Fishing Report Archives - Page 35 of 41

Back on the Pere Marquette

PM Steel – photo by Brad Turner

I spent Monday floating the Pere Marquette River with my friend and fellow fly fishing guide Brad Turner. Brad taught me much of what I know about fly fishing many years ago and inspired me to pursue guiding which eventually led to career 2.0 at Wolf Creek Angler. We try to get together and fish whenever we can so following a great couple of days on the MO late last summer this time it was back to my home waters of the Pere Marquette for steelhead and streamer fishing.

We floated the fly water on what turned out to be a gorgeous spring day with near perfect water conditions. The first hours were spent trying to find a streamer the fish were interested in which proved to be quite a challenge. We didn’t move a fish for the first two hours. Though I’ve had some EPIC streamer days on the PM over the years I’ve also had plenty of days like the way this one was starting out where it’s just not happening. I ran through my tried and true PM favorite patterns unsuccessfully and finally found something that worked with a Wilson’s Articulated Sparkle Minnow. We moved a few, hooked a few and landed a few over the next miles including a couple of 20″+ fish following right to the boat but opting out of the eat. A frustrating scenario but definitely what has kept me throwing streamers all of these years. The visual aspect of streamer fishing a river like the PM is something we miss on the MO. Streamer fishing on the Missouri is still a blast but there’s something about bombing the banks and the structure on small water like the PM and seeing those big browns emerge from their hidden lies to chase down a streamer that gets your heart racing and makes you throw until you are too sore to throw anymore which was definitely the case yesterday.

It was after lunch time before we decided to try some steelhead fishing and as is usually the case with Brad he had us fishing some spots I never even noticed in my years on the PM, the second of which yielded a couple of hookups and one bright small female to hand (though not to hand long enough to get a picture). It’s been a long cold winter in Michigan and the new fish are just starting to move into the system so we were excited to see this fresh chrome beauty.

It was back to the streamer for a few miles, working a few steelhead spots along the way. The action definitely slowed towards evening though I did hook a steelhead on the streamer which resulted in a screaming reel battle which I lost.

As night began to fall we did find a couple more fish willing to play and it was near dark when I landed the biggest steelhead of my career after an epic battle which included plenty of coaching from Brad. I’ve had some great fights on the MO with some sizeable rainbows and coached clients through many a fight but I had forgotten just how powerful these fish are. What a rush and what a great day on the Pere Marquette!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:56-06:00April 1st, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, Michigan, Missouri River, Pere Marquette River, running line, Steelhead, Wilsons's Articluated Sparkle Minnow, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Final fishing report for March 2015

Leslie with one of many from Sunday’s float. Things are heating up on the MO. – photo by Jim Murray

Guest Blog from WCA Guide Jim Murray

Things are heating up on the Missouri. Literally. With the water temperatures pushing past that 40 degree mark, the river is really turning on. I had a chance to get out on the river Sunday with my ~~girlfriend~~ fiancé, and the Mighty Mo did not disappoint. Fellow WCA guide Matt Hargrave had told me that the fish were keying in on mayfly nymphs, and boy was he right. It seems with the warmer water temperatures, the baetis nymphs are getting really active subsurface and the fish are keying in on them. Little Green Machines, Micro Mays, Hogan S&M, and the Ju Ju Baetis in sizes 16-18 all produced fish. And don’t forget the Zebra Midge. We managed to bring one fish to the boat on a Firebead Rainbow Weight Fly, but the fish definitely seem to be moving off the pink/firebead stuff for the time being.
Along with bugs getting active, the warmer temps have the fish feeling a little more feisty and moving out of those deep winter holes. Fish were found primarily in 2-4 of water. Soft bends and shelf lines seem to be the key.
Adding to the fun is the fact that the dry fly bite is really turning on as well. Heads were spotted up between Wolf Creek and Craig, with trout willing to eat a well presented midge pattern. Rumors of big bugs being spotted in the canyon have started to be discussed over beers at the end of the day, and I know of a few anglers who have had some success giving it a try.
The streamer bite still seems to be hit or miss, (many times dependent on the angler) but only figures to improve in the coming days and weeks as the fish start to really shake off the winter doldrums and get a little nasty and aggressive. I know I have a new 8 weight rod that I’m just itching to get out and throw.
All in all, the Missouri is fishing well, and figures to only get better as conditions continue to heat up. It should be a great Spring on the Missouri. Now if we can just get some precipitation to keep it a great summer…

