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Back in Action

Fully Stocked with more arriving daily! photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Fully Stocked with more arriving daily! photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Back to work today and arrived this morning to find a shop full of goodies that weren’t here a week ago. Lots of new flies, a bunch of Fishpond and Loon tools and accessories, the best selection of fly lines we’ve ever had, eyewear from Smith Optics, more Kast Extreme fishing gear, Simms logo wear, fully stocked Rio and Trouthunter leader/tippet inventory, Hydroflask cofee flasks, watter bottles and growlers in all kinds of cool colors….just to name a few.

The shop has never looked better and we invite you to stop in and see what the buzz is about.

Traffic on the river is still relatively light though that will begin to change from here on out as things heat up out there.
Flows continue to hold around 4000 and water temps are currently hanging in that low 40’s range – perfect for this transition period as we move from targeting slow deep water and the semi-lethargic fish holding there to faster shallows and flats and fish willing to chase and ready to put up a fight.
We’ve got a chance for rain and snow each day this week with highs in the 50’s which could make for some great fishing whether you’re looking for dry fly action or you prefer the sub-surface game. We’ve heard good reports from the last couple of days on both.
Hot bugs for today in no particular order have been Pink Amex, Grey LGM, Parachute Adams, Olive Smolt, BWO Magic Fly, Rainbow Czech, Juju Baetis, Hi-Vis Griffiths Gnat, Brown Polar Leech, Beadless Black Zebra and Tailwater Sowbugs…all available at Wolf Creek Angler.

Plenty of lodging available this week and don’t forget to book your $300 Full Day Spring Special Guide Trip through the end of the month. Make Wolf Creek Angler your first stop on the way to the river – we’ve got everything you need for Missouri River fly fishing and we are closer to the Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge access sites than ANYONE.

Missouri River Friday Fishing Report 4/3/15

Another great visit to Michigan's Pere Marquette River - photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Another great visit to Michigan’s Pere Marquette River – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

As we wrap up our spring break here in Michigan and prepare for the long journey back to Wolf Creek I’m hearing nothing but good things about the fishing on the MO. LGM’s, Rainbow Czechs, Wire Worms, Pink LB’s, Black Zebra midges and tungsten Tailwater Sows are reportedly all getting plenty of attention and while I’m experiencing the usual end-of-visit blues, I can’t wait to get back on the Missouri this week and find out for myself what’s happening out there. Most of what I am hearing is that the nymphing is really heating up and I’m confident there will soon be some solid streamer action as well with the water temps climbing into the low 40’s. Mostly cloudy skies with a chance of rain and snow and daytime temps in the 40’s through the middle of next week should translate into some pretty good days out there both on top and underneath.

I closed out my Michigan fishing on Wednesday with another visit to the Pere Marquette, this time a walk-wade outing to the upper flies only. Things were a little slow by most reports but we did manage to do battle with a few and also picked up a good brown feasting on the train of eggs behind the spawning fish. I’d forgotten about the impressive browns you can almost always find hanging behind the redds. A well placed #14 double egg rig is ultra effective on these fish and while they don’t give you quite the fight of the chrome rockets it’s an opportunity to sight fish for big browns with a pretty good chance for success.

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It was a great couple of days with great friends back on the PM. I got my steelhead fix for the season and I’m ready to get back to the MO. I spent yesterday visiting the past and continued the tour of new Michigan breweries. Two things I love about Michigan and Montana – the spectacular fishing opportunities and the craft beer culture. Both states are great for these reasons and many others, the main reason in Michigan of course being the amazing friends we will always have here. It’s been a great visit and now the mountains are calling and I must go!

Thanks to WCA guides Jim Murray and Matt Hargrave for helping out with the blog this week. These guys do a great job of writing and an even better job of showing clients a great time on the Missouri. Give us a call and book a $300 Spring Special trip with one of them or any one of our other expert guides today. The spring special and our winter room rates run through the end of this month so don’t miss this opportunity.

I can’t wait to get back to the shop and see all of the new stuff that’s arrived. It’s full on spring fishing season now. New clothing, new gear, new bugs, new accessories etc., shuttles, rental boats, lodging and the same friendly service and commitment to making WCA everything you expect your Missouri River fly shop to be.

See you soon in the shop and on the MO.   ~Jason O.

