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Missouri River Freeze Out

We’re just over a week into our first Arctic Blast of 2025 and as you would expect All is Quiet on the MO.

With current temps hanging around 20 below we’re seeing the worst of it right now. A high near 7 expected today before we plunge back into the negatives tonight but the heat arrives on Wednesday with a high of 8 and overnight lows of 1. Snow showers expected on Friday but the weekend will see a return to tolerable with temperatures back in the 30’s heading into next week.

Prior to the Deep Freeze fishing was good, especially on the nymphing side, with Pill Poppers, Tailwater Sows and Pederson’s Sow doing most of the damage. Those committed to the dry fly were also reporting varying levels of success on the calmer days and evenings and while I assume the swingers were hooking up at moderate rates as they do, our last streamer outing prior to the arctic blast, though extremely short-lived, was unsuccessful.

I’d expect to see a brave angler or two around next week as cabin fever has started to set in for many, but with iced up guides still a constant, I’ll personally be holding out for warmer days.

It’s hard to think about it when worrying about frozen plumbing and the like but the season is rapidly approaching. Spring is just over a month away and while it may feel like we’re firmly in winter’s grip at the moment, we’re literally weeks away from the start of the season.

Hopefully between now and then we see a bunch of snow and avoid any major thaws as we’re still in major need of the moisture but it’s looking better now than it had been for most of the winter. Keep it coming.

It’s always fun to complain about the cold but honestly, I’m ok with it and I hope it hangs around. I don’t necessarily need to see a bunch more of 20 below, but I’d be fine with winter hanging on until mid to late March. Bring it!

We’re putting the final touches on rounding out our crew for the season and getting a plan in the works for when to start opening up the lodging. Soon the shop will be full of boxes of new gear to unpack and check in and we’ll have to begin to re-acclimate to what’s it’s like to actually have customers coming through the door on a regular basis.

For now it’ll continue to be hit and miss with shop hours as there’s simply not much reason to be here on days like today save checking the status of the aforementioned plumbing but as soon as the weather dictates we will be back with normal hours and daily shuttle service. We’ll let you know when that’s going to be just as soon as we know.

In the meantime we hope you’re staying warm and we urge to you use extreme caution if you do venture out to the river anytime soon as shelf ice has definitely taken hold out there.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-02-11T10:17:32-07:00February 11th, 2025|Categories: Montana Fly Fishing, Shop Life|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, spring fishing, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Happy New Year from Wolf Creek Angler

With the New Year upon us the slate is clean. It’s time to look forward and commit to making 2025 the year you want it to be.

I’m not a huge fan of New Year’s resolutions as the garden variety tend to set us up for failure.

Exercise more? Eat less? Drink less? Quit smoking? All worthy aspirations but a flip of the calendar and yet another appeal to the will to power almost always come up short.

It’s been years since I’ve technically established any personal New Year’s resolutions but that being said, we’ve all got pictures in our heads of where we’d like our lives to be going forward and while flipping the calendar won’t likely usher in any significant change, it’s a good time to reflect on where we’re at and where we’d like to be as a new year gets underway.

Travel more. Fish more. Read more. Spend less time staring at screens…these are long-term goals in my life rather than New Year’s resolutions and I’ve been working on them for years. Another long term goal is to continue to grow our business by continuously improving your experience with us. Whether it’s fishing with us, staying with us, shopping with us or all of the above, we want you to have an amazing customer experience at Wolf Creek Angler and we’re always looking for ways to improve.

2024 found me traveling more, not fishing nearly enough, reading at a status quo rate and hopefully shaving off some of that screen time, all of which help me to prioritize the year ahead.

Wolf Creek Angler had another outstanding year, making our 10th Anniversary Season one to be proud of and we can’t thank you all enough for making that happen.

We welcome 2025 and we’re counting down the days until the season gets underway. We can’t wait to get back on the water with you and we’re humbled by the guide trip and lodging bookings which look better than ever.

If fishing more is in your plan for 2025 we would be honored to help you make that happen and as far as we’re concerned there is no better place than the Missouri River to achieve your goals.

Looking to improve your angling skill set in 2025? A day on the water with one of our elite guides is how to get there. We pride ourselves on not only getting you into fish but on teaching you how to get into fish on your own. Our guide staff is among the most patient and professional in the industry and we can’t wait to share our river and our knowledge with you.

