many? Enough. Some days the hatch is magnified. Others not so much.

Caddis on the lower reaches is the key. Just like the upper river fish will take a caddis, the lower river fish will take a PMD…but both prefer the former, or latter?

Yellow Sally’s can be part of your day too.

Drakes? Yes. Read John’s post a few days ago about the occurrences…

Blackfoot? On fire.

The Missouri River? On fire.

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Rainbow Release on the Missouri River

I was asked at the bar how I thought the fishing was. I stated…“Damn good.” The feller asked why I thought it was as such and I stated back…“When do you ever have as many opportunities at rising fish than right now.” And he said…“You know you are right. I pass several, if not dozens of rising fish till I come upon one I want to tangle with. if I stopped and fished to every rising fish I would consider it unbelievable.”

It is because where else do you have the opportunities like we are so very fortunate to have here on the Missouri River in June?

“I ask you where?”

Nymphers are delighted and so are the dry fly anglers. The weather is hot and getting hotter.

Will we survive? Yes.

Is it over? No.

Will the bugs hatch in the sun? They always have before. PMD’s and Caddis and Sally’s and Trico’s and Ants and Hoppers…are all sunny weather bugs. No?

Is it hot this weekend, or forecast? Oh yeah.

We sure love the summer here in Craig, the epi-center of fly fishing on the Mo.  Fly shops, Joe’s Bar, Izaak’s Restaurant, Wolf Creek, Cascade…all of it.

Visit us daily @ 630am and the latest open on the river til 9pm.

Missouri River March Brown Patterns

Missouri River March Brown Nymphs

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March Browns are here in force.

Well, sort of. This is a smaller hatch for us and not one you can plan your day around. Can you flirt with them for a portion of the day?

Oh, yes indeed.

Find the fish and find the bug and cast the fly. We like the Adams, or some March Brown patterns for the dry fly stuff here at Headhunters but the nymphs can get you in the game all day long.

What would we suggest?

How about these Missouri River March Brown Nymphs above.

Missouri River March Brown Nymphs

  • Top Row: Tungsten Pheasant Tail, Poxyback March Brown, B.H. March Brown Nymph, B.H. Birds Nest, Quasimoto Pheasant Tail, Hare & Copper Pheasant Tail, Peep Show Dark
  • Bottom Row: Stripper Quill, Tungsten Reckoner, Hola Back Girl Brown, S&M Nymph Brown, Lightning Bug Purple, Tung Death Metal, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear
Fishing Report coming later today for the week ahead. Hey you…it is about ready to come un-corked. For all of you who like to get the heads up and want us to call when the shit gets really good. You may want to think about a day or two off work in the near future. Are there fish rising everywhere all day long? NO. But having said that I think the opportunities for greatness exist around every corner and in nearly every brown trout lie…
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Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 3.12.15

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 3.12.15

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Missouri River Montana Fishing Report for March 12th 2015.

All is well on the Missouri River. Some folks around as we are enjoying a little early spring. Earlier than normal for sure.

Guide trips out nearly daily as we move toward the Headhunters Spring Special. Cheap lodging already and good all the way through the end of April. Couple $300 Missouri River Guide Trips with lodging starting @ $125/night in downtown Craig…a perfect spring get-a-way. Operators standing by.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 3.12.15

Not terrible. That is the long and short of it. Inconsistent is and has been the word.

If you are going through hell, keep going.

    -Winston Churchill

That is my analogy of the month. Lots of anglers confused as to what is happening out there on/in that hallowed Montana river. The answer is just this simple. Fish are not being caught in every kick ass winter run. It just is not that kind of winter fishing this year.

The key seems to be to keep on grinding. All day long. Ramp to ramp.

What does that mean? Well to us it means to keep on keeping’ on. Keep changing flies. Fool around with depth. Look for winter water. Break down this big river into small river recognizable components. Find that soft inside spot, even if it is only 10 yards long and half that in width. Look for those mini winter jewels and toss your flies in.

It means that the streamer anglers gotta keep on chucking, keep on ducking, keep on stripping, keep smiling. Same deal. Look away from the faster runs and seek out the shallower and quiet tailouts, inside lanes, and the road less travelled.

Dry fly fellas? Creep and look. Plan ahead. Pray for overcast skies. Be diligent in your approach. Don’t get into a hurry.

Fly fishermen are famous for never giving up. For pushing through. For conducting totally stupid and inane behaviors repeatedly. We advocate those personality intricacies. Insanity is part of this, fly fishing, lifestyle.

Bottom line is just this. Fish are not being caught in every winter run. Do not get stymied based on the first 4+ runs you fish. While they may have sucked, the next run may hold the Holy Grail. It just might. You gotta keep going. Keep drifting. Keep casting. Keep fishing.

