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Sunday Update

Plenty of traffic out there this weekend despite some breezy conditions on the water.

A mixed bag of reports from yesterday with that sow bug bite reportedly dropping off a bit. Mayfly nymphs coming on strong.

It’s on the quiet side here today but still a few folks willing to brave the 30 mph gusts in their quest for Missouri River fall Trout Nirvana.

Rooms turning over as we welcome the next bunch of guests primed for their week of fly fishing the MO’. It looks like it’s going to be a good one weather wise with winds diminishing and temps holing in the 50’s all week under partly cloudy skies and a chance of showers each of the next several days.

Nymphing and streamers will be preferred for the next while as we wait patiently for the bigger bugs but keep the dry fly rigs at the ready because you never know when it might happen. Start late – end late, evenings have been worth sticking around for.

The transition is underway in Wolf Creek and Craig as we move towards the off-season. The Oasis is currently open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on Thursday – Monday and last we heard Izaaks will be open Wednesday – Sunday for the remainder of the month. We will keep you posted on the food situation as it changes but as of right now Tuesdays are food free in Wolf Creek and Craig save breakfast and lunch from The Trout Shop deli through the end of October. Just something to keep in mind as you make your plans for late season fishing on the Missouri.

Another thing to keep in mind is that we offer rooms with full kitchens and access to gas grills so that whole no place to eat thing actually doesn’t have to be a problem at all, just bring your own food and dine in.

We are your year-round Missouri River fly fishing destination with more on-site lodging than anyone. We are outfitter owned and operated and able to get you on the water most anytime so hit us with those last minute plans….we would love to have you as our guest. Vehicle shuttles, Adipose and RO Drift Boat rentals, cold weather gear from Simms, Kast and Redington, Loop Rods and Reels and of course, the largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Open daily at 7 AM. Nobody is open earlier!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:31-06:00October 16th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Montana, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

A Taste of Things To Come…

Frozen Boots Coming Soon - photo by Wolf Creek Angler

While I will say the drive in this morning was a bit like an episode of Ice Road Truckers don’t cancel your fishing plans just yet.

Things are looking pretty fishy out here so if you had planned on hitting the MO’ today you should and if you hadn’t planned on it, it might not be a bad to burn some sick time.

No need to rush right out here. Take your time. The roads should be in much better shape in a couple of hours.

Temps are going to hover right around 30 degrees for most of the day so you will have t0 contend with some icing issues but not to worry, the potential for dry fly Nirvana today could make it well worth your while and if not the streamer fishing and nymphing will likely put a bend in the rod.

Stop in and see us on your way to the river for shuttles, bugs, hand warmers, toe warmers, cold-weather gear and a bottomless pot of what some consider to be the best coffee in the canyon.

Hats and gloves a plenty from Simms and KAST including the hot seller this past week, the ExStream hat from Simms, you wont find a better hat anywhere. In stock now at Wolf Creek Angler, your exclusive source for SIMMS Fishing Products in Wolf Creek Montana.

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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.

While you’re at it why not treat yourself to a Simms ColdWeather Shirt and the pants to match. It’s the perfect day for fleece lined pants and a fleece lined flannel shirt. I’m wearing mine today and I’m not even going to be on the water.

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Welcome to winter. Fall returns tomorrow with temps back in the 50’s for the remainder of the week.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:31-06:00October 11th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

Rainy days on the MO’

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Weather got you down?

It shouldn’t! This is what we think of when we think of fall fishing on the Missouri. Cold, wet, cloudy…..what’s not to like?

This is BWO weather and it’s also the kind of weather the streamer junkies dream of. With a chance for showers (both the rain and snow varieties) all week long and temps hanging south of 50 you can expect plenty of traffic out there and while we make no guarantees we think the fishing could be off the charts.

It’s a great time to fish the Missouri provided you have the right gear but there are few things more miserable as being stuck in a drift boat on a rainy 40 degree day , soaked to the core. Hypothermia tends to really detract from the experience.

We’ve all got our favorite pieces of essential gear for this type of weather but at the very least this is what we would recommend for ultimate comfort.

Redington SonicDry base layers. These pants and crew shirts are the perfect next to skin layer. SonicDry™ baselayer is powered by 37.5™ Permanent Technology and dries 2X faster than the competition, making your outdoor experience warmer, drier and more comfortable. This product is the answer for any outdoor adventure.

SIMMS Wading Socks. Use these premium Merino Wool Socks in conjunction with Simms liner socks to wick away moisture and keep your feet warm and dry all day.

