Headhunters Blog

Squid-Licious

2009-12-05T19:35:00.000-08:00

Our Man in the Puget Sound Squid Jigging Pro

Yes, Squid Fishing...actually, Squid Jigging. And the Squid do eat the Jig!

EBitty and his fishing pursuits grow and vary by the season. He will soon be seen guiding during the peak of the Squid Bite...which I believe coincides with the Holiday Season. What could be better than dropping by the dock after work, or near dark and a high tide...actually after dark when it can be imperative to break away from American Idol and Jig up some Squid!

According to Ikasashi from Washington State..."In the past 20 years, Puget Sound Winter squid season started in mid-late October with a bang, but the last 2-3 years have been a total bust. The reason is unknown. Over-fishing(not likely?), water temperature?, natural cycle?At any rate, this year is not very promising either, as I caught only 6 mini-squid (4 inches) in 3 hours at Elliot Bay last week. Normally, you'd catch at least 10-20 jumbo squid (8-10 inches) if you jigged for 3 hours, but it's still too early to give up your hope. May be it's just late this year....."

The Ikasashi report is straight from the Puget Sound Squid Fishing Forum on squidfish.net. I can honestly say...interesting site. Spent at least an hour there checking out super cool squid shit! After all, it is 17F out the front door and blizzarding like a bastard here in Craig Montana...and a guy can get easily lost on such sites on the InterWeb.

But as far as I know, Bitty is our only liaison to Squid Fishing Greatness. Not only is he the only one I know who has been, he has his own Squid Fishing Dolly. He informed me that he has moved up to version 2.0. The previous, version 1.0, was too loud, not having pneumatic tires, and may have pissed off the regulars down at the pier while approaching the fertile grounds.

The Cart consists of a Honda generator, 2 buckets filled with the necessities...jigs, extension cords for the 2 Halogen Lamps with articulating arms and various attachment devices, snacks, rigging materials, swivel snaps, fluorocarbon...etc.

Squidfish.net is the authority as far as I know. Which is not much. Very little . But am willing to learn. Because, who doesn't love Calamari. Here is a short synopsis of what I understand about Squid Jigging.

There are 2 runs. Basically a winter and a summer run with the largest mature squid being caught in December and July. These are the 8-12" versions. Delicious. The catch rates vary by the day and by the location...just like normal fishing...for any species.

The Puget Sound is witnessing a slow year, according to the forums. Not for lack of trying...Squid Fishers are as hardcore as the rest of us loonies possessed by the fishing disease. When is the last time you cut your time on the water short because of slow conditions. Beats the hell out of reality buddy!

Finding squid is not hard...or so I'm told. They like piers, jetty's, rocky shorelines. They also like clear water, in the 10'-20' range with some light nearby...hence the Halogen lights. Some of the best public piers have power outlets avail. for the lights anglers bring. The pro's provide their own generator in case there is a crowd at the local hot-spot.

Dropping the Jig to the bottom and jigging it up seems to be the preferred method. Although reading the experts suggestions...there are many tricks of the trade and specific techniques for various water conditions, temps, incoming or outgoing tides, and of course...those damn spooky squid.

When you find spooky squid, start searching for less fished areas, with little or no pressure. Sounds familiar to me, you? Another fella suggested varying your jigging speeds. Just like streamer fishing. If one method does not work, simply change it. True in all fishing situations. Lighten up your tackle...your rod, weight, the takes may be very soft and lighter tackle can let you achieve the proper feel.

Squid Fanatics circle the globe. It is popular around the Pacific Rim, as would be expected with popular regions including The West Coast, Asia, and Australia being the most popular Squid Destinations. Book your trip early for next season. The prime times and guides book early!

This is just like any other fishing pursuit. Whether it be with a fly rod or not. That is not the point. The winner is someone who gets out often and continues to learn and enjoy fishing. An attachment with the outdoors and conversations with others really drive ourselves and others in our strange and genuine cult.

So, where is your "Secret Squid Spot?"

pics Mark Raisler

Craig Bridge Pt 2

2009-12-03T13:32:00.000-08:00

The bid came in at $9,999.00 by the Elkhart Bridge Company of Indiana. It was for a steel structure, 3 span, wooden plank, bridge spanning the Missouri River at Craig, Mt. Construction began shortly thereafter in late summer 1902. On the right you can see the proposal that the commission accepted which is Z-A-3.

Completion of the now Historic Bridge was in 1904. It had stood proudly across the river for 100+ years until it's ultimate demise. Age. Nothing lasts forever, not even concrete. The county commissioners insisted on the best concrete available for longevity of the bridge. They made the right call, based on the century mark achieved by the bridge.

The bridge stanchions were the demise of the bridge and it was replaced by the current sterile 2 lane bridge standing below, downstream, of the original structure.

Save the Permit

2009-11-28T21:42:00.000-08:00

Local outfitter and former Florida Keys guide/Permit guru Capt. Michael Guerin has been keeping us up to speed on the issue of Permit management by the State of Florida. Most of our staff and many of our customers spend time on the Keys every year, often chasing these spectacular fish. Although it's not an issue close to most Montana anglers, the picture attached to this morning's email really sent me off, however...

Capt. Guerin says it best:

Friends,

I urge all of you to take a moment a read this brief summary of what is currently happening in the State of Florida in regard to permit. It is a travesty to say the least. It would behoove all of us, whether you have caught a permit or just dream of it, to take a few minutes and write a note of support favoring giving permit "gamefish" status in Florida.

Thank You,

MJG

Michael Guerin
www.fullcircleoutfitters.com

I didn't post the rather lengthy PDF summary, but the state of Florida refuses to classify Permit as gamefish. Spear fishermen are murdering them on the wrecks during the spawn, and they are sold as bycatch by commercial fishermen as well. If you would like to learn more, write a letter or help in any way, you can contact Jon Ain at <falcatusdude@gmail.com>, he leading the charge.

2009-11-28T18:29:00.000-08:00

Words of Wisdom...Be Pro-Active

mark raisler photo

This found on the sidewalk in Anacortes Washington. It is attached next to the road drain and drains directly to the Puget Sound.

A gentle reminder to never dump stuff into the ground that we need to get rid of. It will make it to the water and will kill something.

I know it's hard to always obey, just try to do the right thing. If we do this , good things will happen.

Who knows, maybe the fish gods will reward you with a GIANT BROWN this year. Or maybe not. But you will sleep better at night.

Black Friday...

2009-11-27T20:24:00.000-08:00

Fishing Freaks 4am @ Headhunters Fly Shop

Hey Lady, don't bum rush the fly bins. There are plenty to go around. Calm Down M'am!

"Mom, that man took the last 4 1/2 dozen sz 12 Royal Wulff's." It's OK son, you aren't old enough to fish dry flies yet!" AHH MOM.

Hoping you all made it through the day without incident at your local retailer.

Time for Ourselves

2009-11-27T16:03:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving weekend usually marks the end of the season in Craig. Izaak's is running weekend hours. Flyshops are barely open. People are traveling. Hunting season is nearing the end. For all that work and live in the Canyon, it's a time to relax and spend some time together.

The Thanksgiving food line at Izaak's | John Arnold

This was the fourth year that John and Melanie hosted Thanksgiving dinner for those who are around Craig. It was a delicious meal as usual. There were about 20 in attendance, and it was a mellow affair. Turkey, oyster dressing, a new version of green bean casserole (by Pat Lay), a chipolte sweet potato dish, red wine and some dessert. Thanks again to John and Melanie for inviting us all over.

What else is going on? Well, Ben (and soon John and Mark) are gearing up to redo the inside of the shop again. It's going to be a major project, and we will be closed for all but shuttles beginning Monday. The Trout Shop can of course provide you with any flies or terminal tackle while we're torn up. We will try and be around on weekends to provide shuttles.

Roger and the "Truth Box" | John Arnold

This is the time of year we also begin to see local guide Roger Panciotti dragging his green South Fork through town daily. Roger fishes more during the winter than anyone else. He stopped by the other day to show us the "Truth Box". Roger must be very suspicious. He apparently does not trust the numbers he hears. The Truth Box looks pretty cool. You can actually fill it with water while you measure the fish. Roger, if you weren't a fishing guide, I'd tell you you have too much time on your hands. But you're a fishing guide. And it's winter...

Some have asked if I fished or just filmed on my Redfish trip. Seriously? You don't think I'd fish?...

2009-11-26T14:52:00.000-08:00

Schooner Rejoice LaConner Wa. 11/26/09

Mark Raisler photo

This scene reminds us of how fortunate and privileged we are to reside in this

wonderful land with our phenomenal resources...water, friends, and fishing

Let's give thanks!

Seeing this schooner this morning reminded me of an appropriate quote from Mark Twain...

"Twenty years form now you will be

more disappointed by the things that you

didn't do than the ones you did do.

So throw off the bow lines. Sail away from the

safe harbor. Catch the winds in your sails.

Explore. Dream. Discover."

Old Craig Bridge...Pt. 1

2009-11-25T19:58:00.000-08:00

Here it is...in Helena Montana waiting for it's new resting place. It will be re-installed using all 3 pieces on the Old State Nursery property and open for all to enjoy...at some point in the future. The Craig Bridge was saved by Bridgeworks Conservancy of Helena in 2007 and will be a part of Nursery Park near the Broadwater property on Hwy 12 heading across MacDonald Pass.

Old Craig Bridge Helena Montana

Mark Raisler photo

The Craig Bridge was almost never built at the Craig location according to documents on the mt.gov site. The bridge was need to provide access to farmers and ranchers on the east side of the river to the Montana Central Railroad at Craig on the west side of the Missouri. Access was also needed to the Benton Road between Helena and Great Falls. There was an antiquated hand line ferry across the Mo until this point and did not carry enough freight for the farmers. 7 mile road rancher Frank Wegner (Wegner Creek enters the Mo on the east side across from Craig) was a huge advocate of building the bridge at Craig beginning in the 1890's. He believed that promotion of the area was achieved by this bridge and wanted to gain the markets of Helena.

Railroad politics nearly squashed the bridge in Craig. A battle between Montana Central RR and Northern Pacific, with mineral shipping of copper and silver from neighboring communities ( Basin and Butte to name a couple) was at the forefront until Wegner turned the tables.

Craig Bridge Looking WSW

Historic American Engineering Record Photo
Library of Congress Public Domain

Resistance, based on these RR complications, from Helena businessmen about the bridge in Craig was beaten when Frank Wegner was elected to the Lewis and Clark County Commission in 1900. Lewis and Clark County let a contract to the Elkhart Bridge Co. in 1902 for the Original Craig Bridge.

Craig did not have the first bridge over the Missouri. That honor was bestowed upon the first community in Montana, Fort Benton. Their bridge was built in 1888 by Milwaukee Bridge Works and completed by Benton Bridge Co. The Fort Benton Bridge is still standing, although it is only open for foot traffic. A designation that a few voices fought for with the Craig Bridge. A battle that was lost. Craig had the second bridge, not bad for a small ranching community. Just 90 years before the fisherman arrived in force.

The significance of the Craig Bridge according to the Library of Congress Historic American Engineering Record is: The Missouri River Bridge at Craig was the second vehicular bridge constructed across the Missouri River in Montana. It provided access to the MCRR station at Craig for the farmers and ranchers living on the est side of the river. It also facilitated the integration of this section of Meagher and Cascade counties into Lewis and Clark County by providing access to the road from Craig to Helena, the closest county seat. The bridge is and excellent example of a pin-connected Pratt through truss of the type built in large numbers throughout Montana between 1887 and 1915. All of its structural components are intact and the bridge retains excellent integrity and association with transportation in the upper Missouri Valley.

Many of you who have been coming to Craig for a dog's age. You fondly remember this bridge and continually lament about the new bridge. I agree...the new version is quite sterile and boring. Nothing like the truss construction of the first version...which only lasted 100+ yrs.

I will be telling the story of the Craig Bridge over the Holiday weekend...while the rest of you folks feast on Turkey, tie some flies, and watch a few football games.

The river should have some anglers out and about, as many have a tradition of their own which includes casting a fly or two...even if we don't have a cool bridge anymore.

Sources include...
Library of Congress Survey # HAER MT-112
Historic Bridges of the United States / Craig
mt.gov Bridge Adoption: Preservation of the Craig Bridge
BridgeConservancy.org
Word of Mouth

Hopper Box...

2009-11-21T12:53:00.000-08:00

Hopper Box | 2009

It is blue skies and windy today and it made me think of Hopper weather. Although it is 40F and feels like winter is around the corner we can still reminisce about warmer seasons.

I love hopper fishing...who doesn't? It is a fly we all can see, the big browns love 'em, and when the Missouri River Trout get on them...every fisherman looks and feels like a pro. A feeling we do not always go away with. But when the fish eat the big fly, Rock Star Status for all!

The box above is a work in progress...perpetually changing and morphing into something better. EBitty gave me this box a few years ago and I just had to fill it. It cost me a bundle to acquire enough hoppers to fill it, but empty boxes are for beginners.

Hoppers qualify as flies that we cannot have enough of. If you only have one of any specific hopper, that pattern will absolutely kill them. If you have 23 of the same fly, no luck.

Every time I see a new hopper pattern at "Any Shop USA" I have to buy it. Generally a few of them. Capt. Carp and SOL have decimated hopper bins around the state...drooling and giggling the entire time. It is not uncommon for those two to toss a couple hundred hoppers on the counter at a fly shop.

Various regions have different hopper selections and they all look sooo coool...that they must have them! You never know when you may need an obnoxious hopper, ant, or beetle.

Many anglers would fish a hopper pattern all year long if they could. Some, not many, anglers will not fish a hopper...as they believe it is cheating. DFO fella's like to feed the fish something more complex and much, much, smaller. To each their own...but I love a hopper eat.