Understand that and enjoy the entire day. Fish for the fun of it. For the challenge. For the fellowship. For the love of the outdoors. For you.

So when we see you in the local watering hole, Joe’s Bar on the north side of Craig, we understand your plight.

It can be hell out there. The Headhunters key to success?

If you are going through hell, keep going.

If you still need some egging on, some flies that may work, leaders, fly line cleaner, split shots, hot coffee, a warm body to chew the fat with, sunscreen, and Fly-Agra Headhunters open daily @ 8am.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 1.20.15

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A bulleted list of all you need to know about winter fishing Montana’s Missouri River.

January is warming. Will it last? Probably not.

Fly Tying tonight at 6pm.

  • Fishing is good.
  • Water is cold. 34F.
  • Pink Lightening Bug.
  • Worms.
  • Amex, Rainbow, Sows, FB Rays.
  • Smaller streamers.
  • Intermediate streamer lines both single and double handed versions.
  • Bring split shot.
  • Bobbers too.
  • Some skittering midges. Random.
  • Fish 10am til 4pm. Then have a hot toddy.
  • Shop open at 8am daily.

 

Missouri River Montana 2015 Water Update

Missouri River Montana 2015 Water Update

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The Missouri River Montana 2015 water flow projection. The snow is falling in the Rocky Mountains and stacking up for our summer water here in central Montana.

Several bouts of snow here locally and I know that the scattered storms crossing Montana are adding up to good news.

Missouri River Montana 2015 Water Update
Looking good all over the state.

As you can see on the map above that the snow water equivalent is right on track. We don’t get to excited until the percentages are grossly skewed to one side or the other. It generally balances out. The winter is predicted to be colder and drier than normal. So…

Great Falls recieves 9, 8, 12, and 9 inches of snow January thru April. So we have the wettest months ahead of us with May and June contributing over half of our annual precipitation.

What does that tell us? More snow, sleet,a dn rain ahead of us. While it seems like the winter is long, it is, we are just a 1/3 of the way through it.

That is why we have Fly Tying Night in America coming up this Wednesday night  530pm in Craig. Weather permitting. If it is downright shitty, we will cancel. Fly Tying Nights are scheduled every second Wednesday night beginning this Wednesday January 7th.

Missouri River Montana 2015 Water Update

2014 was an average water year. 2013 was below average. ’08, ’09, ’10, ’11 were all high water years. I believe that the norm is not the average. The norm is something well beyond the average.

We’re just passing along he current information and current snowfall, precipitation levels, and snow water equivalents.

We will keep you informed as the snow falls and the Missouri River Montana 2015 Water Forecast comes into shape. We really do not know much until we roll into late March, April and May. The snow fall is all on the ground in mid April. We will also post the DNRC prediction of water flows for the coming summer.

The flow they would like to hold though out the summer is 4200cfs. The projected big water level of about 10K cfs is what they, the water controllers, would like to see in June. Not 20K. But 15K is never too far out of the equation. If it rains 3+ inches in June, then we see some crazy shit. But, until then, we just guess a lot.

The Missouri River is a 12 month fishery with some ups, and some downs. Right now it is just cold and snowing. Give us a shout if you have any questions about water levels in any given month. We’ll guess right along with you.

Missouri River New Years Fishing Report 1.2.15

Missouri River New Years Fishing Report 1.2.15

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Happy New Year Headhunters. The Missouri River fared well as the Polar Plungers christened the waters once again in Craig @ High Noon starting the year of right!

Water temps for the plungers was  34.5F. Oh so cold. The trout are a touch on the slow side as well. Slush in the lower river most of the week. Probable for a couple more days of the same kind of icebergish water.

Below 36F, water temp, can slow the fishing down considerably. Usually does not slow the anglers down. Any day the weather is near freezing there are anglers about.

The water flows are up as the DNRC tries to alleviate shelf ice and anchor ice and other troubles that occur due to frigid air temps below 0F. 5K is the usual level for this quite common winter maneuver. Currently 4770cfs.

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Let’s move it back to the 36F range.

A bunch of snow on the ground. 8+ here in Craig still. Settling has occurred. Looks like we may get some more spitting on us as the weekend and front end of the coming week. Temperatures increasing daily with highs in the 30’s in the future.

Check with the shop about the boat ramp situation if you are dumping your boat in the water. The obvious and usable ramps are the dam and Craig and Spite Hill. No shelf ice hindering any of those ramps. The steeper ramps including Wolf Creek, Stickney Creek and Dearborn are iced up as I write. Mid Canon is workable too.

