Shop Life Archives - Page 3 of 21

President’s Day Weekend Forecast

February Delivers Winter to the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

February continues to deliver some much needed winter weather.

The snow is piling up in the high country but we’ve still got a long ways to go. Snowpack is improving slowly but surely and while I’m tempted to curse the weather while I’m digging out my driveway in the pre-dawn hours, so far I’ve resisted that urge and powered through it, thankful we are getting exactly what we need.

This latest round of precipitation is being accompanied by a blast of cold arctic air which has us in the teens today with single digits on tap overnight. Friday will see an end to the snow but continued cold with a high of 20 and overnight low near 5 degrees. Things start to warm up on Saturday with a high near 37 and Sunday we’re back up near 40’s and bumping up against 50 again on Monday.

Friday fishing will be on the chilly side but the holiday weekend and into next week could be exceptional with those daytime temps in the low 40’s and an abundance of sunshine making for some ideal February conditions on the MO.

Expect plenty of top water action with winter midge madness underway. Pair a #18 Bucky’s Midge Cluster with a #18 or #20 Black Midge and feed those steady risers.

The nymphing action should be good as well with no real changes on the bug front. Pill Poppers, Bubble Yums, Rainbow Czechs, Amex, Weight Flies paired with Tailwater Sows, Soft hackle sows, Zebra midges, Pederson’s Sow, Radiation Baetis, Pink Lighting bugs or really any other of your go to winter offerings.

Target the slow, deep winter water and run as close to the bottom as practical but don’t get stuck on that. Especially on the sunny days when the sun is warming the water up a tick or two, don’t be afraid to target the moderately faster runs. Shorten up your rig accordingly and see what happens. You might be surprised.

Streamer action should be good as well, primarily working the slower tail outs and deep, slow buckets with a combination swing and super slow and long strip. But again, don’t get stuck on that. Bomb the banks, switch up your bugs, switch up your retrieve. You might find an aggressive retrieve off the bank to be effective, it all depends on the day.

The established winter techniques are a great starting point but the fish don’t always follow the script. Break those winter rules and see what happens.

The shop will be closed for the weekend as we make the trek up to Calgary for a long overdue return to a Wings/Flames game on Saturday but we do have lodging available for the holiday weekend and beyond.

We’ll be back in the shop on Monday for the big President’s Day rush which could well end up with getting out on the water ourselves for an afternoon outing.

Let’s hope the snow continues to pile up throughout the second half of February. Spring is just 33 days away and will be here before we know it.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-02-15T12:43:25-07:00February 15th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, nymphs, pill popper, running line, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Settling In To Winter

It seems the wild weather swings have subsided for the moment.

No Arctic Blasts and no 60 degree days in the forecast for the time being. We’re currently seeing highs in the 30’s, lows in the 20’s with occasional snow showers (as it should be) and the snowpack map is slowly but steadily starting to improve. Let’s hope winter sticks around for a while. We could certainly stand another six weeks of this.

We did our first guide trips of 2024 last week during the tail end of the heat wave. Things have gone quiet again this week but we’re ok with that. It’s supposed to be quiet in February.

There are still a couple of folks out there most days, the hardest of the hard core anglers, but for the most part it’s empty lots and vacant water and will likely remain so for some time. We are looking at a slight warm up this weekend with highs near 40 starting on Sunday and running through Tuesday but with it being Super bowl Sunday and all I wouldn’t expect much traffic.

The next system moves in on Wednesday with colder temps and a good shot at some snow showers.

Should you decide you’d rather watch a bobber than the 49ers and Chiefs, like if you’re a lifelong Detroit Lions fan and felt like you had this and can’t believe that second half went the way it did and have been in mourning for two weeks, the river is here for you.

Flows are holding steady in the 4000 CFS range with water temps at Holter Dam hanging right around 34 degrees. Shelf ice pretty much disappeared during the heat wave last week though there are still some sketchy spots out there so use caution as always.

The ramps at the dam and Wolf Creek Bridge and Craig are in decent shape and shouldn’t pose a problem though you’ll want to thoroughly inspect them before backing down as an icy ramp is tough to escape once you’re on it. If you have any doubts slide that boat down the ramp to launch and make sure you have a tow strap or plenty of rope for getting out.

