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.

Summer Solstice

We started this first day of summer on the MO at a chilly 39 degrees. It’s warmed up a bit to the mid 60’s but not exactly what we’d expect on the first day of summer. The cooler weather will persist throughout the week with daytime highs in the low 70’s but it looks like we’ve got some heat arriving Sunday when temps will finally hit 80 again. I can’t even recall an 80 degree day so far in June. We may have had one but overall it’s been a chilly and wet June on the MO.

We are smack dab in the midst of PRIME TIME and conditions are starting to come into shape just in time. Current flows are 10,400 CFS with water temp right around 60 degrees. We should see a continued draw down on those flows over the next couple of weeks.

PMD’s are underway and gaining momentum. Also a few caddis around providing ample opportunities even in these higher flows for the dry fly set.

A benefit of the cooler weather and higher flows is that the weeds are slow in coming. Plenty of clean water out there making things easy on the nymphers and keeping the streamer game alive.

Still a sow bug game but if you aren’t mixing in some Caddis pupae and some PMD nymphs, you should be. And if you haven’t been trying a crayfish or Zirdle here and there, you should be doing that as well.

This is our busiest week of the season by far for guide trips and that doesn’t seem to be limited to us. The river is definitely busy though with most transient guides having returned to their home waters it doesn’t feel quite as busy as it did a few weeks back. Early starts get you ahead of the crowds. Late starts get you behind them. Maybe best to avoid the 8 – 9 window. The busier days have seen waits up to an hour at the ramp.

We’re open early at 7 AM daily and usually around well before that running rental boats to and fro. These next three weeks are the busiest ones of the season for guide trips, lodging and boat rentals so we don’t have much availability but there are a few holes in the schedule here and there so give us a call if you’re in need of a place to stay and we’ll see what we can do.

We’re stocked up on PMD’s and Caddis and terrestrials on the dry side and plenty of nymphs to boot though the sowbug shortage is real! We’re working on it.

Lots of new WCA T’s and sun hoodies and hats in stock with more on the way and all the sun protection you need should summer ever settle in. The brand new Korkers All Axis Wading shoes and Swift Wading sandals are flying out the door – get em’ before they’re gone.

The word is out – WCA has the Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO! We appreciate the increase in shuttle business and invite you all to give us a try.

The calendar says summer, the weather says not quite but regardless, we’ll see you soon at your favorite Missouri River Fly Shack.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-06-21T15:32:01-06:00June 21st, 2023|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

Signs of the Season

Welcome to a soggy start to the season. It’s rained every day of June thus far and looks as though it will continue to do so for the foreseeable future with the forecast reading “a chance of showers and thunderstorms” every day in the 10 day outlook.

We’ve avoided some of the soaking rains and thankfully most days have at least started with sunshine but the cumulative effect has been a substantial increase in reservoir volume which has resulted in the biggest flows of the season. (Currently 13,300 CFS).

Wade anglers are now biding their time, awaiting the drop. Boat fishing is ON.

Many transient guides and outfitters have vacated the MO and returned to their home waters. Traffic is moderate.

A fairly typical early June on the Missouri.

Streamer Fishing has had its moments in this dreary weather. Keep after it.

PMD’s are here, perhaps not in force, but they are here.

Big Flows = Worms and sows and weight.

Big flows have slowed top water action much to the disappointment of our visiting DFO’s.

All signs of a typical high(ish) water early June.

That being said, the true indicator that the season has started is that we’ve already had an excavator digging up plumbing in our yard. It seems it’s not officially “the season” until this happens so now that we’ve gotten that out of the way it’s time to plant some grass in the backyard and watch the waters recede as we await Dry Fly Nirvana…..it’s coming soon!

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-06-08T17:07:19-06:00June 8th, 2023|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Wolf Creek Angler is your Missouri River Fly Fishing Headquarters

It’s relatively quiet this first day of June on the Missouri but that’s about to change!

Chalk it up to being a post-holiday week or just the calm before the summer storm but it’s been eerily quiet this week with many of the transient guides and outfitters taking their clients and returning to their home waters.

