John Arnold, Author at Headhunters Fly Shop

Headhunters Life, Troutspey, Uncategorized

above: Whitney Gould offers some tips to one of the casting competition competitors. WHAT A CRAZY WEEK! Somehow, we managed to set up for, hold, and clean up after a 3+ day event at the shop and get to Denver…

Trout Spey Camp Fly Contest

October 15, 2019

Fly Tying, Troutspey

Here’s a great group of swing flies submitted for our fly tying competition at Trout Spey Camp. Maybe they will inspire you to get on the vice and whip up a new Trout Spey home brew of your own. Thanks…

Trout Spey Camp Fishing Forecast

October 7, 2019

More winter on the way this week, which should ramp the swing fishing up another level (it’s already pretty good)! Right now we are under a Winter Storm Watch for Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by cooler temperatures for the rest…

Trout Spey Camp – Intro to Spey Clinic FULL

September 30, 2019

Just a heads up for those who still haven’t signed up for our Trout Spey Camp. Our “Intro to Spey” Clinic is now completely full. You can still sign up for the Camp, but you’ll need to attend Mike McCune’s…

Weekend Weather Outlook – Break Out the Toboggan’s and Galoshes!

September 26, 2019

Just an update on the current weather forecast for this weekend, a subject on the minds and tongues of everyone over the last 24 hours. The forecast is for a major winter storm to hit North Central Montana from Friday…

Trout Spey Camp Update & Report

September 23, 2019

Fishing today is the priority, so let’s get right to the spey report. The crew is starting to get out with the two-handers now, and we’ve been running a few guided spey trips as well. Fishing the swing is pretty…

Trout Spey Fly Tying Contest

September 11, 2019

Fly Tying, Troutspey

competition, contest, fly tying, Trout Spey

As part of our new 2019 Trout Spey Camp, Headhunters will be holding a fly tying competition for the best Trout Spey Pattern. We are looking for some great new Trout Spey “Swing” patterns for the Missouri River and beyond,…

Trout Spey Gear Roundup 2019-20

September 3, 2019

gear, Guide, spey, Trout

It’s time for our annual Trout Spey Gear Roundup as “Swing Season” approaches. A month from today we will be getting after it pretty hard (some of us are now), and in two months we wont be doing much else.…

Trout Spey Camp Event Page

September 2, 2019

camp, spey, Trout

DEDICATED EVENT PAGE We’ve created an EVENT PAGE for our first annual Trout Spey Camp so you can see a complete – but fluid – itinerary. I will keep updating the page as changes and additions are made. We’ve also…

Sunday Funnies?

September 1, 2019

Headhunters Life, Un-Fishing

Comic, Fly Fishing

If you’re old enough, you get it. Maybe.

Saturday Scenery

August 31, 2019

Headhunters Life, Photography

Today you are either watching college football or fishing somewhere or spending the holiday weekend with family and friends. It’s the last weekend of the summer, so you’re not likely laying on the couch checking out the Headhunters blog. For…

Do You Use a Streamer Specific Line?

August 30, 2019

fly, lines, Streamer

Cuz you don’t have to. But most hardcore streamer anglers I know not only have a streamer specific line, but a whole outfit. Generally a 6 or 7 weight, and occasianally an 8. If they wade fish a lot with…

End of August Fishing Report

August 29, 2019

fishing report

Our longtime friend RJ Maricich with a dandy Brown Trout he caught recently with guide Shane Wilson. On a hopper if you can believe it! And that’s the program right now for most. Hoppers. But there’s more going on than…

What Hopper?

August 28, 2019

Fishing Report, Fly Fishing Technique

Hoppers

Were in the midst of a good hopper season in Montana. From the Yellowstone to the Madison to the Bitteroot, it seems like everyone is talking Hoppers. Same on the Mo’. The hoppers were late – like all the other…

Check out the Big Brain on Ben!

