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We originally posted this in November but here in the midst of January with forecasted temps in the high 30’s later this week and cabin fever creeping in why not head to Wolf Creek and the Missouri River? $395 guide trips, $99 lodging and all the winter bugs and cold weather gear you need at Wolf Creek Angler!
Happy 2015 from Wolf Creek Angler
Best wishes for the new year from all of us at Wolf Creek Angler. 2014 was monumental for us, being our first year in business and we believe 2015 is going to be even better!
The numbers are in and we had a fantastic first year which in many ways exceeded our expectations. We will build on the success of our first year and continue to grow our business in ways that will hopefully exceed your expectations and keep us moving in an upward trajectory. Our goal will always be to provide you with a first-rate Missouri River fly fishing experience and we will continuously re-evaluate our business in an effort to evolve and improve and redefine for ourselves what this means. The bottom line? You should expect great things from Wolf Creek Angler in 2015 and beyond. Expect continuous improvement rooted in a committment to customer service.
We will always offer a great lodging value and our intention is to become your Missouri River fly shop and guide service of choice. We are dedicated to expanding our inventory to include the products you want and you expect your fly shop to carry. This is definitely easier said than done as there are a myriad of hoops to jump through in order to stock the products we want to offer our customers but we are definitely working on it and we are confident you will find more of what you want at Wolf Creek Angler every time you visit our shop.
We are also committed to building what we intend will one day be the best guide service on the Missouri. Change has come to Wolf Creek and we are proud to announce a brand new guide team built with the future in mind. We will be introducing you to our guides in the weeks to come. They are not new to the Missouri but they have been hand-picked by us because we feel they best represent what Wolf Creek Angler is and what it will grow to be.
Why not book a trip today and find out for yourself why we picked this guide crew? We have no doubt that they will play a huge roll in continuing to put Wolf Creek back on the map. We are currently offering $395 full day guide trips through the winter and we are also offering winter lodging rates of $99/night. Stay tuned for spring specials starting in March.
Now through February book a guide trip for the 2015 season (May-November) and receive a $25 Wolf Creek Angler gift card good for everything we sell. Be sure to mention this offer when you call us at (406)235-4350 or toll-free at 1-800-800-4350.
Thank you all again for making our first year a great one. Here’s to a fishy 2015!
Thinking about summertime… photo by Wolf Creek Angler
Blue skies and sunshine in Wolf Creek today. photo by Wolf Creek Angler
The MO will be fishable through Sunday before the temps plummet to single digits and below on Sunday night and remain there through Wednesday. High 20’s today and tomorrow with light and variable winds and a chance of snow. We could see several inches of new snow beginning Saturday night and into Sunday. I drove the Holter Dam to Craig stretch this morning and didn’t see a soul. The sun has since started to shine and we’ve had a few brave souls stop in for bugs so you may not have the whole thing to yourself but I would bet crowds will not be a problem.
Nymphing is the game right now. Firebeads, pink stuff, san juan worms, zebra midges, sows and Rainbow Czechs are all producing. We’ve had our best luck in the slow deep winter water the last few times out but fish are being found elsewhere also so fish the water you like with the bugs you like and you should do fine. We haven’t done much with streamers lately but polar leeches in copper and copper/olive continue to be hot sellers, at least by winter standards.
We will definitely be in the shop tomorrow – at least for the morning but will be closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. As long as things start to warm up we will be back in the shop on Wednesday. We’re always open for lodging and guide trips so just give us a call at (406)235-4350 if you are interested in either. We’ve got some great after-Christmas deals now through New Year’s Eve and don’t forget we’re offering one free night of lodging when you book your 2015 guide trip and one night’s lodging by January 1st. Offer excludes the months of June and July. Full day guide trips for $395 while the snow flies.
See you in the shop and on the water.
White Christmas in Wolf Creek. photo by Wolf Creek Angler.
Countdown to Christmas at Wolf Creek Angler
Well we’re halfway through December. The fish are plentiful, the anglers are not. The weather has beat expectations throughout the fall with most days being more than fishable and some days being down right unseasonable with temps in the 50’s. The trend continues this week with sunny skies and high 30’s through the weekend, climbing back into mid 40’s next week. Disappointing for those hoping for a white Christmas but an awesome gift to those lucky enough to have easy access to this incredible fishery year-round.
Christmas break has begun for the college students and they are starting to arrive in Wolf Creek. We are booked through mid-week but do have vacancies for the coming weekend. If you’re going to fish the Missouri during your break make Wolf Creek Angler your first stop for shuttles, bugs, cold weather gear, RO drift boat rentals, lodging and much more. College students receive 15% off total purchase with valid college id – now through the end of the year.
Nymphing has been the most consistent method as of late with Rainbow Czechs, Pink Lightning Bugs and all kinds of Firebeads leading the charge. Zebra midges in black and purple and tailwater sow bugs and scuds in pink and grey should not be overlooked.
Those committing to the streamer are still having respectable days on the swing or with a SLOW retrieve. Polar Leeches in Olive and Olive and Copper continue to be effective. Black buggers are reportedly also getting some attention but we prefer some flash and I think the fish do too.
There are midges around and there are fish eating them. I haven’t taken a dry fly rig along recently but it certainly wouldn’t be a bad call if that is your game.
If you are still shopping for the fly fisher on your list stop by the shop or give us a call and let us help you find the perfect gift. Maybe it’s a new fly rod or new cooler. Maybe it’s a full day guide trip. Maybe it’s a WCA gift card loaded with a year’s worth of shuttles or a loaded Missouri River fly box. Maybe it’s Wolf Creek Angler logo gear, an excellent choice for your friends around the country and around the globe. Whatever it is, we are here to help you find what you need and we will gladly do whatever we can to simplify things for you. We are happy to mail gift cards or ship merchandise anywhere in the world. Call (406)235-4350 or toll-free 1-800-800-4350.
Wolf Creek Angler Gift Cards are available in any amount, are re-loadable and can be used on EVERYTHING.
The shop is open Wednesday – Saturday from 8 am – 4 pm and if the weather is nice we are usually around on the other days as well. We are open and available for lodging and guide trips every day. Don’t forget our $395 full day guide trips while the snow flies.
See you in the shop and on the water…
~Jason O.
The Missouri River has long been considered one of, if not the, best tailwater fisheries in the country, and Wolf Creek Angler is the perfect location from which to launch your Montana fly fishing adventure. We’re located just a few casts from Craig, Montana—roughly halfway between Helena and Great Falls. We offer the very best of Missouri River fly fishing with an acclaimed guide staff, a first-rate Missouri River fly shop, drift boat and equipment rentals, shuttle service and lodging. We’re close to the Holter Dam and Wolf Creek put ins—closer than any other fly shop – because we think you should spend your time fishing, not driving.
The waters of Montana hold a special place in the hearts of anglers around the world. The Missouri River is a place where unmatched scenery meets water that is home to some of the most prolific insect hatches in the west. The sheer number of fish, along with the incredible average size, make the Missouri River a destination fishery the likes of which you won’t find anywhere else. Wolf Creek Angler offers the kind of fly fishing adventure that’s on your bucket list. This year, bring it to life.
Mending Waters Montana Fly Fishing, Inc., is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of active military personnel and veterans through flyfishing, fly tying education, and outings, and education on the conservation, restoration, and improvements to Montana’s fisheries and their habitats.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the most wonderful fishing trips, memories, friends, service, honesty, and CARING about your clients! It is for those very reasons that Lynne and I plan on coming back next year!…..Keep up the excellent work!…
I fished the Missouri River for the first time this past October, after reading about how great the fishing can be, and how nice this part of Montana is. I was not disappointed. I spoke with Jason prior to making the trip and he was very helpful with fly and tackle suggestions and booking a room and guide. Although the weather was a bit unruly, I fished with Matt and had a great day on the river. I’d like to fish the Missouri again this fall and plan to make arrangements through this shop again!
Had a great day on the river with Jason. Wolf Creek Angler is a top flight Montana Outfitting business. Professional and knowledgeable staff, great equipment and top quality customer service. They represent the best Montana has to offer as a fly shop and outfitting business. Highly recommended.
My daughter and I planned a spring trip on the Missouri and chose Wolf Creek Angler. After talking with Jason, he set us up with Kelly for a day on the water. Kelly was fantastic. She was great with my daughter (10 yr old) and they hit it off. Kelly took the time to make bug changes and work to get my daughter on her first Missouri trout. Of all the guides we have had, Kelly is the best. We enjoyed our trip so much we decided to come back the following week. We stayed at the lodging in Wolf Creek and enjoyed ourselves greatly. Thanks, Kelly, Jason and Zach
Entering his 39th season of guiding on the Missouri, Brian Scott is a native Montanan who suffers from a life-long addiction to fly-fishing. He learned to fish on the Missouri and Big Hole Rivers in the 1970’s and got his first guiding job in Alaska in 1981. Brian prefers the challenge of the dry fly but can nymph for numbers if required. He tailors each day to fit the client’s individual needs. Brian lives on the Big Hole River near the town of Dillon, MT but you will usually find him on the Missouri during the summer season pursuing the wild rainbows and browns that make the Missouri River one of the finest fisheries on the planet. There aren’t many who have been on the Missouri longer than Brian. Book a trip with him today and fish with one of the true Legends of the Missouri.
