Winter Colors!

The calendar says three weeks until winter. The weather conditions have gotten a substantial jump on that.

For all intents and purposes we’ve been experiencing winter conditions throughout the month of November and there doesn’t seem to be any end in sight. There have been some swings in temps ranging from 30’s and 40’s to single digits but we haven’t seen a sustained warming trend in over a month as evidenced by the snow on the ground, most of which arrived in early November.

Mind you Wolf Creek Angler resides in the shadows all winter long so while those areas receiving exposure to sunlight are now clear of snow, it seems as though it’s here for the duration at WCA.

Whether we were ready to settle in to winter or not this trend bodes well for our state and our sport. Snowpack looks better than it has at this point in the season than I can recall in recent memory.

Angling traffic at the moment is all but non-existent. I expect sunshine and 30’s, whenever that happens, will elicit a response and bring some traffic back to the river but in the meantime the fish have been getting a well-deserved rest from the pressure as they settle in to winter mode.

Flows are currently in the 3400 CFS range with water temps hovering right around 35 degrees. We’ll see highs in the high 20’s and overnight lows in the single digits for the next week or so which should keep things relatively quiet. The upcoming weekend looks tolerable with plenty of sunshine but given the cold temps it doesn’t take much of a breeze to drop that wind chill to uncomfortable (and unsafe) levels.

If you plan on getting out count on fighting frozen guides with frozen fingers and look to dredge the slow depths with scuds and sows. Pill Poppers, Pink Amex or Rainbow Czechs paired with Tailwater or Soft Hackle sows should be all you need on the bug front. Of more importance than bug selection will be having the right cold weather gear. If you’re going to “forget the forecast” you need to dress accordingly. Layer up and pay special attention to keeping your hands warm. Good gloves are essential but nobody like fishing in gloves so just make sure you have them at the ready. Releasing a fish can be quite an ordeal in winter conditions so make sure you have hand warmers and dry confines for those freezing hands after the release.

We’re stocked up with the best in Cold weather gear from Simms including piles of hats and gloves and layering pieces. While you’re at it, pick up a ColdWeather shirt or guide flannel or hoodie to add to those layers.

Wading conditions are favorable throughout the top section with very little shelf ice to contend with at this point. Launches are clear for the time being though it looks like a chance for some accumulation today and tonight.

Shop hours have been sporadic to say the least over these past few weeks and will likely continue to be so as dictated by weather conditions. We do have limited lodging available for the time being for $99/night plus tax. Please call for availability and also make sure you call ahead to confirm we’re here if you’re planning on stopping in to gear up on your way to the river.

We’ll be closed tomorrow (Friday) with meetings to attend in Butte and should be here Saturday morning until around noon.

Our online store has been busy this past week with Christmas shopping fully underway. Gift ideas coming soon but you can’t ever go wrong with a Wolf Creek Angler Gift Card in ANY amount good for ANYTHING and EVERYTHING we sell.

Enjoy winter’s Cold Quiet as you dream of those hot summer days on the water.