Late December on the MO

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It looks like we’re going to close out the year with below average temperatures with highs in the 20’s and lows in the single digits. Not ideal conditions for fishing the MO but on the positive side we’ve had very little wind as of late which makes things a little more bearable. We may break that freezing mark on Saturday with sunny skies and a high of 33 but aside from that there’s no real warm-up in the immediate forecast.

I took a ride from Holter Dam down to Spite Hill this morning and it looks like shelf ice is definitely becoming an issue. A fair amount of slushy ice and the occasional iceberg moving through as well. It appears as though the ramps were all used yesterday but I definitely  wouldn’t do it without four-wheel drive. If it looks sketchy it probably is so maybe dump your boat at the top of the ramp with rope attached and lower it down. Better to do it this way than get stuck on the ramp or worse!

Water temps are holding just shy of 34 with flows currently at 3180. Again, maybe not the best fishing conditions but we’re happy to have it and we’re hoping winter continues at least for a while. It’s way too early to make any kind of predictions for spring but we’re certainly liking what we see right now from a snowpack perspective. Stay tuned for updates. Screenshot (14)

As we close out the year at Wolf Creek Angler we’re busy with bookings for 2016. Give us a call today and let us help you plan your Missouri River fly fishing dream vacation. Keep in mind you needn’t wait until spring to experience one of the finest trout fisheries in the country – we fish all year-long! Keep an eye on the 10-day and plan to pay us a visit as soon as you see that warming trend which is bound to come sooner or later. $99 lodging and $400 full day Missouri River Guide trips all winter long.

Our cozy bungalows all feature full kitchens should  you choose to do your own cooking. If not, The Oasis Grill is open Thursday – Monday 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

Just out for the day? Stop in for shuttles, cold weather gear, hot coffee, always friendly service and of course, the largest selection of Missouri River winter  flies and streamers ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

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A Look Back…

 

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2015 was a busy and great year for us at Wolf Creek Angler with a lot of progress and a few growing pains but all in all a spectacular second season and a great spring-board for season number three.

www.wolfcreekangler.com

www.wolfcreekangler.com

We started the year off with the excitement of the launch of our new website which received rave reviews all season long. The web site continues to grow and evolve and we anticipate some major changes in the seasons to come which will eventually allow you to shop WCA from the comfort of home through an on-line store. These things can be a fairly major undertaking so we may start small but expect to at least be able to shop WCA logo gear via the web site at some point this season.

Unseasonably warm temperatures started to prevail in late January and kick-started the 2015 season.  We had plenty of guests all winter long from around the state taking advantage of a very mild winter and coming out to fish the Missouri. An abundance sunshine and blue skies and temps hovering in the 50’s for weeks at a time kept us busy in the shop and we even ended up opening additional lodging in March to accommodate the influx.

March 13th was a big day for Wolf Creek Angler as we were featured in The Drake Magazine Online “Fly Shop Friday” feature.

http://www.drakemag.com/featured-content/flyshop-friday/1378-wolf-creek-angler-fly-shop-on-the-missouri-river.html

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Kast

Later in March we announced our partnership with KAST Extreme Fishing Gear as we became the Exclusive Full Line Kast dealer on the Missouri River. It’s been a great partnership so far and we’ve enjoyed introducing folks to some awesome technical fishing gear. From the extremely popular Steelhead Gloves which put Kast on the map to summer guide wear to extreme outerwear, Kast is rapidly becoming an industry favorite and we are proud to offer these awesome products.

We received another honor in mid May when we were featured in the Helena Independent Record as well as The Billings Gazette and The Missoulian.

http://helenair.com/news/local/angling-for-wolf-creek-montana-fly-shop-owners-are-living/article_d3adcf18-769e-5ac7-be1c-06676703b8a2.html

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We hit a bump in the road on Labor Day Weekend when we were forced to cancel our Inaugural WCA Soiree due to spring downpours. We put a lot of work into getting the shop ready for this event which was to feature a barbecue and a band but alas Mother nature had different plans and you won’t ever hear us complaining about much-needed precipitation.  Will there be another Soiree? Time will tell.