Matt has been obsessed with fish for as long as he can remember. Growing up he fished the lakes and streams of the Eastern Sierras and the coast of Southern California. Matt realized his goal to become a fishing guide in Montana in 2011 and since that time he has fallen absolutely in love with the Missouri River. The diversity of a day on the MO is a challenge that Matt loves to tackle. He enjoys the grace of dry fly fishing and the chess match of figuring out the nymphing game but his preference is fishing streamers for the larger fish that inhabit the Missouri.
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Luke headed west in 2002 in search of steep mountains and deep snow. Originally a ski bum with a fishing habit, these days you’re more likely to find Luke knee deep in the Missouri than in mountain snow, even in January. Having lived in Bozeman, Missoula, and Helena, Luke has spent countless hours exploring the waters of western, central, and southwest Montana. His knowledge combined with a flexible and upbeat attitude makes him an excellent choice whether you are a first time angler or a seasoned vet.
Jason left a life-long career in the metal casting industry to pursue a dream of owning a fly shop and guiding in Montana. He has been honing his angling skills for over thirty years starting at the age of 8 when he was introduced to trout fishing on Michigan’s White and Pere Marquette Rivers. Jason officially began his career in the industry in 2013 as the manager of and guide for Montana River Outfitters. Following that first season on the Missouri he and his business partner purchased MRO’s Wolf Creek operation and Wolf Creek Angler was born. Jason lives in Helena with his wife Sheila and their yellow lab Zeke.
Life has taken Rob down many roads. From Ohio to California to the US Army to Montana. One thing he’s learned along the way, through all of his experiences, is that nothing beats a great day on the water! Rob loves working hard and watching people catch fish. Nymphs, streamers, dries…it makes no difference to him. He’s worked hard at mastering his skills and is at home with any technique you prefer. Rob has been fly fishing since he was 11 years old and still learns new things every season. He is a master fly tier and in his downtime he enjoys mountain biking the trails of Montana. Rob feels lucky to have the opportunity to guide some of the great waters of our state and he takes none of it for granted. Book a trip with Rob today. You won’t find a harder working guide.
John was born and raised in Montana and has lived in Montana all his life. Growing up in Helena, he enjoyed many outdoor activities but most of all fly fishing. He went to college in both Bozeman and Missoula and graduated in 2006 with an elementary education degree. John is a kindergarten teacher during the off season and enjoys teaching year-round, both in the classroom and on the river. John started guiding in 2019 after many years working part time during the summer and weekends at Wolf Creek Angler. He stresses the importance of having fun in life and especially while fishing.
Brad has been guiding since 1996. He spent 2 summers in Alaska and 20+ years in Northern Michigan. Seeking a new challenge to his career, Brad & his family moved to Helena to guide the Missouri River. Brad is a true professional and angling is his life. His relaxed teaching style makes it easy to spend a day in the boat with him. Brad has experience with numerous techniques but streamers are by far his favorite. In his free time, Brad enjoys fishing the countless streams in Montana and hiking with his family.
A 4th generation Montanan, born and raised in Northwest Montana, Kara grew up fishing for trout on some of the most fabled stretches of water in the US. After graduating from Montana State University she began looking for a job following her dreams and was hired by The Fly Shop in Redding, CA in 2009. Kara is committed to being a full timer in the fly fishing industry building on her years of experience managing the Outfitters Department and Casting Schools for The Fly Shop as well as many years of the highly acclaimed FishCamp program. She now lives in SW Montana where she is a full time outfitter, guide and fly fishing instructor, rowing her guests down the scenic Yellowstone, Madison, Gallatin and Missouri rivers. In 2017/18, she left the Montana winters to become the first female guide at El Saltamontes Lodge in a remote part of Patagonia, Chile. When not guiding, teaching and sharing her passion with others, she designs product for Damsel Fly Fishing, a women’s fly fishing accessory brand she co-founded with her sister, taking bland fly fishing accessories and adding a feminine twist. In between, she hosts trips to Belize in search of the “silver king”, Bristol Bay Alaska flying in float planes in search of ginormous rainbows, flying in a MI-8 helicopter over the Far East in pursuit of carnivorous mouse eating trout that call the rivers of the Kamchatka Peninsula home, or on the rivers of the Pacific Northwest chasing steelhead. Kara has teamed up with Wolf Creek Angler and Iron Fly Outfitting to lead our Annual Missouri River Women’s Fly Fishing Clinic since 2022 and we’re excited to have her on board for spring and fall guide trips on the MO.
