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.

BIG news from Wolf Creek Angler

This post is one I’ve been wanting and waiting to write for years, really since we opened our doors. It’s a post that represents a milestone and a huge victory in the battle we’ve been fighting from day one and which we will continue to fight for the foreseeable future.

That being said, as I begin to put words to it I am realizing that it’s probably not something that’s going to mean much to the reader but since it means so much to me and so much to this business I hope you’ll humor me and at least feign some enthusiasm for our HUGE NEWS!

After battling the powers that be since the beginning and committing to a policy of tact and patience and perseverance. After a few missteps in the fight driven by the desire to provide our customers with the absolute best products available in the industry Wolf Creek Angler has FINALLY been granted a FULL LINE SIMMS DEALERSHIP for 2019!

What this means to me

Since the first time I picked up a fly rod (sometime in the late 90’s) the Simms brand has beckoned to me. Simms is fly fishing…period. Yes, the brand has been expanding into other fishing markets and will continue to do so but to me the Simms brand will always be synonymous with fly fishing and Montana Fly Fishing to be exact.

I remember coveting everything Simms but especially those waders. I remember wandering through fly shops to the wader section and admiring those waders and wishing and hoping that someday I would don a pair of G3’s. I knew that when it happened it would change my life, in the way we always think that things we covet will (but looking back, I think that this time it actually had a small role in doing so).

MADE IN THE USA IN BOZEMAN MONTANA. Reading that tag in my first pair of G3 waders conjured up images of mountains and rivers and endless skies….I had yet to travel to Montana in my adult life but that was about to change.

PILGRIMAGE – My first trip to Montana

The G3’s were the gateway drug after which the floodgates opened and I began to replace all of my gear, followed by much of my wardrobe. I hold few brands as near and dear to my heart as I hold SIMMS FISHING PRODUCTS and this all started years before I had any inclination that I would ever own a fly shop in Montana.

Jump ahead to 2014 and imagine my surprise and my disappointment when we opened Wolf Creek Angler in Wolf Creek Montana and were told we would not be able to sell Simms products. It was a crushing blow but we took what was given to us which was logo gear and entered into a battle which has persisted since that first season.

Eventually we were given sportswear and accessories and while I had moments of anger (sometimes even bordering on RAGE) in the heat of this battle, I was still thrilled to sell what we were allowed to sell and my love of the brand never diminished as evidenced by the piles of Simms clothing and gear items I own and wear and use every day.

I couldn’t be more proud to announce that Wolf Creek Angler is now a full line dealer for 2019 which to me is not only a personal victory but is also a validation of what we’re doing with our business. We’re still fighting the fight trying to offer you the best of everything in the industry but securing the SIMMS brand is a major accomplishment in this fight and the fact that they’ve partnered with us tells me they believe in what we’re doing. It affirms that we are LEGIT!

What this means to you

As I’ve already stated, I don’t think this will mean near as much to you as it does to me. After all, fly shops are supposed to sell Simms right? And the fact that we’ve had the logo gear and the sportswear for the past few seasons may have even led you to believe that we were a Simms dealer.

Practically speaking, what this means to you is that now you can purchase any and all Simms gear from Wolf Creek Angler and we’d be super stoked and super appreciative if you’d keep us in mind next time you’re shopping for a new pair of Simms waders or boots or anything else they make.

Starting in January we’ll be going exclusively to Simms waders and outerwear. We’ll likely go fairly deep on the entry level and mid-range items and not quite so deep on the high end but we will be happy to order absolutely anything you need anytime.We’ll continue to carry essential outerwear and accessories as well as a smattering of sportswear.

Beyond the practical, what this means to you is that by choosing to do business with us you’ve helped to build our business to the point where Simms has given us their stamp of approval so thank you again for your business and for your loyalty to WCA. It’s all of you who have made this realization of a dream possible for me and for this I am eternally grateful.

WCA 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

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Our picks for the best fly fishing gifts of 2018.

