Fishing Report Archives - Wolf Creek Angler

Weekend Outlook

Yesterday was an idyllic day on the Missouri with temperatures in the 70’s, nary a breath of wind, blue skies and a wealth of sunshine. Perhaps not the ideal fishing conditions as the fish prefer overcast skies but what a day to be on the water…just a taste of what’s to come as spring progresses but hopefully well down the road, not in March!

Similar conditions on tap for today with a few more clouds and a bit of a breeze but another gorgeous day overall with highs in the low 70’s and west-southwest winds 12-17 mph, gusting to 24 mph. Enjoy it because a return to normal is imminent.

Cooler temps on the way with a high of 60 tomorrow and a 40% chance of rain in the afternoon and a full return to normal spring conditions for the weekend with rain and snow and highs only in the 40’s but don’t let that deter you as these are perfect conditions as far as spring fishing goes.

Flows are holding steady at 3320 CFS with water temps bumping up to near 38.

Nymphing has been good and will continue to improve from here on out, especially as those water temperatures begin to bump. Sow bugs, sow bugs and sow bugs, perhaps with a zebra thrown in for good measure. Fresh flies in bins at WCA including a bunch of sexy new sow bug variations. Pill Poppers, Tailwater Sows, Pink Sock Sow, Scud Bomb, Pederson’s Sow, Soft Hackle Sow, Pink Lucent Bead Ray, Hot bead Ray, Rainbow Czech, Amex, Red Zebra, Knowle’s Ruby Midge, UV Candy Striper Midge, Caviar Scud etc. and don’t forget the Little Green Machines, BWO Redemptions, Magic Fly BWO, Radiation Baetis and any other baetis nymph faves.

Streamer fishing is heating up and will get better and better as water temps increase. Sparkle Minnows, Dirty Hippies, Skiddish Smolt, Swim Coach, Lil Kim, Kousin Kim, Micro Dungeons, Mod Maidens, Polar Leeches, MK Ultras or your big bug of choice. Conventional wisdom would dictate dredging the depths of the winter water while those water temps remain cold, and this can be effective, however, contrary to convention the faster shallows and flats have been producing the better action as of late so fish it all!

Midge action on top when conditions allow for it.

All of our lodging is now open. We’re being inundated with shipments of new gear and as already mentioned, our fly bins are well stocked and ready for the season and daily shuttle service is up and running.

I anticipate a bit of a slowdown next week as the weather returns to normal but for the time being the season is underway! Spring Hours 8 AM – 4 PM daily.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-03-27T10:49:21-06:00March 27th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Idyllic February Float on the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

It’s been less than a week since we were in the icy grip of winter with sub-zero temperatures and a thick blanket of snow covering the landscape.

When I did a boat ramp tour last Friday all ramps and parking lots from Holter Dam to Stickney were buried but after several days of temps nearing 50 degrees nearly all of the snow has vanished, and the ramps and parking lots are clear.

The phones have been ringing non-stop since Monday with folks eyeing up a gorgeous weekend ahead and just like that our winter lodging is full for the weekend, which is something we haven’t seen in months.

I wouldn’t say we’re BUSY but there has certainly been an uptick in traffic in the shop and on the river this week and I’d expect it will feel busy this weekend with a lot of folks from all around the state headed to the MO for a late-winter fix.

As expected with the warmer weather it’s been breezy this week and will be again tomorrow with gusts up to 30 mph expected but Friday we settle into sunshine, temps near 60 and light winds out of the south at 5-10 mph. It doesn’t get much better than that…not this time of year.

Monday will see a return to the 40’s with a chance of rain and snow but above average temps still expected through next week.

The spring-like weather is nice, especially after a couple of weeks of arctic air but we are hoping this is just a brief respite and that we’ve got plenty of more winter on the way.

For now though, we’re here and we’re ready for business. Our lodging may be full but we’re ready to go with shuttles, Adipose rental boats, cold weather gear, sunscreen, bugs a plenty and don’t forget your 2025 Fishing License starting on Saturday, March 1st.

Looking to buy online? You may do so here but if not we’re happy to sell you a fishing license.

Pill Poppers, Pink Soft Hackle Sows, Pederson’s Sow, Tailwater Sow in Rainbow or Pink, Firebead Rays, Rainbow Czechs, Bubble Yum Scuds…you get the picture. Think Pink and don’t forget the Zebra Midges. All available now at WCA.

