Headhunters Life Archives - Headhunters Fly Shop

9/11, Honor, Positive Behaviors, Why it is important to reflect on days like today 9/11

To understand why, how, where we come from. To respect those who came before us. To honor those who have fallen innocently. To honor and respect those who fight for our freedom. So often we forget that most of us…

Overcomplicating. Andy speaks on the blog today

September 7, 2021

Andy McEwen

Overcomplicating. Andy speaks on the blog today Overcomplicating. A trap so easy to get caught in while fishing a technical tailwater like the Missouri River as we move from late summer into autumn. Fish simple patterns with impeccable drifts instead…

50% off of any fly in the shop? Yes!

September 3, 2021

50% off of any fly in the shop? Yes! Labor Day weekend is here, and that means our annual fly sale is happening. You can get any fly in the shop at 50% off this Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 4th…

Trout Spey Camp? No. Trout Spey Guide Trips? Yes.

August 31, 2021

Trout Spey Camp? No. Trout Spey Guide Trips? Yes. As we navigate the current Covid world we unfortunately are not gonna host our now world famous Trout Spey Camp this fall. Total Bummer. Although we will be guiding Trout Spey…

Craig Caddis Festival Saturday August 28th 3pm

Craig Caddis Festival Saturday August 28th 4pm

August 25, 2021

CaddisFest

Craig Caddis Festival Saturday August 28th 3pm BBQ @4pm What to expect at this year’s Caddis Festival: AWESOME FUN! -The parade kicks off the afternoon – don’t miss it! Line up at 2:45 at the fire station to participate and…

Rise. Herb Albert.

August 22, 2021

'79, Hrb Albert, Rise

Rise. Herb Albert. A big tune in ’79. I remember it well. Great title as well. Although no connection with the rise (forms) we like. I also love(d) Tijuana Taxi from ’65. My folks had that LP. I wore it…

Off Air | Friday August 13th

August 13, 2021

Shop Open daily 530-8pm. Guide trips and lodging and shop staff ready to help in any way you need this grasshopper and Crawfish season. The Blog will be Off Air for a few days. We know how hard that can…

Sandy Sunday Scenery

August 8, 2021

Sandy, Sandy Sunday Scenery

Sandy Sunday Scenery PLongoria’s great pup Sandy. Best pic I’ve seen all month. You look good Sandy. Great in fact. Happy Sunday Sandy. Shop closed at 4pm Sunday for employee party!

Whatever Gets You Through the Night John Lennon

August 4, 2021

John Lennon, Music, video

Whatever Gets You Through the Night John Lennon Great track to get stuck in your head today. Sir Elton John on backup vocals. The duet version is sweet too. Happy Hump Day. Warm and smoky here in Craiglandia. The Harris…

FWP Harris Mtn Fire Update

July 31, 2021

FWP, Harris Mtn Fire, Holter Lake

FWP Harris Mtn Fire Update Firefighting Needs Could Lead to the Closure of Lower Holter Reservoir From Log Gulch Campground to Holter Dam The lower end of Holter Reservoir may be closed this week to allow fire-fighting resources access to…

Friday Foto Steven Johnson Carp

July 30, 2021

carp

Friday Foto Steven Johnson Carp The shop gang is out there hunting for Carp. And bagging a few.

Harris Mountain Fire 7.27.21 Update

July 28, 2021

2021, fire, Harris Mtn, Wildfire

Harris Mountain Fire 7.27.21 Update Lots of smoke in the immediate area. Lots of smoke throughout Montana. We have not had cancellations due to smoke in the air. Anglers fishing without problems. If you have concerns about your upcoming trip…

Rain.

July 25, 2021

Rain

Rain. Bring it. It would help. Tremendously.

