Uncategorized Archives - Page 29 of 53

End of Summer Sale – WE’ll Match That!

Bins overflowing with bugs at Wolf Creek Angler

Planning on spending your Labor Day weekend on or around the MO’? Stop by Wolf Creek Angler for the best deals of the season on tons of killer gear.

We’re clearing out our summer inventory to make room for cooler weather offerings. Great deals to be had on Simms summer logo gear, Redington wet-wading gear and wading pants, Outdoor Research sun hats, Buff water gloves and much more.

Word is there’s a big fly sale going on down the road. Don’t tell anyone but we’ll match it! Half price on all flies Saturday only!

We are your Missouri River fly fishing one-stop and we are closer to Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge than any other shop. We are right on your way.

Shuttles, Adipose and RO Drift Boat Rentals, your exclusive source on the Missouri for LOOP rods and reels and ARC fly lines and the only Full Line KAST Extreme Fishing Gear dealer on the river.

Oh yeah and we’ve also got the hardest working guides on the river and more on-site lodging than any other shop in the area. Great guides, affordable lodging minutes from the river and THE up and coming Missouri River Fly Shop….everything you need nestled in the canyon far removed from the buzz of Craig but not so far removed that you can’t make the short drive and get your fill. And speaking of the buzz of Craig – don’t miss the second annual Browns and Brews beer festival happening tomorrow in front of Izaaks Restaurant from 4 – 8 pm. 5371e745410f938b5e7023a2d339d199

We hope to see you this 3-day weekend at Wolf Creek Angler as we bid farewell to summer.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:32-06:00September 2nd, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|1 Comment

Easing out of August

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One week to go!

We are anxious to bid farewell to what has been a very quiet August on the Missouri. Despite the fishing being consistently good, at least by late summer standards, we just haven’t seen much traffic on the water this month.

It’s been a nice break and a good chance to catch up on some maintenance projects around the property but we are definitely ready to trade lawn watering/blog writing/blog reading/inventory/cleaning/painting/mowing days for busy days in the shop getting trips out the door, selling bugs, booking rooms and trips and spending time visiting with our customers. Not that it’s been completely dead but let’s just say that we haven’t spent a lot of time re-stocking product as of late.

That’s all about to change as the fall season gets underway. Soon the parking lot will be full again and the night life at WCA will return as lodging fills up and guests spend their cool fall evenings swapping fish tales over cocktails on the porch while anxiously anticipating the next day on the water.

We’re stocked up with plenty of new bugs for fall and very soon it will be time to move summer gear to the sale rack to make way for the return of cold weather gear. Keep an eye out for great sales on great gear at Wolf Creek Angler.

We’ve been booking trips daily and it looks to be a very busy fall on the Missouri, especially with the current situation on the Yellowstone. We would love to have you as our guest this fall on the MO’. Guide Trips and rooms available now, book yours today.

You don’t need to wait until fall to fish either. You’ve got a week left to take advantage of our Dog Days of Summer special. Through the end of August book a full day guide trip and a night of lodging and we’ll throw in a second night of lodging for free. Hard to beat that deal.

September will be good. October will be better and for those willing to roll the dice on the weather – November can be lights out. And it doesn’t end there.

Usually around mid-November things get pretty quiet around here again but that doesn’t mean you can’t fish. We don’t winter in the tropics, we winter on the Missouri! We’re here 12 months a year providing you with the best guides on the river; clean, affordable lodging; and an up and coming Missouri River Fly Shop filled with everything you need for fly fishing the Missouri no matter what time of year. We are among the only outfitter owned and operated shops on the river and we live to share the stuff of our life dream with you.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 25th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

Cooler Temps = Hotter Fishing?

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Renewed optimism around the shop this cool and cloudy Thursday. It definitely felt like fall out there this morning and will even more so tonight with lows in the 40’s and rain showers likely. They’re even talking snow for some of the higher elevations!

Just dark enough and just enough of a chill in the air today to draw some attention to the streamer bins. I haven’t heard back from anyone yet today but we had more than a couple of folks loading up on big ugly bugs this morning and you could sense the excitement as we’re offered a little taste of what’s to come in the not so distant future.

Temperatures will heat up again over the weekend but we’re definitely on the run towards fall. People are enjoying the final weeks of summer vacation and while we don’t like the fact that the summer flies by so fast it is the time of year when we start to anticipate the awesome fall fishing on the Missouri.

We get a lot of calls inquiring about when the best time to come for fall fishing is and as is so often the case we don’t have a simple answer.

