Jason Orzechowski, Author at Wolf Creek Angler

About Jason Orzechowski

Outfitter, Fly Fishing Guide and Owner of Wolf Creek Angler - Chasing a dream, counting my blessings daily and writing about it in the midst of mountains, rivers and trout in amazing Montana.

Mid November on the MO

Following a late October jaunt back to the home waters I’ve been back at it here amid one of the warmer Novembers I can recall.

Traffic has dwindled as it tends to do this time of year despite the unseasonably warm weather, so we’ve stuck to our routine and closed/winterized much of our lodging for the year. As always, we do have our bungalows available year-round, and we have switched to winter rates which are $149/night plus tax.

Many of our guides have disappeared for the season but there are still a few around should you want to get out and enjoy this mild November on the Missouri.

Shop hours have become somewhat sporadic with the lack of folks around and accordingly we will transition to WINTER HOURS this weekend. Until further notice we will be open Tuesday – Saturday at 8 AM. Lodging is always open and guide trips can be scheduled for any day, regardless of shop hours. Don’t miss our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale happening now through the Winter Solstice. Our best deals of the season BY FAR!

Call ahead for shuttles. Sometimes we can do them. Sometimes we can’t! Shop staff is all but gone with Carson’s last day this weekend. I know at least one of the shops in Craig is running shuttles daily so you have options.

We will be closed on Thanksgiving Day as well as that weekend but will be back in business on Tuesday, December 2nd. We do currently have lodging available for the holiday weekend if Thanksgiving on the MO is your plans.

Sunny and mid 60’s today. Warm temps persist through the weekend with a chance of rain tomorrow but back to sunshine on Saturday and Sunday. Breezy conditions will persist with west southwest winds 14-20 mph and gusts to 30. It looks like normal November weather will arrive next week with highs in the 30’s, overnight lows in the 20’s and a chance for precipitation most days. BWO action has been sporadic at best. Next week could be the week!

The collective fishing report these past few days has been on the slow side but perhaps the arrival of real November weather next week will change our fortunes.

Nymphing with sow bugs and baetis patterns has been, and will continue to be effective. Swingers are finding moderate success with the soft hackle game and also reportedly doing well with leeches and buggers. Thin Mints have been the go to.

Strippers still getting them though chase rates as of late have dwindled. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Polar Leeches, Smolt, Swim Coach, Lil’ Kim…all fine choices in my book. Shallows have been productive as have the island tailouts. Medium speed on the strip with ample pauses should get it done.

Enjoy what are hopefully the last warm days of the season. It’s time we get this winter started!

photo by Wolf Creek Angler

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-11-13T11:09:48-07:00November 13th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Farewell October

The fall fishing season has nearly passed us by with weeks of great weather and decent fishing and more of the same on tap for the foreseeable future as we bid farewell to October.

River flows continue to limp along in the 2500 CFS range with water temps still holding in the 50’s. These are not exactly prime conditions for fall fishing, especially considering the abundance of bright sunny days but things could certainly be worse. With a few modifications to your approach there’s good fishing to be had even in the low and clear.

Save a few rainy/snowy overcast days earlier in the month dry fly fishing has been marginal but not to worry, November often delivers those coveted BWO events on the MO. The same could be said for the streamer game though there have been a handful of really good days especially considering the blue sky October we’ve had.

Nymphing has been the ticket and while action from the dam down is always a safe bet, the middle and lower stretches are worth your time. Sow bugs, Zebras, Worms and your favorite baetis patterns (Little Green Machines, BWO Magic Fly, Radiation Baetis etc) are all good bets. The water is still relatively warm so there is no need to switch to winter water/winter tactics but cold weather favorites like the Pill Popper and Pederson’s Sow have been effective as of late.

It looks like a nice weekend ahead with mostly sunny skies and temps in the low 50’s tomorrow. Saturday looks more like September than the first day of November with highs near 70 but we will return to more normal conditions on Sunday. Monday looks like the best conditions for the next while with cloudy skies, a high of 46 and winds SW at 5-10 mph. Expect mad streamer action and a good chance for dry fly activity….or not. The mornings have been cold with temps in the 30’s so no need to rush out though with the time change happening this weekend a later start is going to make for a short day on the water.

We’ve switched to late fall hours, opening at 8 AM daily and will continue to adjust as traffic dictates. We’ve closed the motel rooms for the winter with the cabins soon to follow but as always, we will have our bungalows open all winter long.

