Jason Orzechowski, Author at Wolf Creek Angler

Tuesday Fishing Report

February fishing on the MO

Ran out of time to do the dam to Craig yesterday and just did the usual Wolf Creek to Craig. As has been the case as of late we started a little slow but things really picked up in the afternoon, our best time slot being 4 – 5 pm.
Switched things up a little on the rigs trying some different bugs we haven’t been using but soon returned to the Pinkalicious/Firebead Soft Hackle Sow combo with good results.
We’re heading back out this morning – wrapping up a great group of days with a fish obsessed client from Michigan. Full report tomorrow. We’re looking at snow and a high of 32 today with a NNE wind around 10 mph. Back to sunny skies and 50’s and maybe even 60’s by the weekend. A couple of vacancies left for the weekend, and don’t forget – during the month of February when you book a full day guide trip you get one night’s lodging at the ridiculously reasonable rate of $59.
We are closed the rest of the day today but I will be back in the shop bright and early tomorrow and for the remainder of the week.
See you out there.

Monday Missouri River Report 2/9/15

It’s felt like April around here for the past several days, both temperature wise and traffic wise. Our lodging was full all weekend and Saturday and Sunday were by far the busiest days we’ve had in the shop in 2015. Throw in some boat rentals and a couple of guide trips out this week and it’s shaping up to be an outstanding week, especially for early February. We’re loving it!
It was a busy day on the river yesterday with a bunch of boats out and a lot of wading anglers. The couple of reports I’ve heard today were that it was not a stellar fishing day but when you’ve got sunshine and 55 degrees on a February day in Montana who needs fish? The majority of the traffic seemed to be in the Wolf Creek to Stickney section with things being a little tough at the dam for the past week or so. We will fishing the dam today to see if anything has changed. Full report tomorrow.
The bug report is sounding like a broken record but that’s generally the case with winter fishing. Best sellers yesterday included Firebead Sows, Pinkalicious, Rainbow Payczechs, hot bead wire worms, pink lightning bugs and soft hackle Rays. On the streamer side Polar Leeches in Olive and Olive and Copper and Kreelex in Brown and Gold have been our go to’s and we’ve been hearing of people having some pretty good streamer days on Clousers as well.
Rain today, rain and snow tomorrow and back to sunshine and 50’s for the end of the week. Lodging available this week with a couple of vacancies for the weekend. What better place to spend Valentine’s Day Weekend than in Wolf Creek and on the Missouri River?

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:01-06:00February 9th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Holter Dam, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

WCA K9 Crew

Jake – WCA’s Official Shop Dog

Those who follow our blog and our posts on Facebook and Instagram know that we LOVE dogs and welcome them at our shop. These are a few of our regulars you may be lucky enough to meet next time you are at the shop. We offer dog friendly lodging and welcome your pet with complimentary treats and a comfy dog bed during your stay. Many of our regular guests travel and fish with their dogs – we do too. Bring your dogs, we’d love to meet them!

Tater can be found around the shop most morning during the spring. He does not suffer fools gladly.

Tater can be found around the shop most mornings during the spring. He does not suffer fools gladly.

Nacho has been around the MO for a while and is well known by many guests at WCA

We met Georgia Mae last season as a puppy and look forward to seeing her again this spring. Book a trip with Chad DuBose to meet her.

Grizwald and Roxie LOVE to fish and are as at home in a drift boat as they are anywhere. Wherever you find Luke Koerten you'll find Grizwald and Roxie.

Roxie and Grizwald LOVE to fish and are as at home in a drift boat as they are anywhere. Wherever you find Luke Koerten you’ll find Grizwald and Roxie.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:01-06:00February 7th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: dogs, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Thursday Fishing Report 2/5/15

February fishing on the Missouri River

Spring-like weather continues here in Wolf Creek and with it some very good days on the water. We haven’t heard any reports this week of off-the-charts numbers but there is plenty of action to be had, certainly by early February standards.
Reports we’ve heard from the dam to Wolf Creek have not been great and many are opting for the Wolf Creek to Craig stretch and below. I spent a couple of hours wading the Bull Pasture to dam section on Monday and picked up a few fish in the dead slow frog water but it was on the slow side. The usual spots between Wolf Creek and Craig are holding plenty of fish and from what we’ve experienced things seem to improve in the late afternoon/early evening.
The water temp ticked up a couple of degrees over the last two days and is holding close to 36 with flows holding right around 4900. The warmer water coupled with partly cloudy skies and a chance of rain today has us thinking Streamers but the nymphing should be strong as well.
Go to’s have been the pink lightning bugs and firebead soft hackle sows with the lightning bugs seeming to work better earlier in the day. Pair either with a Casne’s Pinkalicious, fish 5 or 6 feet from your indicator to your split and work those spots you know the fish are holding in. Grid your water out starting in close and working your way out until you’ve covered what you can reach – adjust your rig accordingly and do it again. Wondering where those usual spots are? A drive from Wolf Creek Bridge to Craig will usually give you a pretty good indication based on traffic but if there is no traffic and you haven’t spent much time on the Missouri we highly recommend hiring us to guide you. It’s a terrific investment if you plan on making fishing the Missouri a habit, especially at our $395/full day winter rate. If you are new to the area, just getting into fly fishing or just haven’t spent much time on the Missouri a day on the water with one of our expert guides is a great way to get dialed in. It could take weeks, months or even years of fishing on your own to gain the experience and knowledge you’ll get from a day on the water with one of our guides. Interested? Call 800-800-4350 and book your trip today.

50’s through the weekend, 40’s next week with a chance of rain most days. Tomorrow looks great with highs in the mid 50’s and plenty of sunshine. The winds will blow most days but at this point it looks tolerable with teens and low 20’s and some stronger gusts. Lodging is filling quickly for the next two weeks but we do have a few vacancies remaining.

Hot February Nymphs
Top to bottom; Pinkalicious, Firebead Soft Hackle Sow Bug Grey, Firebead Tungsten Sow Pink, Pink Lightning Bug. All available at Wolf Creek Angler. photo by Wolf Creek Angler

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:01-06:00February 5th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Casne's Pinkalicious, fly fishing, Holter Dam, indicator, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, nymphs, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Introducing the Wolf Creek Angler Guide Staff

We are proud to introduce you to our 2015 Guide Team. Those who have fished with us before will recognize most of our guides but there are a few new faces, none of whom are new to the Missouri. Unlike last season we are now an outfitter-owned operation and while this won’t mean much to our clients, we did take the opportunity to evaluate our guide team and make some changes based on a forward looking philosophy of building towards the future.

We have no doubts that our crew will quickly build WCA’s reputation as one of having the hardest working, most laid back and personable guides on the Missouri River. We are confident you will enjoy your time on the water with each and every one of our guides. They are all excellent instructors and they are all experts at tailoring your day to match your skill level and your expectations. We are heavy on experience and knowledge and light on attitude. We realize that for many, a day of guided fishing on the Missouri River is a dream come true and you should expect our guides to treat it that way. We invite you to come fish with us this season and discover for yourself what an excellent crew we have assembled. Our guides are Wolf Creek Angler and they are truly professionals, in every sense of the word.

JIM MURRAY
Jim caught the fly fishing bug at an early age while living in Juneau, AK. He became obsessed with all things fly tying and fly fishing and began fishing the waters of the West, from Alaska and British Columbia through Arizona and New Mexico. He first fished the Missouri River in 1999 and never left. Jim enjoys unlocking the mysteries of the MO year round. Whether it’s posted up on a dry fly flat, chasing a bobber, or chucking a streamer; Jim is determined to do whatever it takes to have fun and get the rod bent. Jim appreciates working with anglers of all ages and skill levels and there is no place he would rather be than on the Mighty MO, teaching, learning, and having a blast!

MATT HARGRAVE

Matt has been obsessed with fish for as long as he can remember. Growing up he fished the lakes and streams of the Eastern Sierras and the coast of Southern California. Matt realized his goal to become a fishing guide in Montana in 2011 and since that time he has fallen absolutely in love with the Missouri River. The diversity of a day on the MO is a challenge that Matt loves to tackle. He enjoys the grace of dry fly fishing and the chess match of figuring out the nymphing game but his preference is fishing streamers for the larger fish that inhabit the Missouri.

