Old Craig Bridge...Pt. 1

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...

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...

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.

Fishing and Friends...

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...

...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

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...

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.

Halloween Hangover

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!

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.

Nice...

Vermont Bill...chucking upstream
Mark Raisler photo

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

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

Wet, overcast...and perfect!

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

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

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

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

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

Fall Mornings...Great Afternoons

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

Fish First!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dry Fly of the Week: Any BWO Cripple

Nymph of the Week: Mercury RS2 sz 22

Suggestion of the Month: Book early for the Good Guides

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

Two Views...

Mountain Palace | August 2009 | River View
photo Mark Raisler

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

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

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

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

There are fish here too.

All you need to know...

Yes, it's time.

You got time? I got time.

Blanket hatch of Psuedo's.

A couple, meaning 2, Tricaudatus sightings.

Lt. Dan says, "Bald Kitty Rules!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nymph of the Week: Mercury RS-2 Baetis

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

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

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

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

If not this fall, certainly next.

Harvest Dream...

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

The Might Mo and you.

Harvesting the fish of a lifetime...

...make it your dream.

Can you visualize it?

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

October Fishing...

Baetis equals rising fish.

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

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

Real fishermen come in October...

Some even in November...nobody here.

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

But I'm not.



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



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

Rebirth of a River...

Craig looking Sth 10/3
photo Mark Raisler

Wow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make the right choice...choose Rebirth.

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!