Winter Fare at Wolf Creek Angler

Conditions might just be right for some stellar dry fly action this weekend as well as March Midge Madness commences. Keep those Griffiths Gnats and other midge cluster patterns at the ready. We’ve got a plethora to choose from.

Swingers are out and having good luck with Polar leeches, Thin Mints, Kreelex, Fruit Rollups and other leechy offerings.

It might feel crowded out there this weekend after months of desolation so please dust off that river etiquette if you’re hitting the water giving a WIDE BERTH to those wade anglers and paying mind to the rhythm of the row arounds, doing your best to maintain the beat.

Official shop hours are still 9 – 4 Tuesday – Saturday at least for another couple of weeks but we’ll likely be here by 8 most days for those getting an early start.

Spring has sprung for the moment…enjoy it while it lasts.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-02-26T14:01:30-07:00February 26th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Holter Dam, midge, Missouri River, pill popper, running line, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|1 Comment

The Window is Open

For those looking to thwart that cabin fever, this is a good time to fish the MO but the window is about to close as winter regroups and returns this weekend.

We’ll see highs near 40 tomorrow through Saturday before the bottom drops out Saturday night and we plunge back into single digits and snow next week.

Expect breezy conditions each day with winds SSW at 10 – 20 mph…could be worse!

Nymphing has been solid with sow bugs leading the charge and pink definitely in play. Pill Poppers, Tailwater Sows, Amex, Rainbow Czech, Soft Hackle Sows, Pink Lightning Bugs, Cotton Candy, Pink Rays, Pederson’s Sow, Bubble Yum Scud….all fine choices. You might also try a black zebra as there has been no shortage of midges around.

Slow winter depths are your target water but don’t be afraid to shorten up and give the faster shallows and flats a try, especially on the sunny days when the sun hits the water and the temps tick up. It doesn’t take much of a bump to draw the fish into the warmer shallows.

Calm, cloudy days, though few and far between, have provided plenty of dry fly action, especially late afternoon when the sun drops below the horizon. Midge clusters and Griffiths Gnats have been money when conditions are right.

Swingers are finding some willing players in the go-to spots depending on the day with Kreelex and Polar Leeches and Thin Mints all producing. Haven’t heard much from the strippers lately but there’s no reason a Sparkle Minnow or Skittish Smolt stripped deep and SLOW won’t produce. On the MO, stripping is best done from a boat no matter the time of year. Leave the standing in cold water to the swingers!

I’m almost always using a heavy sinking line, working rapidly through the shallows so as not to hang up on the bottom and then free falling off the drops and ledges with a twitch or two before a SLOW ascent.

It’s definitely not a numbers game so patience is everything. Fish a bug you believe in and switch up the retrieve until you find what works, incorporating plenty of pauses and keeping in mind that the pauses are for the fish, not for you. Be ready for the grab on the pause. It happens all the time and missing those grabs is a more common occurrence than it should be.

My mantra for streamer fishing is generally to go big with your float and cover as many miles as you can but that’s not the best plan during the winter months as it tends to get cold no matter how many layers you’re wearing. No matter if you’re hunting heads, nymphing or streamer fishing it’s best to keep your floats short during the winter if you’re fishing from the boat.

Best nymphing runs – Holter Dam to Wolf or Wolf to Craig. Best Dry Fly fishing – Holter Dam to Wolf. Best Streamers Craig to Stick. That being said, you’ll find every stretch has its great spots for whatever you are doing and the fish are EVERYWHERE so don’t think you’re limited to any particular stretch for whichever discipline you happen to be employing for the day.

Shuttles at WCA are hit and miss while we await a steady stream of traffic. Please call ahead if you’re counting on us being able to move you. We will be here tomorrow (Wednesday) and likely able to help you. We’re fishing Thursday but will be back in on Friday and Saturday. I wouldn’t expect we’ll be around much next week. Weather will be the determining factor but it looks like the window is about to close.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-01-28T10:50:41-07:00January 28th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Amex, Bubble Yum Scud, cotton candy, dry fly fishing, Holter Dam, Kreelex, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Pederson's Sow, pill popper, Pink Lightning Bug, Rainbow Czech, running line, skittish smolt, Soft Hackle Sow, sparkle minnow, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, Thin Mint, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Arctic Blast On The Way

To say it’s been a mild winter would be an understatement. It’s been a steady weather pattern for most of the winter with highs in the 30’s and overnight lows in the teens and 20’s with the occasional snow event as well as the occasional heat wave. Unremarkable would be a good way to describe it but that’s FINALLY all about to change.