Status quo on your bugs. Pill Poppers and Tailwater Sows or some variation thereof if you’re nymphing and midge clusters or any number of individual midge patterns to target those top water fish. Streamer action has been good, at least that was the word last week. White, Olive, Tan all producing on the strip with standard swing fare like Thin Mints, Polar Leeches and Kreelex in play.

We’ve got kitchenettes for rent at $149/night plus tax. A must this time of year with not much for dining out options between Helena and Cascade save the occasional weekend offerings at the Craig Taphouse which will incidentally be serving up pizza tomorrow (Saturday).

New arrivals for spring gear will be here soon. In the meantime we’re loaded up on Simms Waders and boots (and cold weather gear), Sage rods and reels, fly lines from SA, Rio and Airflo for any and all applications and situations, WCA Yeti drinkware as well as WCA 10th Anniversary gear arriving weekly. We’ll do your shuttles whenever possible and we’ll rent you a brand new Adipose Flow provided conditions allow for it.

Settle in for these next few weeks and prepare for what’s ahead. It’s a great time to inventory and organize your gear and figure out what you need to buy for the 2024 campaign.

Winter schedule will remain in effect as long as it makes sense, opening at 8 AM Tuesday – Saturday and lodging is available anytime whether the shop is open or not. Give us a call to book your room and we’ll take care of the rest.

Best of luck this weekend to Chiefs and Niners fans…enjoy it while you can, the Lions will be on the prowl and in the hunt for years to come. Mark my words.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-02-09T11:33:10-07:00February 9th, 2024|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: Detroit Lions, fly fishing, Holter Dam, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Arctic Blast

Following last week’s arctic blast which saw temps bottom out at near -40 with wind chills of -65 we are now looking at another stretch of above average temps with highs in the low to mid 40’s starting tomorrow and running at least through late next week.

We did receive a few inches of snow with this system which is great but unfortunately there is nothing in the immediate forecast for more precipitation. We are still in desperate need of precipitation as we’re over a third of the way through our snow pack building season with most of the state sitting at 40% – 60% of normal.

Some of the infrastructure at WCA didn’t fare particularly well through this arctic blast. Leaving the faucets running thorough the arctic blast was not enough to prevent the dreaded frozen pipes so here we are again with a substantial plumbing project in the works. We have yet to get the water moving again but we’re hoping to make some progress as temperatures warm this weekend and into next week.

We will be open next week but without restroom facilities available. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Fishing has come to a standstill with the lower river choked with ice at the moment. I’d expect winter traffic to resume with the warm up. Please use caution if you’re headed out there as shelf ice could be a hazard for a while and the dam will be shedding ice as well so watch out for those chunks heading downstream. Many of them will be large enough to cause problems for you.

No official reports at this time but you’d do well to think pink if you’re headed out in the days to come. Flows are currently at 5160 CFS and water temps are cold, just shy of 33 degrees so you’ll want to target the deep and slow winter water.

Pill Poppers, Amex, Rainbow Czechs, Pederson’s Sow, Caviar Scuds, Bubble Yum Scuds etc should all be fine options trailed with tailwater sows, Rainbow Warriors, Soft hackle sows, zebra midges and the like. And don’t forget the midges for your January Dry Fly Fix.

Tomorrow looks to be a little breezy but the next few days don’t look bad. Partly sunny days with temps in the 40’s and relatively calm winds could result in some decent dry fly opportunities.

Winter is also swing season on the MO and I’d expect we’ll see a bump in that traffic as well this week.

The ramps are likely not in the best shape but it shouldn’t be long with those warmer temps and a little bit of sun. We’ll get you a ramp report in the next couple of days. In the meantime, be prepared for bad ramps with plenty of rope in case you aren’t able to back down the ramp. If there’s any doubt just slide your boat down the ramp. It’s a little more work but much better than getting your vehicle stuck on the ramp or worse.

Shop hours are spotty, especially with our repair projects underway, but you can expect us to be here Tuesday – Saturday from 9 AM to mid-afternoon. Shuttles available most days and winter lodging is available for $149/night plus tax.

We’re praying for snow and more winter to arrive soon but in the meantime we’ll look forward to seeing you during this January Thaw.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-01-19T12:20:35-07:00January 19th, 2024|Categories: Local Buzz, Shop Life|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

2023 Year In Review

2023 was a year of major improvements at Wolf Creek Angler, a product of our constant commitment to growing our business and to providing all of our customers with spectacular service and an amazing experience whether in the shop, on the water with our guides, lodging with us or all of the above.

