Weekend Report

Cold Mountain - photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Cold Mountain (Palace) – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Back in the shop this morning after a couple of great days spent celebrating and relaxing with family and friends. It’s a beautiful blue sky late December day and despite the fact it’s a mere 20 degrees we’ve been surprisingly busy.

We tend to take things for granted with the river just a couple of miles down the road and I for one have narrowed down the window of winter conditions under which I will fish. I’ve been content to stay inside and wait for warmer days but if you are here now and only have a week or maybe even a day or two to fish the Missouri you don’t have much choice other than to get out there and have at it.

The reports I’ve heard from the past few days have been pretty good. Same story – status quo winter nymphing. Slow, deep winter water and pink stuff. That’s all you need to know. Big movers lately have been the pink Amex, Casne’s Pinkalicious, pink lightning bugs, Rainbow Czechs, Firebead Soft Hackle Sows, Pink Soft Hackle Scuds…..notice a trend here?

A few folks swinging and stripping as well though nymphing is always your best bet for numbers this time of year.

Brown Polar Leeches, hot-head Kreelex and Skiddish Smolts in assorted flavors have all been getting some attention.

The roads are clear, the ramps are in good shape though there is some ice to contend with so please be careful out there. Water temps have dipped below 34 and flows are holding just shy of 3200. We will continue to see below average temps for the week ahead with lows in the single digits expected Monday and Tuesday night so things will continue to ice up for the next while. It’s going to be a chilly week out there with the next warming trend arriving on New Year’s Day. Will you fish again in 2015? I’m thinking the next fish I catch will be in 2016 but you never know.

The shop will be open tomorrow from 8 AM – 12 noon. Stop in and see us if you’re in the area.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00December 26th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Christmas Eve Eve

A little Cousin Eddie for your holiday viewing pleasure…

This NEVER gets old!

The shop will be closed tomorrow and Friday. If you’re coming out to fish the MO tomorrow and are in need of shuttles or bugs or anything else our friends at Headhunters Fly Shop will be open from 8 AM – noon. If you’re coming out to fish on Christmas Day you’re on your own.

We would like to express a huge thanks to all of you who have been coming by the shop over these past couple of weeks. December can be a lonely month in the fly shop and while we appreciate every customer every day of the year – we’re especially thankful for December traffic.

See you back in Wolf Creek on Saturday. It looks like we’re in for some colder temperatures on Friday in Saturday with highs in the teens and low 20’s but things will warm up again on Sunday and into the first part of next week so make a plan now to fish the Missouri at least once more before the end of the year. $99 lodging and $400 guide trips all winter long!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00December 23rd, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off

Winter Solstice Edition

The countdown to the 2016 season has begun – it will be here before you know it

Today is the first day of winter. The solstice occurred at 11:48 pm last night so technically it occurred on the 21st (yesterday) but since it happened last night, just before midnight, we’re going to go with the 22nd being the first official day of winter.

This is a big day for us here as it marks the unofficial countdown to spring. This is the shortest day of the year. Tomorrow we start to see more daylight and less darkness each day and while we’ve got a long ways to go it won’t be long before we’re soaking up the spring sunshine.

With that in mind we encourage you to take this opportunity to get your plans together for the 2016 season. Prime dates are filling quickly both for lodging and guide trips so don’t delay. June and July are already nearly full but don’t let that deter you. Give us a call today and we’ll figure something out. The longer you put it off, the less likely you will be able to get the dates you want.

We’re open today and tomorrow for last-minute Christmas shopping or if you happen to be one of the few who are actually out here fishing the MO. $99 lodging and $400 guide trips all winter long!

Happy Solstice! Bring on the Vernal Equinox, just 89 days away.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00December 22nd, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, Missouri River, Montana, running line, winter solstice, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

The Countdown to Christmas has begun…

We’ve reached the home stretch. Just a few days left until Christmas. Need some last minute gift ideas? Stop by the shop this week and we’ll help you pick something perfect for all the fly fishers on your list.

We’ll be open from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday through Wednesday but will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We will resume our normal winter hours starting Saturday.

The weather looks like it could be pretty fishy this week with a chance for snow showers each day and temperatures in the low to mid 30’s today and tomorrow before dropping into the mid to high 20’s later this week.