Prime Time dates (June/July) are pretty well booked at this point though it’s always worth checking as cancellations do happen but fishing outside of those prime dates is often as good, if not better, than prime simply due to the fact that there are fewer folks around. Less pressure typically means better fishing so why not look at early spring, late summer or fall for your Montana fly fishing odyssey? Give us a call or drop an email and we’ll tell you all about it.

First and foremost let’s hope for winter snows to start piling up soon and once we get that out of the way then Let the Season Begin!

Tight Lines and Happy New Year from WCA.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-01-02T13:44:18-07:00January 2nd, 2025|Categories: Montana Fly Fishing, Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Your Winter Solstice Running Line

Winter starts tomorrow according to the calendar.

What will the weather say?

Partly sunny with a high of 52…not very wintery and no chance of a white Christmas on the MO this year with more of the same expected for the week ahead.

Not bad temps for being outside if Christmas fishing is in your plans for the week but expect breezy conditions on these warm winter days.

The countdown to summer is underway…let’s hope we get some winter ASAP!

Snowpack was looking good a few weeks ago, not as good now but still a decent start. Hopefully winter weather arrives soon.

We’ve seen a slight bump in angling traffic over the past week with the mild conditions and I’d expect that to continue next week with folks off for the holidays.

The fishing has been good by winter standards with nymphs accounting for the better numbers but the swingers and strippers are doing fine as well and when the wind isn’t howling you’re likely to even find some decent dry fly opportunities with plenty of fish keying on midges.

Things don’t change much this time of year as far as the bugs go. Sow bugs, Scuds, Rainbow Czechs and zebra midges should be your go to nymphs. Hot beads and Pink beads are preferred.
Swingers are reporting success on the Hot Head Kreelex, Thin Mints, Fruit Roll ups, Polar Leeches and the like while strippers are having moderate to decent luck with Sparkle Minnows, Skittish Smolts, Micro Dungeons, MoJo Minnows and more.

Try an Adams Midge, a black midge, a Hi-Vis midge, a Griffiths gnat or any midge cluster you like should you find any top water action.

Boat traffic has been minimal but those floating have mostly been in the Dam to Craig stretch with a few venturing below Craig as well. Most of the traffic has been wade anglers who are hitting all of the usual winter spots though you needn’t limit yourself to winter water as temps are still relatively warm for this time of year, currently hanging around 38 – 39 degrees. Flows have bumped back into the 3K range, currently 3210 CFS. You can count on those flows remaining stable for the brunt of the winter season.

We will be here today and tomorrow with limited shuttle service early on both days. Starting Sunday we will be closed for the remainder of the year with Christmas travels on the docket. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Get those last minute Christmas gifts while you can. WCA logo gear, including a bunch of new Richardson lids, has been a hot holiday seller and gift cards have been flying out the door the past week. You can purchase in-store, online or give us a call and we’ll be happy to get those in the mail for you.

As we close out 2024 we just want to thank you all again for making us your Missouri River Fly Shop, guide service and lodging destination. We can’t thank you enough and we can’t wait to do it all again.

Happy Winter Solstice and Warmest holiday wishes from your WCA crew.

See you in 2025!

The Shortest Day

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-12-20T10:09:23-07:00December 20th, 2024|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Tailwater Sow, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Autumn Wandering and Splendid Isolation on the MO

It’s hard to believe but half of November has passed meaning the holiday season is essentially upon us.

Thanksgiving is two weeks from today and after that the holiday blur commences.

We’ve yet to really see much in the way of winter weather though we did get our first snow of the season on Election Day. It didn’t last long. The weather has been about what you’d expect for this time of year with cold mornings and daily highs in the 40’s and occasional 50’s.

Dark days are now upon us at Wolf Creek Angler where we’ll be missing the sun until mid to late March and while the lack of sunshine at the shop makes it always feel like it’s time to head home for the day, conditions on the river have more days than not been idyllic by autumn standards with blue skies and plenty of sun.

Traffic is, for all intents and purposes, non-existent. Sure, there are a few folks around, a couple of boats here and there, but there is no shortage of solitude here on the MO and it’ll likely be this way for the next several months, save a busy weekend here and there.

We’ve shifted to winter hours in the shop and have closed and winterized most of our lodging though we will have our bungalows available all winter long for just $149/night plus tax (No Pets Please).

Published shop hours are 8 AM – 4 (ish) Tuesday – Saturday. Shuttles are currently hit and miss as I just don’t have anyone to help at the moment but we will offer them throughout the winter months whenever possible.

Things being what they are, the late autumn season has become one of my favorite times to wander and this year has been no different.