We’ll see one of those aforementioned heat waves today with highs in the low 50’s (and plenty of wind to go along with the warm temps) but things take a turn this evening as the coldest air of the year and the coldest we’ve seen since last winter, moves in accompanied by snow showers through Saturday and bitter cold temps through Monday.

We’ll see a high of only 22 tomorrow before temps start to drop mid-day and continue to descent into single and negative digits of the weekend. A high of 9 on Saturday with overnight lows of -12. High of 4 on Sunday with lows nearing -20 Sunday night. MLK Day will bring plenty of sunshine but only a high of 12.

It’ll be short-lived as the arctic air moves out on Tuesday and we return to the more “normal” winter weather of highs in the 20’s and 30’s.

We are under a Winter Weather Advisory from 9 PM tonight through 3 PM tomorrow for snow and blowing snow with 1-3 inches possible across the lower elevations and 3-6 inches possible over passes and in the mountains.

Bottom line – if you’re thinking you’re wanting to fish the MO today is the day but expect breezy conditions with sustained south southwest winds of 20 – 28 mph and gusts up to 40 mph possible.

While fishing the river may be off the table for the time being we’re happy to have the winter weather. We did get some snow last week and this cold snap is exactly what we need to lock up and hopefully add to that snowpack.

Conditions have improved over the past week but we’re still in desperate need of snow to feed spring flows throughout much of the region.

So settle in this weekend. Tie flies, organize your gear, clean those fly lines, watch football, maybe even start your taxes…there’s always plenty to do inside and the fish will be there on the other side of the arctic blast.

Tight Lines and GO LIONS!

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-01-16T10:08:14-07:00January 16th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas from all of us as Wolf Creek Angler!

Winter’s Quiet has settled in on the MO. We’re still roughly two weeks out from the Winter Solstice, that shortest of the days, after which the march towards summer sun gets underway. It’ll be here before you know it.

In the meantime all is quiet on the MO. Mild temps this week have seen a slight uptick in angling traffic but Missouri River Solitude is still in great abundance even on the busiest of December days. The mild weather trend will continue through Saturday with highs in the low 50’s though you can expect breezy conditions all weekend with sustained south southwest winds in the 20 mph range gusting to 30-40 mph. Next week looks to be more of the same with no major weather events on the horizon. We’re hoping to start seeing some precipitation in the forecast but nothing much happening at this point.

River flows are definitely on the low end currently being held at around 2800 CFS with water temps holding around 40 degrees.

Reports from the river are few and far between these days but it sounds like the nymphing game is going just fine from what we’ve heard with, you guessed it, Sow Bugs still leading the charge. Tailwater Sows, Soft Hackle Sows, Poxyback Sows, Carpet Bugs, Pill Poppers, Bubble Yums, Rainbow Czechs, Amex, UV Sows, Pederson’s Sow…all fine choices from now until spring. Double them up and don’t be afraid to throw in a Zebra Midge or Rainbow Warrior for good measure. With those water temps still in the 40’s you can expect to find fish in the transitional water, medium depth, moderately fast as well as moving into the slower winter holding water.

There have been plenty of people swinging with moderate success and we’re still in the prime season for stripping as far as I’m concerned. Thin mints, polar leeches and Kreelex on the swing. Skiddish Smolt, Sparke Minnows, Swim Coach, Lil’ Kim, Dirty Hippy, Peanut Envy and Micro Dungeons all producing for the strippers. Fish that same transitional water you’re nymphing and don’t overlook the flats. Fish are everywhere! You’d also do well to dive deep and bottom out with a moderately slow strip/pause retrieve. You never know what might be lying in the deepest of the depths.

I’m not ashamed to report that some of the inventory is on the thin side right now, as it should be in December, but fear not, streamer bins are FULL and we’ve got plenty of streamer lines running the gamut from intermediate to triple density to super heavy shovel heads and everything in between. You’d also be foolish to pass up the opportunity to treat yourself to a new streamer stick for Christmas as our fall rod and reel sale runs through the end of the year.

