Missouri River Winter-Spring Info Sheet

Missouri River Winter-Spring Info Sheet

2nd day of the year here in downtown Craig as we take a look at the future. The past is so last year.

Still damn cold here thru today but it will crack the freezing mark Wednesday allowing us to venture towards the river. The shop is also open normal hours following a few days that we were closed due to frigid weather and unsafe travel conditions. All water under the bridge.

Watch for shelf ice out there. Also, an update of the boat ramps will come later tomorrow. But until then, always check the condition of your put in and your take out points before you dump that drifter into the water.

The river is frozen on the bottom end. Slush is prevalent in the middle reaches. Still pretty clear on the upper. Most will stay up above Craig for the next month until the water temps move. But then again they may not move much if any until the beginning of March. Winter has truly arrived and will not budge for some time…months.

A calendar of the upcoming events the first few months of 2018.

January: Nothing much here around the river. When the air temps crack the 32F mark we will be fishing. If they approach 40F the locals will be out.

Trout Spey Season should ramp back up now the dust has settled from the holidays. We have 7 trout spey rod brands to choose from. We will keep you up to date on our leading edge trout spey rods and line selections. The largest and greatest in Montana, maybe the west coast.

Winter Lodging specials start @ $125/nt here in Craig. We have cabins that sleep up to six, river front, and more! www.craigtroutcamp.com and www.craiglodging.com. Call the shop for more info and reservations. Lodging specials continue through the end of April.

February:  Trout Spey Clinics February 10th & 11th. These free clinics are wildly popular so sign up today. Saturday and Sunday classes fill early. Learn about sept casting, fishing for Montana trout with a 2 handed spey rod, demo rods from Sage, ECHO, Loomis, Anderson Casting Rods, Orvis, Douglas. Many attend these clinics to find the correct fly line for their existing spey rod. Common. We have them all and will find the right fit for you!

Midges may start in February, if the water temps increase a bit. Can be real good dry fly fishing with a quiet river and rising trout. Streamer fishing can be good too. And more and more anglers swinging flies with their two handed rods. Stop in anytime if you want to dip your toe into the trout spey water.

Nymphing continues to be good. Pink flies will be very popular. Scuds, sows, worms, midge. All you need. Winter Guide Trips are $450. We will do several in February. Our guides are always ready as they not only live here they fish all winter long!

March: More dry fly action. Late in the month we occasionally see some BWO’s appear. Sometimes. The water temps come up too. We start the upward climb out of the cellar.

The Headhunters Annual Spring Special starts in March too. March 15th thru April 30th. Our famous spring special that many have tried to copy, but none do it as well as Headhunters does. Pricing for the Spring Special is $400/day. Book today for your favorite guide.

Shop open daily for any and all questions, reservations, and fishing. Happy New Year!