Missouri River Hoot Owl begins Wednesday 7.21.21

July 20, 2021

Conservation, Fishing Report, Headhunters Life

Missouri River Hoot Owl begins Wednesday 7.21.21 This just in. Missouri River Hoot Owl begins Wednesday at 2pm. Fishing hours are 12am to 2pm. No fishing beyond 2pm. Nothing will change for the guided trips out of Headhunters Fly Shop.…

Friday Foto

July 16, 2021

Friday Foto Kurt Michels out with long time Headhunters John and Sean Sweeney. Father and son been fishing here a long time. beyond the 20 year mark. Good morning for the dry fly. Patience is certainly an asset when tossing…

Rock Creek Fire Update Monday

July 12, 2021

2021, fire, Rock Creek, Safety

Rock Creek Fire Update Monday All good as we move into Monday morning here in Craig Montana. Light smoke yesterday with high winds early evening tapering off into the 9pm hour. Looks like 80% containment as of last night. Hope…

Clean. Drain. Dry.

July 7, 2021

Conservation, Headhunters Life

aquatic invasive species, Cldan, conservation, Drain, Dry

Clean. Drain. Dry. Follow these rules and stop the spread/growth of invasive species here and beyond. Your duty as an angler, boat owner, all around good human being. I pull the weeds from my craft at the boat ramp daily.…

Happy 4th of July!

July 4, 2021

4th, Independence Day, July

Happy 4th of July! Happy 4th. Be safe. Or go nuts. Safely. Historically a slow fishing weekend here on the Mo. Family time. But, with the temps rocketing upwards and a high of 99F forecast for today there will be…

What will happen if the Mo falls under a Hoot-Owl restriction?

July 3, 2021

Conservation, Headhunters Life

What will happen if the Mo falls under a Hoot-Owl restriction? If the weather, the water conditions, and the direction/protection of Montana’s resources require Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to enable a Hoot-Owl restriction we will… Respect and adhere to the…

July Missouri River Water Trends

July 2, 2021

Conservation, Fishing Report, Headhunters Life

July Missouri River Water Trends Lots of questions as we move into the month of July here in central Montana this hotter and water starved 2021 summer season. While there is wild and rampant speculation about the possibilities and outcomes…

Happy Fathers Day from Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig Montana

June 20, 2021

Father's Day

Happy Fathers Day from Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig Montana This trout caught this past week was a warrior. Happy Fathers Day to all of you Old Warriors. Young ones too. Fathers help us all the way through life. We…

Friday Image

June 18, 2021

Friday Image Pretty scary.

Hump Day Fish w/ Dane

June 16, 2021

Dane, Eli, Fish w/ Dane, Rainbow, Release

Hump Day Fish w/ Dane Water temps warming. Be safe. Get out your dry fly rod. Fishing with Dane and Eli the last couple days. A real treat. Fellers that enjoy learning. And that learning paid off. Thanks fellas for…

Plastics

June 13, 2021

Plastics Plastics. Think about it. The Graduate. Mrs. Robinson. Simon and Garfukel. The Lemonheads. Shoulda invented the better bobber. I disregarded advice from my parents friends too… Dammit.

PMD Friday

June 11, 2021

Bugs, Headhunters Life

Mega-Hatch, PMD, Summer

PMD Friday If you have dry fly fished here before you know the drill. Cripples, emergers, spinners. Although I have seen some eating the dun this year. Long time Mo River Guide and local Helena boy Kurt and I were…

We Ski Cousins Saturday June 12th @ Izaaks

June 10, 2021

Band, Izaaks, Live Music, We Ski Cousins

We Ski Cousins Saturday June 12th @ Izaaks Live on the Deck @ Izaaks Saturday June 12th 4-8pm. Come enjoy a few beverages and hear this locally legendary band We Ski Cousins! Fish the day, eat and drink with entertainment…

It’s Dry Fly Season! The Headhunter Fly Line

June 8, 2021

Fly Fishing Gear, Headhunters Life

DFO, Dry Fly Line, Fly Line, Introducing the Headhunter Fly Line

The Headhunter Fly Line Today speaking about the Headhunter Fly Line. A dry fly line designed by Headhunters manufactured by RIO for our dry fly obsessions! It is finally dry fly season here on Montana’s Missouri River. And no better…

