Shop Life Archives - Wolf Creek Angler

Mid-February on the MO

Idyllic February Float on the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

The mild weather on the MO continues with the first day of spring now just 30 days away. We got a brief taste of winter on Monday with just enough snow to cover the ground, but it didn’t last long with daytime highs in the 40’s disappearing any sign of winter.

The forecast holds steady for the remainder of the week with sunny skies and highs near 50 each day. We’ll FINALLY see a shift Monday night into Tuesday with temperatures dropping and a chance for some snow. We’ll see more seasonable temps with highs in the low 30’s and overnight lows in the teens through the end of the week.

If you want to treat your valentine to a day on the Missouri we have lodging available and guides at the ready for the upcoming Valentine’s Day/President’s Day weekend. Winter lodging rates are $149/night (plus tax). Unfortunately, our winter lodging is not pet friendly so please leave your pooch at home.

Our premium lodging includes a kitchenette with cook top, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, and coffee maker so dining in is an option. Eats are a little hard to come by this time of year in the canyon but it looks like the Missouri River Bar and Grill will be doing a Prime Rib dinner this Saturday night and I would expect that the Craig Taphouse will likely have something going on for Valentine’s Day as well but I was not able to confirm this so you might want to call ahead.

Our winter lodging and guide trip special is available through the end of March. Two nights premium lodging and a full day on the water for one or two angers for just $850 (plus tax).

Nymphing has been status quo with the Sowbug bite in full swing. And speaking of swinging, wintertime is swing time on the Missouri and with the mild conditions we have had all winter long you needn’t limit your efforts to the Holter Dam to Craig stretch.

Flows have been steady at around 3500 CFS with the water temperature at or around 35 degrees. Those water temps decrease as you move downstream, but shelf ice has yet to be a concern this winter. All ramps are clear and fishing reports have been solid as far down as Mid Canon. The canyon itself has been quiet as is generally the case in the winter but at this point, I wouldn’t hesitate to fish it if you want to have it all to yourself.

Staffing is a challenge during the winter months, snow, or no snow, so shop hours have been lacking consistency, but we will be here this Friday and Saturday at 8 AM and may or may not have shuttles available.

We are fully stocked on Pill Poppers and sows and all your other favorite winter nymphs as well as all the streamers you need for swinging or stripping on the MO. Check out our Valentine’s Day Big Ticket Sale, this weekend only, with 30% off all rods, reels, and wading gear.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at WCA!

By Jason Orzechowski|2026-02-11T10:14:46-07:00February 11th, 2026|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Valentine, Valentine's Day Big Ticket Sale, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Image created by ChatGPT5.2

We’re not sure what to make of this “winter” but regardless of what weather we get or don’t get over the next two months, one thing is for sure, the spring fishing season is rapidly approaching, and this is the time to start sorting your gear as you prepare of the 2026 campaign.

For me, the usual routine involves being inside where it’s warm, watching the snow fly outside where it’s frigid, while emptying out my gear bags and fly pucks and trying to restore some order to the chaos generated over months of chasing trout in Montana. This routine often involves sipping a tasty beverage or two while contemplating the season ahead.

It’s a little different this year. I’ve spent plenty of time being inside where it’s warm but rare have been the days of flying snow or frigid cold outside my cozy confines and while there have been plenty of tasty beverages consumed, I just can’t seem to get motivated to tackle the task at hand. I’ve been waiting for that stretch of snowy days where there is nowhere to go and nothing to do but start sorting flies and gear. Now February is knocking and as has been the case all winter long, the weather says go fishing. There’s no reason not to, other than the fact that the chaos in the gear bags and in the back of the rig hasn’t been addressed since fall and is in desperate need of attention.

In my defense, my fishing rig (and everything in it) has been out of my possession since Thanksgiving, thanks to an unfortunate run in with a deer, so I really couldn’t get going on this project even if I wanted to, but supposedly I’ll have my rig back sometime this week and then I’ll have no excuses! Snow or no snow – it’s time to do the work!

For me, the brunt of “the work” is fly inventory and organization. Every season I swear off the fly puck system (which is chaos defined) and tell myself I’m going to keep my flies in my fly boxes where they will be organized and easy to access. No more will I dig through puck after puck in my boat storage box, looking for that puck of flies I just grabbed from the shop prior to the outing. No more will I sift through spool after spool of tippet looking for that fresh guide spool of 4X I just bought.

A place for everything and everything in its place! It would make things so much easier and would substantially cut down on fly purchases because I would always know exactly what I have and exactly what I need.

