Springtime on the Missouri – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Another week of winter weather underway, another week we wont be fishing the MO’.

Cabin Fever is running rampant as we await the coming thaw while daydreaming about the fishy spring days ahead.

When that thaw will come is anyone’s guess. We likely won’t break single digits today but there is a glimmer of hope in the forecast with weekend temps expected to reach into the 30’s. Not exactly time to break out the sunscreen but definitely fishable.

It’s time to gather your gear and get ready for the coming season. Clean (or replace) your lines, organize your fly boxes and get out here.

Waiting for our spring special? The wait  is over.

Spring may be a month away but the WCA Spring Special is here! $550 for two nights lodging and a full day guide trip now through the end of April. There are other deals out there…nobody, and I mean NOBODY can touch this one! It’s the BEST DEAL and longest running special on the MO hands down and the best part is you don’t have to wait until spring.  As if that weren’t enough there are NO CANCELLATION FEES for these trips. Book today, if the weather turns or if you simply change your mind you’re off the hook.

So what’s happening out there right now?

Nymphing is still going to be your best bet for numbers and there’s no reason to change what you’ve been doing all winter long. Go pink, go fire bead, go Tailwater Sow or zebra midge etc and go deep. Slow deep winter water is key. Pick it apart and do it again. The fish are definitely there. Find them and feed them!

Streamers are our focus right now and will be for the next couple of months. The water temp has dropped below 34 degrees again so you may be better off swinging for the time being but a slow strip with plenty of pauses should elicit some action as well if that is your preference.

Hot Head Kreelex, Polar Leeches, MK Ultras, Dirty Hippies, Polar Leeches, Inflated Egos, Clousers and buggers all getting noticed right now. Whites, greys and naturals have all been good.

If dry fly fishing is what you’ve been waiting for then your wait is over. Midges are definitely on the menu right now and the dry fly fishing will only get better from here on out.

We hope you make us your first stop on your way to the MO for everything you need for your day on the water. We’re loaded up with winter bugs and a huge selection of midge patterns as well as all of the above mentioned streamers and more. Cold weather gear from Simms, fresh new fly lines from Rio, ARC and Airflo; shuttles, drift boat rentals and much more. Don’t forget your 2017 fishing license expires at the end of the month, pick up your 2018 license at WCA while you’re thinking of it.

Think Spring!

Your 2018 Water Year in the making.

February’s arrival has brought a return to winter weather on the Missouri.

We are currently under a winter storm warning as the snow continues to fall. Cold temps will persist at least through mid-week, likely maintaining the quiet solitude which has for the most part exemplified this winter season in Wolf Creek.

It looks like we’ll see a slight warm-up Wednesday and Thursday into the 40’s with a chance for rain and snow and a return to fishing-prohibitive temps for the weekend. The ice on Holter is still in good shape and while reports have been a mixed bag I expect we’ll continue to see plenty of traffic headed that way.

If you intend to fish the river this week I’d recommend hitting it on Wednesday and/or Thursday and maybe leaving the boat behind as the ramps could be a challenge after yesterday’s snow and freezing rain followed by today’s continued accumulation.

Per usual the shop will be open Wednesday – Sunday at 8:00 am. Lodging is full for this weekend but it’s wide open until then, just in case you’re looking for that mid-week getaway to the MO’.

It’s been a busy couple of weeks on the phones with those prime guide trip and lodging dates becoming scarce. Don’t put it off any longer…make the call this week and book you 2018 Missouri River Fly Fishing odyssey with Wolf Creek Angler.

I would call it The Calm Before the Storm with the threat of winter weather on the way but that would be discounting the substantial sustained winds we’re experiencing this last day of October. On the bright side we’re pushing 50 degrees today so it’s not so bad but things are about to change. Expect much colder temps with a good chance for snow every day right on through the weekend.

This is not to say that you shouldn’t plan to fish…you definitely should. The wind forecast looks tolerable and with an abundance of clouds and occasional snow showers, the conditions could be just right for yet another week of excellent fall fishing. Couple this with the fact that you might just have the river to yourself and there’s no reason you shouldn’t welcome November with a trip to the Missouri.

Layer up and hit the water.

Nymphing has been off the charts most days and should continue to be your numbers option. Many are finding great success with the short leash but don’t feel like you have to. The longer rigs will get it done as well as the fish begin to transition towards winter water. We are currently holding in the high 40’s and it should remain that way at least for the next few weeks, barring a serious plummet into arctic air.

Your broken record nymphing report…..sow bugs and zebra midges. Ninch’s Pill Poppers have been effective and we’re getting a few to go on various firebead options but the plain old Tailwater Sow (no bead) has been the best bet. Mix it up with a soft hackle sow or a green machine, in fact you might even want to give the Cotton Candy LGM a go. We’ve had some action on the Pink Radiation Baetis and Pink Lightning Bugs though I’d definitely start with the aforementioned Tailwater Sows and Zebras before you venture too far into the slutty winter staples.

I got a request the other day to post an illustration of a standard double nymph rig (as opposed to a short leash rig). I would much rather have you come in and we can build one together because I’m not much of an artist but this should give you the general idea. Once you get your rig built it shouldn’t change from the split shot down unless you decide to add or subtract weight but I always recommend depth adjustments before doing anything with weight. To change the depth simply move your indicator up or down the leader to accomplish your desired depth.

The indicated measurements are just a baseline, everyone has their preferred rig but this should get you started. Some like to run a little shorter on the trailing nymph, others run longer. Some tie the trailing nymph off of the eye of the point fly, I prefer to tie off the bend of the hook. Start here and modify as you see fit.

If you want to convert to a short leash rig simply remove the split shot and move the indicator down the leader so it’s 3′ – 4′ from your point fly. We recommend downsizing your indicator to a 1/2″ bobber or a palsa pinch on type indicator and you might ditch the tungsten Czech and go with something on the lighter side.

Dry fly fishing in the snow? You bet. It’s been an awesome fall for fishing BWO’s and we’re hoping for a few more stellar days before it all comes to an end. I haven’t had much reason to change from my go-to BWO rig this fall.  An Olive Parachute Adams paired with a DOA cripple has been money for me but your options are limitless and as we reach the tail end of fall BWO’s you may just find that you need to show them something sneaky to get them to go.

I’ve all but retired the dry fly rig for the time being, concentrating most of my efforts on the streamer game but there’s something for everybody right now and have I mentioned having the water to yourself? Big game hunting is in full swing which has drastically reduced the traffic and the forecast will keep many away as well. Those of us who live, work and fish here all year long love November on the Missouri, you will to.

Early winter hours go into effect tomorrow. We will be open Monday – Saturday (for the time being) from 8 AM – 5 PM and 8 AM – 4 PM on Sundays. We are open EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR for lodging and guide trips regardless of the shop schedule.

Fall Classic back in LA tonight at 6. And keep a sharp eye out for  little ghosts and goblins prowling the streets and sidewalks after dark.

Happy Halloween from all of us at Wolf Creek Angler.