Check out our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale next time you’re through – the best deals of the year as we close out the season.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-10-30T15:06:24-06:00October 30th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Holter Dam, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Welcome October

Finally we have fall weather in the forecast.

Following a September that felt much more like summer than fall, we’re happy to have some seasonable weather ahead with highs in the 40’s and 50s for the weekend and overnight lows dipping into the high 20’s and 30’s.

Off and on rain showers throughout the weekend maybe even mixed in with some snow flurries with a good shot at some accumulation at the higher elevations. Bring it on!

Fishing on the MO has been hit or miss this past week but we’re hopeful that the change in the weather will usher in some more consistent action.

Water temps are still warm, currently holding in the 60 – 62 degree range. The change in the weather will get this moving in the right direction, cooling things down and getting us closer to that 50 degree range we need for BWO’s.

Status quo on the nymphing action with Frenchies, Zebras and Sows leading the charge. The crayfish bite seems to have come to a close but streamer action is heating up and will continue to improve.

Holter Dam to Craig has continued to be the most popular run by far but a little more traffic in the middle and lower sections this week as well. Don’t be afraid to leave the dam for the crowds and venture elsewhere. The fish are everywhere!

The September rush has subsided, and things will be generally quiet from here on out. We’ve got lodging and guides available through the end of the season and can usually accommodate somewhat last minute requests.

The shop is open daily at 7:30 AM for all of your Missouri River fall fly fishing needs.

See you soon for fall fly fishing on the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-10-01T13:14:07-06:00October 1st, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, Holter Dam, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Autumn Magic on the Missouri

Fall fishing has commenced.

Traffic has resumed.

Fish are stacked in the grass flats below Holter Dam. So too are drift boats.

Frenchies, Zebras, Sows and Zirdles are probably all you need.

Dry fly fishing is not the best right now but an ant or October Caddis could hunt.

And speaking of the hunt…Streamer Season is upon us. Weeds will frustrate your efforts but your efforts could very well pay off.
Balanced Leeches, Thin Mints and Buggers are fine but don’t be afraid to size up.

The river is fishing decent in most stretches though some days are certainly better than others. Obviously the dam is as close to a sure thing as you’re going to get but if you’re asking me where I’d go it wouldn’t be there.

I’ll always opt for fewer boats even if it means fewer fish but that’s just me.

We’re just wrapping up our busiest guide week of the fall and should have good availability from here on out. Lodging is moderately busy but we do have availability most nights.

We’re open from 7:30 AM – 5 PM Daily for all of your Missouri River Fall Fly Fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-09-19T16:09:26-06:00September 19th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, Holter Dam, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Autumn in the Air

Summer has continued to hang around this week but autumn vibes are emerging, especially on these chilly Missouri River mornings.

Cooler, wet weather is on the way for the remainder of the week and into the early part of next week with a chance for showers each day, daytime highs in the 70’s and overnight lows dipping into the 40’s. The same system will deliver our first mountain snows of the season at elevations over 10,000 feet. We’ll see none of that but we’re excited to see fall weather shaping up as it should with fall technically still two weeks away. Bring it on!

Fall fishing is about to heat up as water temps cool. The Holter Dam to Craig run continues to see the most activity with double zebras getting it done in the grass flats. Your best bet for numbers for the next while will be nymphing that stretch but it’s obviously also where the traffic will be so if you’d prefer fewer boats and less competition don’t be afraid to work the middle and lower sections where you’ll likely end up with fewer fish but it’s a worthy trade for a bit more solitude on the water.

Best bets for nymphs right now would be your aforementioned Zebra Midges along with Frenchies, Little Green Machines, PT’s, October Caddis Nymphs, Sowbugs, Olive 2 Bits, Olive Psycho Mays and a host of other baetis nymphs.

Those looking for dry fly action have been hoping for better days with a lack of opportunities presenting themselves as of late. The waning tricos have all but wrapped up and terrestrials, while always a good fall option, haven’t been overly productive. Hoppers were hit and miss this season but will continue to play throughout September. Ants have historically been the preferred terrestrial but like the hoppers, just haven’t been overly productive this year. Keep at it with those terrestrials and start adding the October Caddis to your repertoire. September is the best month for the October Caddis on the MO…go figure.

If you’re into the tiny dry fly game you’re trico days are likely done for this season but you’ll be pleased to know that the oft despised Pseudocleoens have arrived. If fishing #22 dry flies makes you happy this is your time.

Personally, I could take or leave the Pseudos. Fall is STREAMER TIME as far as I’m concerned and weeds be damned; we’ll be ripping streamers from here on out. Our streamer bins have just been restocked with something for everyone. Whether buggers or balanced leeches or Sparkle Minnows or D & D’s or Wedge Heads and so much more, we’ve got you covered. Stop in and see why we’re known as THE BEST STREAMER SHOP ON THE MO hands down.

Need a new streamer line or maybe even a new rod and reel? We’ve got what you need with all the best sinking and intermediate options from SA, Rio and Airflo and rods and reels for every budget from Redington, Echo, Lamson and SAGE. Look for our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale COMING SOON!

We’re closing out a moderately busy guide week getting back into the swing of things while preparing for chaos next week with our busiest week of the fall by far. No guides available next week but if you’re looking to book that last minute trip things open up the following week through the end of the season.

Lodging is somewhat busy but we generally have at least a few vacancies nightly.

Our Autumn hours are now in effect, 7:30 AM – 5 PM daily. We hope you make us your first stop on your way to the river for shuttles, bugs and so much more.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-09-10T10:28:30-06:00September 10th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, green machine, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Montana, October Caddis, running line, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Autumn Magic on the Missouri

Lonely days on the MO persist as the summer season slips away somewhat unceremoniously.

As much as we all covet summertime in Montana and summer fishing in particular, Autumn always seems to come at just the right time, ushering in our second season in conjunction with all the things that make fall so special.

Daylight has already begun to dwindle, and soon enough cooler temps will prevail. The transition from summer greens to autumn color is already well underway and it’s starting to smell like fall.

College football gets underway this weekend with the NFL season kicking off a week from yesterday. Baseball’s pennant race is taking shape and hockey and basketball aren’t far off. For those of us who take comfort in the rhythms of the various competitive sports seasons, order is about to be restored to the world.

More importantly, at least for this audience, changes are underway on the waters surrounding us as the cycles of the season trigger a transition in trout behavior from a focus on aquatic bug life and consumption of the same to a focus on spawning for brown trout and on an increase in caloric intake and a decrease in energy expenditure for rainbow populations preparing for the winter ahead.

What does this mean in terms of fall fishing? It means predatory behavior amongst the brown trout populations and a focus on larger meals for rainbows. Terrestrials and crayfish are on the menu for rainbows but they’ll still eat a #20 Zebra Midge or a sow bug and will not turn down a well-presented dry fly. The appeal is in the options!

For the streamer junkie, things are about to get real where the aforementioned predatory behavior is concerned. Streamer season is rapidly approaching and while the MO is still choked with aquatic vegetation, and will be throughout the fall, those in the know will work around that challenge with the knowledge that aggression is about to overtake the brains of pre-spawn browns and the chances of enticing a predatory strike from a mammoth brown trout don’t get any better.

That’s what’s coming. But we’re not there yet. In fact, fishing has been on the slow side with many reporting significant challenges over these past two weeks. Unsurprisingly, Holter Dam to Wolf Creek Bridge has been the productive water with Zirdles and double zebras consistently producing. Beyond the grass flats things have been challenging for more days than not.

Even so, the river has been void of anglers which isn’t a horrible trade. Slow fishing and solitude….could be much worse!

August hours are in effect through Labor Day, 7 AM – 4 PM daily. Fall hours will go into effect on Tuesday, September 2nd. We will be open from 7:30 AM – 5 PM daily.

We’ve got another two weeks of quiet time with plenty of rooms available and we’ve generally been able to come up with guides with at least a couple of day notice but once we hit the middle of September that will change. Mid-September through mid-October are going to be very busy with guide trips and lodging as well though we do have availability where lodging is concerned.

Enjoy the end of the summer season this long weekend and we’ll see you soon for fall fishing on the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-08-29T10:20:01-06:00August 29th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Autumn Creeping In

The Ghost Town persists here on the MO with angling traffic all but absent as the minutes tick away on what’s left of the summer.

The hot and hazy late summer days seem better suited for splash and giggle floats than any serious angling pursuits though you could do much worse than spending the day in a drift boat seeking a random hopper take or two.

It’s nothing new, it’s just that time of year when angling pressure drops dramatically as folks opt for squeezing every last bit out of summer before getting back to the grind.

