Happy New Year from all of us at Wolf Creek Angler and welcome to 2026 on the legendary Missouri.

Here is the latest.

It feels much more like early November than the first of January. There is zero snow on the ground here in Wolf Creek and the short-term forecast is anything but wintery with daily highs near 50 through the weekend. Temperatures will trend downward starting early next week with daily highs in 30’s. No snow on the horizon. As you would expect with the unseasonably warm weather, conditions will be breezy with SSW winds at 10 – 20 mph for the next several days but that aside, if you’re looking to get out on the river anytime soon conditions are ideal by January standards.

We are checking the forecast regularly and hoping for that plunge into winter but not seeing anything just yet. Fingers crossed and hoping for that much needed snow to arrive starting sometime soon. Admittedly the outlook seems a little dire from where we sit with a snowless landscape but there is snow in the high country and we are still early in the snow cycle.

Water conditions are typical for this time of year with flows holding around 3100 CFS and water temperatures lingering in the high 30’s. There is no shelf ice, and the ramps are in great shape.

Despite the mild weather and favorable water conditions things remain quiet with extraordinarily little boat traffic and only a handful of wade anglers to be found on any given day.

Those who are out there have primarily been nymphing or swinging but on the right days you can punch your dry fly ticket as well.

Winter fare is in play with Tailwater sowbugs (pink or rainbow), Pill Poppers, Pederson’s Sow, Cotton Candy, Pink Ray, Pink Amex, Rainbow Warriors, Rainbow Czechs, Scud Bombs, Bubble Yums all good options.

Slow and deep winter water is your target with double nymphs and a split 5ish feet under a bobber. The fish are in that water. Adjust depth accordingly until you find them.

Swingers are targeting that same water but also still finding success in some of the transitional (faster) runs and tailouts. Kreelex, Polar Leeches, Thin Mints and soft hackles are producing on the swing and those stripping are moving fish on Sparkle Minnows, Mojo Minnows, Skiddish Smolt and the like.

Most of the wade traffic has been concentrated in the Holter Dam to Wolf Creek Bridge stretch, primarily in the Bull Pasture zone.

Our favorite float this time of year is Wolf Creek Bridge to Craig. It is just the right length and there’s a plethora of good winter water in that run which means that if you happen upon a spot occupied by wade anglers or another boat you don’t need to go far to find the next good spot.

Craig to Stickney is also a good option this time of year, especially for the streamer set.

Now that the holidays have passed and we are inching towards longer days we expect things will start to pick up (at least until winter weather arrives) and we will adjust our hours accordingly.

We are here Tuesday – Saturday at 8 AM with winter lodging available anytime. Winter rates are $149/night (plus tax) for one of our cozy bungalows which sleep three and feature kitchens and private baths. Unfortunately, we do not allow pets in these rooms. We apologize for the inconvenience.

We have been getting a few calls about guided trips lately, wondering if we offer a winter special. We do not offer discounted trips, but we do offer a winter lodging and guide trip special for $850 (plus tax) which gets you a full day guided trip for one or two anglers and two nights of premium lodging. This offer runs through the end of March.

Guides are in somewhat short supply during the winter months, so we encourage you to call well in advance if you are interested in doing a winter trip on the MO. Winter conditions can obviously be a challenge so there are no penalties for cancellation of winter trips. Cancel anytime for any reason.

WCA is your Missouri River winter fly fishing destination, and we hope to see you soon.