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:56-06:00March 31st, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T), juju baetis, midge, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|1 Comment

Sunday Report- Guest Blog from WCA Guide Matt Hargrave

Danya with one of many from Friday’s float. photo by Matt Hargrave

Montana experienced a very mild winter this year, which created plenty of fishing opportunities for local anglers. Personally, I kept my eyeballs on the ten day forecast, and made sure I was on the water whenever air temps were 40 degrees and above. While the fishing wasn’t always on fire, it was nice to be in the boat, on what became “bonus” days for all us trout bums. Most of those “bonus” days proved to be slow fishing with few fish to the net, and some of those days the only thing caught was a buzz and a minor case of hypothermia.

Yesterday was the day that I had been waiting for. The forecast called for a high of 75 with gusty winds. It never reached 75, but it didn’t get windy either. Perfect. Danya and I floated Dam to Craig. I did the usual row around just below the wire. We touched a fish on the first pass, landed a fish on the next two consecutive passes, and touched another on the fourth. The fish were definitely hungry yesterday, and Danya was crushing fish in the front of the boat. I had a nymph rig set at around 6 feet from bobber to split shot, with a #14 Tungsten Tailwater Sow bug, trailed by a #20 silver bead black zebra midge.

I finally bailed due to a handful of boats anchored up around me. Things slowed down below the grass flats. I changed out the zebra midge for a #16 grey Little Green Machine. The trout were all over that! Most of the fish seemed to be holding in knee to waist high water. I avoided the riffles because Rainbows are starting to build redds. As a reminder please avoid wading across the riffles, and be sure to look where you are a wading!

Below the Wolf Creek bridge, it continued to nymph well, but I also saw a lot of heads up eating midges, including a few legitimate pods. Some were rising here and there, but there were plenty that were consistently feeding. It was really exciting to see them come up and eat! You could see the cotton white on the inside of their mouth, which means you got a pretty good shot of catching that fish. Well, if you can set the hook at least. I blew about 8 or 10 hook sets. Call it first day dry fly fishing jitters. Or you could say that I didn’t check my hook after missing a fish. I got a couple more eats, but no hook set. Upon closer inspection, my Quigley’s Midge Cluster had a bent hook. Either I was ambitious or just care less, but my next fly choice was an impossible to see Griffith’s Gnat, which may or may not have induced an eat. All I know is that I set on eats that I thought was my fly. No fish to hand, just pulling up the anchor and looking for the next fish because those guys I spooked ain’t coming back up.

I managed to find another midge cluster, missed more eats, and put down more trout before realizing it was getting late and we had to go. I motored from spot to spot, Danya caught a couple more fish on the Little Green Machine and the Tung Tailwater Sow Bug. It was the fishiest day of the year so far. I expect there to be more days like this in the future as water temps are on the rise. Spring fishing is here, get out there and enjoy it my friends!—Matt

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:57-06:00March 29th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Weekend Edition

