Shop Life Archives - Page 16 of 21

Finally…A Farewell to February

Coming Soon?

The shortest month of the year feels like it’s been the longest as winter drags on with no end in sight.

March will pick up right where February left off with single digit temps through the weekend and into the first part of next week but then it looks like something might just be starting to happen. Things could change between now and then but at this point it looks like we’ll be bathed in sunshine Sunday through Tuesday and while the temps will be far from warm we all know how good that late winter sun feels.

We’ll climb into the 20’s on Wednesday and Thursday and near 30 on Friday. Is it a warming trend? Here’s hoping so!

We’re thankful to have made up for winter’s slow start with plenty of precipitation throughout the last month but I for one have had just about enough. I’ve had enough of shoveling snow. I’ve had enough of fighting ice dams on the roof. I’ve had enough of NOT FISHING!

Snowpack has edged up to 110 – 120 percent of normal in our region and most of the state looks good right now at or near 100 percent of average. Only the Kootenai and the Sun, Teton and Marias drainages are lagging behind but are currently right around 90 percent of average. We like the looks of this map and we’re remaining cautiously optimistic that high water will not be an issue however Mother Nature always gets the final say on this so no guarantees here.

Ideally we’d see a return to normal temperatures sooner rather than later. The average high for February is 39 degrees, we’ve seen highs in the single digits or below zero more days than not this month. The average high for March is 47. We obviously won’t see that the first week of the month but sooner or later it has to warm up and when it does we’re expecting an extremely busy spring as the throngs arrive to satisfy that long-delayed Missouri River Fix.

And speaking of spring fishing, don’t forget it’s time to buy your 2019 Montana fishing license. 2018 licenses expire tomorrow.

Sadly we still have no fishing report to share but as you look towards the eventuality of spring fishing here’s what you need to know.

Water temps are currently holding in the 33 degree range….COLD! We would expect much of March to be full on winter fishing as far as the nymphing goes. Slow, deep water is what you’ll want to target with winter fare. Pink should be in the mix along with firebeads, tailwater sows, Yum Yums, Caviar Scuds, Zebra Midges, Rainbow Czechs, Soft Hackle Sows, Lightning Bugs, Ray Charles etc. Fish deep with weight (tungsten bead nymphs or split shot or both) and cover the water from the inside out, shortening the depth of your rig until you find where they’re at.

Warming water will get them moving at which time we’ll start to key in on the traditional spring hot spots, typically a little faster current with a little less depth. We like to run sowbugs all season long as they’re a constant food source but as we move into spring we will typically swap out the winter fare for mayfly nymphs and maybe even a dirt snake. Little Green Machines and the like tend to shine as the water conditions hit the spring prime.

Spring is brown trout time as the spawning rainbows become scarce. Watch those redds and please don’t target spawning fish. Late March through April and into the first part of May are the prime weeks for streamer fishing on the Missouri. We can’t wait!

Spring is also dry fly time as the Midge Machine churns out piles of bugs. We typically start fishing midges in late February but since nobody has been on the river harassing and educating the fish this year, those first few fishable days could be lights out with relatively easy pickings.
Don’t care for fishing midges? Spring is also Skwalla time so if throwing big dries is your thing don’t miss this opportunity. Many of the larger browns we catch each spring fall for the Skwalla.

I think we could be in for one phenomenal spring if this weather ever breaks and while it’s tough to shift gears to fishing mode while winter continues to have a stranglehold, it’s coming soon so there’s no time like the present to prepare.
It’s time to dig out your gear and get it organized. It’s a great time to replace those old, worn fly lines and this is the spring you should treat yourself to a new pair of Simms waders and boots. We’d be happy to help you with that!

How about a brand new Lamson, Ross or Redington reel or maybe a new LOOP, Redington or Echo rod. We’ve also got a limited supply of Nautilus reels we’re clearing out at 25% off. Once they’re gone they’re gone.

Great deals on Simms winter wear including Cold Weather Pants and Shirts and guide flannels….all 25 % off. Help us make space for the new gear arriving daily.

Remember spring is also time for the WCA Spring lodging and guide trip special….we guarantee it’s the best deal you’ll find on the MO’ and it’s happening right now!

$500 for two nights of premium lodging at Wolf Creek Angler and a full day guide trip for one or two anglers through the end of April. This same package will cost you over $800 starting May 1st so don’t miss this opportunity.

