brown trout Archives - Page 6 of 10

“The Season is Back”

Caddis Sunset – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

I overheard some folks at dinner the other night proclaiming that the season is back after apparently having had a particularly good dry fly day, and while I’m not sure it ever really started to begin with it does seem as though things are coming into shape….just in time for the late summer lull.

There are bugs (tricos a plenty, lingering PMD’s and caddis in the evening). The water is perfect for wading (right around 5K and holding) and most importantly, there are pods of rising fish.

It’s happening much later than what it usually does but better late than never!

As luck would have it the summer traffic cycle has been normal. Prime Time traffic is over but Prime Dry Fly Fishing has just begun.

The boat ramps are quiet (relatively speaking), there’s an abundance of lodging and guide availability and the river is calling.

As if that weren’t enough, starting tomorrow we’re running our Dog Days of Summer Lodging and Guide Trip special. For the entire month of August when you book a full day guide trip and a night of premium lodging we’ll throw in a second night of lodging for FREE.

Does it get any better?

Keep in mind prime time usually books out a year in advance. Now you’ve got a golden opportunity to fish prime conditions on the Missouri at a huge cost savings with a last minute call.

We can’t make any promises about the fishing. It’s been good these past several days and hopefully will continue to be but there are no guarantees. The conventional wisdom is that tricos will continue through the month of August. PMD’s are all but done but terrestrials are about to become a major player. Caddis activity has been somewhat sporadic but is always a possibility.

Will we see epic dry fly days throughout the month of August? Time will tell. I expect we will see some good days and some not so good days, as always.

Give us a call today to book your Dog Days Special. You’ll have the potential for some awesome Trico fishing and there is no better month to fish hoppers on the Missouri. Some of our biggest browns of the season are always caught on hoppers. I haven’t even mentioned the nymphing since most of the focus seems to be on top right now but should you want to fish the bobber you’ll likely do just fine.

Best bets for nymphing right now include Little Green Machines, Weight Flies (gold or purple), Tung Darts, Psycho Mays, PMD and/or Rusty Magic Fly, Black Zebra Midge, PMD Redemption, Purple Lightning Bug, WD 40’s, Soft Hackle PT jigs, Red Headed Step Child, Dark Peep Show, Doc’s Summer Bug, Nitro Caddis Pupa, Pulsating Caddis Pupa, 2 Bits and various crayfish patterns (Claws R, Snapping Cray, Zirdle etc.)

Best Dries- Indicator Spinner Trico, Hi Vis Trico Spinner, RS2 Trico, Drowned Trico, Barr’s Trico Emerger, Trinas Hi Vis Sprout Black, Bloom’s Parachute Caddis, Outrigger Caddis, CDC Caddis Emerger, X Caddis, Front End Loader and your grass hopper or ant of choice. We like More or Less, Moorish and White Cloud hoppers just to name a few.

It’s also time to take advantage of the best deals of the season on Simms sportswear during our Annual Summer Sale. 25% – 30% off men’s and women’s sportswear from Simms, Ouray and more.

This could be the best August we’ve seen in years. Will you be here for it?

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-08-01T21:19:57-06:00July 31st, 2018|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: brown trout, caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

State of the Missouri 2018

The Pat Barnes Chapter of Trout Unlimited hosted FWP Fisheries Biologist Jason Mullen at Montana Wild in Helena Tuesday night for the Annual State of the Missouri presentation.

We eagerly anticipate this report each spring. It’s a snap shot of the previous year which gives us stats on fish populations as well as river flows and tells us where those stats fall in the historical record.

The takeaway from 2017 is that we saw a slight increase in the fish counts over 2016 in the Craig section and a decrease in the Cascade section. The real highlight though was the river flows which in 2017 were the highest they’ve been since 2011.

The Craig section yielded just over 5500 trout per mile of which 4,936 were rainbows and 576 were browns. This was pretty much on par with what we saw in 2016 for rainbows though it’s close to double the brown trout we saw in 2016. The rainbow population in the Craig stretch is still well above the 3394 average while the brown trout population is close to the 563 average.

Size wise, we’re still looking at a lot of big fish on the MO’ with over 2000 of those 4,936 rainbows per mile in the 18″ – 20″ class and almost 150 browns in the 19″ – 24″ class per mile. Also of interest is the abundance of brown trout in the 6″ class as well as the 14″-15″ class.

The numbers in the Cascade stretch are very close to historical averages with 1592 rainbows per mile and 387 browns per mile. Historical averages are 1616 and 398 respectively.

Flows on the MO’ peaked at right around 12,000 cfs last year which we would expect to see again this spring but only time will tell.

A couple of interesting points that highlight just what an amazing resource we have in the Missouri are the relative weight of the fish and the water temps below Holter Dam relative to those in the Toston section which is not dam controlled.

This graphic shows the relative weight of fish in the Craig section from 1982 – 2016. FWP describes Relative Weight as the “plumpness” of the fish. The reported ideal relative weight is in the 95-105 range, which as you can see is pretty much where these fish have been most of that time. Our fish are well fed and consistently healthy.

The other graphic I found interesting was this water temp chart which shows temps holding steady in the 60 to 64 degree range throughout the heat of the summer, well below the 73 degree temp which triggers closures due to the stress those temps put on trout.

Once again, the great thing about the tail water is that temps are controlled. Take a look at Toston temps and you can see what happens absent of controls.

Perfect temps, controlled flows, an abundance of food….this is one special fishery, but you knew that already.

Here’s to a great 2018 on the Missouri.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-03-14T21:46:18-06:00March 14th, 2018|Categories: Local Buzz|Tags: brown trout, Craig MT, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Pat Barnes Trout Unlimited, running line, State of the Missouri, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

The spring streamer game on the MO’ has commenced – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Last week I proclaimed that winter was loosening its grip. Winter countered my proclamation with yet another round of cold and snow.

Today I repeat my proclamation.

The sun is shining and the forecast is calling for highs in the 40’s for the next several days, trending towards 50’s next week.

Like the weather, fishing has been improving over the past several days though the ramps are still a problem and will likely continue to be for the next few days. Hopefully by the weekend the warmer temps and plentiful sunshine will have things in better shape but we encourage you to check out your put in and take out prior to committing to a float. At the very least give us a call before you come out and we’ll tell you what we know.

We did Craig to Spite Hill yesterday after hearing Mid Canon was a no – go. Both Craig and Spite were fine but they may get worse before they get better. We’ll keep you posted.

Nymphing was so-so yesterday and will be the preferred method for most for the next while. You’ll still want to concentrate your efforts on the slow, deep winter water…typically working inside out. Pill Popper was the bug of choice yesterday but you should do fine with anything pink. For my money it’s hard to beat a pink Amex trailed with a pill popper or a firebead anything but black zebra midges should also be a staple in your spring nymph arsenal. Tailwater sows, Bubble Yum Scuds, Rainbow Czechs, Rainbow Warriors, Wayno’s Cotton Candy, firebead rays, Rainbow Weight fly, Pinkalicious, Pederson’s Sow…you get the idea…status quo.

Dry fly fishing opportunities abound right now with an abundance of midges on the water and plenty of fish up. Yesterday was the most fish I’ve seen up so far this season. Keep your midge rig at the ready.

You won’t be surprised to hear that yesterday’s focus was streamer fishing. We fished some water I don’t spend a lot of time streamer fishing as well as some go-to spots and had a pretty good day overall. Slower, deep water and drop offs were productive. A slow and varied retrieve was effective but we got some action with a little more aggressive and active retrieve as well.

Olive, natural and white variations have been getting noticed. Slender, leechy patterns are a good bet but don’t be afraid to try something different. The browns are hungry and seem to be on the hunt. One rainbow and one mammoth whitey yesterday, all of the rest were browns.

