Mark Raisler, Author at Headhunters Fly Shop

Drought Conditions Exist. Do your rain dance daily! Exceptional Drought Conditions Exist. Not a great forecast for the future. Nope. Unless, unless you continue to rain dance daily. Or at least after a few Tom and Jerry drinks this holiday…

Why I Fish. Dick Magill Chronicles

December 6, 2021

Chronicles, Dick Magill, HH Life

Why I Fish. Dick Magill Chronicles A Top Ten List from Dick Magill today on the HH Blog. Thanks Richard. Appreciate it! To escape the pressures of society. To relieve stress. To heal the mind and soul. To avoid people.…

Weekend Update Early December ’21

December 4, 2021

December, fishing report, spey, Trout, Trout Spey, winter

Weekend Update Early December ’21 Winter this morning on Montana’s Missouri River. Yes. A spot of winter. A small spot. Let’s hope it is the foreshadowing of a terrifically wet and long and cold winter and spring. We don’t often…

Hebgen Dam Fixed, Madison Flows Restored

December 2, 2021

Conservation, Headhunters Life

Hebgen Dam, Madison River, NWE

Hebgen Dam Fixed, Madison Flows Restored NorthWestern Energy image above NorthWestern Energy (NWE) reported last night that Hebgen Dam gate is open and outflows to the Madison River are restored. The water in the river is rising as desired. Crews…

Madison River Crisis, Wind, and December

December 1, 2021

December, madison, NWE F**ked up, wind, winter

Madison River Crisis, Wind, and December Madison Flows Plummet to 177cfs As many have heard or seen on the Insta and other social sites the water in the Madison is low. The dam malfunction with Northwestern Energy at the wheel…

Support UMOWA on Giving Tuesday

November 30, 2021

#Giving Tuesday UMOWA, UMOWA

Conservation

Support UMOWA on Giving Tuesday Got any dough left after Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Love the Missouri River and want to toss a few bucks at our Conservation Organization? Well, have at ‘er. Nothing wrong trading a few flies…

Pink Lightening Bug Just Add Vise Kit

November 30, 2021

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…

December Missouri River Fishing Forecast

November 29, 2021

December Forecast, winter

December Missouri River Fishing Forecast All good here on the Mo this fall, late fall, and into the winter months. We are super stoked with the fishing conditions absolutely terrific. If you are gonna head on out this December feel…

FISHSKI Video today. Great Skiing Weather?

FISHSKI Video today. Post T-Day Slumber.

November 26, 2021

Fly Fishing Video, Headhunters Life

FISHSKI Video today. Great Skiing Weather?

FISHSKI Video today. Post T-Day Slumber. All we got today is wind, and clouds, and sun. Fishing this holiday weekend with a few anglers out there today swinging, stripping, nymphing. Watch this classic first. Then tie flies. Rest your weary…

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 24, 2021

Happy Thanksgiving from Headhunters Fly Shop, Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your family and friends today as we hang out at home waiting for nap time! We are thankful for many things including theMissouri River and you our fishy friends. Get the most from this day of rest…

Holiday Fishing Report Headhunters of Craig

November 23, 2021

Holiday Fishing Report Headhunters of Craig Headhunters Fly Shop open daily @ 8am. Thanksgiving Hours 8am til Noon. Get your shuttles in early and we will get them done. Before the mad Turkey rush… Open Friday and all weekend, and…

Birds, Bugs and Wildlife

November 22, 2021

& Wildlife, Birds, Birds Bugs and Wildlife, Bugs

birds, Bugs and Wildlife

Headhunters Fly Shop open all week long. Thanksgiving Day we will be open 8-12, our traditional hours on this holiday. Cool light, cool bugs, cool bucks, and cool birds on the Missouri this week. Mink, Muskrat, and River Otters abound…

Late Fall Friday Foto

November 19, 2021

First Day of Fall Friday Foto

Late Fall Friday Foto Today is one of he nicer days this fall! It is certainly not winter yet. Highs in the 40’s and 50’s this coming week. Wind is forecast for the weekend of course. Just when you want…

Missouri River Montana Thursday 11.18.21 Fishing Report

November 18, 2021

fishing report

Missouri River Montana Thursday 11.18.21 Fishing Report It is changing. The water. The fish. The temps. The season. Transition period on now. Fish moving into a bit slower and deeper and cooler water. Although many still enjoying the quick paced…

Wednesday Gone Fishing

November 16, 2021

Wednesday Gone Fishing Shop open early for a couple guide trips heading out, then closed at 10am for a staff fishing day. Yep, GONE FISHING WEDNESDAY @ 10am. Stop in early if you need us, or anything from us. If…

Tuesday Mo River Update 11.16.21

November 16, 2021

Autumn, Fall, November, nymph, Swing, Trout Spey, winter

Tuesday Mo River Update 11.16.21 Open Wednesday November 17th 8-10am. Closed the remainder of the day for a Shop Fishing Day. Windy today. Not too bad tomorrow with lighter winds and fishable conditions. Although there are a few out there…

Silly Sunday Scenery Mid-November Edition

November 14, 2021

Fall

Silly Sunday Scenery Mid-November Edition Craig Boat Ramp, Craig Montana. Fall. November. 2021.

Saturday. The Weekend. And Bob James w/ Autumn Nocturne

November 13, 2021

Headhunters Life, Nature

Saturday. The Weekend. Calm in this image. But today not that calm. Pretty windy. Wind in the forecast again tomorrow. Will it ring true? The forecast? We’ll let you know Monday if the wind came for a visit. Guessing is…

Friday Foto Fishing Report 11.12.21

November 12, 2021

Friday Foto Fishing Report 11.12.21 Weather straightened out with more seasonable conditions throughout the week and weekend ahead of us. A good time to come on out and fish a little. Clouds. Clouds are good. Fish like clouds. Anglers…

Veterans Day

November 11, 2021

Un-Fishing

Veteran's Day

Veterans Day Veterans Day 2021 is being celebrated to present special thanks, paying respect and love to the military men and women, who devoted their whole life for serving their homeland and they gave many sacrifices for the comfort of their…

Trout Spey Flies @ Headhunters. Sparrow Tying Video

November 10, 2021

Fishing Report, Fly Fishing Video, Fly Tying

Trout Spey Flies @ Headhunters. Sparrow Tying Video Great Swing bite this week. And the fly that was on top of the list was this Sparrow. Runner up being the Carey Special. Included in he top five is the leech.…

Don’t let you, hold you, back

November 9, 2021

Don’t let you, hold you, back A couple problems hold most anglers back. Yep, just a couple casting fails that hold most anglers back from progressing. From moving forward. From kicking more ass. Too much Slack The first of the…

Missouri River November Fact Sheet

November 8, 2021

CraigLodging.com, Dry Fly Fishing, Missouri River November Fact Sheet, November Missouri River Weather, Nymph Fishing, Streamer fishing

November is one of our favorite months. Why? Well, as you know we’ll tell you. A list of the things happening during this early winter spell. No people. Very few anglers. If it is at all above 30F we have…

Friday Fall Foto

November 5, 2021

Friday Fall Foto

Friday Fall Foto Posted up Headhunting. Guide Beth Langell stalking BWO rising trout. Fall is happening. You coming?

Thursday November 4th Missouri River Fishing Report Headhunters Fly Shop

November 4, 2021

DFO, Fall, fishing report, November, nymph, Swing, Trout Spey

Thursday November 4th Missouri River Fishing Report Headhunters Fly Shop All good is this neighborhood. Water temps continue to be good for the bite. The fish like these fall temperatures. And one than the wind the weather has been seasonal.…

Efficient Missouri River Nymph Strategies

November 3, 2021

Fishing Report, Fly Fishing Technique

Fall, fly fishing technique, Missouri River Technique, nymph, Technique

Efficient Missouri River Nymph Strategies Want to catch more with a nymph rig? Yeah, we agree. Follow the simple strategies and tips below to improve your catch rate this fall. Take advantage of the lower water by targeting the subsurface…

Tuesday Foto November Edition

November 2, 2021

Tuesday Foto November Edition The Mink on the Missouri River. Common. Fun to watch. A couple Trout Spey trips out. A couple more tomorrow. And the next day. Come by and get hooked up on one of these this late fall.…

