Fishing Report Archives - Page 23 of 41

This week on the MO’

Big Fish – Small Bug, Zebra Midge days on the MO. Photo by Rudy Malmquist

A very fall-like day today in Wolf Creek with mid 40’s and rain showers. We’ll see a low of 31 tonight so it’s likely going to be a chilly start to the day tomorrow but blue skies will return and it should be very pleasant with plenty of sunshine and a high near 60.

We will see a warming trend beginning on Wednesday and should see temps near 80 for the weekend with plenty of sunshine. Expect a busy recreational weekend if the forecast holds as it could be the last of the summertime splash and giggle days.

The busy fall fishing season has begun and we expect to see plenty of traffic around from here on out. Not June/July traffic mind you but enough traffic that you should expect plenty of company out there. We’ve got more guide trips going out this week then we’ve had any week since July and we’re close to capacity on lodging for the early part of this week but don’t worry, things open up by the end of the week so give a call today and book that fall fly fishing adventure on the Missouri. Plenty of guides and plenty of lodging available for the time being before it gets crazy again the first part of October. That could all change with a phone call or two which is generally how it goes in the fall but at this time we’ve got a spot for you at Wolf Creek Angler for mid to late September fishing on the MO’.

The word is out and more and more folks are coming to find that WCA is a great option for Missouri River fly fishing any time of the year. With more on-site lodging than any other shop, the hardest working, most professional guide and shop staff you’ll find anywhere and a fully provisioned Missouri River Fly Shop with everything you need for your days on the water, you needn’t go anywhere else. We are the only Outfitter Owned and Operated Full Service Fly Shop in Wolf Creek Montana and we would like nothing better than to be your Missouri River fly fishing destination.

Keep thinking nymphing this week but expect dry fly action as well with plenty of pseudos around and reportedly some caddis activity in the evenings. The terrestrial bite is definitely waning but don’t rule it out completely just yet, especially as we creep back up into the mid to high 70’s later this week and into the early part of next week. Your favorite hopper/ant or hopper/small mayfly nymph combo may still net surprising results. You won’t know unless you try it. Moorish hoppers, Chubbys and ants in various flavors and increasingly the October Caddis are all getting eats river-wide.

Zebras, zebras and more zebras where nymphing is concerned, especially at the dam. Green Machines, PsychoMays, S & M’s, 2 Bits, San Juan Worms, various Cray Fish patterns, sows, scuds, magic flies, split case bwo’s, Juju’s, Czechs…….and on and on. No super hot single bug right now save the aforementioned Zebra Midge but plenty of fish being caught on plenty of different flies. Fish what you like and what you have confidence in. You’ll be surprised what a difference your attitude can make. In fact your attitude can often times have way more of a bearing on your level of success (or lack thereof) than any fly ever could.

Those playing the streamer game continue to report moderate to good action, depending on the day. Good options as of late have been Dirty Hippies, Moss Fires, Late Night Wandas, Sparkle Minnows, Space Invaders, Autumn Splendors, and a couple of Zach’s exclusives we just can’t seem to keep in stock.

Stop by the shop on your way to the river for up to the minute intel, what some have called the best coffee in the canyon, shuttles, cold weather gear, sun protection, ARC lines, LOOP rods and reels and much more. Open daily at 7 AM. Nobody is open earlier!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:32-06:00September 12th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, RO Drift Boats, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Autumn is a magical time on the Missouri – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

It feels like the real deal this week as we make the transition from summer into early fall. Cool days and downright chilly nights have been the norm and it doesn’t look like that’s going to change anytime soon save for a brief return to summer weather on Saturday when we’ll see temps approaching 80. Back to 50’s and 60’s next week.

Fishing has been steadily improving with the change in the weather to the point where we can tell you with minimal disclaimers that it’s been consistently good. Of course there’s always the chance that you could hit it on an off day but for the most part we’ve hearing good to great reports from our customers and guests and there have been plenty of smiling faces around.