BRIAN SCOTT

Brian Scott is a native Montanan who suffers from a life-long addiction to fly-fishing. He learned to fish on the Missouri and Big Hole Rivers in the 1970’s and got his first guiding job in Alaska in 1981. Brian prefers the challenge of the dry fly but can nymph for numbers if required. He tailors each day to fit the client’s individual needs. Brian lives on the Big Hole River near the town of Dillon, MT but you will usually find him on the Missouri during the summer season pursuing the wild rainbows and browns that make the Missouri River one of the finest fisheries on the planet

ERIC MONDRAGON

Eric has been a professional fly fishing guide for sixteen years. He started his career in Colorado and New Mexico and has been guiding on the Missouri River for the past 11 seasons. Eric enjoys fly fishing and fly tying and he brings more than thirty years of expertise in these arts. Eric lives in Cascade with his wife and two golden retrievers, Trout Dog (TD) and Rio. Eric loves dry fly fishing with clients and also likes to chase bobbers and strip streamers. He is an excellent teacher and doesn’t pass up the opportunity to work with anglers of all ages.

NICK KAUFMAN

Nick is a Montana native; born and raised in Helena. He grew up one mile from the Missouri River and became absolutely obsessed with chasing fish. Growing up Nick wanted nothing more than to be a fishing guide. After spending eight years in the United States Army Nick returned home and realized his dream of guiding on his home water, the Missouri. Nick loves volunteering for Montana Project Healing Waters along with the Wounded Warrior Project. Whether your hunting heads, ripping streamers or nymphing; Nick will do whatever it takes to put you on fish.

Luke Koerten

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Luke headed west in 2002 in search of steep mountains and deep snow. Originally a ski bum with a fishing habit, these days you’re more likely to find Luke knee deep in the Missouri than in mountain snow, even in January. Having lived in Bozeman, Missoula, and Helena, Luke has spent countless hours exploring the waters of western, central, and southwest Montana. His knowledge combined with a flexible and upbeat attitude makes him an excellent choice whether you are a first time angler or a seasoned vet.

Chad DuBose

Growing up in the strong flood tides of Savannah, Ga, Chad has always been drawn to water. From shrimping in the oyster infested waters of the low country to climbing the ancient glaciers on some of the Cascades highest peaks to now floating some of Montana’s most trout infested rivers it is obvious that water is a common factor. Having spent the past 4 years honing his skills guiding the forks of the Flathead and in and around the Missoula area and spending a winter guiding in Chile, Chad really enjoys the technical fishing the Missouri has to offer. On his days off you will find him floating(maybe fishing) with his golden retriever Georgia Mae.

ROB WEIKER

From Ohio to California to the US Army and most recently to NW Montana, life has taken Rob Weiker down many roads and one thing he has learned along the way is that nothing beats a great day on the water. He is an excellent teacher and he will work tirelessly to put you on fish, no matter what your skill level. The Missouri River holds a special place in Rob’s heart because of the challenges it presents and the variety of experiences it offers. From dry flies to nymphs to streamers, Rob loves them all and he is happy to accommodate your preference.

JUSTIN LAWRENCE

Taught by his grandfather at an early age to fly fish in the high southern Rockies of Colorado, Justin developed such a passion for the sport that in 1994 he chose to make fly fishing his profession. With over 20 years of experience, Justin has taught and guided anglers of all skill levels on many different rivers in Alaska, Colorado and Montana. In 1999 he moved to the Flathead Valley with his wife Kim where they are currently enjoying their surroundings and raising two daughters. Justin’s enthusiasm is infectious and those who have fished with him return to fish with him year after year.

RYAN STULTZ

While growing up in Northwest Montana, the son of a fly fishing guide, the two things which Ryan felt he had been placed in this world to do were baseball and fly fishing, both of which came naturally, so much so that he doesn’t remember ever even learning to cast a fly rod. Following a stint in the US Army Ryan got his first guide job in Alaska, spending three seasons in a jet boat chasing salmon and world class rainbows. He decided to bring his guiding career back to his home waters where he is heading into his sixth season splitting his time between the Flathead region and the Missouri. Ryan is our go-to Land of the Giants guide and with his high energy, infectious personality, he specializes in making your day on the water one you won’t soon forget.

