Happy Halloween!

Tonight is the Outfitter's Ball in Craig MT hosted by Izaak's Restaurant. It starts @ 5pm but there will be other activities going on before the Dinner Bell is rung.

Buffet will be running most of the night with late night snacks as well after 10pm. I hear that Taco's are the first meal with Meatballs and cheese/meat trays til the late hours of Halloween.

Casting Competition will begin about 4pm, I think, and The Anchor-put much later in the evening. Prizes all evening long with Free Draft Beer til the keg is gone too!

Music starts about 8 pm and fun will be had by all.

Of course the costumes will be a kick and we look forward to all that attend with you Halloween best on.

Thanks to Brain Hollum of Great Falls for sending us this killer photo and for tying the cool Halloween Flies!

You Tubin'

Scumliner got a camcorder and just put up the first Headhunters YouTube video...

Quiet in Craig

Craig MT | 10/26 | 10am

Quite Quiet.

It is kind of nice. Tumbleweeds and dogs roaming the streets. It is odd when the people and fishermen vanish. Poof, gone.

Busy at the store putting together the fly orders for the upcoming 2010 season. That is a daunting task. John, Mark, and Julie have nearly ordered everything that we can think of and are looking forward into the positive future.

As for the fishing...it is also a touch odd. Has it been good? Yes. Has it been great? No. Will it become great? Well, it should. This last week of October is one of my two favorites of the year. I love to cast at easy fish rising to BWO Crip's. Keep the bugs on the water and I can achieve happiness.

November is even quieter than this last week of October. And the fish are not bothered by many. Great fishing and no rush to get out there. Put on at Noon, lazily drift until you spot the one you desire...anchor, cast, hook, land. Repeat.

Snouts up...Rainbow Rise
photo Mark Raisler

The BIG BWO's, meaning sz 16, are here and ready for consumption. Mother Nature creating the right day for Utopia is always the question. Some years we get 5 perfect calm, overcast, moist, afternoons. Some years, none. But the streamer fishing is great, right? Average at best. The browns are still in the creek's screwing and fornicating. They will return and they will be happy!

Party @ Izaak's this Saturday Oct 31st. Come out and catch a few fish, entertain yourself with stupid guide tricks, and win some cool fly stuff at the party!

Never too early to book for 2010. June, July, September, October are actively booking. Keep that in mind and call if you have any questions.

Capt. Carp Dead Song of the Day: Dire Wolf

Dry Fly of the Month: Nymen's Cripple #18

Nymph of the Week: Pheasant Tail or any permutation thereof

Streamer of the Day: Anything Small and Black

Guide Performance of the Month: Ben Tyson of PRO backing his boat out of Monty Hall after witnessing a boat dry fly fishing in the upper channel. First Class Ben. Good on you my friend. Highly Respectful and Professional. Wish Recreational fisherman, and a cadre of other Guides will/would/should do the same. RULE: If you would be pissed, don't do it to others.

Speaking of Respect: Stay away from others...this time of year, think about it. Do not assume that there are two dudes just parked in a spot not fishing for any reason. They are probably waiting, sighting, resting fish, or some other fishing behavior. DO NOT CRUNCH THEM!! There is plenty of room, if you see somebody in your favorite spot...wait, or go to another spot. They beat you there...DO NOT RAIN ON THEIR PARADE BROTHER.

Outfitters Ball...

Joe will Kick your Ass if you don't attend!
Headhunters Stock Photo

Coming to a Trout Town near you this weekend...A Big Party...with lots of Fun...and Costumes!

Casting Competitions, Raffles, Drinking, and Music. A bunch of free shit to be had as well. Those attending last year will be here with bell's on!! All had a blast.

You could fish too...if you want.

Izaak's will host this year's party Halloween Night starting as soon as you get here. Starting @ 5pm with Cheap Keg Beer, Door Prizes, Taco Feed is the rumored feast...I'd travel across Montana for a good chow like that...

Don't Miss this one folks...Your last Chance to whooop it up in Craig for 2009! More Info forthcoming...

Spey Brown 10/24 caught by E. Bitty
photo Erich Bittmann

As for the Headhunters Fly Shop...we are still here and guiding. We have trips through the middle of November and the fishing should remain strong until Turkey Day. Sale items are nearly gone...come in for the Free Coffee and make us an offer on anything? Who knows what our kind hearts will allow? Scumliner, J the B, and SOL are here for the long haul this winter with shop improvements, and updates across the board.