The dam is hot right now and not coincidentally is also the busiest piece of water. Guide trips and do-it-yourselfers alike have been cleaning up on the double zebra rigs as well as various cray fish patterns paired with a zebra. Mayfly nymphs and Czech nymphs have also been effective, generally when paired with….you guessed it…a zebra midge. Notice a trend here?

Black Zebras, Tan or Rainbow Czechs, Little Green Machines, Split Case BWO’s, BWO Magic Flies, Rainbow Warriors, Lightning Bugs in various flavors, Tailwater Sows, 2 Bits, Peep Shows, Military Mays, Claws R’ Cray, Snapping Crays. Juan’s Hi Def Baetis, Juju’s…..and on and on. Our advice? Double nymph rig fished mid-column in medium fast, medium depth water. We recommend you go with at least one black zebra midge and fish whatever you like for the second bug. Adjust your depth accordingly and stick with it once you find the right bug/depth/weight combo. More often than not once you are dialed in to where the fish are you will likely find them in that same type of water as you work your way up or downstream. Other times you cross that invisible line and everything changes. Lately that invisible line has been marked by a very visible Wolf Creek Bridge. Some tough runs from the bridge to Craig, especially in the afternoon but even those starting there in the morning are finding it to be on the slow side right now.

Even the dry fly anglers have been smiling this week with an abundance of Pseudos around and also some reports of good caddis action in the evenings. Hoppers and ants should definitely remain a major part of your dry fly game right on into early October and it’s also time to throw the fabled October Caddis into the mix. Best Sellers from the dry fly bins this week have been Olive Para Pseudos , WCA Trudes, Blooms Stealth Ants, Black Para Ants, Dandelion RS2’s, Rocky Mountain Mints, Double Wing Tricos, Hi Viz Griffiths Gnat, Corn Fed Caddis and Olive Para Adams. On the foam side pink or purple Moorish Hoppers and Purple Chubbys are definitely on the move but we’ve got plenty of other flavors as well if you want to show them something different which is never a bad call.

Streamers? Absolutely! We tend to push the streamer game at WCA being that Zach and I are both streamer fanatics and will throw them in ANY and ALL conditions, but that being said it’s been a good week for streamer fishing on the MO’ (and elsewhere) and it’s only going to get better as we move into the heart of fall. Stop by Wolf Creek Angler and check out our ever-expanding selection of streamers including a bunch of custom patterns you aren’t going to find in any other shop. We’ve also just gotten a bunch of new stuff in for fall including a fresh batch of Dirty Hippies!

The switch has been flipped and we’re back in the full swing of things with rooms filled, trips out, rental boats out and plenty of activity each morning around the shop. We hope you make WCA your first stop on the way to the MO’. We are your Missouri River Fly Fishing One Stop with On-Site lodging, the best guides on the river, vehicle shuttle service, drift boat and equipment rentals and a shop full of everything you need for your day on the water.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:32-06:00September 8th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Coming Soon…..

We’ve finally bid farewell to a long, quiet August and while today is a bit of a carryover with hot weather and a relatively quiet river, change is coming right on cue.

We’ll see temps cool over the next couple of days and it will really feel like fall on Sunday and Monday with rain and highs in the 50’s. Sounds like streamer weather to me….bring it on.

And speaking of streamers, I fished with my good friend Brad Turner http://www.pmangler.com/ from Michigan the last couple of days and despite the bright sunny conditions we did manage to move a bunch of fish and even boated a few. Brad is a total streamer junkie and taught me much of what I know about the streamer game. He likes to throw the BIG bugs and he and his crew back in Michigan have been revolutionizing the game in their own way with some cutting edge patterns designed to move in such a way when fished correctly that no self-respecting monster trout can resist at least coming out to have a look.