If you haven’t done so yet this season it’s time to break out the streamer stick and go to work. Granted there are likely more fish still being caught on the swing right now but stripping season is upon us. We’ve got what is considered by some to be the best streamer selection on the Missouri and while we love dry fly fishing and nymphing, there are few things we are as passionate about as the streamer game. Stop in and check out our bugs and pick our brains…we’d love to feed your streamer addiction.

Our Spring Special has been on for weeks though the weather has kept trips to a minimum. That’s all about to change.

Shake that cabin fever and get out there. It’s time for spring fishing on the Missouri. $550 for two nights lodging and a full day guide trip now through the end of April. There are other deals out there…nobody, and I mean NOBODY can touch this one! It’s the BEST DEAL and longest running special on the MO hands down.

Look for more lodging to open up within the next week or two as traffic continues to increase. It’s been a long cold winter (and is likely not over) but spring is definitely in the air. Book your spring trip with Wolf Creek Angler today.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-03-07T21:12:33-07:00March 7th, 2018|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Welcome March

Just a quick follow-up on Monday’s ramp report. I did check all the launches yesterday and everything I said in that report holds true. A rope and a 4 x 4 for all of them, avoid Dearborn and Mt Palace altogether.

Mid Canon

Mountain Palace

Stickney

Prewett Creek

It felt like February would NEVER end but here we are, March 1st and it actually feels like winter may FINALLY be loosening its grip. It’s still cold and we’re still looking at snow in the forecast but those single digit temps seem to be gone for now, replaced with mid 30’s. The days are noticeably longer and it just feels like the shift is underway.

Traffic has increased ever so slightly both on the river and in the shop and we’re actually moving some bugs again. Lots of folks stopping in for their 2018 fishing licenses this morning. Don’t forget to purchase yours before you hit the water again.

There’s still plenty of ice on Holter and most of the fishing traffic continues to be out there but that will all change soon enough. March is midge madness month on the MO’ so dust off that dry fly rod and get out here. I’ve made it a point to try to catch a fish on a dry fly by the end of February each year but it got away from me this year. It was a brutally cold month for the most part so I barely fished and the couple times I did make it out I stuck to streamers and nymphs.

Nymphing will always be your best bet for numbers but streamer fishing and early spring dry fly fishing are definitely worth your time. Hot nymphs for March….status quo. Black Zebra midges, Rainbow Czechs, Pink Amex, Pill Poppers, Pinkalicious, Firebead anything, pink lighting bugs, UV Crush…you get the idea.

There’s really no time I don’t like to streamer fish but Mid March through April is probably my favorite time to throw streamers on the Missouri. Swinging and slow stripping is fine but once the water warms up you can really start to move those bugs and the fish will chase them down, sometimes following them all the way to the boat.

We’ve still been doing well with polar leeches, kreelex and clousers but it’s time to show them something they haven’t seen. Try some different patterns and some different colors and don’t be afraid to go big. It’s been a long, cold winter with very little fishing pressure…those big browns will soon be on the move looking for calorie rich targets, give em’ what they want.

Best bets for dry fly selection include Bucky’s Midge Cluster, Hi Vis Midge, Black Sipper, Hi vis Sprout, Adams Midge, Griffiths Gnat, Grizzly Midge Cluster…really any midge cluster will do. I like to lead mine with a parachute Adams just to provide a visual as most of these midge patterns are a little tough to see.

Once again, it’s still winter fishing but our sense is that things are about to change so get ready for the 2018 season to officially get underway soon.

Make us your first stop on the way to the river for licenses, flies, great deals on winter gear and the friendliest service and most laid back atmosphere you’ll find anywhere.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-03-01T19:42:13-07:00March 1st, 2018|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

The way to start the New Year!

I made it out Tuesday for the first float of 2018. It was a great way to kick off the season in every sense. The weather could not have been better, especially by January standards, with partly cloudy skies, calm winds and temps hovering around 50 all day. Not another boat on the water and just three wade anglers in seven miles of river…it doesn’t get much better.

Or does it? Yes it does when rods are bent for the better part of the day.

