Shop Life Archives - Page 5 of 20

Welcome 2023

Welcome to 2023 and to near- perfect fishy winter weather for the next few weeks.

We’re expecting a busy (by January standards) month on the MO with winter having retreated for the time being and folks itching to get out and do something after having hunkered down during much of the last two months due to the the early onset of winter conditions and the holidays.

Gone are the negative double digits we recently experienced and the majority of the snow and ice we’ve been dealing with since mid-November replaced by open water and highs in the high 30’s and low 40’s for the foreseeable forecast. Overnight lows will drop into the high teens and 20’s so no need to get an early start and be prepared to deal with some breezy conditions as you might expect with the warmer temps but once again, by January standards you really couldn’t ask for better conditions for getting out and curing that cabin fever.

Nymphing has been good and should be your go to for numbers all winter long but that being said, it’s also swing season and midge season on the MO if you prefer. And you won’t be surprised to hear me say that I’ll be spending plenty of time stripping streamers now through May. April/May are the Prime Months for streamers on the MO but there’s no reason not to strip all winter long if conditions allow it. The biggest brown I’ve caught on the Missouri ate a ZK’s MK Ultra stripped slow and deep on an early January float. I’ll be looking for a repeat this year.

Once again, nymphing is going to be your best bet for numbers. Think Pink and go deep. Pink Amex, Caviar Scud, Bubble Yum Scud, Pill Popper, Pederson’s Sow, Rainbow Czech, Pink Weight Fly…all good options paired with a soft hackle sow, tailwater sow, pink lighting bug, zebra midge, Pink or Firebead Ray. It’s a little bit about the bug. It’s more about the location. We don’t spend a lot of time changing flies when winter nymphing. Find the slow, deep winter depths and start deep. Adjust depth accordingly until you find hungry fish.

Best bets on the swing include Polar Leeches, Kreelex, Thin Mints, MoJo Minnows, Fruit Rollups, Pine Squirrel Leeches or any old bugger.

Likewise for stripping but don’t be afraid to branch out. Sparkle Minnows, the aforementioned MK Ultra, Skiddish Smolt, Dirty Hippy, Swim Coach…there’s really nothing in your streamer box you shouldn’t be throwing. Fish the ones you like. Fish the ones that work. Slow and varied retrieve with an abundance of pauses. They generally aren’t going to move fast or far in cold water so make sure you work the water thoroughly in an effort to meet them where they are.

Floating is definitely an option again, at least in the top section from the Dam to Craig and I’d imagine Craig down to the canyon should be fine as well. The ramps are in good shape and most of the shelf ice has dissipated. Watch for those chunks of floating ice if you’re wade fishing, they can make a day go bad! Current flow is 3370 CFS with water temp just shy of 34 degres.

Shop hours will be more consistent in accordance with the weather conditions. Posted hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 9 AM – 4 PM though it’s always a good idea to give a call to make sure we’re going to be here if it’s later in the day. Also, we are a staff of 1 during the winter months so other engagements/appointments may at times result in the shop being closed on days we would normally be open. Case in point – the shop will be closed this Friday, January 6th.

We’ve had a fairly steady stream of calls for lodging this past week and unfortunately, as of this week, we will not be offering lodging for the remainder of the winter. The good news? The reason we don’t have lodging is because we’re remodeling. More on this to come.

In the meantime we will still do Adipose boat rentals, weather permitting and we’ll do our best to provide shuttle service. More importantly, we’re fully stocked with winter bugs, cold weather gear, lines and leaders, Simms Waders and Boots (Still the BEST IN THE BUSINESS) despite of what you may have heard elsewhere and much more.

We’ve got a few rods and reels left following our most successful Fall Rod and Reel Sale to date and we’ll extend that sale pricing for the next while as we clear out space for incoming spring arrivals. More on this to come as well but suffice it to say that this is the most excited we’ve ever been about incoming rods and reels.

It’s good to be back in the shop with fishy weather at hand and we’re stoked to see traffic resume.

Happy New Year! We think 2023 is going to be a great year on the MO and at WCA.

Cheers!

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-01-03T13:43:07-07:00January 3rd, 2023|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: brown trout, fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Welcome Winter

Happy Winter Solstice!

It feels like it’s been winter for six weeks already but technically we’re just getting started with today being the actual first day of winter.

It’s a statement Winter Solstice with the current temperature at -21. It’ll warm up to -20 at some point today before plummeting to -30 tonight. There is a Winter Storm Warning in effect until 11 AM today and a Wind Chill Warning in effect until 11 AM on Friday. Wind Chill currently has the “feels like” temp at -46.