Boat ramps were a little sketchy early this week but 60 degrees cleared most of them as of yesterday so you should be in good shape wherever you decide to float though I wouldn’t recommend the Dearborn launch right now. Best nymphing float this time of year is Holter Dam to Craig. My go to streamer stretch is Craig to Mid with Wolf Creek to Stickney a close second.

Shop hours are kind of all over the board but you will find us here at 9 AM Tuesday – Saturday for sure and shuttles are at least a possibility on most of those days though it all depends on staff availability so please call ahead. If we’re not able to do them we’re happy to refer you to someone who can.

Remember WCA Gift Cards make great stocking stuffers and can be purchased in store, over the phone or online. It’s tough to know what your fishing friends already have or need but everyone loves gift cards which are good for EVERYTHING we sell including shuttles. We’ve also got a shop full of great gifts to fit any budget and as we close out our 10th Year Anniversary we’re giving away WCA 10 Year Koozies free with any purchase while supplies last.

These tend to be lonely days for Missouri River fly shop staff. We’d love to see you if you find yourself on the MO this holiday season.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-12-05T11:30:23-07:00December 5th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: Christmas, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, pill popper, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Wolf Creek Angler Missouri River Election Day Update

It’s a cold and gray election day…just as it should be this first full week of November on the MO.

Snow in the forecast for today and tonight. A high of 41 with southwest winds 14 – 17 mph switching to north northwest in the afternoon and gusting to 25 mph. Snow will continue into the evening with patchy blowing snow between 8 pm and 11 pm and an overnight low of 19 degrees. Sunshine returns tomorrow with temps climbing back into the 50’s. Sounds like it could be a BWO day out there though we’re certainly not expecting much in the way of traffic based on what we’ve seen over the past week.

It’s a ghost town out there!

River flows are currently holding at a skinny 3180 CFS with water temps right around 50 degrees. Those flows are lower than we’d like to see but aside from that and those pesky autumn winds, conditions over the past few days have been ideal with plenty of cloud cover and plenty of hungry fish.

With winter on the way those rainbows are bulking up making for some good days out there, especially for those chasing bobbers. Sow bugs, sow bugs and more sow bugs perhaps with a Little Green Machine or other baetis nymph thrown in for good measure. Tungsten Tailwater Sow with a beadles sow, Pill Popper with a beadles sow, Rainbow Czech with a beadles sow…you get the idea. Faster shallows are still going to be your primary target but don’t overlook the tail outs and other holding areas.

The browns are in full, glorious, spawning colors and are amped up and just ornery enough to smash a streamer. If you are wade fishing please be mindful, especially with these low flows, of spawning redds and stay off of them!

Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolt, Mojo Minnows, Thin Mints, Kreelex, Polar Leeches and Swim Coaches all getting plenty of looks depending on the day. And if there was ever a time to go big with your bugs on the MO (some would argue there is not) this would be that time as the perceived threat may trigger an aggressive attack. The better streamer action has been in the upper stretches but don’t let that deter you from hitting the middle and lower sections if conditions allow for it. You never know…

Stop by WCA for the best streamer intel and best bug selection on the MO….hands down!

There’s NO TIME like STREAMER TIME on the MO’ photo by Wolf Creek Angler

And speaking of stopping by…WINTER HOURS went into effect on November 1st. Published hours are Tuesday – Saturday 8 AM – 4 PM, CLOSED on Sundays and Mondays. Hours may fluctuate based on weather or other factors so it’s never a bad idea to call ahead to confirm we’re going to be here. Our crew is gone for the season so it’s just me which unfortunately means that if there are scheduling conflicts then the shop will be closed. We apologetically acknowledge the inconvenience this may cause but with 11 seasons under our belt we’ve learned that winter sales rarely cover winter staffing.

Along these same lines, I haven’t yet figured out how to do shuttles with no staff so while there may be days we can do them, practically speaking shuttles are done for the season.

Fortunately for you there are other options for winter shuttles on the MO.

We’ve closed and winterized the vast majority of our lodging but we will have our three bungalows open all winter at a great rate of $149/night (plus tax). Bungalows have two twin beds, a full size pull out couch, a kitchenette with cooktop, microwave, fridge and a dishwasher and big screen televisions for all of your streaming services.