Some of our largest Brown Trout are caught on a juicy Hopper every year here on the Mo. Silly Rainbows like the Big Fly too. It must taste like candy for our watery friends. There also seems to be a hopper pattern or two of the year. This year it was the Morrish Hopper...across the state! Folks would come in looking for that specific fly and buy a boat load of them. Meaning at least a dozen. And why not? Don't go on the river without the right fly...at least have one...and we know how well they will eat it if you only possess a singular hopper of any pattern.

Teeth Marks | Morrish's Hopper

The Stalcup's Hopper has been a perennial favorite for a number of seasons now. Possibly the most realistic hopper of the recent past. Joe's, Dave's, Parachute...the list goes on forever and we all have fond memories of individual hopper eats and hopper patterns.

The joy of the hopper is many fold. Big, easy to see flies and a plethora of delicious hopper takes. It's all good friends! I love all facets of hopper fishing...including fly boxes stuffed full of hoppers..

Photo Credits:
Fly Panes | John Arnold
Hopper Box and Morrish | Mark Raisler

Thursdays...

2009-11-20T08:43:00.000-08:00

Craig MT during the week are damn slow. This time of year is quiet. As China of Izaak's stated last night, "I like it when we get Craig back." Meaning, not all the folks around, it is quite nice...for a couple weeks...then it is just plain painfully boring.

B & E Ben tying Skykomish Sunrise @ Izaak's | 11/7/09

Although, it does give seasonal businesses time to mend and heal. Having operations that are open every day takes its toll on those who are involved. There are no weekends off, every day is a weekend. So, that aspect of this time of year is enjoyable. Sleeping in, reading the paper, catching up with those friends you have in town who you may not have talked to in 6 months...you know, the normal life kind of stuff. In Craig, you run hard for 210 days in a row.

Thursday night this year will be Fly Tying Night @ Izaak's. A great opportunity for the Craig local set to gather, tie, eat, drink, and kibitz. Last night was a free for all, with no theme set. Ben tied Steelhead flies, John tied Redfish Flies, Mark & Danielle tied Grizzly Hackle Peacock's, and the Kuhnert's tied Zebra Midges. Heckert made us a delightful plate of Beef Straganoff and Melanie a wonderful Choco Chip soft baked slice of heaven with a dollop of ice cream on top.

All locals are invited to this weekly event, or if you happen to be lost and in Craig on Thursdays and don't have anything better to do, stop in and whip one up! I believe there will be some potluck involved as the cold season progresses.

Ben and John Insulating the Floor | November '09
Headhunters stock photo

Scumliner Productions will be putting up fly tying videos of our favorite Missouri River Flies for those of you who tie at home and wish to prepare for your 2010 trip. I am excited about this, as we all can learn more about tying. Casting and tying alike, there is always more!

As the off season Blog moves along, SOL, and hopefully other Authors too, will be writing more instructional and informational style entries. If you would like to see us address any type of situation or discuss any fly fishing topic, or would like to pen an article for the Blog...please let us know.

We are open at the store this weekend for shuttles and a place to hide out of the wind. Saturday and Sunday promise to be very good with the wind going away and the clouds coming in. Get on out here to catch the last hoorah of Baetis before the Holiday Weekend coming.

MMmmm...Turkey...the most over-rated meal of the year.

Vacation Time

2009-11-18T06:56:00.000-08:00

Scumliner just returned from a great Redfishing trip in the Gulf. Just missed Ida by a day, but had some epic sight fishing for big Redfish. Man is it nice to get out of town for a few days, even if I have to spend it with Lt. Dan...

Montana Style...

2009-11-16T15:47:00.000-08:00

Young Severed Deer Leg | Joe's Parking Lot
photo mark raisler

Things you may see on the ground in Montana never cease to amaze me.

Here is a short Top 5 List:

Horse Head; Entire Head, stripped of any hair, eyes still in place, cut off at neckline
Small Birds; 2 Song Birds, posed next to the Horse Head
6 Pack Rainer Pounders; Side of road, afraid to pickup based on region of MT
Dead Deer; any road in Montana, scattered like confetti at a Bday party
Readers Choice; If you've been here, you have an item for this list

Monday, and looking forward to Monday Night Football. I don't even like football, but Craig in the off-season, you learn to like football...or re-runs of I Love Lucy

Capt Carp: Thrashing a 2 Hander on the Clearwater

Scumliner: Back from the marshes of LA, bunches of Red's to hand w/ Lt Dan

SOL: Camel Free 4 weeks today, generally unhappy..but not cranky/pissed

B & E Ben: Planning the interior Re-Mod, insulation under the floors tomorrow

J the B: Reworking the IPod for winter, adding more Hip-Hop to keep Scumliner and SOL active

THE BOSS: In Napa CA with Skidmore for the winter. Sunshine is cool!!

FNG: Back in Boise for the winter. I wonder what's in Boise?

Adair: Living like a 5 yr old...Bliss every moment

The Might Mo: Attracting waterfowl, and wind, and a few anglers

You, the Reader: Planning your next Missouri River Adventure...that's right

Strides...

2009-11-14T11:40:00.000-08:00

The Original Exterior Look | November 2007
Mark Raisler photo

...there have been many since our inception...

"Will you just look at that little, red and runty, building?!*#" That describes our initial thoughts about the Headhunters shack. We are still here after 2 years...looking at that little scrappy structure gives us the strength to move forward...ahead...improve...all that positive shit.

Headhunters has made great strides in our short existence in Craig Montana. The exterior has changed, the interior has changed...and both of these things will continue to change.

Interior Work | February 2008
John Arnold photo

What will remain the same is our unparalleled staff, products, and services.

Headhunters Fly Shop Staff will remain the same with maybe add'l cast members forthcoming. Andrew and Sara both plan to be back in the spring of 2010. They will continue to provide outstanding customer service and possess excellent product knowledge. Julie will of course be the anchor of Headhunters with John and Mark continuing to balance time between guiding and shop responsibilities. Ben will be back for his 3rd year with Headhunters guiding and working a limited amount in the store. I anticipate adding another key employee or two for 2010. We are focused daily on how to improve our already great customer service.

There are several Product changes and improvements for this upcoming year. We are changing about a 100 bins of flies. We have 816 fly choices in our Missouri River Specific Selection...that means that Headhunters will have approx. 100 new choices in 2010. Always improving and updating our fly selection is one concept John and Mark are committed to.

Stagnant fly selections
are like stagnant
Web Sites, Fishing Reports, & Blogs...
I hate stale shit!

Shuffling Flies | March 2009
Mark Raisler photo

All the new Super Techy Nymphs, Thingamabobber Attractors, a pile more Hi-Vis Dries, and even more Streamers will be available for your fishing pleasure when you visit this next summer.

We vow to never become the store that is relying solely on retail...we just have the actual stuff you need on the river. Our vision to keep a narrow focus and stay true to the most important facets of Headhunters while managing expectations of both ourselves as well as our clients is how we dictate what will come next. That's a big sentence; Damn True. What this all means to our valued guests is...Quality of Experience and Focus on Service.

We are so proud of our Services and are looking for ways to improve for 2010. All of the Guides that we have worked with will be around for 2010. Your outfitters here at Headhunters, Falls Outfitters MBO #5807 & Get the Drift Outfitters MBO #9031, only hire career guides who perform on a daily basis. They fish hard and we expect them to guide hard as well. Keep in mind that these fella's book a lot of their high season trips by February, and many a year in advance. If you wish to fish with specific guide..as the saying goes..."Book early for the good guides!"

We will have at least 3 Rental Boats this next year and they too are beginning to book earlier every year.

Rainbow & Brown Cabins | Summer
headhunters stock photo

Lodging at the Craig Trout Camp has become Extremely Popular. The Occupancy Rate for rainbow, Brown, and Sutton Place was better than 83% in 2009. If you wish to stay in Craig, next to Headhunters and Izaak's...a stones throw from the Missouri River...make your reservations sooner than later. The high seasons are nearly gone. This is NO BS! Contact us at the shop to hammer out your Craig MT Reservations.

Izaak's will open full time again and better than ever. We are fortunate to have a successful team at Izaak's and we would starve if they were not here. As for visitors...they are truly appreciative as well. Thanks Izaak's for providing high quality cuisine, beer, entertainment, cocktails, and wine selection.

Strides...we never look behind us, we only look forward...this allows us to make countless more strides and to enjoy and embrace the challenges ahead.

Remember: Information, Education, and Customer Service... our achievable goals.

Headhunters Summer Games

2009-11-13T14:32:00.000-08:00

Wiffle Ball | Summer Game of Headhunters

Summer Reflections...Fall Realities

2009-11-13T12:46:00.000-08:00

The Chase Rover @ Headhunters Fly Shop | Summer 2009
headhunters stock file photo

Today is cold and bright. It is nice lookin' with the snow on the hillsides still. The Mighty Missouri is still fishing well, evidenced by the number of folks around.

A few shuttles today at the shop and they are mostly on the upper half of the river. Streamer fisherman are coming out of the woodwork looking for the Big Brown. The dry fly guys are having great afternoons ...the last two days were "Off the charts good!"

So, if you're into that kind of fishing, come visit when the clouds are obscuring the sun and Get your Ya-Ya's Off.

Fishing and Friends...

2009-11-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

John of Izaak's | Perfect Fall Day
photo mark raisler

Fishing is fun; even more when fishing with friends. As soon as you drift away from the boat ramp, all the worldly worries slip away. Then...

While upset at work, let your mind seek the enjoyable times of your last summer and reflect on the positive enlightening experiences of fishing with friends.

If that does not do it, sneak that bottle of Maker's Mark from the desk drawer and take a couple hits.

Happy Birthday to Captain Carp, he is 32 today. Guiding will age him rapidly. He is one of the young ones, still not afraid to work hard. He is booking well in advance for this upcoming season, so get on it if you want one of the best guides on the Missouri.

Capt. Carp with his 1st Permit. Spring 2009 with Captain Scott Yetter of Sight Fish Charters, Ramrod Key, FL.

November is...

2009-11-10T10:46:00.000-08:00

...not bad at all my Blogger friends.

Here is Paul Feinberg with one of his Dry Fly Fish on a high and bright Montana Missouri River afternoon.

The dry fly game is still on. The high sun never helps, but there still are fish rising to the BWO.

The streamer bite was not all that hot yesterday, meaning pretty shitty, meaning no chases, touches, looks, sniffs, etc...

Nymphing not too bad, not on fire...wait for the sippers and be happy.

Capt. Carp Dead Song of the Day: Any bootleg on DAT.

Guide of the Week: Any guide who can get a paycheck this time of year.

Best Dip for Wheat Thins: Salmon Cream Cheese

Fly of the Week: Nymen's Cripple sz 18

Capt. Carp: Bought a new D90...looking forward to his cool shots in the future.

Scumliner: Getting on a Jet Airplane and Redfishing for the week with Lt. Dan.

FNG & THE BOSS: Off to greener pastures for the winter...both will be back in 2010

B & E Ben: Wrecking the Steelie's with his two-hander

SOL: Depressed and not smoking for 22 days, he loves to chain smoke Camel's

Brown Trout Release | Summer 2009
Headhunters Stock Photo

Montana

2009-11-08T15:56:00.000-08:00

Hay Bales | Havre Highway | November
mark raisler | photo

Count your blessings...the scene above is bleak. Grapes of Wrath style. I'm thankful everyday for the Missouri River...the river of life.

Quiet this next week. Weather looks good starting Veteran's Day. Come fishing...it'll do you good.

I Love Mtn. Palace...

2009-11-06T13:17:00.000-08:00

Mountain Palace looking North | Nov. 6 2009
mark raisler | photo

This must be one of my favorite scenes. I shoot it all the time. It is the first place that I camped on the Missouri River. Big Sky Country still grabs at my soul everyday. Some, more than others...today again, Mtn. P. This is a different spot for the photo today. Required a little climbing...nearly got me ass blown off the top with the nuclear wind today. Thanks for the VR capabilities of this Nikon lens.

Headhunters open this weekend for all your river needs. Stop in for a long, out of the wind, chat. Still a few items on sale. Pretty thin though. Still have the best Missouri River Fly selection on the planet...also real good advice my friend.

"However bad the sport, it keeps you
young, or makes you young again, and
you need not follow Ponce de Leon to the
Western wilderness, when, in any river you,
knew of yore, you can find the fountain
of youth."

Andrew Lang

The staff are still catching a few Steelhead, it has been getting tough according B & E Ben with last night's report. Those who get after it usually catch the fish...as in any fish pursuant. It is fishing though...and we all know luck does have something to do with it...on any given day.

Interesting Stuff...

2009-11-04T00:17:00.000-08:00

Most of you probably just look at the weather sticker on our fishing report instead of going to The Weather Underground and see what has and is going to happen. Here's some interesting stuff I bumped into tonight while looking at the weather for the next few days (which should be nice). Under the "has happened" category:

Statement as of 11:14 am EST on November 3, 2009

...New Snowfall Records For October In Central And North Central
Montana...

Many areas of the little belts... Highwoods and snowys received four
to five feet of snow in October. Onion Park snotel recorded around
58 inches. The Montana state record for snowfall in October is 61
inches.

... New precipitation records for October...

Location new record old record year set records began

Millegan 14se 3.56 in 2.44 2006 1984
Neihart area 4.90 4.24 2006 1965

Cascade 20sse recorded 2.46 inches of precipitation. This was the
second highest total of record. The highest is 4.16 inches set in
1975.

... New wind gust record for October...

A location 17 miles west-northwest of Pendroy... along the northern
Rocky Mountain front... recorded a wind gust of 109 mph on October
31. Nearby Choteau recorded a gust to 101 mph. The 109 mph gust
exceeded the previous area peak gust of 106 mph for
October... recorded near Babb on October 17 2003. This is also
greater than the October peak gust at Logan Pass of 106 mph set on
October 14 2008.

WOW!

Time off...

