Fishing Report Archives - Page 17 of 41

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 Jason Orzechowski|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 Jason Orzechowski|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 Jason Orzechowski|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.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-01-12T18:06:04-07:00January 12th, 2018|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, ZK's MK Ultra|1 Comment

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.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-01-08T16:33:39-07:00January 8th, 2018|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

New Year on the MO’

As expected 2018 has gotten off to a sleepy start here in Wolf Creek with snow and cold still keeping folks off of the water. It’s all duck hunting and ice fishing right now but with a warm up underway we’re expecting a bit more activity towards the end of the week when we’ll see temps approaching 40.

Not quite spring weather but after enduring a week of arctic air and significant snow fall I think it’s going to feel that way.

The ramps are snow and ice covered at the moment so please use extreme caution if you’re going to attempt a New Year’s float on the MO’. Give us a call at the shop for the latest conditions before you head out here.

The holidays are over and based on bookings for the upcoming weekend people are ready to get out and do something. We’re full for the weekend but we do have plenty of openings during the week.

We recommend you call early in the week if you’re looking for weekend lodging. With our limited availability during the winter months things fill quickly. If you can get away during the week the lodging is wide open.

We’re settling in for what looks like could be a long winter but I’m sure we’ll have plenty of days to get out and fish despite the wintery long term forecast. We don’t have a current fishing report to pass along as it’s just been too damn cold to fish. Chewy talked about getting out today so we’ll see if that happens. If not today, we’ll definitely be out there Thursday and Friday and this weekend so expect the first official fishing report of 2018 some time early next week.

In the meantime if you’re going to give it a go might I suggest slow, deep water and something pink. I have a sneaking suspicion this might be the ticket.

Barring future winter storms we’ll be in the shop Wednesdays – Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Sundays from 8:00 AM to noon for the next couple of months. As always we are open every day for lodging and guide trips.

Welcome to 2018. We hope to see you soon on the MO’.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-01-02T20:22:15-07:00January 2nd, 2018|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Shotgun Annie's Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The Window is Open

Brent with a streamer eating Missouri River piggy.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect window of opportunity to come out and fish the Missouri it doesn’t get much better than this!

We are currently looking at 26 degrees, overcast skies, a few snow flurries and not a breath of wind (as of 7:45 this morning). The forecast is calling for a chance of snow, and possibly some rain this afternoon with calm winds. Tomorrow looks to be almost as good with partly sunny skies, a high near 40 and winds in the 7-10 mph range. These conditions will persist through early next week though winds return on Friday. We’ll see a return to more seasonable conditions late next week.

How’s the fishing?

It doesn’t suck.

More good days than bad as of late with the prime time slot between 11 AM and 3 PM. Nymphing is good. Go PINK or go home.

Streamer fishing is definitely worth your time as well, especially on overcast days like today. Swing is King during the winter months on the MO’ but that being said, there’s absolutely NO reason you shouldn’t be bombing the banks with a SLOW strip right now. The water is definitely getting colder (currently 37.5 degrees) so you need to keep this in mind and adjust your tactics whether you’re fishing nymphs or streamers but don’t think for a second that you cant catch fish on the strip all winter long.

We hit it just right yesterday afternoon and had one of the better hours of streamer fishing I’ve had this season bringing four nice fish to hand and moving a bunch of others. And then it was over. Just like that.

Will the window be open again today? You won’t know if you don’t go.

Conditions are abundantly adequate right now. Cloudy skies, unseasonably warm temps, CALM winds and NO traffic. What are you waiting for?

Stop by on your way to the river and stock up on Tailwater Sows, Firebead Rays, Pill Poppers , Pink Amex’s, Polar Leeches, Kreelex, Sparkle Minnows and anything else you think you might need but I’m here to tell you, you don’t need much else.

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-12-13T17:02:33-07:00December 13th, 2017|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Weekend Outlook

Missouri River Winter Fare – Left to Right from the Top. Pink Soft Hackle Sow, Ninch’s Bubble Yum Scud, Ninch’s Pill Popper, Casne’s Pinkalicious, Blooms Weight Fly Pink, Pink Radiation Baetis, Cotton Candy LGM, Pink Lightning Bug, Wayno’s Cotton Candy, Pederson’s Sow, Pink UV Crush, Ninch’s Thunderbug, Pink AmEx, Firebead Rainbow Czech

We’re hoping for winter weather to arrive soon but while we wait we’re taking advantage of the current conditions and enjoying LATE fall fishing on the Missouri at its absolute best.

We’ll see temps in the low to mid 40’s and plenty of sunshine for the next seven days with relatively calm winds in the 7-10 mph range at least for the weekend.

Cancel those Christmas shopping plans, drop whatever it is you are doing and get out here NOW!

Fish the dam, fish Wolf Creek down, fish the canyon…good nymphing reports river-wide this week. Pink is coming on strong so stock up on Lightning bugs, Pill Poppers, Cotton Candy LGM’s, Wayno’s Cotton Candy, Thunder Bugs, Pink Weight Flies, Bubble Yums etc and keep those Tailwater Sows and Firebead Rays in the mix as well.

Fish the island tail outs, the shelves, the drop offs and the winter runs….they’re settling in.

Streamers? Always worth a try in my mind but stick to the nymphs for numbers. If you do decide to try streamers keep them on the small side (Sparkle Minnows, Kreelex, Thin Mints, Polar Leeches, Dirty Hippies etc) and go with a super SLOW retrieve with plenty of pauses or swing those island tail outs.

