Another Day on the Missouri...

Chucky Woods Bridge @ Sunset

View from the Craig Bridge @ 9am

SOL going into Hardy Rapids

Michelle Wells benefit tomorrow night at Joe's. Come on out and have some fun. Izaak's music on the porch Saturday night. Fishing is outstanding, hopper fishing is coming on strong. Get here before they are full...why not this weekend...Craig MT...where time has no meaning.

"There is certainly something in angling that tends to produce a gentleness of spirit
and a pure serenity of mind"

Washington Irving

Come Donate to a Great Cause!

Michelle Wells is in some need of help. Michelle has been helping us out for many, many years...she means the world to most of us. We love her dearly. Craig is having a benefit for our friend Michelle on Thursday July 30th @ Joe's Bar from 6 p.m. until ? Music by Erik "Fingers" Ray from 7 til 11 p.m. This is the first of many fund raisers we will have for Michelle to help diffuse some of the medical costs she will incur.

Any of you folks who have been served by the Queen of Joe's, open your pocket book, and help out our, and your dear friend.

We are donating a Yeti 45qt. for auction, retail value of $279...throw out five hundy...get a cooler and feel really good about it.

Thanks to all of you folks who will donate, I, and the community will certainly appreciate it.

Thanks, thanks, thanks, thanks, thanks.....

20 Q with FFC and SOL

Fly Fish Chick and Squeeky Oar Lock bellied up @ Joe's Bar and answered 20+ questions about fly fishing and life. We both agreed upon several things first. No Jam Bands, yuck...No "poor me" fishing discussions by snively bitches...No "Trout Warrior" stories like this... "There was this big brown sipping on the shore, 1 centimeter off, and I had to make the perfect, precise cast, with a sz. 24 hatching, one wing missing, semi-crippled, CDC, Biot Bodied...you get the jist.

Fly Fish Chick and Squeaky Oar Lock changing flies, catching fish, and discussing life on the Missouri River.

1. Fishing or Sex?
   FFC: Sex.
   SOL: Sex.
2. Favorite Fly?
   FFC: Purple Haze
   SOL: Buzz Ball
   
3. Favorite cocktail?
   FFC: Mount Gay & Tonic
   SOL: Bombay Sapphire & Tonic
4. Best Karaoke Song?
   FFC: I Will Survive...Gloria Gaynor
   SOL: Rocky Mountain High...John Denver
5. Texas or Montana?
   FFC: Pass, abstain
   SOL: Montana
6. Fresh Water or Salt Water?
   FFC: Fresh, but getting saltier every day
   SOL: Fresh, with a grain of salt
7. Best Trout Stream in the World?
   FFC: Missouri
   SOL: Missouri
8. If you could be anybody, who would you be?
   FFC: Me, less 15 lbs.
   SOL: Me, with more money
   
9. Best Song on Joe's Juke Box?
   FFC: #6508, Buck Owens Down on the Corner of Love
   SOL: #7412, Atlanta Rhythm Section So Into You
10. Favorite Rod?
    FFC: Scott G2 9' 5 wt....2nd fav Winston IM6 Joan Wulff Favorite 8 1/2 5 wt.
    SOL: Winston IM6 8 1/2' 5 wt....2nd fav Scott original G 9' 5wt
    Ed. Note...spooky how similar...soggy rod fans!
11. Last Supper?
    FFC: Veal Stuffed Tortellini with cream sauce w/ an Italian Red Wine, in Italy
    SOL: Filet Medium w/ Green Peppercorn cream sauce, side of penne alfredo
    
12. Fishing Mentor?
    FFC: Mitch Kowalski aka "Super Guide"
    SOL: Larry Tarmelli
13. Why do you Blog?
    FFC: Because I'm an aspiring writer
    SOL: To listen to myself think
14. Why do you fish?
    FFC: I cannot, not fish
    SOL: To realize humility
15. How do you perpetuate/promote fly fishing?
    FFC: Blog and take L'il Chick fishing
    SOL: Create successful environs for "first timers" and educate all who will listen
    
16. Fishing Wish?
    FFC: Salt water fishing with the Professor
    SOL: Catch lots of Bones
17. WF or DT?
    FFC: WF
    SOL: DT
    
18. Is nymphing cheating?
    FFC: No, but it's pretty slutty
    SOL: No, but I'm slutty
19. Eat in the bar or the dining room?
    FFC: Dining room
    SOL: Dining room
    
20. Have you been laid in the Craig Campground?
    FFC: No
    SOL: Yes
21. Skinny Dipper?
    FFC: Yes
    SOL: Yes
22. Could you live in Craig MT?
    FFC: No, Wolf Creek
    SOL: No, sub-urban Craig
23. Ball Cap or Visor?
    FFC: Visor
    SOL: Visor
    
    
    

Lens Talent

Ben Bolden is a young photographer from California who has been hanging out in Craig (and other parts of Montana) for the season. At first, we thought he was just some kind of bum hanging around the shop. The we realized he is a bum...trout bum that is. We see a lot of trout bums pass through, but few with the photographic skills that Ben has. Ben is just starting out in the photography business, so we thought we should help get his name out. Check out his website at benbolden.com. Here are a few of his killer images...

Headhunters on TV

Mark and John just finished 2 days of shooting Hook.TV's Adventure Guides series that will air on the Outdoor Channel later this year. We had a blast with the host and crew, and got some great dry fly footage on the 'Mo. Mark did most of the guiding, while John ran the camera boat. Host John Dietsch (fly fishing consultant on a River Runs Through It) was a pleasure to fish with and meet.

Mark puts the heat on a nice Rainbow for the HOOK.TV crew.

The crew showed up on day one with our good friend Christine "Fly Fish Chick" Johnston. Mark and Christine have been pal's for years and had a great dynamic going on. Of course, they stuck some great fish as well. The ongoing banter was enough for a couple of shows. We look forward to working more with Christine in the future. Maybe "Fly Fish Chick" and "Squeeky Oar Lock" will conspire to do a jopint blog or two.

Mark and host John Dietsch posted up on a pod.

Day two was John Dietsch's introduction to technical dry fly fishing on the 'Mo. Sure, we could have tied on the bobber and caught dozens, but where would the fun be in that? Instead, we hunted big fish in tough spots, and John finished the show with a 20+ inch Rainbow sipping in skinny water.

During the afternoon of the second day, we saw a puff of smoke on the horizon. A short time later, we received a call from Julie "The Brain" informing us that a wildfire was threatening the area that many of us live in, and was particularly close to Mark's home. The ensuing evacuation and aggressive firefighting action made for an exciting end to the day. The fire was controlled and everyone was allowed back in the next day. Evac Parties in Craig are always a good time...

Though we're not the editors, expect to see some great instruction from Mark on downstream presentations when the show airs. John really appreciated Mark's knowledge of the Missouri River and the techniques we employ to fool fish on the Missouri.

You'll see Headhunters at least another time on TV this year. We'll keep you up to date when show's air.

Brown Trout Fest 2009

Paul Taylor with one of many Browns he and Papa Joe wrangled with this last week. They are SOL's longest term clients and Sol cannot believe the endurance of the Taylor's. They have been with me through thick and thin...and there has been plenty of the latter!

This nice specimen came from a local bank on SOL's favorite fly, the LaFontaine's Buzz Ball. No negative reinforcement, no wing profile...emulates the #1 topwater diet of our feeding fish...bits and pieces of dead decomposing insects.

Boy, there are a shit ton of healthy fish this year. Wow.

Guide Performance of the Day: Mike Ward, best day ever...yesterday was too, and the day before, etc.

Great Comment from Client to Guide: I'm pretty sure you (guide) are holding the cat I'm (client) screwing...

Husband to Wife Comment of the Year: "No, I don't want to go to Bed, Bath, & Beyond...I 'm going fishing!"

SoCal Comment of the Minute: I'm Super-Eco Dude

Personal Mission: Guiding is what SOL does when not chasing Danielle

Thanks to all who support Outfitter owned and operated fly shops...primarily SOL and Scumliners shop...Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service...the closest fly shop to the Mo, outstanding customer service, education, and information, the most popular Guide Service on the Missouri...Kicking Ass in Craig Montana for well over a year now

They Just Don't Write Like That Anymore...

This song really Kicks-___...known as the Break-Up Song...from the late 70's...check it out on You tube...relive your childhood...I know I do, daily. The childhood part. A common theme with guides, doing what they love and disregarding everything our parents taught us.

The parallel I am getting at with this entry has to do with the Missouri. They don't make rivers like this anymore. This river blows doors off of many others. If you like big fish...on top, on the bottom, swinging, and so forth...reminds me of another pursuit that we all love...

As I have certainly told you the Missouri has not fished this well in 10 years. The amazing stat about the Mo can be described as another cliche analogy...Bad pizza is like bad sex...even when it's bad it's still pretty good, darn good.

If you are not making your annual pilgrimage this year, I'm sorry. My condolences from all who are here, have been here, or are coming here in the banner year of 2009. Start making plans for 2010 and into the foreseeable future. Two water years like this and last will provide outstanding fishing for at least 3 years. We have the precedental years of '97-'98 to look back upon and those of you who remember the Utopia need not tell a soul...you can tell your best friend about it, if you want. Just don't tell those arseholes in the cubicle next to you.,...not your boss either. Just slash his tires...or better yet...put a small pebble, very small, under his valve cap, tighten just enough to release the air slowly...and walk away smiling.

I have clients, JT & PT, that do not tell their friends that they fish the Mo. "Where do you fella's fish in Montana?" Reply: " You know, the Madison, Gallatin."

Put that in your Blog and Smoke it!

Capt. Carp and SOL will be fishing No Tell 'Em Creek for BIG CARP on a dry in August. We'll tell you whee it's at for a handle of Bombay Sapphire.

Humorous Guide Comment of the Day: Cast faster sir...faster, faster, faster...

Humorous Guide Comment of Yesterday: You are tangled on your tip sir...Shake it...it'll come off...

Headhunters Fly Shop: Purveyors of the Magic Wand

There are Dark Sides to Living the Dream

Fly Rodding requires participation by both parties: The caster and the fish...please participate in your fishing experience.

Val Fischer with a knock out Rainbow...New Breed Chicks Rule...
donning the HH Colors...Nice!

Disclaimer: Notice, no swearing in the Blog Today...my mother told me that swear words indicate a shallow and narrow vocabulary...she also told me & I could go blind if I continue...

Get Smart or Die!

If you remember the TV Show Get Smart, dream about that instead of the mayhem that ensues on the river...primarily weekends here on the Mo!

Today is absolutely crazy out there with lots of splash and giggle parties wafting down the river. There are also a ton of rising fish to be had. Get out here and take your share.


Picture of a Mink that Joe and Paul Taylor today while tossing dry flies at rising trout. They are all over the place, the fish that is, while Paul and Joe are predominantly spot on with their casts.

Word on the street is they will eat any fly on the first pass, remember folks, it is the Indian, not the Arrow. Live it, Learn it, test on Monday.
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Another super non-fishy behavior is straight lining fish followed by NO DRIFT. Lots of folks can cast the fly to it's destination, but that is just a small portion of the game. Drifting it into the awaiting fishy's mouth is the goal.

THROW A REACH CAST
FOR GOD"S SAKE

It is damn important, well, only if you intend to catch fish. Your choice. I see lots of fella's anchored way off the fish, standing up, and making shitty drift after shitty drift. Indian/Arrow analogy. And then change the fly, as if it is the fly, and it may be...by my strong suggestion is you learn to drift properly before changing the fly.

Sit down, sneak onto the fish, make a great reach, drift, and hook the fish. Next.

Just a suggestion my friend's. Now I can move on to my next beef for the week. Thanks for listening, although most of the folks that I explaining this too look at me like I'm an ALIEN w/SHIT on my CHEEK...I'm used to it...and as my mother always told me...you cannot fix stupid.

Please Respect other people water. If you see anybody on anchor casting a rod, give them a lot of space, they are most likely casting at rising fish. And you folks who like your own space, don't row over others and expect them not to do the same. Keep your eyes open...bumping into others is like crashing into a parked car on the side of the road...think about it.

Boat ramp behavior should be the same. Get in and get out. You do not have to rig your rods with the boat and trailer and truck and raft and coolers strewn around the ramp. Do that shit before you put the boat in, like in the parking lot. Prep is good brother.

Capt. Carp Dead Song of the Day: Anything live from '72

Things not to do at the Boat Ramp: Washing your boat, rigging your rods, practice backing up your truck, blowing up your raft, stocking your cooler, unless it is a YETI...just be cognizant of others and we can all have success.

Cast of the Millennium: Reach Cast..Just Do It

Treat our fish nicely...they cannot be out of the water for 2 1/2 minutes. Try shoving your head under water for that length of time...Mentioned to a bank fisherman the other day..."Hey fella, put the fish back in the water, it's been 49 seconds"...and he yelled back, "It's not my first time to the Missouri." My reply, " Well, you are sure acting like it is."

We all love fish pictures...rest the fish in the net, they have lactic acid build-up in the bodies just like we do after a long jog...rest them and then take the quick photo, rest again in the net and then when the fish is ready...he will swim out on his own power.

Headhunters E-Newsletter

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New Breed Chicks Rule!

Can your G-Friend do this?

A distant reminder that those of you who read this blog need to date gals that can make this a reality.

If not...it's cool.

Mount Vernon gang Lisser/Fischer and Stephanie Lisser created an ultimate Mo River Experience...and this is the outcome...

Congrats Steph...your 1st Brown Trout...Outstanding!

Fly Poling on the Missouri is as good as it gets...chew on that for a while...when you come to after swirling around in dream world... book your trip now to one of the best fisheries in the lower 48.

Steph was using her PINK ROD by Sage and her PINK REEL by Ross...and this is the end result...listening to her guide was a terrific idea too...always listen to your guide...he is your team captain...yes, it's true...

Capt. Carp: is watching the day go by...a newer calmer Mikey!

Crazy Shit on the River: Lots of fella's doing weird shit...look up and smell the coffee, wake up fella's and open your eyes...there are other people fishing the river...would you like it if I came in on you like you came in on me? Think about it brother...

Big River and the fish are eating like bandit's...as Nicholson would do a movie...as good as it get's...

New Breed Chicks Rule!

Living the Dream...

...never falls out of style.

Content faces on your right. Stellar...that should tell you something about the current fishing status.

If I may spill diarrhea from my mouth...I would like to state that I would not rather do anything in life than what I'm doing right now.

LTD never falls out of style.

The enablers that made this possible not only the the last two weeks but the last several years are Jim Arkin, Ed Kruse...could fish with them 100 days a year and not get tired of them...that is the ultimate guide compliment.

Rex Watson and Chase, always included is Mike Ruppert...setting records with them is what they are after, and I will always comply and advocate that behavior.

Mike, Nate, and Justin KICK-ASS. Fun times friends...part of the New Breed. You know I am encouraged by the New Breed. They are educated, willing to learn, not afraid of a Budweiser or Clown Oil.

Lisser/Fisher...New Breed mixed with Old School. Nice blend. Pleasant, big, extended family. Super cool and fun.

Coming up Joe and Paul Taylor. My longest term clients. Again, could fish with these fella's til I'm blue in the face...but commonly they become blue first...

This is the short list of my favorites...for this time period...which is damn fun!! Non-Local Locals are here in force.

Thanks to all who have showed their support for SOL and Scumliner, J the B, B & E, The BOSS, and the FNG...thanks, we appreciate it greatly.

You should come out right now, a little pressure, scratch and claw my friends...there are parts of the river that are not as crowded as others. Seek and you shall find...disciples.

Capt. Carp likes Willie Nelson

Strange Jumping Fish: 2 in the boat today, yes two fish jumped in the boat today.

Goofy Rec Floater of the Yesterday: Had a raft crash into me yesterday. I was on anchor and had a very large raft come in contact with me. They said they could not see me, even with 1/2 mile of blue sky viz above me. After bouncing off anchor, I politely asked, yes politely... asked if they ever crashed into parked cars on the side of the road. And I'm the asshole. Used to it. Standard.

Fly of Last Week: Hogan's Wing Man

Fly of This Week: Translucent Pupa...wetted then Fanny'd

Fly of Next Week: Rusty Spinner sz 14 or LaFontaine's Buzzball sz 14 or Old School Pat Elam's Spent Caddis sz 16

All information stat'd within this Blog came from Chapters 2, 3, 5, & 7 of the the Official Guide Handbook of the World Famous Missouri River.

Chapter one includes the most valuable guide tip ever...scribble your clients name on your hand in indelible ink with an arrow of your guest inthe bow pointed toward the top of your hand, and the gentleman in back's name with an arrow directed to the bottom of your hand. This chapter written by Steve Butt, who was the original owner of this here fly shop, Parrothead Fly Shop, that SOL and Scumliner occupy, and who signed my guide license the first couple go-rounds.

Frightening!

As for the Guide Handbook...no, you cannot have one. To qualify for this rare, dog eared, original copy, you must first be willing to admit and show proof of the following...at least one old priceless non-bamboo fly rod, that's easy....a nicotine habit of some sort...an affinity for losing g-friends...more interest in boat design than interest in accruing monetary assets...that your family still does not believe what you do for a living is a job, true...more sun protection garments than shoes, not easy for you gals to admit...shoes for varying outfits, reels for varying rods...your boat bag must be worth more than your Suburban and boat combined...when saying you vacationed in some sort of tropical paradise, you don't mean 11 days, you mean 5 1/2 months...when asked why you came back you state "I was out of money..." you recognize the leader you tied on your clients rod 4 years ago...you stopped lying about your river knowledge after 2 years...

...you do not want to pursue anything but the pursuit of happiness and Living the Dream...

4th of July Recap

Craig was as happening as we expected over the fourth. Great food all over town, live music, casting competitions and a great fireworks show.

Many people have thanked us for the fantastic fireworks display. While Headhunters paid for the fireworks, all thanks should go to guides Ben Hardy and Luke Andrews...these brilliant renaissance men put on a fantastic show.

Ben Hardy rigging the show.

Both pro's and amateurs competed in the ECHO Gecko casting competition. Bob Keith (Great Falls) beat Andy Zachary (Rathdrum, Id) in the amateur division. Bob also beat most of the pros. Congratulations Bob!

Bob Keith throwing the winning cast in the amateur division.

In the pro division, the lead was held by Mark Raisler, John Arnold, Mike Kuhnert and Jason Newmack. Jason seemed to have it in the bag, fending off several competitiors, until late entry Dan Troupe came in and took the Gecko.

Jason Newmack talking smack in the pro division.

Badmitton, whiffleball and adult wrestling kept our guests entertained all day long. The BBQ at Headhunters was simple but satisfying. Thanks to everyone who donated funds to the Craig Volunteer Fire Dept. What a time. Can't wait until next year!

Madeline shows Ridge how it's done.

Headhunters BBQ.

Lots of Patriotic kids were present at the celebration.

I don't know, maybe next year we should have a parade??

It's on Fire!

Best fishing in some time here on the Missouri. We are healing from yesterday's festivities. Fun was had by all.

Ben and Luke with the help of Andrew and Luke's father put on one hell of a fireworks display. Awesome.

I will recap in the next couple days with photos and drivel.

On the right is Ed Kruse with one of many nice Browns last week on a dry. Nice Ed!

Thanks to all who attended yesterday and participated in our town's activities. Plan on being here next year for fun and fishing on America's BDay!

The Mother of all YETI's

Headhunters has just received another shipment of YETI Coolers...25,35,45 and 65QT models - and now the mother of all YETI's, the 250QT! Who would buy this thing? you must be asking yourself. Well that's why we ordered it. We want to know which one of our customers is crazy enough to shell out $750 (that right!) for a cooler big enough to use as a winter shelter. We know you're out there, we just want to know who you are.

Free hot chick with the purchase of any 250QT YETI
(subject to availability of hot chicks)

Seriously, if you are in the market for the best cooler made, get into Headhunters ASAP. YETI's fly out of here quick when we get a shipment. By the way...it's 90 degrees and this weekend is the fourth of July. Sounds like a good weekend to buy a new cooler. If it's a YETI, your kids will be using it on future 4th's.

Stop by Headhunters this weekend to see the 250 and enjoy all the happenings in Craig for our Nation's Holiday. Fireworks, Food, Live Music, Fun and of course FISHING!