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.

Not So Fast…

While we collectively bid an unofficial farewell to summer last weekend the current weather forecast says Not so Fast!

Sure, we’re ready to turn the page and settle in to fall fishing but it appears as though we’ve got some summer left on the calendar with highs in the 90’s and abundant sunshine at least through mid to late next week. Mornings will feel like fall with temps in the 50’s and it doesn’t take long for things to cool off when the sun goes down but mid-day conditions are still much more flip flops and shorts than waders and flannel.

Look for more of an actual autumn transition late next week with daytime highs in the 60’s and overnight lows in the 40’s. It’s coming!

Colors are changing. Daylight is shrinking and we’re on the cusp of what we’ve come to refer to as our second season with guide trips and lodging finally emerging from the Dog Day Slumber. Look for angling traffic to blow up starting next week, running through the first week of October when things again dwindle as winter looms.

For some reason September has become the new October as far as trips go with many opting for the safer bet of September weather over the unpredictability of the late fall season. This is by far our busiest September to date with bookings looking more like June than what we’d expect to see in the fall.

The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a legit winter in the mountain west with well above average precipitation and well below average temps. We shall see. We’re definitely in need of a good winter after a long summer of low flows and high temps around the region.

Get out this weekend and the first part of next week to enjoy a bit of solitude and then plan on plenty of company for the rest of the month.

The current fishing report is status quo with terrestrials leading the charge for dry fly fishing followed by dwindling tricos, maddening pseudos and maybe an October Caddis or two in the mix.

Best bets for nymphing still sowbugs, zebras, Frenchies, zirdles, PT’s, Green Machines, Peep Shows and the like.

Days are shorter. Water temps are cooling. Browns are soon to be on the prowl. Streamer Season is on deck. Stock up on bugs, tune up your gear and mentally prepare to do battle with the weeds as you venture out in search of your elusive quarry. For the streamer set it truly is about to be THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!

NFL is underway tonight. Oktoberfest brews are in stores now. The archery opener is Saturday. In spite of summer heat autumn is indeed underway.

Shop hours are 7 AM – 5 PM daily.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-09-05T14:00:36-06:00September 5th, 2024|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Cray Days on the MO

It hardly seems possible but Labor Day weekend is upon us, the unofficial end to the summer season on the MO.

It looks to be an idyllic late summer weekend with daily highs near 90 each day and overnight lows dipping into the low 50’s. Let the autumn season commence!

We’re enjoying a taste of fall today with morning temps in the low 40’s and highs topping out around 60 this afternoon. Gusty winds will keep river traffic to a minimum today and we don’t anticipate much in the way of angling traffic for the weekend though I would expect to see plenty of rec traffic this weekend with everyone out enjoying summer’s last hurrah.

For those planning to fish the next few days – the upper river has been the best bet with a fair amount of folks just doing the Dam to Bridge stretch and doing row arounds. Don’t plan on that today with the 15 – 25 mph tailwind. Winds diminish tomorrow and look to be manageable through the long weekend.

Weeds become a substantial hindrance the further down river you go but if you’re willing to contend with them the fishing has been just fine in all sections. A lot of folks throwing hoppers and other terrestrial offerings and getting the occasional eats though I wouldn’t say it’s been lights out on that front.

Nymphing has been where the action is with a good crayfish bite underway and zebras, sows and frenchies have each been good options. Try a Zirdle or Snapping Cray paired with a tailwater sow or black zebra rigged moderately deep, with our without weight. You’d also do well to put the BWO nymphs back in play (green machine would be a great place to start) and you could do worse than dropping an October Caddis nymph just to see what happens.

Donkey Kong Hoppers, More or Less and Fancy Pants hoppers have all been hot sellers in all colors though it appears as though pink has the edge at this point. #10’s and #12’s have been our best-selling sizes but don’t be afraid to size down with a #14 or bulk up to a #8. You’d also do well to trail a black or cinnamon ant. Hit the banks and don’t overlook those mid-river riffles.

The cooler weather and the calendar have some folks thinking streamers…music to my ears! Weeds will be a hindrance right on through the fall campaign but don’t let that stop you. Choose your spots and just accept the fact that you’ll likely be cleaning weeds every few casts. It’s not the end of the world though it can be extremely frustrating but the payoff could be well worth the hassle.

