Fishing Report Archives - Page 16 of 41

Late April Water and Fishing Report

Old School High Water. Holter Dam circa 1928 – photo Helena as She Was

The Missouri has become a VERY busy place this week with displaced anglers, guides and outfitters arriving in droves.

There has been plenty of discussion recently about how high flows will end up going this season on the MO’, but the fact is it’s about the only game in town at this point so if you had plans to fish in Montana in the near future chances are you’re going to end up here.

We’re still not comfortable making predictions so we’ll leave that up to the experts but what we do know is that we’re currently sitting at around 120 – 180% of normal Snow Water Equivalent in western Montana. There’s plenty of snow in them there hills though it sounds like we’ll begin to see a reduction in snowpack as we get our first real heat wave of the season at the end of this week. It won’t be quite so warm in the high country but down here they’re calling for 80 degrees on Friday and Saturday. Things will return to more seasonable conditions on Sunday and early next week as we return to daytime highs in the 50’s.

The current flow on the Missouri below Holter Dam is 9670 CFS. The flows have increased steadily over the past week as Canyon Ferry prepares for the imminent spike in inflows coming soon with runoff. How much water will we see? Again, we’ll leave the predictions to the experts but what we can tell you is that you have nothing to fear at these flows.

We wouldn’t necessarily recommend wade fishing at this point but you’ll be fine in a boat and there are plenty of fish being caught our there, primarily on nymphs and streamers, but we’ve heard of some successful dry fly outings as well. Look for these trends to continue as that water continues to warm.

It’s time to break out the split shot, the long leaders and the wire worms. Things have been consistently inconsistent out there due in large part to the frequent changes in flows but your best bet for the time being is definitely going to be deep nymphing.

I’d recommend starting out with something in the 7 – 8′ overall length. Go with a firebead wire worm or something on the large (#10 or #12) side with a tungsten bead (Amex/Weight Fly/Rainbow Czech) paired with a Tailwater sow, Pill Popper, Caviar Scud or something BWO ish like a Grey Little Green Machine, a dark Peep Show or a Psycho May. Add a bb or two and start probing your way through the likely runs. Which runs are the likely ones? The fish are going to be in many of the runs you’ve historically found them in but daisy chains of guide boats are a pretty good indicator of where the fish are.

Go deeper than you normally would and make sure you’re occasionally touching the floor. Start tighter to the bank than you’d normally be, fishing inside out and work your way out. Row arounds can be a challenge in these flows but not always. There are plenty of spots where the extra water actually creates easy row arounds where before there were none.

Bug selection has been a challenge with a bunch of different patterns catching fish here and there and nothing really lighting them up. You’ll want to make frequent changes until you find what works but make sure you’ve got the depth thing figured out before you start changing your bugs. Stop by the shop on your way to the water and we’ll tell you what we know whether you buy bugs from us or not. We’re always here to help you find success on the water. Whether that’s guiding you or just giving you honest information about where to go or what to use you can always count on Wolf Creek Angler for open, honest and up to date Missouri River intel.

Streamer fishing has been decent but you’ve got to choose your spots. Many of the go to banks are just too fast right now making it virtually impossible to get down where you need to be. That being said, if you know what you’re looking for there’s an abundance of great streamer water to be fished and these bigger flows often give up some monster browns seeking a soft water respite. Swing by WCA for the best streamer selection on the Missouri including a bunch of bugs you wont’ find anywhere else.

Like the streamer fishing, the dry fly fishing is somewhat limited right now for the same reason…too much water but once again, if you know where to look you could be in for some phenomenal dry fly fishing over the next couple of weeks as the water warms and the BWO’s flourish. Think quiet water…that’s where you’ll find the sippers.

Once again, if you’re planning to fish in Montana over the next month or so then you should plan on fishing the Missouri. As you might expect we are very busy with lodging and guide trips but we definitely have openings and we’d like nothing better than to get you booked and on the water. We’re full this weekend but things open up on Sunday and we do have availability next week.