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As the blur of the prime season commenced we enjoyed some great fishing all summer long while enjoying the company of our guests and continuing to work behind the scenes to improve the lodging experience and to make Wolf Creek Angler everything you expect your Missouri River fly shop to be and more. It was a tough summer for much of Montana with drought conditions and Hoot Owl Closures most everywhere but not on the MO.

Mid August brought the bears and the wild fires. The drought like conditions made for a poor Choke Cherry year which brought an abundance of black bears to Wolf Creek where the banks along Little Prickly Pear Creek offered some of the few concentrations of choke cherries to be found in the area. Dry conditions also brought wild fires, one of which struck very close to home near Holter Lake causing the evacuation of the campgrounds and the closure of Beartooth Road.  We had a few days of sharing the river with the helicopters and planes scooping water to pour on the fires but a soaking rain helped get things under control and things soon returned to normal with access to The Bull Pasture restored.

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The late August-early September ghost town was replaced by a very busy fall as traffic returned to the river in droves. Not coincidentally we welcomed Zach King to the WCA staff in mid-October just in time for the rush. We’re super-stoked to have Zach on board.

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Wolf Creek Angler 2015 Guide Crew. Pictured Left to Right Brock Long, Matt Mortenson, Luke Koerten, Matt Hargrave, Jason Orzechowski, Russ Dobrzynski, Jim Murray, Darrel DeLeon, Eric Mondragon

Wolf Creek Angler 2015 Guide Crew. Pictured Left to Right Brock Long, Matt Mortenson, Luke Koerten, Matt Hargrave, Jason Orzechowski, Russ Dobrzynski, Jim Murray, Darrel DeLeon, Eric Mondragon

We celebrated another great Wolf Creek Angler season at  the end of October  and spent the first half of November enjoying solitude and great fishing on the Missouri.

The last weeks of the year have been quiet as expected but looking back on the season as a whole we have definitely exceeded our expectations from a business standpoint with steady growth in lodging and retail and a huge uptick in guide trips, an area we were very focused on in 2015 and one which we will continue to grow.

We’re looking forward to an awesome 2016. We’ve had a great start with bookings and we’re excited about new products soon to arrive at WCA. We are so thankful to you, our customers for allowing us to realize this dream and we remain firmly committed to doing everything we can to earn your business and to become your Missouri River Fly Shop of choice.

We can’t wait to see you in 2016. Cheers!!

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Christmas Eve Eve

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A little Cousin Eddie for your holiday viewing pleasure…

This NEVER gets old!

The shop will be closed tomorrow and Friday. If you’re coming out to fish the MO tomorrow and are in need of shuttles or bugs or anything else our friends at Headhunters Fly Shop will be open from 8 AM – noon. If you’re coming out to fish on Christmas Day you’re on your own.

We would like to express a huge thanks to all of you who have been coming by the shop over these past couple of weeks. December can be a lonely month in the fly shop and while we appreciate every customer every day of the year – we’re especially thankful for December traffic.

See you back in Wolf Creek on Saturday. It looks like we’re in for some colder temperatures on Friday in Saturday with highs in the teens and low 20’s but things will warm up again on Sunday and into the first part of next week so make a plan now to fish the Missouri at least once more before the end of the year. $99 lodging and $400 guide trips all winter long!

 

By |2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00December 23rd, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

Winter Solstice Edition

The countdown to the 2016 season has begun

The countdown to the 2016 season has begun – it will be here before you know it

Today is the first day of winter. The solstice occurred at 11:48 pm last night so technically it occurred on the 21st (yesterday) but since it happened last night, just before midnight, we’re going to go with the 22nd being the first official day of winter.

This is a big day for us here as it marks the unofficial countdown to spring. This is the shortest day of the year. Tomorrow we start to see more daylight and less darkness each day and while we’ve got a long ways to go it won’t be long before we’re soaking up the spring sunshine.

With that in mind we encourage you to take this opportunity to get your plans together for the 2016 season. Prime dates are filling quickly both for lodging and guide trips so don’t delay. June and July are already nearly full but don’t let that deter you. Give us a call today and we’ll figure something out. The longer you put it off, the less likely you will be able to get the dates you want.

