Fishing Report Archives - Page 5 of 42

Endless Second Summer finally Coming to a Close

Nothing like October Browns on the MO

Day after day of blue skies and sunshine and temps in the 70’s make it feel more like September out there than mid October but things are about to change. A couple of more days of this and then something more like what you’d expect with November looming.

Those unseasonably warm daytime highs will start to head towards normal starting on Friday as the clouds roll in and we drop into the 40’s for the weekend with overnight lows dropping into the high 20’s and low 30’s. There’s a good chance we’ll see a rain and snow mix on Saturday and Sunday and while sunshine will return starting on Monday, highs in the 40’s will confirm we’re a third of the way into fall.

Could Saturday and Sunday bring the BWO’s you’ve all been asking about for the past 4 weeks? There’s only one way to find out. And while I expect there will be a few folks around this weekend, Saturday’s General Hunting Opener and the weather to go with it will likely keep the river fairly quiet.

If you’re skipping the hunt then grab those BWO and streamer boxes and spend your weekend on the Missouri. I feel like there’s a good chance one or both of those weekend days could be epic dry fly events but even if they aren’t, I’d bet on awesome streamer action. It’s been moderately good even on these bright and sunny days with plenty of fall shadows in which to find the fish hiding but if we get the conditions they’re calling for this weekend it could very well be the best streamer fishing we’ve seen since spring.

We’re still selling a ton of Balanced Leeches and Kreelex and Thin Mints and the like but the big stuff is moving now as well so you know the hard core streamer junkies have arrived. We’ve got a couple of new must haves like a Brown and Yellow Wedge Head and Swim Coaches in all flavors as well as piles of Sparkle Minnows in the full spectrum of colors. Dirty Hippies and Circus Peanuts are never a bad call in the fall and ZK’s Colonel Kurtz and MK Ultras have been hot sellers these past weeks.

We are your streamer shop on the MO with bins full of bugs and a full range of Streamer Lines for any and all situations. Rio Predator and Streamer Tip, Airflo Streamer Max, SA Sonar…we’ve got em’ all. Our fall rod/reel sale has gone so well we’re a bit thin on inventory at this point….right where we want to be heading into the winter, but we do have some awesome streamer sticks still available at 25% off. Redington Predator, Echo Streamer X and Boost Blue, Lamson Cobalt fine rods all and at a price that can’t be beat. Pair it with a Redington or Lamson reel and a line and take 30% off the entire package. And just to help you feed your addiction we’ll knock 30% off any streamers you purchase with a rod/reel/line package now through the end of October.

Nymphing is still going strong though we have seen a bit of a lull in the action these past couple of days. It’s still a sowbug game with Tailwater Sows, Pill Poppers, Poxyback Sows, Soft Hackle Sows, Yum Yums, UV Sows and Cotton Candies all getting it done. You can’t go wrong with a double sow rig but you’d also be right to mix in some baetis nymphs. Little Green Machines, Olive Psycho Mays, Olive S & M’s, BWO Magic Flies, Split Case BWO’s, Pheasant Tails…all good options. Firebeads? Worms? Sure – they’ll eat all of it. Show them something a little different and reap the rewards.

Dry fly action is spotty though there seem to be ample opportunities more days than not for those on the hunt. A few caddis bouncing around including the occasional October variety. Tiny BWO’s as well. Fish blind with a Foamy October Caddis or Purple Haze or Parachute Adams or come over to the Dark Side and get your streamer fix while you wait for rain and snow and BWO’s, keeping in mind that those same conditions you’re praying for if you’re a DFO are exactly the conditions we streamer junkies have been awaiting as well. If the weather comes but the bugs don’t, rest assured the possibility of epic streamer fishing is at hand.

We’re open at 7:30 AM Monday – Saturday and 8:00 AM on Sunday. Mornings are cold and dark so there’s certainly no shame in waiting until after 8 to get your start. We’ve been starting our guide trips closer to 9 and doing just fine.

Guides are wrapping up for the season and trips are coming to a close. Lodging is available with everything open until the end of October.