We nymphed a few rainbows up right away on the usual suspects (pink amex and various lucent pink beaded offerings). We wouldn’t see another rainbow all day.

The plan all along was to spend most of the day streamer fishing and despite the water temps hanging in the 34 degree range I was optimistic. The day just felt right. And while it seems many on the MO’ have taken to swinging through the winter months I’ve spent enough time floating dead of winter days stripping frigid waters to know that big trout will chase down a slow moving, big meal target.

My optimism was rewarded as I connected with one of the meatier browns I’ve caught on the Missouri just a few casts in. What a way to start the year! And it didn’t end there. A couple of hundred yards downstream after a swing and a miss by an equally impressive specimen I hooked and landed another 20″ beast and decided my day was complete…for the time being!

The action continued as we boated several more solid fish and broke off on a beast, all on the slow strip and all on variations of white. Things slowed after 3 pm and we only connected with one fish the last two miles of the float.

Every day is different but we’re finding that early afternoon 1-3 pm time slot to be the window for streamer action. Bomb the banks, let it sink and retrieve with slow, erratic strips with plenty of pauses in between. We fished relatively large patterns all day long and had action on everything we tried but it was ZK’s MK Ultra in grey which delivered for me.

ZK’s MK Ultra

I’m due for a slow day out there but thus far this has been the best winter streamer season I’ve had on the Missouri. The strip has produced and I’ve heard plenty of successful reports from the swingers as well so it’s dealer’s choice. Polar Leeches, Kreelex, Dungeons, MK Ultras, Sparkle Minnows all finding targets on the strip and the swing. White, grey, black, olive all good options.

We dipped into the single digits the following day and have been there for the remainder of this week but a warm up is underway just in time for the holiday weekend and we should see high 30’s and even some 40’s for the weekend and well into next week.

Grab your sink tips and your streamers or your nymph rigs and get out here, the fishing should be good and even if it’s not, what else do you have to do?

If you really want to treat yourself why not leave the rowing to us? Remember our Winter Special, full day Missouri River Guided float trips for one or two anglers for $350 or two nights of lodging and a full day on the water for $500.

Either way, stop in and see us on your way to the river. Shuttles, bugs, lodging and so much more. We are your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing Destination.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-01-12T18:06:04-07:00January 12th, 2018|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, ZK's MK Ultra|1 Comment

Fall Fishing is heating up

We’re still a couple of days out from the Autumnal Equinox and the official start of fall but the weather has run ahead, leaving summer behind and bringing on the cooler temps, the rain and even some snow.

It couldn’t have come at a better time with much of the west choking on smoke from the multitude of wildfires. Late last week we saw a beautiful soaking rain on Thursday followed by a winter storm over the weekend which brought a considerable amount of snow to the high country and a wintery mix at the lower elevations.

It looks like we’ll see similar conditions throughout the week with cloudy skies, a chance of rain every day and highs in the 50’s with lows dipping into the low to mid 30’s each night.

It definitely feels like fall out there and we’re starting to see the colors to go along with the weather. It feels so much like fall that I’m actually thinking about getting out to do some bow hunting this week.

And speaking of hunting…it’s time to start hunting big, colored up fall browns. Yes weeds are still a part of the deal but for those who enjoy the streamer game it’s time to get over it and start chucking the big stuff. Fall is our favorite time of the year for streamer fishing and we’ve already begun to have some good days out there. Sparkle Minnows, Dirty Hippies, Dolly Llamas, Circus Peanuts, Mini Dungeons, Inflated Egos, MK Ultras…..and many more.

Dry Fly fishing has been the talk this week but I think that has more to do with the increase in traffic (and subsequent increase in DFO’s) than it does with bug activity on the river. Pseudos, the occasional caddis and plenty of terrestrial action still to be had. BWO’s on the way. Tiny Pseudos, Buzzballs, CDC Caddis Emergers, Cinnamon Ants, Hoppers, October Caddis and the like could get you some action.