Lodging available for $99/night and $400 guide trips all winter long. We’re loaded up with all the winter bugs you need as well as the cold weather gear and all the tools and accessories you need to make your day on the water a success.

Have questions about winter rigging or where to fish? We’d love to get you dialed in. Stop by and we’ll get you rigged up and tell you everything you need to know including our not-so-secret winter go-to spots.

Missouri River Guide Trips with Wolf Creek Angler make the perfect Christmas Gift. Book yours today!

If you have someone on your shopping list who is new to fly fishing or if you are new to the sport and want to treat yourself there is no better gift than a guide trip on the Missouri. It’s a big-ticket gift for sure, but ask anyone who spent a day with a guide when they were new to fly fishing and they will tell you it’s definitely money well spent.

Whether it’s casting instruction you need, tips on how to read water, bug life, rigging techniques, rowing techniques…whatever it is you are interested in, you will learn more in a day spent with one of our guides than you would in years of trying to figure it out on your own. Know how to fly fish but new to the Missouri? We definitely recommend fishing with a guide for a day. It’s a technical fishery and one that can be very intimidating. Again, there is no better way to get dialed in than spending a day with one of our expert guides.

If you really want to surprise someone with the ultimate gift they won’t soon forget, give them a day of guided Missouri River fly fishing.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00December 21st, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off

Missouri River Weekend Report

If you’re planning to get out and fish the Missouri this weekend today is probably the day to do it. Cloudy skies, melting snow and calm winds (at the moment)….perfect December fishing conditions. The roads are clear, the coffee is on and the river awaits. You may encounter a few folks out there today but relatively speaking you’ll still basically have it to yourself.

Reports from the last couple of days have been good. Not much has changed and not much will change for the next several months. Slow winter water, pink stuff, firebeads, soft hackle sows….you know the routine. Weight and depth adjustments may be required, bug changes optional! We get a little lazy with our rigs this time of year but if it ain’t broke…

My go-to is a #10 Casne’s Pinkalicious trailed with a #18 pink soft hackle firebead sow. I may occasionally swap out the trailing fly for a pink lightning bug or Ray Charles but I simply don’t spend a lot of time changing bugs when winter fishing. Put it where the fish are and watch for the slightest movement of your indicator. The takes are more often than not, very subtle. Is a #10 too big? Maybe, but I would rather use the big bug for weight than add split shot and you’ll be surprised at how many trout will eat a #10 Pinkalicious (the whiteys love them too).

Don’t be afraid to throw a streamer if you want to get away from staring at the bobber. Unlike my nymphing rigs, I do change streamers until I find something that works. If I don’t move a fish within the first couple of dozen casts I change bugs. I do have a couple of go-to patterns that seem to consistently produce during the winter months, my favorites being the polar leech in brown, the hothead Kreelex and the Sculpin Sparkle Minnow. If I can’t get them to go on one of these I generally go back to nymphing. The retrieve is critical and more often than not what works for me is a super slow strip/swing combo.

December Brown on the Polar Leech

We’ve got a couple of St Croix Bank Robbers left at clearance prices if you want’ to treat yourself to a new streamer stick. Grab one of our demo rods and see what you think.

The shop will be open every day up until Christmas Eve. We’ll be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas and then back to normal winter hours. If you plan to come out tomorrow keep in mind we close at noon on Sundays. $99 lodging and $400 guide trips available all winter long.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00December 19th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Casne's Pinkalicious, Christmas, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

The Force Awakens

A little something from Paul Puckett to get you in the Star Wars frame of mind

I’m not going to talk much about fishing today so if you are in need of a fishing report check back tomorrow or give us a call at the shop and we’d be happy to give you the latest.

We’ve got our tickets and we’re primed to see The Force Awakens tonight. By all accounts its living up to the hype, setting a box office record last night for a Thursday night opening, pulling in between $50 and $55 Million. A solid opening for sure. I’m excited to see the movie and wondering if it will deliver on its implied promise of taking us back in time.

The roster of holiday season films this year is definitely making us confront our own imminent mortality. Between the latest installment of the Rocky saga CREED and The Force Awakens we’re being taken back to a different time in our lives, the Springtime of our lives. I’m definitely dating myself here but can it really be almost 40 years since the summer of 77 when I was just 7 years old going to see the first Star Wars movie at the Cinema 12 in Muskegon Michigan?

