Black Friday...

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.

Strides...

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.

Happy Halloween!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quiet in Craig

Craig MT | 10/26 | 10am

Quite Quiet.

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

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

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

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

Snouts up...Rainbow Rise
photo Mark Raisler

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

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

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

Capt. Carp Dead Song of the Day: Dire Wolf

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

Nymph of the Week: Pheasant Tail or any permutation thereof

Streamer of the Day: Anything Small and Black

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

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

Outfitters Ball...

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

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

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

You could fish too...if you want.

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

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

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

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

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

Improvements all the way around...

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

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

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

Random Rainbow Release
Headhunters stock photo

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

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

Nymph of the Month: Any PT derivation

Dry Fly of the Week: Parachute Adams

Emerger of the Month: Any BWO

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

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

Remember...

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

New Stuff For Flyfishing?

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!

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...

Michelle Benefit Update...

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

1. 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!
   
2. 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.
3. 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)
4. Dinner for 2 at Izaak's |$250
   Anything you want from Izaak's delicious menu and all you can drink. (Thanks Izaak's)
5. 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.
6. ECHO 2 9' 5wt Fly Rod | $500
   w/ 2 tips. A fast & a medium fast...an accuracy and a distance.
7. 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.
8. 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
   
9. Two (2) Headhunters Hats | $75
   His & Hers. Look good at the Family Reunion. SOLD | Lou and Arlee - Cut Bank, MT
   
10. Three (3) BUFF UV Headwear | $100
    Fashion & Function all in a neck garment. SOLD | Dan Kauffman - San Diego, CA
11. 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
12. HEADHUNTERS Full Day Guide Trip | $500
    all inclusive on the Missouri. SOLD | Dennis Hegewald- Spokane, WA
13. 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
14. C & F Designs Permit Fly Box |$250
    stuffed w/ 24 Kick-Ass Missouri River Streamer Flies. SOLD | Erich Bittmann-Tacoma, WA
15. SIMMSRivershedVibram Wading Boot |$250
    (Thanks Jon Yousko/Simms) SOLD | Joann - Cascade MT
16. SIMMS Homegrown 406 Hoody | $100
    (Thanks Jon Yousko/Simms)...not for retail or public consumption...secret guide stuff!) SOLD | Sarah Firth - Craig, MT

Missouri River Memories...

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

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

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

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

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

Come Donate to a Great Cause!

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

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

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

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

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

Ouiji Board Water Management and Mother Nature

Constant calls to the shop about predicted water flows...let's think about that one.

Yes, I know it is a valid question. I try to answer this crystal ball equation every time. It usually proceeds like this..."No, I do not know. It's a connundrum.

I have been here on the Mo for some time, and I do remember the big water years and do remember what happened after them...but am I familiar enough with Mother Nature...and am aware of the multiple factions involved with the water management decisions, including FWP, BLM, B of Rec, commercial interests well down stream of us, flow pulses for spawning Pallid Sturgeon, etc, etc, etc.

Been to water meetings, constantly talk to folks in the know who have been here for much longer than myself, stare at the river most everyday, try to follow historical weather patterns, read the Farmer's Almanac, and practice Chinese meditation while doing naked Yoga-Pilate's summoning the Water Gods to channel even just a small bit of wisdom to my guide size brain

...and I still have NO IDEA what the water will do at any given time. You like Apples? Well how do...

Tell you what...Call Oboma on the Red Phone...ask him!

Bottom Line...NOBODY KNOWS...except for the Water Management Ouiji Board Operators and Mother Nature, and even they are learning daily.

BIG 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION IN CRAIG MONTANA...COME CELEBRATE AMERICA'S BIRTHDAY IN THE EPICENTER OF TROUT FISHING

Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service will be hosting our 2nd Annual 4th of July Party with Kick-Ass Activities all day long.

Free BBQ @ Noon until Dusk

Wiffle Ball, Badminton, Horseshoes, Micro-Practice Rod instruction, All day long. We provide the free fun portion.

Echo Gecko Kids Rod Casting Competition: Off handed, meaning casting with your non-traditional hand. Just distance. 3 casts per contestant. Admission Free. Come try your hand at the best kids rod ever made. Maybe the first kids rod ever made. Ends @ 8pm. Winner gets the Echo Gecko, dead last competitor gets a Micro Practice Rod.

Smallest Bikini Contest & Most Patriotic Costume: Airflo Fly Line for the Winners

Donations for the Craig Fire Department Accepted

Firework's @ Dusk

Izaak's Open 6am til ?