Simms ColdWeather LS Shirt/Pants $99.95

Longtime staples around here for cold weather fishing and all around winter wear.

Quick dry warmth featuring micro fleece waffle-lining But Simms takes this hardworking mainstay into the 21st, with the boosted warmth of waffle-lined micro-fleece internals. ColdWeather LS features include quick-dry performance, potent UPF 50 sun protection, and chafe-free, off-shoulder seaming for added comfort. Stash gear in two super-sized, top-close chest pockets. And stay effortlessly stylish in these ultrawarm, brushed-flannel performance plaids.

Pants equipped for deep-freeze conditions. Subzero mornings? No sweat. Simms’ Coldweather Pants combat the conditions thanks to micro fleece-lined internals and hand-warmer pockets. Angler-appreciated extras include COR3™ fabric technology; an adjustable waist with a corrosion-fighting center-front snap; and articulated knees for bolstered durability and massive mobility.

Redington Behemoth Reels   $139.99

Our best selling reel in its class!

Our BEHEMOTH reel combines the most powerful drag in its class with stunning aesthetics that push the limits of fly reel design. The unique, un-machinable, die-cast construction is coupled with a durable, interlocking, large-arbor spool design that both looks and functions like a premium reel. A super-heavy duty carbon fiber drag package brings the utmost in drag strength, reliability and performance to the family. Sized for your favorite 5-weight trout rod, and all the way up to saltwater ready, big-game sizes, the BEHEMOTH reels offer performance and affordability to beginner and veteran anglers alike.

Korkers Buckskin and Buckskin Mary Wading Boots  $139.99

Our best-selling boot.

 

OmniTrax® Interchangeable Sole System adapts your traction to any fishing condition. Two outsoles included with every purchase.

Hydrophobic materials faster dry times lessen the chance of spreading invasive species.

Durability enhanced midsole, scratch rubber toe cap extends to side panels, rubberized anti-abrasion synthetic material.

Drainage integrated, large drainage ports and internal drainage channels.

Traditional laces durable metal hardware provides secure fit.

Weight: 3.2 LBS per pair with felt soles.

Redington Sonic Pro Waders $299.99

The all new Sonic-Pro wader uses 4-layer waterproof-breathable fabric and SonicWeld seams to create a simple wader with superior durability for uncompromising performance on the water. We designed this wader with minimal pockets and a clean silhouette to provide anglers a durable wader that simply performs in all conditions, from deep steelhead wading to hot summer trout runs.

The all-new WOMEN’S SONIC-PRO wader was designed specifically for female anglers. This wader incorporates our reliable, extensively field tested 4-layer waterproof-breathable fabric and SonicWeld seams to create an ultra-functional wader with superior durability for uncompromising performance on the water. Stretch side panels allow anglers to move easily in and out of this wader and add comfort on the water. The flattering design works to fit a woman’s body properly, with minimal pockets to reduce bulk and a stretch mesh back panel to move with the body while casting and crouching. The WOMEN’S SONIC-PRO wader simply performs; it’s durable, comfortable, and designed for women who fish.

Echo Carbon XL

Our best-selling fly rods…three years running.

A true all-around performer with the features and feel associated with rods four times the cost. Tim designed these rods to be airy-light with actions that benefit a wide range of casting styles and fishing situations. Bass to browns, bluegill to brookies, the Carbon XL covers it all.

A true all-around performer with the features and feel associated with rods four times the cost. Tim Rajeff designed these rods to be airy-light with actions that benefit a wide range of casting styles and fishing situations. Bass to browns, bluegill to brookies, the Carbon XL covers it all.

Fishpond Cutbank Gear Bag $249.95

A gear sanctuary on the water

Designed to organize gear and keep it dry. With the Fishpond signature molded bottom and welded recycled TPU fabric, the Cutbank Gear bag covers the bases. As a specialized tackle bag that keeps gear dry on a raft or drift boat, as well as the perfect size to fit in the hatch of most all flats boats, this gear/tackle bag is an organization system that allows for easy access wherever your adventures take you. Built with our incredibly tough 1680d TPU coated recycled Cyclepond nylon, YKK water resistant zippers, and welded construction with a molded top and bottom, this is more than just another gear bag. Think of this as a gear sanctuary on the water.