Nymphing has continued to be good and remains somewhat status quo with Crayfish, Czechs and black zebra midges leading the charge though tailwater sows have come on strong as of late as have some baetis nymphs like LGM’s, 2 bits, Split Case BWO’s, Peep Shows and BWO Magic Flies. Come check out our ever expanding fly selection.

It’s a busy week at WCA with a full house and a bunch of Missouri and Blackfoot trips out daily. We’re full through Sunday but things open up a bit next week. Give us a call and book yourself a couple of nights and a day on the water. Perfect autumn weather and hot fall fishing, what more could you want.

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-12-07T16:08:44-07:00September 19th, 2017|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Autumn is a magical time on the Missouri – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Cool mornings, shorter days, hungry browns, back to school specials, preseason football and the first of the Oktoberfest beers hitting the shelves has us thinking autumn. Have you booked your dates yet for fall fishing on the Missouri?

The leaves are beginning to change and while we’re still experiencing summer weather with abundant sunshine and highs in the 80s and 90’s it won’t be long before cooler temps will prevail.

It’s hard to pick a favorite season on the Missouri but if I had to choose, autumn definitely ranks right up there and is considered by many to be the most wonderful time of the year.

It’s been a great summer but we’re ready for the change.

The fishing has remained solid this past week with good nymphing, especially in the top section, and plenty of hopper and ant eats to keep things interesting.

There are a lot of bugs you could be using right now and catching fish but I’ve found no reason to stray from the black zebra midge/crayfish combo. Other good options would be Peep Shows, Pheasant Tails, Green Machines, Weight Flies, PsychoMays, S & M’s, Two Bits, Tailwater Sows, Fishfinder Worms, Wire Worms, UV Czechs, Lightning Bugs and Rainbow Warriors. Claws R Cray and Snapping Craws have been effective on the Crayfish front.

Moorish Hoppers in pink, peach or yellow have been effective as have Cinnamon Ants, Black Parachute Ants and Blooms Stealth Ant in purple. Chernobyl Ants, purple or gold chubbys and spruce moths have also been getting noticed.

There are still tricos to be found and you might find fish on them but we’ve pretty much abandoned that game and committed to the terrestrials.

Streamer fishing is heating up and will only improve from here on out. The weeds are definitely an issue but if you can work through it and maintain your composure you could have some outstanding streamer action.

October lodging is filling rapidly and we’re starting to book a good number of guide trips as well. We know the end of summer is a busy time for everyone but we urge you to take a few minutes and book your Missouri River fall fly fishing trip of a lifetime with Wolf Creek Angler soon.

We are your Missouri River fall fly fishing destination with everything you need for your visit. Clean and affordable lodging; the hardest working guides on the river; RO and Adipose drift boat rentals; shuttles; Simms outerwear, sportswear and accessories; lines, leaders and tipped from Rio, ARC and Trout Hunter; rods and reels from LOOP, Redington, Echo, Ross and Nautilus; Smith optics; piles of WCA hats and logo gear; tools and accessories from Loon and Fishpond and the near legendary largest and best selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Stop in and check out the best Missouri River fly shop you never knew was here.

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-12-07T16:24:30-07:00August 22nd, 2017|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: brown trout, Echo, Fishpond, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, Redington, RIO, RO Drift Boats, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Coming Soon…..

We’ve finally bid farewell to a long, quiet August and while today is a bit of a carryover with hot weather and a relatively quiet river, change is coming right on cue.

We’ll see temps cool over the next couple of days and it will really feel like fall on Sunday and Monday with rain and highs in the 50’s. Sounds like streamer weather to me….bring it on.

And speaking of streamers, I fished with my good friend Brad Turner http://www.pmangler.com/ from Michigan the last couple of days and despite the bright sunny conditions we did manage to move a bunch of fish and even boated a few. Brad is a total streamer junkie and taught me much of what I know about the streamer game. He likes to throw the BIG bugs and he and his crew back in Michigan have been revolutionizing the game in their own way with some cutting edge patterns designed to move in such a way when fished correctly that no self-respecting monster trout can resist at least coming out to have a look.