We are your Missouri River winter fly fishing destination with the best deals around on lodging and guide trips and a shop full of everything you need for winter fishing on the MO’. Stop in and see us for up to the minute reports and conditions, the best coffee in the canyon, shuttles, drift boat rentals and the biggest and best bug selection ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek MT.

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-12-08T17:19:34-07:00December 8th, 2017|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Farewell to November

Late November Days on the MO’

We’re looking at partly cloudy skies today and tomorrow with a respite from the howling winds which have made for tough fishing conditions this last week of November.

The fishing has been fair if you can find those spots that provide some shelter from the wind. We prefer to float to gain access to as many of these spots as possible but wade fishing makes sense. Why not spend your time fishing rather than battling the wind.

Tailwater sows, Pill Poppers, Pink Lightning Bugs and Firebead Rays have all been effective this week. I’ve been running a #12 Tungsten Rainbow Czech and a #16 Tailwater Sow with a bb and haven’t seen much reason to change. There are plenty of fish holding in medium depth (4 – 6 feet), moderately fast water. Target island tail outs and gradual drop offs and work from the inside out making sure to cover that water right in front of you that seems too close….often times it’s not.

Don’t forget, today is the last day to book for 2018 at 2017 rates.

As of tomorrow new pricing goes into effect for 2018 bookings.

We’ve got some PRIME dates available in June and July, so do yourself a favor and book now. Prime dates, Prime Guides and big savings….what’s not to like?

Can’t wait until 2018? There’s no time like the present.

We’ve booked a few winter special trips for the upcoming weekend but still have lodging and guides available. We’ve got the best deal around at just $500 for two nights of premium lodging and a full day trip.

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-12-07T15:46:09-07:00November 30th, 2017|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Late November Missouri River Fishing Report

November on the Missouri

We’ll close out the month of November with another week of ideal late fall fishing conditions. Overcast skies with the occasional peeks of sunshine, temperatures in the low to mid 40’s and a chance for some snow today and Wednesday.

It’s currently calm but they are calling for west southwest winds of 11-16 mph today with gusts as high as 30 mph. Tomorrow looks ideal with partly sunny skies, a high near 45 and south wind at 11-13 mph.

We’ll return to more seasonable temps for the weekend with highs in the 30’s and a chance for some snow on Saturday and Sunday.
Thanksgiving is behind us and Christmas is rapidly approaching (just four Mondays away)! This is the perfect week to take advantage of the mild weather and get your Missouri River fly fishing fix before the holiday grind goes into full effect.

Traffic has remained very light despite the nice weather though we expect to see a bump in activity with the general hunting season having come to a close yesterday.

Reports from the holiday weekend were mostly positive. Nymphing is definitely your best bet right now but streamers are in the mix as well. The swingers are finding success on Kreelex, Think Mints and smallish buggers. Trout Spey season is definitely a go but a deep slow strip will move them as well so don’t give up on single hand bank bombing from the boat just yet. Sparkle Minnows, Dirty Hippies, MK Ultras, Mini Dungeons, ZK’s Inflated Egos and various flavors or polar leeches have all been getting noticed and are good bets from here on out. Go deep with a slow to moderate strip and don’t be afraid to let it swing. It’s not lights out but if you put your time in you should be able to find some willing players. The water temps are continuing to fall and are hovering right around that 40 degree mark so the fish are definitely slowing down and transitioning to slow deep winter water but if you deliver the goods right to them and they don’t have to work too hard for it they definitely aren’t going to pass up a big meal.

Focus on transition type water with your nymphs as well. Not too fast…not too slow. Not super shallow and not too deep. They’re definitely moving towards those winter lies but we’re continuing to have the best luck in the medium depth/medium fast water in close proximity to slow winter water. Rig up with a #12 pink Amex, Bubble Yum Scud, Rainbow Czech or Pinkalicious and trail with your favorite winter bug. #16 or #18 tailwater sows, firebead soft hackle sows, pink lighting bugs, firebead Rays, Pill Poppers, Pederson’s Sows, Wayno’s Cotton Candys, UV Crush, Cotton Candy LGMs are just a few of our favorites but the options are truly limitless.

With the shorter days many opt for wade fishing this time of year but floating gives you more options. Don’t forget we’ve got Adipose and RO Drift Boats available for rent all winter long and if you’re a vet we’ve got a Project Healing Waters Adipose Flow available to you FREE OF CHARGE anytime. We don’t do a huge rental business during the winter months so we generally have boats available but calling ahead is never a bad idea for any of our boats and is a MUST for the PHW boat.

Plenty of lodging and guides available all winter long so don’t hesitate to give us a call and book yours today. Don’t forget the best deal on the MO – two night’s lodging and a full day guide trip for just $500! Only interested in a room? Just $99/night (plus tax). Don’t need the room but want the guide? Guide trips just $350 while the snow flies. Looking for a better deal? You won’t find one ANYWHERE.

We’re in the shop Wednesday – Sunday at 8:00 am and occasionally on Mondays and Tuesdays as well but you should definitely call first before coming out on those days. We’re open for lodging and guide trips every day.

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-12-07T15:47:43-07:00November 27th, 2017|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Adipose, Christmas, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, RO Drift Boats, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments