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The Heart of autumn

Three weeks into October and rapidly approaching the season’s end, we’re enjoying the slow and steady seasonal transition. The weather has been amazing this fall with moderate temps and very little precipitation. We’re hopeful that trend takes a turn very soon as we are in desperate need of water for next season, but for now we’ll continue to enjoy these classic fall days. The leaves remain on many of the trees with plenty of color providing an extended autumn backdrop to some great days on the water.

Most years we’ll have seen enough cold temps and wind by this point in October to strip the trees bare so we’re really enjoying the extended show.

Fishing has been good enough most days though I dare not oversell it as you’ll always have some days that are going to be a struggle for some. Overall though, the action has been consistently good and most are reporting good days nymphing and throwing streamers.

Dry fly fishing has had its moments with verified reports of actual BWO’s on several occasions but as is always the case with fall dry fly fishing on the Missouri, those days you would call epic are generally very few and far between. There will be bugs here and there, and fish rising here and there on a daily basis but this is not what you’ve heard about when people refer to epic fall dry fly fishing on the Missouri. It’s a whole different level of emergence and feeding activity, the likes of which the average novice angler if they’re lucky, may only experience a handful of times in a lifetime of fishing. Believe me, if you happen to hit it right and you are on the water for one of these days there will be no mistaking it. If you have to ask then it was likely not an epic dry fly day by Missouri River standards.

All that being said, approach every day with the hope that it might happen but with the realistic expectation that you will likely see a few bugs and a few heads and you may get a shot or two at a feeding trout…make it count!

My go-to BWO setup is a #18 Brook’s Sprout Baetis paired with a #18 Film Critic. Other good options include Olive Haze, Olive Parachute Adams, Parachute BWO, BWO Hackle Stacker, BWO Flash Cripple, Last Chance Cripple, Nyman’s BWO DOA , BWO CDC wing emerger, Wilcox’s BWO Micromay. All these and many more available at WCA.

Nymphing has been status quo with Zebra Midges, Tailwater Sows, Tungsten Tailwater Sows, Soft Hackle Sows, Scuds, Green Machines, Psycho Mays, Rainbow Czechs, Bubble Yums, Pill Poppers, Olive Lightning Bugs, Olive 2 Bits, BWO Magic Fly, Split Case BWO, Peep Show and various PT variations all proving to be effective offerings. Best setup has been short (3ish’ to first bug, no weight). I like to lead with a tungsten bead bug though I wouldn’t say that has been critical. Target the shallow fast water and leave the 5X at home. Your best bet is a 7.5’ 3X leader to 4X tippet. These fall fish are hot.

Streamer fishing is still my go to and will be from here on out. The word on the street is buggers and we’ve been selling plenty of them but don’t let anyone tell you that you have to go small. Buggers are fine and catch plenty of fish but there’s absolutely no reason you shouldn’t be throwing heavy lines and big bugs. Big lines and big bugs require a fair amount of work but often that work results in big payoffs.

Yes, working a heavy line in shallow water situations requires effort but in my opinion it’s better to utilize the option that can work in all situations. An intermediate line works great in the shallows and doesn’t require any extra effort but you’re not going to dredge the depths of those drop offs with an intermediate line. A 240 or 280 grain Streamer Max short can be stripped rapidly through the shallows and will also give you the option of getting that big bug down in the depths where big fish often lurk. So sure, you can rig up a couple of rods, one with an intermediate and one with a heavy sink but why would you? Often you’re working across the shallow flat and down into the depths of the drop off or bucket. You can work the shallows and the mid water column effectively with your intermediate line or you can give yourself the option of dredging the depths if you aren’t finding them in the mid water columns.

It’s all personal preference. Many “traditionalists” will fish the same floating line they’re using for nymphing or dry fly fishing. They’ll tie on a bugger and add a split shot and call it good and they’ll likely catch plenty of fish, especially letting that bugger swing in the tailouts. It’s an effective way to fish and it’s what used to be considered “streamer fishing”.

Not anymore. There’s a world of specialty lines designed for any and all situations and there are all sorts of bugs we call streamers ranging in size and weight and design. Some are designed to push water, some are designed to swim, and some are designed to dive to the depths and can be fished either by stripping or jigging. It’s a world of fly fishing unto its self. Some Love it. Some hate it. Few are indifferent. It’s a passion of ours and it’s one we’re more than happy to share with anyone who asks.

