Jason Orzechowski, Author at Wolf Creek Angler

Weekend Report

Blue skies and sunshine in Wolf Creek today. photo by Wolf Creek Angler

The MO will be fishable through Sunday before the temps plummet to single digits and below on Sunday night and remain there through Wednesday. High 20’s today and tomorrow with light and variable winds and a chance of snow. We could see several inches of new snow beginning Saturday night and into Sunday. I drove the Holter Dam to Craig stretch this morning and didn’t see a soul. The sun has since started to shine and we’ve had a few brave souls stop in for bugs so you may not have the whole thing to yourself but I would bet crowds will not be a problem.

Nymphing is the game right now. Firebeads, pink stuff, san juan worms, zebra midges, sows and Rainbow Czechs are all producing. We’ve had our best luck in the slow deep winter water the last few times out but fish are being found elsewhere also so fish the water you like with the bugs you like and you should do fine. We haven’t done much with streamers lately but polar leeches in copper and copper/olive continue to be hot sellers, at least by winter standards.

We will definitely be in the shop tomorrow – at least for the morning but will be closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. As long as things start to warm up we will be back in the shop on Wednesday. We’re always open for lodging and guide trips so just give us a call at (406)235-4350 if you are interested in either. We’ve got some great after-Christmas deals now through New Year’s Eve and don’t forget we’re offering one free night of lodging when you book your 2015 guide trip and one night’s lodging by January 1st. Offer excludes the months of June and July. Full day guide trips for $395 while the snow flies.

See you in the shop and on the water.

White Christmas in Wolf Creek. photo by Wolf Creek Angler.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:03-06:00December 26th, 2014|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, streamers, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|Comments Off

Countdown to Christmas

Another mild weekend weather-wise here in Wolf Creek . It looks like it’s going to be nice tomorrow with partly sunny skies and temps near 40 and warmer yet on Sunday but it’s going to get windy with a WSW wind at 18-20, gusting to 30 mph. Do your fishing tomorrow and make Sunday a football day!

We will be here tomorrow as well as Monday – Wednesday for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs and last-minute Christmas gifts for the fly fishers on your list. Great deals on almost everything and we’re happy to help you find the perfect gift if you’re not sure what they want. Wolf Creek Angler gift cards available in any amount and good for everything we sell. We will be closing early on Wednesday (probably around 11) and will be closed on Christmas day.

It was a good fishing week with nymphing and streamer fishing producing respectable numbers daily. Conditions have remained fairly consistent with water temps in the high 30’s and flows steady in the 4500 range. The best nymph patterns this week were the pink lightning bugs, firebead soft hackle sows and firebead worms. Polar leeches in copper and copper and olive continue to be our go-to streamers but tan circus peanuts, sparkle minnows and sparkle sculpins and buggers have been getting some attention as well. All of these and many more available at Wolf Creek Angler.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:03-06:00December 19th, 2014|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Mid December

Countdown to Christmas at Wolf Creek Angler

Well we’re halfway through December. The fish are plentiful, the anglers are not. The weather has beat expectations throughout the fall with most days being more than fishable and some days being down right unseasonable with temps in the 50’s. The trend continues this week with sunny skies and high 30’s through the weekend, climbing back into mid 40’s next week. Disappointing for those hoping for a white Christmas but an awesome gift to those lucky enough to have easy access to this incredible fishery year-round.

Christmas break has begun for the college students and they are starting to arrive in Wolf Creek. We are booked through mid-week but do have vacancies for the coming weekend. If you’re going to fish the Missouri during your break make Wolf Creek Angler your first stop for shuttles, bugs, cold weather gear, RO drift boat rentals, lodging and much more. College students receive 15% off total purchase with valid college id – now through the end of the year.

Nymphing has been the most consistent method as of late with Rainbow Czechs, Pink Lightning Bugs and all kinds of Firebeads leading the charge. Zebra midges in black and purple and tailwater sow bugs and scuds in pink and grey should not be overlooked.

Those committing to the streamer are still having respectable days on the swing or with a SLOW retrieve. Polar Leeches in Olive and Olive and Copper continue to be effective. Black buggers are reportedly also getting some attention but we prefer some flash and I think the fish do too.

There are midges around and there are fish eating them. I haven’t taken a dry fly rig along recently but it certainly wouldn’t be a bad call if that is your game.

If you are still shopping for the fly fisher on your list stop by the shop or give us a call and let us help you find the perfect gift. Maybe it’s a new fly rod or new cooler. Maybe it’s a full day guide trip. Maybe it’s a WCA gift card loaded with a year’s worth of shuttles or a loaded Missouri River fly box. Maybe it’s Wolf Creek Angler logo gear, an excellent choice for your friends around the country and around the globe. Whatever it is, we are here to help you find what you need and we will gladly do whatever we can to simplify things for you. We are happy to mail gift cards or ship merchandise anywhere in the world. Call (406)235-4350 or toll-free 1-800-800-4350.

Wolf Creek Angler Gift Cards are available in any amount, are re-loadable and can be used on EVERYTHING.

The shop is open Wednesday – Saturday from 8 am – 4 pm and if the weather is nice we are usually around on the other days as well. We are open and available for lodging and guide trips every day. Don’t forget our $395 full day guide trips while the snow flies.

See you in the shop and on the water…

~Jason O.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:03-06:00December 16th, 2014|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Christmas, dry fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Anniversary Edition

The past is gone…

Wolf Creek Angler is your 12-Month Full Service Fly Shop, Guide Service and lodging operation in Wolf Creek Montana – photo Stefan McLeod Photography

oldshop3

Before

The largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana – photo by Stefan McLeod

57 degrees on this 11th day of December in Wolf Creek Montana. We’re not setting any sales records by any means but there’s a little more traffic in the shop and on the river today…we’ll take it. Now if we could just get on the other side of this daylight to darkness thing I think temps in the 40’s 50’s will begin to bring them in droves!
It’s hard to believe it’s been an entire year since Sheila and Fred and I took the leap and started Wolf Creek Angler. We all learned a lot this first season which will hopefully make things that much better in the coming seasons.

It seems like yesterday but it was a whole year ago we were running Wolf Creek Angler out of our dining room in Helena through the winter months before we started work on the shop remodel. It was an exciting and nerve-racking time. We were taking calls and booking rooms and trips and just imagining what that first season was going to be like all the while thinking about the major project awaiting us at 515 Recreation Road in Wolf Creek. Once Fred arrived in February things really got crazy as we dug into the project and ended up doing way more to the shop than we had ever imagined or intended. We made our deadline (barely) and opened the doors on April 1st and now here we are – heading into round two.

The season was a blur of selling flies, meeting guides, booking trips,figuring out a good product mix for the shop, running guide trips, mowing grass, barbecuing, drinking beers with guides and guests behind the shop, meeting all kinds of people, visiting with repeat customers from the MRO days, R & D trips down the MO on Monday and Thursday afternoons, wings, nachos and brisket sandwiches at Izaaks, ordering more green machines, taking lots of pictures, tweeting, blogging, posting, drinking more beers behind the shop, wondering where the season had gone, doing pre-season orders, watching Fred pack up and drive away headed back to MI, wondering why we decided to try to keep summer cabins open in the winter, cleaning rooms, doing laundry, shoveling snow, realizing it’s not as much fun to drink beer behind the shop when there’s nobody here and finally anticipating the start of season number two in 2015.

A lot happened in 2014. The changes continue with new developments happening daily. We had an awesome season. The next one will be even better.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:03-06:00December 11th, 2014|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off

Weekend Report

Missouri River Winter Fishing Headquarters in Wolf Creek Montana – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

It’s feeling like spring these last couple of days with temps pushing into the 40’s and it’s supposed to continue through the coming week. Definitely worse ways to spend December days than fishing the Missouri. A little more traffic around today, though not as much as you might think considering.

As promised I did manage to get out on Thursday for a quick solo run from Wolf Creek to Craig. Aside from four wade anglers I saw not a soul. I ran a bunch of winter bugs to see if I could find anything that was RED HOT. The closest I came was the firebead wire worm which got the majority of the eats but I did coax a few into taking a pink lightning bug and also had a couple takes on the rainbow czech. Each of these and many more available now at Wolf Creek Angler.