Spring weather underway in Wolf Creek

Ending the week with some summer temps here at the end of March with a high of 75 expected today. It could get a little breezy with gusts up to 21 mph but all in all it’s a gorgeous spring day to fish the Missouri. The water temp is bumping up against 40 at the dam and is starting to warm enough the further down you go to provide for some pretty solid streamer action. Fish are starting to be picked up in the shallows as well as the winter water so don’t overlook any of it right now.
There continues to be plenty of action on top pending the sun and the wind conditions and the nymphing is heating up. Firebeads and pink stuff have slipped out of style for the time being but we’re thinking they’ll be back at some point. In the meantime zebra midges, tailwater sows, LGM’s, Peepshows and Micromays have been gaining popularity amongst our customers and presumably amongst our trout.
Sparkle Minnows, Gold/Brown Kreelex, Black Buggers, Olive Smolts and Polar Leeches in all flavors have been getting some attention out there. Keep the bugs in the deep slow water and the retrieve on the slow side to start but don’t be afraid to target some shallow spring trout lies and speed up your strip with plenty of pauses in between.
Midge clusters some days, single midges on others. Try trailing an emerger to increase your odds.
We have plenty of winter-rate lodging available for the weekend and don’t forget our $300 Spring Special Full Day Guide Trips happening NOW through the end of April.
Stop by WCA on your way to the river for EVERYTHING you need for your day on the MO. Shuttles, boats, lodging, Kast Extreme Fishing Gear, friendly service and the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:58-06:00March 27th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: $300 Missouri River Guide Trips, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Mid Week Missouri River Fishing Report 3/25/15

Let the spring games begin….what to use?

A bit of semi-seasonable weather back yesterday and today with scattered precipitation and temps hanging in the 40’s but back to spring tomorrow with temperatures climbing into the 60’s and 70’s by Friday.
As has been the case for the last several weeks it’s been a mixed bag of reports out there but it sounds like Sunday was a pretty good day all the way around with periods of good dry fly action and some good streamer reports from the canyon stretch. Black buggers, Polar leeches, olive smolts and sparkle minnows have all been producing fish. Most of the reports we heard from Monday and Tuesday sounded like things were on the slow side but we’re hoping for the rebound today.
Nymphing will continue to be your best bet though it seems the transition from winter fare to spring bugs has certainly gotten underway. Not that the pink stuff won’t work but we’ve heard of a lot of people having more success with tailwater sows and zebra midges and the like. It’s the time of year to start experimenting with your flies which makes for a bit more of a challenge than running a #12 Pinkalicious trailed with a firebead soft hackle sow for days on end but it’s all part of the fun. Green Machines, Micromays, Juju’s, Wondernymphs,Rainbow Warriors ,Peep Shows, AmX, the aforementioned Tailwater Sows and Zebra Midges…..and on and on. What will they be eating today? Start with a black zebra and something that feels right and go with it and change until you find what’s working.
The one part of the game that has remained fairly constant is the water the fish are holding in. Slow, deep winter runs will continue to be your target for the time being but as we creep towards 40 and beyond that will change as well. It’s a great time of year to fish the Missouri. Change is underway and soon the crowds will return. Take advantage of the relative solitude while you can. It’s the perfect time to treat yourself to a $300 Spring Special Guide Trip with one of our expert guides.
Stop by the shop on your way to the river for shuttles, bugs, bobbers, boats and all kinds of cool new gear arriving daily. We are your one-stop full service Missouri River fly shop and THE place to stay in Wolf Creek. We are Outfitter owned and operated and anxious to share our knowledge of and passion for Montana fly fishing with you soon.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:58-06:00March 25th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: $300 Missouri River Guide Trips, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, juju baetis, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Guide Day Off – It’s just fishing!

Guest Blog from WCA Guide Jim Murray who ventured to the Land of the Giants over the weekend.

It’s not all fly fishing all the time. When I get a chance to get out and do some fishing on an off day, my friends and I have no problem throwing a spinning rod, jigging for walleye, or going way back to my Alaskan saltwater roots, and trolling. We just like to fish. Period.
Is was with that mindset that my good buddy Joel and I headed out to the Gates and the Land of the Giants this past weekend to get after some fish. The plan was to run up to the LOG, throw some streamers and maybe do some jigging. The streamer bite was definitely not happening, but we did manage to nymph up a few typical LOG rainbows, and miss a nice walleye on a deep jig.
We returned to the lake at the Gates, and decided to see if we couldn’t troll up a few walleye and trout. We got out the rod holders, rigged up with our favorite Rapalas, set the planing boards, tuned up the fish finder, and we were fishing. It didn’t take long for the ~~poles~~ rods to be bent, and they stayed bent the rest of the afternoon. While we didn’t catch the ever elusive ‘eye, we managed to really crush the rainbows. It was a great time. Time spent with a good friend on a lake, on a beautiful day, tipping back a few PBR’s, swapping stories and catching trout. Life is good.