It’s all right here, right now. Dry Fly Fishing, Bobber Fishing, Streamer Fishing, Swinging….Fall is FLY FISHING on the MO and beyond.

The shop is open daily at 7 AM with lodging and guides available most days. Traffic has slowed for the most part though it still seems to come in waves. The nice weather will continue to generate some activity though many have shifted their focus to hunting so crowds won’t be an issue until spring.

Get out and enjoy this awesome autumn on the Missouri.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-10-19T12:44:47-06:00October 19th, 2021|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Autumns’ Prime. Photo by Jason Orzechowski

One of the most frequent questions we hear year after year is “when is the BEST time to fish the Missouri”?

My stock answer is that it depends what you mean by the “best” time because it all depends on what you like to do and how you prefer to fish.

For those without a preference who define “best time” by sheer numbers I would say spring is the best time to fish the MO but you’re going to be bobber or streamer fishing for the most part. If dry fly fishing is your game and “best time” is defined by bugs on the water and the opportunity to target rising fish, then June is the start of PRIME TIME for you.

All that being said, there is a magical time each year that lasts for around three weeks, give or take, and that time is NOW.

In my mind, these first three weeks of October are unrivaled, maybe not specifically as the best time to fish, but just the best time to be outdoors in general.

It’s the peak of fall colors and the weather is often as close to perfect as you can get. It’s not too hot and not too cold and there’s plenty of sunshine and an abundance of blue sky more often than not. The cool mornings are often followed by warm afternoons and an evening chill arrives just as soon as the sun drops below the trees.

Personally, this is my absolute favorite time of the year. October is the end of the busy season and the time to get away from the grind and enjoy Montana to the fullest before winter arrives. Since moving to Montana we have done an annual trip to the Flathead and an annual Halloween streamer float on the Yellowstone and I spend as much time as I possibly can outdoors throughout the entire month.

Much of that time is spent fishing but it doesn’t really matter to me what the activity is, it’s just the best time of the year to be out there. Maybe it’s cleaning up the yard, maybe it’s hiking, maybe it’s floating down the MO, or maybe it’s sitting around a campfire with baseball in the background on a chilly autumn night. It’s all the best of what fall has to offer so get out there and enjoy it while it lasts. With any luck soon you’ll be shoveling snow!

And how’s the fishing you ask? The fishing has been consistently solid though some days have been much better than others. Nymphing is getting the numbers and the streamer bite has been decent with more than a couple of giant browns already having been brought to hand. The October caddis/zebra dropper rig has been good for a fish or two most days and while the DFO’s are dreaming of and patiently waiting for those cold dark and snowy BWO days, there have been limited opportunities to hunt heads on any given day.

The point is, however you’re fishing or whether or not you’re fishing at all, there’s simply no better time to be outdoors than right now. So whether you’re fishing or hunting or hiking, or watching a high school or college football game or just sitting back and taking it all in, enjoy the blessing of autumn while it lasts.

Our updated shop hours for fall are 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-10-06T12:16:46-06:00October 6th, 2021|Categories: Local Buzz, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Late September Update

We’re seeing classic early fall fishing conditions on the MO this week with chilly mornings followed by moderate temps, blue skies and sunshine and gusty afternoon winds more days than not.

Nymphing is good with Zebras still ruling the day and streamer fishing has been decent with the better action coming during lower light conditions in the mornings and late afternoons/early evenings.

Dry fly enthusiasts and streamer freaks are biding their time, piecing together decent days here and there while they wait for more fall-like conditions. We got a couple of hours of cooler, cloudier conditions yesterday morning but have yet to see much in the way of those cold, dark and drizzly days which often usher in the best of fall fishing. On the contrary, we’ll see more of the same this week and another shot of summer arriving early next week with temps back near 80. We’re hoping this is the last of it!

We’re ready for fall with a fresh shipment of streamers on the way and FINALLY some cold weather gear which should have been here weeks ago but better late than never. Flannel shirts, hats, gloves, wool socks, jackets, waders and boots…we’re ready. All we need now is some real fall weather.

Our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale is now officially underway with 25% OFF ALL current inventory of rods and reels.

Lodging seems to come and go. We’ve got a couple of busy weeks ahead starting this weekend but we do have at least a room or two available most nights. As always, the weather will dictate when we start shutting things down but at this point our plan is to do the first phase of winter shutdowns around the third week of October which will limit our availability to the cabins and bungalows. We’ll likely close the cabins mid to late November and will again have our bungalows available all winter long. Off season rates go into effect in November. We’ve decided to hold off-season rates for this season at $99 plus tax.

This has been one of our busier Septembers for guide trips and the last minute requests seem to just keep coming. We’re pretty well booked through the first week of October and then things start to thin out. As those trips thin out the guide staff follows suit and after what will likely go down as one of the busiest guide seasons in recent memory many of our guides have plans to flee the vicinity for a well-deserved rest. A few of us will be around for the duration so don’t hesitate to give us a shout and we’ll see if we can’t get you booked for a late fall or early winter trip on what will soon be the lonely MO.

Shop is open daily at 7 AM.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-09-29T12:45:04-06:00September 29th, 2021|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The Wreckage Remains

It’s been 20 years.

As is the case for so many, it’s still seared in my brain. Others seem to have forgotten or at least left it behind.

Being that it’s been 20 years, many young adults today hadn’t even been born yet in 2001 or were too young at the time to have had it scorched into their psyches.

What is the legacy of September 11th?

Volumes have been written and will continue to be written which ponder this question. It’s complicated to say the least.

But clearly what the legacy is NOT is one of a unified, harmonious and tolerant country.

We are a long way from 9/12 when what we shared in common transcended partisan politics and was bigger than the distractions which have fractured a people and which continue to tear us apart.

A lot has happened in this world since 2001 and much of it has resulted in an ugly polarized world, which is sorely lacking in respect for human dignity.

We are a fractured people, torn apart by conflicting ideologies and we are seemingly often times more apt to abandon relationships in the name of like-mindedness than to simply agree to disagree like normal people used to be able to do.

We surround ourselves with those who think just like us making our existence so much less interesting than it could and should be. And we drink from the well of confirmation bias, getting our daily dose of poison from our favorite media cheerleaders who do their best to keep us all as polarized as possible while sowing dissension and hatred for those with whom we disagree.

It’s a sickness that seems to have infected so many and in the grand scheme of things, in my mind it’s a sickness that is much deadlier than something like Covid, as it seems to be fueling our national demise.

Those who would like nothing better than to see the USA as we know it cease to exist must be thrilled watching us entrench ourselves in our respective ideological camps, divided over things like vaccines and masks and climate change and social justice and infrastructure and inflation and immigration and equity and equality and taxing and spending and race theory and gender theory and whatever other issues we’ve decided are more important than actual people and relationships.

This is something that has been building up over time and I’m sure it will continue to build but it feels like we’re reaching the boiling point and I think it’s astonishing, disheartening and disgusting.

So on this September 11th, I’m making a personal commitment to back away from all of it which is difficult to do but which is made much easier by living in amazing Montana, a long way from the world.

I’m doing my best to limit my media consumption, to abstain from wasting my personal time on toxic social media and to spend much more time working to maintain the relationships I hold dear, regardless of political ideologies. I’m focusing on faith, family and relationships….the rest be damned.

What’s happening “out there” has little to do with what happens “in here”. The “in here” is my day to day. My family, my friends, my business, my passions…my world and my relationship with the author of my being. These are the things that matter to me!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I try to steer clear of political/cultural discussion which is not a result of the blissful ignorance that comes as a result of checking out from the world out there but which is instead a conscious effort to reject the temptation to define who I am by expressing my opinions on the matters at hand.

My opinions don’t matter to anyone other than me and I would much rather have a diversity of relationships than to alienate one side or the other because I happen to think one way or another about something that really has very little effect on any of our lives.

On this day I’ll proclaim that if you’re “in here” your ideological/political/cultural stripes don’t mean much of anything to me. If you’re “in here”, I am more interested in who you are and how you connect with me than I am about any of those things. And I’ll even go on to say that if you’re “in here” then we’re “in here” together and I would bet that if we wanted to we might even have a discussion with differing opinions about things happening “out there” and live to tell about it. Or at least that’s the way it should be.