I was a bit skeptical since I’ve grown accustomed to the smaller bugs we typically throw on the MO’ but sure enough these bugs swim like none I’ve ever seen and we moved enough fish within a mile or two to make me a believer. I’ll be continuing to test these bugs out throughout the fall as the streamer fishing improves and you can expect to find a few of them in the bins at WCA very soon. These aint no wooly buggers….they’re big complex bugs and you’re going to work if you’re fishing them like they need to be fished! Amateurs need not apply! Intrigued? Book a streamer trip with WCA on the MO’ this fall or look Brad up for some Michigan streamer action on the Pere Marquette or Manistee. He’s also doing destination trips to the White in Arkansas. Inquire with him about this or give us a call and we can get you hooked up with his crew for Big Browns on the White in February. We may even join you!

Brad Turner with a beast of a White River Brown

We love throwing streamers, especially in the fall and spring, and while the Missouri is not known as a great streamer river, those who put in their time and work hard at it are often times rewarded. Stop by the shop for all the latest tips and techniques, a wide array of specialty streamer lines from Rio and Airflo, some awesome streamer sticks from Loop, Echo and St Croix and a great selection of bugs, many of which you won’t find in any other shop.

Don’t care for streamers? No worries! The nymphing has been consistently good, especially at the dam and while Trico fishing is all but done there is definitely enough terrestrial action to keep it interesting for those looking for the dry fly experience.

The water is in good shape by September standards and it looks like we’ll see consistent flows throughout the fall season. We did see a bit of a drop recently and it looks like we’ll be sitting just south of 4K for the fall and winter months. Current water temps are holding in the low to mid 60’s and should begin to drop into the 50’s with consistently cool nights and cooler daytime temps on the way. Have I mentioned that we’re getting excited about streamer fishing? Bring on the rain and cool weather. Screenshot (77)

A busy weekend ahead at Wolf Creek Angler though we do still have a few rooms available. Give a call today and book yourself a room and a day or two of fall fishing on the Missouri.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:32-06:00September 1st, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, fly fishing, Missouri River, RIO, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Late August Missouri River Fishing Report

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It’s been pretty much Status Quo these last couple of weeks on the Missouri. No dramatic changes in the weather, no dramatic changes in the flows or water temps. The fishing has been pretty good on some days, pretty slow on others, definitely lacking consistency.

The dam seems to be heating up and consequently will be where you find most of the traffic right now though it’s far from what we would call busy. As you would expect nymphing is going to be your best bet for putting fish in the boat. #20 Black Zebras (black or silver bead) have been effective run in tandem with a tan UV or Rainbow Czech, Pheasant Tail, Dark Peep Show, BWO Magic Fly, LGM, brown 2 Bit etc. Cray Fish have reportedly been working some days so a Claws R or Snapping Cray wouldn’t be a bad call but personally I haven’t had much luck with the Crays as of late.

Everyone’s got their favorite rig right now. Some are doing really well short leashing, others are running deep rigs. We’ve been running medium length rigs in shallowish faster water without weight and picking up plenty of fish. If you aren’t getting them in spots you think you should be, adjust the length/weight of your rig a few times before switching bugs out. Not that the bugs don’t make a difference….they definitely do, but we find more often than not that it’s the length/weight of the rig rather than the bug selection that makes the biggest difference.

Streamer fishing was definitely the talk around the shop last week with Olive and White being the ticket, though we heard of some success on flashy copper stuff as well. ZK’s Stun Gun in Olive was the meal ticket for several days late last week but we also heard good reports on the Circus Peanut, Skiddish Smolt, Keller’s Late Night Wanda. ZK’s Son of Bunny all in olive and of course Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow both the Sculpin and JJ. The cloudy days are better streamer days as you would expect but that being said, we’ve had plenty of action on the bright sunny days as well so don’t let the sun get you down!

Dry fly fishing has fallen off though Hoppers and ants are getting eaten with some regularity. There are still plenty of Tricos around on a daily basis but finding fish on them continues to be a challenge. If you want to play the dry fly game we suggest sticking with hoppers and/or ants. Purple, Tan, Yellow or Pink More or Less or Moorish Hoppers, Grape Fat Franks and Purple Yeti Hoppers in #08 or #10 have all been effective. Black or Cinnamon Ants and Blooms Stealth Ant in purple should all be found in your terrestrial box.