Wet weather has perhaps kept some of the local angling traffic away and we’re still a ways out from the heat that drives the recreational floaters to the MO but all that aside, the fact of the matter is, we’re on the cusp of the start of the summer season and a few days from now things are going to look a whole lot different so if spring solitude is your thing this is your window and it’s about to close!

We’re now entering the days folks book a year or more in advance. These are the days of pilgrimage from afar to the hallowed waters of the Missouri. These are not the days of “everything else is blown so we’ll have to fish the MO”, from here on out everyone who is here is here for this. They’re here to carry on what are often times generational traditions of summer days on our giant spring creek.

These are the days of the DFO. Not that you won’t see plenty of bobbers on any given day but the history of fly fishing on the Missouri is one steeped in the lore of epic hatches and monster browns and bows sipping well-presented dry flies. It’s a place known for technical fishing with all of the elements in play that make a soft landing and a drag-free drift a necessity.

The coming early days of Caddis and PMD activity always allow for a fair amount of sloppiness and less than stealthy presentation but it won’t be long before things get techy and the fish get extremely picky and if you’re not on your game you’ll likely have a tough time on the Missouri. Prepare yourself for the Missouri River Dry Fly Extravaganza!

That being said, this world class tailwater is chock full of sub surface food which means if you prefer the bobber to the dry fly the Missouri is for you as well. It’s almost always game on for the nymphing set and while the reckless abandon with which these trout have been feeding for the past month may be waning there is an incredible abundance of food in the water right now and the fish don’t stop eating.

Of course sow bugs continue to be the staple but there are caddis pupae, baetis nymphs, PMD nymphs, March Brown nymphs, worms, crayfish and who knows what else bouncing around the water column. Anchor your rig with a beaded Tailwater sow, Czech nymph, Weight Fly, worm or Crayfish and trail a Little Green Machine, 2 Bit Hooker, Magic Fly, Split Cast PMD, S & M, Frenchie, Psycho May and on and on….All available at Wolf Creek Angler.

Back to dry flies – we’re currently making the shift, switching the hi vis bins from BWO’s to PMD’s and Caddis. Stock up today on the latest and greatest as well as the old standbys. We recommend you keep a good selection of spinners and duns at the ready but we catch a bunch of fish on cripples…just sayin.

The Guide Winna Spinna is a relative new-comer to the Missouri. Great Fly….Terrible Name. CDC PMD Spinners and Para PMD’s along with Indicator Spinners in PMD and Rusty – all fine PMD options. Hellen Keller PMD, PMD Film Critic, PMD Flash Cripple. CDC Winged Emerger, Brooks Sprout PMD and the ever-popular Buzzball should all hold a place in your fly box.

Our go-to Caddis patterns include Cornfed Caddis, Blooms Para Caddis, Sloan’s Outrigger Caddis, Stockingfoot Caddis, Missouri CDC Caddis, Iceberg Caddis, Front End Loader, X Caddis and the always popular CDC Caddis Emerger.

You’ll find all of these and many more filling the bins at WCA amongst the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

As you prepare for the weeks ahead think about replacing those old fly lines. There’s nothing quite like fishing a fresh new line to help you step up your game. It’s difficult enough to overcome the challenges posed by micro currents when trying to perfect that presentation. Why add the challenge of a line that won’t float? Cleaning and dressing helps but at some point you need to replace those lines.

We’ve got you covered with all the basics as well as the more technical tapers from SA, Rio and Airflo.

Stock up on 5X and don’t forget your floatant.

We’re open at 7 AM daily for EVERYTHING you need for your day on the MO.

Sun protection, rain gear, Simms waders and boots, the brand new Korkers Swift Sandals and All Axis wading shoes, SAGE R8’s, Lamson Speedsters, tons of Simms logo gear, Adipose drift boat rentals, Mending Waters Drift boats FREE TO ALL VETS, Fishing licenses, Fishpond Nomad Nets and now featuring the CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES ON THE MO!

