Uncategorized Archives - Wolf Creek Angler

Full Moon Fishing Report

Full Moon over Wolf Creek Bridge

All is quiet on the Missouri as December continues to disappear.

We’re in the last full moon phase of the decade with the Winter Solstice knocking at the door.

The days continue to get shorter but only through next weekend when we turn the corner, celebrating the first day of winter on Saturday the 21st and then reversing course. A lot of winter ahead for sure but it’ll be good to be back on the road to spring.

Duck hunters outnumber anglers most days but there are a few folks getting out and enjoying winter’s solitude.

Winter nymphing is on and Swing Season is here. And while Trout Spey continues to grow in popularity, we’re here to tell you that you can actually fish streamers on a single hand rod on the MO in the winter as well. It’s all a matter of personal preference.

Obviously the first hurdle is to get acclimated to cold weather fishing. Its not for everyone but once you talk yourself into it and actually get out there you just might fall in love with the consistent abundance of solitude and the occasional banner day of fishing.

Warmer temps this time of the year are generally accompanied by gusty winds so I’ll usually fish the colder days if I can avoid the hurricane winds. Case in point, today we’ll see highs in the mid 40’s but we’ll also see 20 mph winds gusting to 40 mph….no thanks!
Tomorrow looks like a slight improvement and Saturday looks to be near perfect (by December standards) with highs in the mid 30’s and light winds.

And speaking of the weekend, we do have lodging available should you decide to treat yourself to a winter weekend on the Missouri.
Water temps have dropped considerably (currently right around 36 degrees) so the conditions are definitely right for tried and true winter techniques.

If nymphing is your game you’ll want to be targeting the slow, deep winter waters. Pink is always the go-to during the winter months and firebeads should also be a staple in your arsenal. Best bets are Rainbow Czechs, Pill Poppers, Amex, Bubble Yums, Tailwater Sows, Soft hackle sows, Caviar Scuds, Firebead or Pink Lucent Bead Rays, Pink Lighting Bugs, Pink Radiation Baetis, Rainbow Warriors, Pederson’s Sow, Cotton Candy, Firebead Sows…..you get the picture. Fish deep (7’ – 9’ overall) and make sure you completely cover the run, starting close and working your way out.

Streamer fishing is a go and while it may not generate the numbers you’ll likely catch larger fish swinging or stripping but not always.
Swing the tailouts with something in the leech realm and don’t be afraid to ply the depths either swinging or stripping. If you’re going to strip keep it slow with the occasional swing for good measure. We like Polar Leeches, Hot Head Kreelex, Buggers, Pine Squirrel Leeches etc on the swing or the strip and there’s no time I won’t fish a Sparkle Minnow or Mojo Minnow. A slow strip dredging the depths of the soft, lakey water could surprise you!

The walk/wade option often makes more sense this time of year with the seriously abbreviated daylight but a short float (Dam to Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek to Craig, Craig to Stickney etc) is very do-able and affords you vastly increased opportunities.

We hope to see you in Wolf Creek this weekend. We’ve got everything you need for you day on the water and almost all of it is on sale!
20 percent off bugs, lines, leaders, tippet and great deals on waders, boots and outerwear as well as layering and sportswear. And don’t forget our Holiday rod and reel sale – 25 % off ALL rods and reels and a FREE ARC fly line and backing when you buy a rod and reel combo. The BEST deals of the year just in time for Christmas.

Shop Hours 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Monday – Saturday and 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Sundays through Christmas. We will be closed on Christmas Day and will play it by ear the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Beginning the week of January 5th we will be closed on Mondays for the winter months.

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-12-12T17:03:27+00:00December 12th, 2019|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, Craig MT, Missouri River, running line, winter solstice, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The Countdown

As of today there are 16 days shopping days remaining until Christmas.

Have you finished your shopping?

Have you even started your shopping?

If you’re looking for some fly fisher appropriate gifts we’d love to help you out. We’ve got something to fit just about any budget and best of all, we’ve got some amazing deals happening now through the end of the year.