Simms Exstream Hat  $69.99

Mandatory headwear for winter fishing on the MO’.

Fleece furnace meets 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell protection Snuff an Arctic assault with Simms’ fully waterproof, quilted fleece-lined 3-layer GORE-TEX® ExStream™ Hat. Features include a plush elastic sweatband and customizable fit thanks to an adjustable circumference with a back cord lock. Black under the brim reduces glare. One size fits most.

Stanley Wolf Creek Angler Growler  $59.00

First fill is on us at Blackfoot River Brewing Company in Helena

 

 

What’s that call echoing throughout the land, bouncing off mountains and tumbling through valleys? “Cold beer, and lots of it!” the armies of the thirsty cry out. Rising to the call for cold, fresh beer, the 64oz Classic Vacuum Growler lets you transport your favorite brew in fully functional and iconic style. Take control with a rugged handle for easy carry and one-handed pouring. The wide mouth allows for quick filling, sharing, and cleaning. That satisfying ‘pop’ you hear when you open this bad boy is a sure sign your beer is fresh and bubbly. It ain’t Grandad’s old vacuum bottle, but he’ll raise his pint in admiration. You might just have to top him off.

Fly Boxes Galore   $24.00 – $129.00

(and plenty of flies with which to fill them)

Fly boxes make great Christmas gifts and we’ve got something in every price range.  From $24 plastic WCA logo boxes to hand-made  Al Swanson boxes and everything in between. Choose your box and load it up. Don’t forget our “Cheaper by the Dozen” special going on now…$5/dozen flies while they last.

WCA  Gift Cards  $Any Amount

A perennial favorite for any occasion, but especially for the holidays…WCA gift cards are the perfect gift for all of those anglers on your list for whom you have absolutely no idea what to buy. You can get them in any amount, they never expire and they’re good for absolutely EVERYTHING we sell. Lodging, guide trips, shuttles, boat rentals, merchandise….EVERYTHING! We’re happy to mail them anywhere in the world you need them sent. Just give us a call and we can take care of all of it right over the phone.

These are just a few ideas based on some of our more popular items but we’ve got a shop full of all kinds of gear in every price range. We’re more than happy to help you with gift ideas and while we haven’t yet ventured into E-commerce we’re more than happy to ship you whatever you need.

We hope you keep us in mind when shopping for your favorite fly fishers.

 

 

 

 

By |2018-11-24T16:52:00-07:00November 25th, 2018|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on WCA 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

Happy Thanksgiving from Wolf Creek Angler

We would like to take this opportunity on this day of giving thanks to say thank you to all of you who have helped to make Wolf Creek Angler the growing success that it is.

We are so very blessed to be able to do what we do where we do it and it’s all thanks to you who have supported us over the years with all of your business.

Whether you shop with us, fish with us, stay with us or all of the above we owe you a huge debt of gratitude and we’re looking forward to another great season next year even as this one has yet to officially come to an end.

So enjoy your Thanksgiving gatherings today. Enjoy the food. Enjoy your time with family and friends and take a minute to count your blessings. We are.

We’re thankful for our health and thankful for our friends and family. We’re thankful for clean, cold water and trout and mountains and access to all of them and we’re thankful for the opportunity to make a living sharing our love of this place with all of you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Go Lions

By |2018-11-21T18:22:06-07:00November 22nd, 2018|Categories: Local Buzz, Shop Life|Comments Off on Happy Thanksgiving from Wolf Creek Angler

Thanksgiving Week

Just a quick update on what’s happening at Wolf Creek Angler this Thanksgiving week.