It all begins to come into focus as each puck is emptied and the flies are placed in the proper slot in the proper box with the boxes stowed in the proper bags, arranged in seasonal order and further organized according to hatches.

Boxes upon boxes of nymphs, dry flies and streamers…. each exactly where they belong. Old tippet spools tossed, fresh spools organized and accessible, empty leader packages in the garbage where they belong and all those fat used leaders coiled and stashed for future use (I’ll save this for hopper season) GONE.

A well-organized boat bag full of well-organized boxes in the well-organized storage area of a clean and orderly rig. Boat storage absent of clutter and ready for the season ahead.

Order emerges from the chaos, and the experience of that order is nothing short of bliss but alas, chaos will not be denied but will in fact return with a vengeance, soon overtaking your next season on the water.

It’s a battle we all fight and the struggle is real and I’m here to tell you (and to convince myself) that restoration of order must commence. The time is now!

Just a heads up, we are well stocked with boat bags and fly boxes and everything you need to bring order to your chaos to start the 2026 season out right and if you’re emptying pucks we’re happy to put them back into circulation, regardless of what shop logo is on them.

Image Created by ChatGPT5.2

By Jason Orzechowski|2026-01-28T16:56:04-07:00January 28th, 2026|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: chaos, leaders, Montana, nymphs, order, running line, streamers, tippet spools, winter, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Finally Freezing

It has been a long time coming but we’re finally seeing some normal winter weather with single digit lows and highs in the teens and twenties for the weekend. Just what you would expect in late January.

Unfortunately, it’s just an anomaly in our FOREVER NOVEMBER as we will be back in the 40’s next week and 50’s next weekend!

This is great news if you’re getting the itch and need some time on the water to scratch it but with January nearly in the rearview and just two months remaining before the season begins to get underway, we could certainly use a bunch more winter.

The Snotel map still shows much of the region at or just slightly below 100 percent of average but a substantial portion of that green is starting to turn to yellow (70 – 89% of average) and if we don’t start to add to that snowpack soon it could mean another challenging summer in Montana. Let us hope for a snowy and cold February and March!

Things will be quiet for the weekend with the frigid temps but I would expect we will see some traffic next week.

Nymphing will be your best bet for numbers next week with sow bug variations being the go-to all winter long. Pill Poppers, Tailwater Sows, Pederson’s Sow, Soft Hackle Sow, Poxyback Sow…you get the idea. Rainbow Czechs, Amex and Bubble Yums also in the mix right now along with Rainbow Warriors, Caviar Scuds and Zebras.

The warmer days will likely be accompanied by breezy conditions but if you can find those quiet spots, sheltered from the wind, midge fishing is only going to get better from here on out if winter dry fly fishing is your jam. We are fully stocked on all kinds of midge and midge cluster patterns so stop by and stock those midge boxes on your way to the river.

Streamer fishing has been meh with the swingers having more luck than the strippers on most days. Water temps, while not exceedingly cold, are cold enough that the fish are hunkered down in the slow winter depths and not overly eager to give chase. Try swinging a Kreelex, a Polar Leech, a Thin Mint or other leechy offering or even just a soft hackle if you are so inclined.

For those who just cannot quit the strip (me included), Sparkle Minnows and Skiddish Smolt have been moving the occasional fish but it has definitely been slow going. Regardless, keep at it. You never know what might happen when you dredge the depths with a SLOW strip and a bunch of pauses. Those behemoth browns are down there; you just need to work until you find one willing to move just enough to grab that high calorie offering. A lot of rowing, a ton of casting and stripping and a little luck…the recipe for winter streamer success on the MO.

We are open at 8:30 AM Tuesday – Saturday and as the weather dictates we’re doing what we can to have shuttle service available though that will continue to be hit or miss for another month or so. A call ahead, especially a day ahead, helps tremendously so give us a heads up if you can and we will do our best to take care of your shuttles.

We are stocked up on winter flies and while the Annual Rod and Reel Sale has come to a close we’ve certainly been known to wheel and deal as we clear space for newly arriving inventory. There is no time like the present to upgrade that rod or those waders and boots or whatever it is you need.

We are your Missouri River One Stop shop covering everything you need for your trip to the Missouri. All the gear, all the flies, the best guide crew on the river and a place to lay your head. It’s all here at Wolf Creek Angler!

By Jason Orzechowski|2026-01-23T11:26:27-07:00January 23rd, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, pill popper, running line, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

January Thaw?

Back in the day we would call this a January Thaw. This winter we’ll just call it more of the same.