Deals include, but are not limited to, 20% off all fall and winter sportswear and outerwear as well as waders and boots; 25 % off all rods and reels and a free ARC fly line and backing with the purchase of any rod and reel combo (That’s an $80 value); 50 % off all remaining summer sportswear and 20 % off all lines, leaders, tippet and flies.

These are just a few of the deals happening now through December 31st at WCA.

We’ve definitely got something for everyone on your list and we’d love to help you find that perfect gift. Here are just a few ideas.

Simms G3 Stockingfoot Guide Waders
$549.95

These are undoubtedly the go-to wader for the majority of our guides and are the wader by which all others are measured.
Time on the stream is time well spent. And with the G3 Guide™ Waders – Stockingfoot, those precious hours can be comfortable and well-ventilated. Utilizing new GORE-TEX® Pro Shell, the G3 provides optimal balance of reliability, breathability and all-day comfort. The G3 has all the in-river essentials you need, with legendary Simms durability that can stand up to heavy use in rugged conditions. 3 chest pockets provide ample storage and hand-warming zones, while sore feet are a thing of the past with anatomically designed neoprene stockingfeet with a funk-fighting anti-microbial finish.
• Durable, breathable & comfortable GORE-TEX® Pro Shell 3-layer upper & 4-layer lower
• Top access zippered stretch pocket plus zippered, reach-through micro-fleece lined hand-warming pockets
• Attachment zipper for flip-out Tippet Tender™ pocket with retractor docking station & tippet spool sleeves
• Built-in low-profile belt loops with 2 in. stretch wading belt included
• Patented front & back leg seams deliver articulated fit, improved mobility & increased durability
• Patented abrasion-resistant built-in Gravel Guards with boot hooks
• Anatomically engineered neoprene stockingfeet with anti-microbial finish
• Custom options available
FABRIC TECH: 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell in upper; 4-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell in seat & legs
WEIGHT: 45 oz. (1275.8 g)

Korkers Darkhorse Wading Boot
$189.99

Korkers Darkhorse Wading Boot w/ Kling-On and Kling-On felt Soles is a fishing boot that is durable and functional. This boot comes with kling-on and felt kling-on soles.
• Traction: OmniTrax interchangeable sole system adapts traction on these boots to any fishing condition
• Closure System: BOA M2 lacing system for quick on/off and custom fit
• Fast Drying: Hydrophobic upper material with ultra abrasion resistance and tonal camo pattern
• Molded TPU toe cap for toe bump protection
• Protected stitching for longer thread life
• Internal Drainage: Water flows thru internal channels then out midsole ports, removing excess water and weight.
• 3PFS Achilles stabilization for the superlative fit and function.

Simms Coldweather Shirt
$119.95

Hands down – our favorite winter shirt.

A hardworking mainstay featuring the boosted warmth of waffle-lined micro-fleece internals. Quick-dry performance and chafe-free, off-shoulder seaming for added comfort. Stash gear in two cargo top load pockets to stay on the water until last light.
• Flannel, waffle fleece‐lined shirt to keep you warm during winter fishing
• Two fly box compatible chest pockets with hook and loop closure
• Off‐shoulder seams for comfort
• Slight drop tail
• Resized in 2018 for a better fit
FABRIC TECH: 100% Polyester flannel, 100% Polyester waffle fleece

Loop Evotec Cast Rods
$475.00

EVOTEC CAST FAST ACTION SIGLE-HAND RODS
Fast action progressive casting styles mean pushing for the limits of performance in modern day fly fishing. Finished in deep pearlised blue, Evotec CAST Fast fly rods are available in single-handed models for both fresh and saltwater fishing and double-handed models for the pursuit of anadromous fish. Evotec CAST Fast fly rods deliver flies quickly to the taking zone without compromising on the positive ‘feel’ response that anglers have come to expect from LOOP fly rods.