Stop in tomorrow for sun screen and ice and on Saturday for hand warmers, flannel shirts, winter hats and gloves!

We are your four season Missouri River full service fly shop.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-10-18T15:58:03-06:00October 18th, 2022|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, caddis, dry fly fishing, green machine, Lamson, Missouri River, Redington, running line, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Autumn Fade

As we approach the middle of October the season’s end is looming.

You wouldn’t know it, based on the weather which has been consistently pleasant. Daytime highs have been in the 60’s and low 70’s with blue skies and sunshine more often than not. Overnight lows are chilly, dipping into the high 30’s and 40’s but you really couldn’t ask for nicer weather.

Even so, every good thing must come to an end and while it may feel like September, time is marching on. Soon the 2022 campaign will be in the rearview and we’ll all be sitting back and reflecting on what went well and what could’ve gone better as we look toward the next.

Fall traffic has been fairly heavy, especially these last two weeks but this week feels like things are coming to a close. Just a handful of trips out this week and while our lodging is still fully open there aren’t quite as many folks around.

Many guides have either completed or are counting down to their last trips of the season and as is always the case, while we hate to see it come to an end, everyone is ready for a much-anticipated break in the action.

The fishing remains good with nymphing and streamer fishing continuing to make up for the majority of our trips. BWO’s have yet to make a showing but dry fly fishing is still an option if that’s where your heart lies. Terrestrials and October Caddis could still get a look and you might find success prospecting with a Purple Haze or Parachute Adams. Try trailing a CDC Caddis Emerger behind whatever it is you choose to lead with. They seem to eat it more often than what you might expect.

Stick with the sowbug program if you’re nymphing. A #14 Tungsten Tailwater Sow trailed by a #16 unbeaded Tailwater Sow has been a good go to but BWO nymphs like the Little Green Machine, Split Case BWO, BWO Magic Fly, BWO Redemption, BWO Psycho May and a plain old Pheasant Tail have all been getting noticed as well. Medium fast current, medium depth water should still be your target. The swirlies have been full of food and full of fish so maybe go deep there but otherwise 4 ish feet from bobber to first bug should suffice, with our without a spit shot.

Streamer fishing has been good, better during the low light or under cloud cover but definitely worth your time regardless of conditions. Small black buggers and Thin Mints have been consistently good but the larger, flashier offerings are finding plenty of willing players as well. Weeds are a hindrance but there’s plenty of clean water to throw to. Choose a good long stretch and push through the weedy stuff.

Flows are on the low side (currently around 3300 cfs) with temps holding in the 58 – 60 range. Traffic has finally spread out from the dam stretch with the entire river fishing well. A little more water would be nice but all in all the water and the fish are in great shape and it’s really been an idyllic fall fishing season thus far. The weather looks to hold steady for the foreseeable forecast with no sign of a winter shift on the horizon but it’s coming sooner or later so get out there and enjoy this amazing fall weather and this amazing fall fishery while you can.

We’re open at 7:30 AM Monday – Saturday and 8 AM on Sundays for all of your Missouri River fall fly fishing needs. Shuttles, bugs and so much more including awesome Simms fall flannels and hoodies and plenty of waders, boots now that wader season has returned.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-10-11T14:27:45-06:00October 11th, 2022|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Little Green Machine, Missouri River, October Caddis, Pheasant Tail, Psycho May, Redemption, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, terrestrials, thin mints, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Late September on the MO

Summer heat has returned this week with temps back in the 80’s and near 90 tomorrow. Overnight lows in the 40’s and low 50’s have made for cool mornings so despite the daytime highs being a little warmer than what we’d like right now it still definitely feels like fall. More seasonable conditions will resume on Thursday with temps dropping back into the 60’s and 70’s with cloudy skies and a daily chance for some precipitation through the weekend.

Traffic has dropped off for us a bit this week after last week’s guide trip marathon but there are a fair number of folks getting out and enjoying these summer-like afternoons and the upcoming change in conditions will likely bring out the streamer set as well as those in search of fall dry fly action. We’re not expecting much on that front just yet but it won’t be long. While you wait for the fall BWOs you can bide your time with terrestrials, October Caddis and those dreaded pseudos.

Nymphing continues to be your best bet for numbers with sows, scuds and zebras getting it done and crayfish patterns still providing some solid action on the right days.

Conventional wisdom dictates small leechy patterns on intermediate lines if you want to try your hand at the streamer game and we’ve undoubtedly been selling plenty of Buggers, Thin Mints, Balanced Leeches, Pine Squirrel Leeches, Polar Leeches etc and getting some glowing reports. However, it’s not conventional wisdom that made us THE Streamer shop on the MO so you won’t be surprised to hear that we’ve been defying convention by running big bugs and heavy lines, searching out the water that allows it and finding plenty of success (and plenty of weeds)ourselves.

We keep the streamer bins as full as the supply chain allows so be sure to make us your first stop of the day for the best streamer selection on the MO and a variety of specialty lines and leaders to fit your preferred technique.

We’re down to the last of the summer gear but we’re fully stocked with cool weather essentials like Simms WCA Challenger hoodies and guide flannels as well as a full selection of hats, gloves and layering and of course waders and boots from Simms, Redington and Korkers. We stock Simms G3 and Freestone waders as well as Redington Sonic Pro waders and Escape wading pants.

Our fall rod and reel sale has been a huge success and is still going strong.

Our lodging is busy but not SOLD OUT on most nights. Give us a call for last minute reservations. Our guide calendar has peaked as we start to close out the 2022 campaign. We have openings throughout October and despite having had our busiest guide week of the fall last week we feel like the best fishing of the fall is still ahead of us.

It’s definitely the home stretch with the winter’s quiet looming but that being said it’s currently 80 degrees and sunny with clear blue skies above and a symphony of fall color….it’s the best of fall fly fishing in Montana. Get out there!

We’re open at 7 AM daily for all of your Missouri River fall fly fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-09-27T14:53:03-06:00September 27th, 2022|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: balanced leeches, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, pine squirrel leeches, polar leeches, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, thin mints, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Autumn Creeping In

46 degrees this morning on the MO with intermittent drizzle and a northerly breeze. Feels like fall to me!

Piles of streamers leaving the bins today as our friends from the annual Schultz Outfitters trip brave the elements and the weeds and hunt for those prized fall browns….Michigan style. Go Big or Go HOME.

Today’s taste of quintessential fall weather will be short-lived as we even out in the 60’s for the next few days and back up into the high 70’s early next week but the overnight low dipping into the 30’s tonight should definitely make for a chilly start tomorrow.

Waders and boots and raingear are starting to move and I expect we’ll move some hats and gloves over the next day or two before the heat returns.

Our Annual Autumn Rod and Reel Sale is going strong with 25% Off all rods and reels and 30% off when you buy any rod, reel and line.

It’s our busiest guide week of the fall with the aforementioned Schultz crew here and it seems everyone keyed on late September this year. Always a safe bet for the start of the fall season but as I’ve said in the past, for my money – October is where it’s at. And it just so happens that we’ve got a fair amount of availability for lodging and guide trips should you decide to give October (and even early November) a try.

Dry fly fishing is not at its best as we await fall BWO’s though there is enough action between terrestrials, callibaetis and the occasional October Caddis to keep it interesting.

Nymphing is the go to with sows, zebras and crays leading the charge but don’t be afraid to try something outside of that realm. Purple weight flies, Rainbow Czechs and Frenchies paired with a Little Green Machine or any old PT might just get it done.

Streamers are getting eaten with consistency for those willing to brave the weed mass. Seek out the cleanest water you can and maybe opt for the intermediate versus the full sink. Small leechy patterns are getting it done but the big stuff works too. Roll through those streamer boxes until you find something that moves them. Sparkle Minnows, Dirty Hippies, Baby Gongas, Mini Dungeons, Thin Mints, Swim Coach, Peanut Envy, Autumn Splendor, JJ’s….fish what you like. Hit the banks, hit the buckets, hit the riffles. They could be anywhere.

Cold dark mornings typically translate to later starts though the low light morning hours could definitely work in your favor. We’re starting most of our guide trips around 8 AM so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get out ahead of the crowds. That, or wait em’ out and play clean up once the guide boats move on.