I was a bit skeptical since I’ve grown accustomed to the smaller bugs we typically throw on the MO’ but sure enough these bugs swim like none I’ve ever seen and we moved enough fish within a mile or two to make me a believer. I’ll be continuing to test these bugs out throughout the fall as the streamer fishing improves and you can expect to find a few of them in the bins at WCA very soon. These aint no wooly buggers….they’re big complex bugs and you’re going to work if you’re fishing them like they need to be fished! Amateurs need not apply! Intrigued? Book a streamer trip with WCA on the MO’ this fall or look Brad up for some Michigan streamer action on the Pere Marquette or Manistee. He’s also doing destination trips to the White in Arkansas. Inquire with him about this or give us a call and we can get you hooked up with his crew for Big Browns on the White in February. We may even join you!

Brad Turner with a beast of a White River Brown

We love throwing streamers, especially in the fall and spring, and while the Missouri is not known as a great streamer river, those who put in their time and work hard at it are often times rewarded. Stop by the shop for all the latest tips and techniques, a wide array of specialty streamer lines from Rio and Airflo, some awesome streamer sticks from Loop, Echo and St Croix and a great selection of bugs, many of which you won’t find in any other shop.

Don’t care for streamers? No worries! The nymphing has been consistently good, especially at the dam and while Trico fishing is all but done there is definitely enough terrestrial action to keep it interesting for those looking for the dry fly experience.

The water is in good shape by September standards and it looks like we’ll see consistent flows throughout the fall season. We did see a bit of a drop recently and it looks like we’ll be sitting just south of 4K for the fall and winter months. Current water temps are holding in the low to mid 60’s and should begin to drop into the 50’s with consistently cool nights and cooler daytime temps on the way. Have I mentioned that we’re getting excited about streamer fishing? Bring on the rain and cool weather. Screenshot (77)

A busy weekend ahead at Wolf Creek Angler though we do still have a few rooms available. Give a call today and book yourself a room and a day or two of fall fishing on the Missouri.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:32-06:00September 1st, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, fly fishing, Missouri River, RIO, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Fall on the Missouri – photo by Neale Streeks

Thinking about fall fishing on the Missouri? We are too!

October is one of our favorite months to fish the MO’ and judging by our lodging and guide trip bookings, it’s yours too.

The first three weeks of October look to be extremely busy though we still have openings so don’t put it off any longer, give us a call today and book that fall trip.

As of right now things are pretty busy starting around the middle of September and then thin out the last week of October. Keep in mind that these last few years the late October/early November fishing has been the best of the fall. The weather can be hit or miss but it’s typically cool/cloudy/snowy/rainy days that are preferred if fishing BWO’s is your game.

Fall is also the time for streamer fishing. Weeds will still be a factor but it’s definitely worth the effort when you hook into that giant Missouri River brown decked out in full spawning colors.

Don’t let the possibility of rain or sleet or snow or cold discourage you as it’s often the case that the worse the weather is the better the fishing is. And the beauty of lodging and fishing with WCA is that you’ve got a premier Missouri River fly shop on site ready to meet all of your fly fishing needs. Cold weather gear; layering; waders and boots; rods from Loop, Echo, St Croix and Redington; reels from Ross, Loop, Nautilus, Redington and Echo; ARC and Rio fly lines; packs, nets and accessories from Fishpond and the biggest and best selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana, including a streamer selection that rivals that of any other shop with a bunch of WCA Exclusives you won’t find anywhere else. We’re starting to stock up for fall fishing with all kinds of new bugs and new gear. Stay tuned for a MAJOR shop-related announcement coming soon!