Whether fishing the MO, chasing waterfowl or elk or deer hunting these rooms are a great late season option. The kitchens come in handy but we’re also thrilled that Lazy I Beerworks is currently open every day but Wednesday for lunch and dinner.

The seasonably relevant fly bins are fully stocked. We’ve got plenty of Simms waders, boots, hats, gloves, socks and layering for whatever Mother Nature throws at us as well as a few clearance sportswear items still hanging around.

WCA 10th Anniversary drinkware and T’s are on clearance as well and our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale runs through the end of November so a trip to WCA and the MO could be the perfect opportunity to knock out your Christmas shopping.

Adipose drift boat rentals available as long as the weather holds though the Mending Waters vet boats will be on hold for the winter beginning November 15th.

Get out and VOTE today and come see us next time you head out to fish the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-11-05T09:14:40-07:00November 5th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Adipose, brown trout, Election Day, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Montana, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, vote, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Autumn Magic on the Missouri

Autumn continues to dwindle as we approach the middle of October, having yet to see any of those quintessential cool fall days on the water.

There’s definitely a chill in the air in the mornings and things cool down rapidly once the sun sinks below the horizon but in between it’s been an abundance of sunshine and summer-like temps climbing into the 70’s and higher most days.

When will we see those moody dark cold drizzly days? It doesn’t appear as though it will be anytime soon. We’re currently looking at sunny skies and 77 degrees with a fair amount of smoke hanging around. Tomorrow looks like a bit of a reprieve with highs only reaching into the mid 60’s with a very slight chance for rain but then it’s right back to blue bird weather for the weekend with sunshine and highs in the high 60’s and low 70’s.

Maybe, just maybe, we’ll get there towards the end of next week with forecasted highs in the 50’s and lows in the mid 30’s next Thursday and Friday. Let’s hope the trend sticks.

Missouri River flows currently holding at 3210 cfs with water temps at around 58 degrees. Still much too warm for those BWO’s everyone keeps asking about but that being said terrestrials and October caddis are still providing blind top water action and we are seeing consistent evening dry fly action on pseudos.

Enjoy the sunshine and worry not. Soon enough we’ll be craving the same as we weather winter’s cold darkness while anxiously awaiting spring.

Should those cooler, overcast autumn days ever arrive we should be in for some awesome fall fishing on dry flies and streamers alike.

We’ve been spending plenty of time thwarting convention and ripping streamers in the bright sun and while it’s not quite been anything you’d call epic – we’re getting plenty of fish to chase and a few to eat so definitely worth the time. The late day shadows do wonders so stay late if you can.

If you’re looking for the best streamer selection on the MO, a new streamer line or leader for any and all situations, perhaps a new streamer stick or intel on all things streamer fishing we are your Missouri River Streamer Authority.

Don’t miss the Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale happening NOW for the best deals of the season at WCA.

As per usual, nymphing has been the best bet for numbers with sow bugs still leading the charge. Whether it’s double sows, zebra and a sow, zirdle and a sow or techy baetis nymph and a sow you get the idea. You’d do well to always have at least one sow bug in the mix. #14 and #16 Rainbow Tailwater Sow with no bead the hottest of the hot as of late.

Most of our “Hot Fly” bins are adequately stocked. Many of our summer faves are completely gone. Just where we want to be with November on the horizon. BWO dries at the ready and streamer bins overflowing with flashy goodness.

Fall gear is here and we’re wheeling and dealing a plenty with thoughts of clearing inventory prior to the impending deep freeze. Our 10th Anniversary Season is coming to a close, get your 10th anniversary gear while you still can. 30% off all 10th Anniversary drinkware and clothing until it’s gone.

We’re on fall hours now with morning darkness growing longer by the day. We’re here from 7:30 AM – 5 PM daily and still doing our best to accommodate your shuttle requests though as our staff continues to shrink we may have days we’re unable to do shuttles so please call ahead to confirm.

Lodging will remain 100 percent open through the end of October at which time we will start to winterize most of it though we will have our bungalows open and available all winter long at winter rates of $149/night starting November 1st.