Meanwhile, our trout are enjoying a well-deserved break from the pressure and while flows remain on the low side at 3700 CFS, water temps are well in the safe zone in the 62-65 degree range. For those few who are taking advantage of the late summer lull and enjoying summer solitude on the MO the early part of the day has been best with things generally shutting down by early afternoon.

The Missouri has never been known for the hopper bite but that is what most folks are doing these days, either pairing that hopper with an ant or maybe dropping a small nymph like a Little Green Machine or Pheasant Tail but it’s fine to fish a solo hopper as well. Nothing quite like brown trout hopper eats!

Nymphers are fighting the weed mass and finding success in the shallow fast runs with Zebra Midges, Frenchies, LGM’s and crayfish patterns. The dam down has been the best bet for the bobber crowd with the grass flats coming into early fall form. You can’t go wrong with double zebras or a zebra and a zirdle.

Things are quiet on the streets of Wolf Creek and Craig. These are lonely days in the fly shop, save the occasional abbreviated morning rush. You’ll likely see more boats in our parking lot than you will on the water for the next little while, at least until the fall season gets underway in another couple of weeks.

And speaking of that…autumn is definitely creeping in. The choke cherries are ripe, leaves are starting to change color, daylight is shrinking and those evening and early morning temps certainly feel like fall. Enjoy these last weeks of summer while you still can.

Considering the current conditions we’re modifying our hours through the end of August and will be closing at 4 PM but still opening every day at 7. With the cooler mornings we’ve been pushing trip start times to 7:30-8 AM but if you’d like to start earlier we’re more than happy to do so.

We have an abundance of rooms available through the end of the month and we’d love to be your late summer Missouri River destination. Fall is booking up though we still have plenty of openings in October and early November for guide trips and lodging. Book you Missouri River fall getaway today!

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-08-21T08:35:41-06:00August 21st, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: brown trout, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Missouri River Ghost Town – Late Summer Solitude

If solitude is what you seek, now is your chance to have the river virtually to yourself. The boat ramps are empty, and angling traffic has slowed to a crawl.

That being said, Saturday is Caddis Fest in Craig so we will likely see a bump in river traffic at Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge with folks finishing their floats in Craig just in time for the festivities, but I still wouldn’t worry about having to wait in line to launch your boats.

Conditions on the river are about what you’d expect for mid-August with flows holding at around 3600 CFS and temps in the 62 – 66-degree range depending on the time of day.

August is a little perplexing because the fishing is actually pretty darn good and during drought/low water years the MO is often one of the only viable options around which might lead you to believe it would be crowded but that is rarely the case.

As summer winds down people tend to want to pack in as much as they can before normal life resumes in just a couple of weeks. Per usual, there’s been no shortage of angling traffic on the Missouri or anywhere else around the state during this 2025 season and there will be plenty more as the fall season gets underway. August is a sleeper which is a great reason to make some time for one last Missouri River summer outing before the traffic resumes in September.

We have plenty of rooms available and chances are good we can get you on the water with a guide on short notice though once September hits those odds dwindle.

Trico action has been spotty as of late but with the river to yourself you ought to be able to find bugs and feeding fish SOMEWHERE!

Hopper Time!

The hopper/ant bite is decent and definitely worth your time though the MO has never been known for amazing hopper fishing. Still, if you commit to the hopper throughout the day and get a chug or two I’d deem that a success. What’s better than a hopper chug? Not much! It’s been a mixed bag on size and color but we’ve been erring on the smaller side (#12 – #14) and having good luck with darker shades of gray/purple but don’t count out yellow or peach or pink. Switch it up throughout the day and see if you can find one they like.

Nymphing is heating up in the grass flats in the Dam to Wolf Creek run with double zebras or the Zirdle/Zebra rig getting plenty of attention. Most of what traffic is here has generally been in the Dam to Craig stretch but might we suggest the middle and lower stretches, especially if hoppers are your game.

Just a reminder, the Holter Dam launch is a Federal Fee Required Site so don’t forget to pay your $5 daily fee if you are launching at the dam.

We’re here from 7 AM – 5 PM daily with everything you need for your day on the water including The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO and so much more.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-08-14T09:28:22-06:00August 14th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Holter Dam, Hopper Time, Missouri River, running line, tricos, Wolf Creek, zebra midges|0 Comments

Dog Days Underway

Current Situation on the MO…Sunny and pleasant with high temps only in the low 80’s this week. We’ve seen fleeting thunderstorms come and go over the past couple of days resulting in a few new lightning ignited fires in the area including one on the Dearborn Ranch just NW of Wolf Creek which has burned about 200 acres as of this writing but appears to be progressing towards containment.