So while it’s definitely still summertime on the Missouri it won’t be for long. Leaves are starting to change, pre-season football has started, the first of the Oktoberfest beers have already hit the shelves and in two weeks your kids will be back in school and you’ll all be wondering where the summer went. Fret not, fall is a magical time on the MO’.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 15th, 2016|Categories: Montana Fly Fishing, Uncategorized|Tags: ARC Fishing, brown trout, Fall fishing, Fishpond, fly fishing, Redington, RIO, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Weekend Update

front

Things continue to be a little tough out there but don’t despair. There are plenty of reasons you should be fishing the Missouri right now.

These are just a few of them.

1. HOOT OWL RESTRICTIONS

Screenshot (73)
Water levels continue to drop on many rivers around the state. Low flows mean high water temps, especially during hot weather. High water temps mean stressed trout. The Hoot Owl closure list continues to grow with a couple of rivers (Jefferson and parts of the Big Hole) now completely closed to fishing. Meanwhile on the Missouri we’re enjoying relatively stable flows in the 4100 cfs range and comfortable water temps in the low to mid 60’s. Rumor has it we’re going to see a drop in flows here as well but we don’t expect anything too drastic. Should we drop into that 3500 range you can expect more weeds but for the time being we’re liking the conditions on the river, especially by August standards. If Hoot Owl conditions have chased you off of your favorite water it’s time to hit the MO’.

2. LIGHT TRAFFIC

August is traditionally a slow month on the Missouri and while we appreciate the break after an extremely busy several months, six days in and we’re rested and ready to ramp up again! We typically see a big drop in traffic during August and early September despite the fact the fishing can be good. It can also be challenging but if it wasn’t a challenge what fun would it be? Regardless, for whatever reason, there aren’t a lot of people around in August so it’s the perfect time to come fish the Missouri if it’s relative solitude you seek. It’s not quite December solitude but you can usually find yourself a stretch of water void of other anglers. No waiting at the ramps, less competition on the water, immediate seating at Izaaks and plenty of vacancies in the area are all good reasons to try August fishing on the Missouri.

3. GRASSHOPPERS AND ANTS

Although not known as a great terrestrial fishery the Missouri gives up plenty of big browns to hoppers and ants strategically drifted and occasionally twitched through the right spots. Banks, seams, riffles…..you know the spots. Do a long float covering as much water as you can and be patient. Hopper fishing is rarely action-packed but there are occasional good days and frequent good parts of mediocre days so it’s definitely worth your while to give it a try. Not sure where to go? Stop by the shop and we’ll get you set up with the right bugs and give you some direction on where to go. If you really want to get your hopper game dialed in book a trip with us and we’ll have one of our expert guides take you to the ultra secret hopper hot zones. We’re happy to send you to these spots on your own but nobody knows the water better than those who are out there every day. If you are new to the Missouri or new to fly fishing or both we can’t stress enough how critical a guide trip can be to your future success or lack thereof. You’ll learn more in a day on the water with one of our guides than you could in a whole season of trying it on your own.

4. FLYSHOP EMPLOYEES ARE CRAVING HUMAN CONTACT

While it’s not quite that bad there are definitely some lonely spells in shop these days. The upside to this though is that we’ve got plenty of time to do things like cleaning the shop, grounds keeping….etc so the shop is really clean and the lawn is making a comeback after a bit of neglect since we’ve had plenty of time to dedicate to a sprinkling program. We’re busy working on fall fill in orders and starting to put together pre-season orders for 2017 and also doing a fair amount of lodging and guide trip boo

kings for fall and for next season. There are always things to do around the shop but our favorite thing to do in the shop is help customers so it would make our day if you came by.

5. DOG DAYS OF SUMMER LODGING SPECIAL

Now through the end of August book a guide trip and two nights lodging with Wolf Creek Angler and we’ll throw in a third night of lodging for free. That’s up to a $129 value. It’s a great opportunity to do a second guided day on the MO’ or to rent one of our RO or Adipose Drift Boats and try it on your own after which you can relax at WCA for another night for free.

See you soon at WCA.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 6th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Montana Fly Fishing, Uncategorized|Tags: brown trout, Dog Days, fly fishing, grasshoppers, Missouri River, RO Drift Boats, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

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