We had intended to start our winter hours this week however the nice weather has gotten us some bites on our MOvember special so we scrapped that idea for the time being.

Starting next week however we’ll go to winter hours with the caveat that if it’s fishy weather we’ll likely be here, at least in the mornings.

Our regular winter hours will be Wednesday – Saturday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Sundays from 8:00 AM – 12 noon but please give us a call if the weather is nice and you’re headed this way on a Monday or Tuesday, just to make sure we’re around. By the same token if it’s blizzard conditions and single digits Wednesday through Sunday you might just give a call on those days as well to make sure we braved the weather and made the trip if you’re planning to come out.

We’re open through Wednesday this week but will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Looks like colder weather and a chance for some snow on Friday and Saturday but we should be here both days, at least in the morning. We will be closed this Sunday, the 25th.

Black Friday Deals? Yeah, we’ve got em’. 25% off all outerwear, sportswear, waders and boots, rods and reels….what the hell, Friday ONLY 25% off EVERYTHING. How’s that for a Black Friday deal?

And don’t miss our Cheaper by the Dozen sale flies. Available now. These are randomly selected flies from our clearance bins for $5/dozen. That’s right $5/dozen. That’s a $25 savings! These are all high quality bugs which for one reason or another haven’t moved so we’re moving them. We’ve pre-packaged them so you get what you get. No picking through them allowed. They may not be exactly what you’d have picked but for $5 a dozen you really can’t go wrong. They make great Christmas presents for those just getting into the sport. Spend $10 on bugs and you’ve got a substantial start on a full fly box for your favorite beginning fly fisher.

Updated fishing report is in the works but suffice it to say that the transition to winter fishing is fully underway. The temps are dropping and the fish are moving to the winter water. Nymph the medium to slow deeper runs with sowbugs, zebras and Rainbow Czechs and start to work pink into your game.

Pink weight flies, Pink Amex, Pinkalicious, pink lightning bugs, Pink Lucent Bead Rays, Pill Poppers, Bubble Yums, Cotton Candy, UV Crush….you know the drill. And don’t forget the firebeads. Try 6’ – 7’ indicator to bb with a mix and match of the above and see where it goes.

Swingers have been hooking up on Kreelex, Polar Leeches, buggers and the like. Don’t be afraid to try some bulkier bugs like Sparkle Minnows and MK Ultras as well and don’t feel ostracized by the Trout Spey craze. It’s a great method to add to your skill set and it’s becoming all the rage on the Missouri, especially in the late fall and throughout the winter, but you can still catch plenty of fish on a single handed rig.

Dry fly fishing? Maybe not so much. This isn’t to say there won’t be some BWO action yet to happen this fall but most have made the mental shift to bobber or streamer fishing. Embrace it! Love it!

We’re anticipating a moderately busy winter season based on the talk of a somewhat mild winter but we never put much stock in long term weather forecasts. Take what you get and fish when you can.

By |2018-11-20T18:21:22-07:00November 20th, 2018|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: , , , , , |Comments Off on Thanksgiving Week

Mid November

Despite a fairly warm week ahead we’ve decided to proceed with shutting down a few more cabins for the winter as it seems things have pretty much slowed to a halt. Not to worry. We are open for business all year but for all intents and purposes the 2018 season is in the books, capping a fifth successful season for Wolf Creek Angler!

Effective next week our winter business hours will be Wednesday – Saturday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm and Sunday 8:00 am – 12 noon. As per usual you can expect to find us here any day (including Monday and Tuesday) if the weather dictates it and likewise we may opt out if hazardous conditions pose a traveling risk or if it’s just too damn cold to fish. We are open for lodging and guide trips EVERY DAY. Don’t forget our MOvember special – $500 for a full day guide trip and two nights of premium lodging. You won’t find a better deal anywhere!

The “fishable” weather parameters tend to shift and evolve as the winter drags on. We’re looking at temps in the mid to high 40’s this week but I don’t expect much traffic. If we see these types of conditions come January however you can bet we’ll be booked solid and busy in the shop.