Flows are currently at 4690 CFS with water temps hanging in the low to mid 60’s, currently at 64 degrees.

Traffic has slowed not quite to a crawl but some days it sure feels that way. Expect more of the same for the next while with the exception of the occasional influx of those fleeing from low water conditions and Hoot Owl restrictions in effect around much of the region.

Tricos most days for the early crowd. Caddis towards evening with terrestrials filling in the daytime gaps. Nymphing never goes out of style but it gets a little more labor intensive this time of year with having to keep your rigs clean, and keep them clean you must…ALWAYS.

Purple Weight Flies and Frenchies remain the go to with LGM’s, PT’s, Zebras and various sub-surface caddis patterns getting the nod as well. Cray Days are here. Zirdles, Snapping Crays, Claws R Cray…these are a few of our favorites. If you have something different throw it, variety is often the key to success on the water as it is in life.

More guide trips going out than what you would expect with things as seemingly quiet as they are but by no means crowded out there. We have rooms aplenty if a last minute trip to the MO is on your mind. Give us a call at the shop to book today and if not for now, get those fall plans on the books as things are starting to fill up.

We’re open daily at 7 AM, ready to assist you with getting a good start to your day with all the right bugs, boat rentals, sun screen, ice and don’t forget the famed Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO.

WCA is your one-stop shop for everything you need for your day on the water and we’re right on your way from most everywhere. There’s no need to go any further than Wolf Creek unless you want to burn more fuel and pay more for your shuttle but that’s up to you.

Welcome to the DOG DAYS of Summer. See you out there.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-07-29T14:22:53-06:00July 29th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

July Fade

Barely a week remains as July fades and the dog days of late summer approach.

The beehive-like atmosphere we’ve seen for weeks on end has quieted as prime time now resides in the rearview of this 2025 campaign.

We’re still a week or two out from the late summer ghost town but the crowds have certainly thinned.

The Prime Time regulars have come and gone. The daily cat herding involved with getting a dozen or more guide trips out the door has temporarily ended, the endless rental boat launches/retrieves have subsided and the traffic jam at the front counter has eased significantly.

It’s been a BUSY spring into summer and in spite of the waning cash flows typical of this time of the season we welcome the pause, if for no other reason than to catch our breath and gear up for the next round.

Fishing has not disappointed, and it should continue to be good, especially with the decreased pressure. Look for Tricos to continue to provide an exceptional dry fly experience during the earliest and latest hours of the day followed by an adequate hopper bite and decent caddis activity throughout the day.

Nymphing hasn’t really slowed down though there have been a handful of slower days mixed in for good measure. Frenchies and Purple Weight Flies continue to outpace just about everything else in the nymph bins but there are plenty of other options that will catch fish right now including Zebra Midges, Sow bugs, Zirdles, PT’s and a wide variety of caddis pupae and emergers.

How about streamers you ask…definitely a challenge with the amount of weeds in the river but I’m hearing the bite has been solid so don’t overlook it as an option. Patience is required.

Hoot Owl Restrictions have gone into effect on many Montana waters as stream flows continue to plummet. Slightly below average temps and a shot of rain here and there have been helpful but the fear remains that this late summer season is going to be a struggle. We don’t anticipate restrictions on the MO though if angler migration from other rivers becomes an issue that could have an adverse effect on things here. We’re keeping a close eye on things.

We’re currently looking at flows of 4300 cfs on the Missouri with water temps in the 63 – 64 degree range. We encourage everyone to carry a stream thermometer and check water temps often regardless of whether or not there are restrictions in place on the river you are fishing. If you see water temps anywhere near the 67 degree (or warmer) mark, it’s time to quit fishing. We carry several different stream thermometers including the Fishpond Riverkeeper Digital. If you don’t have one and you plan on fishing in Montana between now and September you need to invest in one.

We are open daily from 7 AM – 5 PM for all of you Missouri River trout fishing needs. Ice, bugs, Stream Thermometers, sunscreen, fishing licenses, The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO and so much more. We hope you make us your first stop on your way to the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-07-22T15:18:39-06:00July 22nd, 2025|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, Fishpond, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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