I’ve decided to work from home today as our shop heater only operates in temperatures above -10.

And while there is no shortage of chatter about this apocalyptic cold snap there is plenty of reason for optimism, namely that we’re in desperate need of a good, old-fashioned winter and thus far that is exactly what we’re getting.

The cold and snowy weather definitely has its challenges, but the hope is that it’ll all be worthwhile when we’re in the midst of our summer season enjoying steady flows of cold water.

The other big reason for optimism on this cold and snowy Wednesday? It’s the aforementioned Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. Now begins the march towards spring and summer with the days getting a little bit longer each and every day.

Long hot days and warm summer nights will be here before we know it.

So curse the cold if you must as you shovel snow with numb hands, but as you do so, keep in mind that this is the cycle, the way it’s meant to be. The cold and snow serve a purpose, as has been the case for millennia.

Winter’s beauty paves the way for those summer days we all look forward to, when we can start bitching about how HOT it is!

And besides all that, it looks like we’re headed for a warmup as temps climb back into the high 30’s and even low 40’s starting on Saturday. You could be back on the water in a matter of days.

Cheers to Winter!

The Shortest Day Carson Ellis / Candlewick Press

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-12-21T09:32:26-07:00December 21st, 2022|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: running line, winter solstice, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Back in the Game

Things have taken a quiet turn this first week of November as is usually the case.

Snow is falling and as of this morning the majority of our lodging is winterized and closed until spring. We’ve got three units open and available this week but those too will be unavailable starting next week.

Today would be an ok day to fish. Tomorrow looks to be better with partial sun returning and a high near 40.

Things deteriorate over the weekend with gusty winds and rain and snow likely. Winter conditions starting on Monday with snow, highs in the teens and lows in the single digits. It looks like a bit of a warming trend towards the end of next week as we climb back near 30 but it seems as though this idyllic fall season is finally about to come to a close.

This has, without a doubt, been one of the most pleasant and lengthy autumns in recent memory and as luck would have it I was able to get out and enjoy much of it with a more relaxed schedule in the shop and help when I needed it.

The wife and I did our annual trip to Whitefish and were treated to several days of amazing autumn weather. We checked out some new breweries, hiked some areas we’d never hiked before, took in a Helena vs Flathead High volleyball match and basically spent three days doing not much of anything other than enjoying fall in the Flathead.

Last week I spent Thursday and Friday on the Blackfoot with dear friends doing our annual fall streamer trip which up until this year had happened on the Yellowstone. After two amazing days on the Blackfoot, we’re planning on sticking with the current program going forward.

Having not spent a whole lot of time fun fishing this season it was so good to get out and do a trip like this, tuning everything out but fishing for two days straight. No emails, no phone calls and no tough decisions aside from which streamer to throw and whether or not it was time for another beer.

Obviously owning a fly shop and being an outfitter keeps one focused on fishing but it can also have the effect of making you feel somewhat unplugged from the energy created when you’re able to actually engage in this thing that for me evolved from a pastime to a passion. Not taking the time to reconnect can have extremely deleterious effects on one’s psyche but at the same time stepping back in after a season absent of fun fishing made this getaway all that much more enjoyable and significant to the point where I came away feeling reinvigorated and back in the game.

Note to self – take more time to fish from here on out.

On Monday I did my final guide trip of the season on the Missouri and had my best day in years with the stars aligning to deliver non-stop action. A breezy day for sure but when its 60 plus degrees on Halloween and you’re netting fish all day long it definitely makes fighting the wind more tolerable.

It’s been a great season here at WCA and while we welcome winter we’re excited for 2023 with some BIG things we’re working on that we can’t wait to share with you.

The shop will be open somewhat sporadically all winter long but while I’m reflecting on this season I just want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who shopped with us, fished with us, stayed with us or simply followed us on social media in 2022. Another great season about to be in the books thanks to all of you.

Tight Lines!

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-11-02T13:26:40-06:00November 2nd, 2022|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|2 Comments

Autumn Magic on the MO

These are the autumn days we were dreaming of as summer lingered on.

Chilly mornings. Heavy dew on the grass. The morning sun warming the soul.

Blue bird skies with a burst of oranges, yellows and reds mixed with plenty of green still holding on.

The afternoon heat quickly dissipates as the sun drops below the horizon.

Evening chill and an early shroud of darkness.