The highlight of the year was undoubtedly our major renovation of our bungalow units which we started in January and finished in late March with a week to spare heading into the traditional April opening of our lodging season.

The reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, and we feel these three units are amongst the nicest in the area at this price level.

Sure, there have been some folks disappointed to see the 1980’s ranges go away but with the installation of induction cook tops, the addition of dishwashers to each unit and a major upgrade in décor, we feel our kitchen units are on par with most contemporary units out there, offering a clean and modern look and all the amenities the vast majority of our guests require. Most are happy to trade the range for the upgrade but as a reminder, we do still offer small ranges in our kitchens in Cabins 1,2 and 4 if that is something you’re looking for.

Another major improvement to the WCA brand came at the end of 2022 when we were informed we would FINALLY be opened as a SAGE rod dealer in 2023. It has been an exceptionally long time coming and something I’d been lobbying for since we opened our doors in 2014.

We are thrilled to be on board as a dealer and to be able to offer you what we feel are the best rods in the industry. Sage rounds out an excellent selection of rod brands including Redington, Echo, Lamson and Loop. We have rods for every experience level and every budget and while we never expected to be doing major business in high end rod market, we were pleasantly surprised by selling more Sage R8’s than any other rod in 2023.

Couple this with being the exclusive Simms Fishing Products Dealer in Wolf Creek and you start to see our mission coming to fruition.

That mission being to be your one stop fly fishing destination on the MO with the friendliest service and all the best brands in the industry offered in our shop, the most humble and professional guides on the river and clean and affordable lodging all closer to Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge than any other shop.

Those in the know keep coming and many more discover every season what Wolf Creek has to offer as an alterative destination when coming to fish the magical Missouri.

2023 also saw an expansion of our staff with Keith Tucker joining our team as Shop Manager, Phil Peacy returning for a second year as shop staff while also ramping up his guiding experience and Rhonda Gatch leading our shuttle crew as we broke away from previous arrangements and embarked on our very own shuttle service, independent from any other shop. Wolf Creek Angler is the home of The Cheapest DAM Shuttles on the MO!

This tenth season will go down as our most successful to date and we’re just getting started.

Most of our crew will be returning in the spring and you will likely see some new faces around as well.

Another highlight of the season for us came in the fall when Hidden Canyon Lodge was named a Finalist as Best Fly-Fishing Resort in Montana for the second consecutive year by Distinctly Montana Magazine. What does this have to do with Wolf Creek Angler you ask?

As some of you may know, our outfitting /guide business at Wolf Creek Angler is run under a separate company called Iron Fly Outfitting. I started Iron Fly six or seven years ago because it made sense from a business standpoint for Wolf Creek Angler but also because I began working with Hidden Canyon Lodge as their In-House Outfitter. Everyone at Hidden Canyon is amazing to work with and they run a first-class operation so it’s no surprise to me that they would be named a finalist two years running but hopefully the fishing component has at least something to do with this honor which is a big deal for all involved. Congratulations to everyone at Hidden Canyon Lodge.

We closed the year out with a strong fall/early winter with mild weather providing for a great extended season. We did see a winter storm in late October which brought a fair amount of snow and sub zero temps and did lead to some issues with heating/plumbing in some of our units which are usually closed for winter well in advance of sub zero temps but alas, this is Montana and Montana weather does what it does regardless of whether we’re ready or not.

As quickly as it came the wintry weather retreated and has not really returned since. It has been a fine December for fishing the MO but it’s time to start building some snowpack to fuel our 2024 water year!

As we close this year out, we would like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you once again, to all of those who fished with us, shopped with us or stayed with us at Wolf Creek Angler. We are so blessed to have so many amazing clients and, as always, we are honored and humbled to be able to provide our services to you.

Happy New Year from all of us at Wolf Creek Angler!

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-12-31T16:40:48-07:00December 31st, 2023|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: 2023, 2024, fly fishing, Happy New Year, Hidden Canyon Lodge, iron fly outfitting, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas from all of us as Wolf Creek Angler!

It’s Christmas Eve Eve and all is quiet here in Wolf Creek.

We had near perfect weather yesterday for our Annual WCA Solstice/Christmas Float which is always a highlight of December for me. There’s no better way to spend a late December day and no better humans with whom to spend it.