Welcome to Pre Prime on the MISSOURI!

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-06-01T12:23:50-06:00June 1st, 2023|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: Adipose, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, Fishpond, fly fishing, green machine, Korkers All Axis wading shoe, Korkers Swift Sandal, Lamson Speedster, mending waters montana, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Sage R8, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Memorial Day Weekend on the MO

It’s hard to believe but the unofficial kickoff to the summer season is upon us.

The three-day Memorial Day Weekend is about to kickoff, and right on cue, monsoon season has arrived.

It’s been an on and off rainy last couple of days. No real soakers just yet, but enough to likely keep the splash and giggle traffic to a minimum this weekend. There’s a chance of rain and thunderstorms in the forecast every day through Sunday. Memorial Day proper looks like it could be the best of the bunch with mostly sunny skies and a high near 80.

Flows are currently 7850 CFS with water temps hanging just shy of 52 degrees. Expect a bump tomorrow morning, somewhere in the 8K range.

Dearborn and Little Prickly Pear are in great shape at 644 CFS and 212 CFS respectively, both slightly on the rise but not adversely affecting the MO.

Fishing has been solid this week though there have been a couple of days offering a bit more of a challenge than what we’ve been seeing for the past several weeks. As it should be. You may have to actually try something other than a Tailwater sow bug and you may have to adjust rigging to accommodate conditions. They call this fishing.

Traffic has dropped off slightly and with people spreading out to all sections of the river it really hasn’t seemed all that congested out there save the traffic jams at the swirly holes where a slow day can be transformed into an epic day in just a couple of row arounds.

Keep running those sow bugs but get those zebra midges, mayfly nymphs and caddis pupae in the mix and don’t overlook the worm or the zirdle.

Top water action is still primarily a midge game but we’re just on the cusp of caddis action and PMD’s are coming soon.

If you need any or all of the above you know where to go. WCA boasts a fly selection that meets or exceeds that of any shop in the area. And our flies are all the real deal, not shop ties. The best bugs from Montana Fly Company, Umpqua, Yellowstone Fly Goods and Solitude.

A busy weekend on tap at the Inn with but we do have two rooms that just came available for Friday – Sunday night. If a somewhat rainy but very fishy holiday weekend on the MO sounds good to you give us a call and make one of them yours. Come see what the buzz is all about with the remodeled rooms at WCA, you won’t be disappointed!

The shop is open daily at 7 AM with EVERYTHING you need for your day on the water. Waders and boots and rain gear from Simms, rods and reels from SAGE, the CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES on the MO and all the gear from all the brands you love. We’re stocked up and ready for the summer season at WCA.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-05-25T16:49:02-06:00May 25th, 2023|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Creek fishing opens this Saturday

Another heat wave on the way this weekend with temps expected to approach 90 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. As luck would have it we’re currently experiencing some smoke from the wildfires burning in Alberta and British Columbia which does affect air quality to an extent but more importantly it also provides overcast conditions, all the better for those fishing the MO.

Current air quality conditions in Wolf Creek are moderate for the most part, worse as you travel to Helena and Great Falls. Expect hazy conditions today through Saturday with things starting to clear on Sunday.

Saturday is the general stream opener in Montana which will soon begin to distribute the angling traffic around the region however with the current streamflows already running high and hot weather on tap for the weekend which will likely bring about an increase in runoff, we’re expecting continued heavy traffic here for the time being.

We’re in good shape on the Missouri with current flows at 7000 CFS with water temps right around 50 degrees. Flows on the Dearborn and Prickly Pear have steadily dropped this week but will likely be on the rise again this weekend. Both are adding color to the MO but not in a bad way – chalky, not muddy. Just how we like it.

It’s been a decent week for BWO’s, especially with the low light conditions and there are a few caddis bouncing around out there as well as some march browns and of course, the ever-present midges which are still providing plenty of low light action for the dry fly set. Much more to come!