All in all it was a pretty productive couple of hours. I spoke with the wade guys Thursday night who were staying with us and they also did well with the firebead wire worms. The wire worm craze was apparently short-lived however as the same guys fished the same water on Friday morning and didn’t get a single take on the worm. They loaded up on rainbow czechs and I didn’t see them again for what it’s worth.Bottom line – winter fishing is on. Winter bugs, winter water, winter techniques are all coming into play right now. The weather couldn’t be better.

The largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana – photo by Stefan McLeod

We are full through Monday but will have vacancies during the week and into next weekend.Great deals on all kinds of great fly fishing gear now through Christmas Eve and don’t forget WCA gift cards good for anything we sell! Why not treat yourself to an early Christmas present and book a guide trip this week while the weather is nice. Winter special rates of $395 for a full day while the snow flies! Rooms for under a hundred bucks a night.

Now through January 1st book a guide trip and a night’s lodging for next season and we’ll throw in a second night’s lodging for free. Our normal winter hours are 8 am – 4 pm Wednesday – Saturday but if we’re seeing 40’s all week you will find us here every day but Sunday. Fishing Dam to Craig? Remember you need go no further than Wolf Creek. We’ve got you covered with winter bugs, shuttles, RO drift boat rentals, rooms and much much more.

Hope to see you around the shop and on the water this week.

Go Griz!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:03-06:00December 6th, 2014|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, RO Drift Boats, running line, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Welcome December!

The Christmas Season has arrived. Shop Wolf Creek Angler for all the fly fishers on your list.

Another month in the books as we approach the end of 2014. November dragged on a bit with some extreme cold spells which kept folks off the river but which kept us busy trying to keep the water flowing at Wolf Creek Angler.

The break in the action gave us time to get out and do some non-fishing related things as well. I was happy to shoot a mule deer early in the month and even happier that Fred was still here at that time to come out and help me drag it! I attended my first “Brawl of the Wild” in Missoula a couple of weekends back and had a great time watching the Griz beat up on the Cats and was back there last weekend to watch Montana roll to victory in the first round of the FCS playoffs. Fun stuff!

The BWO’s we thought might show up in November didn’t but the nymphing certainly had its moments and the streamer bite was respectable depending on the day. I was only on the water a handful of days in November doing a couple of guide days and one or two days on my own. For the most part I was pretty content to enjoy the view of the river from the comfort of my warm vehicle as I drove the corridor taking pictures of winter’s beauty. It’s looking like another warm up towards the end of this week so I will make it a point to get out there and get you a first hand report of what’s happening. Judging by the bugs we’ve been selling the winter game is on. Pink is in and with the water temps now down in the 38 degree range it’s time to start working the slow deep runs and getting your bugs down to the fish. The colder that water gets the less likely the fish are to move so it is critical to put the bugs right in front of them and to check every slight stop/drop of the indicator as the strikes tend to get pretty subtle this time of year.

Thank you to everyone who came out for our Black Friday Sale. We will continue to have great deals on all kinds of gear through Christmas Eve. Sonic Pro Waders from Redington, St Croix Bank Robber and High Stick Drifter rods, cold-weather gear from Outdoor Research, Fishpond Nomad boat nets, awesome WCA SIMMS logo gear, all kinds of tools and accessories and of course, the largest fly selection ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana. We’ve got something for all of the fishy folks on your list.

Wolf Creek Angler Gift Cards are available in any amount, are re-loadable and can be used on EVERYTHING.

Can’t decide what to buy them – how about a Wolf Creek Angler gift card good for anything from merchandise to shuttles to lodging to rentals to guide trips. Our cards are available in any amount and are re-loadable. Now through Christmas Eve purchase a gift card in the amount of $100 or more and receive a second $10 gift card for yourself.

We have a couple of vacancies for the weekend warm-up so give us a call at the shop today to book your room. We are open Wednesday-Saturday 8:00 AM – 4 PM and will usually be found here any day other than Sunday that the temperature is over 30 degrees. Likewise, we might not be found here any day the temperature is below zero. Call ahead just to make sure. (406)235-4350. Don’t forget winter lodging rates of $99/night and $395 guide trips while the snow flies.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:03-06:00December 1st, 2014|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, indicator, Missouri River, running line, St Croix, Streamer Fishing, streamers, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Happy Thanksgiving from Wolf Creek Angler

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Wolf Creek Angler.