Fish streamers, fish hoppers, fish nymphs…..they’re all effective right now.

Traffic should remain fairly light this week though we are expecting a lot of folks around for the Labor Day weekend so if its solitude you seek we recommend getting out here sometime between now and Thursday. We’ve got a couple of rooms left for the holiday weekend and then things open up starting on Tuesday. Slowly but surely you’ll see a bump in the angler traffic over the next couple of weeks. By mid-September (or sooner with the Yellowstone closure) it will resemble July and will hopefully be fishing great.

Give us a call today and book your Montana Fall Fly Fishing Adventure on the MO’.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 29th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

This Week on the MO’

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A breezy start to the week today but it looks like it could be great week for late summer fishing on the Missouri. We’ll see highs in the 70’s all week with overnight lows in the mid 40’s keeping things cool but we are under a Red Flag warning today which means that critical fire weather conditions are occurring. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Winds will diminish this evening though it will still be on the breezy side out there tomorrow with southwest winds 8-14 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.

On the bright side, a couple of good hopper days at hand so get out there.

You can’t count on the trico bite on these breezy days as the bugs tend to get blown off of the water but the breeze is your friend if you’re fishing hoppers and ants. Maybe not exactly your friend, but more like an acquaintance you don’t really care for but whom you tolerate. The wind is a challenge to the rower and will also challenge the best of casters but it also tends to deliver natural terrestrials to the water as they are blown off course by gusty winds, ending up on the water where they are immobilized and likely soon to end up a big meal for a big trout. It stands to reason that if there are more naturals hitting the water on a particular day then the trout key on them so you should take advantage of these breezy days and get your hopper game on.

We’re having good luck with More or Less Hoppers in Pink, Purple and Golden and have also had some looks on the purple Yeti Hopper. Moorish in tan, yellow and pink are always a good call and Pink Fat Alberts are getting some attention as well. Our bins are loaded with foam and our terrestrial selection rivals that of any other shop. If you haven’t been in to check out Wolf Creek Angler you owe it to yourself to do so. We’ve got all the bugs, all the gear, all the service and more in the most laid back, non-intimidating atmosphere you’ll find anywhere.

Nymphers have been finding success on most sections of the river though the canyon and the dam are going to be your best bets. We’ve had plenty of action on Claws R Cray or Snapping Crays paired with black zebra midges or dark Peep Shows though there are definitely good days and not-so-good days with the cray so once you’ve run it for a good while and made plenty of depth adjustments if you aren’t hooking up then set it aside for another day. Purple lightning bugs and Holla Back Girls in pink or purple, Olive or PMD S & M’s, LGM’s, Pheasant Tails, Tailwater Sows, Psycho Mays, Split Case PMD’s, Military Mays, 2 Bits and many more….all catching fish. Fish what you like and what you have faith in, you’ll be amazed at the difference having confidence in your flies will make.

Streamers? Absolutely. Definitely better on the cloudy days (Wednesday looks like your best shot this week) but worth throwing on the sunny days as well. The weeds can be a challenge but if you pick your spots and are willing to change bugs a lot until you find what’s working you could be in for some action. Some of our goto’s as of late have been Circus Peanuts, Rainbow Snot Rockets, Space Invaders, ZK’s Stun Guns and Keller’s Late Night Wanda in Olive. All of these and many more available now at Wolf Creek Angler.

Plenty of lodging and guides available right on through the end of the month and don’t forget our Dog Days Special. Book a night’s lodging and a full day guide trip and we’ll throw in a second night of lodging for free.

Open daily at 6:30 AM for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 22nd, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Cooler Temps = Hotter Fishing?

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Renewed optimism around the shop this cool and cloudy Thursday. It definitely felt like fall out there this morning and will even more so tonight with lows in the 40’s and rain showers likely. They’re even talking snow for some of the higher elevations!

