Today begins year 18
Today begins year 18 in the tiny trout borough Craig Montana. John and I opened Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service on this date 2008. Not too many believed in us. The reaction among the community was varied in the winter of 2007-2008. Had one business owner tell me that “He would put us, John and I, out of business in six weeks.” Had a local realtor ask if she could rent a corner of the already small 500 square feet of retail space to put a desk and a phone! We begged, borrowed, and purchased enough goods to open a fly shop. John and I were both outfitters and were hoping to sell a few t-shirts and flies to clients of ours. The most common comment we got upon recognition that this plan was moving forward was “Are you out of your f**king minds? You are gonna open a fly shop next to two other, fly shops?”
Turns out, we were not out of our minds. Year 18 begins today.
One of many BBQ’s at HH of Craig
Having a wonderful run here in Craig secured by the fact that Headhunters Fly Shop is anchored a couple hundred yards off the banks of the Missouri River, Montana. We are so fortunate for the resource and the people around us. Our solid long term annual staff that has been with us since the very beginning. This simple stability allows you the angler to recognize and know many of the outstanding staff members and fishing guides under the employ of both John and Mark. We thank them wholeheartedly and with grace we continue along the seams and riffles of this grandest of the Montana rivers and towns.
We thank you and are grateful for your patronage and acceptance in this community. We appreciate the businesses and community that surround us. We thank our staff and guides as well. Great work team. We love you and support you while meandering along the currents of this magical river named the Mo.
Opening week April 2008
John and I have strived to keep it friendly in the shop. Trout conversation is good. Having highly educated local trout anglers and avid outdoorsmen/women encourages the guest to engage deeply in the sport of learning. To educate as many anglers as we can with technique discussions, improving your stroke in the on-site casting lane, to learn about perpetually evolving trout patterns together, handing out maps, spending a few moments in conversation at a HH BBQ, or simply saying hello and how are yah.” Catchin’ any?”
Circa 2011-12
The guide staff is outstanding. We are so pleased to have a bundle of experienced and happy fishing guides. We thank them for keeping you happy. And the net wet.
That’s kinda the goal here. The fun part.
We respect and acknowledge those who have come and gone and those who will come after us. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve you the angler if just passing through for the 1st time or the long time angler fishing here before any of us arrived.
Open everyday but Christmas
We thank our landlords Carroll and Margaret Jenkins for the longstanding support of HH Fly Shop. Craig Trout Camp offering 7 Craig properties has been evolving for 25 years here in the heart of Craig. A bright spot in local lodging and apres fishing locations. Many park the car for the week. The commute will be done by drift boat from here on out!
We thank or core staff and could not operate without Julie, Sara, Derek, Jimmie, Nichole, Conor and a cast of many more.
From the hearts and trout minds of John and Mark we thank you for your visits while in dusty downtown Craig Montana. We thank you for being part of the trout family here at Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service. est. April 4th. 2008
Celebrating daily in Craig Montana