November Missouri River Fly Fishing Forecast

November 1, 2021

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. Some of the best parts of the month include the lack of anglers around. Another highlight is the fish that like to…

Try New Water this Fall fishing Montana’s Missouri River

October 31, 2021

Try New Water this Fall fishing Montana’s Missouri River Get out there and try something new. We here on this blog speak often about breaking new ground, trying new things, and finding new water for yourself. Even on this limited…

Friday Foto from Headhunters of Craig

October 29, 2021

Headhunters Life, Uncategorized

Fall

Friday Foto from Headhunters of Craig Fall is good. We had a long one this year. Thank you 2021. The leaves are nearly gone. Soon we will go back to our primary color, tan. We are enjoying the remaining moments.…

Mid-Week Fishing Report 10.27.21

October 27, 2021

Brown Trout, fishing report

Mid-Week Fishing Report 10.27.21 Flows: 2700cfs. Lower than mandated. Federally mandated suggests low flows are 2800cfs. Lower than that, by less than a centimeter. Fish the faster water, has been the theme. But do not disregard the skinny flats when…

Thin Mint JAV Tying Video

October 27, 2021

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 This fabulous fall continues as we move through the final week of October. It’s good out there. And will continue to get better as we greet November and the swing bite. Not only are the…

Future Fly Fishers Jess Edition

October 26, 2021

Future Fly Fishers

Fall, Future Fly Fishers, Jess, Rainbow

Future Fly Fishers Jess Edition Jess Rules! Fishing with father Mike and HH Guide Shane Wilson Jess did quite Weill this past week. Congrats Jess. Looks like you enjoyed your stay! Hope to see you again next fall. Or summer…

Fishing Outfitter Association of Montana Film

October 25, 2021

Conservation, Fly Fishing Video

Fishing Outfitter Association of Montana Film A promotional film made for Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana this past month. The Montana organization that represents the guiding and outfitting community in congressional, conservation, social, and business efforts. Both Mark and John…

2021 Fall Services Update

October 24, 2021

Silly Saturday Scenery

2021 Fall Services Update Spawning Browns out there on the river. Recognize gravel reads and stay off of them. Active sex regions deserve our attention, not romping, not stomping, not upsetting the natural process. Don’t stomp on them. Enjoy the…

Friday Foto Fall Session

October 22, 2021

Friday Foto Fall Session A stunning fall here in the canyon. You can check out the pics, or get in your car ad drive here. Headhunters opens at 8am daily.

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 10.21.21

October 21, 2021

Missouri River Montana Fishing Report 10.21.21 Water flows: 2670cfs. Water temps: 53F-54F. Nymphers: Sows, scuds, midge larvae, early. Mayfly nymphs late. Dry Fly Anglers: Look for the BWo’s to come off after 2pm. Lower canyon and beyond for a few…

How to Approach Like A Pro. Fall Edition.

October 20, 2021

DFO, dry fly, missouri river, Pro, Rising Trout, SOL, Spring Creek, tailwater, Technique

How to Approach Like Pro The number one reason that more anglers do not catch fish with a dry fly is because they do not approach rising fish in the proper manner. Most every angler (men) rush right in and…

Don’t be afraid to practice, or change your approach

October 18, 2021

BWO, DFO, dry fly, Missouri River Technique, Practice, Technique

DON’T BE AFRAID TO CHANGE Watching the NLCS this past weekend I had some thoughts stirred up by the unique approach the LA Dodgers took for game 1 and the final game of the NLDS. What was so exciting was…

Silly Sunday Scenery

October 17, 2021

Bugs, Headhunters Life

BWO

Silly Sunday Scenery Water temps diving. BWO’s emerging. Trout rising.

Weekend Missouri River Fishing Report 10.16.21

October 16, 2021

Weekend Missouri River Fishing Report 10.16.21 Very good fishing. Water fantastic. Water temps in the mid 50’s. Perfect. Water flows low @ 2800cfs and stable. Classic Mo River fall fishing conditions. Easy wading and guide boats available. Lodging too. Pretty…

Friday Fall Foto

October 15, 2021

Friday Fall Foto Fall. Swing Season. DFO’s Unite. Bugger Chuckers Strip. The après fish drinks always taste good.

A few Missouri River October Fly Fishing Tips

October 14, 2021

A few Missouri River October Fly Fishing Tips, Dry Flies October, Fall Fly Fishing Tips

We are in full swing for the month of October. Lots of stuff happening. Not the big bugs yet but they gotta be on the way. Tons of Pseudo’s around almost every day. Monday brought the advent of the true…

Jim Hill Memorial & Celebration of Life Oct 16th 4pm

Jim Hill Memorial & Celebration of Life Oct 16th 5-7pm

October 13, 2021

Jim Hill Memorial & Celebration of Life Oct 16th 5-7pm Image above, not Jim. Jim Hill Memorial and Celebration of Life Saturday October 16th 5-7pm at Old Craig School. Join Julie and friends for a tribute of an exceptional fisherman…

It’s Fall. Fish the Mo.

October 12, 2021

It’s Fall. Fish the Mo. This is the call to state that those who call and ask us to let them know when to come, that the time is now. And for the next 6 weeks. If you like streamer…

The Jet and Randy Steal Home

October 10, 2021

Headhunters Life, Uncategorized

The Jet and Randy Steal Home Unreal. The ability to steal home requires smarts, speed, and patience. Just like a good dry fly angler. The dry fly angler, a successful one, has to be smart. Watching the rise form, understanding…

Silly Saturday Scenery

October 9, 2021

Silly Saturday Scenery Great colors out and showing us the Montana fall. A good one is here as the air temps have cooperated and not frozen the leaves. When that happens they turn black and go away. Ya know ’cause…

October Water Forecast

October 6, 2021

Low Water, October

October Water Forecast Low. That is the word. Will remain low. Still a discrepancy in the USGS Holter Dam and Cascade gauges. Hmm. Lots of fun to be had as the subsurface structure is exposed. Super fun for stripping and…

Missouri River Streamer Love

October 5, 2021

Bugs, Headhunters Life

Fly Patterns, Streamers

Fall means streamer fishing Montana’s Missouri River. We dig it. I think the streamer strike is the best 1 1/2 seconds in fly fishing. Dry lines, intermediate tips will suffice. Flies. You gotta have flies. Flies are cool. Streamer flies…

Monday Morning Missouri River Fishing Report October 4

October 4, 2021

Monday Morning Missouri River Fishing Report October 4 Good to great nymphing, stripping, and swinging. Not great or even good blind or posted up dry fly fishing. Flows about 3K. Temps dropping currently stable at 58F. BWO’s like a bit…

Riviera Paradise Stevie Ray Vaughn

October 3, 2021

Riviera Paradise Stevie Ray Vaughn Riviera translates as Coast. While we do not live on the coast we do reside on the banks of Mother Mo. So this tune has always had a place in my heart and it is associated…

Silly Saturday Scenery

October 2, 2021

Autumn, boat, net, Steve Collie, Wolf Creek Bridge

Silly Saturday Scenery HH Guide Steve Collie scooping one out fishing with the Ron Vogel group today above the Wolf Creek Bridge. Autumn is here. It is beautiful. Quite busy fo rah first week of October as well. Lots of…

September 30 Mo River Fishing Report

September 30, 2021

September 30 Mo River Fishing Report Flows about 3K. Will stay that way for the remainder of 2021. Temps in the primary trout range of 54F-58F. The fish are hot, will move for a fly, and… BWO’s? Not yet. Soon?…

Wednesday Fishing Report Haiku by Ricky

September 29, 2021

Wednesday Fishing Report Haiku by Ricky Swinging is Rad now Big Browns are eating Streamers Fall Trout are Hungry

Hmmm. How do you account for this?

September 27, 2021

Hmmm. How do you account for this? Are the USGS river gauges accurate? 3080cfs is what the Holter Dam gauge reads. 2530cfs is what the Cascade gauge reads. 2530cfs in Cascade MT Strange huh. Lower water downstream of Holter Dam.…

Missouri River Fall Fishing Forecast 2021

September 27, 2021