We’re open today and tomorrow for last-minute Christmas shopping or if you happen to be one of the few who are actually out here fishing the MO. $99 lodging and $400 guide trips all winter long!

Happy Solstice! Bring on the Vernal Equinox, just 89 days away.

The Countdown to Christmas has begun…

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We’ve reached the home stretch. Just a few days left until Christmas. Need some last minute gift ideas? Stop by the shop this week and we’ll help you pick something perfect for all the fly fishers on your list.

We’ll be open from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday through Wednesday but will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We will resume our normal winter hours starting Saturday.

The weather looks like it could be pretty fishy this week with a chance for snow showers each day and temperatures in the low to mid 30’s today and tomorrow before dropping into the mid to high 20’s later this week.

Lodging available for $99/night and $400 guide trips all winter long. We’re loaded up with all the winter bugs you need as well as the cold weather gear and all the tools and accessories you need to make your day on the water a success.

Have questions about winter rigging or where to fish? We’d love to get you dialed in. Stop by and we’ll get you rigged up and tell you everything you need to know including our not-so-secret winter go-to spots.

Missouri River Guide Trips with Wolf Creek Angler make the perfect Christmas Gift. Book yours today!

Missouri River Guide Trips with Wolf Creek Angler make the perfect Christmas Gift. Book yours today!

If you have someone on your shopping list who is new to fly fishing or if you are new to the sport and want to treat yourself there is no better gift than a guide trip on the Missouri. It’s a big-ticket gift for sure, but ask anyone who spent a day with a guide when they were new to fly fishing and they will tell you it’s definitely money well spent.

Whether it’s casting instruction you need, tips on how to read water, bug life, rigging techniques, rowing techniques…whatever it is you are interested in, you will learn more in a day spent with one of our guides than you would in years of trying to figure it out on your own. Know how to fly fish but new to the Missouri? We definitely recommend fishing with a guide for a day. It’s a technical fishery and one that can be very intimidating. Again, there is no better way to get dialed in than spending a day with one of our expert guides.

If you really want to surprise someone with the ultimate gift they won’t soon forget, give them a day of guided Missouri River fly fishing.

By |2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00December 21st, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

The Force Awakens

A little something from Paul Puckett to get you in the Star Wars frame of mind

A little something from Paul Puckett to get you in the Star Wars frame of mind

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I’m not going to talk much about fishing today so if you are in need of a fishing report check back tomorrow or give us a call at the shop and we’d be happy to give you the latest.

We’ve got our tickets and we’re primed to see The Force Awakens tonight. By all accounts its living up to the hype, setting a box office record last night for a Thursday night opening, pulling in between $50 and $55 Million.  A solid opening for sure. I’m excited to see the movie and wondering if it will deliver on its implied promise of taking us back in time.

The roster of holiday season films this year is definitely making us confront our own imminent mortality. Between the latest installment of the Rocky saga CREED and The Force Awakens we’re being taken back to a different time in our lives, the Springtime of our lives. I’m definitely dating myself here but can it really be almost 40 years since the summer of 77 when I was just 7 years old going to see the first Star Wars movie at the Cinema 12 in Muskegon Michigan?

It doesn’t seem like that long ago but it’s a lifetime ago, and in a galaxy far, far away from the here and now. Some of who and much of what made up my world in 1977 is gone now, as is the case for most of us who grew up watching the Star Wars and Rocky sagas unfold. While we never know when our time will come,  the law of averages would suggest that my generation has reached that point of likely having more years behind us than ahead of us. Cheery thoughts for this Friday morning.

They’re just movies I know, but they wind up eliciting a jumble of emotions as we harken back to the days of our youth. We may have lost grandparents and parents and friends over these 38 years,  but we’ve also grown up and gained spouses and kids and homes and careers. We’ve had highs and lows, we’ve made decisions that have had huge impacts on the course of our lives, for the better and the worse. We’ve just been living our lives while time marches on and while we usually don’t take the time to think and reflect on what has brought us to where we are, these films inspire navel gazing as we frame our life journeys within the context of the time span between the first film and the latest episode.