We’re sticking with 7AM open for them time being but that will get later as morning light and temperature conditions dictate.

Stop in for shuttles, bugs, hats, gloves, waders, boots, boat rentals and much much more. We are your Missouri River Autumn Fly Fishing Destination, a one-stop shop for anything and everything you may need.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-09-20T12:35:01-06:00September 20th, 2022|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Back At It

What a difference a week makes!

A week ago we were looking for ways to pass the time with the late summer lull in full effect. The days in the shop tend to drag during the lull, especially after 9 am when you often don’t see much in the way of customers for the rest of the day. A few folks stopping in out of curiosity or maybe asking for change for the pop machine or directions to the river. Suffice it to say, we haven’t been setting any retail records over these past few weeks but the switch flipped this week and we’re back in the thick of it.

A full house and a pile of guide trips going out most days these next couple of weeks. It’s taken a minute to get back into the swing of things but we’re there now and ready to finish this season strong.

Not much has changed on the river since last week. It’s still primarily a nymphing game but there are some surface opportunities as well with terrestrials and the occasional callibaetis and October Caddis which may be few and far between but our trout LOVE them so don’t be afraid to invest some time in an October Caddis dry/dropper rig.

Weeds are definitely creating challenges for the sub-surface set but you’ve likely dealt with much worse. Check those rigs often and keep em’ clean. Trout prefer NO SALAD with their meal!

Weeds aside, the water is in great shape with flows holding steady in the 4200 CFS range and temps on the drop (currently 63 degrees).

Smoke from wild fires in the region has been pretty thick this past week for the first time this season but seems to have started to dissipate today. Cooler weather trends ahead with a chance for precipitation most days should continue to cool the water temps while the fishing heats up.

There’s nothing like fall fishing on the MO. Chilly mornings and evenings, fall colors popping and big browns on the prowl. Get out there!

We’re open at 7 AM daily with everything you need for your day on the water. Hats, Gloves, Sun protection, the best streamer selection on the MO and the sale of the season happening NOW on all rods and reels.

Lodging is busy but plenty of last minute options available most nights. We can’t really say the same thing where guide trips are concerned. It’s a busy month on the MO with many of our summer guides who moonlight as educators during the off season back to work, shrinking our guide pool substantially. It never hurts to call and ask but September is pretty well full. We do have plenty of openings in October though which in my opinion is the better month to fish but that’s neither here nor there. Give us a shout if you’d like to set something up for October or early November.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-09-14T13:00:17-06:00September 14th, 2022|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Farewell August…Autumn is upon us

We enjoyed a brief respite from the heat last weekend but we’re right back in it this week with highs in the 90’s and pushing triple digits. The good news is we’re cooling WAY down overnight with temps dipping into the 40’s and 50’s. This bodes well for keeping water temps in the comfort zone and as we close out the month of August it’s certain that cooler weather will be here soon.

In the meantime start early and skip the heat of the day. 7 AM has felt like the ideal as of late with darkness starting to overtake that summertime early morning light.

River flows are holding steady at around 4,000 CFS with water temps in the 64 – 66 degree range. With an abundance of our regional waters on Hoot Owl Restrictions right now you really couldn’t ask for better water conditions that what we’re seeing right now…especially by late summer standards. Yes, weeds are an ever-present challenge but definitely not nearly as bad as they could be.

The shift in the weather seemed to trigger the autumn bite these past few days. We’ll see if that maintains through this next run of hot days which looks like it’s going to run into the middle part of next week.

Black Zebra midges getting it done, autumn style. Pair it with a purple weight fly, beaded sow or beaded Pheasant Tail or do the double zebra, medium to shallow depth on your rig with or without a bb. Pairing with a Zirdle could also be the right call but whatever nymph rig you’re running be sure to check it often and keep it clean.

The hopper bite has slowed a bit but it’s still good enough that you should be able to move at least a few fish it you put your time in. Trail with an ant or drop a zebra or green machine to up your odds or just run solo if casting proficiency is an issue. Grassy banks are the obvious target, mid-river riffles and shallow flats might surprise you.