Seemingly since November the forecast, with very few exceptions, has called for partly cloudy skies and highs somewhere in the 40 – 50-degree range, often with winds of 10 – 20 mph.
We did have a fair amount of precipitation in December with a couple of dustings of snow, but most was in the form of rain. The data proclaims good snowpack in the high country but from where we sit, far from those high-country peaks, the landscape is completely void of snow.

According to NRCS data, all river basins in the state received between 170% and 300% of the 20-year median precipitation for December. In the lower elevations that came in the form of rain which melted any existing snow, but the hope going forward is that mountain snowpack will continue to build and hopefully at some point we will get some winter weather and see snow at mid and lower elevations.

Snowpack in most areas tends to peak in mid to late April.

For the time being its Forever November here in Mid-January on the Missouri.

What does it all mean?

Again, the data indicates that we are in good shape with much of the region sitting at well over 100 percent of average snowpack so we’re holding out hope that our drought-stricken state will see some relief in 2026. Fingers crossed, praying for snow.

In the meantime, it’s not all doom and gloom. Why not take advantage of the situation and get out and fish?

Temps near 60 tomorrow, closer to 50 through the weekend. The wind forecast even looks good with breezy conditions tomorrow but things settling down for Thursday and Friday into the weekend. 50 degrees and calm in the middle of January is almost unheard of.

Rooms have started to book up for the weekend, but we do still have a couple of vacancies and don’t forget our Winter Guide Trip and Lodging Special….2 nights of premium lodging and a full day guide trip for one or two anglers for just $850.

Winter nymph and streamer bins are fully stocked, and I suspect there may even be some decent dry fly opportunities if you want to stock up on midges.

Shop Hours Tuesday – Saturday 8 AM – 4 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday but always open for lodging and guide trips.

By Jason Orzechowski|2026-01-13T13:04:58-07:00January 13th, 2026|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, nymphs, running line, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Christmas is one week from tomorrow…how can it be?

No need to panic. Get all your shopping done right now by clicking HERE. WCA Gift Cards are always a Christmas hit. Orders will be processed IMMEDIATELY.

In other news, winds are HOWLING in Wolf Creek and most of Montana today. Please be careful out there. High Wind Warning remains in effect until midnight with sustained winds of 35 – 45 mph and gusts up to 75 mph. Isolated gusts in excess of 85 mph will be possible in wind prone areas. Batten down those hatches!

Winds will diminish starting tomorrow but it will still be breezy with SSW winds at 10 – 20 mph through the weekend. Next week looks like an improvement with colder temps, partly cloudy skies, and winds in the 5-10 mph range.

We will be open the remainder of this week through Saturday, closed on Sunday and open Monday and Tuesday next week before closing for Christmas. We will be closed the remainder of Christmas week and will be back in the shop on Monday the 29th.

We have affordable lodging available if you are thinking of spending Christmas week on the MO. Give us a call and book your spot today!

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-12-17T10:48:32-07:00December 17th, 2025|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, Missouri River, running line, wca gift cards, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Dark December Days

The march toward darkness is approaching completion as we are now less than two weeks away from the Winter Solstice and that shortest of days after which we will inch ever closer, day by day, month by month, to the promise of spring and a brand new season filled with epic fishing on the MO.

The good news is that the long December nights are accompanied by an abundance of festive lights and holiday cheer and just happen to coincide with the countdown to Christmas and New Year’s, both of which will be here before you know it.

The real slog begins once the holidays have passed and we are stuck smack dab in winter’s grip, hopefully watching the snow pile up while we pass the time tying flies and dreaming of spring and of rising trout.

For the time being, winter weather continues to be flirtatious. Some snow here and there, more rain than we typically see in December, warmer temps than you would expect and plenty of wind to keep the traffic to a minimum on the Missouri.

More of the same on tap for the near future with the possibility of some snow on Thursday and Friday but outside of that it looks like 40’s, partly cloudy and breezy most of next week.

It’s a solitary time of the year if you happen to be spending your days in a Missouri River fly shop but there’s no shortage of things to do with flies to count, gift cards to send out, trips to book and endless end-of-year tasks to complete while preparing for the season ahead. It seems like forever from now but in a little over three months we will be ramping up.

Bookings for 2026 are solid and seem to be trending slightly upward from what we saw this year however we have had a few lodging cancellations during prime time so give us a call if you are still looking for June/July dates.