It doesn’t seem like that long ago but it’s a lifetime ago, and in a galaxy far, far away from the here and now. Some of who and much of what made up my world in 1977 is gone now, as is the case for most of us who grew up watching the Star Wars and Rocky sagas unfold. While we never know when our time will come, the law of averages would suggest that my generation has reached that point of likely having more years behind us than ahead of us. Cheery thoughts for this Friday morning.

They’re just movies I know, but they wind up eliciting a jumble of emotions as we harken back to the days of our youth. We may have lost grandparents and parents and friends over these 38 years, but we’ve also grown up and gained spouses and kids and homes and careers. We’ve had highs and lows, we’ve made decisions that have had huge impacts on the course of our lives, for the better and the worse. We’ve just been living our lives while time marches on and while we usually don’t take the time to think and reflect on what has brought us to where we are, these films inspire navel gazing as we frame our life journeys within the context of the time span between the first film and the latest episode.

On that note – enjoy your Friday. Go out and see The Force Awakens and appreciate it for what it is.

Back to fly fishing tomorrow….I promise!

May the force be with you!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00December 18th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, running line, Star Wars, The Force Awakens, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Cold and Quiet on the MO

Fresh snow and no trailer tracks at Wolf Creek Bridge

It’s been a cold and snowy week here on the Missouri but the sun is shining again today and while it’s still a little on the cold side we are now in a warming trend and it looks like it could turn out to be a downright pleasant weekend for winter fishing with highs near 40 tomorrow and Saturday. Daytime highs look like they will be above freezing into mid-week next week which means we’ll see a little traffic out there with everyone on Christmas break.

Make Wolf Creek Angler your first stop on your way to the river for everything you need for your day on the water. Shuttles, cold-weather gear, RO Drift Boat rentals, tons of tools and accessories and of course, the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Cozy winter lodging for $99/night (plus tax) and full day guide trips just $400 all winter long!

Missouri River Winter Fare

We haven’t heard a lot of reports this week as there simply aren’t many folks fishing but we do have some guests staying with us right now who braved the cold and snow all day yesterday and are out there again this morning and they had an ok day yesterday. Same bugs, same water we’ve been talking about for the past couple of weeks. Run something pink and something with a firebead, fish the slow froggy winter water and you should find some willing players. Watch that indicator closely and hit any pause or dip. The takes will likely be very subtle and you may not get the fight you’re expecting but the water is cold (35 degrees) and the fish are understandably a little lethargic. Still, its bent rods in December in Montana – we’ll take it.

The phones have been very busy this week with folks booking 2016. Our June/July lodging is nearing capacity and April and May are filling nicely as well. Prime guide dates are filling fast but there’s still time. Give us a call today and let us help you plan your Montana fly fishing dream vacation. Our specialty is clearly the Missouri but if you are interested in experiencing some variety during your visit we’d love to book you a day on the Blackfoot or any other waters you might be interested in fishing.

Christmas is one week from tomorrow. Have you done your shopping? Great gifts for the fly fisher abound at Wolf Creek Angler. We’ll be altering our schedule next week and will be open Monday and Tuesday but closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas.

Today’s gift suggestion – the Hell Razor Hoodie from Kast – perfect for these cold winter months on the MO.

Hell Razor Hoodie

Incredibly lightweight & extremely warm.

Everyone has their favorite jacket. The one that never sees a closet or coat-hook. The one that, unless you’re already sleeping in it, is always close enough to grab—regardless of where you are, what you’re going to be doing, or what the weather is.

For us, the Hell Razor is that jacket: performance and comfort that’s perfect as an insulating layer or solo as outerwear when it’s not pushing single-digits. Designed to be windproof, water resistant, yet highly breathable and thermally efficient, the Hell Razor utalizes Primaloft 60g Gold insulation so you get a jacket that is incredibly lightweight and extremely warm. This jacket is definitely our go-to favorite whether we’re wrestling big fish, wheeling into town—or yes, sleeping in from time to time.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00December 17th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, fly fishing, Kast Hell Razor Hoodie, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, RO Drift Boats, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Tuesday Trails

We decided not to fish today due to the chilly temps this morning but opted instead to take advantage of the fresh snow and hit the trails for some snow shoeing.

I don’t always wear snow shoes, but when I do I like to cut the first tracks on the trail which is exactly what I got to do today. A good workout for both of us as always.