We’re clearing out summer gear at 40 percent off….get it while it lasts. Fall gear arriving daily including killer WCA logo Simms Challenger Hoodies.

We’re fully stocked with Simms G3 and Freestone waders as well as wading pants and waders from Redington and a bunch of boot options from Korkers and Simms.

Summer fly bins are being rapidly depleted. Streamers, October Caddis and fall/winter options are in great shape.

Our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale is underway with 25 % off ALL RODS AND REELS. Lamson, Echo, Redington, Ross, Loop….all 25% off. The best deals of the season happening NOW.

We’re open at 7 AM daily with everything you need for your day on the water. Shuttles, bugs, ice, fishing licenses, sun protection, stream thermometers, anchors, nets, fly boxes in all shapes and sizes, lines, leaders…if you need it we more than likely have it. If we don’t have it you probably don’t really need it.

We are your Missouri River Fall Fly Fishing One Stop Shop.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-08-30T11:07:45-06:00August 30th, 2022|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Summer Fading Fast

It’s hard to believe but August is already coming to a close. Summer 22 is about to be but a memory as we turn the page and start to look towards fall fishing.

It’s been one of the hotter summers in recent memory with the number of days above 90 degrees far outpacing the average. We’ll see 90 today but cooler temps and maybe even some rain are on the way for the remainder of this week.

We’ll see highs in the high 70’s and low 80’s all week with a good chance for rain showers and possible thunderstorms starting tomorrow and running through Friday. Overnight lows will continue to dip into the low 50’s which should provide some relief to our stressed waters around the region. Fingers crossed that we get some precipitation and hopefully avoid any serious fire activity.

We anticipate solid fishing this week with the change in conditions, especially on the days with cloud cover which we should see starting tomorrow. The hopper bite continues to be strong on the right days with the hopper/ant rig outperforming the hopper/dropper rig but both have been effective. A single hopper or ant also gets it done for those who are working to improve their casting proficiency but perhaps aren’t quite there yet.

We’ve had better luck on smaller hoppers in the #12 – #14 range but don’t be afraid to mix it up and try the #8’s and #10’s. Tan Donkey Kong and Morrish and More or Less hoppers in Tan, Peach and Yellow have been money. Trail with a Stealth Ant and work the banks as well as the mid-river riffles.

Tricos have been hit or miss but there have definitely been some stellar days. Those opportunities should persist into early September.

Sow bugs, Green Machines, PT’s, black or olive zebra midges, weight flies in purple or gold, Peep Shows, Frenchies and Zirdles have all been good nymphing options though weeds are making things challenging so be mentally prepared for that.

The river remains quiet for the time being. Most traffic is concentrated at the dam as you might expect with most opting for the coldest and cleanest water but as those water temps hopefully start to drop a bit this week it might be worth your while exploring lower river options.

Rec traffic has been heavy, especially on the weekends but that’s all about to change as the world shifts out of summer mode and back to the grind.

Angling traffic will increase next month. It’s one of our busier Septembers as far as guide trips go with folks looking to get the jump on fall fishing. We’ve got several large groups coming in for annual trips starting the second week of the month so last minute bookings in September will be tough to fill but October is pretty wide open at this point if you’re looking to make plans for a fall pilgrimage to the MO.

With the days getting shorter and things hopefully cooling down soon we’re going back to opening at 7 AM this week. End of Summer Sale happening now with 40% OFF ALL SUMMER GEAR including cool T’s from Yakoda and all WCA summer logo wear. Annual Fall Rod and Reel SALE coming SOON.

Enjoy these late summer days on the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-08-22T10:08:40-06:00August 22nd, 2022|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Hoppers, Missouri River, running line, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, Yakoda, zebra midges|0 Comments

The Shift

And just like that the BLUR shifts to the break as the traffic thins and we’re able to take a breath.

It seems the crowds have gone the way of the PMD’s….waning. Even as Tricos continue to move up river and the evening caddis action is heating up there has been a noticeable shift in angling pressure and while I wouldn’t exactly call the daytime traffic “light” if you wait until evening to fish you may not see another boat.