Like our staff, guides are starting to disappear but we will continue to have a few around right on through November so give us a call and we’ll see if we can’t get you set up for a day of fall fishing on the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-10-09T14:05:00-06:00October 9th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Cray Days on the MO

It hardly seems possible but Labor Day weekend is upon us, the unofficial end to the summer season on the MO.

It looks to be an idyllic late summer weekend with daily highs near 90 each day and overnight lows dipping into the low 50’s. Let the autumn season commence!

We’re enjoying a taste of fall today with morning temps in the low 40’s and highs topping out around 60 this afternoon. Gusty winds will keep river traffic to a minimum today and we don’t anticipate much in the way of angling traffic for the weekend though I would expect to see plenty of rec traffic this weekend with everyone out enjoying summer’s last hurrah.

For those planning to fish the next few days – the upper river has been the best bet with a fair amount of folks just doing the Dam to Bridge stretch and doing row arounds. Don’t plan on that today with the 15 – 25 mph tailwind. Winds diminish tomorrow and look to be manageable through the long weekend.

Weeds become a substantial hindrance the further down river you go but if you’re willing to contend with them the fishing has been just fine in all sections. A lot of folks throwing hoppers and other terrestrial offerings and getting the occasional eats though I wouldn’t say it’s been lights out on that front.

Nymphing has been where the action is with a good crayfish bite underway and zebras, sows and frenchies have each been good options. Try a Zirdle or Snapping Cray paired with a tailwater sow or black zebra rigged moderately deep, with our without weight. You’d also do well to put the BWO nymphs back in play (green machine would be a great place to start) and you could do worse than dropping an October Caddis nymph just to see what happens.

Donkey Kong Hoppers, More or Less and Fancy Pants hoppers have all been hot sellers in all colors though it appears as though pink has the edge at this point. #10’s and #12’s have been our best-selling sizes but don’t be afraid to size down with a #14 or bulk up to a #8. You’d also do well to trail a black or cinnamon ant. Hit the banks and don’t overlook those mid-river riffles.

The cooler weather and the calendar have some folks thinking streamers…music to my ears! Weeds will be a hindrance right on through the fall campaign but don’t let that stop you. Choose your spots and just accept the fact that you’ll likely be cleaning weeds every few casts. It’s not the end of the world though it can be extremely frustrating but the payoff could be well worth the hassle.

We’re open at 7 AM daily with everything you need for your day on the water including The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO and so much more. Simms waders and boots, Sage rods and reels, Smith and Suncloud sun glasses, Fishpond packs and accessories, Rising nets and tools, WCA YETI drinkware, Rio lines and leaders and the biggest selection of Missouri River bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Happy Labor Day! We hope to see you soon for fall fishing at its best!

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-08-28T12:30:35-06:00August 28th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, running line, Sage, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, Yeti|0 Comments

Mid June on the MO

It’s hard to believe but we’re already talking about mid-June on the MO as the 2024 campaign continues to fly by

This is PRIME TIME. These next several weeks comprise the most coveted dates of the season. These are the weeks that book out a year or more in advance. This is GO TIME in the Missouri River Fly Shop, lodging and guiding world. Buckle up!

Bugs have been semi-cooperative most days. The wind has been about the most consistent component of our young season. The two do not go hand in hand. Mid day dry fly opportunities will avail themselves more days than not but gusty winds change the equation. It’s not only heads we’re hunting but also those coveted sheltered spots that provide a respite from the often howling onslaught. We’ll always do our best to get you to those spots where sheltered waters and bugs and rising fish converge but it’s not always the case so be prepared to overcome micro-currents with that reach cast while also managing that cast in the presence of strong head or tail winds. This has always been and will always be part of the challenge of the Missouri so come prepared.

PMD’s are your mid-day go to. We highly recommend incorporating an emerger or cripple into your offering. Sprout PMD, Hatchback PMD, Dolly Wing PMD, Helen Keller, Film Critic, CDC Case PMD Emerger, Loopwing Emerger…just a few of the techy PMD patterns available now at WCA.

Caddis are present in the canyon and lower stretches. We haven’t heard much on that front just yet as far as the fishing goes but it’ll happen sooner or later.