It’s was also a great reminder that while I absolutely love to fly fish, there are many ways to get it done. Fishing is fishing. And it’s fun. I think about it pretty much every waking moment, but it’s always good to remember that it’s just fishin’. Have fun out there!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:58-06:00March 24th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Land of the Giants, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Missouri River Weekend Fishing Report

The first weekend of spring has brought us some gorgeous spring weather, full lodging, a busy fly shop and by most reports some fair fishing.
Our first Spring Special guide trips of the season will be out today and it looks like it will be a great day for fishing with mostly cloudy skies and a chance for some rain this afternoon. Could be a perfect streamer day if that’s your game, the fish-friendly cloud cover should provide some action for the head hunters and nymphing should be improving daily with the warmer water. Good prospects no matter what your game.
Sunny skies return tomorrow but it looks like it’s going to be another nice day to fish with highs near 60 and WSW wind around 9 mph. Plenty of lodging opening up tomorrow night if you’re lucky enough to be able to come out and fish with us early to mid week.
Ridiculously reasonable room rates, $300 full day guide trips and great spring weather – what more could you ask for?
How about RO drift boat rentals, shuttles, Extreme Fishing Gear from KAST, lots of books to teach you how to fish the Missouri, Fishpond Nomad nets, RIO leaders, tippet and InTouch Fly Lines, Strike Foundry indicators, all kinds of accessories and the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana? We’ve got all that too!
See you at Wolf Creek Angler – Outfitter owned and operated and feeling insanely privlidged to be your full service Missouri River fly shop.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:58-06:00March 21st, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: $300 Missouri River Guide Trips, fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, RO Drift Boats, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Fishing Report and weekend forecast 3/19/15

Reports are that things are still hit or miss out there this week but there are plenty of fish being caught and with that water temp creeping ever upwards it’s just a matter of time before things really turn on. We’ve heard more consistent reports from the water below Craig but you should be able to find fish everywhere with some work. It sounds like streamer fishing has been decent but still a painfully SLOW retrieve. We can’t wait to start stripping and twitching again and it won’t be long now. Stop in and let us get you set up for streamer fishing on the Missouri. Whether it’s advice on streamers or sinking lines or techniques you need or perhaps a complete rig we’re happy to help.

We’ve got a bin full of proven patterns and we will tell you everything you need to know to make them work for you. We are streamer addicts from WAY back and while we don’t spend as much time throwing streamers on the MO we’ve spent countless days and rowed hundreds of miles of water in our past lives throwing and stripping and swinging the Big Ugly Bugs. While our methods may be a little different than what is typically done here on the Missouri they have proven to be just as effective here as on the Pere Marquette, the Manistee, the Ausable, the Snake, the Yellowstone, the Limay, the Manso and many more.

Nymphing continues to be decent with fish still holding in the predictable spots and eating the predictable bugs. Winter fare is still on the menu ( pink stuff, firebeads, soft hackle sows etc) but don’t be afraid to experiment with some of the springtime stuff. Again – it could blow up any day now with the warming water.

The browns are definitely making their presence known with the rainbows beginning to move out as they heed nature’s call. Please be mindful of the redds and watch where you wade out there.

An abundance of midges on the water daily and fish up on them when the conditions are right. Cloud cover is definitely the ticket for top water success.