Shuttles daily with rental boats out this week too. Guide trips available to get your year started right.

Missouri River New Years Fishing Report 1.2.15

Flies? Pink. Streamers? Small. 2 Handers? Skagit if you want to.

Free 2 Handed Casting and Fishing Clinic January 10th. SOLD OUT. A couple on the waiting list already. A few spots open for the February 7th gig.

Mike McCune and Whitney Gould Spey Clinic coming as well. We will let you know when we nail down the dating on this very special Sustained Anchor Clinic possibly in April.

Fly Tying Night in America coming Wednesday 7th @ 5:30pm. A good time for locals in an unstructured setting with some cold beers.

Headhunters open daily for shuttles, flies, lodging, booking summer trips, rental boats, sale items from SIMMS, new fly lines, VersiLeaders, and a ton of free information.

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Silly Sunday Scenery

Silly Sunday Scenery

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Snow on the ground. More snow last night. More snow today.

Then it gets cold. Subzero man.

Happy Holidays.

There are a bundle of folks wandering around. Meaning more than 10, less than 20.

Stop in the only fly shop open today.

Headhunters.

 

Enjoy the beauty of the river during the off-season.

It truly is a fabulous place.

Montana’s Missouri River.

 

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 12.6.14

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 12.6.14

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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…

 

Headhunters Fly Shop Fishing Report Missouri River Montana

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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 Montana Fishing Report

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 9.13.14

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Missouri River Montana Fishing Report for this coming week including the weekend.

Warming up although it started out cool this morning throughout the week with air temps apparently moving into the low 90’s this week. Do we believe it? I guess so. While t is not the norm for September we don’t really expect anything different form this mystery month.

[forecast]

Until then we will enjoy the re-emergence of summer. Will we get a few more Trico’s before the Autumn fully sets in? Probably.

The Psuedo’s are out in force and we are getting the normal questions about how to catch them on top. The answer for most smart anglers is to move on down the river until you find tort that may entertain a dry fly. I will spend about 5 minutes on these mostly non eating fake fly fish. Do we care? We only care if they don’t eat our flies, and they commonly don’t. I have already spoken with several fellers that have invested hours on these fish. Are they eating on top? Sometimes. Sometimes they are eating just under the surface.

The nymphers are getting the job done with Purple Weight flies, Crawdads, Czech’s, big Tungsten PT’s, Hare’s Ears, October Caddis Pupa, Tan UV Czech’s, Juju BWO, Red Headed Step Children, Grape Slushy, Two Bit Hooker, Magic Fly BWO, Angel Hair PT’s, Purple Hot Spot PT’s, Gold Weight Flies…

The dry fly guys that are doing well are blind fishing bigger junk like the Hopper still, ants, beetles, Stimi’s, October Caddis dries, giant Adams and the like. Why not blind a few out there. Can’t hurt right?

Streamer fans are starting to froth at the mouth as we near the month of October. It will come. Headhunters has the best selection of Streamer Flies int he county. Fer sure dudes.

Rental Boats from Adipose and guides from Headhunters will get you through the week. Just had a big group right outta Great Falls here this weekend and they had a ball. Some went down river ad got them on the dry. The others went up river and got them on he nymph. Where will you go?

Headhunters open daily @ 7am and open late til 8pm. All kinds of fall clothing in the shop. Is it time for new waders this fall. Toss those leaky ones in the trash and get into a dry GoreTex set for the fall and winter. We can help. Rian gear and warm stuff too. Hats and gloves for all seasons. See you here this months and certainly in October!

Headhunters Fly Shop Fishing Report

Headhunters Fly Shop Fishing Report September 4th

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The Missouri River is fishing quite well. The Blackfoot too. Which river should you fish? How about both.

John and Mark are heading over the hill today to fish the Blackfoot for a couple days to see the cool color changes, the high mountain experience, and try to fool a few Cutthroat trout along with the healthy populations of Rainbows and Browns. Maybe a Bull Trout or two as well? We will give yo an update on the fishing in the next couple days as to the success of the trip across the Continental Divide.

The fishing on the Mighty Missouri is heating up for fall! The flow plans are in as well and it looks like we will be seeing a few more cubic feet per second than normal. Will that affect the fishing? It may get better. It will cool the water sooner for sure and maybe bring the bigger BWO’s out of hiding sooner tan the previous years. Will it release those weeds earlier? Maybe.

Screen Shot 2014-09-04 at 6.32.28 AM

All reaches of the river are fishing well. The Dam? Unbelievable. Big trout on tiny midges and some larger PT and mayfly patterns too. Try anything bigger? Stop in the shop and ask our knowledgable staff for any up to the minute hot flies for your Missouri River success.

The streamer fellers are not yet cleaning ups s the weeds in the water column will not let too many casts through before picking up the junk. How are the weeds? Not bad at all. I would say roar less than the two previous years not eh Missouri River. Shake ’em off, cast them off, or just enjoy the day. Have not had anyone of my clients complain about them in the last two weeks.

Quieter for another couple days and then the folks do return for the good September fishing parade. Nymphing is always rock star status in Spetember but this year the late summer caddis and ants have made their way into the conversation big time. Blind dry fly fishing is very good and try your hand at that in the afternoons is you so desire. Lots of good stories about not only the ant and the caddis but the hopper too. Whatever bigger fly you like tie it on and go out there and cast!

[forecast]

Not too bad and cooler mornings have been keeping the water temps in the right region. Nicer afternoons in the mid 70’s this last week and more to come. We can see temps creep into the 80’s in September but judging the summer and the cooler temps all year long, we do not see that happening.

The shop is open daily at 7am for all your Missouri River trout fishing needs. Some sale hangover items including deep discounts on DEMO rods from SAGE, Loomis, Orvis, Echo and reels, lines, shitty flies, fly fishing accessories, shirts, some rain gear and the like. We’ll see you this weekend on the Mo or the Blackfoot!

Enjoy the fall here in Montana with Headhunters.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 8.18.14

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 8.18.14

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August is here. We are here. The trout are here.

Mostly.

The upshot of the week is this. It is short and bittersweet.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 8.18.14

Trico’s

Mornings can be really great. Strong hatches riverside. The most pressure is on the upper. If you want some solace from the rest fish below Craig somewhere. If you want even more? Fish below Mid Canon. If you like the lower reach, fish there. You will have good to great Trico fishing if the wind does not blow too hard and send the spinner fall to north to Great Falls.

The thought is that Trico’s may hatch throughout the rest of August. Maybe into Septemebr. That is the historical pattern. Whether Mother Nature follows that path, we just do not know. But we think it should be strong for another 2-3 weeks.

Spinners are the key to your success. Try another non Trico pattern if you wish. It can be the key to Trico success. Or just keep tossing different and odd Trico flies until the fish cooperate. A sunken Trico can do wonders as well. Zebra?

Caddis

No, not really. Actually not at all. Fish caddis patterns with success here on the Missouri but not for the Caddis Hatch man. Maybe next year. P.S. You want a boat load of caddis flies for cheap?

Nymphing

No, not really. Well sort of. The nymphing for most has been pretty piss poor. I’m not saying that if you drown a worm, or a Zebra, or a Little Green Machine, or  Juju Baetis, or some sort of Caddis Pupa you will not find success. Because you will find a few. But we are familiar with net use when nymphing and that is certainly not the case this last couple weeks.

Moments of brilliance yes. A total annihilation? No, not really.

Come in and wee the latest news here int eh shop and we can put you on the right track. The latest info is found here locally from those who have there finger on the pulse of the Missouri.

It will turn around soon? We think? Every day is truly different. Not much consistency. The month of September is one of our finest nymphing months and it bleeds into October and November. So hang on to your hats, your bobbers, your net. It will bounce back.

Hopper Fishing

Good to great to not so good to terrible. All things heard in the bar ad in the shop. We love to fish the big fly here as so often we are squinting to see the tiny dry fly. So fishing a size 10 or better is a pretty good day/deal. Pink and purple continue to rule with red, gold, and green creeping up the scale.

Ants and beetles are making some waves as well. Blooms, Arrick’s Blooms Hopper and Cricket seem to be coaxing some trout into making bad decisions. Small and large flies are what you should be tossing. Ambiguous? Yep. You catch ’em on what you are tossing. Fishing the middle river is the key. Not all fish lay on the bank. Some do. We like to look for 18″-36″ of moving water and present the bug. Wait, twitch, wait, wait some more and watch it get sucked.

Kiss it. Lick it. Swallow it. Hammer it. Suck it. Eat it.

We have a fantastic Hopper selection at the shop. Well over 120 bins stuffed full of foamies, hair wings, and the like. The ants box has some jewels in it too.

Weather and Flows

Flows are holding at a respectable 4500cfs and the water temps are fluctuation between 64F and 68F daily. Not much movement above the 68F mark this year. July is our hottest month here in central Montana so we do not expect there to be any further upwards movement in regards to Missouri River water temps.

[forecast]

We are approaching the end of summer as we move into Autumn. The colors will change and the Baetis will come. Hopefully we get a big October Caddis showing too. Cross your fly fishing fingers and we will see you in the fall. It really is nice as the days become shorter and the fish friskier!

Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service

Now is the time to book your late summer and fall fly fishing trip to the Missouri River in Craig Montana. Check out CraigLodging.com for housing and Headhunters for all your guiding and rental boat and rod, reel, and wader needs. Don’t let the fall fly fishing season slip by you. Book today.

Headhunters Fly Shop open daily @ 7am and well into the evening hours closing @ 9pm. Stop in for your Sun Bum sunscreen, new RIO In Touch Fly Lines, hoppers galore, GINK, SAGE Method fly rods, Dr. Slick, Howler Bros, SIMMS fall wear, toques, and sungear too.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

Headhunters Fly Shop Fishing Report

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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

Big Brown Trout on Dry Flies

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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.

New Breed Chicks Rule

New Breed Chicks Rule

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Annie today with a nice Rainbow caught not he Mighty Mo with HH Guide Mark Raisler

Her husband Sam caught some too!

A scorcher today with dry fly fishing for Trico feeders for about 2 hours. Longer in some areas.

Thunderstorms building as I frantically write this late afternoon Hump Day post.

Some weeds in the river but not as bad as previous years. Honest.

Some more caddis around than the previous week. Trico’s strong. PMD spinner falls still quite impressive and the trout are responding.

Give us a shout if you want your gal on this website.

Hope you folks are having a fantastic summer out there in the world somewhere.

We are. Annie is too. Nice work today Annie on her first guided trip to the Mo. They say more next year!

We look forward to it!

 

 

It's as good as you are...

It’s as good as you are…

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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]

New Breed Chicks Rule #1

New Breed Chicks Rule #1

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The original New Breed Chicks Rule gal Stephanie Lisser returns to us today for an encore.

A standing “O”!

Stephanie fishes a ton. Well, only on the Mo, and this just her 4th time this last week.

Stephanie also caught her first posted up dry fly fish on a Buzzball. Fun times had by all here fishing Montana’s Missouri River.

Her husband Brian fishes a ton. Honest.

But did he make the blog this sunny July Sunday?

Nope.

Nice to have you back in the spot light Steph.

You are a New Breed Chick and you Rule!

Monday Morning Missouri Macro

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Braden and I set up the Macro Tank the other day to see what exactly is squirming around in the Missouri River. Lot’s of PMD nymphs, and relatively few Yellow Sallies like last week. I do see many stages of PMD nymphs as well. Looks to me like a more olive nymph patterns than the more mature amber nymphs with dark wing cases we gathered last week. Also, lots of scuds and the Damsel nymphs are showing up.

If you want to know exactly what we have here, you’ll have to talk to Braden face to face. Stop by the shop. He’s hesitant to identify things quickly. He does his homework, and does it right.

Do you need to know what they’re called, or just what they look like?

We’re still getting our photo set-up dialed in. Expect the images to get better soon.[/vc_column_text][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_grid type=”masonry” post_type=”attachment” items_quantity=”” images=”5695,5696,5692,5691,5693,5690,5689,5688″ orderby=”post__in” items_gap=”” columns=”6″ items_layout=”gallery_default” img_size=”us_350_350_crop” overriding_link=”popup_post_image” breakpoint_1_cols=”6″ breakpoint_2_width=”768px” breakpoint_3_width=”480px” breakpoint_2_cols=”4″ breakpoint_3_cols=”2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

4th of July Blues

4th of July Recovery

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We have done it. The big 4th of July party here in Craig Montana is over. Over for another year.

Lots of folks around for the only big 4th of July host in Craig Headhunters Fly Shop with our famous Garlic and Onion Burgers and Kosher Dogs slathered in Kraut and mustard.

Our 7th Annual Fireworks display went off without too many hitches. No lost digits that we know of.

Thanks to John, Dewey, and Braden for again braving the elements, and explosives…a good show was pulled off after dusk.

The tiny fishing ‘burb of Craig survived yet another colossal party. If you have not been to Creaig for the 4th, you would really like it. Plan now for the coming year. It really is a lot of fun.

4th of July Recovery
Aftermath on the 5th of July
Missouri River Summer Fishing Report

Missouri River Summer Fishing Report 6.23.14

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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!

 

 

 

 

Drift Boat Drive In

Tonight Only! Drift Boat Drive-In Friday June 20th @ Headhunters

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Tonight in Craig Montana at the World’s Funnest Fly Shop the Drift Boat Drive-In @ Dusk!

Drift Boat Drive-In June 20th. Yes, the 2nd Annual-ish Drift Boat Drive-in here in downtown Craig Montana.