Eric was raised just south of Helena in Jefferson City, Montana. His parents had a fly rod in his hand at 6 and he spent his younger years camping and chasing fish around Big Sky country. His young adult years were spent working construction around Montana, fishing and chasing any white water he could find.
In 2017 Eric’s life changed forever when he was diagnosed with cancer. After a short battle he realized change was in order. It was time to live a more deliberate life and chase some dreams. Eric and his family sold their house in town and moved to the river to start guiding.
Eric has over 40 years of experience fly fishing the Missouri River and loves to share his knowledge. He has the patience to work with beginners and the dry fly knowledge to put you on the rising fish.
Phil Peacey began fly fishing at the age of 8 and fell in love with the sport casting small dries at native brook trout in the Driftless Area of Southwest Wisconsin. Phil also has experience throwing streamers for smallmouth in Lake Superior and swinging streamers for steelhead on the Brule River. He has experience leading casting as well as fly tying clinics and is always willing to tackle any technique necessary to put anglers in the best situation for success. Phil is extremely motivated and is anxious to help anglers of all experience levels. His favorite aspect of guiding is getting to know the clients and their goals for the trip and then tailoring the day to provide the best experience possible.
Phil is returning for his third season on the MO and is wrapping up his BA in Outdoor Education at Northland College in Ashland, WI, with an internship at Wolf Creek Angler this season. He is an ideal guide for beginners and experts alike and he’s anxious to share his passion for the sport with all his clients.
With two bar/restaurants, and the only gas station/convenience store between Helena and Cascade, Wolf Creek has everything you need in a classic small Montana setting. Only 8 miles from the town of Craig, Wolf Creek provides a respite from the hustle and bustle found around the Missouri River during the height of the season. Come discover for yourself the charm of Wolf Creek, Montana.
Helena as She Was (Historical Information)
Upper Missouri Watershed Alliance
Official State of Montana Travel and Vacation Site
The Wolf Creek Hotel, built in 1887, still stands and early on was frequented by outdoor enthusiasts and railroad travelers. It served as a stage stop along routes from Helena to Augusta and Fort Benton and sheltered workers who built Holter Dam in the early 1900’s. Two of our cabins at Wolf Creek Angler reportedly served as railroad housing during this era.
Prior to the construction of the railroad, the first road constructed through the canyon was a toll road built in 1865 by the Little Prickly Pear Wagon Road Company. By the early 1870’s, the road was an important freight and passenger route in the territory. Interstate 15, which winds through the canyon, was completed in 1967.
Wolf Creek gained some notoriety over the years with celebrity visitors such as the famous American boxer Jack Dempsey who trained here in 1923 and film stars like Dinah Shore, George Montgomery, Bing Crosby and Errol Flynn who visited Frenchy’s Resort in the 40’s and 50’s. The resort property still stands but the famous Frenchy’s Café burned down in 1958.
Amongst the fishing crowd, Wolf Creek is probably best known as the hometown of Jessie Burns in Norman Maclean’s semi-autobiographical novel A River Runs Through It. She was Maclean’s love interest in the story and became his wife. Her ashes were scattered on a mountain she named after herself, overlooking the Missouri River somewhere near Wolf Creek.
When traveling from the south, Wolf Creek is the jumping off point to access the Missouri River and provides easy access to Hwy 434 to get to Lincoln or Hwy 287 just north of Wolf Creek which goes to Augusta, Choteau and the east side of Glacier National Park.
The past is gone…
Wolf Creek Angler is your 12-Month Full Service Fly Shop, Guide Service and lodging operation in Wolf Creek Montana – photo Stefan McLeod Photography
Before
The largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana – photo by Stefan McLeod
57 degrees on this 11th day of December in Wolf Creek Montana. We’re not setting any sales records by any means but there’s a little more traffic in the shop and on the river today…we’ll take it. Now if we could just get on the other side of this daylight to darkness thing I think temps in the 40’s 50’s will begin to bring them in droves!
It’s hard to believe it’s been an entire year since Sheila and Fred and I took the leap and started Wolf Creek Angler. We all learned a lot this first season which will hopefully make things that much better in the coming seasons.
It seems like yesterday but it was a whole year ago we were running Wolf Creek Angler out of our dining room in Helena through the winter months before we started work on the shop remodel. It was an exciting and nerve-racking time. We were taking calls and booking rooms and trips and just imagining what that first season was going to be like all the while thinking about the major project awaiting us at 515 Recreation Road in Wolf Creek. Once Fred arrived in February things really got crazy as we dug into the project and ended up doing way more to the shop than we had ever imagined or intended. We made our deadline (barely) and opened the doors on April 1st and now here we are – heading into round two.