JEREL BEOUGHER

Jerel has lived and fished in Northwest Montana for over 30 years and has come to know the freestone rivers and tailwaters of the region and the trout that live in them better than most anglers you will meet. He has an uncanny ability of knowing where the big fish live and knowing how to catch them. Jerel is in his 13th season of guiding and is as comfortable guiding on the Missouri as he is the South Fork of the Flathead or the Blackfoot. If you want a true master of the waters – Jerel is your guide!

FRED DAVISON – Co-Owner of Wolf Creek Angler

As Co-owner of Wolf Creek Angler, Fred comes from Michigan, leaving behind 15 years in the construction field as a drywall/painting contractor. An angler of various styles and species, nothing has been more exciting to Fred than throwing streamers, mice and terrestrials to brown trout on his home waters , the Pere Marquette and Manistee Rivers. The opportunity to work and fish the waters of Montana is truly a dream come true and Fred is dedicated to making your visit to Wolf Creek Angler and the Missouri River a successful and memorable experience.

JASON ORZECHOWSKI – Outfitter, Co-Owner of Wolf Creek Angler

Jason left a life-long career in the metal casting industry to pursue a dream of owning a fly shop and guiding in Montana. He has been honing his angling skills for over thirty years starting at the age of 8 when he was introduced to trout fishing on Michigan’s White and Pere Marquette Rivers. Jason officially began his career in the industry in 2013 as the manager of and guide for Montana River Outfitters. Following that first season on the Missouri he and his business partner purchased MRO’s Wolf Creek operation and Wolf Creek Angler was born. Jason lives in Helena with his wife Sheila, their son John and their yellow lab Jake.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:01-06:00February 4th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|3 Comments

February on the Missouri

February Midge Madness on the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

February can be an excellent time to make a trip to the MO and while the weather can sometimes be a challenge if you hit it right you could experience some absolute spring-like conditions and some great fishing. While nymphing is by far the most productive and widely utilized technique during the winter months don’t overlook the streamer action (swung or slowly stripped) or the dry-fly action as the fish target the tiny midges that are present more often than not when the sun is shining on the Missouri.

It looks like we’re in for a pretty decent stretch of weather starting on Thursday with temperatures climbing into the 50’s and near 60 on Friday. As it stands now the long-range has us holding in this weather pattern through the middle of the month so it’s the perfect time to plan a trip to Wolf Creek Montana. We would love to take you fishing.

As if the spring weather weren’t enough to bring you here, we’re offering an awesome deal this month only where if you book a full day guide trip at our ridiculously reasonable winter rate of $395, we’ll throw in a night’s lodging in one of our bungalows for $59! A guided day on the river includes expert instruction from one of our world-class guides, all the flies you need, a hot lunch and hot and cold beverages and transportation to and from the river. Take advantage of this offer while it lasts and don’t worry about being locked in. If the weather is unfavorable or if you just decide you don’t want to do it you are free to bail with no penalty.

Not looking for a guided trip? Come stay with us at Wolf Creek Angler and do it yourself. Our warm and cozy bungalows are priced right for the winter at $99/night. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Frenchman and then stop in the shop for a shuttle and whatever you need for your day on the river. We’re loaded up with winter bugs, cold weather gear, terminal tackle, licenses, RO drift boat rentals and some great deals on merchandise we need to move to make way for spring shipments.

No need to rush – you are just minutes from Holter Dam and the Wolf Creek Bridge. Spend your day on the water and return to your home-away from home where you can either utilize the full kitchen in your bungalow and make your own meal or head to The Frenchman for a night out in Wolf Creek. Don’t miss Uncle Joe’s Oasis for a night-cap and stop by the Canyon Store for provisions including an excellent selection of Montana Microbrews.

Wolf Creek is the place to be for winter fishing in Montana and Wolf Creek Angler is proud to be your full service Missouri River fly shop. Book your trip today!

Wolf Creek Angler is your full service Missouri River Fly Shop – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:01-06:00February 3rd, 2015|Categories: Montana Fly Fishing, Uncategorized|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Holter Dam, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, RO Drift Boats, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Groundhog Day 2015: Punxsutawney Phil sees shadow, predicts six more weeks of winter

Six more weeks of winter means six more weeks of winter fishing on the MO

Happy Groundhog Day!