Simms ColdWeather Pants. These micro-fleece lined pants are the best thing since sliced bread! If it gets really cold you can wear them over a base layer but I wear them by themselves until the temps drop into sub-zero conditions. They feature an adjustable waist and the Velcro closures on the cuffs prevent them from bunching up making them the perfect under-wader pants. You won’t believe how comfortable these pants are. It’s the best $100 you’ll spend this fall! coldweather

Simms ColdWeather Shirt. Equally as cozy and comfortable, these brushed flannel shirts feature waffle fleece lining and are the perfect insulating layer over your base. We love them for fishing of course but we wear them on and off the water. Quite possibly THE perfect fall and winter shirt. 20314-furyorangeplaid-l

Redington Sonic Pro Waders. At just under $300 you won’t find a more economical choice. These ultra-durable 4-layer waders feature Ultra-Sonic welded construction, articulated seams for ease of mobility and a reinforced lower leg for increased durability. You can spend a lot of money on waders and you generally get what you pay for but we sell a pile of Sonic Pros because they have many of the same features as some of the higher end waders at a fraction of the cost. sonic

Simms Guide Jacket – The Guide™ Jacket is a proven work horse that is built-to-fish with Gore-Tex® Shell fabric that’s waterproof, breathable, lightweight, and tenacious against tears.

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Kast Steelhead Gloves. We talk about these gloves a lot and we sell a bunch of them. There are all kinds of gloves to choose from out there but we know of none other quite like these. Patented OutDry technology makes them 100% waterproof/submersible, windproof, and breathable. Plus the warm fleece lining, and durable stretch shell give you the snug fit and uncompromising feel that you need in the fingertips, and an extended cuff for valuable additional coverage at the wrist.

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Block out the wind and the rain and you’re good. You’ll be surprised just how nasty of weather you can tolerate as long as you are dry. We’ve got all of the listed items above (and many more) in stock now at Wolf Creek Angler, your Missouri River fall fly fishing one stop.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:31-06:00October 3rd, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Redington, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Welcome October!

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Enjoy the sunshine today. Fall weather in store for the week ahead.

Grab your dry fly rods and streamer sticks and head for the MO’.

We like what we’re seeing in this fishy forecast, you should too.

Make us your Missouri River fly fishing one stop shop. More on-site lodging than anyone, the best guides on the river, RO and Adipose Drift Boat rentals, all of your fall fly fishing essentials from SIMMS, Redington, KAST, Smith, Fishpond, ARC, RIO, LOOP, Ross and many more.

Wolf Creek Angler is your Missouri River Montana fall fly fishing destination!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:32-06:00October 1st, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

Missouri River Report: Last Bastion of Summer.

The calendar says fall, but the last few days on the MO have felt more like summer. With the forecast pulling a crazy-Ivan in the next few days towards the former, I thought it best to hop on board the Adipose with Lakestream Fly Shop Owner and Guide Justin Lawrence when he invited me out for a day of d.f.o (dry fly only) on the lower river before the weather turns south.

Got a late start, per-usual for fishing with a guide on their day off, but once the boat was in the water it didn’t take long to bring a fish to the net. Dry fly fishing in the high sun is impossible according to some folks, we found it to be a little different. Plenty of fish up tight to the banks, when I say tight I mean yoga pants tight. Shady cut banks, root balls and scum lines all produced good fish on the surface.

Justin had his heart set on one final big hopper chug of the year and he got it amidst the clouds of pseudos that enveloped the boat at one point. Strong, violent hatch, then, nada. Few smaller caddis still making their way around, few fish to the boat on the caddis emerger.

Bluebird and close to eighty in the flats. Summer weather for a fall backdrop, dry flies, hot fish & cold beer doesn’t get much nicer than that.

Great day of fishing with a true professional. The man has caught fish in places many haven’t heard of and most never will. For every fish landed, it seemed like Justin was the most excited. If you’re ever in Whitefish and are looking to get out with the best, make sure to check out Justin and his crew at Lakestream Fly Shop.

From the looks of it the last day of summer has come and gone. Seattle forecast for the foreseeable future. No complaints, moisture is always a good thing. Looking forward to settling into my fall/winter routine. Soup, hot-toddies, trout spey and fly tying.

Still have a few lodging options open for October if you’re thinking of seeing what all the buzz is about. New outer-wear from Simms to keep you dry, so you stay warm. I’m already eyeing the cold weather pants and flannel, we’ve got em in sizes to match any waistband. New flies coming off the vise almost daily, WCA exclusives tied by yours truly and free coffee every morning from now until the end of time. Not to mention the most personable shop on the MO. Stop on in, see what you’ve been missing out on.

~Cheers, Chewy.