For one, there is the Crystal Ball Factor. We have no idea what Mother Nature will be serving up this year. We could see sunshine and summer temps right on through October. We could see snow tonight. The weather is the unknown part of the equation.

We tend to think of the fishing improving with cooler temps (which I believe it does) but in thinking about that, what exactly is it about cooler weather that makes the fishing improve? I think there are many factors, not the least of which is the attitude shift that happens in us when we stop sweating and stop lamenting the passing of summer and opt instead to let the anticipation of autumn take over.

Whether its fall fishing or hunting or fall colors or football or kids going back to school or cold fleece clad nights around the fire ring or whatever it may be for you, everyone has their own idea of what makes fall in Montana so awesome and when we start to think these happy thoughts the anticipation grows.

I’m no scientist but there is definitely science happening here which causes changes in our chemical composition. Endorphins start to pump and the next thing you know instead of complaining about the heat and the weeds and the lack of bugs and on and on we instead start to daydream about those crisp autumn days on the water and since we can’t wait for fall we hit the river and just like that the fishing goes from painfully slow to insanely off the charts just because of our attitude adjustment.

Well maybe it doesn’t happen quite like that but a big part of the hum drum of the dog days of summer is the fact that there is nobody here! You can’t catch fish if you aren’t here. If nobody’s fishing then obviously there aren’t fish being caught! If you aren’t in the forest to hear the tree fall then does it make a sound? Likewise, if you aren’t on the water to hear that behemoth brown gulp that hopper you should be!

Was the fishing hot yesterday? Fish were eating yesterday but few were being caught as there were very few anglers out there to catch them. Is it hot today? Will it be hot for the weekend? I haven’t heard any reports today and as far as tomorrow goes see the Crystal Ball Factor above. It’s a total cliché but you really don’t know if you don’t go so get your heads together and get out there.

We’ve got lodging, we’ve got guides, we’ve got boats and we’ve got a shop stuffed full of everything you need for fly fishing the MO’ and beyond including a fly selection the likes of which has never been seen before in Wolf Creek Montana. We’re here to help you out in any way we can and we’ve got answers (of some sort) to all of your questions. We don’t claim to be the experts but we do spend a fair amount of time around here doing what we, and you, love to do and learning new things every day so we think it’s a good bet we just might be able to help you. If not, we’ve got damn fine coffee….and free!

Hoppers and ants. Zebras and Crays. Sparkle Minnows and Godzilla Sculpins just to name a few. Stop by or give us a call for up to the minute conditions and reports.

Tons of Bugs at Wolf Creek Angler

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 18th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|1 Comment

Fall on the Missouri – photo by Neale Streeks

Thinking about fall fishing on the Missouri? We are too!

October is one of our favorite months to fish the MO’ and judging by our lodging and guide trip bookings, it’s yours too.

The first three weeks of October look to be extremely busy though we still have openings so don’t put it off any longer, give us a call today and book that fall trip.

As of right now things are pretty busy starting around the middle of September and then thin out the last week of October. Keep in mind that these last few years the late October/early November fishing has been the best of the fall. The weather can be hit or miss but it’s typically cool/cloudy/snowy/rainy days that are preferred if fishing BWO’s is your game.

Fall is also the time for streamer fishing. Weeds will still be a factor but it’s definitely worth the effort when you hook into that giant Missouri River brown decked out in full spawning colors.

Don’t let the possibility of rain or sleet or snow or cold discourage you as it’s often the case that the worse the weather is the better the fishing is. And the beauty of lodging and fishing with WCA is that you’ve got a premier Missouri River fly shop on site ready to meet all of your fly fishing needs. Cold weather gear; layering; waders and boots; rods from Loop, Echo, St Croix and Redington; reels from Ross, Loop, Nautilus, Redington and Echo; ARC and Rio fly lines; packs, nets and accessories from Fishpond and the biggest and best selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana, including a streamer selection that rivals that of any other shop with a bunch of WCA Exclusives you won’t find anywhere else. We’re starting to stock up for fall fishing with all kinds of new bugs and new gear. Stay tuned for a MAJOR shop-related announcement coming soon!

So while it’s definitely still summertime on the Missouri it won’t be for long. Leaves are starting to change, pre-season football has started, the first of the Oktoberfest beers have already hit the shelves and in two weeks your kids will be back in school and you’ll all be wondering where the summer went. Fret not, fall is a magical time on the MO’.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 15th, 2016|Categories: Montana Fly Fishing, Uncategorized|Tags: ARC Fishing, brown trout, Fall fishing, Fishpond, fly fishing, Redington, RIO, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Hopper Time!

