MONTANA TROUTSPEY
The Swing Season is upon us, and we are starting to line up our free Spey Clinics for the 2016-17 season. Folks are asking about it and many have already swung a fish or three this season. Our clinics and methodology continue to evolve, as spey fishing for trout – not Steelhead – has become the primary focus. Lighter and shorter rods, ultra compact heads, and a new generation of flies are where the typical Montana angler is headed.
We still have plenty to say about Steelhead and the equipment and techniques we use to catch them, however. And in our class you’ll likely be starting out with a 12’6″ 6 weight outfit, one we consider ideal for summer run Steelhead. But the trout gear is there as well, and we’re finding most of the questions we receive revolve around fishing in Montana.
2016-17 Class Schedule
DECEMBER 3 and 4
JANUARY 28 and 29
FEBRUARY TDB
-all classes limited to 12 students-
We have always held a class a month throughout the winter starting the first weekend of December. This year will be no different, but we will be offering two classes on that weekend. You can sign up for either the Saturday or Sunday session. The format will remain mostly the same, though I always try and keep it up to speed with new changes in gear and technique.
We will meet at the Craig house behind Headhunters at 9:00am for a visual presentation designed for those who are new to spey casting. I’ve found that even experienced two-handed anglers gain at least 1 new thing from the presentation. This is the best time for Q&A if you have some. Coffee, juice and pastries provided. We will then move down to the river for our hands on casting with our very experienced spey casting team of Ben McNinch, Sara Roholt, Curt Reynolds, Dwayne Sutphin, Mark Raisler and myself. With a limit of 12 at each class you’ll definitely get plenty of hands-on instruction.
GEAR
Bring your own gear, especially if you don’t like it. Likely it was lined up wrong at that big box store. We can fix it up and make proper line recommendations.
If you don’t own gear that’s no problem as we have more than enough for the entire class. Our gear is also split between Skagit and Scandi rigs, so you can try either. And if you don’t know the difference no problem. Thats what the clinic is about.
Later in the afternoon you can try a wide variety of demo rods from ultra-light 2 weights up to typical winter Steelhead rods. You can also try a new or different line on your own rod, as we will have a large assortment of lines form OPST, Airflow, Scientific Anglers and RIO.
SIGN UP SOON
If you’re interested we recommend you sign up as soon as possible. Our clinics always have a waiting list, and we are reducing the class size somewhat this year so space will definitely be limited. Call the shop at 1-877-379-3597 or 406-235-3447 to sign up. You can also correspond via email.
14 Comments.
Greetings,
I would love to attend one of your spey clinics. I do have my own outfit, which I purchased about a year ago. I’ve been fishing with it on the Mo a few times and have the basic hang of it down. But, I’m certain there is much I could learn from you folks. I’ve really taken to the two handed casts because I can throw a big streamer, or wet flies (which I am fishing more and more over the years and really now appreciating), in a nasty wind for the better share of a day, without hurting my elbow, arm, shoulder, or wrist. I can’t do that with a single handed large rod anymore. Anyway I’m available any of those dates – the sooner the better for me – but others may not have that flexibility. So, let me know if there’s a spot for me, and what date, time, and location. Thank you very much for your attention to this request. Respectfully
Michael,
Call the shop and get on the list. If you’re interested we recommend you sign up as soon as possible. Our clinics always have a waiting list, and we are reducing the class size somewhat this year so space will definitely be limited. Call the shop at 1-877-379-3597 or 406-235-3447 to sign up. You can also correspond via email.
Have February dates been set for free Spey clinic?
Not yet Logan. Keep an eye on the blog and we will let you know well in advance.
Thanks Mark!
Any Spey Clinic dates for this fall/2018? I’d love to get signed up early.
None set yet Kirk. You will find out here first!
Any word on this year’s spey clinic or maybe even an advanced spey class you do for single handers ???
Hey Mark,
Interested in getting into trout spey and would like to meet with you for some advice and possibly buy the equipment. Live in Bozeman, so I would like to arrange a future appointment where I can have your ear for a bit? Is this possible sometime May/2018?
Yes Tim,
Available lots in May. email me directly mark@headhuntersflyshop.com. and we can set something up!
Might I hope for a guide willing to toss in some time/advice to get me started with spey?
While keeping the trip primarily one handed?
btw I’m avid roll caster with some two handed salt water time…
YEs indeed Bob. Let us know how you want the trip go, and we can accommodate. We have several guides that can do that! Give us a call and we will set it up!
Mark-
Is there any chance you’ve got Montana Troutspey dates scheduled for December ’18 or January ’19? I’d love to attend if so. If not, may I be contacted when you’ve got something scheduled? Thanks!
Hey Bob,
HH will be running $400 Guided Spey Lessons starting today! John and Mark will be available for trips throughout the late fall, winter, and spring of ’19. Give us a shout when you want to set a day or two up!