On this Thanksgiving eve we would just like to take a minute and say how absolutely thankful we are to be blessed with the opportunity to be a part of your Montana fly fishing experience. As things get busy during the height of the season it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day stuff and to lose sight of the big picture but anytime we are able to step back and think about what it is we actually do for a living, we are amazed and humbled and we know how lucky we are to be able to do what we do and to call this amazing place our home.

We have nothing without you and we love the challenge of constantly improving in order to better serve you, our customers. Wolf Creek Angler has taken on a life of it’s own and while we are working diligently behind the scenes every day to make sure we are providing you with the products and services you expect, we often feel like we are just along for the ride as this shop evolves and develops its own personality .

This first season has not been without it’s share of growing pains but we are embracing the problems as opportunities for improvement. We are learning new things all the time about running a fly shop and a lodging operation and you can expect to see positive changes all the time as we get things figured out.

The bookings are rolling in for next season and we can’t wait to get back at it. In the meantime things have been moderately busy around the shop with hunters and anglers grabbing a few days here and there. It’s a great time to be here if you can plan your visit around the cold spells. It’s close to 50 degrees today with little to no wind and there was ONE boat in the dam to Craig stretch this morning. Pick your days and have the whole ditch to yourself!

The fishing has been pretty good depending on the day with the winter fare starting to take hold. Anything pink, firebeads, sows, worms….the options are endless and we’ve got you covered. Stop by the shop for shuttles, flies, cold-weather gear, rooms and up-to-the-minute reports on what’s happening where. We just received our shipment of Wolf Creek Angler gift cards which make a great gift as they can be used for ANYTHING. Maybe the angler on your list has dozens of rods/reels and all the wading gear and clothing they need, maybe they tie their own bugs but don’t overlook the cost of shuttles. Who wouldn’t be happy with a $100 worth of shuttles? Stop in and pick up a gift card today or give us a call in the shop at (406)235-4350 and we will be happy to mail your gift cards anywhere in the world.

We will be closed tomorrow and will be enjoying the day with the family, spending plenty of couch time hopefully celebrating a Lions victory and eating and drinking to excess.
Back in the store on Friday and Saturday with great deals on almost everything. Purchase a gift card for $100 or more now through Christmas and we’ll give you a second $10 gift card on us.

Looking forward to seeing a store full of shoppers this weekend.

Wishing you all a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:03-06:00November 26th, 2014|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off

Thursday Report

Dog days of Fall. With Fred back in Michigan for the winter Jake has been spending a lot of time in the shop and on the water with me. He’s a great fishing partner though his rowing skills are lacking… photo by Wolf Creek Angler

The weather couldn’t be better for November fishing on the Missouri. We’re looking at cloudy skies and 40’s for the next couple of days before we drop back to colder temps early next week. It doesn’t appear as though we’re headed back into single digits for a while but this week definitely seems like the favorable weather window. Could be on the breezy side but we’ll definitely take it.

I was out Tuesday looking for fish up and doing some nymphing. No fish up – a few to hand on nymphs – not a great day but certainly nice to be on the water after spending all of last week battling frozen plumbing.

Matt was out on Monday and did pretty well on pink stuff so I ran with that and ended up having most of my hook-ups on a pink lightning bug though the tailwater sow was getting some attention as well.

Streamers would be a good call today. They’re a good call any day. Polar Leeches in olive and copper, Kreelex in brown and gold, Sculpin Sparkle Minnows, Circus Peanuts in tan, Dirty Hippies in brown…the options are limitless. Stop by the shop on your way to the water and we’ll get you set up with everything you need.

I had the Wolf Creek to Craig stretch all to myself on Tuesday but expect some traffic out there for the next few days. We’ve got a full house here for the weekend so I know of at least a few folks who will definitely be out there.

We’re open at 8:00 am for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs. Bugs, shuttles, drift boat rentals, lodging and much more and we’re right on your way! We’ll be here all day today and tomorrow and will be here to get you going on Saturday morning before we head off to Missoula for the Brawl of the Wild. The shop is closed on Sundays for the winter but we’re always open for lodging and guide trips. We will be closed on Thanksgiving but will see you bright and early on Black Friday with great deals on most everything. Wolf Creek Angler gift cards make the perfect gift and can be used for merchandise, lodging, shuttles and guide trips. Who wouldn’t want a $100 worth of shuttles? We’re happy to send gift cards anywhere in the world so while we’d love to see you in the shop you can save yourself the trip and get all your Christmas shopping done from wherever your are with a call to us at (406)235-4350.