Redington Path Fly Fishing Outfit
$199.99

Ready to fish!
The new PATH rod is a smooth-casting, medium-fast action graphite fly rod, offering classic performance for all levels of anglers. Rods through 6 weight have a half-wells handle with a wood reel seat for a classic look and feel, and 7 weights and above feature a full-wells grip with anodized aluminum reel seat that is ready for salt or fresh water conditions.
• All water, moderate-fast action rod
• Wooden reel seats on rods weights through 6 weight models
• Durable anodized aluminum reel seat on rods 7 weight and above
• Alignment dots for easy rod setup
• Durable cordura rod tube with built in rod dividers
• Combo includes: PATH rod, CROSSWATER reel pre-spooled with RIO Mainstream WF fly line, and cordura rod tube
• Lifetime warranty *rod only

LAMSON LIQUID 3-PACK FLY FISHING REEL & SPOOLS
$169.99

All together now. The Liquid 3-Pack includes one Liquid reel and two spare spools in a nylon carrying case all for the price of one reel and one spool. Liquid offers everything you need in a fly reel at an absolute bang for your buck—and this new combo pack opens up easy interchangeability for the multifaceted angler at even more of an extreme value.

Fishpond Cross-Current Chest Pack
$149.95

THE CROSS-CURRENT CHEST PACK IS DESIGNED TO KEEP ALL YOUR ESSENTIALS AND BOXES ORGANIZED, KEEPING THEM HIGH ON YOUR BODY AT THE READY.
When the fishing is hot there is a lot going on and you have to be able to multitask to keep up with all the activity. The Cross-Current Chest pack is designed to keep all your essentials and boxes organized, keeping them high on your body at the ready. Slide your net out of the integrated net slot, scoop your fish, release it, grab your dry shake out of the magnetic drop down workstation, and get back those moments we all love to celebrate.
FEATURES
• Compatible with all Fishpond backpacks
• 210D Nylon Cyclepond Fishpond fabric
• Front magnetic closure pocket for small fly boxes, pucks, and other quick access items
• Front main zippered storage compartment for large fly box storage
• Two small stretch mesh pockets on the front for quick access items
• Exterior VELCRO® attachment for foam attachment (foam patch included)
• Exterior Hypalon® tabs for tool and accessory attachment on each side
• Integrated net slot on backpanel holds a long handle net
• D-ring on top center back for attaching a net release for short handle nets
• One large pocket on the backpanel with a zippered entry on each side
• Magnetic front pocket has velcro interior on one side, and 4 small stretch mesh pockets for organization
• Main front zippered pocket includes one interior zippered pocket

Rising Lunker Net
Starting at $159.99

With three handle lengths to choose from and available handle extensions these nets have become the go-to amongst our guides. The 10” and 24” handles make for great wading nets and the 38” net is the perfect boat net. The 14” handle extension converts any net to the next model up so no need to buy multiple nets.

Stocking Stuffers A Plenty
$$

We’ve got piles of unique stocking stuffers…From flasks to lanyards to fly boxes to tools and accessories and more, we’ve got something for all the fly fishers on your list.

Wolf Creek Angler Gift Cards
$-$$$

Not sure what to get them? Wolf Creek Angler Gift Cards are the perfect option. They are available in any amount and good for anything we sell.

Can’t find the time to make the trip to Wolf Creek? No problem. We’re happy to ship anything anywhere. Just give us a call and tell us what you need and we’ll take care of the rest.

Happy Shopping!

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-12-09T18:29:04+00:00December 9th, 2019|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, Fishpond, Korkers, Lamson, Missouri River, Montana, Redington, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

December 3rd, 1805

Today’s post is shared from The American Patriot’s Daily Almanac & Salem National

Of Courage Undaunted
“I marked my name & the day of the month and year on a large Pine . . . ‘Capt William Clark December 3rd 1805. By Land. U States in 1804 & 1805.’”

So wrote William Clark in his journal after nearly nineteen months of trekking across the West. Captains Clark and Meriwether Lewis, along with a band of about thirty explorers, had finally reached the Pacific.

They had set out from the St. Louis area on May 14, 1804, with instructions from President Jefferson: see what was out there. The explorers made their way up the Missouri River in boats,
wide-eyed at a land filled with deer, turkeys, geese, and herds of buffalo. Lewis and Clark held councils with the Indians they met. They made maps of their route. They collected specimens – insects, animal skins, fossils, a prairie dog – and sent them back to the curious Jefferson.

The explorers spent about a month dragging their canoes around the Great Falls of the Missouri. When the river took them as far as it could, they traded with Shoshone Indians for horses and started over the Rockies. The horses often lost their footing on snow-covered trails. The explorers ran out of food and began to go hungry.

They finally stumbled out of the mountains, built canoes, and dashed down foaming waters to the Columbia River. The river widened, slowed, and lay shrouded with fog. When the fog lifted, they found that they had reached the Pacific.

As Jefferson said, the Lewis and Clark expedition was one “of courage undaunted, possessing a firmness and perseverance of purpose which nothing but impossibilities could divert from its direction.” By the time they got back to St. Louis on September 23, 1806, they had traveled 8,000 miles. They brought back reports of a country grand enough to hold any dream.

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-12-03T15:26:38+00:00December 3rd, 2019|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Colubia River, Great Falls of the Missouri, Lewis and Clark, Missouri River, Pacific|0 Comments

Thanksgiving

As we’re just a couple of days out from Thanksgiving I can think of no better time to express a heart-felt thank you to all of our customers, old and new, who continue to enable us to enjoy, what is truly a blessed life.

It’s so easy to get dragged down by the day to day but it doesn’t take much reflection to snap out of it and to affirm the realization that life is indeed very, very good.

Numbers are important. They tell us where we’ve been and lay a path for where we’re going. But they can also cloud our vision and blind us to the more important things in life.

As I look out at the snow dusted hills, watching the mule deer and bighorn sheep go about their daily business, oblivious to the goings on in the world in which we live, the numbers disappear. The worries go away and my soul is stirred by my reality.

Ten years ago if you would have told me that in 2019 I’d be 7 years into this adventure it would be inconceivable to me.

This is our eighth Thanksgiving spent living in Montana, our sixth spent as fly shop owners. In some ways it feels like an eternity. In other ways it doesn’t seem too long ago that I was spending my days in the foundry wishing I was on the water, never even imagining a future remotely similar to where we have landed.

My dream of someday living in Montana was a call to these mountains and to these rivers and never went much beyond that. I just knew I wanted to be in this place. It’s a mystery how it all comes together but at the same time it’s clear it all happens exactly as it’s supposed to happen. Now I’m not only living in the place I had dreamed of but I’m also making a living doing what I love and utilizing the talents with which I’ve been blessed.

So again, if someone would have told me years ago that I’d one day be a fly fishing guide in Montana where I would also own a fly shop where my job would be to share my passion for the place and for the lifestyle through words and images and personal interactions, I never would have believed it. But here I am.

I continue to be captivated by the scenery but there is so much more. The gaps are always being filled and a new, rich tapestry continues to be woven. A tapestry made up not of mountains and streams but of life being lived with all of this amazing natural beauty as the backdrop.

It’s family life evolving with milestones reached and a bright future ahead. It’s friendships and experiences and places and opportunities all woven together, establishing my present and enriching my history. It’s personal fulfillment and professional development engaged in a beautiful dance and it’s all possible due in very large part to you.

So thank you! Thank you for your business. Thank you for reading this blog and following our social media and thank you for buying what I’m selling which is essentially an invitation to allow me to share with you some of what I have been blessed with.

I’m so thankful for this business and for all of the relationships which have been established as a result of it and I can’t wait for spring 2020!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us to all of you!

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-11-26T19:00:00+00:00November 26th, 2019|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|5 Comments

Mid November on the MO’

The schizophrenic fall weather has continued this week on the Missouri. We started out at 2 degrees on Monday and made it into the 30’s later that day, it’s been in the 50s every day since.

This weather pattern should hold through the weekend and we’ll see temps approaching 60 on Sunday and Monday. Our next chance for snow will be mid-week next week when things return to more seasonable conditions.

What does this mean as it relates to fishing the MO’?

While we can’t predict with any level of certainty how good (or bad) the fishing will be here’s what we do know. 50 degree days in November are days you should fish. Winter is on the way so enjoy it while it lasts.

I may have jumped the gun on closing cabins for the winter as we’ve had to turn several people away the last couple of days which leads me to believe that there will be some traffic out there this weekend but that being said, things have all but grinded to a halt these past couple of weeks so I think it’s a safe bet that you’ll have plenty of water all to yourself should you decide to come out for a Missouri River fix.