Our shop hours have been hit or miss with the lack of traffic but if you do find yourself with a free day to hit the water we’d love to see you. Shuttles are pretty much on hold for the time being until we get some crew members back but we are loaded up with the best winter bugs for the MO along with plenty of cold weather gear and waders and boots and great gift ideas for all of the fly fishers on your list. Get your Christmas shopping done at the click of a button with Wolf Creek Angler gift cards good for anything and everything we sell.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-12-10T11:33:23-07:00December 10th, 2025|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Quiet on the MO’ photo by Wolf Creek Angler

As we approach Thanksgiving it appears as though we’re FINALLY in for at least a taste of winter weather later this week with temperatures plunging and a chance for some snow on Thursday and Friday.

Tomorrow looks good for travel and good for fishing with partly cloudy skies and a high near 40 with SW winds at 10 – 15 mph. Thanksgiving Day we’ll see snow showers and a high of 36 before the cold blast arrives on Friday with a high of 23 and lows in the single digits along with the possibility of another couple inches of snow.

The weekend will be cold with highs near twenty on Saturday and Sunday and lows near zero on Saturday night but moderating Sunday. Temperatures will stabilize next week with highs in the 30’s and low 40’s and lows in the 20’s, much more what we expect in late November!

River flows remain low, currently at 2950 CFS with water temperatures holding in the mid 40’s but look for those temperatures to drop as we head into the holiday weekend.
Traffic this week has been non-existent and while there may be a few folks taking advantage of the holiday to hit the water over the next couple of days, I’d expect the winter weather will likely keep traffic to a minimum.

If you are planning to hit the MO this Thanksgiving week you might opt for wade fishing rather than committing to a float just so you can bail at will. If you are going to float, I’d recommend staying in the Holter Dam to Craig zone, keeping it super short with a Dam to Wolf Creek Bridge run or stretching the day with a Wolf to Craig campaign.

Nymphing will produce with Sowbugs being your go-to and you may find a fish or two rising for a surface meal but for my money streamers are the ticket, either swung or stripped. Leeches and soft hackles on the swing, Sparkle Minnows and Smolts on the strip. Swing the tailouts and drop offs, hit the banks and shallows with a moderately fast strip and plenty of pauses.

We are taking advantage of the downtime to get some maintenance items knocked off the list and also to enjoy some time with loved ones. Shop hours are on the hit and miss side this time of year, but we can say for certain that we will be CLOSED for the Thanksgiving holiday starting on Thursday and won’t be back in the shop until Monday, December 1st.

We do have lodging available so give us a shout if you need accommodations, but the shop will be closed. If you need shuttles over the weekend, please give our friends in Craig a call.

We have got our best deals of the season on rods and reels and waders and boots right now or you can get your Christmas shopping done with a quick phone call. WCA Gift Cards make a great gift for the fly fishers on your list and can be purchased in any amount and are good for anything and everything we sell from shuttles to lodging to guide trips to merchandise.

As we reflect on this season that has now come to a close, we couldn’t be more thankful to all of you for making us a part of your Missouri River fly fishing experience. Whether you stayed with us, fished with us, shopped with us or all the above, we extend a heart-felt thank you for your business and for giving us the opportunity to take care of you.

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving from all of us at Wolf Creek Angler!

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-11-25T12:01:27-07:00November 25th, 2025|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Mid November on the MO

Following a late October jaunt back to the home waters I’ve been back at it here amid one of the warmer Novembers I can recall.

Traffic has dwindled as it tends to do this time of year despite the unseasonably warm weather, so we’ve stuck to our routine and closed/winterized much of our lodging for the year. As always, we do have our bungalows available year-round, and we have switched to winter rates which are $149/night plus tax.

Many of our guides have disappeared for the season but there are still a few around should you want to get out and enjoy this mild November on the Missouri.

Shop hours have become somewhat sporadic with the lack of folks around and accordingly we will transition to WINTER HOURS this weekend. Until further notice we will be open Tuesday – Saturday at 8 AM. Lodging is always open and guide trips can be scheduled for any day, regardless of shop hours. Don’t miss our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale happening now through the Winter Solstice. Our best deals of the season BY FAR!

Call ahead for shuttles. Sometimes we can do them. Sometimes we can’t! Shop staff is all but gone with Carson’s last day this weekend. I know at least one of the shops in Craig is running shuttles daily so you have options.

We will be closed on Thanksgiving Day as well as that weekend but will be back in business on Tuesday, December 2nd. We do currently have lodging available for the holiday weekend if Thanksgiving on the MO is your plans.

Sunny and mid 60’s today. Warm temps persist through the weekend with a chance of rain tomorrow but back to sunshine on Saturday and Sunday. Breezy conditions will persist with west southwest winds 14-20 mph and gusts to 30. It looks like normal November weather will arrive next week with highs in the 30’s, overnight lows in the 20’s and a chance for precipitation most days. BWO action has been sporadic at best. Next week could be the week!