Nymphers are replacing sow bugs and scuds with BWO and PMD nymphs as well worms and zirdles in select locales. You needn’t abandon the sows altogether though as they are on the menu every month of the year on the Missouri.

Streamer fishing has been good enough with the better action during low light as you would expect. White, tan, yellow, olive….all good choices. Deeper has been better with a moderate retrieve and plenty of pauses in between. Work the banks, making sure you hit every fishy looking seam and pocket and every under-brush lair. There’s a reason you think those spots look fishy. It’s because they are. That being said, you’ll also want to hit island tailouts mid-river riffles and drops, water that maybe doesn’t look quite as sexy but which may hold the beast you’re seeking.

We’re open at 7 AM daily with everything you need for your day on the water, be that the MO or anywhere else. The CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES on the MO and so much more!

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-05-18T11:34:13-06:00May 18th, 2023|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, midge, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Two weeks into May and we’re rapidly settling into the grind.

The new Wolf Creek Angler crew is continuing to take shape, guides are fully ensconced in the groove and honestly, it feels busier at this point in the season than I can recall it ever being which is obviously partially a product of the influx of guide traffic from other parts of the state but I like to think it’s also a product of WCA continuing to grow and gain momentum as your Missouri River fly fishing destination.

We recently welcomed Keith Tucker aboard as our go to shop guy. Keith’s been doing the salt water thing as a captain in the Florida keys for the past 9 years and brings with him a wealth of experience in the industry. Stop in and meet him next time you’re headed to the MO.

Lodging has been slammed with WCA guests as well as a steady stream of folks fishing with other outfitters and many of those outfitters and guides also staying with us when vacancies allow. We’ve always worked hard to build these relationships with our colleagues in the industry and we’re thrilled that in what is definitely a highly competitive business, we’ve established a trust that allows for working together.

WCA has long been a favorite haunt of many guides and outfitters who prefer the chill nature of our location to the chaos.

Fishing has been consistently spectacular despite the concentration of traffic in the upper stretches. It’s definitely been busy, more days than not.

A steady parade of drift boats can be found at the dam daily from first light to early afternoon with the busiest time generally in the 9 AM – 11 AM range. If you don’t want to see other boats you should probably think about hitting a different river but an extra early start or a post 11 launch will alleviate some of that sense of crowding.

Guides who have worked on the Missouri know the drill and when everyone operates within the accepted parameters things go swimmingly. You’ve seen the fish numbers. There are plenty of fish and even in a short stretch of river there is plenty of water to accommodate the heavy traffic. What’s always amazing is how consistently good the fishing is day after day even with this kind of pressure. It’s truly an amazing fishery.

With the Little Prickly Pear and Dearborn on the drop things are rapidly coming into shape on the lower stretches and traffic has started to spread out accordingly. You’ll still see crowds at the dam but now there are a host of options if you want to get away from some of that traffic.

Current water conditions on the Missouri – 7290 CFS, water temp 47.5 degrees. Little Prickly Pear and Dearborn at 405 and 851 cfs respectively and dropping. We expect we’ll see some traffic on the Dearborn this weekend. Call the day before for shuttles as we’re planning on doing just one or two runs a day to the Dearborn depending on demand.

Nymphing continues to be the numbers game with sow bugs still reigning as the go to food source but with the water temps steadily climbing the baetis action is heating up. BWO nymphs should definitely be a part of your arsenal at this point. Little Green Machines, Psycho Mays, Redemptions, Pheasant Tails, Military Mays, Radiation Baetis, Olive or Pearly Lighting Bugs, Split Case BWO’s….all good options and don’t be afraid to work some PMD nymphs into the mix as well, it won’t be long. You might start with a PMD Magic Fly or a Split Case or Crack Back PMD.

Dry fly anglers are finding targets with midges, BWO’s and a few March Browns around and Caddis waiting in the wings. First or last light is best, cloudy days offer some mid-day opportunities.

Streamer fishing has been hit or miss but definitely worth your time. Brown and Yellow has been good with white, natural and olive all getting some attention as well. Ply the shallows off the banks, dredge the depths, vary your retrieve and if you’re not getting looks then change bugs. It can be slow going. It can turn on just like that and shut down just as quickly.

Need gear? We’ve got you covered with a streamer line for any and all situations or just go with a VersiLeader if you’re not ready to commit. Come by and try a Streamer X or Sage Igniter if you’re in the hunt for a new streamer stick.

Got questions? We’ve got answers. From gear to rigging to bug selection we are the Missouri River Streamer Authority!

The shop is open early, 7 AM daily with everything you need for your day on the water. Simms waders and boots, sun protection, Adipose drift boat rentals, fishing licenses, piles of fresh WCA logo gear, the CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES ON THE MO and of course the most extensive selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-05-11T12:55:34-06:00May 11th, 2023|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: Adipose, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Muddy Water Blues

It’s been a busy couple of days at the dam with 80 degree temps triggering runoff both locally and regionally which has pretty much concentrated all of Montana angling into a couple mile stretch of the MO below Holter Dam for the time being.

We’re used to seeing this every spring as runoff kicks off the migration of anglers to the Missouri from every other river in the state but sometimes that happens to coincide with substantial runoff in both the Little Prickly Pear and the Dearborn which muddies up our MO and forces everyone up high where the water flows clean.

Some traffic jams on the water and in the lots but all in all, so far so good with most everyone playing nice at the moment.

Not to say it doesn’t get heated out there but the vast majority of guides know the routine and accept the ground rules of our Missouri River row arounds and it all works seamlessly more often than not. Let’s keep it up. It’s a LONG season ahead.

Traffic has already started to spread out with those in the know going to the places that produce even in the mud if you know the where and the what and the how.

Sow bugs remain the meal of choice but with water temps now in the 42 plus range baetis are in play for the nymphers and the dfo’s alike.

Must use nymphs….Tailwater Sow, Pill Popper, Rainbow Czech, Fish Finder Worm, Zebra Midge, Little Green Machine, Psycho May, S & M, BWO Magic Fly, BWO Redemption, Split Case BWO, Military May, Pheasant Tails etc. Pink still on the menu but fading fast. Sows always in the mix, mayfly nymphs rapidly becoming a sought after meal.

Dry Fly Season is definitely underway with BWO’s now in the mix in addition to the billions of midges you’ve been seeing and inhaling. Even a few March Browns out there as well. Must have dries – Sprout Baetis, Olive Haze, BWO Flash Cripple, BWO Film Critic, Nyman’s DOA Cripple Baetis, BWO Guide Winna Spinna, Parachute BWO, Parachute Adams, North Wind Cripple, Purple Haze.

Streamer Season is still going strong. We’ve been fishing the mud with large flashy patterns and getting them to move on it but it hasn’t been outstanding. Expect an improvement as the mud thins out and the clouds roll in starting tomorrow. Wedge Heads, Dungeons, Sparkle Minnows, Swim Coach, Skiddish Smolt, Silk Kitty, Double Dirty Hippy all good choices. We’ve had good luck on yellow and brown, black, natural and olive.

This early taste of summer is about to come to an end. 80’s today will give way to 60’s and rain through the weekend and into next week. 80 has sure felt good but not exactly great for river conditions. 80’s triggers huge runoff and we lose our water right away. Snowpack is still looking pretty decent across the region but too much more of this weather could be a problem so we’re happy to see a return to more seasonable conditions.

May hours are 7 AM – 5 PM Monday – Saturday and 7:30 – 3:30 on Sundays. We hope to see you bright and early and we’re here to take care of anything and everything you need for your day on the water. Economical lodging, the best guides on the river, rain gear, boots, waders, the CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES on the MO and the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-05-04T11:23:16-06:00May 4th, 2023|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Holter Dam, midge, Missouri River, pill popper, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The State of the Missouri

Now that it seems winter has FINALLY relented, let’s take a look at what the season has in store.

With our first somewhat sustained heatwave of the season on the way later this week you can expect plenty of traffic on the MO as runoff conditions commence around the region driving the throngs to the MO.