Blue skies and sunshine today will give way to considerable clouds early tomorrow and a high near 70 with SW wind at 5-10. Mostly cloudy Saturday with a high of 64 and SSW winds at 10-20 mph. It’s a great weekend to fish the Missouri. We’ve got limited lodging available for the weekend and it looks like it’s going to fill up so don’t wait too long to book those rooms. Make Wolf Creek Angler your one stop on the way to the Missouri for shuttles, bugs, boats, lodging, guide trips, cold weather gear, warm weather gear and much, much more.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:58-06:00March 19th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, fly fishing, Missouri River, nymphs, running line, Streamer Fishing, streamers, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Canyon Fishing Report 3/17/15 – guest blog from WCA Guide Jim Murray

Luck of the Rubber Legs happening NOW in the canyon.

As we stated yesterday, Spring fishing has been a little inconsistent so far. Some good days, some REALLY good days, and quite honestly, some days that have been a little, well, on the slow side. With the majority of our Spring fishing taking place between the Dam and Spite Hill, we decided to head down into the Canyon and try some different water. While the high winds definitely made fishing a challenge,(and caused us to call an audible on our shuttle) we were greeted with some pretty good fishing. The fish were where you would expect to find them. Slow, deep runs. We didn’t have much luck fishing the hard banks, but when we would find the softer water, we would pick up a fish or two or three. The fish were definitely in an eating mood, and we caught fish on our usual winter/spring time patterns, as well as some larger bugs too. Don’t be afraid to experiment down in the Canyon. You just may be rewarded!

We also threw some streamers, and while we had some chases and tugs and a couple of fish brought to the boat, it was much slower than the nymph fishing. Again, not much love on the hard banks, with the softer water being the key. Notice a pattern?

While the majority of people fishing this time of year concentrate above Craig, don’t be afraid to try a different float down low. You might like what you find. All in all, it’s shaping up to be a great Spring, and this river feels like It’s about to really catch fire. With the water temperatures approaching 40, it’s Game On on the Mo. Along with that is the reminder that the rainbows are starting to spawn. Keep this in mind as you head out to fish this Spring, and be aware of where you are fishing.

Remember, $300 Spring Special Guide Trips start on Friday the 20^th and WCA has everything you need to make your day on the Missouri a great one: lodging, shuttles, bugs, boat rentals, advice, and the best cup of coffee in Wolf Creek. Stop in and say hi on your way to the river. We’d love to meet you!

WCA Guide Extraordinaire Jim Murray with a canyon beauty. Book your trip with Jim or any one of our expert guides today.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:58-06:00March 17th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: $300 Missouri River Guide Trips, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, running line, streamers, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Mid-March Fishing Report

The first half of March has been a little tough around here. A couple of good days but hit and miss for the most part. The weather has been awesome but as winter comes to a close we’re happy to see some precip in the cards today and through the first half of the week. It could be really good out there the next couple of days with clouds and snow and light winds and temps in the 40’s.
Water temps are creeping upwards towards 40, we’re thinking streamers but we’re also thinking that the nymphing may turn on and it’s a safe bet there will be fish up on the midges under cloudy skies. This could be the week it turns on and the timing couldn’t be better with our $300 spring special guide trips commencing on Friday – the first day of Spring!
As of yesterday we’ve doubled our lodging capacity and rooms are filling quickly. In addition to the bungalows, we now have Cabins 1 and 2 available, each with its own full kitchen and bath for $99 and we’ve also got Cabin #3 back on the roster at the ridiculously reasonable rate of $69. No kitchen in #3 but two beds, a private bathroom, fridge, microwave and coffee maker. Get it while you can!
Make WCA your destination this week. We’ve got everything you need. Rooms, boats, shuttles, cold weather gear, warm weather gear, cool River Steel tools from Montana Fly Co, all kinds of indicators including Strike Foundry’s Lil’ Nuggets, Loon Aquel, Flyagra, leaders and tippet from RIO and Trout Hunter, a bunch of awesome clearance items and of course, the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana. Outfitter Owned and Operated and open EVERY DAY from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
See you in the shop and on the water.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:58-06:00March 16th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: $300 Missouri River Guide Trips, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, RIO, running line, streamers, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments