[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Shane’s Trout Spey Set Up Today on the Headhunters Fly Shop daily blog we see Shane Wilson’s Trout Spey Set Up. Shane is one of those who is enamored with the Echo TR2 rod. We can’t blame him. Most of the staff is all about it. Come in and try one out today. Saturday … Read more
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Dewey’s Trout Spey Rig Ed note: Today on the Headhunters Blog we have Dewey’s Trout Spey Rig. Dewey loves to swing the fly! He and Shane nymphed quite a few up on Thursday. But the real success was on the swing. Each had approx. 10 on the swing with lots of additional grabs, bites, … Read more
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Ninch’s Trout Spey Set-Up Today we view Ninch’s Trout Spey setup. Ninch fishes the 2 hander most of the year when he is not tossing fires at rising trout. He is excited about getting out again soon when the weather warms this weekend! You can see Ninch at the next Free Trout Spey Clinic … Read more
Friday Foto Spey Season is in Season Throwing the Trout Spey rod daily as we move into November. Friday today. Sunny. Let’s dismiss the sun and get into the real fall. Bring it. We are heading into a weeks worth of sunny skies. Yuck. Stop in and say hi. 730-6 daily. Guides are still working … Read more
Missouri River Late Summer Fishing Report 8.22.16 The latest from your friends at Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig in regards to the Missouri River Late Summer Fishing Report 8.22.16. All over the board is the best way to describe the fishing in central Montana this last week. Good reports of catching trout with more of … Read more
Why should I take up spey “two-handed” fishing you ask? Could it be that new learning is good? Could it be that it looks like fun? Could it be that after watching people make that beautiful cast I just thought that I had to give that a try? Yes to all of the above. This is my short journey into two- handed fishing and why I love it.
I started a few short years ago truly because I wanted to catch a steelhead swinging with a spey rod. After watching all the videos I could stand, I knew it was time to go for it. I was like many beginners overwhelmed with equipment, terminology, and casting.
I have worked for Headhunters for a couple years now. But before I did I had signed up for Headhunters monthly series of free spey clinics. Much of the terminology and equipment was explained during the morning inside presentation. I’m not saying I retained all the info but words like Skagit, Scandi, anchor point, and snap-t became tangible. At the very least after the indoor morning session I would not be totally lost if I was engaged in a conversation about casting a spey rod.
Swing Season Montana’s Missouri River @ Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig
Off to the water we went and after a short demonstration from John, I was handed a long trout spey rod. I stepped into the river and made my very first spey cast. Wow!? After an afternoon of coaching from John, Sara, and Ninch I managed make a few casts that sent the line flying!
Thus begun my journey into the world of two-handed fishing. I did purchase equipment and began to practice on the Missouri as much as possible. My goal was get competent enough to swing for steelhead in the spring. I found I didn’t want to fish any other way during the winter months. Not only was the trout spey rod fun to cast but also an effective way to fish. That was the real surprise that it may be the most efficient winter method on the Mo!
As I look back at getting into the two-handed world it’s comparable to all the different aspects of my fishing life. At the beginning I remember my very own rod with a closed face Zebco reel. Dad didn’t like untangling our lines. Then came spinning reels, no more Zebco. Life was good until I saw my first fish caught on a fly rod. Now a whole new world of fishing became apparent. Finally receiving a fly fishing outfit for my birthday the spinning reel begun to collect dust. Soon I found out casting was not as easy as it appeared but practicing was an obsession. Since that day I have always enjoyed learning many of different disciplines of fly fishing. Then the world of two-handed fishing touched my world and I liken it to putting down my spin outfit and picking up a fly rod. A whole new world of casting and fishing opened up. I viewed it as a challenge and fun to get right. Once the cast is made many techniques from streamer and still water fishing are effective. Two-handed fishing is a whole new part of fly fishing that makes me feel like a kid starting out again. By the way I do use my single handed rod during the warm months.
For all of you out there looking for a challenge or new way of fishing give it a go. I caution you attending a two-handed clinic can be detrimental your single handed rod. We at headhunters would be happy to answer questions or help out with equipment selection. We promise not to sell you any equipment you do not want or need.
Oh yea last month I did catch my first steelhead on the swing. It was all that I hoped for.
John Kirk sent us some images from he and friend Nathan last week on the Mo.
Swung up a few he said. And per usual the Kreelex was the star he said.
He’ll be back again this winter he said.
The Weekend weather looks pretty sweet. I don’t think we will see as much snow as the east coast though. Snow threatening along with hi’s in the upper 30’s. Was 45F Friday afternoon.
The swingers are out there bringing some fish to hand. The nymphers are doing really well. The water temp came up a degree recently and the fish do react favorably.
Cold again here in Craig this morning. 26F is the projected hi temp and we have already achieved that.
I was out swinging yesterday afternoon. It was tough enduring the holiday weather conditions. Just 24F with a slight north wind. Chilly for sure. Along with the wind chill the ever growing ice clogging the guides I was at my personal comfort limit.
But, not impossible by any means. At least 10 vehicles out and about fishing the Mo yesterday and we should expect vacationing anglers from the regional area to sneak down for a quick fishing session.
The Headhunters gang is fishing in this video. Sara, Beth, Ninch, Mark, E Bitty fished a year ago November in the cold. As you’ll witness the video includes shelf ice, steam coming off the water, and lots of fish. Winter in Montana is made for skiing, hunting, snowshoeing, and swinging for trout.
Most of you should be traveling, hopefully to warmer climates for the holidays. And we know that most of you view this blog on your handheld devices so I thought I should post Scumliner Media Switch it Up trout Spey video today for you airport viewing pleasure.It really is a beautiful video. You may want to watch it twice.
We are open today til 6pm and tomorrow Christmas Eve we will be celebrating in the shop until about noon. Closed for Christmas Day and open again on Saturday morning @ 8am.
Safe travels to all you Headhunters out there. Enjoy Switch it Up! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/113932956″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
A common winter question at the shop is “Do you really fish during the winter? When the weather is like this? Really?
Oh yeah. And we are not the only ones. Lots of local and regional anglers visit the Missouri River during the off season. Great Falls and Helena residents including Butte, Bozeman, Whitefish, and even Spokane and Billings don’t blink about heading over for a day, or three.
A short drive for most. A large reward for all. As I stated yesterday we are into one of our slowest periods of the year. Not fishing wise. Although it is not red hot. More like Snow, White, Hot.
Missouri River December Weather
Cold. Mostly cold and somewhat windy. When the sun is high is does not mean slower fishing. But, but the fish do not mind the lower grayer skies either. I prefer the latter. It just feels fishier when the clouds obscure the sun.
Keep in mind while the mercury reads 24F, the high and bright sun will make it feel a balmy 37F.
The wind is the variable that really, truly, nobody is a fan of. If is blowing the fishing conditions can be questionable. Always give us a call before you head out for the current conditions in Craig.
Average daily December high temperature is 35F with the low being 15F. Average snowfall is 9 inches with the average precipitation coming in at 0.55 inches.
The upshot is cold weather and tough fishing conditions. Or for those who like the solace of the river in December…bring it.
Missouri River December (Non)Hatches
Kind of none. Some BWO’s around and some midges. More like the pink nymph fly hatch. Or a streamer Kreelex hatch. That is about it. Very little dry fly action. So, we go to the bobber and the Trout Spey Rod or a slowly stripped streamer on a single handed rod.
Lots of winter ahead of us!
So what do I do? Find that soft winter water. Most of the anglers that arrive at the shop in the morning get the same explanation about water types. We constantly hear bad reports from those trying to play the summer game. Meaning that they are fishing in good looking hopper type water. The faster, sexy type of water. Stay away from that stuff in the winter. It is no good. There are not any fish in that ind of water. The water temps are in the Hi 30’s for the remainder of the month and the fish do not hang out there. Period. So if you want some good winter nymphing action find the slow and soggy water.
It is more a question of where. That is what we are getting at here. Where. The slow pond like water is the right stuff. Where you would not fish in the spring, summer, or fall. The slower inside bends with some structure. Or no structure. Look for the most boring water you can find and fish it.
Trout Spey is King
We love to throw the 2 handed rod in the winter months. With the advent of smaller trout size spey/switch rods the Missouri River is a fantastic resource to learn a new game. And we have them all. We are the education location for all things trout spey. With well more than a dozen demo trout spey rods in stock we are Montana’s Trout Spey destination. Demo lines at Headhunters as well with the entire range of Skagit and Scandi lines.
The Missouri River has a ton of killer swing runs at your disposal. You will see fellers out there practicing, fishing, swinging. Landing fish too. Depending on the water depth and speed you can either attach a lightly weighted pattern, a heavily weighted pattern, or an unweighted fly to the end of your switch rod. The fish can be anywhere on the swing, or twitch, or jig. Fish it, change it, strip it, swing it.
Craig Trout Camp Open All Year!
Open all year long!
Craig Trout Camp is open all year long. We never close the most popular properties on the Missouri River The good news is the discounted off season price. Rainbow and Brown Cabins rent for $125/night and the Craig House starts at $250/night. Why stay anywhere else? Come out for the weekend. Fish, stay, relax.
Missouri River Off Season is Killer!
Lots of reasons to fish the off season. Low population of anglers. That is all I need to hear. But some like to catch a few trout for their troubles. No problem there either. Good fishing for those over-sized Rainbows. Stop in any time for answers, questions, coffee, a ton of BS, Christmas gifts, sale times, conversations…any and all.
Headhunters Fly Shop is your only daily fly shop on the Missouri River. We are here for you, the all seasons angler. And we love December!
Lots of interest in the New SIMMS Bulkley Jacket this season. With the recent advent of winter, it has been brewing but now it has certainly arrived, this insulated SIMMS wading jacket has received positive reviews from both the staff and Missouri River anglers.
The SIMMS Bulkley Jacket is an upgrade from the preivious model. Now insulated with Primaloft this will keep you warm in all but the coldest fishing situations. The previous model was not insulated, just a shell. This is a vast improvement!
I’ve been fishing and hanging and chillin’ in this jacket for about 3 months now. Just love it. Far better than I had imagined. Really enjoy this piece. I usually layer up under the SIMMS Bulkley Jacket. I have been wearing a base layer with a wool top or hoody. Works quite well.
The length is just right for deeper wade fishing. We have not experienced high water in a few years but in this lower water era the Bulkley allows for exploratory wading without dampening your pocketed gear. High side pockets give you a place to keep your hand warmers. Better to keep those hands warm!
The external bellowed side zip chest pockets are roomy enough for larger fly boxes, tippet spools, GINK, and cigars. And that is it for pockets. You won’t lose too much gear because of the common fly fishing practice of over-pocketing. An added attraction is the YKK Aquaguard Vislon zippers will not let water enter your flies get damp.
Perfectly comfortable in the cold, or the sleet, or the rain!
The killer features that I love about the SIMMS Bulkley Jacket include the dual draw cord bottom of the jacket. Pull on it and the bottom tightens up. A single handed release allows the garment to relax. The same dual draw cord system for the hood allows the angler to pull on one cord tightening up the hood for those nasty upstream winter winds. Then a single pressure point loosens the hood for easy removal. Again in the rear of the hood is the same type of mechanism. Tug on a single cord and the volume of the hood is reduced. So the problem of an uncomfortable hood situation has been remedied with the SIMMS Bulkley Jacket.
Two layer Gore-Tex keeps this piece lighter than your average insulated wading jacket. And who does not love the Gore-Tex brand. Rain, snow, sleet, or whatever Old Man Winter can throw at you will be dashed.
Most folks just love the Primaloft Silver insulation with 100g in the body, 60g in both the hood and sleeves. Just like wool Primaloft insulation retains its insulating properties when wet. So, if you gal in, you’ll be good. A reminder…don’t fall in.
One thing that drives me nuts about most cuff systems is that they really don’t work and your line catches the Velcro tabs. But, no worries here man. The Shingle Cuff internal cuff system is bomber. Not only does the neoprene lined sleeve bottom provide a water tight barrier the velcro tightening system is rock solid. The Shingle Cuff is the way!
HEADHUNTERS STAFF SAYS: The Bulkley has long been a shop staff favorite, although we acknowledged it wasn’t the nicest jacket out there. For 2015 Simms has completely revamped the insulated Bulkley Jacket, and we would argue it is now one of the nicest fishing jackets we’ve ever seen! Quality construction using GORE-TEX and Primaloft create a super warm and dry jacket for off-season conditions. Whether you’re stomping through the rainforest in BC or trudging through thigh-deep snow in Montana, the Simms Bulkley jacket will keep you comfortable. We see the significant price increase as justified, considering the high quality of the new jacket, and the fact that we wear these nearly every day during the winter months.
After the dust settles on the BWO parade we dive right into Swing Season on the MO.
Daily conversations about fly lines and the latest in 2 handed Trout Spey Rods here at Headhunters.
While many trout shops close for the season Headhunters switch into Swing Season.
We’ve got all the latest swing gear for you to try. Trout Spey Rods from around the world along with the lines, tips,, leaders, and flies for fall and winter fishing fun.
Got questions? Just ask us. We got answers.
Many have been swinging for a couple weeks. I have witnessed a swinger on the river daily the last couple weeks.
Craig Trout Camp, our on-site lodging, is open all year long. Joe’s Bar open daily as well as Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service. $400 Guide trips for both Swing Education and single handed trips begin November 15th.
Many come down from Calgary to see the sun while participating in a spot of fly fishing. Bozeman-ites, our friends from Whitefish and Kalispell, those to the west in Spokane and even to the coast in Seattle. Craig is a quiet, quick get-away any month of the year.
This could be the year you become better with the two-handed rod.
Seen yesterday on the Missouri River in broad daylight.
Yep.
Bigfoot, Yeti, Speyfoot?
Bigfoot is a Spey Caster?
He’s a pretty good 2 handed caster. He likes SAGE rods. And he believes in catch and release.
He doesn’t eat trout? No, but he is fond of the Beef Brisket and a hand crafted Margarita at Izaak’s. Although he prefers Joe’s for activities after midnight. Who doesn’t?
We take all kinds of folks on guided Missouri River fly fishing trips. Some say we are the goto fly shop in Craig. Now we can add Bigfoot to our guiding pedigree. Not many can say that. Right?
Trust me, I’m a guide.
Bigfoot casts a single hander with ease too! And he is rocking the HH hat.
Notice Speyfoot is rocking the Headhunters Team Logo hat. He must be an online shopper as we have never seen him in the store. Gotta keep appearances to a minimum when you are as infamous as Speyfoot.