Mid November through the end of the year is our slowest time as people get busy with the holidays. Many are focused on hunting and have already long since put away the fishing gear for the season. That being said, we will see a bump in traffic (weather permitting) as the colleges go on winter break in a couple of weeks.

It’s been an awesome fall for fishing the Missouri and elsewhere in the state. We couldn’t have asked for better conditions. The weather was great and this was hands down the best fall fishing I’ve seen since moving to Montana.

Dry fly fishing will still be an option for the next couple of weeks though it appears as though sunshine will prevail much of this week which is not great for dry fly or streamer fishing.
Plan on settling in to winter nymphing but keep your options open. Bobber fishing will be your best bet for numbers from here on out but keep that dry fly rig and that streamer stick at the ready.

It’s time to start thinking winter fare….Firebeads, Sows, Pill Poppers, Pinkalicious, Pink Amex, Rainbow Czechs, Cotton Candy, UV Crush, Zebra midges, worms, Bubble Yums, Soft Hackle Sows…etc. Water temps are still holding in the high 40’s so you’ll still find the fish spread out in a variety of water types but you’d do well to start focusing on the deeper, slower winter runs.

We’re running fairly deep (7’-9’ overall) and usually running a tungsten bead point fly along with a bb or two. I wouldn’t say we’ve exactly got things dialed for winter quite yet as water conditions are in flux but it won’t be long and you’ll be fishing the same water with the same bugs and the same rigging for days at a time.

BWO’s are definitely a possibility….keep your dry fly rod rigged and ready, especially on the overcast days.

Streamer fishing has been solid and will continue to occupy our time. Some are shifting into Trout Spey season, others are content to stick to the single handed techniques. Either way, this is your time. Get after it.

Chewy has returned to the tying bench for the winter so expect all of your favorite ZK patterns to be back in stock SOON. In the meantime it’s getting to be Kreelex, Skiddish Smolt and Polar Leech time and it’s always Sparkle Minnow season!

As the Christmas shopping season approaches we hope you keep us in mind to help you take care of the anglers on your shopping list. We’ll do a Holiday Gift Guide soon but in the meantime we’re happy to provide you with personalized gift ideas…just give us a call. A new rod and reel, a new fly box filled with Missouri River flies, new waders, new boots, a Missouri or Blackfoot River guide trip? The options are limitless. Give us a call or drop us a line, we’d be happy to give you some ideas to fit any budget.

By |2018-11-12T20:18:18-07:00November 12th, 2018|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Mid November

MOvember Special

Judging by the abundance of vacancies and the lack of traffic in the shop I’d say the 2018 season has pretty much drawn to a close. We’re currently sitting just shy of 30 degrees with a light snow falling. More of the same on tap through tomorrow with lows dropping into the teens the next couple of nights.

While these aren’t exactly prime fishing conditions we’ll see highs climbing back near 40 by the end of the week which could translate into good fishing and a good opportunity to spend a little more time on the water before winter sets in.

To encourage you to make the journey we’re offering a late fall/winter special you can’t afford to pass up. We’re calling it the MOvember SPECIAL but it will be in effect all winter long.

We are offering full day Missouri River Guided float trips for one or two anglers for $400 or two nights of lodging and a full day on the water for $500. That’s a savings of over $300!

Mind you we’re starting trips later in the morning this time of year and with the dwindling hours of daylight you’re getting a shorter trip but you won’t find a better deal anywhere.

Some aren’t offering winter trips at all. Others are offering them at full price and some are offering a discount but nobody else is offering a lodging and fishing package deal and NOBODY can come close to what we’re doing. We’re offering two nights of premium lodging and a full day on the water for less than a guide trip will cost you elsewhere.

Keep in mind also that while the lodging tax is always in effect, beginning November 15th the resort tax will be on hiatus until April so that’s an additional 3% savings on EVERYTHING. Lodging, Guide Trips, Shuttles, Flies, Simms sportswear and accessories, Drift Boat Rentals…..EVERYTHING!

And the best part of the deal? No cancellation fees! When you book a trip during the season you are locked in and under most circumstances you will end up losing your 50% deposit. That’s not the case now. Winter can be a challenging time to book a trip because the weather can change without notice and while we don’t mind being on the water in sub-zero conditions we realize that this isn’t for everyone.

Not to worry. Book your trip and rest assured that if the weather turns or if you simply change your mind you’re off the hook. No fees. No questions asked!

Just looking for a place to stay on your DIY hunting or fishing adventure? Winter lodging rates are $99/night plus tax. All available units are completely furnished with a kitchen and private bath.

Winter fishing on the Missouri can be downright fantastic. It can also be slow. It’s fishing! We’re concentrating primarily on nymphing and streamer fishing right now but there are plenty of dry fly opportunities as well. As we move into December and into the heart of winter fishing those dry fly opportunities will dwindle but will return in the late winter as midge fishing becomes a viable option.

Winter fishing is not for everyone but once that cabin fever begins to set in a day on the Missouri might be just what the doctor ordered. Things are quiet in Wolf Creek and Craig for the winter months but we do have Shotgun Annie’s and The Oasis for dining and night life; The Canyon Store for gas, groceries and a great Montana Microbrew selection and of course Wolf Creek Angler for all of your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing Needs.

We’ve got more on-site lodging than anyone, the best winter bug selection around and all the cold weather gear you’ll need to eliminate cold from the equation.

Don’t forget our lodging units are all furnished with a full kitchen and access to barbecue grills so bring your own food with you and you won’t have to go anywhere!

We hope to see you this MOVEMBER and all winter long for HOT fishing on COLD days with Wolf Creek Angler.

Fall Back Tonight

Remember to set your clocks back tonight as Daylight Savings Time comes to an end.

You know what that means. You gain an hour of sleep tonight but starting tomorrow darkness comes early…like 5:30 early and the days will continue to get shorter for another seven weeks.

I love the extra hour of sleep and it’ll be nice to make the drive to work in the daylight again but that afternoon darkness will take some getting used to.

Dark days lie ahead at the shop in the half light of the canyon.

And with the darkness comes the cold. It looks like today is the day to fish if you want to take advantage of the mild weather but with rain and snow in the mix for the coming days we could see some phenomenal dry fly fishing.

Lodging and guides available every day at Wolf Creek Angler.

By |2018-11-03T15:20:12-06:00November 3rd, 2018|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Fall Back Tonight

All Hallow’s Eve

Beware the Bull Pasture Clown.

Some years past the clown appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, emerging from the thickets on the island below Bull Pasture on the day before Halloween.

Witnesses observed the clown wandering the perimeter of the island. The clown made no contact with those in the area and nobody witnessed the clown leave the island.

The following morning several of our guests arrived at Bull Pasture before first light, intent on being the first to their favorite water. As they made their way across the channel to the island a light colored silhouette caught their eye. The clown was there, standing on the island, watching them cross.

Startled and disturbed they turned back and made their way upstream, a good distance from the island, figuring they would fish another spot while they waited for daylight.

Daylight arrived and the clown was nowhere to be found. The clown was not seen again (that we know of) until a few years later when he was witnessed wading the run below the island at Bull Pasture, fly rod in hand.

Evidently clowns like to fish too. We’ve heard no reports of the clown ever approaching anyone though those who have seen the clown have given the clown a wide berth.

We haven’t heard any reports of the clown appearing so far this season but it’s always been on these days around Halloween in the past so if you intend to fish the island below Bull Pasture anytime soon please be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for anything strange or out of the ordinary.

Clowns exist to entertain us and shouldn’t be feared….or should they? Some are gripped with coulrophobia which is an excessive fear of clowns which can cause panic, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, sweating and nausea. None of which are desirable when  fishing.

Clowns are familiar, yet somehow off. Clowns may not be of this world.

We don’t know who the Bull Pasture Clown is or why he randomly appears, it’s probably just a prank. What we do know is that the Missouri River is not a place we expect to encounter a clown at ANY time and while we’re all for inclusiveness and diversity in the fly fishing ranks we’re not sure that diversity should extend to be inclusive of clowns.

Our advice? Should you ever happen to encounter the Bull Pasture Clown steer clear.

Happy All Hallow’s Eve from Wolf Creek Angler!

By |2018-10-31T16:35:01-06:00October 31st, 2018|Categories: Uncategorized|3 Comments

Bidding a Fond Farewell to October

The season continues to wind down as we bid a fond farewell to the month of October.

We had our last full house over the weekend and this morning all is quiet at WCA as only a few guests remain. The motel units have seen their last guests of the season and will be winterized by week’s end. The last of our long term RV guests left yesterday and we’ll soon be wrapping up our guide season.

It seems as though the end of the 2018 season is looming but before we close the books on another great year we want to remind you that we’re not going anywhere! The shop is open all year (not necessarily every day, but on the days that make sense) and we’re open for lodging and guide trips each and every day.

Keep an eye out for our MOVEMBER special….details coming soon. In the meantime, as October draws to a close, I just wanted to take a minute and proclaim that October may in fact be my favorite month of the year.

Fall fishing is my favorite fishing period and the peak of the fall color can’t be beat. October fishing on the Missouri was nothing short of spectacular with some of the best fall dry fly fishing we’ve seen in years.

I’ve also made a habit of wandering every October. It’s a magical time of year in Montana.

Every year since we moved here we’ve made a fall getaway to Glacier NP. Often times it can be pretty gloomy in that part of the state in mid-October but this year we were treated to four straight days of blue skies and sunshine and temps in the 50’s and 60’s….Indian Summer at its best.
It’s strictly R & R. It’s sight seeing, eating a lot, sampling local brews, hiking, drinking wine on the porch on chilly nights, sleeping in etc.  and there are very few things I look forward to as much as I look forward to this annual trip. It was on the bittersweet side this year being that it is our son’s senior year in high school. He was in sixth grade the first year we made the trip.

I’m certain there are more reflections on mortality and the passage of time to come (what with the empty nest now on the immediate horizon and all) but for now suffice it to say that we enjoyed the trip immensely, knowing that it may be a while before he joins us on this one again. We’ve had some great times over the years but we’ve also had some downright unpleasant trips where our mopey kid had no desire to be there and in some cases where we’d  preferred he wasn’t. None of that this time! This was a great family trip and I think we all enjoyed most every minute of it.

I’ve also made a streamer float on the Yellowstone an annual October event. This one has evolved over the years and now includes a night of revelry with friends who live in YNP and who tolerate my obsession with hunting big browns on streamers and streamers ONLY. No behemoths for me this year though our friend Sara lost what may have been the fish of the year in my boat.

Add to these trips my first ever day fishing the Jefferson, a few days on the Blackfoot and a bunch of awesome days on the Missouri along with a steady diet of football and baseball and the chance to see a bunch of our favorite regular guests who have become friends and who have made October their annual thing at WCA and you’ve got the best month of the year.

We’re hopeful that with the mild forecast we’ll continue to finish strong at least through the middle of November but dark winter days are looming. It’s already been a month or more since the shop has seen direct sunlight and with this coming weekend’s time change it’s only going to get darker. But that doesn’t mean the fishing won’t be good. Sure the days are shorter but this slow transition to cold has delivered the best fall fishing we’ve seen in several years.

Dry fly fishing has been, and should continue to be strong and if streamers are your obsession this is definitely your time. Nymphing will always deliver so if you think late fall is the time to put away your fishing gear…think again. We fish all winter long when the weather allows for it and so far from what it sounds like we may see a relatively mild winter which means plenty of fishing ahead.

Once again, keep an eye out for our MOVEMBER Lodging and Fishing Special and keep us in mind for lodging whether its fish or big game you are hunting.

By |2018-10-30T17:43:26-06:00October 30th, 2018|Categories: Montana Fly Fishing, Shop Life|Tags: , , , , , |Comments Off on Bidding a Fond Farewell to October

Late October Missouri River Fishing Report

Wolf Creek Bridge FAS is OPEN

We’ve been enjoying some gorgeous autumn weather these last several days though the fishing has slowed considerably.

We love the blue skies and sunshine, optimal conditions for showcasing the dwindling fall color show. The fish do not share our love for such days. The fish prefer the shadows.

That being said, there has been no shortage of opportunities to target rising fish, even on the sunniest of days if you know where to look.

A Sprout Baetis paired with cripple or emerger will get eaten as will a split wing BWO or a tried and true parachute Adams. An October Caddis makes a great strike indicator…the kind they like to eat! Drop a CDC Caddis Emerger or a zebra midge to up your odds and always make that first cast count. Matching the hatch can be important but presentation is critical. They’ll eat something other than the exact bug that’s on the water if it’s presented correctly. They won’t think about eating a poorly presented fly no matter how close to the natural it looks.

There are always exceptions to the rules but if you plan to consistently catch fish you have to make your first casts count. A ravenous pod of hungry trout on the Missouri is NOT the place for casting practice!

Nymphing reports have ranged from awesome to terrible, depending on location (and just maybe also depending on the skill level of the anglers). You end up hearing a lot of conflicting reports over the course of a day in the fly shop due in large part to the subjective nature of our sport.

It’s not uncommon to hear the extreme ends of the spectrum on any given day. “The water is really high” for one but “the water is as low as I’ve seen it” for another. “The slowest it’s ever been for us” often times coincides with “the best we’ve ever done here”.

The objective report is that nymphing is good. It was better prior to this streak of sunny days and it will likely be better once the clouds return but overall nymphing has been good and will always be your ticket to numbers.

Tailwater Sows have been money for me as of late, typically paired with a Rainbow Czech or beaded version of the Tailwater Sow but I’ve also had good luck with Pill Poppers, Firebead Rays, black Zebra Midges, Little Green Machines, Psycho Mays and plain old pheasant tails.
I’ve been running 5’ to split and not doing much in the way of depth adjustments. Many are finding success running shorter late in the day, I haven’t found a reason to do so. Keep it simple and don’t overthink it.

If you’re having a tough time finding fish take a look at the depth of your rig and the water you’re fishing before going crazy with bug changes.

Believe me, we’re all for people making bug changes. We’ve got thousands of bugs we think you should try but truth be told….it’s typically not the bug itself but rather where you’re fishing it. Even so, just like everywhere, there are a handful of go-to patterns on this river you should not be without…all of which are available for purchase every day at Wolf Creek Angler.

Streamer reports have been decent but once again, blue bird days are typically not your best bet for tossing the big bugs. Mornings have been decent before the sun hits the water and the long shadows of the afternoon into the early evening hours are good bets.

The water is still relatively warm (currently 52 degrees) so strip aggressively. They’re up for the chase and if you’re lucky the ATTACK! Expect plenty of short strikes and keep at it. Weeds are still a hindrance but they haven’t been horrible. There are angry browns lurking somewhere in the shadows. All you have to do is find them.

Try MK Ultras,  Sparkle Minnows, Dirty Hippies, Autumn Splendors, Skiddish Smolts, Polar Leeches, Circus Peanuts, Mojo Minnows or anything else you believe in. We’ve been having our best luck with olive, natural and grey but don’t overlook white.

The entire river is fishing well right now. Best nymphing reports have come from the upper while we’ve found the better dry fly and streamer fishing to be below Craig. FYI – The Wolf Creek Bridge FAS is OPEN.

The fall season is in full swing and it will be over before you know it. Make your fall fly fishing getaway to the Missouri while there is still time.

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