On that note – enjoy your Friday. Go out and see The Force Awakens and appreciate it for what it is.

Back to fly fishing tomorrow….I promise!

May the force be with you!

 

 

 

Cold and Quiet on the MO

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Fresh snow and no trailer tracks at Wolf Creek Bridge

It’s been a cold and snowy week here on the Missouri but the sun is shining again today and while it’s still a little on the cold side we are now in a warming trend and it looks like it could turn out to be a downright pleasant weekend for winter fishing with highs near 40 tomorrow and Saturday. Daytime highs look like they will be above freezing into mid-week next week which means we’ll see a little traffic out there with everyone on Christmas break.

Make Wolf Creek Angler your first stop on your way to the river for everything you need for your day on the water. Shuttles, cold-weather gear, RO Drift Boat rentals, tons of tools and accessories and of course, the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Cozy winter lodging for $99/night (plus tax) and full day guide trips just $400 all winter long!

Missouri River Winter Fare

Missouri River Winter Fare

We haven’t heard a lot of reports this week as there simply aren’t many folks fishing but we do have some guests staying with us right now who braved the cold and snow all day yesterday and are out there again this morning and they had an ok day yesterday. Same bugs, same water we’ve been talking about for the past couple of weeks. Run something pink and something with a firebead, fish the slow froggy winter water and you should find some willing players. Watch that indicator closely and hit any pause or dip. The takes will likely be very subtle and you may not get the fight you’re expecting but the water is cold (35 degrees) and the fish are understandably a little lethargic. Still, its bent rods in December in Montana – we’ll take it.

The phones have been very busy this week with folks booking 2016. Our June/July lodging is nearing capacity and April and May are filling nicely as well. Prime guide dates are filling fast but there’s still time. Give us a call today and let us help you plan your Montana fly fishing dream vacation. Our specialty is clearly the Missouri but if you are interested in experiencing some variety during your visit we’d love to book you a day on the Blackfoot or any other waters you might be interested in fishing.

Christmas is one week from tomorrow. Have you done your shopping? Great gifts for the fly fisher abound at Wolf Creek Angler. We’ll be altering our schedule next week and will be open Monday and Tuesday but closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas.

Today’s gift suggestion – the Hell Razor Hoodie from Kast – perfect for these cold winter months on the MO.

 

Hell Razor Hoodie

Incredibly lightweight & extremely warm.

      Everyone has their favorite jacket. The one that never sees a closet or coat-hook. The one that, unless you’re already sleeping in it, is always close enough to grab—regardless of where you are, what you’re going to be doing, or what the weather is.
    For us, the Hell Razor is that jacket: performance and comfort that’s perfect as an insulating layer or solo as outerwear when it’s not pushing single-digits. Designed to be windproof, water resistant, yet highly breathable and thermally efficient, the Hell Razor utalizes Primaloft 60g Gold insulation so you get a jacket that is incredibly lightweight and extremely warm. This jacket is definitely our go-to favorite whether we’re wrestling big fish, wheeling into town—or yes, sleeping in from time to time.

 

 

 

Tuesday Trails

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We decided not to fish today due to the chilly temps this morning but opted instead to take advantage of the fresh snow and hit the trails for some snow shoeing.

I don’t always wear snow shoes, but when I do I like to cut the first tracks on the trail which is exactly what I got to do today. A good workout for both of us as always.

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We’ll be back in the shop tomorrow morning and it looks like we’ve got some more snow showers on the way with highs of 24 and 1-3 inches of snow expected.

Could be a quiet day at WCA but there are still a lot of flies to count, more orders to place and plenty of people calling to book for the coming season.

We hope you stop by if you happen to find yourself in Wolf Creek tomorrow. Hot coffee and great end-of-season deals.

Looking for the perfect gift for your fishy friends who have all the gear they need and probably wouldn’t want you picking gear out for them anyway? How about a Hydroflask beer growler and matching True Pint glasses. Buy a growler and three glasses and we’ll throw in a fourth glass for free and as always – every growler comes with tokens for a free fill at Blackfoot River Brewing Company in Helena.