The collective fishing report these past few days has been on the slow side but perhaps the arrival of real November weather next week will change our fortunes.

Nymphing with sow bugs and baetis patterns has been, and will continue to be effective. Swingers are finding moderate success with the soft hackle game and also reportedly doing well with leeches and buggers. Thin Mints have been the go to.

Strippers still getting them though chase rates as of late have dwindled. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Polar Leeches, Smolt, Swim Coach, Lil’ Kim…all fine choices in my book. Shallows have been productive as have the island tailouts. Medium speed on the strip with ample pauses should get it done.

Enjoy what are hopefully the last warm days of the season. It’s time we get this winter started!

photo by Wolf Creek Angler

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-11-13T11:09:48-07:00November 13th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Autumn Magic on the Missouri

Fall fishing has commenced.

Traffic has resumed.

Fish are stacked in the grass flats below Holter Dam. So too are drift boats.

Frenchies, Zebras, Sows and Zirdles are probably all you need.

Dry fly fishing is not the best right now but an ant or October Caddis could hunt.

And speaking of the hunt…Streamer Season is upon us. Weeds will frustrate your efforts but your efforts could very well pay off.
Balanced Leeches, Thin Mints and Buggers are fine but don’t be afraid to size up.

The river is fishing decent in most stretches though some days are certainly better than others. Obviously the dam is as close to a sure thing as you’re going to get but if you’re asking me where I’d go it wouldn’t be there.

I’ll always opt for fewer boats even if it means fewer fish but that’s just me.

We’re just wrapping up our busiest guide week of the fall and should have good availability from here on out. Lodging is moderately busy but we do have availability most nights.

We’re open from 7:30 AM – 5 PM Daily for all of your Missouri River Fall Fly Fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-09-19T16:09:26-06:00September 19th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, Holter Dam, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Autumn Magic on the Missouri

Lonely days on the MO persist as the summer season slips away somewhat unceremoniously.

As much as we all covet summertime in Montana and summer fishing in particular, Autumn always seems to come at just the right time, ushering in our second season in conjunction with all the things that make fall so special.

Daylight has already begun to dwindle, and soon enough cooler temps will prevail. The transition from summer greens to autumn color is already well underway and it’s starting to smell like fall.

College football gets underway this weekend with the NFL season kicking off a week from yesterday. Baseball’s pennant race is taking shape and hockey and basketball aren’t far off. For those of us who take comfort in the rhythms of the various competitive sports seasons, order is about to be restored to the world.

More importantly, at least for this audience, changes are underway on the waters surrounding us as the cycles of the season trigger a transition in trout behavior from a focus on aquatic bug life and consumption of the same to a focus on spawning for brown trout and on an increase in caloric intake and a decrease in energy expenditure for rainbow populations preparing for the winter ahead.

What does this mean in terms of fall fishing? It means predatory behavior amongst the brown trout populations and a focus on larger meals for rainbows. Terrestrials and crayfish are on the menu for rainbows but they’ll still eat a #20 Zebra Midge or a sow bug and will not turn down a well-presented dry fly. The appeal is in the options!

For the streamer junkie, things are about to get real where the aforementioned predatory behavior is concerned. Streamer season is rapidly approaching and while the MO is still choked with aquatic vegetation, and will be throughout the fall, those in the know will work around that challenge with the knowledge that aggression is about to overtake the brains of pre-spawn browns and the chances of enticing a predatory strike from a mammoth brown trout don’t get any better.

That’s what’s coming. But we’re not there yet. In fact, fishing has been on the slow side with many reporting significant challenges over these past two weeks. Unsurprisingly, Holter Dam to Wolf Creek Bridge has been the productive water with Zirdles and double zebras consistently producing. Beyond the grass flats things have been challenging for more days than not.

Even so, the river has been void of anglers which isn’t a horrible trade. Slow fishing and solitude….could be much worse!

August hours are in effect through Labor Day, 7 AM – 4 PM daily. Fall hours will go into effect on Tuesday, September 2nd. We will be open from 7:30 AM – 5 PM daily.

We’ve got another two weeks of quiet time with plenty of rooms available and we’ve generally been able to come up with guides with at least a couple of day notice but once we hit the middle of September that will change. Mid-September through mid-October are going to be very busy with guide trips and lodging as well though we do have availability where lodging is concerned.

Enjoy the end of the summer season this long weekend and we’ll see you soon for fall fishing on the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-08-29T10:20:01-06:00August 29th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

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