Headhunters Fly Shop

2010

Headhunters Fly Shop

2010

Headhunters Fly Shop

2010

Headhunters Fly Shop

2010

1-877-379-3597 | 406-235-3447 | contact us

Guided Fly Fishing

We feel we offer the best guide service on the Missouri River, and have a bunch of customers who agree. When you fish the Missouri, you need a guide who knows the river and is on it every day. No matter which one of our guides you fish with, he wants to get 'em as bad as you do. We go out of our way to match you with the right guide based on your preferences, skill level, and personality. It takes some extra work, but we think that's the difference between Headhunters and the other guys.
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The Clear Choice
While we try not to stress "fish numbers" as the measure of success, most anglers want to catch as many fish as possible.Everyone has preferred methods and goals, and we want you to share them with us. Whether you desire catching a pile of fish, refining your reach cast, or hunting heads along the banks...Headhunters Guide service is the clear choice.

Our Guides

Headhunters uses only full time, professional Missouri River guides. These guys don't work part time or have another career. They earn their living by making sure you have a successful day. Each of them owns a boat and provides all the tackle and flies. Guiding is the focus of our business, and we make sure that you head out to the river with one of the best. Headhunters will make sure you are matched up with a guide who fits.

Floating the Missouri

The Missouri River was made for drift boat fishing, and its calm waters make for an enjoyable float while you target the wild trout of the Missouri. Our guides operate from modern drift boats that are comfortable and designed for fly fishing. If you haven’t fished from a drift boat before, you’re in for a wonderful experience. Front and rear leg braces allow anglers to stand up and boom a long cast with a streamer. Comfortable seating allows you to sit while you fish, or just lean back, and enjoy the scenery. Modern boats have dry storage for your extra gear and rod holders so you can have that extra stick strung and at the ready.
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Communication
Honest communication is imperative between you and your guide. If you only want to fish a certain technique (or don't like certain techniques), you need to tell your guide before the day begins. We will accommodate you any way we can, so let us know how we can assist you in creating a superior fishing trip. If you have any special or additional expectations or wishes, please feel free to contact Headhunters and we will make it happen. Headhunters guide trips are all about you!

Our Guided Trips are All Inclusive

Headhunters guide trips are all inclusive, you need only provide a current Montana fishing license and personal items. Many guests bring all of their own equipment, but if you need rods and reels or wading gear, we will provide it for you. All flies are provided by your guide, and their boxes are filled with everything form Missouri River standards to the hottest "home brews" fresh from the vice. Our excellent on stream lunches will recharge you at mid-day. Made by our local eatery Izaak's, they include gourmet sandwiches and wraps, fresh fruit, salads, and something for that sweet tooth. Plenty of bottled water and non-alcoholic beverages are provided in an ice cold cooler. See our what to bring page and fly galleries for more information on reccommended equipment.
Headhunters Guide Staff (click to meet them)

John Arnold

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John has been guiding fly fishermen in the Northern Rockies for more than 20 years. His career began in Sun Valley, Idaho. He has since guided the rivers of Southwest Montana, the Clark Flork and guided Steelhead fishing on the Snake and Grande Ronde rivers in Washington. He claims his guiding career will end right here...on the Missouri. The excellent dry fly fishing is what attracted John to the 'Mo, and it is what will keep him here. John is a no-nonsense guide who demands correct presentations. John (front) represents the other half of Headhunters Fly Shop, and has been guiding fly fisherman for over 20 years. Before settling on the Missouri, he guided in SW Montana and Idaho. In 2000 he started Falls Outfittters, specializing in guided trips on the Missouri and Dearborn Rivers. The great dry fly fishing on the Missouri is what attracted John, and will probably keep him here for good. Dry fly fishing is his preference, but he often employs all techniques in a single day. Like most of the guides at Headhunters, John is an excellent fly tier, and previously operated a custom fly tying business. If you're in John's boat, you'll likely be using many of his own patterns. Along with his wife Julie, he spent many seasons chasing Steelhead all over the Northwest. More recently, however, they have been stalking the flats of the Florida Keys with Julie and their daughter Adair. Like Mark, John can be found behind the counter at Headhunters when not guiding.

Mark Raisler

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Mark is one of the owner/outfitters of Headhunters Fly Shop. Mark has spent 15 seasons in Craig, and has been guiding full time since 1999. Mark is an excellent caster, and is one of the best dry fly guides on the river. A student and disciple of the Missouri River, you won't find many people that know more about the river, fish, flora, fauna and people of the area. Mark is somewhat of a traditionalist, and will force you to learn the proper way to present your fly to a rising fish. Mark's favorite fly is the Buzzball, and he can be credited with its popularity on the Missouri. When you go fishing with Mark, you're on his schedule. If he wants to stay out late and fish evening caddis, you're going to do it. Like many good guides, Mark isn't afraid to fish behind the crowds, in fact, he prefers it. Mark still appreciates catching a trout on a dry fly as much as anyone, but has spent several off season's chasing Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit in the Florida Keys. When not guiding, Mark can be found behind the counter at Headhunters. Mark also operates Get The Drift Outfitters, his guide service.

Mike Kuhnert

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A native of Minnesota, Mike showed up on the Missouri a few years ago announcing he intended to make his mark as a guide. He followed through, and is now one of the most in demand guides on the river. Known for his hard work, it's common to see Mike dragging his boat back upstream to let his dudes hit a productive run again. His patience, politeness, and a sense of humor make for lots of happy customers. Mike is a master nymph and streamer fisherman, and a day fishing with him can result in a sore arm. His home brewed Missouri nymphs are very productive and popular, and he has tied commercially for Headhunters and other shops in Craig. Mike also has a sick obsession with Carp fishing. If you're interested, he's your man. Mike is an ardent Steelhead fisherman, and bolts for the Clearwater and other rivers the day after his season is done. Mike recently received his outfitters license, and operates Evolution Fly Fishing.

Ben Hardy

Ben Hardy came to the Missouri from the Yellowstone Valley last year as a shop employee/guide for Headhunters. We threw him into the fire right away, and he responded. Ben quickly became a requested guide, both by clients and other outfitters. Ben is an intense fisherman, and wants to catch a boatload of fish. It's not uncommon to see Ben below the dam hooked up for hours. Like other younger guides we've known, what he lacks in experience he more than makes up for in enthusiasm and energy. You won't find a guide who works harder. Ben hails from Boston, and has fished saltwater on the East Coast extensively. Ben can also be found working at Headhunters when he's not guiding, and loves to share his knowledge of fishing and the river with customers.

Peter Skidmore

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Peter guided out of Missoula the last few seasons, but spent so much time on the Missouri he's decided to make it his home. Every time we see Peter on the 'Mo he's hooked up, so we decided we better get him on team Headhunters. His positive outlook is contagious, and his work ethic and sense of humor are important traits in a guide. Peter knows the Missouri very well, and it's not uncommon to see him nymphing at the Dam one day, and casting at risers in Cascade the next. Peter grew up in Napa, California, and spends the off season fishing Northern California for Steelhead. Peter also makes frequent trips to the saltwater flats of the Yucatan and Bahamas.

Mitch Kowalski

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Known simply as the "Superguide", Mitch (holding fish) grew up fishing the Missouri River and began guiding when he was 18. Mitch has spent his career as one of the lead guides for Paul Roos Outfitters, which his uncle helped establish. He typically spends the early summer guiding Smith River trips, and the latter half chasing big Missouri Browns on dry flies. Mitch can get it done with any method but is, without a doubt, one of the best dry fly guides on the Missouri. His large and loyal clientele keeps him very busy. He has an extensive fishing resume', including several seasons guiding the flats of Andros Island in the Bahamas. We feel very fortunate to have a guide of Mitch's caliber and experience on the Headhunters team. Mitch is also an avid hunter. When the fishing season ends, you'll find him guiding upland bird hunters.

Luke Andrews

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You could refer to Luke as the tallest guide on the river (6'6"), but then you'd be ignoring his outstanding guiding skills. An accomplished angler before he arrived on the Missouri several years ago. Luke has worked in fly shops, tied flies commercially, and holds a degree in Fisheries Biology. Like all of the guides who work for us, he is an "in demand" guide, who is often booked well in advance. When fishing with Luke, you can't catch enough fish. There's no such thing. Just ask him. Luke is very detail oriented, and it's not uncommon to see him with a Sharpie making sure his hoppers are just the right color. He possesses a great combination of intensity, patience and problem solving skills; qualities that have developed a loyal following. Luke has recently become an outfitter and operates Superfly Outfitters.
Who's Your Outfitter?
John Arnold
Falls Outfitters #5807
190 Cooper Drive
Cascade, MT 59421
406-868-1951
Mark Raisler
Get the Drift Outfitters #9031
PO Box 74
Wolf Creek, MT 59648
406-459-8739