The coolest gift of the season - WCA HydroFlask Beer Growler and matching True Pint glasses

The coolest gift of the season – WCA HydroFlask Beer Growler and matching True Pint glasses

By |2016-10-25T16:15:42-06:00December 15th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

Snowy Monday

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We did receive a good dump of snow last night and today and while it’s tapered off for the most part we’ll likely see flurries right on through tonight. Tomorrow looks like it could be promising with a mix of sun and clouds and highs near 30 with south winds at 5-10 mph.

As of now the plan is to fish. Expect a full report on Wednesday.

The accumulating snow is keeping us in the 87 percent of average snowpack for the Missouri mainstem basin with the Missouri headwaters basin at 103 % of average….keep it coming!

Streamflow is currently hanging right around 3400 CFS with water temp a chilly 36 degrees.

There have been a few folks around fishing and duck hunting but things are pretty quiet on the river. It’s a great time of year to stay inside and keep warm and plan your 2016 Missouri River Odyssey. The phones have been busy the last few days with people doing just that. Prime dates are filling very quickly both for lodging and guide trips so don’t wait too long.

 

Should you decide to venture out for some winter fishing we’ve got good news. Uncle Joe’s Oasis Bar and Grill has fired up the grill again! They are open Thursday – Monday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hours are 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Once again you have everything you need right here in Wolf Creek. Cozy lodging and a first-rate fly shop, the only gas station/convenience store between Helena and Cascade (with an incredible Montana microbrew selection I might add) and a place to get a meal any time of the day, all just minutes from Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge.

We are your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing Destination!

See you soon in Wolf Creek Montana.

By |2016-10-25T16:15:42-06:00December 14th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

December 12th

WCA Gift Cards make the perfect stocking stuffer.

WCA Gift Cards make the perfect stocking stuffer.

December days are quickly dwindling away. Soon 2016 will be upon us.
It’s a great weekend weather wise to fish the Missouri with temps forecast to be in the 40’s. Winds are currently calm and should be tolerable all weekend. Wolf Creek and Craig are ghost towns right now. Most of the people who are around are working in fly shops, waiting…hoping some folks come out to fish this weekend.
The phones have been busy the last few days with people booking their 2016 guide trips and lodging and there have been a few stragglers wandering in for bugs and what not but overall these are lonely December days in the canyon.

We’ve got a few guests booked for the coming week though it looks like we’re maybe in for some weather with a winter storm watch in effect from tomorrow afternoon through Tuesday morning. We could see up to six inches of new snow and possibly a foot or more in the higher elevations….let’s hope so!

You’ve still got plenty of time to get your Christmas shopping done at Wolf Creek Angler. We’ll be here in the shop today and tomorrow and back again on Wednesday and we’re always open for lodging and guide trips so don’t hesitate to give us a call. You could finish that shopping from the comfort of your couch this morning by just giving us a call and having us send WCA Gift Cards to all the fly fishers on your list. We are happy to sell you gear for Christmas presents but gift cards are really a great way to go. You can purchase them in any amount and they are good for everything we sell from merchandise to shuttles to lodging to guide trips to boat rentals…..EVERYTHING WE SELL! Want to give someone the gift of their dreams? How about a stay at Wolf Creek Angler and a day of  fishing on the Missouri with one of our awesome expert guides?  Give us a call and we’ll help you plan this trip of a lifetime.

Today’s featured gift idea…….Waders. If you fish you need them. Lot’s of folks do without them in the summer which is fine but if you fish in the spring and fall or all year-long like we do, you need waders.

We feature the full line of Redington waders and wading boots. Stop in and check them out.

Sonic-Pro Stocking Foot Wader

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Sonic-Pro Waders are created with ultra-durable 4-layer, waterproof/breathable DWR coated fabric and feature double taped, sonic welded seams (no sew construction), articulated seams for increased mobility, and reinforced lower legs and seat for durability. Sonic-Pro waders are outfitted with multiple pockets for stashing gear, and hold everything from a hemostat to retractors and fly boxes. The convenient mesh pocket and hyplon dock with multiple attachment points make this wader every gear junkie’s wish list.