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-02-27T19:55:21-07:00February 27th, 2019|Categories: Fishing Report, Montana Fly Fishing, Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, Echo, fly fishing, Loop, midge, Missouri River, Montana, Redington, running line, simms, WCA Spring Lodging and Guide Trip Special, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

February Blues – Cabin Fever Edition

We continue to dream of warmer days as February is rapidly shaping up to be one of the coldest on record with no end in sight.

We’ll see highs in the teens and 20’s for the remainder of the week with lows in the single digits or well below zero most nights.
The only fishing report we’ve heard comes from Holter Lake where the perch fishing has been slow.

Sure we’re tired of the cold and we’re getting a little stir crazy as Cabin Fever persists….ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY. ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY.

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY. ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY. ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY.

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
All work and no play makes jack a dull boy

All work and no play makes jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a Dull Boy. All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
All Work and NO play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no Play makes Jack a Dull Boy…

but looking on the bright side, these Missouri River trout have had weeks of peace and quiet with very little harassment from anglers. They’ve been busy burning calories and should be anxious to eat a well-presented fly if things ever warm up.

Look for this to be a phenomenal spring to fish the Missouri.

Summer is booking up nicely as we start to anticipate opening up more lodging for the season. Renovations are close to being complete in the motel and we’re confident you’re going to love what we’ve done with the place.

The shop is FULLY stocked for late winter fishing and spring deliveries are starting to roll in so we are anxious to see some shoppers again and we’d love for you to take advantage of some great deals on winter wear and help us clear the way for spring gear. It’s a win win.

This would also be a great time to gear up for the wading season with a new pair of Simms or Redington waders and boots. We’ve got you covered!

Looking for a boat? We’ve got a couple of great drift boats for sale and they’re priced to move. If you’re in the market for a boat we’ve got a 2013 Clacka Eddy and a 2014 RO Deville, both in great shape. The Clack is my personal guide boat, the RO was one of our rental boats. Give us a call or message us for details.

So what are we doing to get through the winter?

We’re excited to host Tipsy Tying in the shop this Friday evening at 8 pm and there are a couple fishing film events happening in Helena in March starting with the IF4 at Grandstreet Theatre on March 8th followed by two showings of the Montana Fishing Film Fest on March 24th at Lewis and Clark Brewing Company. We hope you join us for them both. If we can’t fish we can at least watch movies about people fishing to bide our time while we wait for spring to arrive.

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-02-20T19:06:29-07:00February 20th, 2019|Categories: Local Buzz, Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: IF4, Missouri River, Montana Fishing Film Fest, running line, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Frozen February

Following a week of subzero temps the forecast is calling for a bit of a respite these next few days with highs supposedly approaching the mid 30’s today before dropping back into the 20’s for the remainder of the week. Back to single digits on Sunday and then we’re hoping for that warm up which will get us back on the water.

There’s snow in the forecast for tomorrow and a chance of scattered showers and flurries throughout the week. The snowpack is moving towards average in most drainages so although it’s still very early to say with any degree of certainty what the water situation will be this spring we’re liking what we’re seeing at this point.

Current “most probable” flow predictions have us holding in this 5,000 CFS range for the next couple of months with a bump to around 6,000 in May and a peak of <7,000 in June and then back to around 5,000 for the summer season. If it plays out this way you really couldn’t ask for better conditions for summer fishing. We wouldn’t mind seeing a bit more of a flushing flow at the peak but following last year’s 18-20K which kept the walk/wade crowd from coming and all but eliminated spring dry fly fishing, we’re good with the busy spring that these flows would bring.

Max Probable predictions have us creeping up towards a peak of 10K before dropping into the 6-7,000 range for the summer while the Minimum probable has us dropping into the 3500 CFS range by April and holding there for the season. Fingers crossed that this won’t be the case.

If you’re brave enough to venture out this week wading is likely your best bet as the ramps and the parking lots have not been plowed. If you’re wading there’s a fair amount of shelf ice out there, mostly in and around that slow water you’re going to want to be fishing so please use caution and also keep an eye out for those floating chunks of ice.

We’re starting to do a brisk lodging business with the hard water crowd now that Holter is fishing well so if you do see a weather window coming and you think you’d like to come out and fish with us try to call well ahead of time as the weekend lodging tends to fill up by the middle part of the week.

The shop is open from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday – Saturday and 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM on Sundays, weather permitting. We’re open EVERY DAY for lodging and guide trips and speaking of lodging and guide trips…don’t miss our winter guide trip and lodging special. That’s two nights of premium lodging and a full day guide trip for one or two anglers for just $500. You won’t find a better deal anywhere.

It’s been a lonely February so far at Wolf Creek Angler. Here’s hoping for warmer weather and mild winter days on the water. We hope you make us your first stop on the way to the MO for lines, leaders, tippet and shuttles. Simms waders, boots and cold weather gear. Loop, Echo and Redington rods. Ross, Nautilus, Lamson, Echo and Redington reels and of course the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-02-12T21:36:19-07:00February 12th, 2019|Categories: Shop Life, Wolf Creek Chatter|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Of Deep Freezes and Fishing Films

We’re in the midst of a DEEP FREEZE here on the Missouri having had temperatures plummet from near 50 degrees last Saturday to single digits and below on Sunday which is where we’ve been since. We’ll see a slight reprieve tomorrow and Friday as we warm into the teens and low 20’s but right back to negative numbers on Saturday through the middle of next week.

Suffice it to say we haven’t got much for a fishing report this week although I hear they’re catching perch on Holter. A pre Arctic Blast float last Friday netted good results on the nymphing front with plenty of action on anything of the lucent pink bead variety.

This week we’re passing the time shoveling snow, watching the SNOTEL charts and patiently awaiting the next thaw.

It was actually perfect timing for the annual Fly Fishing Film Tour which we attended last night in Helena. There’s something about drinking beer and watching fishing movies with a theatre full of fellow anglers on a bitterly cold and snowy night in Montana that just makes perfect sense.

I was trying to remember how long ago I started attending these things, I believe it’s been 10 years or more and while the films tend to blend into one after so many years it’s always cool to see enthusiastic young anglers at these shows. This is the audience we’re targeting so while it may seem like we’re seeing the same films over and over again it’s important to keep in mind that there are young eyes watching to whom this is all brand new so hopefully the F3T isn’t going anywhere.

Often times the films are neutral to me. I don’t dislike them, I’ve just seen most of them in one form or another but every once in a while one will come along which captures my attention and draws me in, immersing me not in the subject matter of the film but rather in my own history as an angler. Maybe it’s a mountain stream, maybe it’s moody Midwestern sky backlit with the fading colors of fall…these are my connections and these are the ones that transport me from a sold out theatre in snowy Helena to a lifetime of memories on the water. Memories of those I’ve fished with, some of whom are gone, some of whom have returned. Memories of moments in time captured by pieces of water I’ll never let go and contemplation of my journey from there to here and of the way passing time manifests itself with tinges of regret and strong doses of hope.

And sometimes connection is a mere nod of appreciation of a frame or a story or just the here and now of gathering amongst so many friends and acquaintances. This place and these people mean the world to me.

So while I may not always talk these film tours up (as I should) there seems to be in every one at least a moment or two that trigger all of this which is exactly the point of going.

And besides…what else are you going to do an a sub-zero snowy night in February? If you happened to miss the F3T the IF4 will be coming to Helena to Grandstreet Theatre on March 8th followed by the Montana Fishing Film Festival at Lewis and Clark Brewing Company on March 24th. Do yourself a favor and check them out.

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-02-06T21:08:27-07:00February 6th, 2019|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: F3T 2019, IF4 2019, Missouri River, Montana, Montana Fishing Film Festival, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Winter Bows on the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

As we close out the first month of 2019 we’re emerging from a cold snap but the window of fishing opportunity will be open for the rest of the week before we plunge back into arctic air starting on Sunday.

We’ll see temperatures in the low to mid 40’s for the next several days with a very manageable south southwest wind forecast in the 10-15 mph range. It looks even better on Saturday.

No need to weigh watching the Super Bowl against fishing on Sunday…with highs in the teens and snow in the forecast the Super Bowl party is where you’re going to want to be.

Prior to that however you should make every effort to get out and fish between now and then. We’ve currently got lodging available through the weekend but it will more than likely fill by the end of the day today.

