Mark Raisler, Author at Headhunters Fly Shop

Fly Fishing Video, Fly Tying

Just Add Vise Kits, Online Store, Order from HH of Craig Today!, Zirdle Bug

Zirdle Bug Just Add Vise Tying Kit and Video Tie these up for summer and fall fishing success on the Mo. Ever thought of fishing it on your trout spey rod? A few of our gang has been flirting with…

Snow. Finally.

January 7, 2024

Snow

A skiff approaching an inch today as we move through January with only our second snow sighting. The initial being in October for a weeks worth of winter. So we rejoice this Sunday. Many are rooting for the Montana Grizzlies…

Gonna be looking for 2024 Staff soon.

January 5, 2024

2024 Staff

Gonna be looking for 2024 Staff soon. Nearing is the day when we begin looking for 2024 shop staff. Start thinking about your next move. We’ll talk to you soon.

January 4th 2024

January 4, 2024

fishing report, January

January 4th 2024 Water temps below 36F. That’s cold. Fish don’t wanna move too far in those temps. Flows are below 5K. 4840cfs. Quite normal for the winter months. Wade anglers around. Mostly above Craig. Boat anglers around. Mostly above…

Monday Morning Missouri River Fishing Report

Cast Today.

January 2, 2024

Fly Fishing Technique

You vow to get better this year? No? Discontinue reading this short blog today, the 2nd day of the year. Cast today. It is that simple. Lots of short sessions far, far, far, far, far better than one long session…

Happy New Year!

January 1, 2024

2024, Happy New Year

Happy New Year! Thanks to the Mighty Missouri River. We give thanks and wish for a great year for the trout, the staff, and you the angler. May your casts be free and easy. May your travels include the outdoors…

Because of you. Our friends, guests, and clients…

December 30, 2023

Had a customer say to us today ” You know what separates this fly shop from the rest? It’s the first rate customer service, friendliness, and professionalism of the the staff, that you are open all but a few days…

Holiday Fishing Report Montana’s Missouri River

December 28, 2023

Holiday Fishing Report Montana’s Missouri River Been decent fishing on the river here this holiday period. Water temps are cold. 36F. Water flows are winter-like. Currently 3990cfs. The DNRC claimed a water increase this week, but just like any gov’t…

Astrud Gilberto Stan Getz Girl from Ipanema

December 27, 2023

antonio carlos jobim, Astrud Gilberto, Astrud Gilberto Stan Getz Girl from Ipanema, bossa nova, Brazil, Stan Getz, Summer Tunes

Uncategorized

Astrud Gilberto Stan Getz Girl from Ipanema Lost Astrud Gilberto this year. A big loss for the Bossa Nova world. The voice that introduced much of America to the soft and ethereral whispers of said music style. Maybe my favorite…

Water Levels This Week

December 26, 2023

Water LEvels

Fulfilling an ask from reader. You want us to write an article about? Let us know! Water levels on the rise. December 29th. Quite normal for a move of this type in the water months trying to alleviate any actor…

Merry Christmas! Headhunters Fly Shop Sara experiencing winter drift boat fun!

December 25, 2023

Fly Fishing Video

drift boat, Fly Fishing Video, Sara, Snow, winter

You may have seen this short 1 minute film with Sara having some winter fun. It is our traditional, now, film of the holidays here at HH of Craig. Play this when you feel the pressure of the family, your…

One of the coolest Christmas Songs

December 24, 2023

Headhunters Life, Un-Fishing

Christmas Music, Headhunters Holiday, Peanuts, video

One of the coolest Christmas Songs Actually “Linus and Lucy” is the title of this tune. Composed by Vince Guaraldi the Italian Jazz Composer who composed most of the Peanuts animated television music. I also dig “Christmas Time is Here”.…

Santa Claus is Coming to Town: Springsteen

December 23, 2023

Santa Claus is Coming to Town Love this Bruce Springsteen version. Happy Holidays to you and yours from all of us here on the banks of Montana’s Missouri River

Why we love the shortest day in Craig MT

December 22, 2023

December, Holiday Season, Solstice, winter

Why we love the shortest day in Craig MT Closed Sunday and Monday 24th and 25th. Open today and Saturday. See you Tuesday morning. Not toooo early though… We have crossed over the Winter Solstice here in Craig MT and…

2023: Remaining To Do List

December 18, 2023

2023: Remaining To Do List A few things to get done before we tear the final page from the calendar. We still have a couple weeks left in the current year and why not scratch these items from the list…