Many of the out of area guides have headed to their home waters as most everything has come into shape leaving us with a bit of a break in the traffic smack dab in the middle of PRIME DRY FLY TIME.

Tricos, Caddis and Terrestrials all on the menu right now and you can even continue to drown nymphs if you choose though it would seemingly be a shame to do so considering the dry fly madness happening around you. Hunt those heads and deliver the goods to your chosen fish or fish blind with a caddis, an ant, or a hopper and see what happens if the head hunting thing stresses you out.

Unlike the past several weeks we do have a few lodging vacancies. Guide trips are still going full tilt and available guides will continue to be hard to come by. Boat rentals have been at capacity these past couple of weeks continuing through this weekend and then things open up. Shuttles have continued to sell out daily so make sure to get here early or arrange the day before if you want to guarantee your shuttle.

Summer heat has arrived. We’ll be seeing temps approaching 100 a few times over the next few days but whether it’s 90 or 100, it’s going to be HOT regardless. Expect an abundance of rec float traffic this weekend with a high of 97 expected and plan accordingly. Start your day early and take the hottest part of the day off leaving the river to the float brigade. Return in the evening for awesome caddis action.

River flows continue to fluctuate and are currently at 5730 CFS. We should see it settle out at around 4K soon but we’re liking where we’re at for mid-July with good flow and temps holding in the low 60s, especially considering that a couple of months ago we were all but sounding the alarm as low snow pack had us wondering if we wouldn’t be on Hoot Owl in June. As it turns out, the late spring precipitation coupled with cool temps has us halfway through the season with the landscape still predominantly green and the water in great shape.

Weeds are in the early stages. Not bad at this point but a factor from here on out.

The shop is open from 6:30 AM – 5 PM daily with all of your Missouri River Summer Heat Fly Fishing Essentials. Sun Screen, Buffs, Eyewear, Simms SolarFlex Hoodies, shorts and flip flops; Fishpond and Simms sun hats, Ice, Fishing Licenses, Shuttles and of course the largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-07-12T10:27:39-06:00July 12th, 2022|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Heat Wave on the Horizon

Following a week filled with scattered thunderstorms and fluctuating but pleasant daytime temps it looks like we’re in for our first sustained heatwave of the summer as the mercury starts to climb early next week into the mid to high 90’s, bumping up against 100 on Wednesday.

Not much in the forecast for precipitation but always be prepared as summer storms are common in the west and often come from out of nowhere. Have some rain gear at the least, preferably something with a sturdy hood to perhaps protect your noggin from the painful hail that can sometimes accompany these summer storms.

These hot summer days on the water are what many come for and there’s nothing quite as relaxing as floating down the river on a blue bird summer day but it’s important to be prepared for hazards like variations in the weather, lightning, wind and hail and the potential for overexposure to sun and/or heat. Keep yourself hydrated and don’t forget the sunblock.

Humans like the heat – so do the bugs. Waning days of PMD’s happening NOW with Caddis action building and Tricos making their way up river. Fishable numbers in the middle and lower sections now should give way to river-wide action over the next week or two.

In the absence of bugs try blind fishing a caddis, you might be surprised how effective the blind technique can be. And while it may be a little early, I never hesitate to give the hoppers a try any time after the fourth of July. Prime terrestrial season is still a ways out but if you spend enough time throwing a hopper or ant you’ll likely find a few willing players.

Rusty Spinners have been effective trailed with a PMD emerger, a CDc caddis emerger or a Buzzball. Double Wing Tricos or Indicator Spinners paired with a Trico emerger will soon be your go to rig. Outrigger Caddis, Front End Loaders, Stocking Foot Caddis, Iceberg Caddis, Missouri River CDC Caddis, Cornfed Caddis and Blooms Parachute Caddis are all good options thrown blind or to mimic what you’re seeing on the water.