We’re open at 7 AM daily with everything you need for your day on the water including The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO and so much more. Simms waders and boots, Sage rods and reels, Smith and Suncloud sun glasses, Fishpond packs and accessories, Rising nets and tools, WCA YETI drinkware, Rio lines and leaders and the biggest selection of Missouri River bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Happy Labor Day! We hope to see you soon for fall fishing at its best!

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-08-28T12:30:35-06:00August 28th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, running line, Sage, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, Yeti|0 Comments

Quiet Days on the MO

Just back from a late summer jaunt to Ireland and settling back in to quiet times on the Missouri.

Angling traffic is light. Mid-week rec traffic has diminished but the next couple of weekends will continue to be busy with Labor Day and the end of the summer season rapidly approaching.

The heat wave that persisted through much of July and early August has relinquished, giving way to idyllic summer days with high temps in the 80’s and overnight lows in the 50’s. We are smoke free at the moment and a good amount of much needed rain has fallen over the past week bringing some relief to many of the rivers in the region struggling with low flows and high water temps.

Hoot Owl Restrictions have been lifted on some but remain on others. You can check out the current closures here.

Colors are starting to creep in and the choke cherries are ripe and abundant so be bear aware if you’re planning on plying the smaller waters and brushy banks. Fall is in the air.

Missouri River flows have been holding in the 4500 CFS range this week with current water temps in the 63 degree range. Weeds are an ever-present challenge as per usual during late summer on the Missouri but overall conditions really couldn’t be much better.

Tricos and caddis are still providing adequate dry fly action though many have shifted into terrestrial mode with hoppers and ants leading the charge. Target the banks and the edge of weed beds as well as mid-river riffles and breaks. The fish could be anywhere. Drop a small nymph (or don’t).

The nymph game is typical late summer fare with Zebras and sows and crays all getting plenty of attention. Most are still opting for clean waters of the Dam down but we’re getting solid reports from the canyon and lower river as well.

We’ve got plenty of lodging vacancies these next few weeks before the second season kicks in and while short notice guide trips are still tough to accommodate, this is probably the most likely time we’d be able to swing those. Give us a call if you’re interested in a late summer stay or guide trip on the Missouri.

We’re moving start times back into the 7:30 – 8 AM range with the cooler, darker mornings but the shop is still open at 7 AM daily for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs.

Fall product is starting to arrive which means summer clearance is underway. Stop in for great deals on what’s left of our summer gear.

The lull in traffic does make for some long days in the fly shop but it’ll be busy soon enough. We’ve come to really enjoy this time of year for a brief respite and a chance to decompress before we charge into the fall season.

And while we don’t want to wish the summer away, the most wonderful time of the year is soon to be upon us.

We hope you enjoy these last weeks of summer solitude on the Missouri.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-08-22T16:34:01-06:00August 22nd, 2024|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, tricos, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

The Obligatory Dog Days Upon Us Blog 2024

As we close out a very busy and an extremely fishy month of July the switch has been flipped and now we will settle into the lonely Dog Days of Summer for the next few weeks before things kick back into action roughly a month from now.

The crowds have dispersed, traffic at the boat ramps has greatly diminished and the fish are no doubt enjoying this brief respite.

Mind you these are not the August Dog Days of Old where we literally went for days at a time without a guide trip or an overnight guest but after having grown accustomed to a full house and a full slate of guide trips daily for the past 8 – 10 weeks it feel eerily quiet around the fly shop once that abbreviated morning rush subsides.

This year we’ve got a decent smattering of trips and a few folks booking a night or two while they’re here but you’ll notice immediately if you’re in the area that the river is quiet and the streets of Wolf Creek and Craig have that ghost town feel.

It’s a welcome break from what has been our busiest season to date by far. Shop kids are heading back to college soon and many guides (and shop folks) are taking advantage of the lull to enjoy some mid-season R & R before the second season gets rolling.

September is shaping up to be one of the busiest we’ve seen so enjoy this lull while it lasts.

And if you do happen do connect the dots and you’re thinking this all sounds like an ideal time to enjoy some solitude on the Missouri you are correct. The slowdown in traffic opens up a world of possibilities and while there are challenges with which to contend, August truly is a great month to fish the MO.

Challenges include hot weather, smoky skies and the peak of the weeds but it’s nothing you can’t deal with. In fact we’re looking at clear skies today following yesterday’s brief cold front making its way through the region and 80’s don’t feel bad after the triple digits we saw last week. Unfortunately, record high temps return starting tomorrow and run at least through the weekend which will likely mean a bump in rec floaters on Saturday so maybe skip the weekend if you’re in search of summer solitude.

Weeds are a challenge regardless of which section you float right now but not the worst you’ve seen. Most are sticking with the Dam to Craig float for cleaner water and good numbers of fish hanging in the grass flats.

Best bets for nymphs are Purple Weight flies, Purple Zebras, Black Zebras, Frenchies, Tung Darts, Pheasant Tails and various caddis pupae and emergers.

Tricos have been hit or miss. We had a couple of really good mornings over the last couple of weeks but this week has been sporadic at best. I expect we might have some better days ahead with warmer temps and calm winds but no guarantees.

Decent Caddis action and hoppers starting to get some looks.

The fishing is fine. The weather is quintessential Montana late summer swelter. The traffic is light. Come enjoy late summer on the Missouri and pay us a visit while you’re here. We’ve got all of your Missouri River essentials.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-07-31T16:21:51-06:00July 31st, 2024|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, Dog Days of Summer, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Caddis Sunset – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

The heat wave that arrived last week has settled in and it looks like we’ll continue to see temps approaching triple digits right on through the end of next week.

Many of the regional streams are now on Hoot Owl Restrictions as flows continue to dwindle and water temps heat up.

The Missouri remains in good shape with flows holding around 4,000 CFS and water temps slowly climbing (currently 63 degrees).

Even so, fishing the middle of the day when it’s 100 degrees is not great for any involved. In the absence of some semblance of a breeze those temps can be brutal when you’re sitting in a boat with no shade in sight and if you’re catching fish in shallow water there’s a good chance that water is pushing 70 degrees which means fish are stressed. This being the case, Hoot Owl or not, we encourage you to start early, cover up, hydrate often and skip the heat of the day.

A stream thermometer is a must have when fishing through the heat wave. If you don’t have one, you need one and if you need one we’ve got them at WCA. We have a few different options ranging in price from $15 to $30 including the new Fishpond Digital Thermometers which are awesome. Check water temps often and quit fishing when temps hit 68 degrees.

Your forecast through the middle of next week is sunny and hot with temps nearing 100 degrees daily. Overnight lows will dip into the 50’s making for perfect early morning fishing.

PMD’s nearing the end. Tricos and Caddis daily. One of, if not the best dry fly season on the MO in years according to the vast majority of our regulars. Smiles all around!

Hoppers are just getting started. Check out our newly expanded hopper/foam selection at WCA. Piles of terrestrials in all sizes and colors and more Spruce Moth patterns than any shop in the canyon.

We’re officially open at 7 daily though there’s generally coffee on by 6:30 for the early birds.

Stop in for the Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO and all the sun protection you need including Fishpond Eddy River and Low Country straw hats, buffs, Simms sun shirts and sun gloves, Smith and Suncloud sunglasses and so much more.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-07-19T10:33:16-06:00July 19th, 2024|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, Fishpond, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

July on the Fly

Nearly mid-way through July the Blur persists with at least another week of a jam-packed guide and lodging schedule as well as the tail end of the boat rental madness that always marks this time of year.

The heat has arrived this week, flirting with triple digits yesterday and today with persistent mid to high 90’s for the next 10 days. Random thunderstorms are fairly typical this time of year that can pop up out of nowhere but the forecast shows virtually zero percent of precipitation over the next 10 days so the oven has definitely been turned on high.

Water conditions on the MO are in good shape with flows currently at around 4200 CFS and water temps holding in the low 60’s, currently at 62. Expect a bump here as the heat persists. Most are starting early to beat the heat. Guide trips are going out at 7 and many are getting an earlier start than that to beat the heat and the crowds as well.

And speaking of crowds, there has been plenty of traffic though not as much as a couple of weeks ago and it will start to thin out over the next couple of weeks as the summer Prime Time draws down and we start to prepare for fall.

Late July and all of August typically mean a significant reduction in traffic on the river. There’s no reason to think this won’t be the case again this year though dwindling flows around the drought stricken region which have begun to trigger Hoot Owl Restrictions will likely drive some late summer traffic to the MO.

There are currently Hoot Owl Restrictions on the Beaverhead, Big Hole, Clark Fork, Jefferson, Madison, Ruby and Sun Rivers and we expect that list to grow as the heat persists. We are not anticipating restrictions on the Missouri though we would still encourage you to fish early, during the cooler portions of the day to minimize deleterious effects on our fish populations.