Rising fish breaking the glassy autumn stillness.

Autumn beasts lurking below

It’s October Magic on the MO

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-10-04T14:02:54-06:00October 4th, 2022|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Autumn Creeping In

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another Summer Season in the Books

The calendar still says summer. The weather at the moment definitely concurs but Labor Day has come and gone and with it Summer Season Number Nine at Wolf Creek Angler.

Summer angling crowds have been absent for weeks now and the river has been busy with rec floaters enjoying one last summer fling before it’s back to the fall grind.

Things have been on the lonely side these past few weeks for those of us in the fly shops but that’s about to change as we close the books on the summer season and make the shift to fall. It appears as though it will continue to feel like summer for the time being with a taste of what’s on the horizon coming Friday with expected daytime highs in the 50’s. The heat returns for the weekend but we’re definitely in the transition from sweltering heat to cooler days and nights. The leaves are turning, ever so slowly and the vibe has turned from Endless Summer to everything fall.

Fall sports are either already or very soon to be underway and many have already put away the fishing gear for the season, making the switch from hunting heads to hunting horns. Big Game Season is here which means the pursuit of deer and elk for many but for others Big Game Season means the pursuit of monster browns on the prowl as the fall spawning season gets underway.

I spent Saturday afternoon in Missoula sweating through a convincing Griz win for their season opener. Sweating aside – it felt GREAT to be back in the stands watching football again. It’s the time of year when hopes are high for all of our favorite teams with a clean slate from which to start. It’s hard to be anything other than optimistic prior to that first snap, even if you’re a Detroit Lions fan. This could be our year!!

September and October are among my favorite months of the year. I love everything about the fall and find myself savoring these autumn months more and more as the years pass by. Many of you share this love for autumn as evidenced by our bookings for September. It’s going to be a busy month on the MO but at this point availability for lodging and guides in October looks good.

You simply can’t beat autumn days on the MO. As those cooler temps begin to take hold and our water temps start to drop you can expect fishing to improve dramatically. Terrestrials will continue to be your go to for surface action while the nymphing and streamer fishing start to heat up. Folks have already started asking about BWO’s…it typically doesn’t happen until mid-October or later depending on the weather but we’ll certainly keep you posted. A few Callibaetis here and there for the hard core DFO and a great time to throw an October Caddis.

It was a fun summer and a hot one at that. And so we bid farewell to Summer 22. We’ll miss those green hills and long days and warm nights but we shall not mourn summer’s passing. Instead we embrace the change and welcome this season of the harvest.

We hope to see you on the MO this fall.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-09-05T14:25:35-06:00September 5th, 2022|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: brown trout, fly fishing, Griz, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, summer, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Summer Heat

Summer heat has started to take its toll around the state with an increase in wild fire activity and Hoot Owl closures on many of our rivers. That being said, the Missouri is still flowing relatively cold and has not yet approached the water conditions which would dictate a Hoot Owl closure, that being three consecutive days with water temps reaching 73 degrees. We’re currently seeing water temps in the 65 – 67 degree range at the dam which means lower river temps are likely considerably warmer. It’s time to put that stream thermometer to work and start keeping track of water temps throughout the day. Once that water hits 67 it’s time to stop fishing!

Daytime highs in the 90’s all this week will exacerbate the situation but hopefully the relatively cool nighttime lows will keep us in good shape until things cool down. We’ve been starting our guide trips early (6 – 6:30 AM ) and will continue to do so until conditions improve. Traffic has thinned to the point where we’re not as concerned about the pressure on the fish but you can expect your guide to check water temps frequently and as stated above, once that temp hits 68 degrees, it’s time to quit fishing and sit back and enjoy the summer scenery.

The bite has slowed a bit but hopper fishing has been good enough and Tricos are providing daily opportunities for those who can get it done. Nymphing has been hit or miss and has been increasingly challenging with a fair amount of weeds now in the system. Warm water, hot sun, weeds….it’s August on the MO but don’t let that scare you. There are plenty of fish to be caught out there, it’s just a matter of modifying your techniques to fit the conditions and perhaps adjusting your expectations.

The crowds are gone and the bugs are here. Get on early. Get off early and leave the heat of the day to the rec floaters.

The shop is still opening at 6:30 AM Monday – Saturday. Closing time has been somewhat random as we’ve been known to cut out early when it’s blazing hot out there. We’ve officially changed our Sunday hours to 7 AM – 2 PM to accommodate staff changes as our summer crew is soon to be cut in half as Phil returns to school next week.

Should you decide to add a visit to the MO to your late summer agenda we’ve got all kinds of lodging available and could likely even come up with a guide for you.

Great end of summer deals on Simms summer gear and much more at Wolf Creek Angler.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-08-09T11:50:25-06:00August 9th, 2022|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, Hoot Owl Closures, Hoppers, Missouri River, Montana, running line, simms, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Dog Days of Summer

The Dog Days of Summer have officially arrived.

It’s the time of the summer season when angling traffic slows to a crawl and most of those on the water are there to keep cool while enjoying the summer sun. If you find yourself fishing on the weekend you will likely be outnumbered by at least 3:1, rec floaters to drift boats.

With daytime highs in the 90’s and nearing 100 over the weekend I’d expect this trend to continue.

Fishing has remained good though it’s been markedly slower as of late with the added challenge of weeds now a part of the equation. They aren’t terrible. We’ve seen them much worse but you’d be wise to prepare yourself mentally for the challenge.

Tricos have been consistent with an abundance of bugs daily. Fish up have not been as consistent but if you put in the time you’ll find some willing players. Evening caddis action has been the better option, particularly at last light and into the darkness.

Small hoppers, Chubbys, Micro Chubbys and various ants have all provided decent mid-day action with or without a nymph dropper and blind fishing a Caddis throughout the day will get some looks as well.

And speaking of nymphs…if you opt for the bobber game Tailwater Sows, Frenchies, S & M’s, Green Machines, Purple Weight Flies, Tung Darts, Peep Shows, PT’s, Black or Olive Zebra midges, Olive or Purple lightning bugs and Nitro Caddis are all good options.

We even tried some night ops this week with the fur balls but were thwarted by the after-dark caddis smorgasbord and later by a howling north wind.

The traffic has been primarily in the Wolf Creek to Stickney section so maybe opt for the canyon or below if you’re looking to minimize contact with other humans. What the lower river lacks in ease of access it often makes up for in solitude and the occasional hopper hunting big brown but be prepared to deal with a fair amount of weed mass.

We’re continuing to open at 6:30 AM for the time being but will likely adjust accordingly as traffic and daylight dictate.

End of Summer Sale on now with 25% off most summer gear as we make room for fall arrivals.

Lodging is plentiful and guide trips are more or less available for the next few weeks as we close out the summer season and shift our focus towards fall. Take advantage of the solitude while you can as it looks to be a busy September/October on the MO. And if fall fishing is your plan we’d advise you book those dates sooner rather than later as we’re filling up fast.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-07-28T08:08:37-06:00July 28th, 2022|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, running line, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Summer Solitude

Deep in the heart of summer here on the MO and all is well in our world.

The hatches have been consistent. The flows are near perfect when they’re not getting bounced around. The weather, while a little unstable, has been pleasant with cool evenings and mornings and just enough heat in the day to remind you it’s our hottest month of the year. The fish are happy and hungry and the crowds have thinned to the point where there is plenty of solitude to be found on the water which isn’t great for us but which should make you drop what you’re doing and head to the MO for one of the better dry fly seasons we’ve had in recent memory.

A good number of inflatables out there on the weekends so maybe skip those days or just get a super early start and be off the water before they get there. Or just fish in the midst of them and be happy that everyone is out there enjoying the resource.

We’ve been starting our trips early (6:30 – 7), leaving the heat of the day to the rec crowd. The heat of summer has started to have an effect on some of our regional waters with the Sun, the Smith and the Madison all on Hoot Owl restrictions. Hopefully with these steady flows in the 4K range, plenty of water in Canyon Ferry and these cool overnight temps we’ll steer clear of the Hoot Owl here on the Missouri.

Tricos are your early morning and daytime target with caddis providing some near-dark evening action. Hoppers and ants should also be in the mix with or without a nymph dropper.

Those choosing to chase the bobber are getting the numbers with sow bugs, Green Machines, Zebra midges, Frenchies, Purple or Gold Weight flies, Nitro Caddis, S & M’s and pheasant tails.

Plenty of lodging available right now and maybe even a guide or two available though that’s definitely been hit or miss.

Rental boats are finally available again after a busy three weeks.

It’s really the perfect time to sneak away to the MO where the fishing has been epic, the weather and water conditions couldn’t be any better and you might just have it to yourself. Whatever you do, don’t tell anybody!!

We’re open at 6:30 AM daily for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-07-19T13:15:20-06:00July 19th, 2022|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, running line, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Summer Days on the Missouri

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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