We’ll be back in the shop tomorrow morning and it looks like we’ve got some more snow showers on the way with highs of 24 and 1-3 inches of snow expected.

Could be a quiet day at WCA but there are still a lot of flies to count, more orders to place and plenty of people calling to book for the coming season.

We hope you stop by if you happen to find yourself in Wolf Creek tomorrow. Hot coffee and great end-of-season deals.

Looking for the perfect gift for your fishy friends who have all the gear they need and probably wouldn’t want you picking gear out for them anyway? How about a Hydroflask beer growler and matching True Pint glasses. Buy a growler and three glasses and we’ll throw in a fourth glass for free and as always – every growler comes with tokens for a free fill at Blackfoot River Brewing Company in Helena.

The coolest gift of the season – WCA HydroFlask Beer Growler and matching True Pint glasses

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:42-06:00December 15th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off

Snowy Monday

We did receive a good dump of snow last night and today and while it’s tapered off for the most part we’ll likely see flurries right on through tonight. Tomorrow looks like it could be promising with a mix of sun and clouds and highs near 30 with south winds at 5-10 mph.

As of now the plan is to fish. Expect a full report on Wednesday.

The accumulating snow is keeping us in the 87 percent of average snowpack for the Missouri mainstem basin with the Missouri headwaters basin at 103 % of average….keep it coming!

Streamflow is currently hanging right around 3400 CFS with water temp a chilly 36 degrees.

There have been a few folks around fishing and duck hunting but things are pretty quiet on the river. It’s a great time of year to stay inside and keep warm and plan your 2016 Missouri River Odyssey. The phones have been busy the last few days with people doing just that. Prime dates are filling very quickly both for lodging and guide trips so don’t wait too long.

Should you decide to venture out for some winter fishing we’ve got good news. Uncle Joe’s Oasis Bar and Grill has fired up the grill again! They are open Thursday – Monday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hours are 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Once again you have everything you need right here in Wolf Creek. Cozy lodging and a first-rate fly shop, the only gas station/convenience store between Helena and Cascade (with an incredible Montana microbrew selection I might add) and a place to get a meal any time of the day, all just minutes from Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge.

We are your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing Destination!

See you soon in Wolf Creek Montana.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:42-06:00December 14th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off

December 12th

WCA Gift Cards make the perfect stocking stuffer.

December days are quickly dwindling away. Soon 2016 will be upon us.
It’s a great weekend weather wise to fish the Missouri with temps forecast to be in the 40’s. Winds are currently calm and should be tolerable all weekend. Wolf Creek and Craig are ghost towns right now. Most of the people who are around are working in fly shops, waiting…hoping some folks come out to fish this weekend.
The phones have been busy the last few days with people booking their 2016 guide trips and lodging and there have been a few stragglers wandering in for bugs and what not but overall these are lonely December days in the canyon.

We’ve got a few guests booked for the coming week though it looks like we’re maybe in for some weather with a winter storm watch in effect from tomorrow afternoon through Tuesday morning. We could see up to six inches of new snow and possibly a foot or more in the higher elevations….let’s hope so!

You’ve still got plenty of time to get your Christmas shopping done at Wolf Creek Angler. We’ll be here in the shop today and tomorrow and back again on Wednesday and we’re always open for lodging and guide trips so don’t hesitate to give us a call. You could finish that shopping from the comfort of your couch this morning by just giving us a call and having us send WCA Gift Cards to all the fly fishers on your list. We are happy to sell you gear for Christmas presents but gift cards are really a great way to go. You can purchase them in any amount and they are good for everything we sell from merchandise to shuttles to lodging to guide trips to boat rentals…..EVERYTHING WE SELL! Want to give someone the gift of their dreams? How about a stay at Wolf Creek Angler and a day of fishing on the Missouri with one of our awesome expert guides? Give us a call and we’ll help you plan this trip of a lifetime.

Today’s featured gift idea…….Waders. If you fish you need them. Lot’s of folks do without them in the summer which is fine but if you fish in the spring and fall or all year-long like we do, you need waders.

We feature the full line of Redington waders and wading boots. Stop in and check them out.