The season was a blur of selling flies, meeting guides, booking trips,figuring out a good product mix for the shop, running guide trips, mowing grass, barbecuing, drinking beers with guides and guests behind the shop, meeting all kinds of people, visiting with repeat customers from the MRO days, R & D trips down the MO on Monday and Thursday afternoons, wings, nachos and brisket sandwiches at Izaaks, ordering more green machines, taking lots of pictures, tweeting, blogging, posting, drinking more beers behind the shop, wondering where the season had gone, doing pre-season orders, watching Fred pack up and drive away headed back to MI, wondering why we decided to try to keep summer cabins open in the winter, cleaning rooms, doing laundry, shoveling snow, realizing it’s not as much fun to drink beer behind the shop when there’s nobody here and finally anticipating the start of season number two in 2015.
A lot happened in 2014. The changes continue with new developments happening daily. We had an awesome season. The next one will be even better.
Located just off Interstate 15 in the historic town of Wolf Creek, Montana, our Missouri River fly shop is just minutes from the Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge access sights. We are the closest fly shop and on-site lodging option to one of the best stretches of trout water in the nation. Anglers who come to know the Missouri River return time and again to enjoy the river’s great diversity, incredible scenery and most importantly, amazing fishery. When you put these all together, the Missouri is a destination fishery unlike any other you will find and our fly fishing services help you make the best of every moment on the Missouri River.
At Wolf Creek Angler we know every successful fishing trip begins with choosing the right fly. We’re proud to have one of the largest selections of fly patterns on the Missouri River. Whether dry flies, nymphs or streamers, we have the bugs you need from the tried and true to the latest and greatest. Ready to experiment? Our patterns are as wide open as your imagination. No matter where or what you decide to cast, count on the expertise of our fly shop staff to get you pointed in the right direction.
If you don’t have a fishing license, click here to save some time ahead of your adventure and purchase one online today.
From its headwaters on the west side of the Continental Divide near the town of Lincoln to its confluence with the Clark Fork River near Missoula, the Blackfoot River offers 75 miles of quintessential Montana trout water.
Featured in Norman Maclean’s 1976 novella “A River Runs Through It” and popularized by Robert Redford’s 1992 film adaptation of the story, the Blackfoot River has battled through some tough times and has rebounded to become one of the most popular rivers in Montana.
While the river suffered from the adverse effects of mining and logging in the past, the film put it on the map and was undoubtedly partially responsible for the subsequent conservation efforts that led to its recovery.
The snow- and spring-fed waters of the Blackfoot flow fast and cold through scenic wilderness landscapes and are home to thriving trout populations.
Early season can be hit or miss on the Blackfoot, which is best fished at the tail end of runoff or later in the season. Salmon flies and golden stones generally start coming off in late May and continue through June. These much-anticipated and much-loved hatches unfortunately coincide with the runoff period, which means we often miss some of the prime hatch activity due to blown water, but most seasons do afford at least a couple of weeks of fishing these big bug hatches. Summer hatches include PMDs, Green Drakes, and a variety of caddis and the hopper, and Spruce Moth fishing can oftentimes be off the charts. Fall fishing includes October Caddis and BWOs and is also a great time to fish streamers.
While the Blackfoot doesn’t have the numbers or size of fish found on the Missouri, the river is host to brook, brown, rainbow, westslope cutthroat, and even the protected bull trout. So while you’ll generally catch more and larger fish on the Missouri River, there’s nothing better than a warm summer day floating the scenic Blackfoot and throwing big dries for aggressive cutthroats.
The sections we most commonly fish on the Blackfoot are about a two-hour drive from Wolf Creek, which makes it a long but doable day. However, if you’re interested in spending more than a day on the river, we can arrange local lodging or even camping at designated sites along the river corridor.
If you haven’t experienced a day on the world-famous Blackfoot River, we highly recommend it.
Formed by the confluence of the Madison, Jefferson, and Gallatin rivers in southwest Montana, the Missouri River is a world-renowned tailwater offering a prolific fishery that draws anglers back year after year. With a mix of wild rainbow and brown trout numbering anywhere from 3,000-6,000 fish per mile, with typical size of 16 inches to 22 inches, an angler would be hard pressed to find a fishery that offers the quality, quantity, and size of fish the Missouri River does.
The variety of fishing methods utilized on our area waters further adds to the call of the Missouri. Whether floating a short stretch in conjunction with a specific hatch in search of pods of rising fish or covering longer distances with nymphs or streamers, our 30-plus miles of fishable water offer something to anglers of all ages and skill levels. The question isn’t whether you’ll catch fish, but how you will catch them.