Blue skies and sunshine this weekend, highs in the 80’s and 90’s for the next few days before we see another cool down late in the week.

Angling traffic is on the light side but do expect plenty of rec floaters out there this weekend. It’s going to be a gorgeous couple of days to float the river.

What fishing traffic there is seems to be concentrated in the canyon which by all accounts is fishing very good right now, especially by August standards. Weeds are a challenge, but nothing you can’t handle. While the canyon is getting some good press right now don’t limit yourself. Try the lower river, try the upper river…..there are fish everywhere!

Plenty of options right now if you’re willing to switch it up early and often but for my money I would go with a hopper (or a chubby) and either a Rubber Legs or your favorite mayfly nymph.

We’re liking the Moorish and More or Less Hoppers in pink and also having some luck with the #12 White Cloud Hoppers in peach. Don’t overlook yellow either, most of the naturals I’ve seen around (and there aren’t a bunch of them) have been yellow. We’ve had luck with everything from #8’s to #12’s but I think there’s a tendency to want to go big and that isn’t always the ticket. If you aren’t getting any looks at that #8 try something small or get the best of both worlds and trail an ant off that #8 hopper, then you’ll have the right size meal for any appetite.

As far as nymphs to drop, again we like the brown or brown/yellow rubber legs and all kinds of mayfly stuff. Split Case PMD’s, Military Mays, Docs Summer Bug, 2 Bits, Little Green Machines, Peeps, Purple Lightning Bugs, plain old PT’s….you get the picture. Additionally we’ve had some good days with the #16 purple weight fly, tan UV Czechs and various crayfish patterns.

Tricos? Yes and no. There are bugs. There are fish eating them but those who are here specifically for the Trico fishing have been disappointed for the most part. Rig up an indicator spinner and a cdc emerger and have it at the ready in case you come across some rising fish. Otherwise grab your hopper rig and fire away. Hit the banks, hit the seams, hit the riffles and be ready for the take.

We’ve been a little hum-drum with our reports as of late, after all it is August but it’s definitely worth your time to come out and give it a shot. Sure there are some tough days, but there are also some really good days and there’s NOBODY HERE! That’s bad for us but it’s great for you if you’re hoping to have some water to yourself. Besides that, it’s summertime in Montana. Why wouldn’t you spend your day floating down a river?

We’ve got plenty of lodging available as well as abundant availability with the hardest working guides on the Missouri. We’re also offering free lodging as part of our Dog Days of Summer Special. Now through the end of August book a full day guide trip and a night of lodging and we’ll throw in a second night of lodging for free.

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

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 13th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, grasshoppers, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Summer Diversions

seattle skyline

If you’re looking for an updated fishing report come back soon, I’m working on it. In the meantime, allow me a bit of self-indulgence and feel free to read on…..or not.

It’s been a busy week, mostly away from the shop and away from the water. As summer winds down we typically try to do some family time mini vacations before the kid and the wife are back to school.

It just so happened this summer that things overlapped and we ended up with a week which took us to Missoula and back, followed by a quick run to Seattle and back and then on to Missoula to bookend a super fun week with a bunch of windshield time and some cool outings.

We started on Sunday in Missoula, going to see Emmylou Harris at the Wilma. We aren’t hard-core Emmylou fans but she is a legend and when you get the chance to see a legend like Emmylou at a great venue like the Wilma you go. It was a great show which was never really on “the list” for me but which should have been. Go see Emmylou if you get a chance. POSTER_FINAL_APR2016

She’ll be back in Montana on the 25th of August with John Prine for “An Evening at the Arch: Yellowstone Celebrates the National Park Service Centennial”. This is a free show happening in Gardiner MT. I believe it’s been SOLD OUT for a while now but maybe worth taking a trip to Gardiner anyway just to see what you can see.

If you follow the blog you know that I am a huge Detroit sports fan. Lions, Tigers, Wings, Pistons….it doesn’t matter which team….I love them all and will go to great lengths to watch them any chance I get. My son has been bugging me to take him to a ball game and it just so happened the Tigers were playing in Seattle three nights this week so off to Seattle we went on Wednesday for the final game of the series.

My last trip to Seattle was in the early 90’s and my son had never been so it was a great opportunity to get back there for a quick visit and to see our Tigers. It ended up being a losing effort (all week long) for the Tigers but the trip to Safeco Field was well worth it. What an awesome ball park in a great city. FullSizeRender (14)

During my last visit to Seattle in the early 90’s I was (and still very much am) a complete Twin Peaks Freak. It was the main reason I decided to head west for spring break that last year of college and it was at the height of the show. Visiting the filming locations was definitely the highlight of that trip for me.

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Last year my son started to get into the show so we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to revisit the real Twin Peaks on our way back from Seattle. He was excited to see the various locations and I was stoked to be able to see several locations I never found the first time around. To be able to look up TP Filming Locations on the IPhone and get turn by turn directions to all of them was amazing, especially considering when I did this trip back in the early 90’s cell phones weren’t widely used yet and there was certainly no such thing as a Smart Phone. Could I sound much older? Anyways, it was an awesome experience for both of us.

Tomorrow we will top off the week with another concert at The Wilma. This time it’s Ryan Adams and if it’s anywhere near as good as his show at Big Sky Brewing Company last summer it will be an awesome ending to a great week. I’ll be accompanied by my son who, while preferring the stylings of Kanye West or Drake, tolerates Ryan Adams maybe just to humor me. It will be one of his first concerts though so hopefully he’ll look back someday and thank me for taking him to such a great show.

Thank you for allowing me a bit of self-indulgence. Back to Missouri River Fly Fishing tomorrow!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 12th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|1 Comment

This Week on the MO’

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We’re definitely looking at cooler temps this week and we’re actually starting to hear some good fishing reports from our guides and even from a few of our guests who are out there getting it done on their own.

It seems the short leash has been the key to success though there have been some strong hopper outings as well. Try both on and see what happens.

We’re partial to the hopper/dropper rig because we LOVE to see them eat the hopper. Sometimes they crush it, sometimes it just disappears. Be on the alert. You typically aren’t going to get a ton of eats on the hopper so you need to make it count. It really sucks when you miss the take, you might not get another shot all day! Drop a mayfly nymph off of your pink or purple Moorish Hopper to increase your odds or we also like to run two on top and trail an ant. The trout like ants, sometimes more than hoppers!

Nymphs we would suggest include Split Case PMD’s, pheasant tails, Little Green Machines, S & M’s, Military Mays and weight flies in purple. If you’re going to run a two nymph rig we recommend Palsa pinch-on indicators and we also like the Lil’ Nuggets from Strike Foundry. Keep your rig under three feet, sans split shot and find your water.

We’ve been doing well in the fast water, medium depth. Same nymphs as above in addition to various crayfish and rubber leg patterns. Don’t overlook the worm either. A worm and a cray could be a deadly combination. If you aren’t comfortable with the weightlessness of the rig then make one of your nymphs something with a tungsten bead….it’s plenty of weight for what you’re trying to do.

Not much to report on the trico front. Still seeing bugs and occasionally fish on them but we’re not counting on it. Similar story with the caddis in the evening. There are bugs around and it’s never a bad idea to try your elk hair caddis or outrigger caddis/emerger rig during last light. Find the fish, show them a good presentation and see what the fish gods have to say about it.

Lodging has started to fill again after a quiet week but we still have plenty of availability for lodging and guides. Don’t forget our Dog Days of Summer Special if your thinking of coming out to give it a go. Book a guide day and two nights lodging and we’ll throw in a third night of lodging for free. Why not take advantage of the light traffic and book yourself an August getaway on the Missouri?

Days are getting noticeably shorter so we’re back to opening at 6:30 AM. It’s pretty dark (and getting darker every day) at 6 AM though I’ve still seen a few folks doing the early launch. If you’re wanting to be on the water prior to 6:30 don’t hesitate to come by. We’re generally in here at or just after 6 firing up the machine so feel free to stop. The coffee may not be quite ready but by the time you get that shuttle form filled out and load up on bugs we’ll have you out the door with a cup to go.

Come check out our ever-expanding bug selection, new arrivals in the reel case from Nautilus and great lines from ARC Fishing. We’re loving these fly lines this summer…you will too.

See you soon in the shop and on the water.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 9th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: ARC Fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Strike Foundry, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Weekend Update

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Things continue to be a little tough out there but don’t despair. There are plenty of reasons you should be fishing the Missouri right now.

These are just a few of them.