Keep in mind you’ve only got a few days left to take advantage of the best deal on the Missouri. Two nights of premium lodging and a full day guide trip for just $550 (plus tax). We invite you to look for a better deal…you won’t find one.

Regular season rates resume on Tuesday, May 1st.

We hope to see you soon at Wolf Creek Angler. We are your Full Service Missouri River Fly Fishing Destination.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-04-25T17:29:16-06:00April 25th, 2018|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Mid April on the MO

We’ve been flirting with actual spring weather a few times over these past two weeks only to be rudely thrust back into winter. This time it looks like it might be for real.

The weekend ahead could be the nicest we’ve seen in 2018 with plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the low 60’s on Friday and Saturday and looking ahead to next week it looks like that trend will continue.

If you’ve been itching to get out and fish but have been waiting for the weather to turn it’s GO TIME!

Most of the water around the region is on the rise and the Missouri is about to become a VERY busy place as anglers, outfitters and guides from around the state converge on our little corner of the world in search of fishable water.

The Missouri has also been bumping up over the past week and while the current flows may present some challenges for the wading angler, we’re LOVING where we’re at (7800 cfs). If you like nymphing and/or streamer fishing and you don’t mind fishing from a boat you won’t be disappointed.

Bring plenty of Wire Worms and Tailwater Sows and run a little deeper than what you’ve been doing, maybe with an extra bb or two. It’s about to turn on! How’s the streamer fishing you ask? As always, it has its moments. If you’re looking for numbers stick with the nymphing. If you’re looking for that one monster brown to crush your streamer then you should expect to spend a lot of time casting and stripping and NOT catching fish but it could happen at any time…you just never know.

A lot of folks like the idea of streamer fishing and like the possibility of hooking into a Missouri River Leviathan but lack the patience to spend hours not catching fish when they could be cleaning up bobber fishing.

I overheard a pretty typical conversation between a guide and his client the other day. The client had expressed interest in streamer fishing (likely after spending too much time in the shop at WCA immersed in streamer speak). The guide was attempting to put together a plan for the day to accommodate only to be told by the client that if there was a good streamer spot where they could anchor up and fish for ten minutes then that would be enough streamer fishing for the day.

Now I’m not saying you can’t eye up a good streamer spot and anchor and beat up the water for ten minutes and hook a good fish but it generally doesn’t work that way. It usually requires committing to it for at least a few hours. Action comes in spurts….sometimes it doesn’t come at all. It’s all part of the deal. We love fishing streamers and we love guiding streamer trips but if you’re looking for numbers you should stick to nymphing.

Waiting for Dry Fly Fishing? It’s happening daily! Widespread reports of BWO’s and midges a plenty and even the occasional Skwala getting crushed in the canyon.

Reports from the past few days have been all over the board but that’s due in part to having to re-adjust to these higher flows. We’re on the verge of being completely dialed at these flows so do yourself a favor and hire a guide for the day…you’ll be glad you did and you’ll be especially glad if you do it by the end of April and take advantage of our spring special. Get two nights of premium lodging and a full day on the water for just $550. Starting May 1st this same package will cost you over $800!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity. The fishing and the weather are heating up and you’ve still got two weeks to save a bundle while fishing one of the best trout rivers in the world with some of the best guides in the west.

Lodging is filling nicely but we’ve got everything opened up now so chances are if you’re looking to head this way we should be able to accommodate.

Don’t let April pass you by.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-04-17T21:47:28-06:00April 17th, 2018|Categories: Fishing Report|0 Comments

Spring Fishing Heating Up

It’s finally starting to feel like spring this week. The weather has been trending in the right direction with some nice days in the mid to high 50’s though there’s snow in the forecast yet again for today and tomorrow and we’re actually under yet another Winter Weather Advisory through tonight and we could see up to three inches of heavy, wet snow.

Traffic has picked up with a lot of folks taking advantage of some great spring deals. It’s been so nice to have a shop full of people again. We’re bursting with new gear arriving daily and still trying to clear out some of the old. Great deals on all kinds of premium cold weather gear for everyone!

The fishing has been consistently good sub-surface with nymphing and streamer fishing heating up. We’ve seen river flows increase all week, a trend which will likely continue. As of this writing we’re sitting at 7260 CFS. and while we’re anxiously awaiting a bump in water temps to bring the BWO’s into play we’re currently holding at a chilly 38 degrees. Look for the water temp to bump up this weekend and into the first part of next week. Fingers crossed for 40+ degree water, overcast skies and BWO’s coming soon.

In the meantime the nymphing will bring the numbers. The status quo pinks and firebeads have continued to be effective though we are definitely seeing a transition to a spring diet. Tailwater Sows are in play as are Pill Poppers, Caviar Scuds, Worms, Lightning bugs of the purple and pink variety, Rainbow Czechs, Rainbow Warriors and if we do see that bump in the water temps the baetis nymphs will definitely come in to play. Think Green Machine!

This is a favorite time of year for the streamer addicts on the hunt for hungry browns and while the action has been hit or miss it’s tough to resist those soft edges and transitional zones created by the higher flows. Work those banks, keeping the strip on the slow side with plenty of pauses…they love to hit it on the pause. Whites, Greys, Olives, Blacks….lots of bugs getting noticed right now. MK Ultras, Circus Peanuts, Polar Leeches, SPARKLE MINNOWS, Baby Gongas, Kreelex, Clousers… etc. As always, fish the bugs you believe in changing patterns and colors until you find one that works.

Lodging is 100 percent open and our spring special runs through the end of the month. Shotgun Annie’s and Izaak’s are open for business and Upland Angler is a great option as well but their schedule varies so call ahead for reservations at (406)468-0080.

Don’t let the lingering winter weather get you down…plenty of nice weather ahead including what looks to be an awesome weekend. We hope to see you out here.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-04-12T17:31:22-06:00April 12th, 2018|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Out like a Lion

It’s hard to believe but March has all but passed us by and while we traditionally expect March to come in fiercely like a lion and go out gently like a lamb it looks like the winter lion is going to stick around for a while yet.

Rain and snow are likely tomorrow with gusty south southwest winds in the afternoon ushering in a cold front which will drop us into the teens tomorrow night. We’ll see a high of only 32 on Saturday with a chance for some snow but Sunday looks better with temps back near 50. Maybe not the ideal weekend to fish the Missouri but sooner or later we’ll get there.

We definitely saw an increase in traffic this week with spring breakers taking advantage of some decent weather and enjoying the sunshine on the windy MO’. Fishing reports have been inconsistent but overall I’d say it’s been fair for most. As you would expect those who fish here often are having pretty good luck out there while those who are here for the first time or only hit it once or twice a year have been having a tougher go of it.

Nymphing is your best bet for numbers and not much has changed on the bug front. Anything with a pink bead works more often than not and firebeads are getting it done as well. The hottest bug of the spring thus far has been Pederson’s Sow (available exclusively at Wolf Creek Angler and currently in short supply but more are on the way). Pill poppers, Lucent Bead Rays, UV Crush, Bubble Yums, Pink Radiation Baetis and Wayno’s Cotton Candy have all been catching plenty of fish. Don’t shy away from black Zebras, tailwater sows, firebead rays etc. I’m still sticking with a #12 Pink Amex for a lead fly more often than not but Tungsten Rainbow Czechs, Casne’s Pinkalicious, Pink Weight Flies and Bubble Yums work too. Some have gone to the worm and done well.

Fish are still holding in the slower, deeper runs but we are starting to see a migration to transitional water so fish the slow stuff but don’t be afraid to hit that medium fast, medium depth water as well. Some are fishing deep rigs and doing fine, we’ve been sticking with a 7′ – 8′ overall depth, sometimes with no weight, sometimes with a bb.

Streamer fishing has been hit or miss but if you stick with it throughout the day you should encounter at least a hot stretch or two. Kreelex, Craven’s Dirty Hippy, Sparkle Minnows, Lynch’s Drunk and Disorderly, Baby Gongas, Polar Leeches, Montana Minnows, Clousers and ZK’s Son of Bunny in pearl and MK Ultra in grey (both available exclusively at WCA) have all been effective. Greys, whites and olives have been good but as I say often fish what you like and what you have confidence in…it makes all the difference in the world.

Midges a plenty daily. Some days the fish are on them, some days they aren’t. Keep that dry fly rig at the ready. I’ve been running a hi-vis para adams with a Bucky’s Midge Cluster and haven’t seen any reason to switch it up but any Griffiths gnat or midge cluster ought to do the trick.

Overcast days have definitely been better overall (especially for streamer fishing) but we’re catching plenty of fish in the sun as well. Fish when you can.

Our spring lodging and guide trip special has been gaining in popularity as folks come to realize what an absolute STEAL of a Deal it is. Once again, that’s two nights of premium lodging and a full day guide trip for one or two anglers for just $550. We challenge you to find a better deal on the MO’.

We’re at about 50% open on our lodging just waiting for temps to stabilize before we open the rest but hopefully it won’t be long. Cabins and bungalows available now, motel rooms open soon.

The shop is rapidly filling up with new gear from Simms, Redington, Echo, Ross and more and we’re thrilled to announce that we are now your Exclusive Missouri River dealer for Damsel Fly Fishing, an AWESOME line of women’s fly fishing gear and apparel made right here in Montana. Check them out at www.damselflyfishing.com. We’re also excited to announce that we are now featuring Douglas Fly Rods. More on this soon but in the meantime check them out at douglasoutdoors.com We’ll let you know as soon as we have them in. We’re sure you’re going to love these rods and we’re hearing nothing but good things from the other dealers around the region.

It may not feel like it and it may not look like it just yet but spring is definitely here and we can’t wait to see you back on the Missouri.

Remember Izaak’s opens Thursday, April 5th and we can’t wait!!

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-03-29T18:44:51-06:00March 29th, 2018|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Damsel Fly Fishing, Douglas Fly Rods, dry fly fishing, Echo, Fishpond, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, Montana, Pederson's Sow, Redington, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Spring is on the way – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Not quite the spring weather you may have been hoping for this weekend but definitely fishable and more than likely worth your time.

We’ve been enjoying decent weather this week and a nice respite from the wind. Bright sunshine early in the week kind of killed the streamer action but these past couple days conditions have been optimal with partly cloudy skies and temps hanging in the low to mid 40’s.

The forecast is calling for a chance of rain and snow all weekend with temps in the high 30’s tomorrow and near 40 on Sunday. Once again, we’re all anxious for warm spring days and can’t wait to see some buds on the trees but that will all come soon enough. In the meantime take advantage of the overcast skies and get on the water.

It appears as though we’ll begin to see a warming trend starting on Monday which will have us back into the 50’s by late next week.

The fishing is heating up and will continue to do so from here on out. These next six weeks are one of my absolute favorite times of year to fish the MO’. The nymphing is already consistently good, there are all kinds of midges on the water providing ample dry fly opportunities most days and the streamer fishing, while hit and miss, has been solid overall and is only going to get better.

No real changes on the bugs. Think pink anything, firebead anything, zebra midges and sow bugs fished fairly deep in slow winter water as well as slightly faster transitional water. We’ve been running 7′ – 8′ overall length sans split shot but usually with at least one tungsten beaded bug. Others are adding weight (most commonly a single bb) and doing fine as well. Pink Amex, Rainbow Czechs, Pinkalicious, Firebead Rainbow Weight Fly, Rainbow Warriors, Black Zebra Midges, Tailwater Sows, Pink Lighting Bugs, Bubble Yums, Pill Poppers, UV Crush etc. We’ve even got a couple of patterns exclusive to WCA that have been absolutely crushing more often than not these last two weeks. All you need to do is stop in and ask and we’ll grant you access!