Pig Roast @ 4pm for Donations for Craig FD

Live Music @ 7pm on Izaak's Porch: Max Hay performs Folksy Rock Jams

Keg on the porch too, $1 Drafts of America's Finest Beeron it's finest day...Budweiser

Fireworks @ Dusk

Joe's Bar: Open 8am til 2am...see Michelle for your perfectly mixed cocktail or ice cold fancy Micro-Beer. Tip her well, she works her ass off, and she's nice.

You must attend the Buggest Bash 4th Extravaganza, pun intended, in the Tri-County Area...you won't be let down...Our fishing here is said to be pretty good too!

Call Headhunters for a 4th of July Update and to bug our top notch shop staff with questions about the flows and when we anticipate them to be historically normal. Those who are normal do not have a place in flyfishing.

Everybody's Working for the Weekend!

If you remember this catchy tune, then you should certainly take an afternoon break...right now...gather your cubicle mates and sneak out to the hall and shotgun a ice cold beer. That's the best way to start your weekend of either fishing or dreaming about fishing. Loverboy, bad boys out of Canada, knew how to rock and roll. They have probably forgotten but we can carry the torch for these outdated 80's rockers. The album name, do they still call them albums?... could also be construed as weekend foreshadowing. I hope you all get lucky in one fashion or another...your choice.

Pop in the cassette tape, get on your red leather pants...even if you have to lay on the floor and have your wife tug, pull, stretch them on...they still look good...tease your hair, and get after it.

One more thing about Yeti Coolers...we just received a new batch of them this morning. They are selling like hotcakes, or kick ass coolers, and we have a baker's dozen more as of today. They are so hot that if you read your local newspaper in the last few days you may have seen this AP article stating the Bear Proofness and ice keeping capacity.

Thanks so much for participating in our Blog experiment...all courtesy of Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service...Kicking Ass in Craig MT for just over a year now.

Capt. Carp Dead Song of the Day: Bertha

Fly of the Day: Translucent Emerger

Good Times @ Headhunters!

Here we are for another year on the Missouri...not that the shop has been here for long, but we intend to be a presence on the best river in the west for a couple decades to come. That is a good lookin' crew on the right. You recognize Andrew, Ben, Julie, John, and Mark...but who is the new face in the crowd...Sara Roholt. We are so happy to have another female in the store, and for customer service reasons as well. She is not just another pretty face...this chick can fish!

It's true of both of the Headhunters gals. Julie is no slouch either. Boys, she can toss a fly further than most of you...no BS. Julie spent a number of years in Sun Valley fooling those finicky Silver Creek fish, and did some guiding as well. We would love her to guide here, but she has proven too valuable in the store keeping Scumliner and I out of trouble...out of trouble for the most part.

Sara will be a guide for us in the future, she has the skills. She will learn the intricacies of the Missouri in a hurry and will be putting guests on fish when the time comes. Keep her in mind for your wives, girlfriends, or daughters if they prefer a female guide. I know a few men who will prefer her as a guide too. Women guides have a tremendous amount to offer and present a different angle to fishing.

Sara came to us last summer while she was trout bumming around the Montana rivers and fell in love with Craig and the MO. When we saw the need for an additional employee she was the first on our list. She made the fatal mistake of moving to a town consumed by thoughts and dreams of trout. We cannot fault her for that, we too made the same mistake...although I would not call it a bad choice.

The upshot of this blog is that Headhunters continues to strive forward offering the ultimate experience in Downtown Craig Montana. The finest in customer service, personnel, and the utmost in Missouri specific fly patterns. We are so happy to have Sara as another HH All-Star.

Stop in and see not only our new staff member but the rest of the crew for instant reports on the Missouri and how we are hookin' 'em in these above average river flows.

Capt. Carp's Fav New Band: Sweatshop Union

Freestone River Fishermen Tip of the Month: Stay off the banks fellas, this is not a freestone river, IT IS A TAILWATER AND NOT ALL THE FISH ARE ON THE BANKS, THERE ARE FISH ON EVERY SHELF LINE, which includes the SECOND AND THIRD SHELFLINES!! Just trying to help and educate. Yes, there are fish on the banklines, but there are more elsewhere. Streamer fishing to some extent can be fished in this manner, but you nymphers should try additional methods. You will become a stronger fisherman...it is just like adding another tool to your box...and that is a good thing. It was an excruciating painful learning curve for me too, but with perseverance and humility even a thick skulled moron like myself learned the subtleties of this vast slow moving pond. New learning requires patience and a willingness to regress for a time period, but then...you start catching a pile of fish, and that's OK.

