Since January you all have been “traveling” along with Andy as he has criss crossed the United States showing you views outside his windows. This blog is a bit different – A: there’s no window, and B: I, Jacey aka Photo Commander, have taken control of the keyboard.
Even though, the PBR BFTS is on a bit of a hiatus, Bull Stock Media is still working, however play time has been extended compared to the previous months. Spring has arrived here in Montana, and this means soggy days, windy days, warm days, cold days, followed up again by soggy days. But all of this adds up to a recipe for success when you grab a fly rod and head to the Nirvana of all rivers – the Mighty Mo at Craig, MT.
Our trip begins with checking in at the Headhunters Fly Shop, setting up camp just mere feet beyond it, and then locating the rest of our buddies to hit the water.
Camp set up right behind HeadHunters Fly Shop. Happiest place on Earth.
Word was the fish were happy with anything you presented them. The report held true and you couldn’t help floating down the river knowing you were experiencing something “special.” (Tony V knows what I’m talking about.) I never truly grasped the reference of what Head Hunters meant until now. Sure, nymphing was a 12 on a scale of 1-10. But, the dry fly action was mesmerizing. We would find them on the flats and at first you couldn’t see them, but give it a minute and there! A nose, a head, a fin, a nose, a nose, a head, a fin…you get the idea. At this moment a head-huntress was born. Of course, a little help from a good friend and guide, Eric Adams of Montana Fly Fishing Guides, never hurt to get me really dialed in. Ladies (and men), if you ever want to wade deeper into your skill set or learn a new skill, call up Eric!
With all of the fabulous fishing, yummy food, exuberant laughter, and quality time spent with Andy and friends, we did manage to toss the camera in the boat for a planned photo shoot. A little different than bull riding, but we were up to the task – call in the fly fishing photographer!
A guide has to have a good bio shot. Nailed it!
Eric was needing an updated bio shot. Gotta catch a fish. No problem, an hour down stream a 20 incher was landed and was cast as an impromptu Oncorhynchus mykiss model – better known as Rainbow Trout. Within 5 minutes we got the shot and he was released to continue gulping Baetis spinners.
Let’s see, next we need those quintessential guide/client shots. I have now been casted as the model. No worries and no pressure. We have the most beautiful backdrop on the Missouri River to work with and oh yeah, we found BIG fish! Andy got the shots with ease and we continued on our way downriver to the take out, grabbed a beer and enjoyed the evening.
When fishing with a guide, this is a pretty common pose. Affectionately known as the “Guide Lean.”
We were all smiles as soon as I hooked a nice fish on a dry.
Eric spies some risers and helps guide my cast.
21 inch Rainbow Trout!
Andy poses with a beautiful Brown Trout.
So you see, we’re still working but seemed to have found the perfect balance of play laced in. I miss my Herdies, but have no fear, we will ride once again!
Oh, and no models were injured during this photo shoot. All were released (including me) to go on about their daily routine.