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Weekend Edition

Spring weather underway in Wolf Creek

Spring weather underway in Wolf Creek

Ending the week with some summer temps here at the end of March with a high of 75 expected today. It could get a little breezy with gusts up to 21 mph but all in all it’s a gorgeous spring day to fish the Missouri. The water temp is bumping up against 40 at the dam and is starting to warm enough the further down you go to provide for some pretty solid streamer action. Fish are starting to be picked up in the shallows as well as the winter water so don’t overlook any of it right now.
There continues to be plenty of action on top pending the sun and the wind conditions and the nymphing is heating up. Firebeads and pink stuff have slipped out of style for the time being but we’re thinking they’ll be back at some point. In the meantime zebra midges, tailwater sows, LGM’s, Peepshows and Micromays have been gaining popularity amongst our customers and presumably amongst our trout.
Sparkle Minnows, Gold/Brown Kreelex, Black Buggers, Olive Smolts and Polar Leeches in all flavors have been getting some attention out there. Keep the bugs in the deep slow water and the retrieve on the slow side to start but don’t be afraid to target some shallow spring trout lies and speed up your strip with plenty of pauses in between.
Midge clusters some days, single midges on others. Try trailing an emerger to increase your odds.
We have plenty of winter-rate lodging available for the weekend and don’t forget our $300 Spring Special Full Day Guide Trips happening NOW through the end of April.
Stop by WCA on your way to the river for EVERYTHING you need for your day on the MO. Shuttles, boats, lodging, Kast Extreme Fishing Gear, friendly service and the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

The Week Ahead

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Closing out the weekend with sunny skies and low 60’s today. Traffic on the river was moderate yesterday and, as has been the case lately, reports have been a mixed bag but it sounds like those in the know have been doing well both on top and sub surface while those working on getting it figured out are experiencing some challenging days.
Stop by the shop and we’d be happy to help you get your game dialed in. We’ll get you set up with the right bugs and help you out with rigging and give you some ideas on where to go. Sometimes this is all it takes but if you really want to get it figured out the best way to do it is to hire a WCA guide for a day.
New to the MO? Let us show you what this amazing river has to offer. We’ll spend time showing you our preferred techniques for nymphing and dry fly fishing and streamer fishing as well if that’s of interest to you. Want to work on your casting and mending? We can help. Presentation is EVERYTHING on the Missouri. Whether fishing tiny dries or nymphing, presentation is critical. Drag free drifts are a must so if you’re willing to put in the time we will teach you everything you need to know to make it happen.
Some aren’t overly concerned about technique and just want to catch a bunch of fish – we can certainly work towards that goal as well. Some are dialed in but just need someone to row them down the river. We will tailor your trip to whatever you desire – regardless of your skill level. And the best part? Now through the end of April you can do it for just $300 for a full day – a fraction of the cost of our regular season rates.
Give us a call today and book your spring special guide trip along with discounted lodging through the end of April- you can’t afford to pass this up.

The week ahead looks good weather wise with 50’s and a good chance of rain on Monday and cloudy skies Tuesday. Sunny and warmer towards the end of the week – back near 70 on Friday. Lodging will be busy from here on out so it’s definitely a good idea to book early rather than waiting until the last minute.
Hot sellers this weekend? Pink Lightning bugs, pink FB soft hackle sows, tungsten Tailwater Sows, FB Rainbow Weight Flies, Rainbow Warriors, buzzballs, griffiths gnats, hi-vis midges, Olive/Copper Polar Leeches, Gold/Brown Kreelex, Dark Peep Shows, black zebra midges, Rainbow Payczechs, Sparkle Minnows and Hi Vis Parachute Adams – not necessarily in that order.
Stop by the shop on your way to the river for any and all of the above.

By |2016-10-25T16:15:58-06:00March 22nd, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

Missouri River Weekend Fishing Report

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The first weekend of spring has brought us some gorgeous spring weather, full lodging, a busy fly shop and by most reports some fair fishing.
Our first Spring Special guide trips of the season will be out today and it looks like it will be a great day for fishing with mostly cloudy skies and a chance for some rain this afternoon. Could be a perfect streamer day if that’s your game, the fish-friendly cloud cover should provide some action for the head hunters and nymphing should be improving daily with the warmer water. Good prospects no matter what your game.
Sunny skies return tomorrow but it looks like it’s going to be another nice day to fish with highs near 60 and WSW wind around 9 mph. Plenty of lodging opening up tomorrow night if you’re lucky enough to be able to come out and fish with us early to mid week.
Ridiculously reasonable room rates, $300 full day guide trips and great spring weather – what more could you ask for?
How about RO drift boat rentals, shuttles, Extreme Fishing Gear from KAST, lots of books to teach you how to fish the Missouri, Fishpond Nomad nets, RIO leaders, tippet and InTouch Fly Lines, Strike Foundry indicators, all kinds of accessories and the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana? We’ve got all that too!
See you at Wolf Creek Angler – Outfitter owned and operated and feeling insanely privlidged to be your full service Missouri River fly shop.