So save your vitriol and disdain for what’s “out there” and don’t waste much time on it. It’s in here that matters and I for one can’t help but feel anything other than tremendously blessed to be here.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-09-09T07:33:04-06:00September 11th, 2021|Categories: Uncategorized|4 Comments

Fall is in Bloom on the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

The mental shift to fall is underway, even as summer returns this week with daytime temps climbing back into the 80’s and 90’s. Not to worry, there’s plenty of cool (followed by COLD and likely even frigid) weather in store for the not too distant future.

Last weekend’s unofficial end of the summer season was a great mix of warm sunny summer days on the water combined with the embrace of the signs of the upcoming season. There was plenty of traffic on the river this weekend, both angling and recreational floating with beautiful weather for both. And while it may still be tubing weather, change is underway.

Fall colors are emerging as the green leaves of summer transform into brilliant reds, oranges and yellows. Choke Cherries are thick this year and the bears have been feasting on them up and down the banks of Little Prickly Pear.

The evening chill in the air is immediate and unmistakable once the sun fades and there’s nothing quite like the feel of that fall morning sun as it climbs over the horizon, warming everything upon which it falls and chasing the chill away.

High school and college football are underway (Go Griz!) and couch-bound NFL Sundays commence this weekend. It’s time to trade in our T shirts, shorts, sun shirts and flip flops for hoodies, long pants and socks and shoes. It’s time for Oktoberfest brews and elk tenderloin on the grill.

But elk aren’t the only big game we’re pursuing. For many, fall is time to put away the fly rod and pick up the bow or rifle. For others, fall IS fishing season and colored up browns are the quarry.

It’s streamer season in Montana now through the end of autumn and we couldn’t be more excited. It’s just getting started mind you so by all means, the best is yet to come.

We’re still on the early side but if yesterday was any indication we could be in for an epic fall streamer season. There’s already a fair amount of aggression out there amongst the brown trout population with plenty of fish of all sizes willing to chase the streamer, if for no other reason than to defend their territory and chase off intruders. Hook ups were hard to come by but if you’re like me and measure streamer fishing success by the number of fish moved rather than just those hooked and landed then you would not have been disappointed with yesterday’s action.

Stop in for everything Missouri River Streamer Fishing. Streamer X rods, a streamer line for every occasion, stripping guards, the best streamer selection on the Missouri and most importantly, all the advice and practical information you could ever want from a staff well-versed in the game and more than ready and willing to talk about it. We live for this.

For those outside of the streamer set the nymphing has been solid with black Zebras and Zirdles still ruling the day. Small mayfly nymphs and sow bugs should also be a staple of your fall nymph arsenal.

Hopper fishing should continue to be solid for the next couple of weeks. Tan and peach hoppers have been working well in sizes ranging from #10 – #14. Trailing an ant is never a bad idea though we have not had a ton of action on the ants as of late. Fish the banks. Fish the mid-river riffles. Fish the non-descript random water whether you think it looks fishy or not. The trout are everywhere. They’re opportunists on the hunt for calories and they may just surprise you when you’re least expecting it so don’t take your eye off of the ball.

We are adjusting our shop hours for fall this week in accordance with the morning darkness and will now be open at 7 AM daily.

Lodging is moderately busy but we do have a fair amount of availability. The guide book is getting busier by the day but we do have some openings here and there and things do open up again around the second week of October. We’re happy to fish any way you like but we absolutely love to guide streamer trips. Book yours today!

Stop in for clean and affordable lodging, Adipose Drift Boat Rentals, vehicle shuttles, summer clearance items like Smith Sunglasses and Simms sportswear and amazing fall deals on select waders, boots and more.

Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale coming very soon. Stay Tuned

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-09-07T14:33:20-06:00September 7th, 2021|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: Adipose, brown trout, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, simms, Smith, Streamer Fishing, Streamer X, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges, Zirdle|0 Comments

JAKE

There is a day that looms large for every dog owner. It makes no difference whether a puppy or a middle-aged or senior rescue. Dogs of all sorts capture our hearts and hold them captive for an unknown number of days determined by destiny. We enter into a contract on the day we allow a dog to claim us as their human, a contract which stipulates that on the human side we will commit to caring for them and meeting all of their needs while on the dog side the commitment is much deeper.

People have been known to breech the contract if for some reason it becomes an inconvenience. Not so with dogs. The dog’s commitment is one of unconditional love and absolute devotion for all of the days we’re together no matter what.

Dogs exemplify what is good and what is right and they are everything humans wish they could be but of which they so often fall short. Dogs are there by our sides, through the peaks and the valleys with nothing but love for us. It has been said that dogs are just a part of our lives but to them we are their whole life. Truer words could not be spoken.

And then comes the dreaded day. The day we have to say goodbye.

Today was that day.

Today we said goodbye to our beloved Jake after 12 joyous years. Today we are overwhelmed by sadness but at the same time feeling incredibly blessed to have had him in our lives through these years which have brought so much drastic and transformational change in the best way possible.

Jake’s arrival was a bright and cleansing light in a time of darkness.

Jake spent the first years of his life watching a plan materialize. A plan to leave the life we knew in Michigan to chase a dream in Montana.

Jake saw the dream come to fruition and spent the last nine years as an integral part of the re-making of our lives. New city, new state, new jobs, new careers, new business ventures, a middle-schooler making his way through the challenges of a major move and of adolescence and now navigating his way at the University of Montana. And of course, endless rivers to float and places to wander all with the backdrop of amazing Montana.

It’s been a pivotal 12 years, 12 years we wouldn’t trade for the world.

Many of you who frequent the shop likely met him here and he was always a favorite subject of mine for photographs and social media posts. He was a kind and gentle soul and a better dog we could not have had.

This is a day of sadness for us but a day of freedom for you as you are released from the shackles of arthritis and cancer and years to run the hills and the trails and swim the rivers free from pain.

Rest easy Jake. You will live in our hearts until our paths cross again.

Montana River Outfitters Exterior

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-08-25T14:14:59-06:00August 25th, 2021|Categories: Uncategorized|7 Comments

Relief on the way

It appears as though the heatwave which has defined the summer of 2021 is coming to an end, at least for now.

Drastic change is underway and while we will see mid 90’s once again today, you’ll want to break out the waders and raingear starting tomorrow as temperatures drop and we start to get some much needed precipitation.

The general trend looks like daytime highs in the low 70’s and overnight lows in the mid to high 40’s though Wednesday will see a high of only 55 with a good chance for some significant precipitation starting tomorrow and running through Wednesday night.

Let’s hope these cooler temps lead to the lifting of the Hoot Owl Restrictions very soon.

Get your hopper fishing done today and look to the subsurface game starting tomorrow. Rainy day nymphing could be exceptional these next couple of days as the new weather system settles in.

It might be the perfect time to get away for some late summer action on the Missouri. Traffic has slowed to a crawl which means plenty of prime water for you and your buddies. In addition to prime water there is also an abundance of lodging available as things have gone full ghost town in Wolf Creek and Craig.

I don’t want to oversell the fishing because truth be told, it’s been a little slower than what we’d like as of late but we’re optimistic that the change in the weather will bring about a vast improvement in the fishing. If nothing else we should see some major improvement in the air quality as the cooler weather assists with fire fighting efforts.

Stop in and see us on your way to the river for vehicle shuttles, Adipose drift boat rentals, Simms wading and rain gear, Rio lines, leaders and tippet and the biggest and best selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

We’re open at 6 AM daily for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-08-16T12:05:24-06:00August 16th, 2021|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Hoot Owl Comes to the MO

As drought conditions persist in the region, FWP announced additional waterbody closures and restrictions yesterday including Hoot Owl Restrictions on the Missouri from Holter Dam to Cascade.

Almost immediately following the announcement the pushback began from some citing that the criteria had not yet been met for Hoot Owl Restrictions referring to FWP’s water temperature threshold which states that max water temp of 73 degrees for three consecutive days trigger implementation of Hoot Owl Restrictions. Water temps however are not the only criteria triggering restrictions.