If you remember the Brian O’Keefe event here on the Headhunters property a few years ago in late August then you will be jazzed that we are hosting yet another cool outdoor event.

The funnest fly shop in the world will host the Drift Boat Drive-in Friday June 20th at Dusk, post evening hatch, under the stars @ Headhunters. BBQ, prizes, swag, BYOB, fun Montana made films from Montana fishing film makers…and you!

BBQ starts about fish after you eat a few ribs at Izaak’s and with a few shots at Joe’s! See you at DUSK for this FREE outdoor summer film event!

Fil Tour Montana 2 copykjhkjhkjhkjh 10389684_426527100823799_3722154712344902046_n

 

Future Fly Fishers Father and Son Edition

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Pierce caught this trout on an Elk Hair Caddis fishing with HH Guide Ryan McCourtney this last week.

Fishing with Dad Robert Maloney on this Father’s Day. Happy Father’s Day to all!

Who said that you can only catch fish on nymphs up on the upper river?

This summer when planning your Missouri River Dream Vacation you should consider fishing on the surface any time of the day.

While you may not be guaranteed a giant, you may have the shot!

Thanks Pierce for this cool giant photo of you Rainbow on a dry!

Future Fly Fishers Father and Son Edition

Happy Fathers Day too!

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 6.13.14

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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.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

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.

Headhunters Weekend Fishing Report Missouri River Montana

Headhunters Weekend Fishing Report Missouri River Montana

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The weekend looks good. While winter is over, spring is still around, and summer has still yet to set in.

Bring your rain jacket, your fleece, and some sort of warm hat if you headed out for the day. Waders still have not worn out their welcome.

As I mentioned yesterday or the day before the PMD’s are coming soon. The BWO’s are still around, remarkably. And they are making a difference in the afternoons. Look for them.

The PMD and Caddis fare are popular subsurface along with T-Beaded Worms and Scuds. The Rainbow Czech is glued to many rigs all 12 months.

Emergers, cripples, and spinners are the all stars when tossing dry flies at rising fish. Blind dry fly anglers are putting up numbers too. Some. The fish are not everywhere, but they are somewheres. Sometimes.

Streamer anglers dong well enough.

BBQ tonight at the fly shop about 5pm. We will see you there. Or here.

Headhunters open at 7am daily for all your trout fishing needs of all things Missouri River, Blackfoot River, and the Dearborn River too. The whole gang is around for guiding, rigging, bullshitting. We got rot gut coffee as well. Free of course.

Silly Saturday Scenery

Silly Saturday Scenery | Road Less Traveled Edition

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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

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[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]

June Events Missouri River Montana

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A few June events to keep in mind as we move into my favorite month of the year.

Summer has arrived albeit not officially til later in the month. The days are getting really nice, and really long. More time for angling here on Montana’s Missouri River.

Photo sent in from our good friends Leonard and Dan Gross along with Rick Green. This one above shot by Len of brother Dan.

 

  • PMD’s. Soon. Usually the 2nd week of June.
  • Caddis. They were here, then they left. They will return in bigger numbers and trout love Caddis Flies.
  • BBQ’s at Headhunters. Impromptu BBQ Events all summer long.
  • Drift Boat Drive-In Friday June 20th @ Headhunters Fly Shop. BBQ, beer, movies, fly fishing madness @ Dusk.
  • Izaak’s open daily. Joe’s open daily. Montana pares fishing food and beverage here in downtown Craig.
  • Yellow Sally’s. Those yellow devils return later in the month.
  • Longest day of the year.
  • Dearborn River Floats. Give us a call to get on board and learn more about this seasonal float.
  • The next two weeks will be an indicator of things to come. the water is coming down, how and when we can only guess along with info from the USBR. It is a crap shoot. Keep it here for up to the minute water and hatch reports.

[forecast]

The fishing has been hit and miss the last week with the water levels moving around violently. Some to none for the dry fly anglers. The nymphers are having mediocre angling with catch rates down from our fantastic average. The streamer guys have been getting a few here and there. Stripping hard, stopping often.

June will bring a change for us here on the Missouri River. When and how? We thinks it will go the dry fly route. But nobody is infallible. Nobody.

See you here in Craig @ Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service for all things Missouri River. Shades by Smith and Costa. Clothing from FreeFly, SIMMS, Headhunters Logo Wear, Fishpond. Sungear from SIMMS, BUFF, 12wt., FreeFly. Raingear from SMMS. Rods from SAGE, Orvis, ECHO, and Sweetgrass Bamboo. Reeles from Abel, SAGE, Hatch, Orvis, Nautilus, ECHO, Galvan. Fly Lines from RIO Products, Airflo, Cortland, and Wulff. Flies from all 4 corners of the earth and the best in dry flies for the Missouri River here @ Headhunters.

We got yer back on all day long shuttles, info, coffee, raw baloney, and much more in Craig. Open daily @ 7am.

New Breed Chicks Rule

New Breed Chicks Rule Nearly Summer Edition

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Kelsey Chambers rocking the New Breed Chicks Rule broadcast today on the Headhunters Fly Shop Blog.

I fished with Stephanie and Jerry Chambers in late April and Stephanie Chambers has also graced the New Breed pages. So Mother/ Daughter New Breed Gals do Rule!

Thanks to the Chambers family and supporting fellers Jerry and Dane.

New Breed Chicks do rule and today You Rule Kelsey!

Thanks for coming out to the Mo and we will see your folks often as they float the Missouri River often…

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

FLOW UPDATE! Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 6.2.14

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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.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report
Toston is the indicator for our Holter Dam future

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 rock skipping

Skipping Rocks

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Ninch, Mark and I headed out on the river yesterday. The plan was to shoot some video and get a day on the water together. An option that will be rare for any of Team Headhunters for the next few months. We’ve got a short (3 day?) lull – only a few trips a day – so, go get some ourselves, right? Maybe get some cool video for the blog?

When it comes to shooting video, three things at the top of my “don’t like it” list are:

  1. Filming nymphing.
  2. Filming from the boat.
  3. Filming nymphing from the boat.

But, with the river jumped up slightly to 10,900 cfs – meaning nymph fishing would likely be the only option – and it being the only day we could all do it, we went.

The thought, of course, was that we will make nymphing look easy and fun. How could we not? Three pro’s like us, rolling down our home river hooking and landing fish at will. Nymphing is easy, and watch all these big Browns in the air! The reality was little different.

After a couple of 32GB cards of Ninch doing lots of mending, and Ninch landing a few fish, we decided to pull over and reassess. “Reassess” means that we pulled over to gather as many possible reasons and excuses that would explain our suckiness.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner parallax_bg_width=”110″ parallax_speed=”normal”][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_image image=”5173″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_separator icon=”fas|star” show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]We came up with plenty:

  • Late start at 11am.
  • Wrong float.
  • They bumped up the river.
  • Little Prickly Pear blew out.
  • Too sunny.
  • Not enough clouds. (see how easy it is to come up with excuses?)
  • Joes’ bar was closed this morning. (still not sure why?)
  • Didn’t have any beer. (Because Joe’s was closed)
  • Wrong moon. (not sure what the moon is)
  • Too much pressure. (We didn’t see another boat)
  • There were tons of boats, but they are all in front if us. (we started late)
  • Weren’t using fluorocarbon. (I’m sure we were)

I could go on and on. And we did. They are all great reasons, and we have used them many times in the past. But the reality was that we were just sucking, and probably not giving nymph fishing in high water the respect it deserves. Just one of those days when we didn’t have it.

So we pulled over to skip rocks for awhile. Because skipping rocks is always fun, and it lets you burn off a little frustration.

The islands on the Missouri have some excellent rock-skipping-rocks, and we found them. Mark claims the world record is 23 skips, but I didn’t have time to check that one. Got to be more, doesn’t it? I’m sure I had some 23 skip tosses when I was 12 or 13.

The whole thing reminded me of skipping rocks with my dad and brothers when I was young.

Which made me wonder; did our dads teach us to skip rocks when the fishing sucked?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 5.28.14

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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!

 

New Boat Smell "Oar Boy"

New Boat Smell “Oar Boy”

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Yet another Adipose on the river. This one from our friend John downriver of Craig.

We love the Seafoam Green color as it reminds us of the salt and sunny Tarpon dreams.

Will you get a new boat this year? How about just fixing up your old dingy and getting it out on the water.

Whatever you decide we can help you here at Headhunters with flies, information, suggestions on floats, shuttles, new ropes for your anchor system, anchors, new oars, or order anything more you may need for your summer adventures

May Flies

Missouri River Montana Top Nymphs for late May

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  1. Brush Hog
  2. Translucent Pupa
  3. Tung Dart
  4. Purple Weight Fly
  5. Fuzzy Face
  6. Hogan’s Petrified Pupa
  7. Sling Caddis
  8. Tailwater Sow Bug
  9. Caviar Scud
  10. Fish Finder Worm
  11. Trapper Nymph
  12. Flash-A_Midge Red
  13. Amex Czech Nymph
  14. Thunder Bug
  15. Shop Vac
  16. Hydropsyche Czech nymph
  17. Military May Black
  18. Two Bit Hooker
  19. Red Headed Step Child
  20. Snapping Craw

These are the top selling flies of this last week and weekend. What will be hot this coming week? Only you know what you will like, what the trout will like, and what we will have in stock ready for you.

The nymphing has been good in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening. Sometimes not so hot in the afternoon. Sometimes not so hot in the evening. Sometimes, not good in the morning either. But you gotta know to know. So you gotta go.

Check out the flows, adjust your depth, and get after it!

 

 

 

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 5.26.14

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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.

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 fighting 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 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, T8 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

 

New Breed Chicks Rule #6547

New Breed Chicks Rule #6547

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Lena with here first big trout from the Mo.

Fishing with Headhunters Guide Brett Matula she got this beauty Rainbow a month ago.

Nice work. She is looking forward to here next trip out hopefully when it is nicer weather.

Well come on out Lena. Today we get our first 80F day. Bring your Buff and your Bikini and enjoy the warm weather of summer?

Not yet, but we sure are happy about the change from this winter!

Missoiuri RIver Montana Fishing Report

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 5.21.14

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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

 

Sunday Scenery from Ben McNinch

Sunday Scenery from Ben McNinch

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Sunday Scenery brought to us today from our very own fly guru Ben McNinch.

Ben caught this image mid eek down below his house.

They boys caught some fish too! Fishing with Headhunters Guide Nick Stipech.

We are just getting put back together after yesterday’s big event the 8th Annual Craig Caddis Festival. A post will follow tomorrow.

Fishing Report today.

Fun all week long here on Montana’s Missouri River.

 

 

New Breed Chicks Rule

New Breed Chicks Rule | Sunday Afternoon Dee-Light!

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Lauren rocking it on the Mo. Her first trip here and not her last.

The weather warmed enough this last week to get a few of us to take off some layers.

First time all year. Let’s hope the last.

But, alas, probably not.

Thanks for coming to visit Lauren. We’ll  see you in the future, next spring…with warmer springlike weather.

New Breed Chicks Rule

Craig Caddis Festival & BBQ Cook-Off next Saturday

Craig Caddis Festival & BBQ Cook-Off Tomorrow!

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Hello to all!

This Saturday is our 8th Annual Craig Caddis Festival and BBQ Cook-Off!

Activities begin at 4pm with about 10 BBQ contestants grilling awesome food like Ribs, BRisket, Wings, Pork and much more!

Max Hay and Rocket to Uranus will perform on the Izaak’s Log am beginning at 4pm too.

Over 100 items have been gathered for our Silent & Live Auctions. Guide trips, canyon lodging, fly fishing gear, stuff from Great Falls and Helena shops too like a Globe on a iron stand, shelving units, gift cards from Taco Del Sol, radar detector from Sound Pro, tools from Power Townsend and many many more!

The Parade starts at 4pm too with this kickoff to the rest of the event. Want to be in the parade? Meet us at 345pm at the corner of August and Leonard Streets and we will get you in the Que! Yep, you too can participate this year in the fun events.

Come on down and join us for this great family event. $2 BBQ bites will keep you happy as you wander the streets of this fishing town on the banks of the Missouri River.

The Craig Volunteer Fire Department receives ALL Proceeds from this Annual Event.

Don’t forget to bring the whole family and your best of friends to this Saturday’s Craig Caddis Festival and BBQ Cook-Off @ 4pm in downtown Craig!

Missouri River Montana May Dry Flies

Missouri River Montana May Dry Flies

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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

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 5.13.14

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

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

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

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

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

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

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

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

[forecast]

 

 

New Breed Chicks Rule & Future FlyFishers

Mothers Day, New Breed Chicks Rule, & Future FlyFishers

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Both today on the Headhunters Fly Fishing Blog.

Our good friend Preston Moon sent us this image and this short below.

HH staff,

Here are a few pics of my new breed chick Katrina Moon! We took out the PHW hide on the 8th with our two kiddos, Emelia at 9 months and Colton at 2 years old. Beautiful day, even had a few fish to hand between wolf and Craig!

The little guy only threw one fly rod into the water, not bad. Just wanted to say thanks for hosting the PHW boats and being the friendliest fly shop in Craig!

-Preston

Happy Mothers Day as well. None of us could be here without our Mothers. None.

Celebrate your Mother today. Call her, chat with her, celebrate her.

Happy Mothers Day to all the Mothers from us here in cozy Craig Montana.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 5.9.14

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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

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 5.6.14

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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

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 5.3.14

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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.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

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

Missouri River Montana Weekend Fishing Report

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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!

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

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.

 

Missouri River Fishing Report

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.30.14

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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

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.28.14

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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

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 4.26.14

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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

 

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.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report

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!