Locally, flows bumped to near 5800 cfs today with water temps slowly climbing (currently 41.5 degrees). We’re expecting to see continued increases in flows with most probable flow models calling for max flows near 8k in May and possibly a peak of 10 – 12K in June.

Obviously the 6K plus flows are not ideal for wade fishing but for those doing the boat thing these predicted spring flows are right where we want them. Not too high, not too low. And these flows are great for the fishery as well giving our spawning rainbows more cover and also providing them access to side channel habitat which has been dried up the past couple of seasons. Please keep an eye out for those redds when you’re wading and avoid walking on them.

And speaking of the fishery – we’ve been meaning to share these numbers for a few weeks now but just haven’t had a chance to get to it.

As if you needed any more of a reason to fish the Missouri this season, the numbers are in and they confirm what we’ve been telling you all along, that the MO is hands down one of, if not THE best trout fishery in North America. Prolific doesn’t even begin to describe what we’ve got here but it’s a start.

Just how prolific are we talking? How about over 7700 trout per mile in the Craig stretch? Sounds pretty prolific to me.

That’s 6,132 rainbows (almost double the mean of 3,263) and 1,594 browns (approaching three times the mean of 604). This is the third highest total count since they’ve been keeping records, down just slightly from 2021 which was the second highest count on record. And for those who are big fans of brown trout – this is the highest count ever of brown trout in the Craig stretch.

And these aren’t minnows we’re talking about. These are all fish over 10” with an abundance of fish that will likely be pushing 18” – 20” this season. Last year’s rainbow count found over 1000 rainbows per mile in the 16” class and there were also a bunch of browns in that 12” – 14” range so expect plenty of 16” plus browns this season. There should also be some lunkers out there with over 100 browns in the 20” – 24” class last year.

The Cascade stretch also saw good numbers with close to 2000 trout per mile. That’s 1,265 rainbows (down from the 1703 average) and 566 browns (well up from the 393 average).

It’s a busy river with a ton of angling pressure and conditions have been less than ideal for a couple of seasons now with drought conditions which even led to Hoot Owl Restrictions on the MO in 2021. Low flows, high water temps, high angling pressure…these are not ideal conditions for any river and in many cases these conditions can lead to a serious decline in the quality of the fishery.

But not on the MO.

She continues to amaze each season but that being said, we refuse to take this amazing resource for granted and you shouldn’t either.

Please consider making a donation to one or more of the watchdog groups on the MO who make it their business to monitor and care for our amazing fishery.

The Upper Missouri Watershed Alliance, Pat Barnes Trout Unlimited, Missouri River Flyfishers and Montana Trout Unlimited could all use your help today.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-04-26T10:12:11-06:00April 26th, 2023|Categories: Local Buzz, Uncategorized|Tags: 7700 trout per mile, brown trout, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, State of the Missouri, Wolf Creek|0 Comments

Eternal Winter on the MO

It just keeps coming!

A steady snow falling this Thursday afternoon, APRIL 20th. Lows in the mid 20’s expected tonight with more snow on the way tonight and tomorrow. One more night of unseasonably cold lows Friday night and then maybe, just maybe we’ll be done with this.

No complaints about the snow – it’s all good but generally once we’re this far into April we’re ready for those temps that might freeze plumbing to have ceased. I’ve been waiting to turn the last of the water on having learned my lesson in years past when we’ve ended up with frozen plumbing in mid-April but we’re getting down to the wire and we’re going to need that water soon.

The dice will undoubtedly be rolled this weekend. Overnight lows look to be climbing and I think perhaps we’re on the precipice of leaving winter behind.

In addition to challenging my sanity, the unseasonably cold weather has also had somewhat of a chilling effect on business. With the exception of a couple of nice days that brought folks out of the woodwork (notably last Saturday) things have been relatively quiet for late April on the MO. Cold weather has kept the waters state-wide in good shape and delayed the runoff that generally precipitates the annual spring migration of guides and outfitters to the MO from around the region.

This has made for some relatively quiet days on the water which no one is complaining about. No one with the exception of the fly shop owners who are sitting on piles of new inventory watching the spring season pass by! But that’s neither here nor there.

Weather and stories of woe aside – fishing has been outstanding. Just what you would expect in mid to late April on the Missouri. Nymphing has been outstanding, last light dry fly fishing on midges has been consistently good depending on the day and streamer fishing is in PRIME TIME so if that’s your game these next few weeks are when you’ll want to be here.

Best bets for nymphs….Pill Poppers, Peterson’s Sow, Tailwater Sow, UV Yum Yum, Pink Ray with lucent pink bead, Caviar Scud, Rainbow Czech, Radiation Baetis (Pink), Pink Lighting Bug, Rainbow Warrior, black Zebra midge, soft hackle sow, Cotton Candy, Split Case BWO, BWO Magic Fly, Little Green Machine, Olive Psycho May. Sow bugs and anything with pink or orange beads have been the go tos but you should definitely be mixing some baeits and midge nymphs just to show them something they maybe haven’t seen quite so much.

The fish are on the move. You might find a few hanging in that slow winter water yet but you’ll definitely want to target the medium fast, medium depth water which is where they seem to be congregating at the moment.

Most of the nymphing traffic has been in the Holter Dam to Craig stretch but there’s no reason not to spread it out as the river is fishing well in all sections.

Dry Flies – Black Midge, Griffiths Gnat, Parachute Midge, Bucky’s Midge Cluster, Midge Sprout, Parachute Adams and maybe give that Skwala a try.

Streamers – all over the board but best sellers have been Skiddish Smolt, Sparkle Minnow, Thin Mints, Kreelex, Silk Kitty, Swim Coach, Mini Dungeon, Baby Gonga, MK Ultralite. Best Colors – Natural, white and olive.

Swing or strip. Bomb the banks, work the troughs, dredge the depths. The fish are where you find them which could be anywhere right now. Try a varied strip with plenty of pauses. Hit the shallows and give it a second to settle before you strip.

There’s no time like spring time on the MO.

We’re open daily from 7:30 AM – 4 PM. Stop in for everything you need for your day on the water including the CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES ON THE MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-04-20T16:37:05-06:00April 20th, 2023|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Easing Into Spring

As we approach mid-April things are slowly, but surely starting to look (and feel and smell) like spring.

Sunshine and 70’s on Monday FINALLY took care of the snow that had been lingering here around the shop since NOVEMBER.

But don’t swap out the fleece and flannel for flip flops just yet. We’re currently under a WINTER STORM WARNING in effect from 6 PM tonight through 12 AM on Friday. Today looks perfect with a slight chance of rain, mostly cloudy skies, high in the low 50s and light and variable wind.

Rain changes to snow tonight with a low of 34 and tomorrow looks fairly miserable with a high of 42, snow early on changing to rain in the afternoon and north winds 10-13 mph with gusts to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent with 1 – 2 inches of accumulation possible. If this was October it might be the makings of an epic BWO day but with our water temps still well shy of 40 degrees we’re a ways out from that.

Current water flows are higher than we’ve seen in a while at around 5400 cfs. Expect those flows to bump as the spring progresses. We’ll likely see increases up to 8K in May, peaking at around 10K before settling back to the current 5 – 6K in June. These flow predictions are great for the health of the river and obviously indicate a good looking big picture for all of the regional waters for the 2023 season. Snow pack currently ranges from 90 to 120 percent of average for the vast majority of the region.

The warm weather brought out a fair amount of traffic over the Easter weekend and Monday was the busiest day we’ve seen in a while. High wind warnings kept folks away yesterday on a day which turned out to be pretty damn nice. It’s a quiet hump day but the river will be busy this weekend if our bookings are any indication.

We’re close to a full house this weekend but we do have a couple of vacancies if you’re looking to spend your weekend on the MO.

We’ve also got our first big group trip of the season with the Annual Iron Fly Outfitting/Hidden Canyon Lodge Women’s Intermediate Fly Fishing Clinic happening Saturday and Sunday.
Winter Storm Warning aside – it looks to be a perfect spring weekend with plenty of sunshine and ideal temps in the 50’s on Saturday and edging back towards 70 on Sunday.

We’re expecting a busy weekend so get here early and beat the rush. The shop is literally bursting at the seams with new product so please come and take some of this stuff off of our hands. Waders and outerwear from Simms and Redington, boots from Simms and Korkers, rods and reels from SAGE, LAMSON, ECHO and REDINGTON and piles of fly lines from SA, Rio and Airflo. From general purpose weight forward floating lines to a full range of specialty sink lines and EVERYTHING in between we’ve got you covered.

With all of the new product coming in we’ve had to make some room so we’re clearing out a bunch of winter inventory at incredible prices. 30 – 40 percent off on winter wear and fly lines. Get em’ before they’re gone!

Need flies? You won’t find a better selection of Missouri River flies ANYWHERE! Those trendy bugs you’re reading about in all of the fishing reports- we’ve got em’. We’ve got em’ all! Pill Poppers, Bubble Yums, Tailwater Sows, Radiation Baetis, Amex, Cotton Candy, Yum Yums, Rainbow Czechs, Zebra Midges, Ray Charles, Little Green Machines and on and on. Looking for dries? We’ve got midge patterns galore and more BWO patterns than you’ll know what to do with. Looking for classics? Look no further. Parachute Adams, Purple Haze, Pheasant Tails, Hares Ears…we’re fully stocked on all of the classics in all of the sizes. And these aren’t shop ties or knock offs – these are the real deal from trusted brands like Montana Fly Company, Umpqua, Solitude Flies and Yellowstone Fly Goods.

Skwalas? Of course. We’ve got bins full of them.

Streamers? Ha! Don’t get me started. We are the undisputed Streamer Authority on the MO!

Need a couple more reasons to make Wolf Creek Angler your Missouri River Fly Fishing Destination?

Our guides are amongst the very best in the region with well over a century of combined experience. And not only are they fishy, you won’t find a more patient and humble crew anywhere. If you like a guide with a huge ego who spends half the day yelling at you and the other half telling you what a great guide they are then you’ll want to book elsewhere. You won’t find them here.

Our lodging is still amongst the most affordable in the area and your comfort while staying with us is our number one priority. Following our major remodel this winter we now have rooms ranging from basic motel style rooms to fancy efficiencies, something to fit every budget. We are dog friendly in most of our rooms with the exception of the newly remodeled bungalows.

We offer the cheapest dam shuttles on the MO…spread the word!

we are your source for Fishing licenses, ice, hats and socks and gloves, sunscreen and buffs, piles of tools and accessories from MFC, SA and more.

Wolf Creek Angler is closer to the Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge fishing access sites than any other shop. LPP and the Dearborn are currently dumping mud into the MO so chances are you’ll be starting at one or the other for the time being.

Wolf Creek is the home of Lazy I Beerworks with over 20 beers on tap and also home to the Canyon Store which is the ONLY place for gas and groceries between Helena and Cascade.

Wolf Creek is just 7 miles from Craig, home of Izaaks and the Craig Taphouse and I think there are a couple of other fly shops there as well.

As you can see, Wolf Creek is, by all measures, your Missouri River spring fly fishing destination.

See you in the shop and on the water soon.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-04-12T11:29:18-06:00April 12th, 2023|Categories: Local Buzz, Shop Life|Tags: annual women's intermediate fly fishing clinic, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, Craig Taphouse, dry fly fishing, Echo, fly fishing, green machine, Hidden Canyon Lodge, iron fly outfitting, Izaaks, Lazy I Beerworks, Missouri River, Missouri River Fly Fishing Destination, Montana Fly Company, pill popper, Redington, RIO, Sage, simms, solitude flies, Streamer Fishing, Umpqua, winter storm warning, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, yellowstone fly goods|1 Comment

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