This would be the PERFECT opportunity to take advantage of our Winter Guide Trip and Lodging Special. $500 gets you a full day guided Missouri River float trip for one or two anglers and two nights of premium lodging at Wolf Creek Angler. We challenge you to find a better deal ANYWHERE.

Don’t need the lodging? Full Day float trip is just $400. Don’t need the guide? Winter lodging is just $99/night (plus tax). Wolf Creek Angler offers the BEST WINTER FISHING DEALS on the MO’ Hands Down!

Swinging, stripping and bobber fishing should all be good for the next several days and with a drastic weather change happening on Sunday fishing could be prime on Saturday on the edge of that system. It could also be a bust but there’s only one way to find out. You won’t know if you don’t go!

Nymphers should target the SLOW, DEEP winter water. Pink anything, firebead anything, sowbugs, Zebra midges, Pill Poppers, Pederson’s Sow, Caviar Scud, soft hackle sows, UV Crush, Bubble Yums, Rainbow Czechs, Ray Charles….the usual suspects.

Swingers and strippers you know what you like but best sellers have been Polar Leeches in Olive and Copper, Kreelex and Hot Head Kreelex in gold and brown or silver and gold. Mojo Minnows, Skiddish Smolt and Sparkle Minnows should also get the job done.

Stop by for bugs and shuttles and while you’re here don’t forget to check out our best deals of the year on winter wear as well as blow out pricing on all of our Redington waders and boots. These deals are too good to pass up and won’t last long.

Men’s and Women’s Sonic Pros and a few pair of Sonic Pro HD and HDZ’s left as well as women’s Willow waders and boots and a good assortment of Skagit and Prowler boots. Call ahead and we’d be happy to see if we have your size and hold it for you.

We’ve also got Adipose boats for rent and if you happen to be in the market for a new (used) boat this season we’re selling our 2014 RO Deville as well as my 2013 Clackacraft Eddy. Give a call or message us on FB for more info or to make an offer.

We are your pre Super Bowl Missouri River fly fishing destination!

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-01-30T19:29:28-07:00January 30th, 2019|Categories: Local Buzz, Shop Life|Tags: Adipose, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The 2019 Season is Coming Soon

It’s hard to believe but we’re a week out from closing the books on the first month of 2019. The coming season looms large and the December doldrums have been replaced by days filled with a lot of time on the phone booking and confirming trips and lodging.

Lately we’ve also spent some time shoveling snow which we haven’t had to do much of so far this winter. While we’re keeping a close eye on the snow pack and spending some time on the water battling ice in the guides we know that the season will soon be upon us and winters cold will be but a distant memory. After all, spring is a mere 55 days away. Can you feel it?

I’ve admittedly become less of a fan of winter fishing over the past several years, perhaps I’m getting soft in my old age. But I do love this time of year. There may be snow on the ground and the thermometer may be hanging south of 20 degrees but spending time on the phone much of the day talking with clients about their upcoming fishing plans has a way of transporting you to hot summer days in the rowers seat. As the rooms and the guide days fill in the season begins to take shape, once again shifting gears from contemplating what was to preparing for what’s coming SOON.

Bookings for the prime season are up from last year which means a lot of you have fishing on your minds. If you’re thinking of fishing and staying with us this season it’s probably time to stop thinking about it and make those reservations. It feels like it’s going to be a busy year on the Missouri, especially after we lost a good part of the dry fly season last year due to the high water. There are a lot of folks who skipped last year who’ve already secured their dates for 2019 so don’t let this one get away from you.

There’s so much to do to get things ready for the coming season and not a lot of time left to get things done. Time has run out on putting off winter projects…its go time for property maintenance and also for shop stuff.

The cold weather gear needs to move to make way for spring shipments which will be arriving soon. We’ve already received our big SIMMS wader and boot shipment and while those waders look great hanging in the shop, they’d look even better leaving the shop on you so if you’re in the market for new waders this spring we’d love it if you got them from us.

It’s also time to review preseason orders and make sure we didn’t miss anything.

Rest assured we’ll have everything ready to go come spring. Our major project is completing renovations in the motel which will commence next week. Upon completion of #11 all motel rooms will be fully renovated and while some of you have only ever stayed in the renovated version of the rooms those who have been with us from the start will appreciate what I’m talking about when I say it’s nice to be able to be proud of these motel rooms because I definitely wasn’t prior to the renovations.

