Headhunters Ink.

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

Fish First!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dry Fly of the Week: Any BWO Cripple

Nymph of the Week: Mercury RS2 sz 22

Suggestion of the Month: Book early for the Good Guides

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

Two Views...

Mountain Palace | August 2009 | River View
photo Mark Raisler

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

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

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

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

There are fish here too.

All you need to know...

Yes, it's time.

You got time? I got time.

Blanket hatch of Psuedo's.

A couple, meaning 2, Tricaudatus sightings.

Lt. Dan says, "Bald Kitty Rules!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nymph of the Week: Mercury RS-2 Baetis

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

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

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

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

If not this fall, certainly next.

Harvest Dream...

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

The Might Mo and you.

Harvesting the fish of a lifetime...

...make it your dream.

Can you visualize it?

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

October Fishing...

Baetis equals rising fish.

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

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

Real fishermen come in October...

Some even in November...nobody here.

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

But I'm not.



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



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

Rebirth of a River...

Craig looking Sth 10/3
photo Mark Raisler

Wow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make the right choice...choose Rebirth.