Reports have been a little hard to come by as of late but Zach and I have made it out just enough to confidently report that there are indeed fish to be caught any way you like to catch them. Nymphing and streamer fishing have been good enough….not great…but definitely worth your time. Dry fly fishing has been sporadic but has definitely had is moments. Look for a decent day of top water action tomorrow with extensive cloud cover. BWO’s and midges are the game. Swing by the shop and stock up on best bets for flies.

A couple of things to note for the coming weeks….

Mending Water Montana free boat rentals for vets program will be on hold for winter starting this Saturday, November 16th. The reservation system will be inactive but boats will be available again in March.

Shop Hours are getting a little weird. We’re open at 8 AM EVERY DAY. Closing times vary. Sundays are a definite 8 AM – 1 PM. We’ll keep you updated should we decide to nix a day or two from the weekly schedule but for the meantime count on us being here every morning and call ahead if you’re coming out later in the day just to make sure someone will be around. Along these lines, we’ll be closing at 1 pm this Saturday.

Lodging is full for the weekend but we do have availability beginning on Sunday.

Fall Rod and Reel Sale still going strong. 25% off all rods and reels and deeper discounts on select models.

All remaining summer sportswear 50 percent off.

Gift Cards make great stocking stuffers and are available in any amount and are good for anything and everything we sell.

We will be closed on Thanksgiving Day (November 28th).

Things are quiet most days in the shop so I’d love it if you would stop by and say hello. Jake is starved for attention and I always enjoy talking to someone other than myself!

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-11-14T22:41:12+00:00November 14th, 2019|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: dry fly fishing, fall rod and reel sale, fly fishing, gift cards, mending waters montana, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Mid Week Update

Almost as though on cue, Mother Nature thwarted my proclamation from yesterday that fall had returned with a mid week blast of cold air and a fresh blanket of snow covering the banks of the Missouri this morning.

Temperatures won’t make it above freezing today but winds are calm so it is actually quite tolerable and could be a good day to be on the water. We’re still on track for sunshine and a high of 50 tomorrow and near 60 on Friday and Saturday.

Just a reminder, our annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale is still going strong and there are great deals to be had on rods from Loop, Redington and Echo and reels from Ross, Lamson, Echo and Redington.

25% off all rods and reels and up to 40 percent off discontinued stock from Ross including Cimarron II’s, Animas, Colorado LT and Gunnison.

We’re also blowing out all remaining warm weather clothing from Simms including guide pants and guide shorts and women’s Isle shirt all at 40 percent off until they’re gone.

Rooms have started to fill for the weekend but we still have plenty of availability if fall fishing on the Missouri is in your plans.

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-11-06T17:22:39+00:00November 6th, 2019|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

Of Winter Storms and Trip Insurance

As we sit through our second winter storm of the fall today it seems like a good time to talk about trip insurance.

Early October is traditionally a great time to come fish the Missouri. Sometimes it’s not!

We started the day yesterday at around 60 degrees and by early afternoon temps had dropped into the 30’s. With a Winter Storm Warning in the forecast for Tuesday afternoon through midnight tonight it was quickly determined by clients and guides alike that it would be best to set this day out.

This isn’t always the case however and unfortunately if the guide/outfitter decides the conditions are fishable then the clients are on the hook to either fish or forfeit their deposit.

With more snow, temperatures below freezing and a stiff north wind in the forecast today’s conditions are bordering on extreme. And while there will undoubtedly be some folks on the water today I think most guides are more than happy to sit this one out but what if they weren’t?

A couple of degrees warmer and a little less north wind and it’s fishable….probably not pleasant, but fishable nonetheless.

This late in the season we’re closing in on the home stretch and just like the roaming bears currently packing on calories in preparation for a long winter hibernation those who make their living in this business on this river are trying to stash as much money away as possible to make it through until spring.

Losing a day of pay is not optimal for any of us and while we understand not wanting to fish in adverse conditions the fact of the matter is we book dates well ahead of time and hold them and if we weren’t holding them for client X we’d be holding them for client Y. Ideally those days come and go and they’re all beautiful weather and perfect fishing conditions but we all know this isn’t the case.

Cold and snow are always a possibility in the spring and fall and wind is ALWAYS in the mix, no matter what time of year. Summer days can be HOT and rainy and smoky and weedy. Water can be high, water can be low. Fishing can be hot, or not. We have zero control over any of these factors and while you can choose your dates based on historical data you simply never know what you’re going to get.

Let me make one thing clear. There are conditions which are hazardous and client safety is our number one priority. We won’t fish in lightning and we won’t fish in extreme cold or extreme wind. Our guides have all been instructed that if there are any conditions they are not comfortable with then they are not to go, regardless of whether the client wants to go or not. We will make the call if we deem the conditions unsafe and in these cases clients will receive a full refund.

More often than not however the conditions are not hazardous, they’re just not ideal. Rain, snow, wind, high water, low water, cold, heat, smoke…they can all make for tough fishing. We get a ton of calls from clients looking at the crappy forecast and asking if they can move their days. The answer is NO. Your guide is likely booked every day so it’s simply not as easy as waiting for a nice day.

Again, we understand not wanting to fish in nasty weather and we probably wouldn’t want to fun fish in these conditions either but the bottom line is we have a relatively short time in which to make our living each season and the nature of the beast dictates that we hold fast to our somewhat stringent cancellation policy. Sometimes we get clients who reluctantly fish through it, other times we get those who refuse to go and forfeit their deposit. There’s not an abundance of joy and happiness in either situation.

But what if there was a way to insure against not only unforeseen emergencies but also crappy weather or just a change of plans? What if there was a way to make sure you wouldn’t lose your deposit AND your guide/outfitter would get paid?

Well it just so happens there is such a thing. It’s called Trip Insurance and we offer it to all of our clients whether they’re doing guide trips and lodging through us or simply staying with us and fishing on their own.

It’s the same story with our lodging as it is with our guides. We’ve got a limited number of rooms and they book up early which makes them unavailable. A last minute cancellation for a week of lodging during prime time can be devastating to us as the likelihood of re-booking the room with such short notice is minimal. Once again, if we’re holding lodging dates we need to be paid for those dates.

Our travel insurance offered by IMG provides various coverages with three different purchase options which you can explore here. We recommend the premium Travel LX plan which covers up to 75% of the cost of the trip for cancellation FOR ANY REASON as outlined below and while the insurance is an additional expense it will cost you much less than losing your 50 % deposit.

As you can see, LX gives you blanket coverage for just about any situation but whether you purchase premium coverage or not we recommend you purchase some level of insurance for your sake and ours. Pricing is available here. Just enter your trip details and they’ll take care of the rest.

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-10-09T15:58:05+00:00October 9th, 2019|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: IMG Travel Insurnace, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Why iTravelInsured LX, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The return of autumn on the Missouri River

The winter storm that brought historic September snows and cold to Montana last weekend has come and gone and despite the lingering cold these last two days, it looks like we’re on our way to more seasonable fall weather as the week goes on.

We’ll see temps climb back into the 50’s starting today and it appears as though we may see a bit of Indian summer the first part of next weeks with temps near 70. Night time lows in the 30’s will keep things chilly for those early morning and late evening outings but a far cry from the low teens we saw Tuesday morning which took a toll on our psyches as well as on some of our exterior plumbing.

We did lose a few trips to cancellation over the weekend but those who kept their dates and fished through a couple of cold mornings were rewarded as the plummeting water temps and dramatic weather change seemed to have perhaps flipped the switch on fall fishing.

We had some good streamer and dry fly reports from yesterday, just in time for our big group trip from our friends at Schultz Outfitters in Southeastern Michigan happening all this week. Of course these Michigan folks are no strangers to cold weather fishing but we’re all stoked to see fall weather return and I’m sure they are as well.

Hopefully we’ll lose the rest of our snow here at the shop today and fingers are crossed that water will again be flowing through our aforementioned exterior plumbing in an orderly manner (not spraying out of cracked pipes) by this afternoon. Unfortunately we’ve embarked upon the season of long shadows here in the Wolf Creek canyon and while we do still have a parking lot full of sunshine we won’t see sun in the back yard until spring and it won’t be long before we lose our sunlight in the front so suffice it to say, we’re enjoying it while it lasts.

But enough about the coming winter woes…..right now the warm up is underway and we’re in the midst of our busiest three weeks of the fall season. The empty lot is empty no more and the quiet shop is now abuzz with activity, at least for the next few weeks. We do have a few vacancies here and there but for the most part rooms are going to be hard to come by until late October. If you’re planning on coming out over these next few weeks I’d recommend you call sooner rather than later as things are rapidly filling up.

Expect plenty of traffic out there (though nothing like during the summer season) if you’re headed this way and make sure to make us your first stop on your way to the river for shuttles, bugs, cold weather gear and so much more including the best streamer selection in the canyon.

Nymphing will continue to provide the numbers but there are plenty of other options if bobber fishing doesn’t excite you. Streamer fishing is heating up and is definitely worth your time though weeds will be an ever-present frustration. Keep calm and strip!

Pseudos and caddis have been providing plenty of top water action in a target-rich environment. The cool water temps should facilitate BWO action soon. In the meantime terrestrials will be back in play on the warm sunny days so make sure you’re stocked up on ants and beetles and the like.

Fall fishing is underway and it’s about to go off!

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-10-02T19:08:39+00:00October 2nd, 2019|Categories: Fishing Report, Montana Fly Fishing, Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Schultz Outfitters, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Winter on the Way?

Three days into fall and unfortunately the talk is having much more to do with the coming weather than about the fall fishing.

Today might be the nicest day we’re going to see for some time.

A high wind watch is in effect for tomorrow with west winds 30-40 mph with gusts of 60 – 65 mph possible in portions of central, north central, southwest and west central Montana. The local forecast is calling for cloudy skies with a 40 percent chance of rain and a high near 64 with west winds 13 – 22 mph gusting to 30. A far cry from what the high wind watch is calling for but just be mindful of the potential for high winds if you’re planning on fishing tomorrow.

Friday looks like a classic fall fishing day with rain likely and a high near 50 with calm winds. Did someone say streamer fishing?

Saturday things get interesting with rain and snow, becoming all snow after 3pm. High near 37. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible and it doesn’t stop there.

We’ll see snow all weekend with highs in the 30’s and lows in the 20’s right on into the early part of next week. The snow will taper off on Monday but it looks like we’re settling in to high temps in the mid 40’s through the end of next week. Will we see an Indian summer to follow? We hope so. Winter is fine but we’ve been really looking forward to fall and hope to see plenty of it before winter takes hold.

Again, most of the chatter this week has had to do with the weather but that’s not to say that folks aren’t fishing. It’s been a moderately busy week on the river with less-than stellar reports overall but fear not, better days are ahead. As sure as day follows night good fishing will return though sometimes I feel like simply adjusting one’s expectations can go a long way in turning things around.

You aren’t always going to have 30 fish days, and you probably wouldn’t enjoy them all that much if you did. Sure, everyone loves to have those days once in a while but it’s the work you put into it that brings the reward. Crack the code and its game on. Sometimes the code can’t be cracked. Sometimes the fish simply aren’t eating. It’s the challenge that keeps us coming back.

And it’s not as though the fishing sucks. It doesn’t. There are plenty of fish being caught and plenty of fish being hooked and lost. They’re hot right now and will give you a fight. You may lose more than you land and some of those lost are likely going to be the biggest trout you’ve ever hooked, that’s the beauty of losing them. No fish, no proof either way. They can be as big as you want them to be.

Nymphing as always is generating the numbers but we’re getting them on top as well and those willing to play the streamer game in the autumn weeds are occasionally getting rewarded with a Missouri River fall trophy.

Traffic has been concentrated from the dam to Craig though there’s no reason you shouldn’t be fishing the rest of the river…the fish are everywhere.

Best bets for nymphing have been status quo with Zebra Midges and Tailwater sows leading the charge. We’ve also continued to have good luck with weight flies and tung darts as well as Rainbow Czechs. Don’t hesitate to throw some small mayflies in the mix. #18 Green Machines, pearl lightning bugs, olive WD 40’s, Jujus and BWO Magic Flies are all good options.

We’re in-between on the dry fly scene as we await fall baetis but in the meantime try ants, beetles, caddis, October Caddis, pseudos and Callibaetis. You can’t go wrong with a Purple Haze or October Caddis trailed with an ant, a buzzball or a cdc caddis emerger. Get creative and show them something they haven’t seen.

Streamer guys have been getting them on small black buggers (are those even streamers?) but as always, fish the bugs you believe in. Confidence is the X Factor and it can make all the difference in the world.

If you’re coming out to fish the MO this weekend bundle up and if you happen to get caught unprepared for winter weather stop by WCA for layers upon layers of Simms cold weather gear. We’ve got you covered from base layer to outerwear, literally from head to toe. Gloves a plenty, socks, hats, Cold Weather shirts, guide flannels and of course a full lineup of G3 and Freestone waders and boots.

We’re not expecting much traffic this weekend but we’ll be here regardless, 7 AM daily. Rain, Snow, Sleet….whatever the case may be, we are your full service Missouri River fly shack.

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-09-25T17:08:11+00:00September 25th, 2019|Categories: Fishing Report, Local Buzz, Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Have we Forgotten?

Eighteen years after the deadliest terror attack in US history which killed nearly 3000 people and injured thousands more I wonder what it means to our collective conscience.

Eighteen years is a long time and while I can still vividly recall that day I know there are a bunch of young people walking around to whom 9/11 means very little. Maybe they were very young, maybe they weren’t even born yet. In some ways it’s just another marker of mortality.

Each year I mark this day with a blog post, the last few of which have drawn the contrast between the unified national heartbreak and resolve of September 12th, 2001, with the seemingly ever-widening gap developing in our nation driven by political, cultural and social ideology and 2019 is no different.

It’s a disturbing trend and one which seems to be getting worse, not better.

Per usual, you won’t find anything political here, due in large part to the polarizing nature of said politics. In an age where we seem to have lost the ability to enter into meaningful and respectful discussions with those with whom we disagree, I find it best to just stick to fishing which is generally a safe subject but if you look hard enough for outrage and controversy I guess you can find it just about anywhere!

Tribalism runs rampant and it’s easy to get sucked in. It’s easier to dismiss those with differing viewpoints as being uninformed or backwards or just plain stupid than it is to actually engage in meaningful discussion and have our viewpoints challenged.

But then again if only we could just silence all of those stupid Democrats, Republicans, independents, Pro Life, Pro Choice, NRA, wealthy, Anti-gun, Pro 2nd Amendment, fly anglers, gear anglers, wolf lovers, hunters, trappers, tree huggers, ranchers, SJW’s, outfitters, libertarians, conservatives, liberals….do you see where this is going?

The legacy of 9/11 is far reaching and affects our everyday lives in ways we don’t even realize. There’s the legacy of health issues for the rescue and recovery workers resulting from exposure at Ground Zero. There’s the legacy of expanded government surveillance and shrinking personal freedom in the name of national security. There’s the legacy of grief for the thousands who lost loved ones on that day. There’s the legacy of war and the legacy of a post 9/11 world in which the TSA and Department of Homeland Security exist and are well known to all of us.

Couldn’t the legacy also be one where we recognize that the attack that day defined us not as democrats or republicans, black or white, rich or poor etc but instead as Americans? It’s worth remembering that the attacks on 9/11 drew this nation together. Our differences disappeared, if only for a short time, and we were one.

So maybe take a minute and contemplate what it all means. To me it’s not tribal membership which provides the meaning in my life but rather relationships with actual people. Our relationships with family and friends and the way we treat others are what define us. We’re not defined by nasty tweets or Facebook posts, however bold we think they may be. We’re not defined by our political beliefs, our sexual orientation, our progressive or conservative opinions…we’re not defined by any of it. We are defined by love and our commitment or our unwillingness to show love to those around us regardless of team membership.

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-09-10T19:24:58+00:00September 10th, 2019|Categories: Uncategorized|3 Comments

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