Another winter project was getting the WiFi situation figured out. This has been a constant issue and one which we’ve made several attempts to fix. The problem was that the WiFi signal was not reaching the bungalows (#12,#13 and #14). Well, it is now. Mind you we don’t have the fastest internet in Wolf Creek but we have the best that is available to us and now that signal is covering the whole property.

As always you can expect continuous improvement at Wolf Creek Angler. It’s our mission to do everything we can to provide you with an excellent experience and one which you’ll hopefully remember for all the right reasons. It won’t happen all at once but we’re chipping away at things and judging by our annual growth and by the vast majority of the feedback we receive our efforts are making a difference.

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-01-24T18:50:53-07:00January 24th, 2019|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, spring 2019, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

The First Day of Winter has us thinking SUMMER!

The Winter Solstice is upon us. The shortest day and longest night of the year.

It’s a special day as it means we’ve crossed that threshold officially beginning the countdown to summer 2019.

Sure, we’ve got a long ways to go but beginning tomorrow each day will be a little bit longer and before you know it we’ll be right back into Prime Time on the Missouri.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The Winter Solstice is the moment at which the Earth’s axis tilts the Northern Hemisphere farthest from the sun’s warmth. This year’s Winter Solstice is unique in that it coincides with the onset of the December Full Moon. Often referred to as the Cold Moon, December’s full moon is also known as the Long Night Moon, the Moon Before Yule and the Oak Moon. Along with the Cold Moon the Ursid Meteor shower will also be visible in the night sky during the longest night of the year. The forecast is calling for a mostly cloudy night in our neck of the woods but if you can find yourself some clear skies it could be quite a show.

As if the Winter Solstice weren’t reason enough to celebrate we’re also just a few days out from Christmas with New Year’s Eve looming so while the longest night of the year might not sound like a cause for celebration if you focus on what’s beyond it like holiday festivities and more importantly like long summer days and bugs and trout you’ve got every reason in the world to celebrate!

Thinking about summertime… photo by Wolf Creek Angler

We’ll be raising a glass tonight, how about you?

Why not continue the celebration by spending the first weekend of the winter on the Missouri. The weather looks to be decent with sunny skies on Saturday, mostly cloudy skies on Sunday and highs near 40 both days and while the winds continue to howl today the forecast looks favorable for diminishing winds beginning tomorrow.

Knock out your last minute Christmas shopping at Wolf Creek Angler and treat yourself to a day or two on the water. We’ve got all kinds of great deals going on right on through Christmas on the stuff they really want, not just the stuff that didn’t move this year. Waders, boots, rods, reels, sportswear, outerwear and much more from the best brands in the business….all at the best prices of the season. You can’t afford to pass these deals up.

We’ve also got lodging available for $99/night and guides on call for $400 full day Missouri River guide trips just in case you want to make a weekend of it. Remember, $500 (plus tax) gets you two nights of premium lodging and a full day Missouri River guide trip for one or two anglers all winter long. This is the best deal you’ll find on the MO this winter, hands down…we guarantee it!

Happy Winter Solstice!

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-12-20T17:15:51-07:00December 21st, 2018|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: Christmas, Cold Moon, Long NIght Moon, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Ursid Meteor Shower, Winter Solstice 2018, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Time is Running Out!

OK people – it’s getting down to the wire. Crunch Time is here with Christmas just one week from Tuesday.

We would love to help you out with your holiday shopping and we’d love for you to help us out with getting rid of some inventory. We’re wheeling and dealing on most EVERYTHING! You can’t afford NOT to do your shopping with us.

Can’t make it out to Wolf Creek? We get it! If you know what you want we’ll be happy to ship it anywhere in the world and if you happen to live in Helena we’d be happy to deliver!

That’s right…we’ll Deliver! Shalon Hastings, owner of The Hub and Fly FisHer Adventures has very graciously offered to let us use The Hub as a drop-off/pickup location. Give us a call at the shop and purchase what you want and we’ll deliver to The Hub (314 N Last Chance Gulch) for pickup. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

Here’s just a few ideas, most of which are an ABSOLUTE STEAL!

Redington Wader and Boot Blowout

Here’s what we have left…
Waders
Women’s Sonic Pro – Small and Large Retail $299 ON SALE for $179.99
Men’s Sonic Pro – XL and 2X Retail $299 ON SALE for $179.99
Men’s Sonic Pro HD Size XL Retail $399 ON SALE for $239.99
Men’s Sonic Pro HDZ Size Large and XL Retail $499 ON SALE for 299.99
Men’s Palix Sizes Small, Medium , Medium Short, and 2X Retail $169 ON SALE for $101.99
Women’s Willow Sizes Small, Large and XL Retail $159 ON SALE for $95.99
Women’s Siren Size 4-6 Retail $219.99 ON SALE for $109.99
Crosswater Youth Wader Size 8-10 Retail $99 ON SALE for $49.99
Boots
Men’s Skagit Sizes 10,11,12,13 Retail $99 ON SALE for $49.99
Men’s Prowler Sizes 9,11,12 Retail $149 ON SALE for $74.99
Women’s Willow Sizes 6,7 and 8 Retail $109 ON SALE for $54.99

All rods and reels — 25% OFF We sell Echo, Redington and Loop rods and Ross, Echo, Redington and Nautilus reels.

Simms Riprap Sandal Sizes 9, 9.5, 10 Retail $99 ON SALE for $59.99

Sportswear – 25% OFF

WCA LOGO Gear 25% OFF

Free WCA Fly Box with purchase of 8 dozen flies or more.

Don’t forget our “Cheaper by the Dozen” Sale flies…just $5/dozen…no limit.

We’ve got all kinds of great gift ideas for all of the anglers on your list. Make it easy on yourself and let them choose whatever they want with WCA Gift Cards in any amount good for EVERYTHING we sell. Shuttles, bugs, guide trips, lodging, drift boat rentals, gear….EVERYTHING!

WCA is your one stop Christmas shop and if you live in Helena WE DELIVER. That’s a service you won’t find ANYWHERE else on the MO’.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-12-15T17:48:28-07:00December 15th, 2018|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Winter Solitude on the MO’

All has gone quiet on the Missouri save the wingbeats of the waterfowl and the occasional volley of shotgun blasts.

Winter is taking hold.

The water temps have dropped into the high 30’s and with single digit overnight temps expected ice will start to be an issue on the lower reaches of the river.

It’s time to turn your attention to the winter water. Deep and slow. That’s where you will find them. Deep rigs with a bb or two and something pink….there’s your Missouri River winter nymphing rig. Use it from here on out all winter long.

Fishing pressure has been close to non-existent and I wouldn’t expect that to change much for the time being though with temps climbing back near 40 this weekend and into next week you might see a few folks out there looking for a winter fix.

December is definitely our slowest month of the year. People generally put fishing on the back burner during the holidays and we don’t see a lot of holiday shopping traffic as most people stick closer to home to do their shopping. That being said, for those willing to make the trip we’ve got all kinds of great gift ideas and with end-of-the year pricing in effect we’ve got the deals you can’t afford to pass up on the good stuff.

We’re doing a Redington wader and boot blow out sale clearing the way for our spring shipment of Simms waders and boots which will arrive next month. Forty percent off all in-stock Redington waders and boots until they’re gone. We’ve got Palix, Sonic Pro, Sonic Pro HD, Sonic Pro HDZ, Women’s Sonic Pro, Women’s Willow, Women’s Siren and youth Crosswater waders. For boots we’ve got Skagit and Prowler as well as women’s Willow boots.

They’re going fast. Call or message the shop before you come out for current inventory.

Can’t make it out to Wolf Creek? No problem. We’re happy to ship anything anywhere.

In addition to the big Redington sale we’ve got great sale prices on all of our outerwear and sportswear and if you’re looking for a rod and reel look no further. 25% off all rod/reel combos now through the end of the year.

And while we’re talking about deals….don’t forget our winter guide trip and lodging special. $500 for a full day guide trip and two nights of premium lodging. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY is going to beat this deal!

If you don’t need the lodging winter trips are $400 for a full day for one or two anglers. If you don’t need the guide but do need lodging our winter rates are $99/night plus tax for premium lodging complete with full kitchen and private bath.