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Welcome Spring!

Springtime on the Missouri - photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Springtime on the Missouri – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Happy Vernal Equinox – the first day of spring and the first day of WCA’s $300 Spring Special Missouri River Guide Trips. Now through April 30th $300 gets you a full day of guided fishing on the world-famous Missouri River for up to two anglers with one of our expert guides. Trip includes lunch, snacks, refreshments, transportation to and from the river and all of the flies and any equipment you may need. Don’t miss this opportunity to fish the Missouri at a fraction of the cost of regular season rates.
As if this weren’t reason enough to get you here…our winter lodging rates run through the end of April so along with your $300 full day guide trip you can book a cabin or bungalow for $99/night + tax. All of our bungalows and Cabins #1 and #2 sleep three very comfortably and are equipped with full kitchens and full baths. Cabin #3 has a double and a single bed, private bath, mini fridge, coffee pot and microwave and can be yours for the winter rate of $69/night + tax.
April dates are filling quickly but there’s plenty of good fishing to be had right now and the weather has been great so don’t hesitate to join us ASAP.
Don’t forget tonight is Hank Patterson’s Reel Montana Adventure at 7 PM at the Grandstreet Theatre in Helena hosted by Hank himself.
Join Wolf Creek Angler, CrossCurrents Fly Shop and Pat Barnes Missouri River Trout Unlimited for a Pre-screening Party featuring Hank Patterson (in Person!). Food and drink will be available for sale with all proceeds to benefit Pat Barnes TU.

Raffle tickets to Win Breakfast for 2 with Hank Patterson at Steve’s Cafe on 3/21 and an Orvis Encounter Rod package will be available for sale. The 2015 Pat Barnes TU Raft Package will be on display.
See you there!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Db6moaCuk8

Fishing Report and weekend forecast 3/19/15

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Reports are that things are still hit or miss out there this week but there are plenty of fish being caught and with that water temp creeping ever upwards it’s just a matter of time before things really turn on. We’ve heard more consistent reports from the water below Craig but you should be able to find fish everywhere with some work. It sounds like streamer fishing has been decent but still  a painfully SLOW retrieve. We can’t wait to start stripping and twitching again and it won’t be long now. Stop in and let us get you set up for streamer fishing on the Missouri. Whether it’s advice on streamers or sinking lines or techniques you need or perhaps a complete rig we’re happy to help.

We’ve got a bin full of proven patterns and we will tell you everything you need to know to make them work for you. We are streamer addicts from WAY back and while we don’t spend as much time throwing streamers on the MO we’ve spent countless days and rowed hundreds of miles of water in our past lives throwing and stripping and swinging the Big Ugly Bugs. While our methods may be a little different than what is typically done here on the Missouri they have proven to be just as effective here as on the Pere Marquette, the Manistee, the Ausable, the Snake, the Yellowstone, the Limay, the Manso and many more.

Nymphing continues to be decent with fish still holding in the predictable spots and eating the predictable bugs. Winter fare is still on the menu ( pink stuff, firebeads, soft hackle sows etc) but don’t be afraid to experiment with some of the springtime stuff. Again – it could blow up any day now with the warming water.

The browns are definitely making their presence known with the rainbows beginning to move out as they heed nature’s call. Please be mindful of the redds and watch where you wade out there.

An abundance of midges on the water daily and fish up on them when the conditions are right. Cloud cover is definitely the ticket for top water success.

Blue skies and sunshine today will give way to considerable clouds early tomorrow and a high near 70 with SW wind at 5-10. Mostly cloudy Saturday with a high of 64 and SSW winds at 10-20 mph. It’s a great weekend to fish the Missouri. We’ve got limited lodging available for the weekend and it looks like it’s going to fill up so don’t wait too long to book those rooms. Make Wolf Creek Angler your one stop on the way to the Missouri for shuttles, bugs, boats, lodging, guide trips, cold weather gear, warm weather gear and much, much more.

 

Canyon Fishing Report 3/17/15 – guest blog from WCA Guide Jim Murray

Luck of the Rubber Legs happening NOW in the canyon.

Luck of the Rubber Legs happening NOW in the canyon.

As we stated yesterday, Spring fishing has been a little inconsistent so far. Some good days, some REALLY good days, and quite honestly, some days that have been a little, well, on the slow side. With the majority of our Spring fishing taking place between the Dam and Spite Hill, we decided to head down into the Canyon and try some different water. While the high winds definitely made fishing a challenge,(and caused us to call an audible on our shuttle) we were greeted with some pretty good fishing. The fish were where you would expect to find them. Slow, deep runs. We didn’t have much luck fishing the hard banks, but when we would find the softer water, we would pick up a fish or two or three. The fish were definitely in an eating mood, and we caught fish on our usual winter/spring time patterns, as well as some larger bugs too. Don’t be afraid to experiment down in the Canyon. You just may be rewarded!

We also threw some streamers, and while we had some chases and tugs and a couple of fish brought to the boat, it was much slower than the nymph fishing. Again, not much love on the hard banks, with the softer water being the key. Notice a pattern?

While the majority of people fishing this time of year concentrate above Craig, don’t be afraid to try a different float down low. You might like what you find.   All in all, it’s shaping up to be a great Spring, and this river feels like It’s about to really catch fire. With the water temperatures approaching 40, it’s Game On on the Mo. Along with that is the reminder that the rainbows are starting to spawn. Keep this in mind as you head out to fish this Spring, and be aware of where you are fishing.

Remember, $300 Spring Special Guide Trips start on Friday the 20th and WCA has everything you need to make your day on the Missouri a great one: lodging, shuttles, bugs, boat rentals, advice, and the best cup of coffee in Wolf Creek. Stop in and say hi on your way to the river. We’d love to meet you!

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WCA Guide Extraordinaire Jim Murray with a canyon beauty. Book your trip with Jim or any one of our expert guides today.

WCA Guide Extraordinaire Jim Murray with a canyon beauty. Book your trip with Jim or any one of our expert guides today.

Mid-March Fishing Report

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The first half of March has been a little tough around here. A couple of good days but hit and miss for the most part. The weather has been awesome but as winter comes to a close we’re happy to see some precip in the cards today and through the first half of the week. It could be really good out there the next couple of days with clouds and snow and light winds and temps in the 40’s.
Water temps are creeping upwards towards 40, we’re thinking streamers but we’re also thinking that the nymphing may turn on and it’s a safe bet there will be fish up on the midges under cloudy skies. This could be the week it turns on and the timing couldn’t be better with our $300 spring special guide trips commencing on Friday – the first day of Spring!
As of yesterday we’ve doubled our lodging capacity and rooms are filling quickly. In addition to the bungalows, we now have Cabins 1 and 2 available, each with its own full kitchen and bath for $99 and we’ve also got Cabin #3 back on the roster at the ridiculously reasonable rate of $69. No kitchen in #3 but two beds, a private bathroom, fridge, microwave and coffee maker. Get it while you can!
Make WCA your destination this week. We’ve got everything you need. Rooms, boats, shuttles, cold weather gear, warm weather gear, cool River Steel tools from Montana Fly Co, all kinds of indicators including Strike Foundry’s Lil’ Nuggets, Loon Aquel, Flyagra, leaders and tippet from RIO and Trout Hunter, a bunch of awesome clearance items and of course, the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana. Outfitter Owned and Operated and open EVERY DAY from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
See you in the shop and on the water.

Dub C A Soiree

Not the Dub C A Soiree - but cool anyways.

Not the Dub C A Soiree

Save the Date! Join us at Wolf Creek Angler on Saturday, May 23rd for the Inaugural WCA Missouri River Soiree as we celebrate the start of another awesome season on the world-famous Missouri River.
Not having done an official “Grand Opening” last season we would love to take this opportunity to introduce you to our shop with a celebration that we intend to make an annual event. Super Sales in the shop all day and a barbecue in the evening with live music from Helena’s Sleeping Giants. You don’t want to miss this one.
By that time the shop will be fully loaded with all kinds of cool new gear, much of which is new to WCA for 2015. Kast Extreme Fishing Gear, Smith Optics, Nautilus Reels…all new at WCA this season.
Lodging and guides are available but the dates will fill quickly so book yours today. As we welcome summer what could be better than a great day on the water with one of our expert guides followed by free food and music and fun and great deals on merchandise at WCA?
We hope to see you there!

 

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