1. HOOT OWL RESTRICTIONS

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Water levels continue to drop on many rivers around the state. Low flows mean high water temps, especially during hot weather. High water temps mean stressed trout. The Hoot Owl closure list continues to grow with a couple of rivers (Jefferson and parts of the Big Hole) now completely closed to fishing. Meanwhile on the Missouri we’re enjoying relatively stable flows in the 4100 cfs range and comfortable water temps in the low to mid 60’s. Rumor has it we’re going to see a drop in flows here as well but we don’t expect anything too drastic. Should we drop into that 3500 range you can expect more weeds but for the time being we’re liking the conditions on the river, especially by August standards. If Hoot Owl conditions have chased you off of your favorite water it’s time to hit the MO’.

2. LIGHT TRAFFIC

August is traditionally a slow month on the Missouri and while we appreciate the break after an extremely busy several months, six days in and we’re rested and ready to ramp up again! We typically see a big drop in traffic during August and early September despite the fact the fishing can be good. It can also be challenging but if it wasn’t a challenge what fun would it be? Regardless, for whatever reason, there aren’t a lot of people around in August so it’s the perfect time to come fish the Missouri if it’s relative solitude you seek. It’s not quite December solitude but you can usually find yourself a stretch of water void of other anglers. No waiting at the ramps, less competition on the water, immediate seating at Izaaks and plenty of vacancies in the area are all good reasons to try August fishing on the Missouri.

3. GRASSHOPPERS AND ANTS

Although not known as a great terrestrial fishery the Missouri gives up plenty of big browns to hoppers and ants strategically drifted and occasionally twitched through the right spots. Banks, seams, riffles…..you know the spots. Do a long float covering as much water as you can and be patient. Hopper fishing is rarely action-packed but there are occasional good days and frequent good parts of mediocre days so it’s definitely worth your while to give it a try. Not sure where to go? Stop by the shop and we’ll get you set up with the right bugs and give you some direction on where to go. If you really want to get your hopper game dialed in book a trip with us and we’ll have one of our expert guides take you to the ultra secret hopper hot zones. We’re happy to send you to these spots on your own but nobody knows the water better than those who are out there every day. If you are new to the Missouri or new to fly fishing or both we can’t stress enough how critical a guide trip can be to your future success or lack thereof. You’ll learn more in a day on the water with one of our guides than you could in a whole season of trying it on your own.

4. FLYSHOP EMPLOYEES ARE CRAVING HUMAN CONTACT

While it’s not quite that bad there are definitely some lonely spells in shop these days. The upside to this though is that we’ve got plenty of time to do things like cleaning the shop, grounds keeping….etc so the shop is really clean and the lawn is making a comeback after a bit of neglect since we’ve had plenty of time to dedicate to a sprinkling program. We’re busy working on fall fill in orders and starting to put together pre-season orders for 2017 and also doing a fair amount of lodging and guide trip boo

kings for fall and for next season. There are always things to do around the shop but our favorite thing to do in the shop is help customers so it would make our day if you came by.

5. DOG DAYS OF SUMMER LODGING SPECIAL

Now through the end of August book a guide trip and two nights lodging with Wolf Creek Angler and we’ll throw in a third night of lodging for free. That’s up to a $129 value. It’s a great opportunity to do a second guided day on the MO’ or to rent one of our RO or Adipose Drift Boats and try it on your own after which you can relax at WCA for another night for free.

See you soon at WCA.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 6th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Montana Fly Fishing, Uncategorized|Tags: brown trout, Dog Days, fly fishing, grasshoppers, Missouri River, RO Drift Boats, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Dont Miss The Dog Days

We’re looking at status quo weather for the next few days with sunshine and temps in the mid to high 80’s. The good news is we’re seeing temps drop into the low 50’s at night, keeping things at least somewhat cool for the morning hours. We’ll see cooler weather next week so it could be the perfect opportunity to take advantage of our Dog Days of Summer Lodging Special.

Book yourself a guide trip and two nights of lodging and we’ll throw in a third night of lodging for free. Get here the evening before your trip and spend a few hours exploring the area on your own. Do dinner at The Oasis or Izaaks or cook for yourself. Many of our rooms come equipped with a full kitchen and we also provide access to gas grills. Get a great night’s sleep away from the hustle and bustle and then spend a day getting dialed in on the Missouri with one of our expert guides.

Getting to sleep wont be a problem after a full day on the water. Relax on the porch or in our picnic/bar area and finalize your plans for another day of fishing. You could do a second guided day or rent a drift boat and try it on your own or we’d be happy to share our suggestions with you if you’d like to explore something other than the MO’ whether guided or on your own.