Just dark enough and just enough of a chill in the air today to draw some attention to the streamer bins. I haven’t heard back from anyone yet today but we had more than a couple of folks loading up on big ugly bugs this morning and you could sense the excitement as we’re offered a little taste of what’s to come in the not so distant future.

Temperatures will heat up again over the weekend but we’re definitely on the run towards fall. People are enjoying the final weeks of summer vacation and while we don’t like the fact that the summer flies by so fast it is the time of year when we start to anticipate the awesome fall fishing on the Missouri.

We get a lot of calls inquiring about when the best time to come for fall fishing is and as is so often the case we don’t have a simple answer.

For one, there is the Crystal Ball Factor. We have no idea what Mother Nature will be serving up this year. We could see sunshine and summer temps right on through October. We could see snow tonight. The weather is the unknown part of the equation.

We tend to think of the fishing improving with cooler temps (which I believe it does) but in thinking about that, what exactly is it about cooler weather that makes the fishing improve? I think there are many factors, not the least of which is the attitude shift that happens in us when we stop sweating and stop lamenting the passing of summer and opt instead to let the anticipation of autumn take over.

Whether its fall fishing or hunting or fall colors or football or kids going back to school or cold fleece clad nights around the fire ring or whatever it may be for you, everyone has their own idea of what makes fall in Montana so awesome and when we start to think these happy thoughts the anticipation grows.

I’m no scientist but there is definitely science happening here which causes changes in our chemical composition. Endorphins start to pump and the next thing you know instead of complaining about the heat and the weeds and the lack of bugs and on and on we instead start to daydream about those crisp autumn days on the water and since we can’t wait for fall we hit the river and just like that the fishing goes from painfully slow to insanely off the charts just because of our attitude adjustment.

Well maybe it doesn’t happen quite like that but a big part of the hum drum of the dog days of summer is the fact that there is nobody here! You can’t catch fish if you aren’t here. If nobody’s fishing then obviously there aren’t fish being caught! If you aren’t in the forest to hear the tree fall then does it make a sound? Likewise, if you aren’t on the water to hear that behemoth brown gulp that hopper you should be!

Was the fishing hot yesterday? Fish were eating yesterday but few were being caught as there were very few anglers out there to catch them. Is it hot today? Will it be hot for the weekend? I haven’t heard any reports today and as far as tomorrow goes see the Crystal Ball Factor above. It’s a total cliché but you really don’t know if you don’t go so get your heads together and get out there.

We’ve got lodging, we’ve got guides, we’ve got boats and we’ve got a shop stuffed full of everything you need for fly fishing the MO’ and beyond including a fly selection the likes of which has never been seen before in Wolf Creek Montana. We’re here to help you out in any way we can and we’ve got answers (of some sort) to all of your questions. We don’t claim to be the experts but we do spend a fair amount of time around here doing what we, and you, love to do and learning new things every day so we think it’s a good bet we just might be able to help you. If not, we’ve got damn fine coffee….and free!

Hoppers and ants. Zebras and Crays. Sparkle Minnows and Godzilla Sculpins just to name a few. Stop by or give us a call for up to the minute conditions and reports.

Tons of Bugs at Wolf Creek Angler

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 18th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|1 Comment

Hopper Time!

Blue skies and sunshine this weekend, highs in the 80’s and 90’s for the next few days before we see another cool down late in the week.

Angling traffic is on the light side but do expect plenty of rec floaters out there this weekend. It’s going to be a gorgeous couple of days to float the river.

What fishing traffic there is seems to be concentrated in the canyon which by all accounts is fishing very good right now, especially by August standards. Weeds are a challenge, but nothing you can’t handle. While the canyon is getting some good press right now don’t limit yourself. Try the lower river, try the upper river…..there are fish everywhere!

Plenty of options right now if you’re willing to switch it up early and often but for my money I would go with a hopper (or a chubby) and either a Rubber Legs or your favorite mayfly nymph.

We’re liking the Moorish and More or Less Hoppers in pink and also having some luck with the #12 White Cloud Hoppers in peach. Don’t overlook yellow either, most of the naturals I’ve seen around (and there aren’t a bunch of them) have been yellow. We’ve had luck with everything from #8’s to #12’s but I think there’s a tendency to want to go big and that isn’t always the ticket. If you aren’t getting any looks at that #8 try something small or get the best of both worlds and trail an ant off that #8 hopper, then you’ll have the right size meal for any appetite.

As far as nymphs to drop, again we like the brown or brown/yellow rubber legs and all kinds of mayfly stuff. Split Case PMD’s, Military Mays, Docs Summer Bug, 2 Bits, Little Green Machines, Peeps, Purple Lightning Bugs, plain old PT’s….you get the picture. Additionally we’ve had some good days with the #16 purple weight fly, tan UV Czechs and various crayfish patterns.

Tricos? Yes and no. There are bugs. There are fish eating them but those who are here specifically for the Trico fishing have been disappointed for the most part. Rig up an indicator spinner and a cdc emerger and have it at the ready in case you come across some rising fish. Otherwise grab your hopper rig and fire away. Hit the banks, hit the seams, hit the riffles and be ready for the take.

We’ve been a little hum-drum with our reports as of late, after all it is August but it’s definitely worth your time to come out and give it a shot. Sure there are some tough days, but there are also some really good days and there’s NOBODY HERE! That’s bad for us but it’s great for you if you’re hoping to have some water to yourself. Besides that, it’s summertime in Montana. Why wouldn’t you spend your day floating down a river?

We’ve got plenty of lodging available as well as abundant availability with the hardest working guides on the Missouri. We’re also offering free lodging as part of our Dog Days of Summer Special. Now through the end of August book a full day guide trip and a night of lodging and we’ll throw in a second night of lodging for free.

We’re open daily at 6:30 AM for all of your Missouri River Fly Fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 13th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, grasshoppers, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

This Week on the MO’

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We’re definitely looking at cooler temps this week and we’re actually starting to hear some good fishing reports from our guides and even from a few of our guests who are out there getting it done on their own.

It seems the short leash has been the key to success though there have been some strong hopper outings as well. Try both on and see what happens.

We’re partial to the hopper/dropper rig because we LOVE to see them eat the hopper. Sometimes they crush it, sometimes it just disappears. Be on the alert. You typically aren’t going to get a ton of eats on the hopper so you need to make it count. It really sucks when you miss the take, you might not get another shot all day! Drop a mayfly nymph off of your pink or purple Moorish Hopper to increase your odds or we also like to run two on top and trail an ant. The trout like ants, sometimes more than hoppers!

Nymphs we would suggest include Split Case PMD’s, pheasant tails, Little Green Machines, S & M’s, Military Mays and weight flies in purple. If you’re going to run a two nymph rig we recommend Palsa pinch-on indicators and we also like the Lil’ Nuggets from Strike Foundry. Keep your rig under three feet, sans split shot and find your water.

We’ve been doing well in the fast water, medium depth. Same nymphs as above in addition to various crayfish and rubber leg patterns. Don’t overlook the worm either. A worm and a cray could be a deadly combination. If you aren’t comfortable with the weightlessness of the rig then make one of your nymphs something with a tungsten bead….it’s plenty of weight for what you’re trying to do.

Not much to report on the trico front. Still seeing bugs and occasionally fish on them but we’re not counting on it. Similar story with the caddis in the evening. There are bugs around and it’s never a bad idea to try your elk hair caddis or outrigger caddis/emerger rig during last light. Find the fish, show them a good presentation and see what the fish gods have to say about it.

Lodging has started to fill again after a quiet week but we still have plenty of availability for lodging and guides. Don’t forget our Dog Days of Summer Special if your thinking of coming out to give it a go. Book a guide day and two nights lodging and we’ll throw in a third night of lodging for free. Why not take advantage of the light traffic and book yourself an August getaway on the Missouri?

Days are getting noticeably shorter so we’re back to opening at 6:30 AM. It’s pretty dark (and getting darker every day) at 6 AM though I’ve still seen a few folks doing the early launch. If you’re wanting to be on the water prior to 6:30 don’t hesitate to come by. We’re generally in here at or just after 6 firing up the machine so feel free to stop. The coffee may not be quite ready but by the time you get that shuttle form filled out and load up on bugs we’ll have you out the door with a cup to go.

Come check out our ever-expanding bug selection, new arrivals in the reel case from Nautilus and great lines from ARC Fishing. We’re loving these fly lines this summer…you will too.

See you soon in the shop and on the water.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 9th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: ARC Fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Strike Foundry, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Weekend Update

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Things continue to be a little tough out there but don’t despair. There are plenty of reasons you should be fishing the Missouri right now.

These are just a few of them.

1. HOOT OWL RESTRICTIONS

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Water levels continue to drop on many rivers around the state. Low flows mean high water temps, especially during hot weather. High water temps mean stressed trout. The Hoot Owl closure list continues to grow with a couple of rivers (Jefferson and parts of the Big Hole) now completely closed to fishing. Meanwhile on the Missouri we’re enjoying relatively stable flows in the 4100 cfs range and comfortable water temps in the low to mid 60’s. Rumor has it we’re going to see a drop in flows here as well but we don’t expect anything too drastic. Should we drop into that 3500 range you can expect more weeds but for the time being we’re liking the conditions on the river, especially by August standards. If Hoot Owl conditions have chased you off of your favorite water it’s time to hit the MO’.

2. LIGHT TRAFFIC

August is traditionally a slow month on the Missouri and while we appreciate the break after an extremely busy several months, six days in and we’re rested and ready to ramp up again! We typically see a big drop in traffic during August and early September despite the fact the fishing can be good. It can also be challenging but if it wasn’t a challenge what fun would it be? Regardless, for whatever reason, there aren’t a lot of people around in August so it’s the perfect time to come fish the Missouri if it’s relative solitude you seek. It’s not quite December solitude but you can usually find yourself a stretch of water void of other anglers. No waiting at the ramps, less competition on the water, immediate seating at Izaaks and plenty of vacancies in the area are all good reasons to try August fishing on the Missouri.

3. GRASSHOPPERS AND ANTS

Although not known as a great terrestrial fishery the Missouri gives up plenty of big browns to hoppers and ants strategically drifted and occasionally twitched through the right spots. Banks, seams, riffles…..you know the spots. Do a long float covering as much water as you can and be patient. Hopper fishing is rarely action-packed but there are occasional good days and frequent good parts of mediocre days so it’s definitely worth your while to give it a try. Not sure where to go? Stop by the shop and we’ll get you set up with the right bugs and give you some direction on where to go. If you really want to get your hopper game dialed in book a trip with us and we’ll have one of our expert guides take you to the ultra secret hopper hot zones. We’re happy to send you to these spots on your own but nobody knows the water better than those who are out there every day. If you are new to the Missouri or new to fly fishing or both we can’t stress enough how critical a guide trip can be to your future success or lack thereof. You’ll learn more in a day on the water with one of our guides than you could in a whole season of trying it on your own.

4. FLYSHOP EMPLOYEES ARE CRAVING HUMAN CONTACT

While it’s not quite that bad there are definitely some lonely spells in shop these days. The upside to this though is that we’ve got plenty of time to do things like cleaning the shop, grounds keeping….etc so the shop is really clean and the lawn is making a comeback after a bit of neglect since we’ve had plenty of time to dedicate to a sprinkling program. We’re busy working on fall fill in orders and starting to put together pre-season orders for 2017 and also doing a fair amount of lodging and guide trip boo

kings for fall and for next season. There are always things to do around the shop but our favorite thing to do in the shop is help customers so it would make our day if you came by.