It’s hard to believe we’ve been doing this fly shop thing for 10 years now and spending a day with WCA Family brings it all home. I love these folks and the community we’ve become and I truly feel blessed beyond measure to be able to do life in this place with these people.

And speaking of blessings…there is no Wolf Creek Angler without all of you our clients. You are the reason we are here and while we still get plenty of people who are first time shoppers, who “never knew we were here”, we’ve built a substantial following of loyal customers who return time and again and who I’m honored to call my friends.

Merry Christmas and warmest holiday wishes to all from all of us at Wolf Creek Angler. We can’t wait to see what the New Year brings and we’re counting down the days to 2024 on the MO.

We will be closed tomorrow (Christmas Eve) and Monday but will be back on Tuesday for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-12-23T10:20:30-07:00December 23rd, 2023|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: Christmas, fly fishing, Merry Christmas, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Winter Solstice

The first day of winter has arrived though you certainly wouldn’t know it judging by the weather.

Regardless, today is the shortest day of the year and tomorrow marks the start of the slow, but steady ascent out of darkness.

Daylight will begin to stretch which means we are on our way to summer and it won’t be long before sunlight again creeps across our parking lot and eventually returns to illuminate the shop in a warm, spring glow.

Of course the coldest days still lie ahead and we’re hoping and praying for the snow to fly but in the meantime we’re enjoying 50 degree December days and wrapping up 2023 by hitting the water.

It doesn’t feel much like Christmas without a trace of snow on the ground but alas, we are four days out which means there is but 10 days left in 2023. The time seems to pass more quickly every year, a symptom of aging no doubt, but on the bright side, those warm spring and summer days will be here before you know it.

Here’s wishing you all a Happy Winter Solstice from Wolf Creek Angler. We are here today for anyone lucky enough to be spending this Solstice on the MO and we will return on Saturday. The shop will be closed tomorrow (Friday, December 22nd) for our Annual WCA/Iron Fly Christmas Float and per usual we will be closed on Sunday and Christmas Day and will be back in the shop on Tuesday.

It looks like we’ll see cooler temps and some rain and snow on Saturday with mild weather on tap throughout next week.

Nymphing and Streamer Fishing have been excellent (by December standards) and you may even find a fish or two willing to hit a dry fly if you’re in the right place at the right time. Sow bug game for the nymphers with Tailwater Sows, Pill Poppers, Pederson’s Sow and the like topping the list. The usual suspects for streamers with Olive, Tan, Yellow and White all having their moments. Swinging and Stripping have both been effective and we’re finding willing players in the slow depths as well as the fast water flats.

Good action to be had everywhere though the Holter Dam to Craig stretch seems to be attracting most of the traffic as is generally the case during the winter months. Daylight is certainly a limiting factor but there’s no reason to start early as that 11 AM – 2 PM window has been the most productive by far.

We recommend shorter floats this time of year with 5 ish miles being ideal for the amount of daylight available if you’re going to start your float in that 10 AM – 11 AM time slot.

We just restocked those sparse Tailwater Sow bins so we’ve got you covered on the Sow Bug front as well as having the best streamer selection on the river. WCA Gift Cards make excellent stocking stuffers so you can load up on those as well when you stop in for bugs and the Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-12-21T09:53:03-07:00December 21st, 2023|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, Christmas, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, winter solstice, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Frosted Darkness in Wolf Creek

These are the days of mandatory day dreaming. If it’s a skill you lack as a fly shop owner/operator you will likely struggle from about mid-November to mid-March. If it’s a skill you lack, winter will chew you up and spit you out of Wolf Creek.

Off in the distance, beyond the shadows of the canyon, the hillside is bathed in sunlight in stark contrast to the frosted darkness enveloping Wolf Creek Angler for the months ahead. A different world exists with a quick trip across the Little Prickly Pear. The daily trip to the Wolf Creek Post Office on sunny winter days is a welcomed escape to the radiance. Some days it almost feels tropical.

Meanwhile, back at WCA, the frost that took hold two nights ago is undisturbed, untouched by those rays of sunshine mocking from a distance.
Customers are few and far between these days but they’ll be back soon enough.

In the meantime, the shop is toasty and the coffee is hot and plentiful….perfect conditions to indulge in the pleasure of the day dream. Spurred on by calls from clients settling up on summer bookings, I can’t help but think about the coming season and how, in what will seem like no time at all, we’ll be back in the thick of it.