2009-11-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

Steelhead is the word for Headhunters Staff members this week. This photo of Andrew, THE BOSS, is from last year in the Meat Hole on the Grande Ronde. I don't know why we did not take any pictures of actual fish...it's a mystery. The FNG, B & E, Skidmore, and THE BOSS are Spey Thrashing on the Ronde and Snake for the week or more. Pic's and Hero stories forthcoming. B & E has landed a few fish already, hope the rest of the crew does as well.

Julie, John, and Mark are ordering all the new stuff that you all must have for 2010. It is not quite as exciting as swinging a fly for Ocean dwelling rainbows, or is it?

Monday...reflections, and RANTS!

2009-11-02T14:33:00.000-08:00

The Cropdusters @ Izaak's Outfitters Ball
photo Mark Raisler

As Scumliner has said in the fishing report, this is the Secret Season.

Craig is a GHOST TOWN. The fish do not mind if there are not many folks around...they just rise all day long without interruption.

So, if you like that kind of action...

More pictures of the Outfitters Ball and the yahoo's that attended.

As for Rants...I will get a few things off my chest before they drive me into evil mental gymnastics all winter long.

Things that SOL Hates...

Casting behind the oar. Upstream while drift boat fishing. Why on earth would you limit your fish catching ability, not once, but all F****** day long, for days on end? Why would you do that to yourself. It is absolute insanity!! You are handcuffing the fella in the back seat partner. He never gets a drift, EVER. Because you are F***ing your buddy out of a drift, every time!!! And then you blame him for crossing your line. Are you this ignorant at work? I doubt it, because you would have been fired day one pal.

That felt great, I'm gonna try another one. This is helpful for me, good shit.

Hooking the Anchor Line, over, and over, and over, and over, and over...into perpetual madness! Scumliner hates this behavior. Get it out yourself. SOL will get one out for free, no more for Scumliner. Just do not do it, there will always be the anchor there.

Casting when you are tangled up...Why does the angler not know that he is tangled? Is he fishing? Is he in the game at all? Craziness. Curt Michels hates this, A LOT.

Stop Helping Me!! The nice, gracious client that insists on helping you at the boat ramp, get the boat ready. As if you don't do this everyday. I know is is politeness eeking out, but stand back sir and enjoy your vacation. I have had clients help me out of lots of stuff that I need at the completion of the day...like my anchor, anchor strap, boat strap, large fly boxes full of flies( meaning several hundred, yes it gets expensive) windstopper jackets, fleece gloves, reels, fly rods, etc, etc, etc. Just stop please. I got it!!

Your Bobber is the only bright orange item on the water! When your bobber is not moving, your flies are on the shore. When your bobber disappears, you have a fish on. When your bobber is attached to your fly rod, do not shake the SOB sir! When has that ever helped, shaking it. You would not shake a baby, would you? Think about it...hinge points with lead, flies etc. Don't do it again please. Every time your bobber moves, it is not always the bottom, please, come on! And it certainly not come off by itself. Why do people go into static mode when it is stuck on the bottom! Do something, be proactive!

Your Guide is on your team...he is your team captain. Yes, it is true. Guides want to catch fish even more than you want to. They are telling you the truth, trying to educate you, trying everything in their bag of tricks to help you into as many fish as is humanly possible. And you do not believe them. Why not? Guides are truly interested in positive outcomes, every day, all day long.

That is enough for now...maybe more later. In no way is this meant to insult or belittle any soul who has graced me with their presence. It is for me only. I will sleep better having said these simple things. Smart people will read a few of these and learn. Fishing is a life long learning sport...always room for improvement. The only loser who cannot come back in my boat is the fella who knows everything. I have not met a soul who cannot learn more about fishing. That fellow is one lonely, sad, SOB.

Photos...E Bitty as the Mexican Mayfly | aka San Juan Worm
Beezar as the Obnoxious Drunk Euro Rock Star | aka Brian drunk
All photos property of Headhunters Fly Shop

Halloween Hangover

2009-11-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

Fun was had by all who attended last night's Outfitters Ball. Thanks to the Cropdusters from Bozeman for playing and entertaining the crowd.

Thanks to Izaak's for putting on a good spread with the Taco Bar, great brownies, and for hosting the party.

Chef Pat Comb's won the Pumpkin Carving Contest and Bob Lay won the Costume Contest Dressed as Mark Raisler. Wow, that's goofy, if I do say so myself. I will post that pic tomorrow...Bob also demonstrated that he could still un-do a bra with one hand in less than 2 seconds. He really is one talented fellow.

Thanks to all who dressed up for this great holiday. I will be posting them as the week progresses.

Father Dick Davis @ Outfitter's Ball | Izaak's Oct 31, 2009 | photo Mark Raisler

As for Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service...we are here to take care of any of your Missouri River needs. We have gone to Winter Hours 9-5. We will be here most every day until Thanksgiving. Then we will go to Fri -Sun weather permitting. We have lots to do during the off season and are already looking forward to 2010.

We will be in the shop fielding your phone calls, booking both lodging and guiding for the upcoming year. The Blog will be a good vehicle for you to keep up to date with Headhunters Happenings...with fewer fishing reports, or at least not as often. It is winter you know.

Elvis and SOL | Outfitters Ball 2009
photo Capt. Carp

Look for articles that lean more toward education and skills improvement, Scumliner's video seminars, and new product updates as they come. Feel free to email or call if you would like to see anything in particular on the Blog. We will accommodate

Much thanks to our customers for the tremendous support you have graced us with in 2009. Thank You!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T12:29:00.001-07:00

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'

2009-10-26T19:05:00.000-07:00

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

Quiet in Craig

2009-10-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-10-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-24T09:39:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-10-20T18:14:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-10-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-10-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

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

Headhunters Ink.

2009-10-13T15:10:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-10-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-10-08T14:13:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-10-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-10-06T21:21:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-10-05T16:41:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-10-03T07:22:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-10-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-10-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

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!

Another Day in Paradise...

2009-09-26T07:34:00.000-07:00

Doc McGrath with Dam Bow
photo Mark Raisler

Jackson Rock Panorama @ Dusk
photo Mark Raisler

All is well on the river. Waiting for the Baetis so we can toss some dries.

"Let the purist rejoice in the fly
that he dries,
And look down on my practice
with hauteur,
But for me the surprise
Of the flash of the rise,
The rosy-brown wink under water."

G.E.M. Skues

Love Doubles...

2009-09-24T19:36:00.000-07:00

Here are the McGrath Boys with a Brown-Rainbow double at the Wolf Creek Bridge. Nice lunch break in the shade after a another double.

Late summer here in Craig. 90F today. Wow. When will it come...the fall weather. Bring it on. Late Baetis? Fishing into November...yes indeed.

Most afternoons there are fish eatin Psuedo's on top. Tough, and I do not fish to them. Some fella's do. I hope they are hooking a few.

Fall...calm, overcast, 45F, and the Tricaudatus...my dream.

Nymph of the Week: Any Zebra @ the Dam

Dry Fly of the Week: You tell me Bra/Bro

Capt Carp Dead Song of the Week: He hates Wide Spread Panic too.

Vehicle of the Week: All our rigs are shot. SOL Suburban front end wient shitty. Scumliner hit a Deer. Shuttle rig shit the bed. Please send money for repairs. Thanks.

Nature-O-Pathy

2009-09-22T19:38:00.000-07:00

Guest before therapy @ Headhunters Guide Service
photo Mark Raisler

Naturopathy
Variant: also na·ture·op·a·thy /"nA-ch&-'räp-&-thE/
Function:noun
Inflected Form: plural -thies
: a system of treatment of disease that avoids drugs and surgery and emphasizes the use of natural agents (as air, water, andsunshine) and physical means (as manipulation and electrical treatment) —na·tu·ro·path·ic also na·ture·o·path·ic /"nA-ch&-r&-'path-ik, n&-"t(y)ur-&-/ adjective

Naturopathy
Secondary def: Angling on the Missouri River

You get the picture 'eh.

Do you feel like this fella above? Do you need a trip to the Mo this fall? Have you been overpaying your shrink for um-teen years? Do you deserve and/or fantasize about fighting jumping bastard Brown trout until your arm hurts? Does this sound like you?

Craig Bridge, new school, looking Nth - 9/22 first full day of fall
photo Mark Raisler

Try the real life ANTIDOTE. Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service can guide you down a path of healing; long quiet fish filled days along with raucous and riotous evenings @ Joe's Bar/Izaak's hitting on the hoards of single, hot, fish bum chicks.

Well then...What are you waiting for?!#*

Get off that couch, tell your boss to shove it, or steal your mom's mini-van. Save yourself from another un-event filled day!!

Give us a call on our
Toll Free Number TODAY!!

877/DRY-FLYS and speak with an operator standing by.

photo Mark Raisler
Outstanding Brown caught and landed by guest pictured above. He is temporarily cured. He will need many more follow up sessions with the fabulous and unmatched guide staff @ Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service located in the Central Business District of Craig Montana.

This just in...Headhunters Fly Shop voted Craig's Central Business District
"FLY SHOP of the YEAR"

Well....really

2009-09-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

Scumliner edited this photo.

Squeeky Oar Lock shot another errant photo.

This photo is the result...standard

Direct correlation to the success of Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service.

Madness, Mayhem, a boat load of bullshit.

Thanks to all Headhunters customers this fabulous year of 2009...Thanks.

Twice as Nice

2009-09-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

Second Blog of the day...

Was on the property moving sprinklers around ...and snapped a couple shots.

Some sort of purple flower with a bee on it. Had to take the shot.

This is the softer side of SOL.

I think I am getting a little too soft.

Like the soggy rods I fish.

Maybe it's time for a new birth.

The beauty of fishing is that it can be all things to all anglers. Fishing is exactly what you make it. It can be relaxing and relatively inexpensive pastime, hearkening back to the simple pleasures of days of old. Or it can be a massive obsession that demands frequent injections of new tackle, high-tech gadgets, books, and any other related paraphernalia.

from Wit & Wisdom of Fishing

Old Glass Fenwick of John McKittrick's...fished it all day...Nice!
photo Mark Raisler

Sprinklers...I like water of all types
photo Mark Raisler

Oxbow Bottom looking NE
photo Mark Raisler

Top Ten...

2009-09-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

...reasons to visit the Missouri this Fall.

The Missouri River. Fly Fishing's #1 Amusement Park
Good for your soul
Cheaper than Knott's Berry Farm
America's Longest Drainage
Best Trout Town in the Tri-County Area
Friendly
2 Bars, 3 Fly Shops, 44 people, 1 Billion Trout
Big Browns on Streamers
Baetis hatch that will make your jaw drop
Headhunters Guides need to eat in February

Outstanding Client Performance of the Week: All of them...they all listened...I like that

Outstanding Guide of the Week: Joel Silverman...just ask him

Next Big Hatch: Baetis

Dry Fly of the Week: Hmmm

Nymph of the Week: Bead Head Roaring Fork sz 14-18 Green

Item of the Week: Ben Bolden T-Shirts...they Kick-Ass

Guide waltzes into the shop this morning with a 4 day old fly line from a company that sell $100 fly lines and tries to give it away...ended up in the rubbish bin.

2009-09-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

My singular obsession is keeping the nurtured grass green for the remainder of the season.

I still love guiding, working in the shop, drinking Budweiser...

...but my illness is growing.

I have crossed the threshold of sane and rational thinking.

Group Therapy is right around the corner.

Note: The nymphing is heating up. Dry Fly?...some...waiting for late Sept., early Oct.

Thanks!

2009-09-18T13:12:00.000-07:00

Missouri River regular John Chase just picked up the Packers/Vikings Monday Night Football ticket! $400 to see Brett beat up on the Packers is a no brainer...thanks John! Thanks to Russ Dobrzinski for the excellent donation!

Michelle Wells Benefit Update!

2009-09-18T10:01:00.000-07:00

More great items and more sold items. We really appreciate everyone who has donated and purchased items on Michelles behalf. Now let's finish this off. Get your wallets out!

Michelle Wells Benefit
We're at $3975
Potential $6275

NEW Bugalow Lodging for 2 plus Breakfast $150 One (1) Night Lodging at the Historic Bungalow (Thanks Pat & Ian)...designed by the architect that designed Yellowstone Lodge...cool place and terrific hospitality with Pat's famous Stuffed French Toast...heavenly!
Florida Keys Flats Fishing $550
1 day of guided fishing with Capt. Scott Yetter of Sightfish Charters (Thanks Scott). Scott is an old friend of Michelle's and generously donated this trip. Bones, Permit, Tarpon. (See Scott's website). Trip is good from now through Feburary 2010.
Capt. Carp Trip angling for BIG CARP 2010 $600
w/ C & F Designs Box stuffed w/ Carp Flies (Thanks Evolution Fly Fishing & MK MBO # 11222)
Full Day Guided Hopper Fishing Trip $500
on the Yellowstone w/ John "Modobi" Dobson in 2010. (Thanks JD w/ GTD Outfitters MBO # 9031) Great guide, great river, great cause.
ECHO 2 9' 5wt Fly Rod $500
w/ 2 tips. A fast & a medium fast...an accuracy and a distance.
Monday Night Football - Packers v. Vikings $400
1 ticket to Packers/Vikings game on Monday Night Football, and you get to sit next to Missouri River guide Russ Dobrysinski. See Favre play against the Pack at Minnesota. Oct. 5th... Thanks for this AWESOME donation Russ! SOLD John Chase - Seattle, WA
Dinner for 2 at Izaak's $250
Anything you want from Izaak's delicious menu and all you can drink. (Thanks Izaak's) SOLD Cliff Nagatani - California
Blackfoot River Trip $500
1 day guided trip with Blackfoot River guide Curt Michels...donated through Paul Roos Outfitters. Fish where Norman MacLean did! Anytime form now through 2010. SOLD Jon & Marc - Key West, FL.
LODGING ADDED! Skwala Fishing on the Bitterroot with 2 nights lodging at the Paint Horse Trail Cabin, Darby MT 2010 $750
(Thanks Chris D & 406 Outfitters MBO #6831, thanks to Bill Osborne for donating his cabin on the Bitteroot) Mid-March thru Mid-April 2010. Big Stonefly Dries for Browns SOLD John Heckert - Craig, MT
Two (2) Headhunters Hats $75
His & Hers. Look good at the Family Reunion. SOLD Lou and Arlee - Cut Bank, MT
Three (3) BUFF UV Headwear $100
Fashion & Function all in a neck garment. SOLD Dan Kauffman - San Diego, CA
A YETI 45 qt Cooler $500
in color of your choice...White, Tan, Mossy Oak, or Robin's Egg Blue. SOLD Mike & Kelsey Ward - Brewster, WA
HEADHUNTERS Full Day Guide Trip $500
all inclusive on the Missouri. SOLD Dennis Hegewald- Spokane, WA
Two (2) nights lodging @ Brown or Rainbow Cabin $300
(Thanks Carroll & Margaret Jenkins/Craig Trout Camp) Downtown Craig, close to everything Trout. SOLD Jim Arkin- Bay Area, CA
C & F Designs Permit Fly Box $250
stuffed w/ 24 Kick-Ass Missouri River Streamer Flies. SOLD Erich Bittmann-Tacoma, WA
SIMMS RivershedVibram Wading Boot $250
(Thanks Jon Yousko/Simms) SOLD Joann - Cascade MT
SIMMS Homegrown 406 Hoody $100
(Thanks Jon Yousko/Simms)...not for retail or public consumption...secret guide stuff!) SOLD Sarah Firth - Craig, MT

Fishing is Fun...