We’ve spent some time wandering Glacier country and I just returned from a quick jaunt to the home waters. I’ve not missed a Griz home game this season and while it’s been a little disappointing as far as the outcomes have gone, I wouldn’t miss those games for the world, win or lose. Saturdays in Missoula are definitely top of the Happy Place list for me. One more regular season game in Missoula this Saturday and then Cat/Griz Brawl of the Wild in Bozeman on the 23rd. What a great time of year if you’re a football fan.

And speaking of football….DETROIT LIONS! What else can I say? Sundays have brought much joy these past couple of seasons and it feels like it’s for real.

If you’re not spending your days watching football or chasing elk the fishing has been plenty good and should continue to be a great way to spend a day for as long as the weather holds. Tomorrow looks like it could be a great BWO day with a chance for rain and snow, cloudy skies and relatively calm winds. Saturday and Sunday look to be on the breezy side but aside from that things look pretty good with temps in the 40’s and 50’s respectively.

Status quo on flies with sow bugs continuing to overproduce. Throw in a Little Green Machine or other baetis nymph for good measure but for my money I’m running double sows. Actually, I’m only throwing streamers this time of year but if I were nymphing I’d be going double sow. Keep your dry fly rig at the ready and if you’re wading please watch those active redds.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-11-14T13:35:37-07:00November 14th, 2024|Categories: Local Buzz, Shop Life|Tags: autumn wandering, cat/griz, fly fishing, Griz, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|2 Comments

Wolf Creek Angler Missouri River Election Day Update

It’s a cold and gray election day…just as it should be this first full week of November on the MO.

Snow in the forecast for today and tonight. A high of 41 with southwest winds 14 – 17 mph switching to north northwest in the afternoon and gusting to 25 mph. Snow will continue into the evening with patchy blowing snow between 8 pm and 11 pm and an overnight low of 19 degrees. Sunshine returns tomorrow with temps climbing back into the 50’s. Sounds like it could be a BWO day out there though we’re certainly not expecting much in the way of traffic based on what we’ve seen over the past week.

It’s a ghost town out there!

River flows are currently holding at a skinny 3180 CFS with water temps right around 50 degrees. Those flows are lower than we’d like to see but aside from that and those pesky autumn winds, conditions over the past few days have been ideal with plenty of cloud cover and plenty of hungry fish.

With winter on the way those rainbows are bulking up making for some good days out there, especially for those chasing bobbers. Sow bugs, sow bugs and more sow bugs perhaps with a Little Green Machine or other baetis nymph thrown in for good measure. Tungsten Tailwater Sow with a beadles sow, Pill Popper with a beadles sow, Rainbow Czech with a beadles sow…you get the idea. Faster shallows are still going to be your primary target but don’t overlook the tail outs and other holding areas.

The browns are in full, glorious, spawning colors and are amped up and just ornery enough to smash a streamer. If you are wade fishing please be mindful, especially with these low flows, of spawning redds and stay off of them!

Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolt, Mojo Minnows, Thin Mints, Kreelex, Polar Leeches and Swim Coaches all getting plenty of looks depending on the day. And if there was ever a time to go big with your bugs on the MO (some would argue there is not) this would be that time as the perceived threat may trigger an aggressive attack. The better streamer action has been in the upper stretches but don’t let that deter you from hitting the middle and lower sections if conditions allow for it. You never know…

Stop by WCA for the best streamer intel and best bug selection on the MO….hands down!

There’s NO TIME like STREAMER TIME on the MO’ photo by Wolf Creek Angler

And speaking of stopping by…WINTER HOURS went into effect on November 1st. Published hours are Tuesday – Saturday 8 AM – 4 PM, CLOSED on Sundays and Mondays. Hours may fluctuate based on weather or other factors so it’s never a bad idea to call ahead to confirm we’re going to be here. Our crew is gone for the season so it’s just me which unfortunately means that if there are scheduling conflicts then the shop will be closed. We apologetically acknowledge the inconvenience this may cause but with 11 seasons under our belt we’ve learned that winter sales rarely cover winter staffing.

Along these same lines, I haven’t yet figured out how to do shuttles with no staff so while there may be days we can do them, practically speaking shuttles are done for the season.

Fortunately for you there are other options for winter shuttles on the MO.

We’ve closed and winterized the vast majority of our lodging but we will have our three bungalows open all winter at a great rate of $149/night (plus tax). Bungalows have two twin beds, a full size pull out couch, a kitchenette with cooktop, microwave, fridge and a dishwasher and big screen televisions for all of your streaming services.