Whether you’re a dry-fly only angler or you enjoy fishing sub-surface as well, the Missouri has something for you. Dry fly fishing is a real possibility almost year-round, starting with midges typically in February and March, BWOs in April and May, PMDs through June and July, Tricos in July and August, and caddis an ever-present possibility from April through October. BWOs make a second appearance in the fall, usually from mid-October through November.
Terrestrial fishing starts in June with significant ant and beetle activity and really heats up around the middle of July as hoppers come into play for the remainder of the summer season. Ply the cover tight to the banks but don’t overlook midriver flats and riffles, the fish are everywhere.
If nymphing is your game, then the Missouri is for you. The biomass in the Missouri is beyond belief, which means that trout are always feeding beneath the surface. Whether matching the hatch or mimicking the sowbugs and scuds that are so plentiful in these waters, fishing nymphs beneath an indicator has rapidly become the method of choice for many, and just as is the case with dry fly fishing, nymphing is a go-to method all year long.
Less utilized but equally effective is streamer fishing, which has always been around but is gaining in popularity. Trout spey has become extremely popular, especially during the winter months, and traditional single-hand methods shine in the early spring and late fall.
Whether spending the day hunting heads, in search of the opportunity to execute a perfect cast and perfect presentation to that lazy giant tucked tightly to the bank, or covering miles of water eyeing that next perfect spot as the river presents herself with new and ever evolving riffles, banks, drop-offs, buckets, and pools holding the promise of that next big brown, the Missouri has something for everyone.
For those who get tired of catching trout, one can find 10 pound-plus carp in the slower waters. A 10-pound carp on a 5 weight puts up a great fight.
The Missouri River is a technical fishery and we are here to help you figure it out. While we can’t sell you the success that comes from years of fishing these waters, at Wolf Creek Angler we know having the right equipment is critical to your success. We carry gear from top-ranked companies, such as:
Wolf Creek Angler offers drift boat rentals as well as rental of rods and reels and waders and boots. We are proud to feature made in Helena Montana Adipose Flow Drift Boats. – $150/day (you tow, does not include shuttle) or $195/day (we drop off) Waders/Boots – $30/day Echo Fly Rod/Reel – $25/day P.F.D. Wolf Creek Angler proudly offers the cheapest DAM shuttles on the MO.
Rates:
Our full-service includes:
* Full Service Boat rentals include a shuttle between Holter Dam and Mid Canyon.
Boat Relaunch Fees:
Prices do not include the 4% local, Craig Resort Tax —Prices will be rounded up to an even amount when the tax is added.
Airport shuttles are done during normal business hours.
Prices subject to change without notice due to fuel, insurance & other vehicle & personnel costs.
At Wolf Creek Angler we pride ourselves on having the hardest working fly fishing guides you will find anywhere in Montana. We know that a guided fishing trip on the Missouri River is a dream for many and you should expect your guide to treat it that way. Our guides have spent their entire careers fishing the Missouri and other legendary waters of the West. And it shows. They understand every current and riffle on the water from Holter Dam to Cascade and beyond and they are experts at tailoring your trip to fit your expectations and skill level. Whether making your first-ever cast, or you are a seasoned angler, our guides will work with you to create amazing memories. We know you’ll have a great time on the water with our guides that goes way beyond the number of fish you catch.
We recommend you make reservations ahead of time for fishing guide trips, especially for days in the peak season though we can usually accommodate your request with very little notice. Part of the advantage of booking with Wolf Creek Angler is that we are outfitter owned and operated which gives us the edge when it comes to getting you on the water with some of the best Missouri River guides. Your day will usually begin anywhere from 6-9am, depending on the time of year, so we recommend you arrive at Wolf Creek Angler the day before your guide trip. This way you can devote all of your attention to your fishing adventure rather than your travel time.
We want to do everything we can to make your day a success and we are happy to provide you with the gear you need. Should you want to use your own gear, we recommend packing two rods, a 5 weight for dry fly fishing and a 6 weight for nymphing or streamer fishing. Bring your favorite rod or rods and let our guides take care of the rest. A hearty lunch and assorted drinks are provided on full-day trips, lighter snacks and beverages are offered on half-day trips. Of course, you may bring along any refreshments you like. We’ll supply the cooler.
The weather in Montana can change rapidly and unexpectedly so we encourage you to bring plenty of layered clothing – no matter what time of year – along with rain gear, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and your camera. Forget something? No worries, our fly shop will have it.
While we proudly specialize in the waters of the Missouri River, we understand sometimes you want a change of scenery. We are proud to offer wilderness fishing trips on the nearby Blackfoot, Dearborn and Clark Fork rivers, and with our extensive contacts, we can help arrange trips throughout the Mountain West.
Missouri River Guide Trips Below Holter Dam – Full Day Guided Trip (lunch included) 1 or 2 anglers – $700
Missouri River Guide Trips Below Holter Dam – Half Day Guided Trip (lunch not included) – $550
Land of the Giants – Full Day Only(lunch included) – $800
Blackfoot and Dearborn Rivers – Full Day – $750 *Rates do not include gratuity.
A deposit of 50% is required at the time of booking to confirm a reservation. Balance is due prior to trip departure.
Our cancellation/refund policy reflects the narrow window of opportunity for guides and outfitters in a recreational business. Cancellations made prior to 30 days in advance of the trip date will receive the total deposit less $25 per guide day handling fee. Cancellations between 15 and 30 days will have their deposit applied towards a future booking within one year. Cancellations within 14 days will forfeit the entire deposit.
JULY CANCELLATION EXCEPTION: There are no refunds for any reservation cancellations made for the month of July.
We operate in all safe weather and water conditions, therefore inclement weather, water levels or seemingly undesirable fishing conditions are not acceptable reasons to cancel or receive a refund. Failure to show or cancel in timely and acceptable manner will result in liability for the full trip cost.
Wolf Creek Angler, LLC reserves the right to cancel a trip due to weather or water safety reasons, in which case guests will receive a full refund.
We recognize that unforseen circumstances arise and we reserve the right to handle cancellations on a case by case basis.
Jason Orzechowski
Montana Outfitter #23084
Iron Fly Outfitting, LLC
515 Recreation Road
Wolf Creek, MT 59648
406.235.4350
We’re proud to partner with Mo’ River Eats to offer you the best lunches on the Missouri. We invite you to check out their sandwich menu and choose what you would like, or leave it up to your guide. Lunches include a sandwich, side, chips, and a fresh-baked desert. You don’t have to book a guide trip to enjoy lunch from Mo’ River Eats. Just contact them by 9 PM the night before, and they will deliver your lunch the following morning in time for your departure.
Mo’ River Eats also offers breakfast and dinner selections, delivered to your door at Wolf Creek Angler. Order breakfast by 9 pm the night before and dinner the morning of delivery.
Missouri River Winter Fishing Headquarters in Wolf Creek Montana – photo by Wolf Creek Angler
It’s feeling like spring these last couple of days with temps pushing into the 40’s and it’s supposed to continue through the coming week. Definitely worse ways to spend December days than fishing the Missouri. A little more traffic around today, though not as much as you might think considering.
As promised I did manage to get out on Thursday for a quick solo run from Wolf Creek to Craig. Aside from four wade anglers I saw not a soul. I ran a bunch of winter bugs to see if I could find anything that was RED HOT. The closest I came was the firebead wire worm which got the majority of the eats but I did coax a few into taking a pink lightning bug and also had a couple takes on the rainbow czech. Each of these and many more available now at Wolf Creek Angler.
All in all it was a pretty productive couple of hours. I spoke with the wade guys Thursday night who were staying with us and they also did well with the firebead wire worms. The wire worm craze was apparently short-lived however as the same guys fished the same water on Friday morning and didn’t get a single take on the worm. They loaded up on rainbow czechs and I didn’t see them again for what it’s worth.Bottom line – winter fishing is on. Winter bugs, winter water, winter techniques are all coming into play right now. The weather couldn’t be better.
The largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana – photo by Stefan McLeod
We are full through Monday but will have vacancies during the week and into next weekend.Great deals on all kinds of great fly fishing gear now through Christmas Eve and don’t forget WCA gift cards good for anything we sell! Why not treat yourself to an early Christmas present and book a guide trip this week while the weather is nice. Winter special rates of $395 for a full day while the snow flies! Rooms for under a hundred bucks a night.
Now through January 1st book a guide trip and a night’s lodging for next season and we’ll throw in a second night’s lodging for free. Our normal winter hours are 8 am – 4 pm Wednesday – Saturday but if we’re seeing 40’s all week you will find us here every day but Sunday. Fishing Dam to Craig? Remember you need go no further than Wolf Creek. We’ve got you covered with winter bugs, shuttles, RO drift boat rentals, rooms and much much more.
Hope to see you around the shop and on the water this week.
Go Griz!
The Christmas Season has arrived. Shop Wolf Creek Angler for all the fly fishers on your list.
Another month in the books as we approach the end of 2014. November dragged on a bit with some extreme cold spells which kept folks off the river but which kept us busy trying to keep the water flowing at Wolf Creek Angler.
