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.

 

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!!

 

 

 

 

Mid March Weekend Update

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

The March Toward Spring

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.

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

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.

Thinking Spring

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

Mid February Report

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

Wintery Week Ahead

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

Great Start to 2018

The way to start the New Year!

I made it out Tuesday for the first float of 2018. It was a great way to kick off the season in every sense. The weather could not have been better, especially by January standards, with partly cloudy skies, calm winds and temps hovering around 50 all day. Not another boat on the water and just three wade anglers in seven miles of river…it doesn’t get much better.

Or does it? Yes it does when rods are bent for the better part of the day.

We nymphed a few rainbows up right away on the usual suspects (pink amex and various lucent pink beaded offerings). We  wouldn’t see another rainbow all day.

The plan all along was to spend most of the day streamer fishing and despite the water temps hanging in the 34 degree range I was optimistic. The day just felt right. And while it seems many on the MO’ have taken to swinging through the winter months I’ve spent enough time floating dead of winter days stripping frigid waters to know that big trout will chase down a slow moving, big meal target.

My optimism was rewarded as I connected with one of the meatier browns I’ve caught on the Missouri just a few casts in. What a way to start the year! And it didn’t end there.  A couple of hundred yards downstream after a swing and a miss by an equally impressive specimen I hooked and landed another 20″ beast and decided my day was complete…for the time being!

The action continued as we boated several more solid fish and broke off on a beast, all on the slow strip and all on variations of white. Things slowed after 3 pm and we only connected with one fish the last two miles of the float.

Every day is different but we’re finding that early afternoon 1-3 pm time slot to be the window for streamer action. Bomb the banks, let it sink and retrieve with slow, erratic strips with plenty of pauses in between. We fished relatively large patterns all day long and had action on everything we tried but it was ZK’s MK Ultra in grey which  delivered for me.

ZK’s MK Ultra

I’m due for a slow day out there but thus far this has been the best winter streamer season I’ve had on the Missouri. The strip has produced and I’ve heard plenty of successful reports from the swingers as well so it’s dealer’s choice. Polar Leeches, Kreelex, Dungeons, MK Ultras, Sparkle Minnows all finding  targets on the strip and the swing. White, grey, black, olive all  good options.

We dipped into the single digits the following day and have been there for the remainder of this week but a warm up is underway just in time for the holiday weekend and we should see high 30’s and even some 40’s for the weekend and well into next week.

Grab your sink tips and your streamers or your nymph rigs and get out here, the fishing should be good and even if it’s not, what else do you have to do?

If you really want to treat yourself why not leave the rowing to us? Remember our Winter Special, full day  Missouri River Guided float trips for one or two anglers  for $350 or two nights of lodging and a full day on the water for $500.

Either way, stop in and see us on your way to the river. Shuttles, bugs, lodging and so much more. We are your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing Destination.

 

 

 

January 8th Quick Report – This Week on the MO’

Fishing the January Thaw on the Missouri – photo by Zach King

As expected, we definitely saw a bump in river traffic this weekend though the ice guys still far outnumbered the river anglers.

Most have been opting for wade fishing but the ramps are in decent shape after a few days pushing 50 degrees. We recommend you take the time to inspect the ramps you plan to use before you launch. At the very least give us a call or stop in for a report before you go. Four Wheel Drive is great, and often-times a necessity but there have been plenty of 4 x 4’s stuck on icy winter ramps. Don’t be that guy!

Today and tomorrow look like the days to fish this week with continued temps in the 40’s and a manageable wind forecast. We’re back in the low 20’s on Wednesday, Thursday looks good with cloudy skies and 33 degrees and back into the 20’s for the weekend. We’re almost full for the weekend so whether your looking to wade or float the river or hit the ice, don’t wait too long. We will more than likely be full.

The fishing has been moderately good most days, slow on others and even approaching HOT on some. Nymphing is going to be your best bet but there have been plenty of fish being caught on the swing as well.

The cut and paste winter report holds true. Slow, deep winter water. The water temps have dropped into the 34 degree range with flows holding around 4200 cfs. The fish are in the winter water. We recommend one or two of the following fished deep under an indicator, extra weight at your discretion. POINT FLY RECOMMENDATIONS Pink Amex, Pinkalicious, Rainbow Czech, Pink Weight Fly, Rainbow Weight Fly, Bubble Yum Scud, Fish Finder Worm, Firebead Wire Worm. TRAIL WITH – soft hackle sow, tailwater sow, UV Crush, Pink Lightning Bug, Firebead Ray, Cotton Candy LGM, Firebead soft hackle sow, Rainbow Warrior etc.

Per usual with winter fishing on the Missouri the bug selection is far less critical than the water you are fishing. Once you find the water and the depth you’ve solved the equation. If the fish are hungry they’ll likely eat any of the above. If they aren’t feeding it’s unlikely you will change their minds by changing bugs… but then again, you might.

Best streamers have been black polar leeches, Hot Head Kreelex, Clousers, Sparkle Minnows, buggers and various smallish selections in white. Chewy has been busy at the vise and we’ve got all kinds of new bugs in the streamer bins. Stop in and have a look. Must Try Fly —  ZK’s Rodeo Clown.

Target the same winter water with streamers but don’t overlook the island tail outs and some of the shallow, faster water you might not think of as winter water. You never know what might be lurking in the shallows in ambush mode looking to crush that bait fish or leech pattern no matter the month.

Cabin Fever has begun to set in and the countdown to spring has begun. Why not bide your time with a winter getaway to the MO’? Wolf Creek Angler is your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing Destination.

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