Whether fishing the MO, chasing waterfowl or elk or deer hunting these rooms are a great late season option. The kitchens come in handy but we’re also thrilled that Lazy I Beerworks is currently open every day but Wednesday for lunch and dinner.

The seasonably relevant fly bins are fully stocked. We’ve got plenty of Simms waders, boots, hats, gloves, socks and layering for whatever Mother Nature throws at us as well as a few clearance sportswear items still hanging around.

WCA 10th Anniversary drinkware and T’s are on clearance as well and our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale runs through the end of November so a trip to WCA and the MO could be the perfect opportunity to knock out your Christmas shopping.

Adipose drift boat rentals available as long as the weather holds though the Mending Waters vet boats will be on hold for the winter beginning November 15th.

Get out and VOTE today and come see us next time you head out to fish the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-11-05T09:14:40-07:00November 5th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Adipose, brown trout, Election Day, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Montana, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, vote, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Fall on the Mighty Missouri

The exodus is underway.

In spite of the fact that we’re still sitting under cloudless blue skies with temps in the 70’s and little to no wind, it feels as though the switch has been flipped. The river is quiet. The shop is quiet. So much so that I’m tempted to close up shop and hit the water on this gorgeous autumn day!

Another one of these on tap for tomorrow followed FINALLY by cooler weather on Thursday with highs only in the 40’s, as you might expect in mid-October in the Rockies. Highs in the low 60’s and mid to high 50’s through the weekend and into next week with overnight lows in the low 30’s so look for those water temps to begin to plummet. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll see those BWO’s you’ve been anxiously awaiting. Thursday could be the day with the arrival of that cold front coupled with cloudy skies.

Guides have started to clock their last days of the 2024 season and hunters have already vacated the river. The season of solitude is soon to be underway.

We’ve still got a few large groups inbound over the next two weeks along with a small handful of guide trips and you can count on some local traffic especially on the weekends but for all intents and purposes the sun is indeed setting on what has been a phenomenal 11th season at Wolf Creek Angler.

We’ll be shutting down the majority of our lodging for the winter after Halloween though we will have our bungalows available all winter long and will be offering discounted rates of just $149/night plus tax.

The last day for most of the crew will be October 31st but we will maintain our current shop hours throughout the remainder of the fall, weather dependent. We’ll do our best to continue to provide shuttle service though staffing will now be an issue so please call ahead to check availability once we get into November and beyond.

We hope to see you over these next couple of weeks as we clear our inventory and prepare for the long winter ahead. We’re in the midst of our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale and there are great deals to be had on most everything that remains of our summer inventory as well as all of our 10th Anniversary gear.

Thank you for another great season. As always we are honored and humbled by your patronage and we couldn’t feel more blessed to be able to do what we do here at WCA.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-10-15T13:31:34-06:00October 15th, 2024|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

Autumn Magic on the Missouri

Autumn continues to dwindle as we approach the middle of October, having yet to see any of those quintessential cool fall days on the water.

There’s definitely a chill in the air in the mornings and things cool down rapidly once the sun sinks below the horizon but in between it’s been an abundance of sunshine and summer-like temps climbing into the 70’s and higher most days.

When will we see those moody dark cold drizzly days? It doesn’t appear as though it will be anytime soon. We’re currently looking at sunny skies and 77 degrees with a fair amount of smoke hanging around. Tomorrow looks like a bit of a reprieve with highs only reaching into the mid 60’s with a very slight chance for rain but then it’s right back to blue bird weather for the weekend with sunshine and highs in the high 60’s and low 70’s.

Maybe, just maybe, we’ll get there towards the end of next week with forecasted highs in the 50’s and lows in the mid 30’s next Thursday and Friday. Let’s hope the trend sticks.

Missouri River flows currently holding at 3210 cfs with water temps at around 58 degrees. Still much too warm for those BWO’s everyone keeps asking about but that being said terrestrials and October caddis are still providing blind top water action and we are seeing consistent evening dry fly action on pseudos.

Enjoy the sunshine and worry not. Soon enough we’ll be craving the same as we weather winter’s cold darkness while anxiously awaiting spring.

Should those cooler, overcast autumn days ever arrive we should be in for some awesome fall fishing on dry flies and streamers alike.

We’ve been spending plenty of time thwarting convention and ripping streamers in the bright sun and while it’s not quite been anything you’d call epic – we’re getting plenty of fish to chase and a few to eat so definitely worth the time. The late day shadows do wonders so stay late if you can.