Don’t miss the big St Patrick’s Day Parade tomorrow in Wolf Creek at 3 pm. We’ve got lodging available for the weekend and will likely be opening a few more units next week to accommodate the increase in traffic.

Don’t forget to book your spring special guide trips ASAP. $550 for two nights premium lodging and a full day on the water. You won’t find a better deal ANYWHERE!

The shop is now open daily at 8:00 AM for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-03-16T20:02:23-06:00March 16th, 2018|Categories: Fishing Report|2 Comments

The spring streamer game on the MO’ has commenced – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Last week I proclaimed that winter was loosening its grip. Winter countered my proclamation with yet another round of cold and snow.

Today I repeat my proclamation.

The sun is shining and the forecast is calling for highs in the 40’s for the next several days, trending towards 50’s next week.

Like the weather, fishing has been improving over the past several days though the ramps are still a problem and will likely continue to be for the next few days. Hopefully by the weekend the warmer temps and plentiful sunshine will have things in better shape but we encourage you to check out your put in and take out prior to committing to a float. At the very least give us a call before you come out and we’ll tell you what we know.

We did Craig to Spite Hill yesterday after hearing Mid Canon was a no – go. Both Craig and Spite were fine but they may get worse before they get better. We’ll keep you posted.

Nymphing was so-so yesterday and will be the preferred method for most for the next while. You’ll still want to concentrate your efforts on the slow, deep winter water…typically working inside out. Pill Popper was the bug of choice yesterday but you should do fine with anything pink. For my money it’s hard to beat a pink Amex trailed with a pill popper or a firebead anything but black zebra midges should also be a staple in your spring nymph arsenal. Tailwater sows, Bubble Yum Scuds, Rainbow Czechs, Rainbow Warriors, Wayno’s Cotton Candy, firebead rays, Rainbow Weight fly, Pinkalicious, Pederson’s Sow…you get the idea…status quo.

Dry fly fishing opportunities abound right now with an abundance of midges on the water and plenty of fish up. Yesterday was the most fish I’ve seen up so far this season. Keep your midge rig at the ready.

You won’t be surprised to hear that yesterday’s focus was streamer fishing. We fished some water I don’t spend a lot of time streamer fishing as well as some go-to spots and had a pretty good day overall. Slower, deep water and drop offs were productive. A slow and varied retrieve was effective but we got some action with a little more aggressive and active retrieve as well.

Olive, natural and white variations have been getting noticed. Slender, leechy patterns are a good bet but don’t be afraid to try something different. The browns are hungry and seem to be on the hunt. One rainbow and one mammoth whitey yesterday, all of the rest were browns.

If you haven’t done so yet this season it’s time to break out the streamer stick and go to work. Granted there are likely more fish still being caught on the swing right now but stripping season is upon us. We’ve got what is considered by some to be the best streamer selection on the Missouri and while we love dry fly fishing and nymphing, there are few things we are as passionate about as the streamer game. Stop in and check out our bugs and pick our brains…we’d love to feed your streamer addiction.

Our Spring Special has been on for weeks though the weather has kept trips to a minimum. That’s all about to change.

Shake that cabin fever and get out there. It’s time for spring fishing on the Missouri. $550 for two nights lodging and a full day guide trip now through the end of April. There are other deals out there…nobody, and I mean NOBODY can touch this one! It’s the BEST DEAL and longest running special on the MO hands down.

Look for more lodging to open up within the next week or two as traffic continues to increase. It’s been a long cold winter (and is likely not over) but spring is definitely in the air. Book your spring trip with Wolf Creek Angler today.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-03-07T21:12:33-07:00March 7th, 2018|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Welcome March

Just a quick follow-up on Monday’s ramp report. I did check all the launches yesterday and everything I said in that report holds true. A rope and a 4 x 4 for all of them, avoid Dearborn and Mt Palace altogether.

Mid Canon

Mountain Palace

Stickney

Prewett Creek

It felt like February would NEVER end but here we are, March 1st and it actually feels like winter may FINALLY be loosening its grip. It’s still cold and we’re still looking at snow in the forecast but those single digit temps seem to be gone for now, replaced with mid 30’s. The days are noticeably longer and it just feels like the shift is underway.

Traffic has increased ever so slightly both on the river and in the shop and we’re actually moving some bugs again. Lots of folks stopping in for their 2018 fishing licenses this morning. Don’t forget to purchase yours before you hit the water again.

There’s still plenty of ice on Holter and most of the fishing traffic continues to be out there but that will all change soon enough. March is midge madness month on the MO’ so dust off that dry fly rod and get out here. I’ve made it a point to try to catch a fish on a dry fly by the end of February each year but it got away from me this year. It was a brutally cold month for the most part so I barely fished and the couple times I did make it out I stuck to streamers and nymphs.

Nymphing will always be your best bet for numbers but streamer fishing and early spring dry fly fishing are definitely worth your time. Hot nymphs for March….status quo. Black Zebra midges, Rainbow Czechs, Pink Amex, Pill Poppers, Pinkalicious, Firebead anything, pink lighting bugs, UV Crush…you get the idea.

There’s really no time I don’t like to streamer fish but Mid March through April is probably my favorite time to throw streamers on the Missouri. Swinging and slow stripping is fine but once the water warms up you can really start to move those bugs and the fish will chase them down, sometimes following them all the way to the boat.

We’ve still been doing well with polar leeches, kreelex and clousers but it’s time to show them something they haven’t seen. Try some different patterns and some different colors and don’t be afraid to go big. It’s been a long, cold winter with very little fishing pressure…those big browns will soon be on the move looking for calorie rich targets, give em’ what they want.

Best bets for dry fly selection include Bucky’s Midge Cluster, Hi Vis Midge, Black Sipper, Hi vis Sprout, Adams Midge, Griffiths Gnat, Grizzly Midge Cluster…really any midge cluster will do. I like to lead mine with a parachute Adams just to provide a visual as most of these midge patterns are a little tough to see.

Once again, it’s still winter fishing but our sense is that things are about to change so get ready for the 2018 season to officially get underway soon.

Make us your first stop on the way to the river for licenses, flies, great deals on winter gear and the friendliest service and most laid back atmosphere you’ll find anywhere.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-03-01T19:42:13-07:00March 1st, 2018|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Springtime on the Missouri – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Another week of winter weather underway, another week we wont be fishing the MO’.

Cabin Fever is running rampant as we await the coming thaw while daydreaming about the fishy spring days ahead.

When that thaw will come is anyone’s guess. We likely won’t break single digits today but there is a glimmer of hope in the forecast with weekend temps expected to reach into the 30’s. Not exactly time to break out the sunscreen but definitely fishable.

It’s time to gather your gear and get ready for the coming season. Clean (or replace) your lines, organize your fly boxes and get out here.

Waiting for our spring special? The wait is over.

Spring may be a month away but the WCA Spring Special is here! $550 for two nights lodging and a full day guide trip now through the end of April. There are other deals out there…nobody, and I mean NOBODY can touch this one! It’s the BEST DEAL and longest running special on the MO hands down and the best part is you don’t have to wait until spring. As if that weren’t enough there are NO CANCELLATION FEES for these trips. Book today, if the weather turns or if you simply change your mind you’re off the hook.

So what’s happening out there right now?

Nymphing is still going to be your best bet for numbers and there’s no reason to change what you’ve been doing all winter long. Go pink, go fire bead, go Tailwater Sow or zebra midge etc and go deep. Slow deep winter water is key. Pick it apart and do it again. The fish are definitely there. Find them and feed them!

Streamers are our focus right now and will be for the next couple of months. The water temp has dropped below 34 degrees again so you may be better off swinging for the time being but a slow strip with plenty of pauses should elicit some action as well if that is your preference.

Hot Head Kreelex, Polar Leeches, MK Ultras, Dirty Hippies, Polar Leeches, Inflated Egos, Clousers and buggers all getting noticed right now. Whites, greys and naturals have all been good.

If dry fly fishing is what you’ve been waiting for then your wait is over. Midges are definitely on the menu right now and the dry fly fishing will only get better from here on out.

We hope you make us your first stop on your way to the MO for everything you need for your day on the water. We’re loaded up with winter bugs and a huge selection of midge patterns as well as all of the above mentioned streamers and more. Cold weather gear from Simms, fresh new fly lines from Rio, ARC and Airflo; shuttles, drift boat rentals and much more. Don’t forget your 2017 fishing license expires at the end of the month, pick up your 2018 license at WCA while you’re thinking of it.

Think Spring!

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-02-20T15:53:21-07:00February 20th, 2018|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Most of the recent fishing traffic has been on Holter Lake

The arduous winter slog continues as frigid temps and snow persist. Fishing days have been few and far between this winter unless the hard water is your game, in which case you’ve been enjoying one of the better ice fishing seasons on Holter in recent memory.

It’s been a long winter and our thoughts are definitely wandering. Wandering towards spring and a return to fishing the amazing Missouri.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. The Montana snowpack looks awesome right now and with colder than average temps and more snow in the long term forecast all indicators point to a good water year ahead. This is in stark contrast to the southern Rockies where they’re currently sitting at less than 50% of average snowpack.

We experienced a brief shot of spring weather yesterday with temps creeping into the high 40’s but it’s back to winter today. The next couple of days look tolerable with temperatures in the high 30’s but we’ll see another polar plunge on Sunday and throughout the better part of next week. Depending on which forecast you follow we may not make it above zero on Monday or we may see temps in the teens, regardless, it’s going to be too damn cold to fish the MO’.

Fret not however because the season will be here before you know it. Spring has to arrive sooner or later. In fact it’s just over a month away. It feels to me like winter may indeed overstay its welcome this year but I expect in the next couple of weeks we will start to see a glimmer of hope. A sunny, warmish day or two is all it takes and we’ll be on our way.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-02-15T18:29:56-07:00February 15th, 2018|Categories: Fishing Report|0 Comments

Your 2018 Water Year in the making.

February’s arrival has brought a return to winter weather on the Missouri.

We are currently under a winter storm warning as the snow continues to fall. Cold temps will persist at least through mid-week, likely maintaining the quiet solitude which has for the most part exemplified this winter season in Wolf Creek.

It looks like we’ll see a slight warm-up Wednesday and Thursday into the 40’s with a chance for rain and snow and a return to fishing-prohibitive temps for the weekend. The ice on Holter is still in good shape and while reports have been a mixed bag I expect we’ll continue to see plenty of traffic headed that way.

If you intend to fish the river this week I’d recommend hitting it on Wednesday and/or Thursday and maybe leaving the boat behind as the ramps could be a challenge after yesterday’s snow and freezing rain followed by today’s continued accumulation.

Per usual the shop will be open Wednesday – Sunday at 8:00 am. Lodging is full for this weekend but it’s wide open until then, just in case you’re looking for that mid-week getaway to the MO’.

It’s been a busy couple of weeks on the phones with those prime guide trip and lodging dates becoming scarce. Don’t put it off any longer…make the call this week and book you 2018 Missouri River Fly Fishing odyssey with Wolf Creek Angler.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-02-05T16:18:25-07:00February 5th, 2018|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|0 Comments

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