Early morning is Trico Time anyway so that works out perfectly.

Expect plenty of recreational float traffic out there as well as folks look to beat the heat with a cool float down the river.

We’re right in the middle of the classic overlap window with PMD’s waning and Tricos just getting started while caddis, hoppers and ants round out the top water opportunities. It’s a Dry Fly Extravaganza but there are plenty of folks cleaning up on the nymphing as well.

The WCA bins are loaded up with all kinds of techy trico and caddis patterns as well as piles of foam and all the nymphs and crayfish you could possibly need. And don’t forget the mice!

Lodging starts to open up in about another week and while last minute guide trips are always a real challenge to fill the odds will improve as we move into late summer so give us a call and we’ll do our best. We get calls daily for trips the following day. This is not going to happen.

These past few weeks I’ve been busy with bookings for this time next year, to the point where many days in June are already full on our lodging and guide books. All this to say, make your plans as far in advance as possible. The secret is out and prime dates for 2025 are going quickly.

We are your Missouri River one stop shop with everything you need for your day on the water. Sunscreen, sun hats, sun gloves, ice, fishing licenses, Simms WCA sun shirts, Sage rods and reels, a plethora of floatants and of course, the largest selection of Missouri River bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

See you bright and early at WCA.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-07-11T15:54:09-06:00July 11th, 2024|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Summertime Vibes

Three days remain in the month of June. How is that possible?

Summer vibes abound.

PMD’s and Caddis keeping the DFO’s engaged and happy.

Nymphing producing as always.

Early launches. Fishing til’ dark.

Rental boats emanating the sweet smell of cigar smoke, Miller Lite and fish.

Evening debriefing sessions…all fish hooked, landed and lost accounted for.

PRIME TIME in Full Swing on the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-06-27T16:15:12-06:00June 27th, 2024|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Summer is Here

Happy Summer Solstice!

Enjoy this, the longest day of the year as we turn the corner and embark, yet again, on the long descent into winter darkness.

Shorter days ahead starting tomorrow but don’t let that get you down. We are, after all, smack dab in the middle of PRIME TIME on the Missouri.

It’s been an interesting week with well below average temps and a taste of winter but it looks like we will be settling into summer weather over the next while with temps climbing back into the 80’s today and tomorrow and pushing into the mid 90’s on Sunday.

It looks like more of the same for the first part of next week with daytime highs in the high 80’s so settle in to HOT weather on the MO. We welcome the change as it’s been a cooler (and seemingly windier) than normal spring but now it’s time to make sure you’re taking steps to protect yourself from overexposure to sun.

We’re loaded up with Buffs, sun gloves, sunscreen, Straw hats, solar sombreros, sunglasses and WCA solarflex hoodies and we’re also sitting on a good selection of Simms Guide shorts and challenger flip flops. We’ve got everything you need for dealing with the summer elements on the MO.

PMD action has been consistently good and should continue with these hot, sunny days ahead. Gobs of caddis in the lower stretches and Tricos on deck.

We’re loaded up with your favorite PMD and Caddis patterns, both for top water action and sub surface endeavors. Tricos and hoppers arrived this week and we’re just getting the bins organized.

We’ve got some great new patterns for both.

The dry fly side of the bin has seen much more action as of late (which we’re thrilled to see) but there are plenty of folks nymphing as well. Hot selling bugs this week include Frenchies, Purple Weight Flies, Tailwater Sows, Split Case PMD’s, Crack Back PMD’s, Magic Flies, Nitro Caddis, PT Green Machines and Psycho Mays.

Streamer fishing is on hold for most but we are still pre-aquatic vegetation concentrations so don’t think you have to float a dry fly or chase a bobber. Low light periods are still likely to be productive. And speaking of low light…with hot days ahead it might just be time to wake a mouse under cover of darkness.

We’re open at 7 AM daily for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs including the CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES ON THE MO and so much more.

We’re pretty much full in our lodging now through mid-July though we have had a few cancellations here and there so give us a call if you’re looking for a last minute booking on the MO. The same can be said for our guide calendar which is full for the most part but you never know – sometimes things open up.

Welcome to summer on the MO!

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-06-20T14:09:23-06:00June 20th, 2024|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Mid June on the MO

It’s hard to believe but we’re already talking about mid-June on the MO as the 2024 campaign continues to fly by

This is PRIME TIME. These next several weeks comprise the most coveted dates of the season. These are the weeks that book out a year or more in advance. This is GO TIME in the Missouri River Fly Shop, lodging and guiding world. Buckle up!