If you’re looking for the best streamer selection on the MO, a new streamer line or leader for any and all situations, perhaps a new streamer stick or intel on all things streamer fishing we are your Missouri River Streamer Authority.

Don’t miss the Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale happening NOW for the best deals of the season at WCA.

As per usual, nymphing has been the best bet for numbers with sow bugs still leading the charge. Whether it’s double sows, zebra and a sow, zirdle and a sow or techy baetis nymph and a sow you get the idea. You’d do well to always have at least one sow bug in the mix. #14 and #16 Rainbow Tailwater Sow with no bead the hottest of the hot as of late.

Most of our “Hot Fly” bins are adequately stocked. Many of our summer faves are completely gone. Just where we want to be with November on the horizon. BWO dries at the ready and streamer bins overflowing with flashy goodness.

Fall gear is here and we’re wheeling and dealing a plenty with thoughts of clearing inventory prior to the impending deep freeze. Our 10th Anniversary Season is coming to a close, get your 10th anniversary gear while you still can. 30% off all 10th Anniversary drinkware and clothing until it’s gone.

We’re on fall hours now with morning darkness growing longer by the day. We’re here from 7:30 AM – 5 PM daily and still doing our best to accommodate your shuttle requests though as our staff continues to shrink we may have days we’re unable to do shuttles so please call ahead to confirm.

Lodging will remain 100 percent open through the end of October at which time we will start to winterize most of it though we will have our bungalows open and available all winter long at winter rates of $149/night starting November 1st.

Like our staff, guides are starting to disappear but we will continue to have a few around right on through November so give us a call and we’ll see if we can’t get you set up for a day of fall fishing on the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-10-09T14:05:00-06:00October 9th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Not So Fast…

While we collectively bid an unofficial farewell to summer last weekend the current weather forecast says Not so Fast!

Sure, we’re ready to turn the page and settle in to fall fishing but it appears as though we’ve got some summer left on the calendar with highs in the 90’s and abundant sunshine at least through mid to late next week. Mornings will feel like fall with temps in the 50’s and it doesn’t take long for things to cool off when the sun goes down but mid-day conditions are still much more flip flops and shorts than waders and flannel.

Look for more of an actual autumn transition late next week with daytime highs in the 60’s and overnight lows in the 40’s. It’s coming!

Colors are changing. Daylight is shrinking and we’re on the cusp of what we’ve come to refer to as our second season with guide trips and lodging finally emerging from the Dog Day Slumber. Look for angling traffic to blow up starting next week, running through the first week of October when things again dwindle as winter looms.

For some reason September has become the new October as far as trips go with many opting for the safer bet of September weather over the unpredictability of the late fall season. This is by far our busiest September to date with bookings looking more like June than what we’d expect to see in the fall.

The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a legit winter in the mountain west with well above average precipitation and well below average temps. We shall see. We’re definitely in need of a good winter after a long summer of low flows and high temps around the region.

Get out this weekend and the first part of next week to enjoy a bit of solitude and then plan on plenty of company for the rest of the month.

The current fishing report is status quo with terrestrials leading the charge for dry fly fishing followed by dwindling tricos, maddening pseudos and maybe an October Caddis or two in the mix.

Best bets for nymphing still sowbugs, zebras, Frenchies, zirdles, PT’s, Green Machines, Peep Shows and the like.

Days are shorter. Water temps are cooling. Browns are soon to be on the prowl. Streamer Season is on deck. Stock up on bugs, tune up your gear and mentally prepare to do battle with the weeds as you venture out in search of your elusive quarry. For the streamer set it truly is about to be THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!

NFL is underway tonight. Oktoberfest brews are in stores now. The archery opener is Saturday. In spite of summer heat autumn is indeed underway.

Shop hours are 7 AM – 5 PM daily.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-09-05T14:00:36-06:00September 5th, 2024|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Quiet Days on the MO

Just back from a late summer jaunt to Ireland and settling back in to quiet times on the Missouri.

Angling traffic is light. Mid-week rec traffic has diminished but the next couple of weekends will continue to be busy with Labor Day and the end of the summer season rapidly approaching.

The heat wave that persisted through much of July and early August has relinquished, giving way to idyllic summer days with high temps in the 80’s and overnight lows in the 50’s. We are smoke free at the moment and a good amount of much needed rain has fallen over the past week bringing some relief to many of the rivers in the region struggling with low flows and high water temps.

Hoot Owl Restrictions have been lifted on some but remain on others. You can check out the current closures here.