August 27, 2019

Fly Fishing Gear, Headhunters Life

amadou, BMF

If you cruise around our shop, you’ll notice we like 2 things: 1. Fly fishing products that are useful, well made and and incorporate exceptional design. 2. Things that make us laugh. From the creative mind of Ben McNinch comes…

Sage Trout Spey HD

August 26, 2019

hd, SAGE, spey, Trout

“Swing Season” is just around the corner, and we’ve even been out doing some prospecting with our ultra-light Spey Rods already. While we’re still in the middle of dry fly season, we’re starting to get some tackle questions revolving around…

ACR Nova Closeout!

August 25, 2019

ACR, Nova, spey

Anderson Custom Rods (ACR) has been slowly replacing their popular Nova series Spey Rods with the new “Nova 2” series. Last spring we received the 3 and 4 weights, but the 2 weight was a while in coming. But it’s…

Where’s Mark?

August 24, 2019

Probably at the Ball Park If you haven’t figured it out yet, you’re not actually reading our blog posts. Mark is long gone on vacation, and will be for a while yet. He’s on the East Coast, on a MLB…

Weekend Update

August 23, 2019

Fishing Report, Uncategorized

The “back-to-school” lull is in full swing, and it’s pretty quiet in Craiglandia these days. Which is nice. The guides are recovering from weeks of sun stroke, and our shop staff is fishing more and harder than they usually do.…

Life Aquatic

August 22, 2019

I spent a day with my friend Pat Clayton helping him shoot some underwater trout images. By helping, I mean sitting on the bank and watching him slip into the icy mountain water to take photos. Occasionally I take a…

Quiet Time

August 21, 2019

Above: Ben McNinch schooling some trout with a single dry fly and the new Headhunter Fly Line. And it’s that time of year. Typically quiet on the river as school is starting and people plan for Labor Day weekend activities.…

Sub-Surface School Sept. 26-30

August 20, 2019

Fly Fishing Technique, Headhunters Life

We’ve only got 2 spots left for our new Sub-Surface Fly Fishing School coming up at the end of September. We talk “Dry Fly” all the time, but the reality is that nymphing is an important part of most modern…

Sunday Scenery

August 18, 2019

Your Sunday Scenery shot from a cool and cloudy yesterday. The beautiful view of the Prewett Creek ‘hood from the south face at Tower Rock State Park. You should go hike it. I need help keeping the trail from getting…

Headhunter Fly Line Update

August 17, 2019

We’ve now had several weeks to fish hard with our new Headhunter Fly Line, as well as receive feedback from the many customers who have purchased one. Generally speaking, it has been fantastic, the feedback has been incredibly positive, and…

G Loomis NRX LP Closeout!

August 16, 2019

Fly Fishing Gear

G. Loomis, NRX LP, sale

UPDATE all the 9’ 5 weights were gone in hours as expected. We do have two 9’ #4 rods left as of Saturday AM. One of our all-time favorite Missouri River Dry Fly sticks is being closed out by G…

NFG – Mike McCune joins our Guide Staff

August 14, 2019

Headhunters is stoked to announce that legendary Spey caster Mike McCune is the latest addition to our excellent guide staff. Mike has been doing a few Spey trips this year, but as we roll into autumn, we know that many…

Falling Into August

August 13, 2019

It looks like we’ve arrived at our typical August slow down, and exactly on time. August 10 has always been the date that anglers seem to vanish and Craiglandia enjoys a little peace and quiet. Shop staff goes from overtime…

Event Announcement: Trout Spey Camp October 10-12

August 12, 2019

Fly Fishing Gear, Fly Tying, Headhunters Life, Troutspey

We’re excited to announce a long anticipated and oft requested event, our first annual Trout Spey Camp here on the Missouri River. It will involve 3 full days of Trout Spey Casting instruction, demonstration and interactive clinics, dinner presentations, and…

New Just Add Vise Kits

May 20, 2019

Fly Tying

Just Add Vise

We’ve just added a few new Just Add Vise kits to our inventory, and updated a few others. Our Just Add Vise Kit’s continue to be very popular, and most of these new kits were created based on numerous requests.…

A Fistful of Whitey

April 18, 2019

After dropping a few pics on Social Media, we’ve been getting quite a few queries about when these will be on our online store. Well they’re up, so grab a few for yourself, and they make great gifts for your…

Spot Open for Sat. McCune|Gould Spey Clinic!

April 16, 2019

troutspey

We just had a last minute cancel for this Saturday’s 101 Spey Clinic with legendary two-handed casters Mike McCune and Whitney Gould. This all day clinic is perfect for those who are looking to get in to the sport, or…

Fisheye Guy Gallery in Philipsburg

April 2, 2019

Our good friend and photography guru Pat Clayton (Fish Eye Guy Photography) finally pulled up stakes in Bozeangleles and landed a couple hours west in the less busy Ski/Fish Mecca of Philipsburg Montana. Lots of folks in our neck of…

Slow Stuff Fishing Report

April 1, 2019

Asked Ninch what kind of fishing feedback he heard in the shop over the weekend… And I quote, “ Dudes that think they’re going to roll through ‘summer water’ and wreck ‘em are complaining about tough fishing. Dudes that are…

McCune Gould Spey Clinics – only a few spots left!

March 30, 2019

Fly Fishing Technique, Troutspey

clinics, spey, Trout

UPDATE – Both Clinics are now full. You can sign up as a backup. Mike and Whitney’s annual spring Spey clinics are coming up and nearly full. In fact the “rookie” clinic on April 20th is full, but there a…

Weekend Troublemakers

March 29, 2019

As of last night, here’s the hurdles you’ll face if fishing the Missouri this weekend. The biggest problem continues to be boat access on the lower river. Open for launching are Holter Dam, Wolf Creek, Craig, Stickney Creek, Spite Hill,…

Spring Roller Coaster

March 28, 2019

Inconsistent is the word on the Mo’ right now. Inconsistent weather, crowds, river conditions and bite. In the last few days we’ve needed both sunscreen and hand warmers and we’ve experienced difficult nymphing and epic dry fly fishing. The river…

Office Xmas Party Sunday – Closed in the Afternoon

December 15, 2018

Headhunters will be celebrating the Holidays with our staff tomorrow afternoon, Sunday Dec. 16, at our annual Office Party in an undisclosed location. We will be open in the morning until around 12 noon, so if you need a shuttle…

Weekend Update: Swing Report

December 15, 2018

Fishing Report, Uncategorized

Montana, report, spey

Fishing reports vary from good to great right now. Remember, it’s all relative in December. To most, a pleasant winter day on the river that brings 6-10 nice fish to the net is “great”. To others that’s just “good”. Either…

Spey Special Ends Soon

December 12, 2018

Guide, specials, troutspey

Lots of folks have taken advantage of our fall Spey Special this year. $400 for a full day guided trip with excellent and experienced Spey Casting instructors and guides like women’s World Speycasting Champ Whitney Gould. If you don’t have…

Mid-Winter Forecast. Will you Fish?

December 11, 2018

Fishing Report, Nature

fishing, Forecast, Montana, winter

Will you do some fly fishing this winter? In Montana? Most of the best winter fishing venues in Montana are solid each and every year. The upper Madison, Bighorn and Missouri are likely the most popular, but there are plenty…

Popular Flies Back in Stock

December 10, 2018

Fly Fishing Gear

Ninch is keeping those bins full, and many of our best selling (and fishing) patterns that have been tough to find for awhile are now “In Stock”. All of these patterns will be “Out of Stock” again at some point,…

FWP Wants Your Opinion – Upper Missouri Reservoir Plan

December 9, 2018

Conservation, Future Fly Fishers

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is requesting comments that will help them define the future of Fisheries management for the Upper Missouri River Reservoirs as well as the Missouri River from Toston to Holter Dam. 20 years ago, it’s unlikely…

Saturday Scenery – Where Would You Like to Be?

December 8, 2018

Travel

Throwback to our buddy Jon Yousko trying to entice some Tarpon West of Key West. Why not go somewhere warm this month? Comment below if you have any suggestions for Headhunters Nation. A great guide, best apres’ fishing spot, easiest…

Turkey Day Spey Report

November 22, 2018

Fishing Report, Troutspey

Montana, report, spey, Trout

We’ve got some great fishing weather in the forecast for the next couple of weeks, and Trout Spey anglers will find the fish are pretty receptive to the swung fly. Pressure has been light lately, as most Montanan’s are out…

Trout Spey Report 11.5.18

November 5, 2018

Fishing Report, Troutspey

Break out the two-handers, November has arrived. Cooler – but not cold – temperatures over the last week have improved the swing bite, and that cold air we need is in the forecast for later this week. Trout Spey fishing…

Missouri River Spey Report

October 29, 2018

Fishing Report, Troutspey

Montana Spey, spey, Trout, Trout Spey

Trout Spey Fishing Report for Late-October We are in full “swing” on the Missouri River, and it’s easy to spot anglers exploring the Missouri River with their Trout Spey rods. Recent warm weather has hurt the fishing for both the…

Trout Spey Lineup 2018-19

October 18, 2018

Review, spey, Spey Lines, Spey Rods, Trout Spey

Swing Season has arrived on the Missouri River, and at Headhunters that signals the start of our “second season”. Most of our new Trout Spey rods, lines and tackle arrive in the fall. Here is a rundown of our primary…

Saturday Scenery… and a Fishing Report?

December 16, 2017

fishing report, Scenery

A shot from yesterday to give you an idea of what it looks like ‘round here. As you can see, you won’t need your snowshoes. I call this photo “Silly Saturday Scenery” and dedicate it to Mark Raisler. FISHING REPORT…

Swing Tip: Anchor Placement

December 15, 2017

Casting, spey

There are a few critical components of a Spey cast that I like to emphasize in our trout Spey clinics, because they are the keys to troubleshooting when your cast heads south. Clinics, demonstrations, books and YouTube are all great…

Hardy Rapids

December 14, 2017

Nothing much to say today. Fishing continues to be the same (good) so here is an image from this morning.

Winter Down Low

December 13, 2017

Fishing Report, Headhunters Life

Cascade, pelican, winter

The above image is not normal. It was taken yesterday morning looking upstream from Pelican Point. There should be ice jams and snow on the ground. When it’s real cold the river might be frozen over. Even on a warm…

McCune on Trout Retrieves

December 12, 2017

mccune, retrieve, spey

“Exactly how do you retrieve or work your fly?” We still get this question A LOT. Spend a few minutes with our pal Mike McCune as he goes over a few of the techniques he uses while fishing for trout…

Swing Tip: Sweep to the Bank

December 11, 2017

hook, set, Trout Spey

You should have a plan for setting the hook. When we dry fly fish we lift slow and high. In the Tarpon boat is an aggressive strip set. Bobber lobbers hit ‘em hard and fast. Fishing a swung fly with…

Silly Sunday Scenery?

December 10, 2017

Photography

photography

Mark and Danielle are in Hawaii checking out the BBQ situation, so it’s up to me to bring you “Silly Sunday Scenery”. Or was it supposed to be “Silly Saturday Scenery”? And come to think of it, “Friday Foto” kind…

Weekend Update

December 9, 2017

G. Loomis, Russell, Sara

Feels like there should be a few folks out on the Missouri River searching for trout this weekend. Really nice temperatures with winds forecast to be around 10-15 mph (not bad at all this time of year). I’m guessing there…

Montana Upland Season

December 8, 2017