Sunday Christmas (W)Rap

December 17, 2023

Christmas in Craig Hollis

Christmas in Craig Hollis A throwback to 1987. About the time when Weight forward fly lines were coming a big thing. Pre-beaded fly patterns, VHS was king, and many anglers still casting fiberglass rods. What a time. The Mighty Mo…

Silly Saturday Scenery

December 16, 2023

Silly Saturday Scenery 40’s today with light wind. Pretty nice out there. Some are Christmas shopping. Others are dipping a fly in the water. We, we are here, shuttling, playing Santa, and jamming to a bit of reggae. Enjoy your…

Friday Foto Headhunters Holiday Shot

December 15, 2023

Fly Fishing Gear, Headhunters Life

Christmas, friday foto, Gift Card, Headhunters Holiday, Wish List

Friday Foto Headhunters Holiday Shot We are in the full holiday swing here at Headhunters. The phone is ringing for fly fishing gift items and we are mailing gifts not only to Santa but to husbands, wives, friends, and families…

Fire Bead Ray Charles Just Add Vise

December 13, 2023

Fly Fishing Video

Fire Bead Ray Charles, Firebead, Fly Pattern, JAV, Just Add Vise, Pink, Winter Flies

Fire Bead Ray Charles Just Add Vise Kit A fly that will get you through the winter. All winter. Pink is the theme for nymphing from December 1st until mid June? We find ourselves using regular looking flies that represent…

It's time to work on your casting technique

1 Goal for Winter

December 12, 2023

Fly Fishing Technique

Casting Practice, Improvement, Practice Rod, Technique

1 Goal for Winter If I had to choose 1 goal for winter, it would be… Understand that every cast has an ending. Finishing with the rod tip, or entire rod, parallel with the water/ground; is incorrect. Every time. Nobody…

And Winter Arrived on the Mo

December 11, 2023

And Winter Arrived on the Mo Day 1 of winter, today. It has arrived. Not a soul in Craig. A couple, meaning a couple waterfowlers roaming. A long fall preceded this moment. Great fishing for the swinging and stripping set.…

Missouri River Montana Projected Seasonal Flows & Fishing Report

December 7, 2023

2 Handed Trout, December, fishing report, Swing, Trout Spey

Missouri River Montana Projected Seasonal Flows & Fishing Report Waters fluctuating as we move through the off season here on the MO. But, daily air temps crept over the 60F mark yesterday. And it was quite nice. Along with some…

Missouri River Fishing Map

December 6, 2023

Missouri River Map

Where are you going? This winter, this spring, this summer. Are you coming? Have you fished the entire river? If you have not it may be time to give yourself a treat and fish some new waters, on the Missouri…

Kreelex. Just Add Vise kits

December 4, 2023

Fly Fishing Gear, Fly Fishing Technique, Fly Fishing Video, Fly Tying

Check it. The Kreelex Just Add Vise kit is in stock. Kreelex Minnow. Just a few words about our Just Add Vise Kits today on the Headhunters Blog. And, Kreelex Minnows, fly patterns, are stocked as well. In many color…

December Missouri River Fishing Forecast

December 3, 2023

December Forecast, winter

December Missouri River Fishing Forecast All good here on the Mo this early winter. Above average daily temps, along with the ubiquitous wind. Above average numbers of anglers this past November. A good fishing month overall with the dry fly…

Saturday Swing Pic

December 2, 2023

Troutspey

2HTROUT, Mid Week Swing Pic, Swing, Trout Spey

Saturday Swing Pic Enjoying the solace here on the Missouri River near Craig Montana. Late fall-ish windy and cold weather has settled in here in Craig. It will continue through the new year, beyond into the spring months. Get used…

Headhunters 2023 Christmas Party: Closing early Saturday Dec. 2nd

November 30, 2023

Headhunters 2023 Christmas Party: Closing early Saturday Dec. 2nd Closing it up early on Saturday. A good time for our staff and guides with a homespun pizza party in the tiny fishing ‘burb of Craig. Maybe some wings, salads, and…

Tying Ninchs Bubble Yum Scud

November 29, 2023

Fly Fishing Video, Fly Tying

Bubble Yum Scud, Headhunters Own, JAV, Just Add Vise Kit, Order Online, Scuds

Tying the Bubble Yum Scud When you think about the Mighty Mo, and nymphing, you think of scuds, sows, and in the winter months…Pink! Check this baby out. It has a heavy tungsten bead to get you to depth rapidly.…

Tuesday Morning Fishing Report 11.28.23

November 28, 2023

Tuesday Morning Fishing Report 11.28.23 Water temps continue to fall. Fishing stays strong. 41.5F Flows are hiccuping around at 4360cfs. Nymphing is great. It will become not quite as exciting as the water temps fall. Zebra’s and sows galore. Dry…

29 Reasons to visit Missouri River Montana

November 26, 2023

We know you have your own reasons for visiting Montana’s Missouri River every year. Here are a few more reasons to visit this summer. Plus, you need to try out that new Sage R8 on our hard fighting jumping Rainbows!…

Fly Shop Small Saturday

November 25, 2023

Fly Shop Small

Fly Shop Small Saturday Yes we are open. Yes we are small. Yes we are a fly shop. Yes today is Saturday. Shop with us today. Everyday! Yes we thank you. Always online, in store, or on the phone. We…

Holiday Update from Downtown Craig Montana

November 24, 2023

sale, Skwala, Turkey Weekend

Holiday Update from Downtown Craig Montana Pretty slow yesterday as the cold kept many away. And a TDay hangover of sorts whether it be turkey based or otherwise. Dead calm and overcast yesterday. Braden Lewis out guiding locals yesterday. Not…

Louis Armstrong: What a Wonderful World this Thanksgiving 2023

November 23, 2023

Louis armstrong, video

Louis Armstrong: What a Wonderful World this Thanksgiving 2023 Up and down weather this past week. The Turkey Holiday with snow today, and cooler weather for the remainder of the weekend. Open at 9am Friday morning with guide trips out…

Happy Thanksgiving from Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service

November 22, 2023

Happy Thanksgiving Week from Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service Hello all! Have a great holiday wherever you may cast your line. Closed Thanksgiving Day 2023. We will be watching football too, eating, napping, drinking, napping.. Come by and see…

Turkey Week Fishing Report

November 20, 2023

Turkey Week Fishing Report Water temps 44.5F Flows below Holter Dam about 4K. Pressure: Waning daily as the days pass us by in November. Guide trips out today, later this week. Guide trips available 364 days a year. Bugs: Fewer…

Headhunters Fly Shop Just Add Vise Kreelex Video

November 18, 2023

Fly Fishing Video

Football, JAV, Kreelex, Turkey

Weekend here in Craiglandia. Sunny today, sunny tomorrow. Maybe some weather this coming week, albeit minor. Bundle of anglers around when the weather is like this. This a pattern that you should tie on when the remained of the box…

Thursday Swan

November 16, 2023

Birds Bugs and Wildlife

birds, friday foto, Swan, Wildlife

A swan this Thursday. A lovely bird. Snowed last night for a couple hours. Just a skiff on the ground, lawn, river banks. High sun this afternoon. Looking for more clouds. Weekend ahead. Looking forward to it!

Missouri River Montana Current Fishing Report 11.14.23

November 14, 2023

Fall, November, Pill Popper, Short Leash, Sow Bug

Missouri River Montana Current Fishing Report 11.14.23 Water Flows hovering around 4K. Water Temps falling at 46F. Angler pressure is above average as the daily temperatures are above average. Hi’s in the 50’s for the next 10 days. Shuttles daily…

It’s Fly Tying Time Just Add Vise Kits!

November 13, 2023

Uncategorized

fly tying, Headhunters Own, Just Add Vise, Kits, video

It’s Fly Tying Time Just Add Vise Kits! It is tying time in America! Post Summer Blues got you down? Perk up with the JAV KITS and tie up some winter and spring flies. Many of us try to catch…

12 Month Missouri River Flow Chart

November 12, 2023

12 Month Missouri River Flow Chart, Flow Chart, missouri river

12 Month Missouri River Flow Chart River came up on Friday to over 4K. A big change. According to the DNRC this flow will hold for some time. Looking for an average water year ahead. Will it snow a ton…

Veterans Day

November 11, 2023

Veteran's Day

Celebrating all veterans today November 11th. We honor, remember, and celebrate the service of all US Armed Services in peace and during war. Today we honor the bravery and service of all veterans. We at Headhunters keep these men and women…

Friday Foto Fall Edition

November 10, 2023

Headhunters Life, Photography

Don’t let the fall season pass you by. Or, if you do…no worries. The fish are trapped in the river. They are pretty healthy for this time of year. Do see some Saprolegnia in some brown trout. Has occurred before…

Missouri River Winter Fishing Checklist

November 8, 2023

Missouri River Winter Fishing Checklist, RIO VersiLeader

Fly Fishing Gear

Missouri River Winter Fishing Checklist. All the stuff you need for your winter excursion. Whether you be fishing at your local pond or here on the Missouri you need to be prepared in a different way than you would be…

It’s Winter. Pink Lightening Bug Just Add Vise Kit

November 7, 2023

Fly Fishing Video, Fly Tying

JAV, Pink Lightening Bug, Pink Lightening Bug Just Add Vise Kit

Pink Lightening Bug Just Add Vise Kit This might be a good idea to tie on fishing the Mo this winter. One of the standard issue fly patterns. I first saw it from local legend Dan Gard. Don’t know if…

Monday November 6th Missouri River Fishing Report

November 6, 2023

Uncategorized

DFO, Fall, November, Soft Hackle, Swingers, Trout, Trout Spey, Wet Fly

Monday November 6th Missouri River Fishing Report All good here in downtown Craig Montana. Most local businesses in partial operation or closed for the season. But not House of Headhunters near the banks of the Mighty Mo. Nope. No way.…

Falling in Love – with a River

November 3, 2023

Mother Mo

Ed Note: Today on the Headhunters Blog we have a guest writer. A good friend of ours Mark wrote this 5 years ago. A re-post today as I find this a good read. Thanks Mark! That day is today. Mark is…

Thursday on the Mo

November 2, 2023

Thursday on the Mo A nice time of the year to be here! Today specifically. Overcast, moist, light winds, cool. Perfect. A few swing trips out there along with the streamer strippers and an occasional dry fly angler. It is…

November Missouri River Fly Fishing Forecast

October 31, 2023

Fishing Report, Troutspey

BWO, Guide Trips, November Missouri River Fly Fishing Forecast, October Caddis, Private Lessons, Trout Spey

November Missouri River Fly Fishing Forecast We are looking forward to the month ahead. November is great fishing. One of the best parts of the month include the lack of anglers around. Another highlight is the fish that like to…

Headhunters THANKS! Mo River Eats Missouri River Lunches

October 30, 2023

Mo River Eats Missouri River Lunches

Headhunters THANKS! Mo River Eats Missouri River Lunches Kelli has been doing a great job for us here at Headhunters for several years! And sadly now the peak summer season is coming to an end. And Kelli’s lunches are going…

Silly Sunday Scenery

October 29, 2023

Headhunters Life, Photography

Scenery Photos, Silly Sunday Scenery, winter

Cold and snowy here @ Montana’s Missouri River. Although we have seen several anglers out there. Bearing it. Grinning? Pretty good out there. Kinda got the place to yourself. Put in late. Stay out til you are cold. Smile.

Thanks Izaak’s! Izaak’s Closing Tonight October 28th for the Season!

October 28, 2023

BBQ, craig, food, Izaaks, RESTAURANT

Thanks Izaak’s! Izaak’s Closing Tonight October 28th for the Season! A sad day in our Craig Life today as Izaak’s last night for 2023 is tonight October 28th. We thank Chef John and his staff for the great year. The…

Late October November Missouri River Fishing Planner

October 27, 2023

Fishing Report, Headhunters Life

2HTROUT, Fall, MissouriRiver, November, nymph, October, Streamer, Swing, winter

Late October November Missouri River Fishing Planner Good times here on the Mo. Calm this week and last. Calm most of the month. Cold all week long, this week past, including snow and vacant waters. That is the type of…

Friday Foto

October 27, 2023

Headhunters Life, Photography

Fall Montana, friday foto, October Colors

Fall colors in full effect. But, leaving as the snow fell the past couple days. Heavy, decomposing leaves, falling to the ground. Streamer fishing? Getting closer to full throttle. Dry fly fishing? Pretty sweet the past week. True BWO’s showing.…

Currently in Greater Craiglandia

October 26, 2023

Headhunters Life, Landscape

October, Rhoda Island, Snow

Currently in Greater Craiglandia Snowing. 12F. Peaceful.

In The Life of a Headhunter

October 25, 2023

Dry Fly Fishing, Foul Weather, In The Life of a Headhunter

The daily routine of a Headhunter might just go like this… Wake. Look outside to verify cloud cover. If sunny, sleep for as long as you want. If not, rollover and sleep until 10am. 10am. Get out of bed. Make…

Missouri River Montana Snow Ahead

October 24, 2023