Uncategorized Archives - Wolf Creek Angler

February Blues – Cabin Fever Edition

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

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

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

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So what are we doing to get through the winter?

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

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

January Water Report

Perhaps it’s a little early to start talking about what we’ll see for water this spring but since we’ve already been fielding plenty of calls on the subject here’s what we know.

Snowpack across western Montana is currently sitting in the 80-90% of normal range. It could be much worse but the fact is we could use some precipitation. Following record precipitation last year, this winter has been a return to what has unfortunately become somewhat of the new normal.

The January long term forecast is for above average temperatures and below average precipitation which could translate into a busy month of fishing on the Missouri while those waiting for the ice to form on Holter Lake may be waiting all winter long.

We’re thankful for any business we get during the long winter months so we’ll take the traffic but here’s hoping for some major precipitation over the next couple of months.

Regardless of snowpack, we’re anticipating a great year ahead on the Missouri. River flow predictions are calling for a likely scenario of flows holding steady in the 4,500 CFS range through the winter months and peaking in the 6,000 CFS range in May and June. This is great news to the wade anglers who missed out on fishing the Missouri last spring.

Max flow predictions show flows holding in the 4500 CFS range through February and then bumping up around 1000 CFS each month through June with a peak in the 10,000 CFS range while the minimum flow predictions show a steady drop in flow over the winter, leveling off in the 3500 CFS range beginning in April and holding there for the remainder of the season. This is not ideal. Let’s hope we see the most probable scenario (or max probable) play out.

We’re anxious to see what effect last season’s high water scrubbing is going to have on the hatches this year. It could be an epic dry fly year on the Missouri! Will we see the caddis explosion that has occurred following high water years in the past? Only time will tell. One thing looks fairly certain however, that being that we will actually have dry fly fishing before July. We missed much of the traditional dry fly prime time last season so we’re anxious for some BWO and PMD activity.

As per usual this is all speculation. We’re using the best information we have available to loosely predict what we might see this spring but Mother Nature always has the last word.

We’re not climatologists, we just sell fish hooks for a living so we’re content to leave the actual business of forecasting to the experts. We’ll keep you up to date on snowpack and flow conditions all winter long but at this point it definitely feels like it could be a return to dry fly nirvana on the MO in 2019.

In the meantime winter fishing is HOT right now. The nymphing is good to great depending on the day and streamers have been effective both on the swing and the strip. We’ve seen some midge activity with sporadic feeding. If we continue to see mild conditions throughout the winter expect good midge fishing as early as late January and throughout February and March.

We’ve been busy with lodging and have been getting a lot of calls about our winter lodging and guide trip special. The rumors are true! $500 for a full day guided float trip on the MO and TWO nights of premium lodging at Wolf Creek Angler. Our lodging options are quite limited during the winter so things tend to fill up quickly. If the mild weather persists and the demand is there we may look at opening more lodging up sooner rather than later. We’ll keep you posted.

In the meantime – give us a call and book your cure to cabin fever today and while you’re at it, make those spring/summer plans if you haven’t done so already. Prime dates are filling fast.

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-01-12T16:13:46+00:00January 12th, 2019|Categories: Fishing Report, Local Buzz, Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

A call to action

This is a call to action recently issued by Pat Barnes Missouri River Trout Unlimited. We are expanding this call to action to all of you who enjoy trout fishing on the Missouri River. Please take a minute to read and more importantly we urge everyone to click on the link below and submit your comments to FWP.

CALL TO ACTION – Every Member Needed!

Good Afternoon,

As some of you may have heard, Montana’s Statewide Management Program & Guide Draft is out for public comment until February 4th. The Statewide Management Program & Guide is the guiding document for how FWP manages fisheries statewide. As you may have also heard, Walleyes Unlimited is pressuring FWP to consider walleye a native species east of the Continental Divide, which could potentially alter the current management of walleye downstream of Holter Dam. This would threaten the Missouri River trout fishery we have all come to love.

PLEASE, visit the link below and comment on the plan to back the Department’s science-based management as a non-native species in Montana. Particularly, not to alter the current management status of walleye in the Missouri below Holter Dam as anything other than “suppression”. If nothing else, please copy and paste the language below into the “Comments” section at the link below and click “Submit Comments”.

“The Statewide Management Plan & Guide should uphold the current status of walleye as a non-native species in Montana’s waterways. I support the peer-reviewed science that guide’s the Department’s classification of this illegally-introduced species as non-native to Montana. Additionally, I support the full suppression of walleye management in the Missouri River below Holter Dam. People cross continents to fish for wild trout in the Missouri River, and altering the management of walleye from anything other than full suppression places unnecessary risk on this world class fishery that draws millions of dollars to our local economy. Thank you.”

http://fwp.mt.gov/news/publicNotices/fishing/pn_0091.html

Right now, the Missouri River needs your help. PLEASE take 3 minutes and leave a comment. The effort by Walleye Unlimited to have the Missouri managed as a walleye fishery is organized and energized. The Missouri River’s trout need your comment.

Thank you,

Sincerely,
PBTU Board Members

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-01-11T16:21:53+00:00January 11th, 2019|Categories: Local Buzz, Montana Fly Fishing, Uncategorized|Tags: FWP, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Statewide Management Program and Guide Draft, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|17 Comments

Merry Christmas from Wolf Creek Angler

Here’s wishing all of you a blessed Christmas from all of us at Wolf Creek Angler.

As we celebrate Christmas this day we reflect on all of the ways in which we are blessed. We take stock of the year which is drawing to a close and we once again want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for making it possible for us to be able to do what it is we do.

To everyone who shops, stays or fishes with us…Thank You. Without you there is no WCA. But it’s so much more than that. The friendships we’ve made with many of you along the way are a gift we never expected and we are humbled and honored to be invited to be a part of your lives. You mean the world to us!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-12-24T18:27:32+00:00December 25th, 2018|Categories: Uncategorized|1 Comment

Time is Running Out!

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

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

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

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

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

Redington Wader and Boot Blowout

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

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

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

Sportswear – 25% OFF

WCA LOGO Gear 25% OFF

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

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

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

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

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

Our picks for the best fly fishing gifts of 2018.

Simms ColdWeather LS Shirt/Pants $99.95

Longtime staples around here for cold weather fishing and all around winter wear.

Quick dry warmth featuring micro fleece waffle-lining But Simms takes this hardworking mainstay into the 21st, with the boosted warmth of waffle-lined micro-fleece internals. ColdWeather LS features include quick-dry performance, potent UPF 50 sun protection, and chafe-free, off-shoulder seaming for added comfort. Stash gear in two super-sized, top-close chest pockets. And stay effortlessly stylish in these ultrawarm, brushed-flannel performance plaids.

Pants equipped for deep-freeze conditions. Subzero mornings? No sweat. Simms’ Coldweather Pants combat the conditions thanks to micro fleece-lined internals and hand-warmer pockets. Angler-appreciated extras include COR3™ fabric technology; an adjustable waist with a corrosion-fighting center-front snap; and articulated knees for bolstered durability and massive mobility.

Redington Behemoth Reels $139.99

Our best selling reel in its class!

Our BEHEMOTH reel combines the most powerful drag in its class with stunning aesthetics that push the limits of fly reel design. The unique, un-machinable, die-cast construction is coupled with a durable, interlocking, large-arbor spool design that both looks and functions like a premium reel. A super-heavy duty carbon fiber drag package brings the utmost in drag strength, reliability and performance to the family. Sized for your favorite 5-weight trout rod, and all the way up to saltwater ready, big-game sizes, the BEHEMOTH reels offer performance and affordability to beginner and veteran anglers alike.

Korkers Buckskin and Buckskin Mary Wading Boots $139.99

Our best-selling boot.

OmniTrax® Interchangeable Sole System adapts your traction to any fishing condition. Two outsoles included with every purchase.

Hydrophobic materials faster dry times lessen the chance of spreading invasive species.

Durability enhanced midsole, scratch rubber toe cap extends to side panels, rubberized anti-abrasion synthetic material.

Drainage integrated, large drainage ports and internal drainage channels.

Traditional laces durable metal hardware provides secure fit.

Weight: 3.2 LBS per pair with felt soles.

Redington Sonic Pro Waders $299.99

The all new Sonic-Pro wader uses 4-layer waterproof-breathable fabric and SonicWeld seams to create a simple wader with superior durability for uncompromising performance on the water. We designed this wader with minimal pockets and a clean silhouette to provide anglers a durable wader that simply performs in all conditions, from deep steelhead wading to hot summer trout runs.

The all-new WOMEN’S SONIC-PRO wader was designed specifically for female anglers. This wader incorporates our reliable, extensively field tested 4-layer waterproof-breathable fabric and SonicWeld seams to create an ultra-functional wader with superior durability for uncompromising performance on the water. Stretch side panels allow anglers to move easily in and out of this wader and add comfort on the water. The flattering design works to fit a woman’s body properly, with minimal pockets to reduce bulk and a stretch mesh back panel to move with the body while casting and crouching. The WOMEN’S SONIC-PRO wader simply performs; it’s durable, comfortable, and designed for women who fish.

Echo Carbon XL

Our best-selling fly rods…three years running.

A true all-around performer with the features and feel associated with rods four times the cost. Tim designed these rods to be airy-light with actions that benefit a wide range of casting styles and fishing situations. Bass to browns, bluegill to brookies, the Carbon XL covers it all.

A true all-around performer with the features and feel associated with rods four times the cost. Tim Rajeff designed these rods to be airy-light with actions that benefit a wide range of casting styles and fishing situations. Bass to browns, bluegill to brookies, the Carbon XL covers it all.

Fishpond Cutbank Gear Bag $249.95

A gear sanctuary on the water

Designed to organize gear and keep it dry. With the Fishpond signature molded bottom and welded recycled TPU fabric, the Cutbank Gear bag covers the bases. As a specialized tackle bag that keeps gear dry on a raft or drift boat, as well as the perfect size to fit in the hatch of most all flats boats, this gear/tackle bag is an organization system that allows for easy access wherever your adventures take you. Built with our incredibly tough 1680d TPU coated recycled Cyclepond nylon, YKK water resistant zippers, and welded construction with a molded top and bottom, this is more than just another gear bag. Think of this as a gear sanctuary on the water.

Simms Exstream Hat $69.99

Mandatory headwear for winter fishing on the MO’.

Fleece furnace meets 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell protection Snuff an Arctic assault with Simms’ fully waterproof, quilted fleece-lined 3-layer GORE-TEX® ExStream™ Hat. Features include a plush elastic sweatband and customizable fit thanks to an adjustable circumference with a back cord lock. Black under the brim reduces glare. One size fits most.

Stanley Wolf Creek Angler Growler $59.00

First fill is on us at Blackfoot River Brewing Company in Helena

What’s that call echoing throughout the land, bouncing off mountains and tumbling through valleys? “Cold beer, and lots of it!” the armies of the thirsty cry out. Rising to the call for cold, fresh beer, the 64oz Classic Vacuum Growler lets you transport your favorite brew in fully functional and iconic style. Take control with a rugged handle for easy carry and one-handed pouring. The wide mouth allows for quick filling, sharing, and cleaning. That satisfying ‘pop’ you hear when you open this bad boy is a sure sign your beer is fresh and bubbly. It ain’t Grandad’s old vacuum bottle, but he’ll raise his pint in admiration. You might just have to top him off.

Fly Boxes Galore $24.00 – $129.00

(and plenty of flies with which to fill them)

Fly boxes make great Christmas gifts and we’ve got something in every price range. From $24 plastic WCA logo boxes to hand-made Al Swanson boxes and everything in between. Choose your box and load it up. Don’t forget our “Cheaper by the Dozen” special going on now…$5/dozen flies while they last.

WCA Gift Cards $Any Amount

A perennial favorite for any occasion, but especially for the holidays…WCA gift cards are the perfect gift for all of those anglers on your list for whom you have absolutely no idea what to buy. You can get them in any amount, they never expire and they’re good for absolutely EVERYTHING we sell. Lodging, guide trips, shuttles, boat rentals, merchandise….EVERYTHING! We’re happy to mail them anywhere in the world you need them sent. Just give us a call and we can take care of all of it right over the phone.

These are just a few ideas based on some of our more popular items but we’ve got a shop full of all kinds of gear in every price range. We’re more than happy to help you with gift ideas and while we haven’t yet ventured into E-commerce we’re more than happy to ship you whatever you need.

We hope you keep us in mind when shopping for your favorite fly fishers.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-11-24T16:52:00+00:00November 25th, 2018|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, Echo, Fishpond, fly fishing, Holiday Gift Guide, Redington, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

MOvember Special

Judging by the abundance of vacancies and the lack of traffic in the shop I’d say the 2018 season has pretty much drawn to a close. We’re currently sitting just shy of 30 degrees with a light snow falling. More of the same on tap through tomorrow with lows dropping into the teens the next couple of nights.

While these aren’t exactly prime fishing conditions we’ll see highs climbing back near 40 by the end of the week which could translate into good fishing and a good opportunity to spend a little more time on the water before winter sets in.

To encourage you to make the journey we’re offering a late fall/winter special you can’t afford to pass up. We’re calling it the MOvember SPECIAL but it will be in effect all winter long.

We are offering full day Missouri River Guided float trips for one or two anglers for $400 or two nights of lodging and a full day on the water for $500. That’s a savings of over $300!

Mind you we’re starting trips later in the morning this time of year and with the dwindling hours of daylight you’re getting a shorter trip but you won’t find a better deal anywhere.

Some aren’t offering winter trips at all. Others are offering them at full price and some are offering a discount but nobody else is offering a lodging and fishing package deal and NOBODY can come close to what we’re doing. We’re offering two nights of premium lodging and a full day on the water for less than a guide trip will cost you elsewhere.

Keep in mind also that while the lodging tax is always in effect, beginning November 15th the resort tax will be on hiatus until April so that’s an additional 3% savings on EVERYTHING. Lodging, Guide Trips, Shuttles, Flies, Simms sportswear and accessories, Drift Boat Rentals…..EVERYTHING!

And the best part of the deal? No cancellation fees! When you book a trip during the season you are locked in and under most circumstances you will end up losing your 50% deposit. That’s not the case now. Winter can be a challenging time to book a trip because the weather can change without notice and while we don’t mind being on the water in sub-zero conditions we realize that this isn’t for everyone.

Not to worry. Book your trip and rest assured that if the weather turns or if you simply change your mind you’re off the hook. No fees. No questions asked!

Just looking for a place to stay on your DIY hunting or fishing adventure? Winter lodging rates are $99/night plus tax. All available units are completely furnished with a kitchen and private bath.

Winter fishing on the Missouri can be downright fantastic. It can also be slow. It’s fishing! We’re concentrating primarily on nymphing and streamer fishing right now but there are plenty of dry fly opportunities as well. As we move into December and into the heart of winter fishing those dry fly opportunities will dwindle but will return in the late winter as midge fishing becomes a viable option.

Winter fishing is not for everyone but once that cabin fever begins to set in a day on the Missouri might be just what the doctor ordered. Things are quiet in Wolf Creek and Craig for the winter months but we do have Shotgun Annie’s and The Oasis for dining and night life; The Canyon Store for gas, groceries and a great Montana Microbrew selection and of course Wolf Creek Angler for all of your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing Needs.

We’ve got more on-site lodging than anyone, the best winter bug selection around and all the cold weather gear you’ll need to eliminate cold from the equation.

Don’t forget our lodging units are all furnished with a full kitchen and access to barbecue grills so bring your own food with you and you won’t have to go anywhere!

We hope to see you this MOVEMBER and all winter long for HOT fishing on COLD days with Wolf Creek Angler.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-11-06T16:43:47+00:00November 6th, 2018|Categories: Montana Fly Fishing, Shop Life, Uncategorized, Wolf Creek Chatter|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, MOvember, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Fall Back Tonight

Remember to set your clocks back tonight as Daylight Savings Time comes to an end.

You know what that means. You gain an hour of sleep tonight but starting tomorrow darkness comes early…like 5:30 early and the days will continue to get shorter for another seven weeks.

I love the extra hour of sleep and it’ll be nice to make the drive to work in the daylight again but that afternoon darkness will take some getting used to.

Dark days lie ahead at the shop in the half light of the canyon.

And with the darkness comes the cold. It looks like today is the day to fish if you want to take advantage of the mild weather but with rain and snow in the mix for the coming days we could see some phenomenal dry fly fishing.

Lodging and guides available every day at Wolf Creek Angler.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-11-03T15:20:12+00:00November 3rd, 2018|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Beware the Bull Pasture Clown.

Some years past the clown appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, emerging from the thickets on the island below Bull Pasture on the day before Halloween.

Witnesses observed the clown wandering the perimeter of the island. The clown made no contact with those in the area and nobody witnessed the clown leave the island.

The following morning several of our guests arrived at Bull Pasture before first light, intent on being the first to their favorite water. As they made their way across the channel to the island a light colored silhouette caught their eye. The clown was there, standing on the island, watching them cross.

Startled and disturbed they turned back and made their way upstream, a good distance from the island, figuring they would fish another spot while they waited for daylight.

Daylight arrived and the clown was nowhere to be found. The clown was not seen again (that we know of) until a few years later when he was witnessed wading the run below the island at Bull Pasture, fly rod in hand.

Evidently clowns like to fish too. We’ve heard no reports of the clown ever approaching anyone though those who have seen the clown have given the clown a wide berth.

We haven’t heard any reports of the clown appearing so far this season but it’s always been on these days around Halloween in the past so if you intend to fish the island below Bull Pasture anytime soon please be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for anything strange or out of the ordinary.

Clowns exist to entertain us and shouldn’t be feared….or should they? Some are gripped with coulrophobia which is an excessive fear of clowns which can cause panic, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, sweating and nausea. None of which are desirable when fishing.

Clowns are familiar, yet somehow off. Clowns may not be of this world.

We don’t know who the Bull Pasture Clown is or why he randomly appears, it’s probably just a prank. What we do know is that the Missouri River is not a place we expect to encounter a clown at ANY time and while we’re all for inclusiveness and diversity in the fly fishing ranks we’re not sure that diversity should extend to be inclusive of clowns.

Our advice? Should you ever happen to encounter the Bull Pasture Clown steer clear.

Happy All Hallow’s Eve from Wolf Creek Angler!

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-10-31T16:35:01+00:00October 31st, 2018|Categories: Uncategorized|3 Comments

The Home Stretch

Another season is drawing to a close.

Halloween is two weeks from today. It’ll be all but over by then.

Or will it?

Early November has been good these past few seasons and it could well be good again. It all depends on the weather.

It seemed like winter was already settling in last week so we weren’t very optimistic about a late fall season but Indian summer seems to have arrived this week. Blue skies, sunshine and temps in the 50’s and 60’s all week long. We may hit 70 this weekend.

Enjoy it while it lasts. Soon the cold grey days of late fall will take hold.

It’s been a very busy fall at Wolf Creek Angler. We’re so thankful for a strong finish, especially after a late start due to the high water which lasted into July. If it stretches into November we’ll gladly take it but at this point we’re not counting on it.

The transition to season’s end continues. We’re still learning the balancing act of winter inventory. The end of season goal of course being to have as little left as possible but not so little that the shop feels empty. We’ve done a better job this season of turning inventory and we will continue to implement strategies to facilitate this. In other words, keep coming back for more great deals on great gear.

On the other side of the coin we’ve filled the holes on the leader, tippet and fly line walls and we’ve got the bins freshly stocked (or on their way to being so) with all the best late fall and winter Missouri River bugs. Lots of pink, lots of fire beads, lots of streamers…lots of everything you’ll need for late fall and winter fly fishing success on the Missouri.

River flows have been holding in the 4,000 CFS range for some time now and it appears as though they’ll continue to do so. Perfect flows for winter fishing!

Water temps are definitely on the slow drop but are currently holding in the 53 degree range and should continue to hold in that range with the warm daytime temps. Cloudless sunny days may not be optimal, especially if dry fly fishing is your game, but water wise we couldn’t really ask for better conditions. Flows are optimal and the water temps are perfect for supercharged Missouri River trout.

Weeds are in the process of dying off and moving out but it takes time. You should expect to contend with them for the duration of the fall season.

Fishing has slowed a bit this week with all of this sunshine but it’s ALWAYS better than not fishing.

The nymphing will remain strong and the long shadows and low light periods of the day will continue to provide the catalyst for dry fly and streamer action. It is definitely worth your time.

Get out and enjoy autumn’s peak this week. The colors are either peaking or fading, depending on where you are at, but either way, fall weather doesn’t get much better than this. The days are growing short and the long winter will soon be upon us.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-10-16T21:42:31+00:00October 16th, 2018|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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