2009-09-17T07:19:00.000-07:00

Just seeing great fish is great...Browns and Rainbows. Two more fine specimens...Jim Arkin jerked both of these fish from their watery domains on big, bushy dries in the Canyon. Nice...

Tomorrow SOL fishes with Rock Star Mike Ruppert...Nice...

Barter lines

2009-09-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

Bartering is a beautiful thing. Here's a sampling of would be trades from Craig's list today.

Web designer in western MT will trade design work for firearms (another guy in high tech looking for a way out)

I have a few nice goats to trade
trade for hay insulation, sand, canning jars or fruit trees. One small pygmy dwarf exposed to a nigerian dwarf buck blue eyed, one nubian doeling one young milking goat (I don't claim to be an expert in goats, but this sounds like one hell of a deal.)

I am in need of a spiral perm (aren't we all??)

Trade My PT Cruiser for a truck- ( I bet you would. Hindsight really is 20/20)

Trade labor for adult toys (uummmm-wow)

Trade Beretta for Kids (Non-traditional adoption technique)

Playhouse slide will trade

Came off cedar playhouse. The chickens would not think so fun to play on the slide.
(People, smart people, should track this person down and study them.)

I have a bow wflex extreme 2 in excellent shape barely used i paid 2000 for that i want to trade for a plasma or lcd tv-
(wasnt it the bowflew commercials on your undersized tv that got you into this predicament? maybe its time to read a book)

Words of wisdom from the interweb today- dont take wooden nickels. I'm going fishing.

Michelle Wells Benefit Update...

2009-09-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

OK Folks, we wont' keep doing this forever. Time to help Michelle out by buying one of these great items. Our favorites? Dinner for 2 at Izaak's with all you can drink for $250! Hell, Mark spends that 3 nights a week! What about a hopper trip with John Dobson on the Yellowstone? The comedy alone is worth $500. Step up! Thanks to everyone who donated at our Labor Day BBQ. Another $250 was raised...

Is all it takes is a call to Headhunters!

Michelle Wells Benefit
We're at $3325
Potential $6375

Bugalow Lodging for 2 plus Breakfast $150 One (1) Night Lodging at the Historic Bungalow (Thanks Pat & Ian)...designed by the architect that designed Yellowstone Lodge...cool place and terrific hospitality with Pat's famous Stuffed French Toast...heavenly!
Florida Keys Flats Fishing $550
1 day of guided fishing with Capt. Scott Yetter of Sightfish Charters (Thanks Scott). Scott is an old friend of Michelle's and generously donated this trip. Bones, Permit, Tarpon. (See Scott's website). Trip is good from now through Feburary 2010.
Capt. Carp Trip angling for BIG CARP 2010 $600
w/ C & F Designs Box stuffed w/ Carp Flies (Thanks Evolution Fly Fishing & MK MBO # 11222)
Dinner for 2 at Izaak's $250
Anything you want from Izaak's delicious menu and all you can drink. (Thanks Izaak's) Sold Cliff Nagatani - California
Full Day Guided Hopper Fishing Trip $500
on the Yellowstone w/ John "Modobi" Dobson in 2010. (Thanks JD w/ GTD Outfitters MBO # 9031) Great guide, great river, great cause.
ECHO 2 9' 5wt Fly Rod $500
w/ 2 tips. A fast & a medium fast...an accuracy and a distance.
Blackfoot River Trip $500
1 day guided trip with Blackfoot River guide Curt Michels...donated through Paul Roos Outfitters. Fish where Norman MacLean did! Anytime form now through 2010. SOLD Jon & Marc - Key West, FL.
LODGING ADDED! Skwala Fishing on the Bitterroot with 2 nights lodging at the Paint Horse Trail Cabin, Darby MT 2010 $750
(Thanks Chris D & 406 Outfitters MBO #6831, thanks to Bill Osborne for donating his cabin on the Bitteroot) Mid-March thru Mid-April 2010. Big Stonefly Dries for Browns SOLD John Heckert - Craig, MT
Two (2) Headhunters Hats $75
His & Hers. Look good at the Family Reunion. SOLD Lou and Arlee - Cut Bank, MT
Three (3) BUFF UV Headwear $100
Fashion & Function all in a neck garment. SOLD Dan Kauffman - San Diego, CA
A YETI 45 qt Cooler $500
in color of your choice...White, Tan, Mossy Oak, or Robin's Egg Blue. SOLD Mike & Kelsey Ward - Brewster, WA
HEADHUNTERS Full Day Guide Trip $500
all inclusive on the Missouri. SOLD Dennis Hegewald- Spokane, WA
Two (2) nights lodging @ Brown or Rainbow Cabin $300
(Thanks Carroll & Margaret Jenkins/Craig Trout Camp) Downtown Craig, close to everything Trout. SOLD Jim Arkin- Bay Area, CA
C & F Designs Permit Fly Box $250
stuffed w/ 24 Kick-Ass Missouri River Streamer Flies. SOLD Erich Bittmann-Tacoma, WA
SIMMSRivershedVibram Wading Boot $250
(Thanks Jon Yousko/Simms) SOLD Joann - Cascade MT
SIMMS Homegrown 406 Hoody $100
(Thanks Jon Yousko/Simms)...not for retail or public consumption...secret guide stuff!) SOLD Sarah Firth - Craig, MT

Remember...

2009-09-11T22:55:00.000-07:00

God Bless America...keep it in your heart, and remember...

New Stuff For Flyfishing?

2009-09-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

New stuff...not too much. Is it fun to be around a pile of folks that drive the business? Yes.

Good attendance is what Scumliner and I saw today at a show that was reported to be soft. Yes, there are less vendors here in Denver, but is that such a bad thing? No.

It is similar to the seasons that most rivers, shops, and manufacturers endure as time progresses. Had there become too much stuff? Too many gadgets, widgets, nick-knacks, guides, outfitters, shops, etc, etc, etc? Maybe. Is it time for a thinning of the herd? Are there folks jumping out of windows because of the damn economy...not here...we are fishing folks...the fish don't care about any of that shit. A culling and restructuring of the industry? Who knows, I'm just postulating.

There is a positive vibe at the Fly Fishing Retailer show...as there always must be. It is fishing for crying out loud. We are all happy and vying for the future. Just like casting at a big brown. Next cast is the one, next cast...I will get him.

As in life and as in fishing...keep casting and good things will happen.

We really cannot say too much about new products until after the show...and we will of course let you know. Are there new things happening at Headhunters? Only time will tell...

Things to do in Denver when you're Drunk!

2009-09-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

Mark and John have arrived in Denver for the 2009 Fly Fishing Retailer Show. We're here to see all the new product for 2010. Just spent the eveing on the 16th Street walking mall with the boys from Montana Fly Co. Joel, sorry we can't hang with you and the boys. We've turned into sallies...(again). This year we're here to do busuiness...going to bed early (11:00pm). So far, we've determined the following; Switch rods are out. Everybody knocks off everybody elses flies. Joel has an interesting religous background. Mojito's shouldn't be offered in flavors. The Rockies rule. Cabs are way better than the Super Shuttle. Julie booked us the wrong hotel...we're 3 blocks away intsead of right across the street (whaaa!). RIO lines and tippet rock. That's it for now. We'll keep in touch over the next few days. Hope the fire on Holter is under control.

I'll now wake up SOL and turn it over to him...
-Scumliner

16th Street Walking (stumbling?) Mall in Denver.

We're here in Denver for the business side of things. The business side of things, and we are mostly handling that side of the equation...and we'll promote and see that side as the primary focus of this annual journey.

But that is not the end all, be all for us at Headhunters. We enjoy the secondary mission as well. The soulful side. So many are looking at the bottom line, and to operate you must keep that in mind...

Scumliner and I are looking beyond the primary and continually focusing on a Machiavellian theory. The End justifies the means...many choose the other route...and that is OK...not for us. We strive to succeed and will not stop until we do. Not only for us, but for our guests.

Last year we participated and nobody, almost, nobody knew who we were...not this year. There is stir...Hmmm...recognition is welcomed.

It's damn nice when reps come to you and want to chat...pick up the tab for the cocktails too...

Now, room service and ESPN...

Things to do in Denver when you're drunk...

Monday Missouri River Madness...

2009-09-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

Craig Boat Ramp...Dreamy Morning photo Mark Raisler

It has slowed a little here on the Missouri...a little rest before the fall madness ensues. The fishing is decent, not great. It will get better. Let's move away from that topic, visit the fishing report for that info, and on to the task at hand.

Brown Release Shot...last week photo Mark Raisler

Prep for your upcoming fishing trip by looking at these pics and reciting the mantra; "I will catch big fish, I will hook a Brown of a lifetime, I will execute perfect slack-line reach casts, I will behave at Joe's Bar, I will inhale the Big Mo Prime Rib @ Izaak's...add your own personal phrases here...."

Pelican Islands looking south...impending storm photo Mark Raisler

Capt. Carp Dead Song of the Day: Promised Land

Dry Fly of the Week: Nymen's Callibaetis Cripple

Wet Fly of the Week: October Caddis Soft Hackle

Nymph of the Week: Quasimodo Pheasant Tail

Terrestrial of the Week: Yeager's Neversink Trude Peacock

Streamer of the Week: Pearl Zonker

E Bitty: Only 50,000hrs til you are back in Utopia

Anglers rarely look up from their lures, lest
they miss a strike. Instead, the miss
nature's lush colors, the scampering of wildlife,
the sights and sounds of the outdoors. Look up.

Don't bless the fish until it gets to the land.

Irish Proverb

Wild Weekend in Craig MT

2009-09-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

What fun we've been having in Craig this late summer 2009. Successful $1 Fly Sale @ Headhunters Fly Shop last night. People came out by the droves and stuffed their boxes full. What a bargain. We also raised a bucket of cash for Michelle, so, good on you folks.

The BBQ went off without a hitch. SOL never left the grill...uncommon for him...he can wander. But, not all who wander are lost. Keep that in mind. Good participation in conjunction with the Fly Sale.

Folks are still here in force. The river is busy with fisherman and pleasure floaters. Our shuttle crew is spending a lot of time running up and down the river making people smile when the truck is at the boat ramp ending the day. Check us out next time you are in town...the most inexpensive and prompt shuttle service on the entire Mo. Feel free to call in your shuttle en route to the river if you wish. 877/DRY-FLYS

Start dreaming about your fall Missouri River trip. The Baetis will be here sooner than you think. Don't be the last one on your block to book your individual Fall Fling. The Outfitters Ball is Oct 31st. Fun filled weekend with competitions, music, raffles, lots of give-aways. Hosted by the community of Craig and the Central Business District. Headhunters is a major sponsor of this event and hope you all will attend.
Ridiculous Boat Behavior of the Year: Sinking your buddy's boat & losing all his gear. NOTE: Be aware at all times of your anchor, oars, and position of your boat. Try to eliminate sinking the ship. Water is a powerful medium and care should be taken at all times!!

Capt. Carp Dead Song of the Day: Big River

Best Hot Dog Mustard of All Time: Beaver Brand Extra Hot Jalapeno Mustard

Hot Dog Question/Preference: Nathan's or Hebrew National?

Recreational anglers fall into one of the two groups: casual and dedicated. The first group treat fishing as a way to unwind from the daily grind, get some fresh air, and maybe catch a fish now and then. The latter group takes it more seriously and some-quite a few-become involved to the point of obsession. When not fishing, they read about it, talk about it, watch videos, attend courses, and join clubs with other fishing fanatics.

from Wit and Wisdom of Fishing

Michelle Benefit Update...

2009-09-05T12:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks for stepping up folks. Benefit items for Michelle continue to generate $ to help Michelle with her battle. Most recently, Mike and Kelsey Ward purchased a beautiful sky blue Yeti Cooler and or buddies Lou and Arlee from Cutbank bought the 2 Headhunters hats. John Heckert bought the Bitteroot Skwala trip for next spring! Thanks guys. Keep those contributions rolling!

Michelle Wells Benefit
We're at $3325
Potential $6375

Bugalow Lodging for 2 plus Breakfast | $150 One (1) Night Lodging at the Historic Bungalow (Thanks Pat & Ian)...designed by the architect that designed Yellowstone Lodge...cool place and terrific hospitality with Pat's famous Stuffed French Toast...heavenly!
Florida Keys Flats Fishing | $550
1 day of guided fishing with Capt. Scott Yetter of Sightfish Charters (Thanks Scott). Scott is an old friend of Michelle's and generously donated this trip. Bones, Permit, Tarpon. (See Scott's website). Trip is good from now through Feburary 2010.
Capt. Carp Trip angling for BIG CARP 2010 | $600
w/ C & F Designs Box stuffed w/ Carp Flies (Thanks Evolution Fly Fishing & MK MBO # 11222)
Dinner for 2 at Izaak's |$250
Anything you want from Izaak's delicious menu and all you can drink. (Thanks Izaak's)
Full Day Guided Hopper Fishing Trip | $500
on the Yellowstone w/ John "Modobi" Dobson in 2010. (Thanks JD w/ GTD Outfitters MBO # 9031) Great guide, great river, great cause.
ECHO 2 9' 5wt Fly Rod | $500
w/ 2 tips. A fast & a medium fast...an accuracy and a distance.
Blackfoot River Trip | $500
1 day guided trip with Blackfoot River guide Curt Michels...donated through Paul Roos Outfitters. Fish where Norman MacLean did! Anytime form now through 2010. SOLD | Jon & Marc - Key West, FL.
LODGING ADDED! Skwala Fishing on the Bitterroot with 2 nights lodging at the Paint Horse Trail Cabin, Darby MT 2010 | $750
(Thanks Chris D & 406 Outfitters MBO #6831, thanks to Bill Osborne for donating his cabin on the Bitteroot) Mid-March thru Mid-April 2010. Big Stonefly Dries for Browns SOLD | John Heckert - Craig, MT
Two (2) Headhunters Hats | $75
His & Hers. Look good at the Family Reunion. SOLD | Lou and Arlee - Cut Bank, MT
Three (3) BUFF UV Headwear | $100
Fashion & Function all in a neck garment. SOLD | Dan Kauffman - San Diego, CA
A YETI 45 qt Cooler | $500
in color of your choice...White, Tan, Mossy Oak, or Robin's Egg Blue. SOLD | Mike & Kelsey Ward - Brewster, WA
HEADHUNTERS Full Day Guide Trip | $500
all inclusive on the Missouri. SOLD | Dennis Hegewald- Spokane, WA
Two (2) nights lodging @ Brown or Rainbow Cabin | $300
(Thanks Carroll & Margaret Jenkins/Craig Trout Camp) Downtown Craig, close to everything Trout. SOLD | Jim Arkin- Bay Area, CA
C & F Designs Permit Fly Box |$250
stuffed w/ 24 Kick-Ass Missouri River Streamer Flies. SOLD | Erich Bittmann-Tacoma, WA
SIMMSRivershedVibram Wading Boot |$250
(Thanks Jon Yousko/Simms) SOLD | Joann - Cascade MT
SIMMS Homegrown 406 Hoody | $100
(Thanks Jon Yousko/Simms)...not for retail or public consumption...secret guide stuff!) SOLD | Sarah Firth - Craig, MT

Craig Mt...the Epicenter of FUN!!

2009-09-04T16:43:00.000-07:00

What a great time in Craig MT. Labor Day Weekend. The last Hoorah for many this 09 Summer. Why not come and blow it out here and catch a few fish, a minor buzz, and some soul cleansing. Three Birds-One Stone!

Tomorrow Saturday the 6th is the big event day here in the Central District of Craig. I'm not sure what the other parts of town are doing, but I do know that Headhunters and Izaak's have a long list of killer shit going down.

Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service First Annual Fly Sale | 5-9pm ONLY
$1 Dries/Nymphs...$1.50 Hoppers/Streamers...come fill your boxes for the fall, and the spring for that matter. Need kick-ass flies and a lot of them...you should not miss this one, do not be the guy on your block that missed out...OUCH!

Headhunters Fly Shop BBQ | 4pm til ?
Burgers and Dogs on the grill...Free-99...the best price. Come join us for good grub and BS

Sale & Close-Out Items | All Weekend
SIMMS & Headhunters T-Shirts among other things...give us a look, you might like it...Mikey does...he'll buy anything

Izaak's Labor Day Events | Saturday Night
Bridger Creek Boys...Cool Bluegrass, dancing, fellowship- 7:30pm til ?
$1 Drafts on the porch...ALL BEER PROCEEDS to Michelle Wells

Izaaks Restaurant | Weekend Specials
Bison Short Ribs...best meal I've had in 2 months...Scumliner says. "Super killer!"
Fresh Halibut and Swordfish...as good as it gets, they both go fast
Izaak's & Headhunters will be taking donations for Michelle all weekend long
Bottom Line: If you are not here this weekend...well, I won't rub it in...we'll tilt one back for you...really

New Items on the Michelle Wells Donation Auction

Michelle Wells Benefit
We're at $2000
Potential $5425

NEW ITEM Bugalow Lodging for 2 plus Breakfast | $200
One (1) Night Lodging at the Historic Bungalow (Thanks Pat & Ian)...designed by the architect that designed Yellowstone Lodge...cool place and terrific hospitality with Pat's famous Stuffed French Toast...heavenly!
NEW ITEM Florida Keys Flats Fishing | $550
1 day of guided fishing with Capt. Scott Yetter of Sightfish Charters (Thanks Scott). Scott is an old friend of Michelle's and generously donated this trip. Bones, Permit, Tarpon. (See Scott's website). Trip is good from now through Feburary 2010.
LODGING ADDED! Skwala Fishing on the Bitterroot with 2 nights lodging at the Paint Horse Trail Cabin, Darby MT 2010 | $750
(Thanks Chris D & 406 Outfitters MBO #6831, thanks to Bill Osborne for donating his cabin on the Bitteroot) Mid-March thru Mid-April 2010. Big Stonefly Dries for Browns
Capt. Carp Trip angling for BIG CARP 2010 | $600
w/ C & F Designs Box stuffed w/ Carp Flies (Thanks Evolution Fly Fishing & MK MBO # 11222)
Dinner for 2 at Izaak's |$250
Anything you want from Izaak's delicious menu and all you can drink. (Thanks Izaak's)
Full Day Guided Hopper Fishing Trip | $500
on the Yellowstone w/ John "Modobi" Dobson in 2010. (Thanks JD w/ GTD Outfitters MBO # 9031) Great guide, great river, great cause.
ECHO 2 9' 5wt Fly Rod | $500
w/ 2 tips. A fast & a medium fast...an accuracy and a distance.
Two (2) Headhunters Hats | $75
His & Hers. Look good at the Family Reunion.
Three (3) BUFF UV Headwear | $100
Fashion & Function all in a neck garment. SOLD | Dan Kauffman - San Diego, CA
A YETI 45 qt Cooler | $500
in color of your choice...White, Tan, Mossy Oak, or Robin's Egg Blue. SOLD | Mike & Kelsey Ward - Brewster, WA
HEADHUNTERS Full Day Guide Trip | $500
all inclusive on the Missouri. SOLD | Dennis Hegewald- Spokane, WA
Two (2) nights lodging @ Brown or Rainbow Cabin | $300
(Thanks Carroll & Margaret Jenkins/Craig Trout Camp) Downtown Craig, close to everything Trout.SOLD | Jim Arkin- Bay Area, CA
C & F Designs Permit Fly Box |$250
stuffed w/ 24 Kick-Ass Missouri River Streamer Flies. SOLD | Erich Bittmann-Tacoma, WA
SIMMSRivershedVibram Wading Boot |$250
(Thanks Jon Yousko/Simms)SOLD | Joann, Cascade MT
SIMMS Homegrown 406 Hoody | $100
(Thanks Jon Yousko/Simms)...not for retail or public consumption...secret guide stuff!)SOLD | Sarah Firth- Craig, MT

September eNewsletter

2009-09-02T07:56:00.001-07:00

Our September eNewsletter went out this morning. Depending on your mail provider and security settings, it may end up in your junk box. Check there if you don't find it. Thanks, HH

Return of the Watts

2009-09-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

Well know fly fishing film makers Jim and Kelly Watt just spent several days at the Craig Trout Camp/Headhunters, fishing the Missouri and hanging out with the Headhunters crew. They had a great time fishing the Missouri, and Jim stated that he had "the best day of trout fishing he's had in the last 10 years".

Jim and Kelly Watt at Headhunters.

Many of us have spent hours watching "Hooked on Flytying", "Flyfishing Video Adventures" and "How to Fly Fish" instructional videos. Jim and Kelly offer 170 flyfishing DVD titles! They have been integral in introducing beginners to the sport, as well as showing veterans what exotic destinations are like (26 shows filmed in Patagonia alone!). There shows have aired on ESPN and the Outdoor Channel for years.

Jim and Kelly had such a good time, they plan to come back again this fall. It was great to spend some time with these veteran angler/filmakers. We're glad they enjoyed their first trip to the Missouri in years.

If you're interested in seeing what they offer, check out their website at Bennet-Watt HD Productions. It's loaded with videos. There's more than fly fishing...you'll find some great travel videos as well.

New Benefit Item - Fishing the Keys!

2009-09-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

The generosity continues! Sometimes Missouri River and all the time Lower Florida Keys guide Scott Yetter has donated a guided fishing trip on the famous flats of the lower Florida Keys. Who will be the first bidder?

Also: We're sending our September e-Newsletter tommorrow. Depending on your email service and security settings, it may be sent to your junk box. Check there if it's not in your inbox...

Michelle Wells Benefit
We're at $1500
Potential $5225

NEW ITEM Florida Keys Flats Fishing | $550
1 day of guided fishing with Capt. Scott Yetter of Sightfish Charters (Thanks Scott). Scott is an old friend of Michelle's and generously donated this trip. Bones, Permit, Tarpon. (See Scott's website). Trip is good from now through Feburary 2010.
LODGING ADDED!Skwala Fishing on the Bitterroot with 2 nights lodging at the Paint Horse Trail Cabin, Darby MT 2010 | $750
(Thanks Chris D & 406 Outfitters MBO #6831, thanks to Bill Osborne for donating his cabin on the Bitteroot) Mid-March thru Mid-April 2010. Big Stonefly Dries for Browns
Capt. Carp Trip angling for BIG CARP 2010 | $600
w/ C & F Designs Box stuffed w/ Carp Flies (Thanks Evolution Fly Fishing & MK MBO # 11222)
Dinner for 2 at Izaak's |$250
Anything you want from Izaak's delicious menu and all you can drink. (Thanks Izaak's)
Full Day Guided Hopper Fishing Trip | $500
on the Yellowstone w/ John "Modobi" Dobson in 2010. (Thanks JD w/ GTD Outfitters MBO # 9031) Great guide, great river, great cause.
A YETI 45 qt Cooler | $500
in color of your choice...White, Tan, Mossy Oak, or Robin's Egg Blue
ECHO 2 9' 5wt Fly Rod | $500
w/ 2 tips. A fast & a medium fast...an accuracy and a distance.
Two (2) Headhunters Hats | $75
His & Hers. Look good at the Family Reunion.
Three (3) BUFF UV Headwear | $100
Fashion & Function all in a neck garment. SOLD | Dan Kauffman - San Diego, CA
HEADHUNTERS Full Day Guide Trip | $500
all inclusive on the Missouri. SOLD | Dennis Hegewald- Spokane, WA
Two (2) nights lodging @ Brown or Rainbow Cabin | $300
(Thanks Carroll & Margaret Jenkins/Craig Trout Camp) Downtown Craig, close to everything Trout.SOLD | Jim Arkin- Bay Area, CA
C & F Designs Permit Fly Box |$250
stuffed w/ 24 Kick-Ass Missouri River Streamer Flies. SOLD | Erich Bittmann-Tacoma, WA
SIMMSRivershedVibram Wading Boot |$250
(Thanks Jon Yousko/Simms)SOLD | Joann, Cascade MT
SIMMS Homegrown 406 Hoody | $100
(Thanks Jon Yousko/Simms)...not for retail or public consumption...secret guide stuff!)SOLD | Sarah Firth- Craig, MT

Benefit Update...

2009-08-31T16:27:00.000-07:00

There goes another Michelle Wells Benefit item! Our good buddy Dan Kauffman just called from CHINA and purchased the 3 UV Buff package for $100. Thanks Dan. The rest of you loosahs need to help out. Get on the phone and purchase one of the remaining items (before I do).

LODGING ADDED!Skwala Fishing on the Bitterroot with 2 nights lodging at the Paint Horse Trail Cabin, Darby MT 2010 | $750
(Thanks Chris D & 406 Outfitters MBO #6831, thanks to Bill Osborne for donating his cabin on the Bitteroot) Mid-March thru Mid-April 2010. Big Stonefly Dries for Browns
NEW ITEMCapt. Carp Trip angling for BIG CARP 2010 | $600
w/ C & F Designs Box stuffed w/ Carp Flies (Thanks Evolution Fly Fishing & MK MBO # 11222)
Dinner for 2 at Izaak's |$250
Anything you want from Izaak's delicious menu and all you can drink. (Thanks Izaak's)
Full Day Guided Hopper Fishing Trip | $500
on the Yellowstone w/ John "Modobi" Dobson in 2010. (Thanks JD w/ GTD Outfitters MBO # 9031) Great guide, great river, great cause.
A YETI 45 qt Cooler | $500
in color of your choice...White, Tan, Mossy Oak, or Robin's Egg Blue
ECHO 2 9' 5wt Fly Rod | $500
w/ 2 tips. A fast & a medium fast...an accuracy and a distance.
Two (2) Headhunters Hats | $75
His & Hers. Look good at the Family Reunion.
Three (3) BUFF UV Headwear | $100
Fashion & Function all in a neck garment. SOLD | Dan Kauffman - San Diego, CA
HEADHUNTERS Full Day Guide Trip | $500all inclusive on the Missouri. SOLD | Dennis Hegewald- Spokane, WA
Two (2) nights lodging @ Brown or Rainbow Cabin | $300
(Thanks Carroll & Margaret Jenkins/Craig Trout Camp) Downtown Craig, close to everything Trout.SOLD | Jim Arkin- Bay Area, CA
C & F Designs Permit Fly Box |$250
stuffed w/ 24 Kick-Ass Missouri River Streamer Flies. SOLD | Erich Bittmann-Tacoma, WA
SIMMSRivershedVibram Wading Boot |$250
(Thanks Jon Yousko/Simms)SOLD | Joann, Cascade MT
SIMMS Homegrown 406 Hoody | $100
(Thanks Jon Yousko/Simms)...not for retail or public consumption...secret guide stuff!)SOLD | Sarah Firth- Craig, MT

New Breed Gals Rule!

2009-08-31T09:23:00.000-07:00

This gal is no slouch. Rough and tumble wade access and she is gettin' after it. She throws a tighter loop than that kick-ass brother-in-law of yours. He's good, just ask him. But can he throw a reach cast? We both know the answer to that question.

Feels like an early fall is on the way. Old Man Winter held on longer than we like, so the fall may arrive early as well. Baetis Love. I'm a Baetis lover. Calm, overcast, 45F, moisture in the air, and every fish in the river rising to dun winged olives. My dreams are consumed by these conscious and sub-conscious thoughts. Book your Sept/Oct trip today for best guide and lodging availability.

Upcoming Events @ Headhunters Fly Shop and Craig MT.

Saturday September 5th
BBQ @ Headhunters 1pm til ? | Fellowship, Fun, Brats, Burgers, & lots of BS
Fly Sale-Happy Hour 5-9pm | $1, yes ONE DOLLAR small dries/nymphs-$1.50 Streamers/Hoppers Flies for 4 hours...any fly, any quantity...Fill your boxes to the gills!
Sale Items | Many closeout items on sale now from SIMMS - while quantities last at the shop.
Live Music @ Izaak's | Bridger Creek Boys - Cool Bluegrass at Craig's only outdoor venue

Wednesday & Thursday September 2nd & 3rd
Live Music @ Izaak's | Hot Buttered Rum and their posse of fans

Lots of new Streamers, BWO dries, shit hot nymphs, Simms cold weather gear, new Headhunters Logo Wear coming for the Fall 2009 Missouri River wrecking fest.

Thanks for tuning in folks...Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service...your HOME for information, education, and customer service...located in the EPICENTER of Craig Montana

Michelle Wells Benefit still going on. Buy now while it's hot!!

Get Your Wallets Out!

2009-08-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

Michelle Wells Benefit Continues...
As many of you know, our good friend Michelle Wells was recently diagnosed with cancer. Regular visitors to Craig know her simply as "Michelle" from Joe's (Craig Bar). Like many, Michelle has a health care plan that will not cover all of her medical costs (not even close). Everyone in Craig is doing their part to help Michelle out. Headhunters is selling the following items; all of the proceeds will go directly to Michelle. Thank you to all who have donated thus far. We have been impressed with the way our customers have stepped up to help out Michelle. We've raised $1400 so far, and hope to generate another $3200 by the end of the week. Step up and buy one of these great items. You'll get a great product or service and feel good about helping out someone in need.

Check out some of the available items! 3 different guided trips (Carp, Bitteroot, Yellowstone), and our freind Bill Osborne generously added his rental home on the Bitteroot to go along with the Skwala fishing trip. Yeti Cooler, Dinner for 2 at Izaak's (all you can eat and drink), an Echo Fly Rod and more. Remember, this isn't about getting "a deal", it's about fundraising for a good cause...get out your wallet and call!

We all love Michelle and to all who participate in this auction...thanks to all in advance. It is truly appreciated!! The community at large is donating all items to Michelle.

ALL PROCEEDS GO DIRECTLY TO MICHELLE WELLS.

Headhunters is raising money for Michelle by offering the following products and services for a fixed donation amount. They will be sold to the first buyer via phone call and offered only once at this time. The goods and services are as follows...

LODGING ADDED! Skwala Fishing on the Bitterroot with 2 nights lodging at the Paint Horse Trail Cabin, Darby MT 2010 | $750
(Thanks Chris D & 406 Outfitters MBO #6831, thanks to Bill Osborne for donating his cabin on the Bitteroot) Mid-March thru Mid-April 2010. Big Stonefly Dries for Browns
NEW ITEM Capt. Carp Trip angling for BIG CARP 2010 | $600
w/ C & F Designs Box stuffed w/ Carp Flies (Thanks Evolution Fly Fishing & MK MBO # 11222)
Dinner for 2 at Izaak's | $250
Anything you want from Izaak's delicious menu and all you can drink. (Thanks Izaak's)
Full Day Guided Hopper Fishing Trip | $500
on the Yellowstone w/ John "Modobi" Dobson in 2010. (Thanks JD w/ GTD Outfitters MBO # 9031) Great guide, great river, great cause.
A YETI 45 qt Cooler | $500
in color of your choice...White, Tan, Mossy Oak, or Robin's Egg Blue
ECHO 2 9' 5wt Fly Rod | $500
w/ 2 tips. A fast & a medium fast...an accuracy and a distance.
Three (3) BUFF UV Headwear | $100
Fashion & Function all in a neck garment.
Two (2) Headhunters Hats | $75
His & Hers. Look good at the Family Reunion.
HEADHUNTERS Full Day Guide Trip | $500
all inclusive on the Missouri. SOLD | Dennis Hegewald- Spokane, WA
Two (2) nights lodging @ Brown or Rainbow Cabin | $300
(Thanks Carroll & Margaret Jenkins/Craig Trout Camp) Downtown Craig, close to everything Trout. SOLD | Jim Arkin- Bay Area, CA
C & F Designs Permit Fly Box | $250
stuffed w/ 24 Kick-Ass Missouri River Streamer Flies. SOLD | Erich Bittmann-Tacoma, WA
SIMMS Rivershed Vibram Wading Boot | $250
(Thanks Jon Yousko/Simms) SOLD | Joann, Cascade MT
SIMMS Homegrown 406 Hoody | $100
(Thanks Jon Yousko/Simms)...not for retail or public consumption...secret guide stuff!) SOLD | Sarah Firth- Craig, MT

You love Craig, we all love Michelle. Do the right thing. Help a sister out! These items will go fast... get on the phone and get involved. We are here from 7am til 9pm daily. 406/235-3447 or toll free 877/379-3597

Yet again, Headhunters Life...

2009-08-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the shit out of late summer. Friends, fellowship, and a smattering of fishing tossed in for good measure.

It is really not too bad. We here some sniveling around Craig...really folks, they are out there...find 'em. Get after it!

I know we have told the truth on the fishing report..it is tough. Just like skiing in Cascade Concrete or Sierra Cement. Great learning conditions.

Work on your cast, your drift...look in a different area than you have in the past. Force yourself to move out of your comfort zone and fish my friend.

We will see you here over the Holiday or sooner, this weekend. Remember the 2 bands that will be in Craig for the Holiday, Hot Buttered Rum and The Bridger Creek Boys...Kick-Ass Blue Grass!!

Make sure to take a look at the MW Benefit. Items are diminishing...we will have more. Check out the last couple Blogs and Fishing Reports for the current list.

Thanks again folks, much appreciated.

Missouri River Memories...

2009-08-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

Another outstanding Craig MT Morning photo John Arnold

For those of you who have already been blessed by fishing here this year, and for those of you who are yet to...here are a few pics to keep the fire burning.

Beau Strathman w/ a long cast...he got 'em photo Mark Raisler

Status Quo on the Mo. Shitty scenery and small, skinny fish. Oh, well...at least we have Izaak's, Joe's, and one paved road.

Wolf Creek Bridge w/ afternoon sun...impending storm photo Mark Raisler

Capt. Carp Dead Song of the Day: Mighty Quinn...cover

Dry Fly of the Week: Peacock Neversink Trude...for the great profile

Nymph of the Week: Black Military Mayfly...for the sunk Trico's

Headhunters Staff: Well rested and ready for the fall

Headhunters Phone: Keeps on ringing, fall bookings are strong...cannot keep the fisherman down, perpetual optimists are we as anglers...the fish remain huge and need to be taught a lesson

The Village of Craig: Thanks all who have participated in Michelle Wells Benefit...more items coming... Craig Trout Camp Lodging, Bitterroot Skwala Trips, and more!

Headhunters is be raising money for Michelle by offering the following products and services for a fixed donation amount. They will be sold to the first buyer via phone call and offered only once at this time. The goods are as follows...

We all love Michelle and to all who participate in this auction...thanks to all in advance. It is truly appreciated!! The community at large is donating all items to Michelle.
ALL PROCEEDS GO DIRECTLY TO MICHELLE WELLS.

NEW ITEM Skwala Fishing on the Bitterroot 2010 (Thanks Chris D & 406 Outfitters MBO #6831) Mid-March thru Mid-April 2010. Big Stonefly Dries for Browns $500
NEW ITEM Capt. Carp Trip angling for BIG CARP 2010 w/ C & F Designs Box stuffed w/ Carp Flies (Thanks Evolution Fly Fishing & MK MBO # 11222) $600
NEW ITEM Two (2) nights lodging @ Brown or Rainbow Cabin. (Thanks C & M Jenkins) Downtown Craig, close to everything Trout. $300 SOLD | Jim Arkin, CA
A YETI 45 qt Cooler in color of your choice...White, Tan, Mossy Oak, or Robin's Egg Blue $500
ECHO 2 9' 5wt Fly Rod w/ 2 tips. A fast & a medium fast...an accuracy and a distance. $500
HEADHUNTERS Full Day Guide Trip...all inclusive on the Missouri. $500 SOLD | Dennis Hegewald | Spokane, WA
Full Day Guided Hopper Fishing Trip on the Yellowstone w/ John "Modabi" Dobson in 2010. (Thanks JD w/ GTD Outfitters MBO # 9031) Great guide, great river, great cause. $500
C & F Designs Permit Fly Box stuffed w/ 24 Kick-Ass Missouri River Streamer Flies. $250 - SOLD | Erich Bittmann, Tacoma WA
SIMMS Rivershed Vibram Wading Boot (Thanks JY) $250 SOLD | Joann, Cascade MT
Dinner for 2 at Izaak's - Anything you want from Izaak's delicious menu and all you can drink. (Thanks Izaak's) $250
SIMMS Homegrown 406 Hoody (Thanks JY)...not avail for Retail or Public Consumption...Secret Guide Stuff! $100 SOLD | Sarah Firth, Craig MT
Three (3) BUFF UV Headwear. Fashion & Function all in a neck garment. $100
Two (2) Headhunters Hats. His & Hers. Look good at the Family Reunion. $75

Thanks a bunch folks...it does not go unnoticed

Don't worry about a thing...

2009-08-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

Everything's gonna be alright...true words by Bob Marley. Case in point...Missouri River. Not so great fishing as we speak,the concession is nymphing. Fish gotta eat brother.

Perfect weather prevails throughout the next week...can you come up with a better plan than meandering along a world class tailwater...what more could you ask? If you have to ask...well, I will have to edit the comments rolling around in my infinitesimally minute brain.

Summer is nearing it's end. Boy, I love summer. Fall is Kick-Ass too. Fall Baetis fishing is some of the finest dry fly angling on earth. And it is coming to a famous river near you. If this phenomenon does not make it to your local river, look up the Missouri. You might like it. Don't tell your friends.

Could'ja be, could'ja be, could'ja be loved...idealism or realism...your choice...say somethin', reggae reggae, rasta, rasta...could'ja be, could'ja be, could'ja be loved...

If you are in some sort of life changing or end of season funk...let it hang out friend. And if you are, please don't call me...although if you need a hint...fish...cheaper than a psychotherapist.

Maybe I am in some sort of end of summer funk? Why would this topic even enter my personal stream of consciousness and went the President Reagan direction...Trickle Down Economics. I was an American History major for a number of years, meaning a bunch. Has this concept been smoldering within the interior of my thick skull. There is certainly enough underbrush in there to perpetuate these very small flames...but really mostly just smoke. Sub-conscious thought patterns must dictate most of our decision making processes. Frightening for me...but most likely comes out better in the end. My rational thought is the antithesis of clear thinking.

Stir it up, stir it up, stir it up...little darlin' stir it up...your recipe darlin' is so tasty...

No, I am definitely not in a summertime funk. I just thought I was...based on the mood of the river...but as moods change and evolve, so does the greatest and most fascinating living creature I know...Mother Mo'. Everything is cyclical, including minds and rivers.

Bottom Line: Don't worry about a thing...Dig out those 8 tracks of Bob Marley and the Wailers and chuck them into the gully behind your house. Then pop in the CD, or better yet...tune in the IPod and groove, dance, and jig on your back porch; all the while dreaming about free rising trout and the best damn reach cast you have ever let fly...until your wife gets home.

I wanna love ya', and treat you right...Is this love, is this love, is this love that I'm feeling...So I throw my cards on your table...

Michelle Wells Benefit

An now an update from Craig Montana and how we all can help a dear friend of the Village of Craig, Michelle Wells...the friendliest bartender on the face of the earth.

Michelle has been diagnosed with cancer and the community of Craig is mounting a donation campaign to assist Michelle in her effort to battle this horrific medical condition. Joe's Bar sponsored in event in early August and it was a terrific success raising several thousand dollars towards medical expenses. As I'm sure you understand, this just scratches the surface. Her health insurance will not cover the entire expense of the treatment and that is where we come in. As a result, the community will not stop moving forward until we have exhausted the avenues that are open to us in our campaign for Michelle.

All of the businesses in Craig will be accepting monetary donations throughout Michelle's battle with cancer. Labor Day Weekend will yet again be full of Fly Rodders and any donation amount will be greatly appreciated.

Headhunters will be raising money for Michelle by offering the following products and services for a fixed donation amount. They will be sold to the first buyer via phone call and offered only once at this time. The goods are as follows...

We all love Michelle and to all who participate in this auction...thanks to all in advance. It is truly appreciated!! We are donating all items to Michelle. ALL PROCEEDS GO DIRECTLY TO MICHELLE WELLS.

A YETI 45 qt Cooler in color of your choice...White, Tan, Mossy Oak, or Robin's Egg Blue $500
ECHO 2 9' 5wt Fly Rod w/ 2 tips. A fast & a medium fast...an accuracy and a distance. $500
HEADHUNTERS Full Day Guide Trip...all inclusive on the Missouri. $500 SOLD | Dennis Hegewald | Spokane, WA
Full Day Guided Hopper Fishing Trip on the Yellowstone w/ John "Modabi" Dobson in 2010. (Thanks Modabi) Great guide, great river, great cause. $500
C & F Designs Permit Fly Box stuffed w/ 24 Kick-Ass Missouri River Streamer Flies. $250 - SOLD Erich Bittmann, Tacoma WA
SIMMS Rivershed Vibram Wading Boot (Thanks JY) $250 SOLD | Joann from Izaak's
Dinner for 2 at Izaak's - Anything you want from Izaak's delicious menu and all you can drink. $250
SIMMS Homegrown 406 Hoody (Thanks JY)...not avail for Retail or Public Consumption...Secret Guide Stuff! $100 SOLD / Sarah Firth, Craig MT
3 BUFF UV Headwear. Fashion & Function all in 1 neck garment. $100
2 Headhunters Hats. His & Hers. Look good at the Family Reunion. $75

Thanks a bunch folks...it does not go unnoticed

Labor Day, Bands, and Your Good Will...

2009-08-23T17:09:00.000-07:00

Coming up in Craig Montana in the near future...Labor Day Weekend will be a famous time. Why not come for the fishing, the fun, the BBQ's, the beer, the music, the dancing, and an opportunity to help out a local friend of every resident and traveler of Craig, Montana.

Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service will be grilling for most of Labor Day weekend. Impromptu Wiffle Ball, casting comps, bullshitting, shuttles, fishing info, and great guiding. We also have a kick-ass selection of flies and terminal tackle. Call for RV avail. and lodging if you are the sect that like to tip a few back and do not want to drive. The campground is close as well.

Izaak's Restaurant and Bar will be hosting 2 bands that really entertain the fishing crowd. Hot Buttered Rum will be on the porch Wed Sept. 2nd & Thurs. Sept. 3rd. This is a great dance band from San Fransisco that is highly regarded and about to become big. Electric Bluegrass with a mix of Jazz, Fusion, Blues, etc. It is a must attend previous to the weekend...use it as an excuse to sneak out of work early and start your personal party early. Remember, it is Labor Day Weekend, the last big Hoorah of Summer 2009. Don't let it slip you by. Be Smart.

The Bridger Creek Boys out of Bozeman have played here in Craig before and have always been well received. We are excited to see them again and you should be too. They play all the classic Bluegrass tunes and are not afraid of balancing cocktails on their heads while strumming up a hot ditty. They play at Izaak's Saturday Sept. 5th and will fill the joint up.

Michelle Wells Benefit

An now an update from Craig Montana and how we all can help a dear friend of the Village of Craig, Michelle Wells...the friendliest bartender on the face of the earth.

Michelle has been diagnosed with cancer and the community of Craig is mounting a donation campaign to assist Michelle in her effort to battle this horrific medical condition. Joe's Bar sponsored in event in early August and it was a terrific success raising several thousand dollars towards medical expenses. As I'm sure you understand, this just scratches the surface. Her health insurance will not cover the entire expense of the treatment and that is where we come in. As a result, the community will not stop moving forward until we have exhausted the avenues that are open to us in our campaign for Michelle.

All of the businesses in Craig will be accepting monetary donations throughout Michelle's battle with cancer. Labor Day Weekend will yet again be full of Fly Rodders and any donation will be greatly appreciated.

Headhunters will be raising money for Michelle by offering the following products and services for a fixed donation amount. They will be sold to the first buyer via phone call and offered only once at this time. The goods are as follows...

We all love Michelle and thanks to all who participate in this auction...thanks to all in advance. It is truly appreciated!! We are donating all items to Michelle. ALL PROCEEDS GO DIRECTLY TO MICHELLE WELLS.

A YETI 45 qt Cooler in color of your choice...White, Tan, Mossy Oak, or Robin's Egg Blue $500
ECHO 2 9' 5wt Fly Rod w/ 2 tips. A fast & a medium fast...an accuracy and a distance. $500
HEADHUNTERS Full Day Guide Trip...all inclusive on the Missouri. $500
Full Day Guided Hopper Fishing Trip on the Yellowstone w/ John "Modabi" Dobson in 2010. (Thanks Modabi) Great guide, great river, great cause. $500
C & F Designs Permit Fly Box stuffed w/ 24 Kick-Ass Missouri River Streamer Flies. $250 - SOLD | Erich Bittmann, Tacoma WA
SIMMS Rivershed Vibram Wading Boot (Thanks JY) $250
Dinner for 2 at Izaak's - Anything you want from Izaak's delicious menu and all you can drink. $250
SIMMS Homegrown 406 Hoody (Thanks JY)...not avail for Retail or Public Consumption...Secret Guide Stuff! $100 SOLD / Sarah Firth, Craig MT
3 BUFF UV Headwear. Fashion & Function all in 1 neck garment. $100
2 Headhunters Hats. His & Hers. Look good at the Family Reunion. $75

You love Craig, we all love Michelle. Do the right thing. Help a sister out! These items will go fast... get on the phone and get involved. We are here from 7am til 9pm daily. 406/235-3447

Thanks a bunch folks...it does not go unnoticed

Failure is a Learning Tool!

2009-08-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is. The trout make the ultimate decision. The Missouri is an excellent teacher. It rewards anglers for proper and appropriate techniques. If the fish does not eat the fly, it is not his fault. It's your fault. And it may not be the fly. Most commonly it is not the fly...it is probably your drift.

Our fish do not recognize flies that they do not see. If the fish are eating Trico Spinners and your fly happens to be 1 ft from the fish, he may not eat it. That is a learning tool. Keep in mind that spinners are dead and they do not move contrary to the current. So...drift is KING on the Missouri. Most of the fish are eating dead bugs all day long. Dead bugs do not possess the drag quotient.

A reach casts is the prevalent cast. Any type of slack line presentation is a good starting point. Whether you like to through a S-Cast, Reach, Fall River type of drift, or any sloppy downstream slack-line presentation you desire. Send and Mend my Friend, you will find success.

Failure is a learning tool. Fly fishing is a great sport because it immediately lets you know if you have executed the cast and drift correctly... every single presentation or drift. If the fish did not respond, change something. Not your fly. Get the fly first, not behind or upstream of the leader or tippet. Remember: The first cast and drift is the one you want to hook the fish with.

If you do not succeed with perfect drifts over the fish, not in the Tri-County region, on the fish...then consider changing the fly. Most fish will eat nearly anything perfectly drifted over them. This is not an absolute rule, but does hold water.

One last comment about great drifts and catching fish. Do not cast long, or over/beyond the fish. Try to remove as many things that will promote failure. First: Not having too much line at your feet or on the deck allowing you to make a cast that lines the fish. If you have 55ft. of line off the reel and are only casting 25ft to the fish...there is room for error. Eliminate it. Second: Make sure you have enough line out. Meaning, if you are casting at a fish 25ft away and you only have 20ft of line off the reel...you will have to strip and send during the drift taking yourself out of the game. Doing this usually hitches or drags the fly several times during the drift and spooking the fish...or...the fish eats the fly and we are not ready to strike. Both undesirable outcomes. Eliminate things that can hinder success.

Make a couple practice casts beside the fish allowing yourself to understand the currents and micro-currents that may affect the drift. This also allows you to have the correct amount of line out. Now just inch over to the target. It may take several casts. That is OK. The fish may move to the fly, so let him make that decision. If it is perfectly drifted it may happen. If it is dragging, forget about it. Primarily this time of year when they are eating small dead stuff. July, dragging, yes they may inhale it, but August...No.

Use Failure as a Learning Tool...Humility is not a negative outcome. Use it to your advantage and get better. Fly Fishing is a lifetime sport. Catching fish is only one of the multitude of reasons we pursue this passion, piss off our spouses, and spend far too much money on this crazy behavior...just to put the beautiful, wonderful creature back into the water and reflect on how truly privileged and fortunate we are to reside on Mother Earth.

The bite of the wind off the water. The hum of the mosquitoes buzzing past. The brilliant green of the canopy of nearby trees. The earthy aroma of the water. Fishing is a sport that engages all of the senses.
Unknown Author

Good to be Back!

2009-08-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

SOL is back in the neighborhood...the Missouri River & Craig. Boy am I glad to be home. I visited the Yellowstone and Paradise Valley which included a guided trip from Stu Dominick on the Boulder. Wow, what a neat stream. Stu is a consummate professional and I always enjoy fishing with him. Danielle accompanied me on this quick getaway and we enjoyed every aspect of our trip. Generally Capt. Carp and I visit our SW Montana friends, but this year our schedules did not mesh, so having Danielle along was truly nice. She is somewhat new to the fly fishing game and a very quick learner. Females...hmmm...they learn rapidly. New Breed Chicks Rule!!

Now that I am back in Utopia...I cannot wait to throw a fly at our big, and getting bigger, fish. Scumliner and I are fishing this afternoon and hope to get some good video, or at least some laughs.

Vacations are nice. Part of what they achieve is allowing one to realize how special this place is...your home is where you hang your hat...and this is where I hang my hat. I would not rather be anywhere else. There is a lot of world class fishing in the vast expanse of Montana...and I would not take anything away from Montana's other great fisheries...but the bottom line is that the Mo Kicks-Ass.

Capt Carp, The Giant, & "Best Day Ever": Blank @ the Carp Tourney...Hero to Zero...they won it last year...this year, NO.

Strange walk-in Question of the Week: Is 6x to light for a Hopper Rig?

Best Guide Day Ever: Any day you are not rowing the boat!

What not to do at the Boat Ramp: Do not block the ramp, wash your boat, inflate your raft...be courteous, just like you would want others to do.

What not to say at the Boat Ramp: I killed 'em, I'm the best angler of all time, my guide is the greatest...etc, etc...be humble and understand that not everybody crushes them everyday. It's fishing man. We all fish for different reasons...it is not always about the body count. Enjoyment of the day is truly important.

"When we have good luck we come home early, otherwise we stay late and fight it out. How often we are defeated! Everything goes against us and we struggle in vain to conquer adverse conditions, but if we do win out, how pleased we are. We really believe we can fish."
Theodore Gordon

Hunter or Gatherer?

2009-08-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

August fishing is often a little slow on the Missouri. Warm water temps and a lack of hatches contribute to this. How do you overcome it? Maybe it's your tactic that's the problem, not the fishing. Far too many anglers search for the "secret fly" instead of searching for the fish. Some anglers are hunters, and some are gatherers. Which one are you?

The ultimate hunter...

Gatherers float down the river and pick up whatever is available. Usually they throw the nymph rig, maybe a hopper, and rarely have a pattern. They catch fish when they run into them. If the trout are not lying in the spots they are throwing, they get skunked. When they don't get them, they immediately head into the fly shop and ask what the secret fly is. When they are shown the same pattern they were using, they claim that it won't work...they already tried it. Technique is not a consideration to the Gatherer. All fishermen are equal...the fly makes the difference.

Hunters are proactive. If they are not getting them, they try to solve the problem. They may switch techniques, change tippet sizes, lengthen or shorten their leader, constantly change flies, spot fish from high banks, throw a streamer in the sun, change the amount of weight on a nymph rig, swing a soft hackle, try some new water...they often think outside the box. They do what others don't.

Hunters often stop fishing and observe. They observe other anglers, insects, fish, birds, sun angles, shady pockets and sunny flats. They try to spot fish in fast riffles. They wait an hour for a rise in a likely spot. They look for the "other" bugs. When PMD's are hatching big but the fish are rising sporadically, the Hunter sees the occasional Callibaetis drift by. He notices all the flying ants in the bushes. He sees the river drop 2 inches even though he was too far from the Dam to hear the siren.

The Hunter realizes that some days are going to be tough. He goes and looks for a big single Brown Trout, and spends the day trying to get him to eat. He knows that big trout like to sit under weed mats. He stares into skinny water looking for the slightest movement that indicates a fish eating nymphs. He takes him time. He's Patient. He applies what he has experienced in the past. He doesn't get excited when a 2 footer sticks his nose up because he's been there. He gets 'em.

Watch the Osprey. He's a Hunter.

Yes, I Wrote That!

2009-08-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

Apparently, some people don't believe that I wrote the "Do Something Nice for your Wife" entry below. They have a problem believing that John Arnold has a sensitive side. Well, I did write that and I can be sensitive if I want to. I just rarely want to. Now you know...

Do Something Nice for your Wife

2009-08-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

My wife and I have been together for almost 20 years. Birthday's around our house rarely consist of more than a B-Day card and dinner (usually at a restaurant we go to all the time anyway). Julie's Birthday is August 14th, right in the middle of guide season for both of us. Not really a lot of time to plan a big celebration. Hell, I can't even find the time to go buy her a gift!

LOG Guide Jason Newmack shows one of the many fine Rainbows
Julie Caught on her Birthday.

This year, for some reason, I felt like doing something special for her. Why? I don't know. Maybe because she's a great Mom. Maybe because she's a great wife. Maybe because Headhunters could have been a disaster instead of a huge success without her. Or, maybe it's just because she deserves it...

Those who know Julie know that she used to fish almost daily. As we grow older and share more responsibilities, we just don't seem to find the time to go as much as we should. With the arrival of our daughter Adair 4 years ago, we almost never find the time to get out on the water by ourselves, and I know that Julies misses it.

For her birthday, I decided to do something special. I hired my friend Jason Newmack to take us up to the "Land of the Giants" (LOG). For those who don't know, the LOG is a short section of the Missouri that holds some enormous fish. Access is by jet boat. Though it's very close to us, we rarely get up there.

Julie immediately nymphed up some monster Whitefish, a beautiful 20" Brown, and a bunch of 20-21" Rainbows. After Jason grilled up some burgers for lunch, and a rowdy T-Storm passed through, we switched to streamers and she caught several more big Rainbows and a Walleye. That's right, the Birthday girl caught the LOG Slam (Rainbow, Brown, Whitey, Walleye).

We then ran into a 25" Brown sipping PMD's. Julie put a lot of good cast over him and finally got him to eat. Unfortunately, he caught us all off guard with a downstream eat and Julie only pricked him. No matter, as we were leaving, yours truly saw him stick his head up 30 feet downstream and stuck him on a streamer.

When the day ended, we all headed back to Rockey Top (our home) where Julie was surprised to find many of our friends from the area waiting for her. Ben cooked the meat (excellent), Kelsey made some fantastic sides, Jesse handled the cake, and Jen handled the kids.

It really felt great to something special for my wife. The fact that I rarely do anything at all for her probably has something to do with it. Besides making my wife happy and me feel good, the river paid me back a little (see right). Maybe you should do something nice for your wife...

Happy Birthday Julie. The next one sucks (40!)...

ps...I'll be handling the Blog while SOL is on vacation for a couple of days.

Any way you want it!

2009-08-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

The beauty of the Missouri is that we take all comers. Bait Wompers, Lure Chuckers, Fly Whippers...we love them all.
I commonly over hear folks criticizing guys and gals that do not toss the fly. Get over yourselves...really.

"I can't believe that you let those guys fish with bait!" My answer, "You understand that those folks live here. And until you live here and are able to vote and support the state 12 months a year, you have no voice."

There is enough room for all who enjoy this fabulous resource...be respectful of others, and they will be respectful of your passions and desires as well. Pretentouisness does not have any place in this business...we are in it for the long haul and welcome those who choose the beat of their own drummer.

Come and enjoy however you want to enjoy...It's any way you want it!

Trico Mornings...Caddis Evenings

2009-08-13T11:55:00.000-07:00

The bugs are here, evidenced by the photo on the right. Are the fish active...hmmm...you be the judge. Last post shows you the evening caddis mating orgies...and this morning another sex filled melee.

For an up to the minute fishing report, phone the shop @406/235-3447 or if you want to go the toll free route 877/DRY-FLYS

Headhunters Life

2009-08-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

Do you live it? More importantly...do you love it? The answer should be yes. If you answered no, disregard this entry and go back to your couch...the Bon-Bons are melting rapidly and your 3 year old has chocolate smeared all over his face and embedded in your Barcalounger.

We @ Headhunters believe everybody should catch more fish and are here with bells on daily enjoying the Headhunters Life...

As a side note: The hopper fishing has been outstanding if you are willing to stick with it. We had a slow down of two days which really freaked us out. But, we are back. This river will fool you in the fact that it fishes so well 90% of the time, and then it slows for a short period, meaning 2.3 hours...and we, as guides freak out. Another thing that may tweak out your guide is Izaak's/ Joe's running out of Bombay Sapphire, Crown Royal, and Ketel One all in the same evening. Don't even talk to me if that happens. If they ran out of Budweiser we would alert the Governor.

Q: What's worse than a hungover guide in the morning? A: A sober one.

Q: Is Craig always this friendly? A: It sure is! Now saddle up to the bar my friend and buy me
another.

Headhunting for many has become a way of life for many of us on the Missouri and we encourage you to be a part of it. We don't want you to move here...just visit several times a year.

I really tried to write something abrasive tonight, but truly cannot conjure up enough demons to rip on anybody tonight...so this is the drivel that dribbles from my finger tips. Lovey Dovey Shit. I'm a touch disappointed in myself. It'll come...I just do not know when.

Capt. Carp: Should grow a backbone...he may...probably not.

FNG: Invincible, indestructible, invisible...just show up to work on time and I'll be happy.

The Boss: Is on vacation on the Eastern Seaboard, please do not get arrested. My CC is maxed out if the Bail Bondsman calls.

B & E Ben: Kickin' Ass and Takin' Names...he is not part of the shit show that sometimes occurs in Craig, MT.

Scumliner: Is smiling every moment. He likes it that way.

SOL: Still trying to rid himself of the mind numbing DEMONS.

J the B: Holding it all together amidst the mayhem and madness.

"Oh, the gallant fisher's life, It is the best of any 'Tis full of pleasure, void of strife, And 'tis beloved by many."

John Chalkhill, "Pistacor's Song"

What Has YETI Done Now?

2009-08-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

We've just recieved our latest shipment from YETI Coolers! AS usual, we have all Tundra models from 15 to 85QT (plus the monster 250QT). The new colors, however, are the big story. For the Rednecks out there, and we know who you are, YETI has the Tundra in a Realtree Camo top/tan bottom combination. Keep your beers hidden from wary Northern Mallards or Bull Elk!
For the Saltwater crowd, light blue is the new color. Why it's cool, I'm not sure. It did recieve plenty of oohs and ahhs from customers as we broke it out. Come check them out at Headhunters. We only got a couple of them in these new colors...first come, first served.

Are you Serious?

2009-08-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

Internationally know fly fishing guide Michael "Mitch" Kowalski was in Headhunters the other morning (as usual), and ran into these University of Montana fans. Upon recognizing Mitch as a member of the Grizz National Championship Football team, they immediately produced a U of M cycling jersey? for him to sign. #35 in your program...but #1 in your hearts....

Seriously, did this really happen? I was there, but without the pic's I couldn't swear that it really did.

3 Reasons to Visit...

2009-08-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

Only 3 Reasons? You could sit on your couch and fantasize...or you could make the right decision and book your plane ticket immediately. Your choice. Didn't your mother teach you better...it is really up to you my friend.

Do the right thing...

Fishing is at once the ultimate quest, the ultimate joy, the ultimate frustration. And true anglers wouldn't have it any other way.

Great Clients make the World Go Round!

2009-08-07T13:36:00.000-07:00

Mike Ruppert fishes with SOL a lot. Twice a month is about all he can handle...as for SOL, his skin is damn tough. In all honesty, Mike is a great client.

As a guide matures, he becomes mentally stronger, physically weaker...and as for the maturing deal, the jury is still out. Regular guests in the boat is what every guide strives for, and Mike is part of the enjoyment for SOL.

Bert and Arnie have also fished with me going on 10 years...I have nothing but love for these two as well. The list is long, and getting longer with favorite people in the boat. All guides have their gang...it does take quite some time to acquire long term clients...they too have a selection process...as many of them say, "It takes some time to train a guide to how you like them!" It is so true. It may take longer to train your guide than it does for the guide to train the guest. It is reciprocal love along with give and take.

Many a fisherman has said that the longer you fish with anybody...whether it be with your fishing partner including a guide, or you son, daughter, Uncle, or your neighbor...the longer you fish with said individual the less it has to do with catching, the more it becomes about fellowship and friendship.

It truly is what fishing really is all about...catching a few smelly Rainbows and chewing the fat.

"Fishing with an old man in bib overalls and a can of worms is a great day."

Rick Myers

Capt. Carp Dead Song of the Day: Not fade away

Fly Rod Wisdom of the Day: It's not what you cast, it's how you cast

Wise Old Fisherman once said: "Placement and Presentation over Fly Pattern wins everyday"

Dry Fly Pattern of the Week: Wilcox's A/C Caddis

Nymph Pattern of the Week: Harrop's Soft Hackle

Hopper Pattern of the Week: Burke's Spent Hopper

Beer Flavor of the Decade: Budweiser

A Special Place...Special Times

2009-08-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

The Missouri and Craig MT are both special places...outstanding river, knowledgeable fly rodders, some not so knowledgeable...a special place to learn...with rewards for the appropriate fishing behaviors.

August is a great time of year to visit the Mo. Fewer anglers, plenty of rising fish...some are difficult...and that is why we love fishing so much. Tough fish are rewarding fish.

Hopper feeding fish are always enjoyable to catch. Big bugs and big flies. Yes, they are on the hopper. Fish it with your favorite trailer fly. Whether it be a nymph dropper, or a slippery sliding caddis..it's all good.

As I mentioned above, there are far fewer folks around this time of year. The kids are returning to school, it is family vacation time...so therefore it is your time to be here. Solace can be found on most parts of the river...boy, that is nice.

Picture above and right is SOL with a respectable Brown on a Hopper...I fed him, and he cooperated...yes, SOL does fish occasionally

Craig and Baseball: Both sports where time has no bearing

Stupid Guide Behavior of the Day: Not taking the time to take the toothpick out of the Club Sandwich before eating it. Standard.

Thankful Guide comment about 10 Year Clients: Thank you, appreciate you making my car payment, and bar tab for that matter, for the last 10 years. Thank You!

Capt. Carp: Is fishing for Carp with a Rio Carp Line...and gettin' 'em

Dry Fly of the Month: Morrish's Hopper

Nymph of the Week: Hogan's Military Mayfly

ED NOTE: Previous entry about Stars Wars and such written by B & E Ben, I like it!

Brown trout, Star Wars and Streamer fishing

2009-08-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

There are several conversational constants that occur on nearly every guide trip with an unfamiliar client.

I will ask what they do for a living.
They will ask me where I'm from.
I'll tell them how many trout per mile are in the Missouri.
They'll ask me how long I've been guiding for.

This is protocol. Its scripted. Not to say that its not enjoyable, which it certainly is. Eventually, normally directly following the former two questions, they'll ask me how I ended up guiding fly fishermen in Craig, Montana. Its a perfectly reasonable question, and one that I've put alot of thought into without any substantial progress on an answer. I've lived the backstory and i've come up with a couple of theories.

"How does a guy from Massachusetts end up guiding the Missouri?"

The dry humorist in me usually answers

"I've made alot of bad decisions" or "Im not really sure, I had a few too many cocktails at Fenway one afternoon and woke up five years later in Craig" or my personal favorite would be "I'm not actually a guide, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn express last night." Jokes, all jokes, but each of these answers does have a grain of truth in it.

The best answer to the question that I've come up with has alot to do with Brown trout, Star Wars and Streamer fishing.

If a 22 inch Brown trout is Obi-Wan Kenobi, then a 15 inch rainbow is an ewok. They're both on the same side. They're both a boatload of fun to catch. The force is with both of them. That 15 inch rainbow is a lot more likely to run real fast and jump eight feet out of the water. The rainbow will make some bad decisions. He'll jump three feet out of the water to eat a single caddis. You don't see many Big Browns free jumping and eating cottonwood. When they eat on the surface its barely visible sometimes. They're calculated. They don't waste energy. I'd love to say that I ended up guiding in Craig because I live like a big Brown trout; that I'm here through a series of calculated intelligent choices, conserved my energy and made great decisions. The truth is that Im probably more similiar to the rainbow. I react. I make instinct calls. I dont take the long view. I eat. I get caught. Then the next day, i get caught again. I get a little smarter as time passes, maybe I don't eat a rainbow czech nymph every day anymore. Maybe i want a pheasant tail with a glass bead or one of those fancy new mercer patterns.

OK, I've got it- I live like a huge Brown eating a streamer. Dont think about it, be about it.

Some people are 15 inch rainbows, some are 24 inch Browns. Still others are Keys Permit or spooky Downtown Bonefish. They're cautious, they think hard about what they eat, they have a plan to move with the tides and they stick to it. I am in awe of these people. I respect the hell out of someone who can formulate a five year plan and accomplish it in four. These people make the world go around.

The fact is that Im not sure I every had any choice but to guide fishermen on the Missouri and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Another Day on the Missouri...

2009-07-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-28T19:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

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.

Fishing or Sex?
FFC: Sex.
SOL: Sex.
Favorite Fly?
FFC: Purple Haze
SOL: Buzz Ball
Favorite cocktail?
FFC: Mount Gay & Tonic
SOL: Bombay Sapphire & Tonic
Best Karaoke Song?
FFC: I Will Survive...Gloria Gaynor
SOL: Rocky Mountain High...John Denver
Texas or Montana?
FFC: Pass, abstain
SOL: Montana
Fresh Water or Salt Water?
FFC: Fresh, but getting saltier every day
SOL: Fresh, with a grain of salt
Best Trout Stream in the World?
FFC: Missouri
SOL: Missouri
If you could be anybody, who would you be?
FFC: Me, less 15 lbs.
SOL: Me, with more money
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
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!
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
Fishing Mentor?
FFC: Mitch Kowalski aka "Super Guide"
SOL: Larry Tarmelli
Why do you Blog?
FFC: Because I'm an aspiring writer
SOL: To listen to myself think
Why do you fish?
FFC: I cannot, not fish
SOL: To realize humility
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
Fishing Wish?
FFC: Salt water fishing with the Professor
SOL: Catch lots of Bones
WF or DT?
FFC: WF
SOL: DT
Is nymphing cheating?
FFC: No, but it's pretty slutty
SOL: No, but I'm slutty
Eat in the bar or the dining room?
FFC: Dining room
SOL: Dining room
Have you been laid in the Craig Campground?
FFC: No
SOL: Yes
Skinny Dipper?
FFC: Yes
SOL: Yes
Could you live in Craig MT?
FFC: No, Wolf Creek
SOL: No, sub-urban Craig
Ball Cap or Visor?
FFC: Visor
SOL: Visor

Lens Talent

2009-07-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-07-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

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...