By Zach King|2016-10-25T16:15:32-06:00October 1st, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Montana Fly Fishing, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Blackfoot Thursday

Fall on the Blackfoot

One of the drawbacks (if you can call it that) of owning and running a shop on one of the best trout rivers in the world is that you tend to miss out on a lot of other fly fishing opportunities on other waters. Let’s face it, there is no place like the MO so why would anyone want to go anywhere else?

Well the short answer is that there is a lifetime and beyond of amazing trout water here in Montana and while our first love is definitely the Missouri we make no apologies for spending time exploring other rivers.

One of these other rivers is just a short drive over the divide and offers a completely different experience than what we have here. The Blackfoot River begins at the Continental Divide about 10 miles northeast of Lincoln and flows west 75 miles to where it enters the Clark Fork River just east of Missoula.

Made famous by Norman Maclean’s 1976 novella “A River Runs Through It” and even more so by the 1992 movie of the same name, The Blackfoot is home to numerous species of fish including brown and rainbow trout as well as West Slope cutthroats, char and mountain whitefish.

It is a classic freestone stream in every sense and while it’s just a short drive from the Missouri River it is a completely different world marked by mountains and wilderness and everything you might picture when you think of the classic Montana wilderness fly fishing experience.

Don’t tell the MO’ but I have been in love with the Blackfoot since the first time I saw her and I am over there any chance I get.

I’ve spent countless hours on the Blackfoot but up until last Thursday I had never floated this amazing river. It’s something I’ve been meaning to do since I moved to Montana but things being what they are, I just never made it over there with a boat and a full day to float the river. It took a visit from friends from Michigan to make it happen and now I am all that much more smitten.

It is so worth your time to go experience a day on this water and while you won’t likely catch the quantity or size of fish you catch regularly on the Missouri, it’s an outing you won’t soon forget. Crystal clear water, deep blue pools, chutes runs and riffles, high canyon walls…the Blackfoot has all of this and cutthroats too!

If you’re coming for a few days we highly recommend a day on the Blackfoot to go along with your days on the MO’. We’ve got expert guides for both and we would love to share this treasure with you. Ask about it when you call us to book your Montana fly fishing adventure.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:32-06:00September 26th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Blackfoot River, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Weekend Update

Fall Colors are Popping in Wolf Creek Montana

Great fall weather and great fall fishing this weekend on the Missouri.

Mostly cloudy and calm this morning. The wind forecast has been dialed back to WNW around 10 mph with a chance for isolated showers throughout the day. It should make for another great streamer day and the dry fly fishing could get really good. You won’t know if you don’t go.

The traffic has been steady today but the river is far from crowded. It’s a perfect week to come out and do some fall fishing on the Missouri. We’ll see temps in the high 60’s and a lot more sunshine this week which isn’t exactly what we want from a fishing perspective but get out and enjoy it while it lasts. It won’t be long before we’re watching the snow fall and dreaming of warm sunny days.

It’s been somewhat of a mixed bag of fishing reports this week with some doing very well, most doing ok and a few having a tough go of it. The consensus seems to be that the dam has kind of shut down after a couple of stellar weeks. As is usually the case after a sustained period of heavy traffic the fish go on hiatus for a while but not to worry. They are still there and it will get good again, hopefully very soon.

In the meantime the water from Wolf Creek Bridge all the way down to Cascade has been productive so spread out and fish the water you like. We’ve been mixing it up each day with nymphs, streamers and dry flies when given the opportunity. Effective nymphs have been all over the board with a bunch of different bugs catching fish but no one in particular dominating the mix. Czechs, Sows, Mayfly nymphs, worms, the occasional cray….we’re using them all right now. Best bets include Olive Psycho Mays, Tungsten Rainbow Warriors, Purple Lightning Bugs, beadless Tailwater Sows, LGM’s, WD40’s, HI-Def Baetis, Tan UV Czechs, Split Case BWO’s, Brown 2 Bits, Olive Micromays, Docs October Caddis, Firebead Rays and Dark Peeps among many others.

We’re having success with a mid length rig generally fished without weight in the medium depth, medium fast to fast water but we’ve heard of folks doing well with both deep rigs and the short leash so fish the rig you like and seek out the water that makes sense.

Dry flies of choice this past week include Brooks Sprout Baetis, Wilcox’s Micromay BWO, Quickley’s Hackle Stacker BWO, Nyman’s DOA Cripple Baetis, Olive Parachute Adams, Buzzballs and the recently re-stocked, ever disappearing CDC Caddis emerger.

If streamers are your game now you’re talking our language! Dolly Llamas, ZK’s Colonel Kurtz, Purple Kreelex, Olive Mossfire, Sparkle Minnows, Dirty Hippies and brand new arrivals Lynch’s Drunk and Disorderly. We are your Missouri River streamer headquarters with exclusive bugs you won’t find anywhere else and a full range of streamer lines from Airflo and RIO. Stop in and talk streamers with us. We can’t get enough!

We’re open every day at 7 AM for everything you need for the Missouri River and beyond. Lodging, Guides, Shuttles, Drift Boat Rentals and a shop filled with Montana Fly Fishing essentials. Stop in and see what the buzz is about.

We are proud to be your Missouri River Fly Fishing Destination!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:32-06:00September 24th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

The Week Ahead

Fall weather on tap this week on the MO’

BWO Weather on the way. Where will you be?

Enjoy this sunny, relatively warm day. It could be the last one we see for a while. Cooler temps and rain will roll in tomorrow afternoon. We’ll be spending the week in our waders and rain gear with an extra layer or two with temps in the 50’s and a good chance for precipitation daily.

Don’t let that bother you though. Perfect fall fishing conditions and just the type of weather we need to usher in the prime fall fishing.

Lacking the proper gear? Fear not. We’ve got you covered with wading gear from Redington and outerwear and layering from Simms, including our absolute favorite pants for fall and winter fishing – Simms Coldweather pants. We’ve also got great deals going on summer clothing as we clear space for new arrivals.

Per usual for fall, lodging is filling nicely, generally at the last minute. Fall outings seem to be a much more spur of the moment thing. We’ve got plenty of availability for guides and rooms this week but considering the weather that’s on the way, we expect it will be a busy week here on the Missouri so don’t wait too long to book.

Dry fly fishing is definitely an option this week but it’s the nymphing that has been getting things done and will continue to do so, even as the focus shifts more towards top water action. This is an awesome time of year to fish the Missouri because there is something for everybody. Whether it’s dry fly fishing, nymphing or chucking streamers you prefer, it’s all working right now on the MO’ and while early summer will always be prime time we can’t get enough of fall fishing here and on the surrounding waters.

That crisp fall air, the colored up leaves on the trees and colored up browns….how could you not love fall fly fishing in Montana?

We would love to have you as our guest this fall at Wolf Creek Angler and share with you the autumn awesomeness which we fondly refer to as our “second season”. Whether it’s a guide trip and lodging, drift boat rental or maybe just a shuttle and a few bugs you need, we are your Missouri River Full Service fall fly fishing destination with more on-site lodging than any other shop, the hardest working guides on the river, all the gear you need for the Missouri and beyond, RO and Adipose Drift Boat Rentals and of course an ever-expanding bug selection the likes of which has never been seen in Wolf Creek Montana. We are hands-on, outfitter owned and operated and since it’s primarily just ZK and I manning the shop you’ll get to know us personally and you’ll never be lost in the shuffle.

You are the reason we are here and we’ll always do whatever we can to help you in any way we can. Whether you are new to the sport or been at it for a lifetime we hope to be the shop you choose. No pressure, no intimidation, just a sincere desire to serve you with great products, great services and most importantly great customer service all in the most laid back atmosphere you’ll find anywhere. This shop is our pride and joy and we are committed to creating and maintaining a brand and a shop you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Come check us out and see what the buzz is about.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:32-06:00September 19th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Montana Fly Fishing, Uncategorized|0 Comments

September 11th

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It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years.

In some ways it seems like yesterday, but it also seems like a lifetime ago. A day we will never forget. A day that changed the world we live in forever.

Enjoy this day. Fish. Watch football. We’ll be doing the same but please take some time to reflect on the significance of this date.

It doesn’t take long, watching all the specials on tv the last couple of days, to remember how it felt on that morning 15 years ago and also how it felt on the days that followed as the country stood together, united by this national trauma. It was an event that transcended our differences, political and otherwise (at least for a short time) and we were collectively decent to one another.

Spend this day with the ones you love and take stock of all the ways in which you are blessed.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:32-06:00September 11th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

Happy Labor Day from WCA

Autumn is starting to take hold on the Little Prickly Pear

Feeling like fall this Labor Day in Wolf Creek MT. Rainy and cold this morning followed by cloudy skies and cool temps struggling to reach 60.

A lot of activity around the streamer bin today as you might expect. Tomorrow will be a good streamer day as well.

Thank you to all who showed up for our 1/2 price Fly Sale on Saturday, we had a great turnout and we’ll do it again next year for sure.

It looks like it’s going to be a nice week to fish the Missouri with daytime temps in the high 60’s/low 70’s and nighttime lows in the 40’s. Lodging, guide trips, shuttles, boat rentals and much more available each and every day at Wolf Creek Angler.

6:30 AM is looking pretty dark these days so we’ll be opening at 7 AM starting tomorrow.

We hope you are enjoying what is for many the last day of summer vacation and that you are gearing up for some awesome autumn fishing on the Missouri River.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:32-06:00September 5th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments