Mark Raisler - Headhunters Fly Shop

Somewhere in the Middle of Montana

Somewhere in the Middle of Montana Monday Monday morning here in central Montana. Sunny, hi forecast of 57F. Not much wind. A pretty nice Monday. We are sending out online orders this morning to you out there in TroutLand. Tying…

Silly Sunday Scenery Summer Ahead

March 29, 2020

Silly Sunday Scenery Summer Ahead

Silly Sunday Scenery Summer Ahead At the end of this long tunnel we are in… Sit a couple chairs by the river.

Make that list man

March 28, 2020

Make that list man Started writing this morning without a title, without a blog topic, without a direction for my day, without the fly shop open, without a purpose. And that is bad. Awful. Dangerous! No direction is like being…

Spring Sunshine, Snowpack, and Surprises

March 26, 2020

Spring Sunshine

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Spring Sunshine, Snowpack, and Surprises Been pretty nice here on the river. Good fishing, good weather, fresh air. But, as I write this Wednesday evening it is snowing hard, with an inch on the ground in the past 30 minutes.…

Silly Sunday Scenery

March 22, 2020

Silly Sunday Scenery

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Silly Sunday Scenery Craig MT. Snow AM. Sun PM. No wind all day long. Happy Sunday from downtown Craig MT.

Saturday March 21st

March 21, 2020

Saturday March 21st

Saturday March 21st Spring in Craig Montana. And in your neighborhood too. The earliest spring equinox in 124 years. It snuck right past me! Maybe you too? Sunny Saturday March 21st. 3rd day of Spring. 50F and yes, sunny. Anglers…

Throwback Thursday Mayflies on the Water

March 19, 2020

Mayflies, Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday Mayflies on the Water Plugging along here in downtown Craig Montana handling the international health issues the best we can. We are fielding phone calls and questions about the future daily. Call us if you have any concerns.…

Zirdle Bug Olive St Pat’s Day!

March 17, 2020

Zirdle Bug Olive St Pat's Day!

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Zirdle Bug Olive St Pat’s Day! A green fly for today. Tie them up if you nymph the big fly like the Zirdle Bug. Buy them up if you just want to watch re-runs or are glued to the TV.…

5 Steps to Summer Success

March 16, 2020

5 Steps to Summer Success

5 Steps to Summer Success In this self-isolation period of our lives we need to do something, anything, to keep ourselves busy. Spending time with your fly rod could be just the answer. We know you always have the best…

Spring Training Video

March 14, 2020

dry fly, Sara Spring Training, Spring Training Video, video

Spring Training Video IT is here. Spring is here in Craig. I felt it last week. A Nic spring afternoon, that felt like spring. While you may not be able to attend your kids basketball game, cause it is cancelled,…

Thursday Throwback Ants

March 12, 2020

Thursday Throwback Ants

Thursday Throwback Ants High water this coming year? We don’t think so. This image of creepy ants is from 2010. A high water year for sure. Does not look like we will see this kind of run-off this year. Unless…

Here’s soon to be pre-med student Jesse Dewitt whacking fatties on the Mo over the weekend. Jesse is a fly fishing beast!!

New Breed Chicks Rule Jesse Edition!

March 9, 2020

New Breed Chicks

New Breed Chicks Rule

New Breed Chicks Rule Here’s soon to be pre-med student Jesse Dewitt whacking fatties on the Mo over the weekend. Jesse is a fly fishing beast!! Thanks Andy for sending this pic along. It made our day for sure. Fishing…

Thin Mint JAV Tying Video

March 8, 2020

Fly Fishing Video, Fly Tying

Homegrown, JAV, Just Add Vise, Order it up online @ Headhunters, Thin Mint, Thin Mint JAV Tying Video

Thin Mint JAV Tying Video Snow day here on the Mighty Mo. a great day to spin up a few flies. And why not tie up the Thin Mint for your next visit to the Mighty Mo? Or use it…

New Fly of the Week Rusty Trombone

March 7, 2020

Fly Fishing Gear, Fly Tying

New Fly of the Week Rusty Trombone

New Fly of the Week: Rusty Trombone 7wt bringing in new flies for the season at Headhunters Fly Shop. We have always been know as the go to shop for flies in the canyon and many know us as carrying…

Friday Foto It’s March!

March 6, 2020

friday foto, MArch

Friday Foto It’s March 71F today on the river. Calm for the morning session, windy for the afternoon. Tonight possible snow flurries. Again on Saturday nite too. Montana. Spring. Normal. SNAFU. The fishing is picking up. Along with the springlike…

Montana Fishing Film Festival in Helena Friday March 6th

March 6, 2020

Montana Fishing Film Festival

Montana Fishing Film Festival Montana Fishing Film Festival in Helena Friday March 6th at the Grandstreet Theater. Put together by Matt Devlin of Missoula Montana. These are film by Montanans for Montanans. Unique in that sense. Really cool. We had…

Late Winter Fishing Report by Richard

March 5, 2020

dry fly, Dry Fly Fishing Report, flies, Late Winter Fishing Report by Richard, Richard Magill, Swing

Late Winter Fishing Report by Richard The weather has been unseasonably warm, which typically means the wind is turned up to 11. Controlling a drift boat in gusty conditions can be difficult to say the least, but the rewards can…

Monday Morning March Fishing Report

March 2, 2020

Monday Morning March Fishing Report

Monday Morning March Fishing Report Hello March. Hello Missouri River anglers. Hello Spring? The groundhog did predict spring. Not six more weeks of winter. Last year at this time we were in a deep freeze. Real deep. Snow and ice…

Back of the House 2010

February 29, 2020

Back of the House 2010

Back of the House 2010 Looking at the back of the shop about ten years ago. That Parrothead sign is important to me. I’m gonna refinish it soon. Maybe this next week. Saturday on the Mo. Kinda warm, windy, not…

In Defense of Dry Fly Anglers

February 27, 2020

Fly Fishing Technique, Headhunters Life

dry fly article, fly fishing technique, missouri river, Squeeky's Rants, team Headhunters

I wrote a recent blog reminding us, we, the industry need to be a aware of the wants and needs of all anglers. Reminding us that whether you be a nympher, a streamer junkie, or a dry fly fanatic there…

News Flash. Not all anglers want to be dry fly anglers!

February 26, 2020

fly fishing progression, learning, missouri river

Fly Fishing Technique

I’ve been rolling around a personal progression of fly fishing for a couple years and as of late it has been haunting me daily. I believe that we, as an industry, are educating our anglers in an improper way. We…

Bozeman Thursday @ 630 Rialto 50/50 On the Water Film Tour

February 25, 2020

50/50 On the Water Film Tour, Support your local fishing community!, women

50/50 On the Water Film Tour For those in Bozeman check out the 50/50 On the Water Tour at the Rialto Thursday February 27th 630 pm sponsored by the Fishing Outfitter Association of Montana.

Winter Day Dreaming

February 24, 2020

Daydreaming, Dick Magill. Angler, Richard Writes, Summer

Winter Day Dreaming Another installment of Dick Magill. Angler. Thanks for the great summer story today Richard. I too am looking forward to the summer season. Not that I don’t like spring, and I don’t really like winter…summer keeps my…

The Police Live at Beat Club 1978

February 22, 2020

Beat Club, Punk, The Police, The Police Live at Beat Club 1978, UK Band

The Police Live at Beat Club 1978 Showed off the Chameleons this past week. But they do not compare to the talent in this late punk band. The Police. The Police had a hand in shaping the music of the…

Friday Foto Hardy Country

February 21, 2020

Friday Foto Hardy Country

Friday Foto Hardy Country Windy. Warmer. Still winter like here in the canyon and beyond. The weekend even warmer. And probably windy. February is nearly over. Hooray. My least favorite part of the year. By a wide margin. March is…

#TBT Headhunters Fly Shop OG Dry Fly Video

February 20, 2020

#TBT, #TBT Headhunters Fly Shop OG Dry Fly Video, dry fly, February, HH All Stars, video

#TBT Headhunters Fly Shop OG Dry Fly Video This is our original promo video from 2009. HH opened the doors April 4th 2008. Scumliner’s first video for HH of Craig. Of course he then went on to shoot some killer…

Headhunters Annual Spring Special coming March & April 2020

February 17, 2020

Headhunters Annual Spring Special March & April 2020 Yes, your favorite Missouri River Fly Shop is yet again running discounted spring guide trips. Lodging in the area is on sale too. You will have to call up the friendly folks…

Casting Video Straight Rod Tip Path

February 16, 2020

Casting Video Straight Rod Tip Path

Casting Video Straight Rod Tip Path The rod tip path has to be straight. Convex round rod tip path does not work if you want to improve or move forward in any way in your fly fishing career. Dropping the…

Post-Punk Rock Weekend Hit

February 15, 2020

Post-Punk Rock Weekend Hit

Post-Punk Rock Weekend Hit Don’t Fall. The Chameleons 1983. Punk Rock Weekend Hit. Take the hit. Enjoy.

Mid February Fly Fishing Report Montana’s Missouri River

February 14, 2020

February, fishing report, Mid February Fly Fishing Report Montana's Missouri River, Midge, nymph, Streamer, Swing, winter

Mid February Fly Fishing Report Montana’s Missouri River Fished yesterday with HH Guide Shane Wilson and friend Adam Craig to Stickney. Had a great time. Fished a couple hours. Not hard. Social yes, fishing yes, lots of fishing energy, no.…

#TBT from Headhunters of Craig

February 13, 2020

#TBT from Headhunters of Craig

#TBT from Headhunters of Craig The shop when we signed the lease in November 2007. It has changed a bit since then. More changes ahead? Of course. We do not believe in static behaviors. That is for the rest. Staying…

Bubble Yum Scud Tying Video

February 12, 2020

Fly Fishing Video, Fly Tying

7wt., Bubble Yum Scud, Fly Tying Kits, Just Add Vise, ninch

Bubble Yum Scud Tying Video Tie this up for winter, spring, and early summer. The large tungsten bead can get you to the zone without adding split shot to your line. Fewer hinge points means fewer tangles. And fewer tangles…

2020 Fly Fishing Film Tour Stoke Trailer

February 11, 2020

2020 Fly Fishing Film Tour Stoke Trailer

2020 Fly Fishing Film Tour Stoke Trailer Tonight in Helena Montana Grandstreet Theater 7pm. A whole lotta fishing tonight, in the capitol.

February Blues and a Couple High Points

February 10, 2020

February Blues and a Couple High Points

February Blues and a Couple High Points February pretty much sucks. Historically average fishing, that means for the winter months. Not comparing the February fishing to the summer months, but comparing it to the winter months. And average is just…

Sunday Surf Flick 1965 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational

February 9, 2020

Sunday Surf Flick 1965 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational

Sunday Surf Flick 1965 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Snow on the ground here in Craig. Blowing pretty hard around the river. Some may stay home and watch this cool Hawaiian Surf Flick. Others may tune into the XFL!

Guiding 4 the Future

February 8, 2020

Fishing Outfitters of Montana, FOAM, G4F, Guiding for the Future

Guiding 4 the Future A great cause. Shane Wilson and I attended this past year. Shane was the outstanding student of the course, scoring a perfect score on the final exam. And winning a sweet Sage Ignitor courtesy of Sage…

Foul Weather February Weekend

February 6, 2020

Foul Weather February Weekend

Foul Weather February Weekend Looks kinda bad. Or not. This is just another forecast. Some are true, others aren’t. Open daily @ 8.

TBT Squeeky’s 1st Fly Shop Gig

February 6, 2020

TBT Squeeky's 1st Fly Shop Gig

TBT Squeeky’s 1st Fly Shop Gig This was my first fly shop gig. My first fly fishing mentor Pat Ward opened this little shop, even a bit smaller than HH, in Gold Creek on the Naches River. The Naches is…

Where Do Your Flies Live?

February 5, 2020

Dick Magill. Angler, Richard Magill, Where Do Your Flies Live?

Another installment from Richard today on this very blog. The wildly popular Dick Magill. Angler series speaks of fly boxes, winter, and the tying bench today. Enjoy. Happy Hump Day. Book your spring trip. Discounts galore! Where Do Your Flies…

How a Practice Rod is Helping Me Catch More Fish!

February 4, 2020

2020. Your Best Year!, ECHO Micro Practice Rod, ECHO MPR, Orvis Practicaster, Practice Casting

Fly Fishing Technique

How a Practice Rod is Helping Me Catch More Fish! One of my Fly Fishing Goals this year is to Cast Better. And getting out to the lawn, to the river, or the park is not always easy with daily…

Fly Fishing Film Tour in Helena Tuesday Nite February 11th!

February 4, 2020

Fly Fishing Film Tour in Helena Tuesday Nite February 11th!

Fly Fishing Film Tour in Helena Tuesday Nite February 11th Helena, MT 2020 Fly Fishing Film Tour Grandstreet Theatre Feb 11, 2020 at 7:00 PM (MST) Helena, Montana The Pat Barnes Missouri River chapter of Trout Unlimited is proud to bring…

Headhunters Fly Shop is looking for a few good men and women!

Last Call: Headhunters Fly Shop Hiring Summer Staff 2020

February 3, 2020

Fraternity of Fly, Headhunters Fly Shop Hiring Summer Staff, Headhunters Training, World Class Dry Fly World

Want to join the Have some great resumes on tap at the shop already with interviews being conducted as we write! But it is not too late to get your resume in to mark@headhuntersflyshop and sara@headhuntersflyshop.com Why not work with…

High Winds in Central Montana?

January 31, 2020

fishing report, Nymphing, winter

High Winds in Central Montana? Yes. Only when the winter temperatures peak the 50F mark. We are forecast for 60F tomorrow. With increased winds. Winds Winter fishing is here on the Mo and we have seen lots of anglers out…

Fly Fishing Film Tour in Great Falls Friday Nite!

January 30, 2020

F3T, Fly Fishing Film Tour in Great Falls Friday Nite!

Fly Fishing Film Tour in Great Falls Friday Nite! The Annual Fly Fishing Film Tour stops into Great Falls Montana Friday Nite January 31st! A long winter already? They seem longer every year we get older. So why not stop…

Ditching Old Faithful

January 29, 2020

Fly Fishing Technique, Headhunters Life

Dick Magill, Ditching Old Faithful, Headhunters Crack Staff, Richard, science, Streamers

Ditching Old Faithful From our revealing Dick Magill, Angler Series comes todays blog by crack staffer and writer Richard. Want to speak with Dick Magill? Stop in and see him weekly @ Headhunters of Craig. When you are on the…

It’s just like the First Day of PMD’s

January 28, 2020

Cheap Trick, PMD's, Rock and Roll, Squeeky's Rotted Mind, The 70's

It’s just like the First Day of PMD’s You know, the first good day. That is what Cheap Trick’s “Ain’t that a Shame” Live at Budokan ’78 makes me feel like. You gotta turn this up to 11. Then push…

Silly Sunday Scenery Trout Spey Cast

January 26, 2020

cast, Image, January, Silly Sunday Scenery Trout Spey Cast, Trout Spey

Silly Sunday Scenery Trout Spey Cast A nice January Weekend here in central Montana. Air temps breaking through the 50F mark. And anglers are out. Enjoy your Sunday outside.

Friday Goto Sara & a Pot of Dry Fly Gold

Friday Foto Sara & a Pot of Dry Fly Gold

January 24, 2020

New Breed Chicks

booking, friday foto, http://www.craigtroutcamp.com, Sara

Friday Foto Sara & a Pot of Dry Fly Gold We are still a couple months from daily dry fly activity on the Missouri River here in Craig Montana. But each day we get closer. Water levels for the summer…

Tying the Rusty Parachute Video

January 22, 2020

Fly Fishing Video, Fly Tying

Dead Flies Don't Swim, Guide Fly, Harrop, PMD, Rusty Spinner

Tying the Rusty Parachute Video This highly popular Rusty Spinner pattern by the Harrop family is a killer when fishing June and July on our home water here in central Montana. We fish it a ton. Biot bodied sparsely hackled…

Overlooked Fly Fishing Gear

January 21, 2020

Overlooked Fly Fishing Gear

Fly Fishing Gear

Overlooked Fly Fishing Gear A post by Dick Magill from Headhunters of Craig. Thanks Dick, appreciate the insight today. Fly fishing has come a long way over the years. The technological advances in the sport have opened many different possibilities…

Of Caddis and Summer

January 20, 2020

Caddis, Deep Freeze, MLK, Of Caddis and Summer, Summer

Of Caddis and Summer 50F outside today. Did some yard work, turned the compost pile, fooled around in the garage with fly gear. And saw my favorite fly box. Bought it for a dollar at Bob Ward’s Bozeman 25 plus…

Classic 1939 Rod Manufacturing Video

January 19, 2020

Classic 1939 Rod Manufacturing Video Cool vid today not eh HH Blog. Playoff Football on TV. The Australian Open starts too. Weather’s the best it has been in at least a week on the river today. Temps well above freezing!…

How to Choose a Sink Tip Video

January 18, 2020

Fly Fishing Gear, Fly Fishing Video

How to Choose a Sink Tip Video

How to Choose a Sink Tip Video Saturday. A good day to watch a video about choosing a streamer line. That is step one. Step two is to call your fly shop and get a couple. Our number is 406-235-3447.…

Frozen Friday Foto

January 17, 2020

Frozen Friday Foto

Frozen Friday Foto Slushy in the canyon. Frozen below Pelican Point on the lower. Free up top. And the air temps may crawl out of the cellar.

Weekend Fishing Forecast

January 16, 2020

#dickmagill, fishing report, Richard Writes, winter

Weekend Fishing Forecast Richard writing the Blog today. Thanks Richard. Glad you survived the arctic temps this week! Here we are in the middle of January. As I’m writing this fishing report, air temps are struggling to get above zero…

Casting Tip Today from Tim Rajeff

January 15, 2020