A few more weeks and we’ll be turning the corner. Longer days lie ahead. From what I’m hearing it sounds like we’re in for a somewhat mild winter. If so, we hope to be a part of your Missouri River winter fly fishing plans.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-12-05T21:18:16-07:00December 5th, 2018|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: Crosswater, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Palix, Prowler, Redington, running line, Siren, Skagit, Sonic Pro, Sonic Pro HD, Sonic Pro HDZ, Willow, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

BIG news from Wolf Creek Angler

This post is one I’ve been wanting and waiting to write for years, really since we opened our doors. It’s a post that represents a milestone and a huge victory in the battle we’ve been fighting from day one and which we will continue to fight for the foreseeable future.

That being said, as I begin to put words to it I am realizing that it’s probably not something that’s going to mean much to the reader but since it means so much to me and so much to this business I hope you’ll humor me and at least feign some enthusiasm for our HUGE NEWS!

After battling the powers that be since the beginning and committing to a policy of tact and patience and perseverance. After a few missteps in the fight driven by the desire to provide our customers with the absolute best products available in the industry Wolf Creek Angler has FINALLY been granted a FULL LINE SIMMS DEALERSHIP for 2019!

What this means to me

Since the first time I picked up a fly rod (sometime in the late 90’s) the Simms brand has beckoned to me. Simms is fly fishing…period. Yes, the brand has been expanding into other fishing markets and will continue to do so but to me the Simms brand will always be synonymous with fly fishing and Montana Fly Fishing to be exact.

I remember coveting everything Simms but especially those waders. I remember wandering through fly shops to the wader section and admiring those waders and wishing and hoping that someday I would don a pair of G3’s. I knew that when it happened it would change my life, in the way we always think that things we covet will (but looking back, I think that this time it actually had a small role in doing so).

MADE IN THE USA IN BOZEMAN MONTANA. Reading that tag in my first pair of G3 waders conjured up images of mountains and rivers and endless skies….I had yet to travel to Montana in my adult life but that was about to change.

PILGRIMAGE – My first trip to Montana

The G3’s were the gateway drug after which the floodgates opened and I began to replace all of my gear, followed by much of my wardrobe. I hold few brands as near and dear to my heart as I hold SIMMS FISHING PRODUCTS and this all started years before I had any inclination that I would ever own a fly shop in Montana.

Jump ahead to 2014 and imagine my surprise and my disappointment when we opened Wolf Creek Angler in Wolf Creek Montana and were told we would not be able to sell Simms products. It was a crushing blow but we took what was given to us which was logo gear and entered into a battle which has persisted since that first season.

Eventually we were given sportswear and accessories and while I had moments of anger (sometimes even bordering on RAGE) in the heat of this battle, I was still thrilled to sell what we were allowed to sell and my love of the brand never diminished as evidenced by the piles of Simms clothing and gear items I own and wear and use every day.

I couldn’t be more proud to announce that Wolf Creek Angler is now a full line dealer for 2019 which to me is not only a personal victory but is also a validation of what we’re doing with our business. We’re still fighting the fight trying to offer you the best of everything in the industry but securing the SIMMS brand is a major accomplishment in this fight and the fact that they’ve partnered with us tells me they believe in what we’re doing. It affirms that we are LEGIT!

What this means to you

As I’ve already stated, I don’t think this will mean near as much to you as it does to me. After all, fly shops are supposed to sell Simms right? And the fact that we’ve had the logo gear and the sportswear for the past few seasons may have even led you to believe that we were a Simms dealer.

Practically speaking, what this means to you is that now you can purchase any and all Simms gear from Wolf Creek Angler and we’d be super stoked and super appreciative if you’d keep us in mind next time you’re shopping for a new pair of Simms waders or boots or anything else they make.

Starting in January we’ll be going exclusively to Simms waders and outerwear. We’ll likely go fairly deep on the entry level and mid-range items and not quite so deep on the high end but we will be happy to order absolutely anything you need anytime.We’ll continue to carry essential outerwear and accessories as well as a smattering of sportswear.

Beyond the practical, what this means to you is that by choosing to do business with us you’ve helped to build our business to the point where Simms has given us their stamp of approval so thank you again for your business and for your loyalty to WCA. It’s all of you who have made this realization of a dream possible for me and for this I am eternally grateful.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-11-29T17:56:17-07:00November 29th, 2018|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, G3 Waders, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Simms Fishing Products, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|8 Comments

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