Sunday Scenery on the Missouri River

June 6, 2021

July, Sunday Scenery

Sunday Scenery on the Missouri River All is well here on the Missouri River. Ed Kruse perusing the flats. PMD’s on the horizon. Caddis in the evenings can be good. We are on hold kinda, til the next big thing…

Memorial Day 2021

May 31, 2021

We Honor those who have fallen today. At 3pm is time observe a moment of silence. Honor. Respect. Remembrance. In traditional observance, the flag of the United States is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly…

Sunday Words of Wisdom

May 30, 2021

Sunday Words of Wisdom

Sunday Words of Wisdom Speaking with Dave McKee the other day and he said something interesting. I did not catch the meaning of what he had said until mid way though the day. Dave said “I love fishing the Missouri…

Sunday River, events, spring snow, tons of water data, water temps, and flows

May 23, 2021

Sunday River, events, spring snow, data, water temps, and flows Lots happening here on the Mighty Mo as we move through the month of May. One of our staff’s favorite months the Missouri River in May can shine. And it…

Friday Foto

May 21, 2021

Craig MT, May, Snow, Spring, Winter again

Friday Foto It’s winer again. Anywhere from 3″-12″ locally on the ground. Sunshine and 85 this past week. Rain tomorrow. Lots on Sunday with 3/4″ forecasted. Spring in the Rockies.

2021 Montana Fishing Licenses

May 20, 2021

Do it at home, Fishing License, Montana

2021 Montana Fishing Licenses It’s time to renew your Montana State Fishing License for 2021. The new license will be valid March 1st thru February 28th 2022. We are fortunate in Montana to have beautiful scenery. Great fishing. But sometimes not so…

Covid Vax Clinic May 20th in Craig MT @ HH and Craig Trout Camp

May 19, 2021

Headhunters Life, Uncategorized

Covid Vax Clinic Tomorrow May 20th in Craig MT @ HH and Craig Trout Camp Thursday May 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drive-thru. General Population 12+. Pfizer, Moderna and J&J vaccines available. (Must be 18+ for Moderna and…

Got a Hole in Your Life?

May 16, 2021

Got a Hole in Your Life? This author did too until he stumbled on the Mo in ’92. A big new world out there in the past year. Many have moved, found new locales, found themselves. And what a time…

WYSIWYG

May 10, 2021

WYSIWYG

WYSIWYG If you know what this means, then all you have to do is look at that chart above to understand the water levels projected for 2021. If you don’t know what WYSIWYG means, then look up in the hills…

Happy Mothers Day Brown Trout

May 9, 2021

Brown Trout, Sunday Brown Trout

Happy Mothers Day Brown Trout Happy Sunday. Happy Mothers Day. Got some rain on the ground here this weekend. The place is really greening up nicely. River still damn low. This rain ay add a bump in the rod, but the…

Thursday Brown Trout

May 6, 2021

Thursday Brown Trout Mike caught a couple big ones the week. So didi his son Kai. This one included. Thursday Brown Trout.

In Defense of Dry Fly Anglers

May 4, 2021

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…

Andy McEwen and his first week in Craig Montana

May 3, 2021

Andy McEwen and his first week in Craig Montana Ed Note: Andy McEwen arrived 10 days ago. He and SOL went fishing last Monday. He caught a couple good ones including the brown trout above. He has since fished a…

USGS Holter Dam Gauge Malfunction

May 2, 2021

Conservation, Headhunters Life

USGS Holter Dam Gauge Malfunction Spoke with Stephanie Micek of the USBR. She mentioned that the USGS gauge and the NorthWestern Energy gauge are not currently reading the same flows. The USGS flow rate is reading 300cfs-400cfs higher than the…