Nymphing continues to be amazingly consistent with PMD and Caddis nymphs complementing the sowbug fare. Best bets for nymphing include Split Case PMD’s, Frenchies, PMD Redemptions, S & M’s, Little Green Machines, Gold or Purple Weight Flies, Tung Darts, Nitro Caddis, Rusty Magic Fly, Peep Show, Zebra Midges and black or olive Zebras. The water is still surprisingly clean with weeds just now getting started. Not bad considering we’re heading into the second week of July. Expect exponential growth once the temps skyrocket next week but with the relatively stable flows we’re seeing some of this will be mitigated.

Traffic has slowed slightly and many of those who remain are solidly situated in the DFO camp. A lot of folks wading and more evening angling activity than you’ll generally see on the Missouri.
The season is flying by us, so much so that bookings have seen a seismic shift to fall inquiries over this past week.

August seems a bit busier than usual but will still feel like a ghost town after these past couple of months. And things pick right back up in September so if you’re looking for fall dates on the MO we encourage you to make those plans now. October is fairly wide open at this point and is, in my opinion, the better month for fall fishing on the Missouri. More on that soon.

We’re open at 6:30 AM daily with limited shuttles, unlimited bugs and everything you need for your day on the water.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-07-08T11:31:14-06:00July 8th, 2022|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, pmd's, running line, summer, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Summer Days on the Missouri

Summer officially arrived last week and with it The Blur which is how we refer to this portion of the season when days blur together and the busy weeks we anticipate, prepare for and look forward to all year fly past, carrying us to the Dog Days of August and soon after the start of the fall season. Do you have your fall dates booked? It’ll be here before you know it.

We saw some fluctuations in flows last week which left some frustrated, but things have since stabilized and we’re currently looking at flows of 4100 CFS where they will likely hold for the remainder of the season. Water temps are creeping up with summer’s heat having finally arrived, but at 58 – 59 degrees we’ve got absolutely nothing to complain about.

Conditions are truly ideal right now with stable flows of cold clean water, lush green landscapes and happy, hungry trout feasting on PMD’s daily. The long days mean long hours on the water with many dry fly obsessed anglers fishing the last light of the day.

These are the days that define Montana fly fishing in the minds of many. And these are the days we savor every season.

The fishing has been phenomenal more days than not except for those couple of days with the big bumps and drops in flows.

PMD’s are still the main course though we’re approaching the end of the PMD cycle over the next two weeks. Caddis action is somewhat sparse but seems to be gaining momentum. Look for things to improve as we close out the month of June and roll into the 4th of July weekend. PMD’s still here. Caddis gaining steam and Tricos on the way. It’s Dry Fly Nirvana on the Mighty MO. Oh, and don’t forget…hoppers aren’t that far off!

We’ve got you covered with massive quantities of dry fly patterns for all of the above along with a vast array of floatants and a wide variety of general and specialty lines for your optimum dry fly presentation. We’ve got everything you need to make it happen…the rest is up to you.

There are plenty of folks throwing bobbers as well and hooking up plenty. PMD nymphs (split case, magic fly, redemption, Psycho May, etc. ) and caddis nymphs should be your go to bugs but don’t count the sowbugs out. Sowbugs are always on the menu. Best sellers the past week from the nymph bins include Tailwater Sows, Purple Weight flies, Frenchies, Perdigons, Split Case PMD’s, Little Green Machines and PMD Redemption.

Stop in and stock up on bugs and sun protection and ice and whatever else you need for your day on the water. Shuttles have been crazy to the point that we’re cutting off shuttle sales fairly early each day depending on the traffic. Get here early to make sure you can get a shuttle. We aren’t the only ones cutting shuttles off so you could find yourself without a shuttle if you arrive late on a busy day. We apologize for the inconvenience, it’s a BUSY year on the Missouri!

We continue to get a ton of calls daily for guide trips and while we have been able to pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat a few times chances are slim that we’ll be able to book any additional trips over these next couple of weeks. The same holds true for lodging. We do get cancellations here and there but for the most part we are booked solid through the middle of July. Things open up at the end of the month.

Welcome back to the Blur. We hope to see you soon. We’re open 7 AM – 5 PM daily and will adjust accordingly once the Tricos commence.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-06-27T16:02:07-06:00June 27th, 2022|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Montana, pmd's, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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