We are open full time until November ? We are open until you come by and we are closed. We are mostly here though for your shuttle needs and anything you may need from the store. We are looking forward to a little rest, we all need it. John and Julie will be sneaking out for a time, and we all will be gone for Thanksgiving.

Why We Like the Fall

The end of the year is approaching. A couple of days off in a row. Sun. Wind. Snow. Ice in the drift boat. Time to fish with your friends. Hucking Streamers. Fish sipping mayflies. Budweiser. Crown Royal (or is it a Cape Cod now?). Fishing with some of our favorite clients. Some are still guiding. Swine Flu for others. Spartus again? Sleeping in a little after a night at Izaak's. Joe's is smoke free? Can people from Boston handle no Red Sox in the series? (no.) Thinking about Pheasants. Elk. Ducks. Girls. LaBramble Open. Halloween. E-Bittman. The Outfitters Ball. Will Scumliner make it to the end? Will SOL die? Heading off to...Laguna Madre? Bahamas? Lower Keys? Blioxi Marsh? Steelhead?....Havre?

October - We Likey!

DO NOT ARREST THIS MAN!

Can you believe it?

Just another bunch of complete BULLSHIT. I'm damn sure the customer service and knowledge base is second to none. Check it out, high quality everything.

Nice...

Vermont Bill...chucking upstream
Mark Raisler photo

Nice Cast Bill. Straight out of Vermont...his party caught more and larger trout than they ever have.

Famous last words..."We'll be back, if you want us or not!"

Wet, overcast...and perfect!

Yes, cancel work...tell your wife, and children you are leaving for...well just a week or two.

It's called tough love...take care of #1 for a change. It is healthy.

Trout Bums are here in force. Non-Local Locals Like Jim Hill are whackin' 'em on BWO dries.

Mike Ruppert & John McKittrick from Helena are into the "Art of Fly-Fishing."

Look for the Big Bug in the near future...meaning the sz 16 Baetis...Bring It!

Fall Mornings...Great Afternoons

Steamy when the water temp is warmer than the air temp. BWO'S Galore. Even you, should come visit.

Headhunters Ink.

That's what I'm talking about. A Headhunters tattoo? Really? And the best part is, it's not on a Headhunters owner, employee, guide, etc. This is on the wrist of a fly fishing industry person, however. Kinda brings a new deifinition to the term "Headhunter". We love it...

Fish First!

Dead Kokanee Salmon on the Missouri | September 2009
photo Mark Raisler

Seen on of these lately? We've all had fish on that fight like a big 'ol Salmon. But if your fish is fighting like this poor fellow, it might be a Whitefish. The infamous White Trout.

Also saw a dead duck floating down the river today...retrieve your downed birds hunters. I know that sometimes you cannot get them, but give it your best shot. It's a waste.

Yesterday saw a fella net a fish, lift it into the boat...I started counting, 1, 2...31, 32, 37...he releases fish by dropping him in the water. DEAD TROUT BOZO!!!

Again, we have all killed fish inadvertently...mishandling, dropping the trout into the boat while taking a photo. Dropping a fish 3 feet is like dropping a human from the 3rd story. Just be careful. We can all improve. SOL has done some stupid shit in his life, lots, but is trying his damnedest to improve all his skill sets. I'll get back to you with the slow results.

But keeping a fishy out of the water for that length of time is not ignorance or naivety, it is just plain stupid. Try jamming your head into the water for 37 seconds. It just don't make sense my friends.

Generally when I mention, in the kindest educational way, to the angler I want to crush like a grape, his inappropriate handling behaviors...I am the asshole when the conversation is complete. This time was different. He said, "You know, you're right. I should and will improve my handling skills." Wow, a breath of humility...a fellow willing to learn. A fellow who recognizes his mistakes and willing to improve. Very Nice Indeed.

The previous encounter with a similar situation, in July, ended in a much different manner. I merely said to an angler while drifting by him on the river, " Hey pardner, fish cannot breath our air." 42 seconds was my count for this occasion...and his reply, " It's not my first time to the Missouri." What? That is your response. As if that makes the dead fish an OK event? My retort, "Well, you're sure acting like it."

The long and short...do your best and protect the resource. Enjoy fishing and share it with the youth of the world. Perpetuate sporting behaviors, tread lightly, and all that other feel good Eco stuff. We will all be happier and enjoy the outdoor experience.

Always remember: It's the Journey, not the Destination.

Capt. Carp's Dead Song of the Day: Black Peter

Guide Performance of the Week: Ben Hardy...Why? Just because. He does Kick-Ass.

Client Performance of the Week: All of 'em. Enduring cold like this is truly admirable.

Rig of the Week: Short Line Nymphing in the afternoons.

Dry Fly of the Week: Any BWO Cripple

Nymph of the Week: Mercury RS2 sz 22

Suggestion of the Month: Book early for the Good Guides

Why this Blog Rules: No stagnant minds or philosophies...and writing for the right reasons, not just to keep up with the Neighbor's.

Two Views...

Mountain Palace | August 2009 | River View
photo Mark Raisler

The beauty of the Missouri never ceases to amaze us. It's one of the many reasons we stay here year after year. We are so privileged and thankful to live and play surrounded by scenes like these. Every direction you look holds breathtaking views.

If you have not visited the Missouri, we invite you too.

If you have, we invite you to reflect and reminisce.

Mountain Palace | October 2009 | Scenic Lookout View
photo Mark Raisler

There are fish here too.

All you need to know...

Yes, it's time.

You got time? I got time.

Blanket hatch of Psuedo's.

A couple, meaning 2, Tricaudatus sightings.

Lt. Dan says, "Bald Kitty Rules!"

Dan, who comes several times a year, also says, "If you are not here, you must have a real job."

He is a pilot for some failing airline, used to work for Uncle Stupid, and claims he can fish. The jury is still out. I will say that Lt. Dan fishes more than you, major destinations every month...sometimes twice...and is not afraid of a pretentious little bitch of a saltwater flat with the wind blowing hard across his right shoulder. He actually catches a few of them.

Above; Lt. Dan enjoying yet another sip of Red Breast @ Headhunters Fly Shop

Having said that, let me remind you of the previous short, unimportant paragraph. " If you are not here, you must have some sort of job that does not allow you to fish 100 days a year. I am blessed and fortunate to have such a position. Not everybody can be me."

Remember, SOL did not say that. It is merely a quote that mirrors Dan's salty, crude, infectious demeanor.

Enough of that yahoo Dan. It is happening here on the Missouri. We are about ready to break on through to the other side.

We would be happy to see you and share stories about big trouts brother.

Capt. Carp's Dead Song of the Day: U. S. Blues

Dry Fly of the Week: Brook's Sprout, Baetis sz 16, Trad. Royal Wulff sz 16, or anything

Nymph of the Week: Mercury RS-2 Baetis

Streamer of the Day: Anything small and black...remind you of anyone mentioned in previous blogs? Product of the Week: Hand Warmers

Drink of the Week: Hot Toddy, not sure if I spelled that correctly.

Theme of the Month: Wait til' noon, then go hammer 'em.

As serious as SOL can be: Please come, you will not regret it. In the space of time, it is such an insignificant amount of time...a speck of sand.

If not this fall, certainly next.

Harvest Dream...

Harvest on the Missouri - Oct 2009 - Pelican Shit Islands
Mark Raisler photo

The Might Mo and you.

Harvesting the fish of a lifetime...

...make it your dream.

Can you visualize it?

Try, try, and try again...my friend.

October Fishing...

Baetis equals rising fish.

If you don't like the cold...don't come.

If you like rising trout...yes, come.

Real fishermen come in October...

Some even in November...nobody here.

If I was even sort of good at writing...I would have written a Haiku.

But I'm not.



There is snow here now. Great fishing from noon til four. It kick's ass.



Do not come if you like to catch fish with dry flies!

Rebirth of a River...

Craig looking Sth 10/3
photo Mark Raisler

Wow.

Takes my breath away and allows SOL to feel all close to the Mother Earth and Mother Missouri all at the same time.

Up early today snapping a few photos to overcome the guilt feelings I carried with me at least all of yesterday for sliding on my duties here at the shop...this is an uncommon emotion for me...today rebirth.

Rockin' CSNY @ the shop this AM and every soul that has passed through the hallowed doors of Headhunters is rejoicing...some of them have even busted out a little rebirth jig.

The river is in fantastic shape for an outstanding fall run. Water temps have dipped into the high 50's with today's temp at 59F. Saw a couple true Baetis yesterday and a pile of Pseudos. Fished dries all day and was able to find enough for a satisfying trip. Still a few weeds out there and some are sniveling. Deal with it or stay home fishing friends. What's a little weed when you have the opportunity of hooking a trophy brown on an Adams.

The inevitable BWO explosion is damn close. Rebirth is imminent.

If I've told you once I've told you a 1000 times...quit your desk job, at least for the month of October. Give yourself an opportunity to enjoy the fishing month of a lifetime. Break out of that cocoon and reconnect with your fishing passion.

Make the right choice...choose Rebirth.

Who are You?

Here is a quiz for those of you who do not know which camp you are in. Devised by many industry professionals. This is not a joke and should be taken very seriously. You may find yourself in the middle somewhere. Answering yes to both sides of the equation. This is normal and should not freak you out.

Old School: You always know where your fishing vest is and wear it frequently while fishing.
New School: Hemo's, fingernail clippers ($0.69 kind), 2 C & F Designs boxes overstuffed.

Old School: In bed @ 9pm, up @ 5am. Fishing @ daybreak.
New School: In bed @ 4:30am, fishing @ the crack on noon.

Old School: 1 Martini, maybe 2 if the fishing was good.
New School: 1 bottle of Martini's, maybe 2 if the fishing was shitty.

Old School: Fly box full of Quill Gordons and Mickey Finns
New School: Fly box full of CDC Cripples and Sculpzilla's

Old School: Still fishing with your Sage RPL. "This rod is as good as any new fangled rod."

New School: Stole your dad's RPL. "Well, it's a 9ft lever. It'll work."

Old School: Donated $500 to Trout Unlimited this year.
New School: Donated 42 hours of volunteer work with Trout Unlimited this year.

Old School: Fishes a WF line. Only DT left is still on Pfleuger Medalist.
New School: Fishes a DT line. Only WF is on hopper rod. Also on Pflueger Medalist.
Note: The Rio Gold is a line that both schools can agree on...shameless kick-ass product plug.

Old School: Buys a new high end reel every year. And an extra spool.
New School: Buys a new high end reel every year. "Another spool? New School just buys another entire reel.

Old School: Retrieves line on the right side of the reel.
New School: Retrieves line on the left side of the reel.

Old School: Your wife cannot believe how much time and money is invested in fly fishing.
New School: Cannot remember last girlfriend's name, but she hated that stupid sport too!

Old School: Can name 10 legends of fly fishing that New School has never heard of.
New School: Can name 10 yet to be legends...incidentally he may be one.

Old School: Respects the history of the sport. Recognizes the importance of casting upstream at rising fish.
New School: Recognizes the history of the sport. Respects casting upstream, but would rather cast down and across at rising fish.

Old School: Knows what the fish are eating & matches the hatch. Sz 22 Psuedo Emerger.
New School: Knows what they are eating & and tosses anything over sized and gaudy. Sz 12 Cinnamon Ant

Old School: Chats about fishing while drinking a well aged Scotch neat.
New School: Chats about potential girlfriends drinking PBR on tap.

Old School: Practices casting on guide trip in between spots.
New School: Takes casting lessons and practices in back yard.

Old School: Fantasizes about giant trout daily.
New School: Fantasizes about giant trout daily.

Old School: Fishes with guides for their experience, fever for trout, and their work ethic.
New School: Fishes with guides because they are in similar income brackets and can swap generational failure stories.

Old School: Pays with Credit Card to accrue Airline Miles.
New School: Pays with Credit Card because he has no cash.

Old School: Has dogs at home for hunting purposes.
New School: Has dogs with him/her because whatever pheromones puppies/dogs emit attract women like no other abject known to man. Dogs really are man's best friend.

Old School: Have a plethora of terrible off color jokes and are not afraid to tell them.
New School: Wish they were as wise as the Old School and really wish they knew as many off color jokes!

After taking the quiz, how do you score? If you are either 50% on either side...that is definitive. Are you in the middle? Are you where you want to be?

If you want to be on the other side, you can certainly book a trip with any counselors/coaches/guides @ Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service. The best in the business, damn straight!

Improvements all the way around...

Craig Boat Ramp under re-construction 10/01
photo Mark Raisler

Craig Boat Ramp under construction until Mid-October. Can we use it until blacktopping day? The powers that be say the decision will be made day by day. So, we will keep you informed.

Apparently they are paving the entire ramp. I guess it will be better. What is next? Flushing toilets, actual garbage cans? Who knows. Bring it all is my feeling.

Random Rainbow Release
Headhunters stock photo

Why go without in the land of plenty. Just like the Mo; boat loads of trout.

Capt. Carp Band of the Day: He loves the Black-Eyed Peas...or not

Nymph of the Month: Any PT derivation

Dry Fly of the Week: Parachute Adams

Emerger of the Month: Any BWO

Weather Dream: Overcast, moisture in the air, calm, 45F air temp, 55F water temp, blanket hatch of Baetis

If you like fall fishing...why not give the Mo a whirl. You might like it!