5. DOG DAYS OF SUMMER LODGING SPECIAL

Now through the end of August book a guide trip and two nights lodging with Wolf Creek Angler and we’ll throw in a third night of lodging for free. That’s up to a $129 value. It’s a great opportunity to do a second guided day on the MO’ or to rent one of our RO or Adipose Drift Boats and try it on your own after which you can relax at WCA for another night for free.

See you soon at WCA.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 6th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Montana Fly Fishing, Uncategorized|Tags: brown trout, Dog Days, fly fishing, grasshoppers, Missouri River, RO Drift Boats, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

No wait at the boat ramps for the time being. The fish are here – where are you? photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Things are pretty quiet around here this week. The bright sun and high temps are keeping things challenging on the river and while it’s still hard to beat a day floating the MO’, no matter what time of year, the current conditions have many anglers singing the summertime blues.

Trico action has been hit or miss. The bugs have been consistent but it seems more often than not the fish just don’t seem that interested. Our walk/wade DFO guests have had a particularly frustrating time of it. Between the finicky fish, the heat, the seemingly ever-present wind and the lack of any consistent evening activity it’s been challenging to say the least. We’ve spent plenty of time talking folks off of the ledge over these past couple weeks and will likely continue to have to do so. The bottom line is that August fishing can be tough. But then again, it can be tough any time of year and there are plenty of August days that the fishing is phenomenal.

One thing that helps is to adjust your expectations. Keep in mind that the fish have been extremely pressured for the last several months. Pair that with bright, sunny, hot days and you have the potential for some tough fishing but with that being said you could also have spectacular fishing and could have it virtually all to yourself.

We love to throw the hopper this time of year so what we recommend is a long float where you’ll have plenty of opportunities to nymph or throw hoppers and since you’re covering a lot of water you’ll likely find fish up here and there in areas that don’t see as much pressure so you’ll be able to satisfy your dry fly cravings as well.

Streamers are an option as well. It isn’t our favorite time of year to fish streamers due to the amount of sunshine and aquatic vegetation but if you choose your spots and deliver your cast with pinpoint accuracy you are likely to move a fish or two. I’ve spent a little time throwing streamers in select spots the last few times out and have moved a few each time, including one beast of a brown hooked and lost at the boat which was definitely pushing the two foot mark. Those who fish with me might accuse me of being a little hung up on Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow Sculpin and I get it but all I will say is that I haven’t changed bugs in three weeks! Bright sunny days may not be ideal but I’m a firm believer that if you put the fly in front of them they’re going to go after it regardless of weather conditions.

Think quality, not quantity when it comes to August fishing. Big fish (and small ones too) eat hoppers and streamers and while you aren’t likely to rack up double digits you are apt to get a few to go if you cover enough water. I’ll take a hopper eat or a streamer chase over a bobber drop any day of the week, even if it means substantially fewer fish. Success is directly tied to your expectations and your perception. That is why I encourage you to perhaps lower your expectations and just enjoy the experience rather than focusing on the numbers.

We talk to plenty of anglers who are having a legitimately tough time hooking up and we will always do whatever we can to help but we also talk to a lot of anglers who are disappointed because they only got 6 or 8 and only one of those was over 20″. To me this is a great day, especially for this time of year, but for some these numbers equate to failure. It’s all in how you perceive things.

The list of Hoot Owl and Mandatory Drought Closures is growing daily so you may find yourself on the MO’ very soon if fly fishing in Montana is in your plans. If you do we invite you to stop by WCA for the latest river info and a bug selection that rivals that of any other shop. Find the complete list of restrictions and closures here http://fwp.mt.gov/news/restrictions/waterClosure.html

And don’t forget our Dog Days of Summer Special. For the month of August book a guide trip and two nights lodging and get a third night of lodging for free. Get dialed in with a guide on day one and then get more dialed in with a second day of guided fishing or rent a boat and try it on your own.

Light traffic, plenty of sunshine and the potential for some pretty good fishing or not, but again, there are much worse things you could be doing than spending a day floating the MO’ on a sunny Montana summer day.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 2nd, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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