Sonic-Pro Stocking Foot Wader

Sonic-Pro Waders are created with ultra-durable 4-layer, waterproof/breathable DWR coated fabric and feature double taped, sonic welded seams (no sew construction), articulated seams for increased mobility, and reinforced lower legs and seat for durability. Sonic-Pro waders are outfitted with multiple pockets for stashing gear, and hold everything from a hemostat to retractors and fly boxes. The convenient mesh pocket and hyplon dock with multiple attachment points make this wader every gear junkie’s wish list.

100% Nylon, 4-layer, waterproof/breathable wader fabric
High-tech ultra sonic welded construction (no sew) and double taped seams
Articulated seams for increased mobility
Reinforced lower leg and seat for added durability
Opposing buckles for easy conversion to waist high
Custom flip out tool pocket with mesh pocket, forcep dock, hypalon retractor dock and additional zippered pocket ideal for keeping tippet
Ergonomic hand warmer pockets lined with brushed micro-fleece
Laser cut exterior pockets with YKK water resistant zippers
Custom designed features include: 2-inch stretch wading belt with Redington buckle, gravel-guards with custom moulded lace hook, and custom moulded hemostat clamp d-ring
High density neoprene bootie
Mesh carry bag included
Seam technology licensed via Orvis Patent 7,770,235

Willow River Wader

Our Women’s Willow River waders are specifically designed for comfort and durability. Made from 3-layer,waterproof/breathable DWR coated fabric, these waders feature reinforced knees for added durability and opposing buckles for easy conversion to waist height waders. They also feature high density neoprene booties and fleece lined hand warmer pockets to keep you warm in cooler waters.

3 layer, waterproof/breathable DWR coated fabric
Water resistant zip pocket for storage
Neoprene gussets under arms for secure fit
Tonal print on upper for style
Hemostat holder with versatility to store internal or external
Internal drop mesh pocket for storage
3mm high density, ergonomic right and left neoprene booties
Gravel-guard with lace hook and mesh for drainage

Palix River Wader

The Palix River Waders are constructed from 3-layer, waterproof/breathable DWR coated fabric, feature reinforced lower legs for durability, high density neoprene booties, fleece lined handwarmer pockets, and a flip out pocket with secure YKK zipper. A wading belt and integrated gravel-guards are also included to keep you safe in the water. A great feature set at a great value.

100% Polyester, 3-layer waterproof/breathable DWR coated fabric
Opposing buckles for easy conversion to wait high
Chest pocket plus a flip out pocket with YKK zipper
Double layer knee for increased durability

Prowler Boot Felt

The new men’s Prowler Wading Boots are our premier wading boot offering. They offer exceptional performance and durability in a fresh, modern aesthetic. With molded rubber rands, wide soles, and quick-drying and quick-draining synthetic materials, these boots are built for long days in any river condition imaginable.

Molded rubber overlays for durability
Molded Polyurethane midsole, strong yet lightweight
Wide sole- expanded surface sole for stability
Padded collar for ankle support
Mesh lined interior and drain holes for quick drainage
Molded, non-corrosive metal hardware
Available in both sticky walnut rubber and felt sole options
Stud compatible

Skagit River Boot Felt

The Skagit Boot is Redington’s mainstay wading boot offering supreme durability, full support, and comfort. Mesh paneling has been added to the body of the shoe for drainage and quick dry times. Boots are stud compatible for rugged conditions.

Available in Sticky Walnut Rubber or Felt soles
Rubber toe cap for added abrasion resistance
Mesh panels for quick drainage
Padded collar for ankle support
Deep draw lacing with molded, non-corrosive metal hardware
Webbing pull loops for easy in/out
Stud compatible

Willow River Boot Felt

Willow River Boots are designed for the woman angler. Sizing, fit, support, and comfort have all been accounted for in a lightweight construction. Boots are stud compatible for more venturesome anglers.

Available in Sticky Walnut Rubber or Felt soles
Supportive, lightweight, and quick drying
Rubber toe cap for added abrasion resistance
Padded collar for ankle support
Deep draw lacing with molded, non-corrosive metal hardware
Webbing pull loops for easy in/out
Stud compatible

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:42-06:00December 12th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, fly fishing, Missouri River, Redington Palix River Waders, Redington Prowler Wading Boots, Redington Sonic Pro Waders, Redington Willow River Waders, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

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About Jason Orzechowski

Hell Razor Hoodie

Incredibly lightweight & extremely warm.

Sonic-Pro Stocking Foot Wader

Prowler Boot Felt

Skagit River Boot Felt

Willow River Boot Felt