While some aren’t happy with Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction we accept it and embrace it, especially if it means six more weeks like the last couple we’ve had here on the Missouri River. Snowpack is still looking good at 112% for the Missouri Headwaters Mainstem and it looks like it’s going to be another good fishing week here with temperatures in the 30’s through the middle of the week and back into the 50’s by the end of the week.

The winter fishing has been pretty darn good more days than not. It’s a great time of year to fish when the weather cooperates with very light traffic and plenty of fish. Most days you have your choice of where to fish.

During the month of February we are offering a great deal on guided fishing and lodging. When you book your guide trip at our winter rate of $395/full day we are offering one night’s lodging in our bungalow style rooms for $59 plus tax, that’s $40 off our already low winter lodging rate of $99/night. Book your trip today.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:02-06:00February 2nd, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Groundhog Day, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

F3T Tonight in Helena

The Fly Fishing Film Tour returns to Helena tonight at 6 pm at the Grandstreet Theater with an Independent showing compliments of Pat Barnes Missouri River Trout Unlimited. Come on out and join the Helena fly fishing community for this event. It’s a great opportunity to support our TU chapter while watching some great films and it’s also a chance for you to walk away with F3T and local fly shop swag including highly coveted Wolf Creek Angler truckers, T’s and stickers. We’ll see you there!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:02-06:00January 31st, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: F3T, Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T), Grandstreet Theater, Helena, Missouri River, Pat Barnes Missouri River Trout Unlimited Chapter #55, running line, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Friday Fishing Report

January Brown – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Late January streamer fishing on the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Fishing heated up yesterday, especially in the afternoon. It sounds like Holter to Wolf Creek is still on the slow side but nymphing and streamer fishing from Wolf Creek to Craig was as good for us as it’s been in a while.
Firebead soft hackle sow bugs were the nymphing ticket throughout the day, accounting for all but a couple of fish. Casne’s Pinkalicious and the Pink Firebead Sow also saw some action.
The real surprise of the day was the streamer bite. The Polar Leech continues to produce on the slow retrieve. We committed one shift to the streamer which produced three nice browns and a couple of other misses. I haven’t changed that streamer out in two weeks!
Sunny skies and breezy yesterday, just a few other boats around and a handful of wading anglers. Expect more of the same today, maybe with a little less breeziness. It looks like it could potentially be a perfect day to fish the Missouri – especially by January standards. There is snow in the forecast for the next several days with temps in the 30’s and low 40’s. Water temps are still holding at a cold 34 with flows at 4900. It’s shaping up to be a great year for winter fishing on the Missouri.
Lodging available for the weekend and don’t forget our winter special $395 full day guide trips. During the month of February book a guide trip and get a night’s lodging for $59. Our guides are amped up and ready to start putting you on some fish. Winter days on the MO can be awesome. Let us do all the work for you. Full day includes a hot lunch and hot and cold beverages. Worried about the weather? Don’t be. If you book your trip and the day arrives and it’s too cold or too snowy or too windy for your preference you are free to bag it with no cancellation penalty. It’s the nature of winter fishing – we get it!
Don’t forget to check out the Fly Fishing Film Tour in Helena tomorrow night at the Grandstreet Theater at 6pm.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:02-06:00January 30th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, Craig MT, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Streamer Fishing, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|2 Comments

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One of the cool features of our new web site is our Instagram Feed which allows us to use your pictures on our web site.
As big fans of Instagram we love to see what people are posting and when we see something we like it shows up on our web site. Check out the bottom right of each page on the site, this is where you will see the pictures we like. Click on the ones you like to go to Instagram and see the full size images and find out who is posting.

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Looks like a couple more spring-like days today and tomorrow before we head into the weekend and return to 20’s and 30’s and a chance of snow. That being said, it doesn’t look bad at all for fishing next week. It just looks like we might have to dress appropriately for normal February fishing conditions. The shop is open Wednesday – Saturday at the least, and the other days if the weather warrants it. Even if we aren’t open we are usually around at least in the mornings because we’re going fishing and we would be happy to get you going with shuttles and flies and anything else you may need. Call ahead (406)235-4350 or just look for the OPEN sign as you’re heading down the interstate. Open for lodging and guide trips EVERY DAY.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:02-06:00January 29th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Instagram, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

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