One can’t help but dream of warm, sunny days spent floating down the Missouri under big blue Montana skies. It’ll be here before you know it!

The return of busy mornings, a crowded shop, busy boat ramps, traffic on and off the water, long days, short nights, rising trout and all the things.

For now, an abundance of solitude. Time to reflect, time to plan ahead, time to read every article in depth about the Detroit Lions and Redwings, time to count flies, time to hike, time to ride the Peloton, time to FISH and time to daydream.

We’re here in body Tuesday – Saturday at 8 AM though the mind may be elsewhere.

Mild weather on tap for the 10 day – give a shout if you’d like to book an escape to the lonely MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-12-13T14:04:14-07:00December 13th, 2023|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Winter on the Way?

It’s hard to believe but the descent into darkness has us barreling towards the shortest day (and longest night) of the year just two weeks from now.

In spite of that fact, were it not for the long hours of darkness you might not know we were on winter’s doorstep as the weather hasn’t exactly been what you’d expect for the first week of December.

It’s 60 degrees and sunny as I write which is a carbon copy of yesterday. Breezy in spots, but generally calm out there. Very little traffic yesterday, a few more folks around today but definitely not what you would call crowded.

Nymphers soaking up the sun, swingers doing their swing thing and strippers plying the shadows of the canyon walls. Something for everyone though dry fly opportunities are minimal save some midge activity.

We’re shuttling daily as needed and putting a few boats on the water here and there but the post-Thanksgiving/pre Winter Solstice Silence remains.

We’re getting a few lodging inquiries, though the Inn is Vacant at the moment. Give us a call if you’re interested in taking advantage of this unseasonably mild weather and escaping to the MO. Our newly remodeled bungalows are available all winter long for $149/night plus tax. The best deal on the nicest rooms you’re going to find this winter on the Missouri.

Flows have been steady in the 4400 cfs range with water temps hanging at around 40 degrees. Ideal water conditions no matter the time of year.

Something akin to more normal early December weather conditions will resume starting tomorrow with highs in the high 30’s to low 40’s and lows in the mid 20’s for the next 10 days. Zero precip in the forecast at the moment. Let’s hope that changes.

We’ve enjoyed not shoveling snow but we do need to start building that snowpack and those 2024 stream flows.

Since our Halloween week Winter Storm we haven’t seen much in the way of snow and while it can change quickly, a white Christmas seems unlikely at this point. I hope I’m wrong.

And speaking of Christmas, not counting today there are 18 days left to complete your shopping. We hope you consider us for any fly fishing related gifting including our ever-popular WCA gift cards good for anything and everything we sell.

Some other popular gift ideas this year include Simms flannels, Fishpond Nomad nets, Lamson reels, Sage rods, Simms hats and gloves, WCA logo gear, MFC fly boxes and piles and piles of Missouri River flies.

Happy Shopping and Happy Fishing from WCA!

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-12-06T14:56:10-07:00December 6th, 2023|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, dry fly fishing, Fishpond, fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving from WCA

We have so much to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving, not the least of which is the incredible season we just wrapped up at Wolf Creek Angler and that’s all because of you.

Season number 10 was our best ever and judging by what we have on the books for next season, 2024 should be another great year so thank you to all of you who continue to allow us the privilege of doing what we do.

We will be closed today, enjoying family time and football and food and taking stock of just how blessed we are to be able to live in such an amazing place, doing what we love, while having the opportunity to forge relationships with so many great people.

I’ve spent the last few days working on confirmations for next year and while we’ve just concluded this season, we can’t wait for the next one. Spring is a long ways away but talking with folks about next year’s bookings makes it feel a lot closer.

Here’s wishing all of you a blessed Thanksgiving.

We will be back in the shop tomorrow and it looks like a warmup is underway starting this weekend so we hope to see you out there.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-11-22T11:36:49-07:00November 23rd, 2023|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: running line, Thanksgiving, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

WCA Circa 2014

Your Missouri River Fly Fishing Destination

This week pretty much marks the end of the season for us here at Wolf Creek Angler. I assure you we are OPEN, however for all intents and purposes things are coming to a close.

Our last guide trips on the books for the season took place on Halloween. We spent yesterday winterizing cabins and motel rooms and our shop manager Keith has hit the road in search of a warmer place in which to winter.

So yes, the sign says open but the vibe says this season is in the books.

And what a season it was. Our best one yet!

Ten years in, I couldn’t be more thrilled with our trajectory or more proud of the brand we continue to build here in Wolf Creek.

For those who are interested we do have our newly remodeled bungalows available all winter long for lodging and while most guides have disappeared from the scene for some well-deserved time off, chances are we can still get you on the water should you get the itch.

Bungalows are $249 (plus tax)/night through November 15th after which winter rates kick in. November 16th through March 31st rates will be $149/night plus tax.

Whether you’re looking to DIY or you’d like a guide to do the heavy lifting, winter lodging at Wolf Creek Angler is the perfect option. Rooms are well appointed with cook tops, fridges, coffee makers and 55” flat screen TV’s.

Darkness comes early this time of year, in fact it comes an hour earlier starting this weekend, so a cozy, comfortable room with cooking facilities and entertainment is the perfect fit for your fall and winter trips to the MO.

We do have a few guests here at the moment, taking advantage of the slow return to normalcy following last week’s winter storm but availability opens up next week.

Fishing has been on the slow side since that weather event but seems to be returning to pre-storm form. Flows have been bouncing around a bit but are currently holding around 3700 CFS and water temps have been dropping and are currently at around 48 degrees. I’d expect we’ll see these conditions hold fairly stable for the month with no major weather changes in the forecast.

It looks like highs in the low to mid 50’s and lows in the low 30’s for the most part through the middle of next week with somewhat breezy conditions most days. These warmer days should take care of most of the snow on the ramps and such though I fear that here in the fall/winter darkness of the canyon we may have seen the last of the lawn here at the shop until spring sun returns to usher in the next go around.

Sow bugs and BWO nymphs should continue to produce and Pill Poppers and Hot Bead nymphs have started to come into play as well. Rainbow Czechs are never a bad call this time of the year either. Pair a #12 Czech with a #16 Tailwater Sow and find your water.

Dry fly fishing could be good throughout the month of November, wind and weather dependent, but you’ll want to be at the ready with those BWO and midge rigs.

Obviously streamers have been in major play for the past month and will continue to be a go-to for the remainder of the fall season.

Swing season is here but there’s ample time left to strip as well. We’ve been selling a ton of Thin Mints, Balanced Leeches, Polar Leeches, Buggers, Pine Squirrel Leeches and the like but don’t feel like you have to go small. There are plenty of fish chasing down big bugs, some looking for maximum caloric intake, some operating strictly out of aggression. Either way, it’s worth your time to throw the meat.

The shop is open at 8:00 AM daily (except when we’re not) and provided we have the crew available we’ll be running The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO All Winter Long!

And speaking of the crew – as always, the team effort is what makes it go here and the team we fielded this season absolutely killed it.

A HUGE thanks to everyone on the WCA team who continued to excel at making WCA the success it has been and will continue to be.

Thanks to Keith and Phil in the shop, Missy and Marty our Rock Star Housekeeping staff; Rhonda, Nate, Brad, Jude, Sennet and Gary on our stellar shuttle crew and of course all of our guides who knocked it out of the park more days than not, putting smiles on faces and making memories that keep folks coming back year after year.

A huge thanks as well to Kelli Wilson at MO River Eats for making lunches a highlight of the guide day experience and for her dedication to her craft. Thank you for the early morning deliveries, the late night adds, the breakfast BLT’s and the constant attention to details. We feel so blessed to have Kelli taking care of us and our clients feel the same.

Finally – none of it means anything without you our clients. I am humbled every season both by the continued support of our regular customers and all of the new customers who darken our doors. 10 years in we STILL hear it on a fairly regular basis…”I never knew you guys were here” and while that proclamation certainly drives our advertising strategy it also makes me think we continue to have miles to go in growing the WCA brand. Coming off of our best year yet, that’s a huge comfort and a huge reason for optimism.

So thank you to all of you who stay with us, fish with us, shop with us, follow us on social media, wear our brand and talk us up….y’all continue to make Wolf Creek Angler THE Missouri River Fly Fishing Destination.

Here’s to 2023 and more of the same ahead.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-11-02T09:58:41-06:00November 2nd, 2023|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, fly fishing, Missouri River, Mo' River Eats, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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