Colors are starting to creep in and the choke cherries are ripe and abundant so be bear aware if you’re planning on plying the smaller waters and brushy banks. Fall is in the air.

Missouri River flows have been holding in the 4500 CFS range this week with current water temps in the 63 degree range. Weeds are an ever-present challenge as per usual during late summer on the Missouri but overall conditions really couldn’t be much better.

Tricos and caddis are still providing adequate dry fly action though many have shifted into terrestrial mode with hoppers and ants leading the charge. Target the banks and the edge of weed beds as well as mid-river riffles and breaks. The fish could be anywhere. Drop a small nymph (or don’t).

The nymph game is typical late summer fare with Zebras and sows and crays all getting plenty of attention. Most are still opting for clean waters of the Dam down but we’re getting solid reports from the canyon and lower river as well.

We’ve got plenty of lodging vacancies these next few weeks before the second season kicks in and while short notice guide trips are still tough to accommodate, this is probably the most likely time we’d be able to swing those. Give us a call if you’re interested in a late summer stay or guide trip on the Missouri.

We’re moving start times back into the 7:30 – 8 AM range with the cooler, darker mornings but the shop is still open at 7 AM daily for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs.

Fall product is starting to arrive which means summer clearance is underway. Stop in for great deals on what’s left of our summer gear.

The lull in traffic does make for some long days in the fly shop but it’ll be busy soon enough. We’ve come to really enjoy this time of year for a brief respite and a chance to decompress before we charge into the fall season.

And while we don’t want to wish the summer away, the most wonderful time of the year is soon to be upon us.

We hope you enjoy these last weeks of summer solitude on the Missouri.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-08-22T16:34:01-06:00August 22nd, 2024|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, tricos, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

July on the Fly

Nearly mid-way through July the Blur persists with at least another week of a jam-packed guide and lodging schedule as well as the tail end of the boat rental madness that always marks this time of year.

The heat has arrived this week, flirting with triple digits yesterday and today with persistent mid to high 90’s for the next 10 days. Random thunderstorms are fairly typical this time of year that can pop up out of nowhere but the forecast shows virtually zero percent of precipitation over the next 10 days so the oven has definitely been turned on high.

Water conditions on the MO are in good shape with flows currently at around 4200 CFS and water temps holding in the low 60’s, currently at 62. Expect a bump here as the heat persists. Most are starting early to beat the heat. Guide trips are going out at 7 and many are getting an earlier start than that to beat the heat and the crowds as well.

And speaking of crowds, there has been plenty of traffic though not as much as a couple of weeks ago and it will start to thin out over the next couple of weeks as the summer Prime Time draws down and we start to prepare for fall.

Late July and all of August typically mean a significant reduction in traffic on the river. There’s no reason to think this won’t be the case again this year though dwindling flows around the drought stricken region which have begun to trigger Hoot Owl Restrictions will likely drive some late summer traffic to the MO.

There are currently Hoot Owl Restrictions on the Beaverhead, Big Hole, Clark Fork, Jefferson, Madison, Ruby and Sun Rivers and we expect that list to grow as the heat persists. We are not anticipating restrictions on the Missouri though we would still encourage you to fish early, during the cooler portions of the day to minimize deleterious effects on our fish populations.

Early morning is Trico Time anyway so that works out perfectly.

Expect plenty of recreational float traffic out there as well as folks look to beat the heat with a cool float down the river.

We’re right in the middle of the classic overlap window with PMD’s waning and Tricos just getting started while caddis, hoppers and ants round out the top water opportunities. It’s a Dry Fly Extravaganza but there are plenty of folks cleaning up on the nymphing as well.

The WCA bins are loaded up with all kinds of techy trico and caddis patterns as well as piles of foam and all the nymphs and crayfish you could possibly need. And don’t forget the mice!

Lodging starts to open up in about another week and while last minute guide trips are always a real challenge to fill the odds will improve as we move into late summer so give us a call and we’ll do our best. We get calls daily for trips the following day. This is not going to happen.

These past few weeks I’ve been busy with bookings for this time next year, to the point where many days in June are already full on our lodging and guide books. All this to say, make your plans as far in advance as possible. The secret is out and prime dates for 2025 are going quickly.

We are your Missouri River one stop shop with everything you need for your day on the water. Sunscreen, sun hats, sun gloves, ice, fishing licenses, Simms WCA sun shirts, Sage rods and reels, a plethora of floatants and of course, the largest selection of Missouri River bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

See you bright and early at WCA.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-07-11T15:54:09-06:00July 11th, 2024|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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