Bugs have been semi-cooperative most days. The wind has been about the most consistent component of our young season. The two do not go hand in hand. Mid day dry fly opportunities will avail themselves more days than not but gusty winds change the equation. It’s not only heads we’re hunting but also those coveted sheltered spots that provide a respite from the often howling onslaught. We’ll always do our best to get you to those spots where sheltered waters and bugs and rising fish converge but it’s not always the case so be prepared to overcome micro-currents with that reach cast while also managing that cast in the presence of strong head or tail winds. This has always been and will always be part of the challenge of the Missouri so come prepared.

PMD’s are your mid-day go to. We highly recommend incorporating an emerger or cripple into your offering. Sprout PMD, Hatchback PMD, Dolly Wing PMD, Helen Keller, Film Critic, CDC Case PMD Emerger, Loopwing Emerger…just a few of the techy PMD patterns available now at WCA.

Caddis are present in the canyon and lower stretches. We haven’t heard much on that front just yet as far as the fishing goes but it’ll happen sooner or later.

Nymphing continues to be solid and while I was going to post the obligatory sow bug game comment I did actually hear a couple of reports just this afternoon that just maybe they are taking a break from the sow in order to focus on tasty PMD nymphs. Try a Split Case or Crack Back, PMD Magic Fly, Redemption, Psycho May, Frenchie, Glass Bullet, Military May or the like and pair it with a Purple Weight Fly or a Tung Dart or maybe even a worm with the bump that’s coming today and tomorrow.

Tomorrow looks to be another summery day with highs near 90 before things trend cooler for the weekend and into next week when there is a winter storm watch in effect for the high country with snow returning to the mountains. We won’t likely see any of that here but do prepare for highs in the 50 on Monday and Tuesday with rain in the forecast and keep those jackets and fleeces at hand as overnight lows will be dipping into the 30’s beginning on Sunday.

We’ll see what the change in weather brings. Streamer season is certainly waning at this point but with a couple of cool, rainy days on tap that might be just the ticket.

We’re in the midst of our busiest month of the season for guide trips so expect traffic in the fly shops in the morning and if you’re trying to call in a shuttle and we don’t answer try back in a bit or better yet, stop by the shop. We’re likely busy with customers so answering the phone becomes much less of a priority. We generally start running shuttles around 9:30 am so we can accommodate early outs and we generally wrap up by 3 PM so the later shuttles aren’t usually something we’re able to do. It never hurts to check though.

The shop is open at 7 AM daily for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs. We are of course home to the CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES on the MO, Adipose drift boat rentals, ice, Sage rods and reels, Fishpond straw hats, Simms waders, boots and flip-flops, Suncloud and Smith optics and the largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-06-13T16:23:52-06:00June 13th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: Adipose, caddis, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, pmd's, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

This Weekend on the MO

June is here and with it some sustained summer-like weather and consequently PMD’s have arrived!

We’re currently sitting at 80 degrees under sunny skies…more of this on tap for the weekend with breezy conditions (not nearly as breezy as what we started the week with) and a chance for an isolated shower or thunderstorm on Sunday.

Most local schools finished this week so look for the summer weekend traffic to increase starting this weekend.

Nymphing has continued to produce with sow bugs STILL leading the charge…the trout can’t seem to get enough of them! Split Case and Crack Back PMD’s as well as Magic Flies and Frenchies all getting some attention out there now with plenty of PMD nymphs in the system and you’d do well to go with a weight fly or Tung Dart or some other such sub surface caddis pattern as part of your nymph arsenal.

A few Cray Fish getting eaten here and there. Try a Zirdle or Claws R or Snapping Cray.

Streamers….not great as of late but always worth a try if you ask me. We had a few streamer trips early this week and they didn’t have great days but sooner or later there will likely be a streamer day. Maybe not under the blue bird sunny skies forecast for the weekend but then again you never know! Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolt and Lil Kim have been getting noticed.

Dry Fly Action is underway. The aforementioned PMD’s along with Caddis in the lower stretches. Come by and peruse our bins for all the latest and greatest dry fly patterns for the MO and beyond.

Shop hours are 7 AM – 5 PM daily.

Home of the Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO and so much more.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-06-06T17:15:40-06:00June 6th, 2024|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Previous 123 Next