See you in the shop and on the water.

~Jason O.

Wolf Creek Bridge. Cloudy November days are perfect for streamer fishing the Missouri River – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:03-06:00November 20th, 2014|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Christmas, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, nymphs, running line, Streamer Fishing, streamers, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

SECRET SEASON – Wolf Creek may be Montana’s best kept winter fishing secret…

The Missouri River is a year-round fishery – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

We’re just a couple days into a bit of a cold snap which has brought with it some much needed winter precipitation but it looks like a warm up underway for the remainder of the week. It doesn’t take long to grow tired of the cold and while we appreciate the fact that many love Montana for the winter activities it offers, we love to fish. We love to fish any and every month of the year and it just so happens that we have a year-round fishery here on the Missouri River.

We love the summer crowds and the hustle and bustle on and off the river but we also love the solitude afforded us by the colder months. Traffic on the river is minimal but the fishing can be downright spectacular depending on the day. The first time I fished the Missouri was a February day with temps in the high 30’s and lots of sunshine and we had one of the best days of winter fishing I’ve ever had anywhere.

Winter nymphing is nearly always productive on the MO and the late fall and early winter can offer some of the best streamer fishing you will have on this river. Add to this the the ever-present midge hatches offering dry fly fishing opportunities and you have everything you could want no matter what your game.

Well into the winter fishing season, we’ve entered the time of year when nymph selection is a no-brainer. Firebeads, pink anything, sowbugs, lightning bugs…you know the drill. I should spend more time trying different patterns out in the winter but since cold hands are kind of part of the deal and since one double nymph rig often works for weeks at a time, I usually leave things alone for as long as I can.

Some of our favorite winter nymph patterns. Top – purple lightning bug. 2nd row Rainbow Weight Fly with firebead. 3rd row left to right pink san juan worm, Rainbow Czech, Firebead Soft Hackle Sow Bug, Keller’s Payczech Rainbow, Hot Bead Wire Worm. 4th Row Firebead Rainbow Czech, Pink Scud, Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug. 5th row Casne’s Pinkalicious, Rainbow Warrior, Firebead Pink Ray. 6th row PInk Lightning Bug, Black Tungsten Zebra Midge, Purple Tungsten Zebra Midge. All available at Wolf Creek Angler. Photo – Wolf Creek Angler

Wolf Creek is your year-round Missouri River fishing destination – photo Wolf Creek Angler

So where to stay?

There is a common misconception that EVERYTHING shuts down in Craig and Wolf Creek once winter sets in. This is simply not the case. While things are quiet you can still find everything you need from flies to shuttles to boat rentals to lodging to dining…it’s all right here in Wolf Creek. With Shotgun Annie’s open for food and drinks, The Oasis serving up plenty of strong winter libations, the only gas station and only grocery store between Helena and Cascade (The Canyon Store) and Wolf Creek Angler, your 12-month full service fly shop, guide service and lodging operation you need go no further than Wolf Creek. And since most of the winter fishing on the Missouri River takes place between Holter Dam and Craig, by staying in Wolf Creek you are just minutes from both the dam and Wolf Creek Bridge launch sights.

Winter really is the secret season on the Missouri and while there are some hardcore anglers who will fish in single digits we prefer 30 and above. Fortunately we see a fair amount of these 30 plus degree days over the course of the winter so watch the weather and find time to come fish the Mighty Mo this winter. We typically fill our weekend lodging up by mid-week when the forecast is for nice weather so keep an eye on the 10-day and don’t wait. We understand that the weather can change quickly and we wouldn’t expect you to fish through a polar vortex so don’t worry about cancellation fees for lodging or guide trips due to cold weather. Book your trips and worry not – we get it! Take advantage of our off-season lodging rates ($99/night) and guide trips for $400 while the snow flies. Better yet, book your winter guide trip and lodging special for just $500. That’s a full day Missouri River guide trip for one or two anglers AND two night’s premium lodging for just $500. It’s the best deal on the Missouri River Hands Down. Nobody…and I mean NOBODY can touch this one.