The break in the action gave us time to get out and do some non-fishing related things as well. I was happy to shoot a mule deer early in the month and even happier that Fred was still here at that time to come out and help me drag it! I attended my first “Brawl of the Wild” in Missoula a couple of weekends back and had a great time watching the Griz beat up on the Cats and was back there last weekend to watch Montana roll to victory in the first round of the FCS playoffs. Fun stuff!
The BWO’s we thought might show up in November didn’t but the nymphing certainly had its moments and the streamer bite was respectable depending on the day. I was only on the water a handful of days in November doing a couple of guide days and one or two days on my own. For the most part I was pretty content to enjoy the view of the river from the comfort of my warm vehicle as I drove the corridor taking pictures of winter’s beauty. It’s looking like another warm up towards the end of this week so I will make it a point to get out there and get you a first hand report of what’s happening. Judging by the bugs we’ve been selling the winter game is on. Pink is in and with the water temps now down in the 38 degree range it’s time to start working the slow deep runs and getting your bugs down to the fish. The colder that water gets the less likely the fish are to move so it is critical to put the bugs right in front of them and to check every slight stop/drop of the indicator as the strikes tend to get pretty subtle this time of year.
Thank you to everyone who came out for our Black Friday Sale. We will continue to have great deals on all kinds of gear through Christmas Eve. Sonic Pro Waders from Redington, St Croix Bank Robber and High Stick Drifter rods, cold-weather gear from Outdoor Research, Fishpond Nomad boat nets, awesome WCA SIMMS logo gear, all kinds of tools and accessories and of course, the largest fly selection ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana. We’ve got something for all of the fishy folks on your list.
Wolf Creek Angler Gift Cards are available in any amount, are re-loadable and can be used on EVERYTHING.
Can’t decide what to buy them – how about a Wolf Creek Angler gift card good for anything from merchandise to shuttles to lodging to rentals to guide trips. Our cards are available in any amount and are re-loadable. Now through Christmas Eve purchase a gift card in the amount of $100 or more and receive a second $10 gift card for yourself.
We have a couple of vacancies for the weekend warm-up so give us a call at the shop today to book your room. We are open Wednesday-Saturday 8:00 AM – 4 PM and will usually be found here any day other than Sunday that the temperature is over 30 degrees. Likewise, we might not be found here any day the temperature is below zero. Call ahead just to make sure. (406)235-4350. Don’t forget winter lodging rates of $99/night and $395 guide trips while the snow flies.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Wolf Creek Angler.
On this Thanksgiving eve we would just like to take a minute and say how absolutely thankful we are to be blessed with the opportunity to be a part of your Montana fly fishing experience. As things get busy during the height of the season it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day stuff and to lose sight of the big picture but anytime we are able to step back and think about what it is we actually do for a living, we are amazed and humbled and we know how lucky we are to be able to do what we do and to call this amazing place our home.
We have nothing without you and we love the challenge of constantly improving in order to better serve you, our customers. Wolf Creek Angler has taken on a life of it’s own and while we are working diligently behind the scenes every day to make sure we are providing you with the products and services you expect, we often feel like we are just along for the ride as this shop evolves and develops its own personality .
This first season has not been without it’s share of growing pains but we are embracing the problems as opportunities for improvement. We are learning new things all the time about running a fly shop and a lodging operation and you can expect to see positive changes all the time as we get things figured out.
The bookings are rolling in for next season and we can’t wait to get back at it. In the meantime things have been moderately busy around the shop with hunters and anglers grabbing a few days here and there. It’s a great time to be here if you can plan your visit around the cold spells. It’s close to 50 degrees today with little to no wind and there was ONE boat in the dam to Craig stretch this morning. Pick your days and have the whole ditch to yourself!
The fishing has been pretty good depending on the day with the winter fare starting to take hold. Anything pink, firebeads, sows, worms….the options are endless and we’ve got you covered. Stop by the shop for shuttles, flies, cold-weather gear, rooms and up-to-the-minute reports on what’s happening where. We just received our shipment of Wolf Creek Angler gift cards which make a great gift as they can be used for ANYTHING. Maybe the angler on your list has dozens of rods/reels and all the wading gear and clothing they need, maybe they tie their own bugs but don’t overlook the cost of shuttles. Who wouldn’t be happy with a $100 worth of shuttles? Stop in and pick up a gift card today or give us a call in the shop at (406)235-4350 and we will be happy to mail your gift cards anywhere in the world.
We will be closed tomorrow and will be enjoying the day with the family, spending plenty of couch time hopefully celebrating a Lions victory and eating and drinking to excess.
Back in the store on Friday and Saturday with great deals on almost everything. Purchase a gift card for $100 or more now through Christmas and we’ll give you a second $10 gift card on us.
Looking forward to seeing a store full of shoppers this weekend.
Wishing you all a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!