From FWP…

Flow below Holter Dam is near the 10th percentile for the daily average on record and the temperatures recorded throughout the section have exceeded 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Although flow and temperature are not exceeding established criteria for restrictions, continued forecast high temperatures coupled with high angling pressure could lead to excessive fish mortality, leading FWP to implement the restrictions.

Having made the decision to suspend new trip bookings for the remainder of the summer a couple of weeks ago and having voluntarily implemented Hoot Owl fishing hours on our existing guide trips, we are in full support of FWP for implementing restrictions on the MO and elsewhere.

We definitely understand the inconvenience of these restrictions and we sympathize with all of those who have traveled to Montana to fish this summer but we’re trying our best to focus on the big picture rather than the immediate impact of lost fishing opportunities for our guests and what has already amounted to thousands of dollars in lost revenue for our business.

This is about the preservation of the future of the fishery here on the Missouri and throughout the state of Montana. And while the effectiveness of these restrictions in limiting angler-induced fish mortality can be debated, our position is that doing something is better than doing nothing and if limiting our hours on the water helps even a little bit then it’s not that big of a sacrifice when you consider what’s at stake.

We hope for cooler conditions and we’d love to see restrictions lifted prior to September but in the meantime we’d like to share these tips for HOT WEATHER FISHING.

This past June for SW Montana ranked in the top 5 driest and hottest for SW Montana. Correspondingly, water temperatures are also greater than normal. Angling for trout under these warmer-than-usual conditions, fish become more impacted by catch-and-release, which increases the amount of time it takes them to recover and the chance that they will not survive.

Warmer water contains less oxygen than colder water. As temperature rises and dissolved oxygen decreases, fish begin to experience stress. These stresses occur well before the water temperature reaches lethal limits. For example, rainbow trout can survive in temperatures up to and exceeding 77°F (24°C), but stop growing at 73°F (23° C). Therefore, a fish, one which is already oxygen stressed while positioned carefully in current that minimizes its energy use, will be dramatically more stressed after being hooked and played to the net. In fact, in many cases, a fish otherwise properly handled and released under thermally-stressful conditions may be likely to not survive.

The following are best practices for angling during warmer weather:

• Carry a thermometer and stop fishing as water temperatures approach 68 degrees F.

• Use larger tippet sizes to decrease the amount of time playing a fish.

• Use a net.

• Get the fish as quickly as possible to the net.

• Use a dehooking tool to quickly remove the hook.

• Keep the fish in the water.

• Forego the grip-and-grin photo opportunities.

We don’t want to come off preachy, we’re just trying to do right by the resource. We’re not saying you shouldn’t fish, we just ask that you abide by thw restrictions the state has implemented in an effort to protect a fragile resource.

We’re open at 6 AM daily so you can get your day off to an early start and we’re happy to get you set up with what’s working and send you off to the spots where you are likely to have the most success.

Thank you for doing your part to take care of our precious resource.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-07-21T12:45:24-06:00July 21st, 2021|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Hoot Owl Closures, Hot Weather Fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Hot Summer Update

It’s been an eventful week since our last post with the main story being the Rock Creek Fire which occurred Saturday afternoon on the Dearborn Ranch and which posed a significant threat to our Missouri River Community. Thankfully fire personnel launched a full on assault to fight this thing on Saturday night and by Sunday morning the threat had been neutralized and at this point the fire is all but a memory at 95 % containment.

A huge thanks to all of our friends and clients who have called and emailed to check on us over these past couple of days. It means a lot.

Fortunately all is well in Wolf Creek and Craig for the moment, at least as far as wild land fires are concerned. We did get a nice rain shower yesterday morning but aside from that it’s been extremely hot and dry which unfortunately are the perfect conditions for extreme fire danger. All it takes is a spark and the next thing you know thousands of acres are burning so please be extra careful with trailer chains, cigarettes and anything else that might spark a wildfire.

That’s the big news of the week but you’re probably wondering how the fishing is.

First….River Conditions. Flows bumped slightly and are currently at around 3400 CFS. Water temps started around 63 this morning. We’re currently looking at 66.5 degrees at the dam….not great.

Daytime highs will continue to cook in the mid to high 90’s through the first part of next week and likely beyond. We’re dipping into the high 50’s overnight which is keeping water temps tolerable, but without a substantial bump in flows which I have no reason to believe we’ll see, the fear is that Hoot Owl restrictions could very well come to the MO. We’re not here to spread rumors, just data-based observations.

So while the fishing has been pretty damn good as of late we urge you to keep water conditions in mind regardless of whether there are restrictions in place or not, and respond accordingly. Get a stream thermometer if you don’t already have one and check those water temps often. If you see temps climbing into that 68 degree range call it a day. Once again, the hoot owl threshold is 73 degrees for three consecutive days. That being said, trout are not loving life once water temps exceed 68 degrees.

We’re doing 6 AM starts and will likely continue to do so for the remainder of the summer season. Early on, early off.

Tricos, Caddis and PMD’s, though waning, are all in the mix right now for the many DFO’s wandering the river corridor. The story this morning was Tricos covering the water and fish ignoring them. They seem to be willing to eat a well-placed Stockingfoot, Outrigger or Cornfed Caddis or even a Buzzball. Tricos… not so much. That being said, every day is different so don’t let yesterday’s report dictate today’s tactics.

And for those not into trying to find their #20 dry fly amidst of sea of naturals, Terrestrial Season is upon us. Hoppers, ants, beetles and Spruce Moths could all make it happen from here on out. Try a hopper with an ant trailer or drop a green machine off your hopper and see what happens.

Nymphing has continued to be the best bet for numbers. Status quo on the bugs with Weight Flies in gold or purple paired with a split case PMD, LGM, Black Zebra, PT’s etc.

The shop is open 6 AM – 6 PM daily for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-07-14T15:48:41-06:00July 14th, 2021|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, DRY, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, HOT, Missouri River, Montana, Rock Creek Fire, running line, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Small Dries, Shallow Water, BIG FISH! Photo courtesy of Rick Wen

We turned the corner on Monday and so commences the march towards winter darkness as daylight recedes from here on out.

Not to worry though. Winter is a LONG way off. Summer is here and we’re hitting our PRIME TIME stride.

Dry Fly Season is here with ample opportunities via Pale Morning Duns and Caddis to those on the hunt. It’s the time of year where expectations tend to be exceedingly high while successful outcomes are often times lagging behind.

Whether it’s a lack of targets or trouble sealing the deal with rising fish, the MO has the power to humble even the savviest dry fly angler. Bugs have not been a problem in 2021. Hatches have been consistent providing an abundance of food. Rising fish however, have been somewhat hard to come by. Those putting in the time and effort have been able to piece together some decent dry fly days and many of the fish we’re catching show no sign of malnourishment. Quite the opposite in fact. So they’re obviously gorging themselves on bugs somewhere at some time. Your challenge is to figure out the when and the where, to keep those expectations in check, to bring your A Game and to make that first cast count. Definitely easier said than done but it’s what’s demanded of you by the Mighty MO.

So while it’s obviously dry fly season, nymphing has been plenty good as of late with caddis and PMD nymphs getting it done. A purple weight fly trailed with a Split Case PMD has been money but there are all manner of bugs you could be using right now. Tung Darts, Peep Shows and Frenchies all working well as the lead fly. Crack Backs, Magic Flies, PMD Redemption, PMD Psycho May, Little Green Machines, Gold Lighting Bugs and straight up Pheasant Tails all worthy trailers.

Best Selling PMD dries have been the Hi Vis Spinner, CDC Spinner, Rusty Spinner, Film Critic, Flash Cripple, Hellen Keller, CDC Emerger and Brooks Sprout PMD while Outrigger, Cornfed, Stockingfoot, Iceberg and MO River CDC Caddis have all been on the move along with the classic CDC Caddis Emerger.

River flows are low, perhaps as low as you’ve ever seen them at 3160 CFS and the water temps are warming rapidly, currently at just over the 60 degree mark. Please keep these conditions in mind when playing, landing and handling our fish. Traffic is heavy and flows will remain where they’re at for the remainder of the season which means stressed fish.

Hot weather is on the way, with triple digits looming early next week. Fish early, fish late. Leave the heat of the day to the rec crowd.

Shop hours are 7 AM – 6 PM daily.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-06-23T14:04:14-06:00June 23rd, 2021|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|0 Comments

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