Nymphing continues to be solid and while I was going to post the obligatory sow bug game comment I did actually hear a couple of reports just this afternoon that just maybe they are taking a break from the sow in order to focus on tasty PMD nymphs. Try a Split Case or Crack Back, PMD Magic Fly, Redemption, Psycho May, Frenchie, Glass Bullet, Military May or the like and pair it with a Purple Weight Fly or a Tung Dart or maybe even a worm with the bump that’s coming today and tomorrow.

Tomorrow looks to be another summery day with highs near 90 before things trend cooler for the weekend and into next week when there is a winter storm watch in effect for the high country with snow returning to the mountains. We won’t likely see any of that here but do prepare for highs in the 50 on Monday and Tuesday with rain in the forecast and keep those jackets and fleeces at hand as overnight lows will be dipping into the 30’s beginning on Sunday.

We’ll see what the change in weather brings. Streamer season is certainly waning at this point but with a couple of cool, rainy days on tap that might be just the ticket.

We’re in the midst of our busiest month of the season for guide trips so expect traffic in the fly shops in the morning and if you’re trying to call in a shuttle and we don’t answer try back in a bit or better yet, stop by the shop. We’re likely busy with customers so answering the phone becomes much less of a priority. We generally start running shuttles around 9:30 am so we can accommodate early outs and we generally wrap up by 3 PM so the later shuttles aren’t usually something we’re able to do. It never hurts to check though.

The shop is open at 7 AM daily for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs. We are of course home to the CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES on the MO, Adipose drift boat rentals, ice, Sage rods and reels, Fishpond straw hats, Simms waders, boots and flip-flops, Suncloud and Smith optics and the largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-06-13T16:23:52-06:00June 13th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: Adipose, caddis, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, pmd's, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Wolf Creek Angler is your Missouri River Fly Fishing Headquarters

And just like that May comes to a close.

It’s been an awesome spring on the MO and the way things are looking we’re in for a spectacular summer season.

BWOs fading, caddis making a strong showing and early reports of PMD’s already in play. Dry fly opportunities a plenty with late afternoons into evening being the prime time slots.

Nymphing has been ridiculously good more days than not and while we may lean positive in our reports we have no issue telling it like it is. If fishing is slow, we’ll let you know! Someone commented to me the other day that we “always say the fishing is good” and while this is not in fact the case, it really has been amazingly consistent this spring with literally just a few days out of the last month where fishing was not good. And not good on the MO means NOT GOOD as a so-so day on the Missouri is almost always better than a good day anywhere else.

All this to say the 2024 campaign is off to a tremendous start. Will it continue? We like the odds!

Look for that caddis action to continue to build as summer approaches and expect PMD action to blow up soon, very possibly by mid-week next week when daytime highs consistently climb into the 80’s under partly cloudy skies. You couldn’t ask for better conditions!

The weekend forecast looks good with mid 70’s on Saturday and Sunday, dipping back into the high 60’s on Monday and Tuesday with a chance for some rain showers before we hit our summer weather stride mid-week.

We’ve seen below average temps throughout the spring with slightly above average precipitation which is exactly what we needed from a water standpoint. The cooler temps have preserved our precious snowpack and prevented the blow out runoff we see around the region when things heat up too quickly. That being said, it feels as though we’re headed for stabilizing flows sooner than later on our freestone rivers and the Missouri is in great shape with flows having held steady this week just shy of 6,000 cfs. It did drop today and is currently sitting at 5500 cfs with water temps in the 50 – 54 degree range. We’ll see those water temps start to climb rapidly once the summer-like weather settles in.

Our late May has been a little soft on guide trips but that’s all about to change as we plunge into our busiest weeks of the year starting next week. Expect plenty of hustle and bustle around the shop most mornings as we do our best to get everyone logged in and on their way to the water.

We’re open at 7 AM daily with everything you need for your day on the water including THE CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES ON THE MO! The Bug bins are loaded up and we’ve got you covered with piles of Simms sun shirts, buffs, Fishpond Eddy River straw hats, Smith and Suncloud sunglasses and gallons of sunscreen.

Lodging is BUSY and full most nights for the next two months but there are holes here and there so give us a call for last minute accommodations and we’ll do our best to take care of you. Same with guide trips. June is by far our busiest guide month of the year but cancellations happen on occasion so it never hurts to check with us.

Welcome to PRIME TIME on the Missouri! We can’t wait to see you!

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-05-30T12:22:51-06:00May 30th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: caddis, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, Fishpond, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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