  • 100% Nylon, 4-layer, waterproof/breathable wader fabric
  • High-tech ultra sonic welded construction (no sew) and double taped seams
  • Articulated seams for increased mobility
  • Reinforced lower leg and seat for added durability
  • Opposing buckles for easy conversion to waist high
  • Custom flip out tool pocket with mesh pocket, forcep dock, hypalon retractor dock and additional zippered pocket ideal for keeping tippet
  • Ergonomic hand warmer pockets lined with brushed micro-fleece
  • Laser cut exterior pockets with YKK water resistant zippers
  • Custom designed features include: 2-inch stretch wading belt with Redington buckle, gravel-guards with custom moulded lace hook, and custom moulded hemostat clamp d-ring
  • High density neoprene bootie
  • Mesh carry bag included
  • Seam technology licensed via Orvis Patent 7,770,235

Willow River Wader

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Our Women’s Willow River waders are specifically designed for comfort and durability. Made from 3-layer,waterproof/breathable DWR coated fabric, these waders feature reinforced knees for added durability and opposing buckles for easy conversion to waist height waders. They also feature high density neoprene booties and fleece lined hand warmer pockets to keep you warm in cooler waters.

  • 3 layer, waterproof/breathable DWR coated fabric
  • Water resistant zip pocket for storage
  • Neoprene gussets under arms for secure fit
  • Tonal print on upper for style
  • Hemostat holder with versatility to store internal or external
  • Internal drop mesh pocket for storage
  • 3mm high density, ergonomic right and left neoprene booties
  • Gravel-guard with lace hook and mesh for drainage

Palix River Wader

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The Palix River Waders are constructed from 3-layer, waterproof/breathable DWR coated fabric, feature reinforced lower legs for durability, high density neoprene booties, fleece lined handwarmer pockets, and a flip out pocket with secure YKK zipper. A wading belt and integrated gravel-guards are also included to keep you safe in the water. A great feature set at a great value.

  • 100% Polyester, 3-layer waterproof/breathable DWR coated fabric
  • Opposing buckles for easy conversion to wait high
  • Chest pocket plus a flip out pocket with YKK zipper
  • Double layer knee for increased durability

Prowler Boot Felt

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The new men’s Prowler Wading Boots are our premier wading boot offering. They offer exceptional performance and durability in a fresh, modern aesthetic. With molded rubber rands, wide soles, and quick-drying and quick-draining synthetic materials, these boots are built for long days in any river condition imaginable.

  • Molded rubber overlays for durability
  • Molded Polyurethane midsole, strong yet lightweight
  • Wide sole- expanded surface sole for stability
  • Padded collar for ankle support
  • Mesh lined interior and drain holes for quick drainage
  • Molded, non-corrosive metal hardware
  • Available in both sticky walnut rubber and felt sole options
  • Stud compatible

Skagit River Boot Felt

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The Skagit Boot is Redington’s mainstay wading boot offering supreme durability, full support, and comfort. Mesh paneling has been added to the body of the shoe for drainage and quick dry times. Boots are stud compatible for rugged conditions.

  • Available in Sticky Walnut Rubber or Felt soles
  • Rubber toe cap for added abrasion resistance
  • Mesh panels for quick drainage
  • Padded collar for ankle support
  • Deep draw lacing with molded, non-corrosive metal hardware
  • Webbing pull loops for easy in/out
  • Stud compatible

Willow River Boot Felt

Willow River Boots are designed for the woman angler. Sizing, fit, support, and comfort have all been accounted for in a lightweight construction. Boots are stud compatible for more venturesome anglers.

  • Available in Sticky Walnut Rubber or Felt soles
  • Supportive, lightweight, and quick drying
  • Rubber toe cap for added abrasion resistance
  • Padded collar for ankle support
  • Deep draw lacing with molded, non-corrosive metal hardware
  • Webbing pull loops for easy in/out
  • Stud compatible

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