Fly of the Day: Bloom's Caddis...Yes, a dry fly...those who are in the know are floating the canyon, late in the day!

That's Cool Dog!

Even Skidmore's lab looks good in a Yeti hat. Beyond the Firebead Ray Charles Soft Hackle's, Headhunter's Logo'd Simms Solarflex Shirts, piles of accurate river information; Yeti Coolers are the hottest selling item at Headhunters this month. We have sold through the first 11 and are re-ordering another large batch. The tan version is damn hot right now, who is not tired of white coolers that don't keep the beer cold? I'm over it, fer sure dude.

Buy a Yeti Cooler from the coolest fly shop in downtown Craig and receive free ice for the year. Now that kicks ass!!

The 35qt. and the 45qt. are the preferred boat models, with the 15qt. and 25qt. ideal for the back of the truck.

Memorial Day Weekend Festivities.... Headhunters cranks up the BBQ season with the first of many free BBQ's on the porch on Saturday May 23rd. Come and join us for fellowship and plenty of fish chat, and of course a little BS. We'll be eating some of the leftover Tri-Tip from the Craig BBQ, as well as burgers and my favorite, the tube steak.

Come and catch a few fish on the World Famous Missouri River beneath a BOBBER, and then swing by for a belly full of BBQ.

Grand Opening 2009

Grand Opening 2009 is today April 3rd. Scumliner, Squeeky, and J the Brain have got things put back together just in time for the Spring. We really like the look of the updated store and are anticipating a Kick-Ass year. Bookings are strong and the excitement never stops.

Izaak's is also opening tonight with an updated menu...still your favorites, but also some new dishes to keep you coming back night after night.

Headhunters has the same great service oriented staff as last year with a couple new faces too. Ben Hardy will be here very soon, Andrew Martineau will arrive mid month. Sarah Roholt will be new to us this year and we can't wait to have an additional gal in the shop. Julie is still here making it all work, without her John and I would be completely and totally lost. She is the glue that holds the shop together. Of course John and I are still here and are in the shop every waking moment that we are not guiding. Having shop owners that fish/guide 5 days a week allows Headhunters to stay on top of current fishing events, hot flies, and the behaviors of the Missouri. She can be a temperamental bitch! I think we all can agree on that statement.

Spring hours are 8am to 6pm...but as you know we are generally here much later than the posted closing time. Feel free to give us a call for up-to-the-minute fishing reports...and for immediate news on the Baetis that have not shown...they will. The fella's tossing streamers are still doing quite well and landing some lunkers.

Holter Lake is open and the guys and gals fishing at the boat ramp are having real good success. Purple Prince's behind a bobber are doing the trick. Get on up there if you like to whack false spawners on the head and eat 'em. Just try not to get too greedy...you know it is not a positive virtue, and one of the 7 deadly sins.

Look forward to seeing the happy faces come through the door at Headhunters with coffee cup in hand...and always...Hippies use the Backdoor!

Headhunters e-Newsletter

Headhunters will begin publishing an e-Newsletter in the next month. Between Headhunters, Falls Outfitters and Get the Drift Outfitters, we've been publishing newsletters for several years. They are very popular, and we are constantly getting requests to publish more often. Unfortunately, "hard" newsletters are costly to produce and mail, and take a lot of time to put together (almost impossible during the season). We've been knocking around the idea of an "e-Newsletter" for a few months, and have decided to do it. We hope to produce this 6-10 times a year, as opposed to our two traditional newsletters.

This new format will keep you up to date with what's going on in Craig and on the Missouri. We'll be able to include more information, instead of editing out what won't fit. It will also have links to other news or articles that we feel are relevant. We will also use it to announce any specials, events, or sales we may be having...something we never would have done with our traditional newsletter.

There will be a few hurdles to overcome, and we'll need a little help from our customers. While we keep very accurate address lists, we haven't done such a good job with emails (not everyone uses email for correspondence). Some of you have multiple email boxes, and don't check all of them. Some email services will place it in your Junk box, especially if you haven't signed up for it (so look there). You will notice several places on our site where you can sign up (see sidebar) for the new e-Newsletter with a couple of mouse clicks.

We're going to fire an initial e-newsletter out to a few of you that we have solid emails for and have had recent email contact with. Even if you receive this first e-Newsletter, we would like you to sign up through our website. It goes without saying (but we will) that we will never share any of your personal information or email addresses with anyone. We don't buy mailing lists and we don't sell them. Please let us know if there are any problems in appearance or with opening it.

For those that still like those old-school newsletters, we will probably continue to send at least one a year.