Top off that second day of fishing with another relaxing evening at WCA on us. Two days of fishing and three nights of relaxing at the WCA Fish Camp might be just what the doctor ordered.

While it’s definitely not prime time on the Missouri there are bugs (tricos, caddis, terrestrials), there are plenty of fish and the crowds are all but gone (for the time being). You just might have a spectacular day of fishing and you’re likely to have the thing virtually all to yourself.

Thinking about fall fishing? We are too. We can’t wait. October lodging and guide dates are filling quickly so don’t wait any longer, book that trip today. And speaking of booking, many of the prime-timer regulars have booked their 2017 dates upon their recent departure so if you are thinking about a trip to the MO’ during the prime time next year it’s NEVER TOO EARLY to book those dates.

These are quiet days in the shop which gives us a chance to get caught up on things we’ve been neglecting and also to prepare for the oncoming second season which will soon be upon us. We’re still open every day at 6:00 AM for all of your Missouri River Fly Fishing needs. We hope to see you soon.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 4th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

No wait at the boat ramps for the time being. The fish are here – where are you? photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Things are pretty quiet around here this week. The bright sun and high temps are keeping things challenging on the river and while it’s still hard to beat a day floating the MO’, no matter what time of year, the current conditions have many anglers singing the summertime blues.

Trico action has been hit or miss. The bugs have been consistent but it seems more often than not the fish just don’t seem that interested. Our walk/wade DFO guests have had a particularly frustrating time of it. Between the finicky fish, the heat, the seemingly ever-present wind and the lack of any consistent evening activity it’s been challenging to say the least. We’ve spent plenty of time talking folks off of the ledge over these past couple weeks and will likely continue to have to do so. The bottom line is that August fishing can be tough. But then again, it can be tough any time of year and there are plenty of August days that the fishing is phenomenal.

One thing that helps is to adjust your expectations. Keep in mind that the fish have been extremely pressured for the last several months. Pair that with bright, sunny, hot days and you have the potential for some tough fishing but with that being said you could also have spectacular fishing and could have it virtually all to yourself.

We love to throw the hopper this time of year so what we recommend is a long float where you’ll have plenty of opportunities to nymph or throw hoppers and since you’re covering a lot of water you’ll likely find fish up here and there in areas that don’t see as much pressure so you’ll be able to satisfy your dry fly cravings as well.

Streamers are an option as well. It isn’t our favorite time of year to fish streamers due to the amount of sunshine and aquatic vegetation but if you choose your spots and deliver your cast with pinpoint accuracy you are likely to move a fish or two. I’ve spent a little time throwing streamers in select spots the last few times out and have moved a few each time, including one beast of a brown hooked and lost at the boat which was definitely pushing the two foot mark. Those who fish with me might accuse me of being a little hung up on Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow Sculpin and I get it but all I will say is that I haven’t changed bugs in three weeks! Bright sunny days may not be ideal but I’m a firm believer that if you put the fly in front of them they’re going to go after it regardless of weather conditions.

Think quality, not quantity when it comes to August fishing. Big fish (and small ones too) eat hoppers and streamers and while you aren’t likely to rack up double digits you are apt to get a few to go if you cover enough water. I’ll take a hopper eat or a streamer chase over a bobber drop any day of the week, even if it means substantially fewer fish. Success is directly tied to your expectations and your perception. That is why I encourage you to perhaps lower your expectations and just enjoy the experience rather than focusing on the numbers.

We talk to plenty of anglers who are having a legitimately tough time hooking up and we will always do whatever we can to help but we also talk to a lot of anglers who are disappointed because they only got 6 or 8 and only one of those was over 20″. To me this is a great day, especially for this time of year, but for some these numbers equate to failure. It’s all in how you perceive things.

The list of Hoot Owl and Mandatory Drought Closures is growing daily so you may find yourself on the MO’ very soon if fly fishing in Montana is in your plans. If you do we invite you to stop by WCA for the latest river info and a bug selection that rivals that of any other shop. Find the complete list of restrictions and closures here http://fwp.mt.gov/news/restrictions/waterClosure.html

And don’t forget our Dog Days of Summer Special. For the month of August book a guide trip and two nights lodging and get a third night of lodging for free. Get dialed in with a guide on day one and then get more dialed in with a second day of guided fishing or rent a boat and try it on your own.

Light traffic, plenty of sunshine and the potential for some pretty good fishing or not, but again, there are much worse things you could be doing than spending a day floating the MO’ on a sunny Montana summer day.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 2nd, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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