Dearborn River News

May 2, 2021

Dearborn River, Fishing Regulations, Open 3rd Saturday in May, runoff, Shuttle

Dearborn River News Dearborn River News today on the HH Blog. Dearborn River open for fishing 3rd Saturday in May. No fishing until then. CLOSED until May 15th. Dearborn River Shuttles offered by Headhunters Fly Shop daily. Kayakers, rafters float…

Mind Games John Lennon

May 1, 2021

Mind Games John Lennon This tune is not about trout. But I commonly think about trout and the Mind Games they play with us, the angler. Now when you hear, and sing along with John Lennon, you too will think…

Words of Dry Fly Wisdom

April 25, 2021

Fly Fishing Technique, Headhunters Life

BWO, DFO, Guide Suggestions, Midge, Trust Me. I'm a Guide, Wisdom

Words of Dry Fly Wisdom Thinking about the dry fly bite this am before heading to the water today. Some things never change. Fish are wild animals. They are not trained. They do not understand that you did not practice…

COVID Vax Clinic Craig Montana TODAY @ Headhunters Fly Shop 10-12

April 22, 2021

craig trout camp, HH Fly Shop, L & C County Health

COVID Vax Clinic Craig Montana TODAY @ Headhunters Fly Shop 10-12 The nuts and bolts of this COVID Vaccine Clinic are Thursday April 22nd 10am til 12pm Noon Second Dose available read below 1st Dose available read below Open to…

Izaak’s Restaurant in Craig Hiring

April 22, 2021

Food, Headhunters Life, Un-Fishing

Call Chef John!, craig, Help Wanted, Hiring, Izaaks, Job, Summer, trout bum

Izaak’s Restaurant in Craig Hiring Spoke with Chef John over a iller plate of Ribs preceded by his Wold Class Smoked Chicken Wings last night and he reminded me that Izaak’s is still looking for a couple key integral staffers…

Drift Boat 101 Clinic April 24th Craig Montana

April 18, 2021

Headhunters Life, Uncategorized

We, Adipose Boatworks et al, are really excited to host the popular Drift Boat 101 Clinic again this year. Last year we had to cancel due to COVID, but believe that we can hold the clinic and keep everyone safe. If you…

Wednesday Image

April 14, 2021

Wednesday Image

Wednesday Image Hump Day and all is well. Great fishing today. Pretty good all week long. Snowing. Cold. Bugs hatching. This summer image should get you ramped up today. P.S. Practice casting. Jut a few minutes a week, not the…

Headhunters Annual Spring Special April 2021 3 weeks left!

April 11, 2021

Headhunters Annual Spring Special April 2021 3 weeks left! 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…

Headhunters Friday

April 9, 2021

Headhunters Friday Looking like the lean side of average for our 2021 water year. Unless Mother Nature disagrees. TGIF. Predicting the future would be like betting on Gonzaga to take it all.

Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service Anniversary

April 4, 2021

Lucky 13

Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service Anniversary It all began 13 years ago today. Headhunters opened the doors for the first time. Been a great ride. Enjoyed meeting all of you. Laughing, learning, and fishing with you too. Nothing stays…

Friday Foto Osprey are Home

April 2, 2021

Birds, Headhunters Life

friday foto, Osprey

Friday Foto Osprey are Home Yes, the Osprey have returned home. The annual migration back to the summer roost has ended. Most return to the river March 30, 31, or April 1st. Like clockwork. It is one of the signs…

Opening Day 2021

April 1, 2021

Opening Day

Opening Day 2021 April 1st is a big day. Lots happening in 2021. April Fools Day We have for years thought of spoofing you folks. But we really have not found or come up with anything funny that seems appropriate.…

You haven’t booked your summer trip yet?

March 29, 2021

2021, booking, Guides, July, June, lodging, Summer

You haven’t booked your summer trip yet? You are not totally screwed yet. But that time is nearing. Like later this week… June and July are nearing the ceiling for both guide and lodging booking capacities. Just a simple heads…

Mystic Eyes Them along with Van Morrison

March 28, 2021