caddis Archives - Wolf Creek Angler

Mid-May on the MO

Halfway through May and the BLUR is on!

With rivers on the west side blown it’s been a busy week on the MO with a variety of weather conditions and what can only be called a mixed bag on the fishing and bug front.

We saw quite a Mother’s Day Caddis Event last week but that’s come and gone for the most part as has the BWO fishing. Midges continue to be a consistent option and the rumors are true…PMD’s have begun, weeks ahead of schedule.

Summer-like weather has had the river feeling more like July than mid-May but yesterday’s highs in the 80’s have been replaced by much more seasonal 50’s and 60’s and it looks like we’ll hold where we’re at for a while and even see some 30’s and 40’s on Sunday and Monday with a few snow showers possible before we climb back into the 60’s and 70’s next week.

The shuttle business has been booming with this week being our busiest of the season by far. We’ve seen a bit of a lull in lodging this week but that changes this weekend as we fill up and vacancies become scarce from here on out. We have had some cancellations here and there so please give us a call if you need lodging anytime over the next couple of weeks. We might just be able to help you out.

Nymphing has continued to produce with Tailwater sows and baetis nymphs still the go to’s but it’s definitely time to work some PMD nymphs into your offerings. Frenchies, PT Green Machines, Redemptions, Magic Flies, Gold Lighting Bugs, PMD Psycho Mays, PMD Perdigons and more. You might also swap out that Pill Popper lead fly for a Blow Torch, Tung Dart, Weight Fly or other Caddis offering.

Low light streamer fishing has continued to be a viable option with plenty of big-shouldered browns still on the hunt. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolt , Micro Dungeons and Space Invaders all good options.

Creek opener this Saturday….NOW you can fish the Little Prickly Pear! Unfortunately it’s been getting fished plenty this spring so it’s not exactly untouched water but it’s always nice to be back on the small water.

Shop Hours are 7 AM – 5 PM Daily and you’ve still got a week left to take advantage of our Spring Wader and Boot Sale. 20% off all waders and boots.

Make us your first and only stop on your way to the MO for the Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO and the largest selection of Missouri River bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana. We’re confident that once you give WCA a try you’ll see no reason to go anywhere else.

We are proud to be your one stop Missouri River Fly Fishing destination.

By Jason Orzechowski|2026-05-14T13:21:10-06:00May 14th, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: brown trout, caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Missouri River Mother’s Day

Just over a week into the month of May and things are busy as ever on the MO.

Some mornings it’s already been feeling like June with a steady stream of traffic in and out of the shop from doors open to around 11 AM.

Lodging is off and on with a full house some nights and a ghost town on others but usually somewhere in between.

Shuttles have been hard to plan for with a handful one day and hitting max capacity the next and while spring usually means a bunch of shuttles at the dam, traffic has been moving around a lot.

One day it feels like we’ve already entered the grind phase of the season, the next might be crickets or close to it.

Such is springtime on the MO.

As indicated by the movement of guide trip traffic, fishing has been solid river-wide with good nymphing most anywhere you go and localized dry fly opportunities ranging from waning BWO events to the old standby midge fishing and most recently loads of Caddis, particularly in the canyon stretch and a few March Browns in the mix making things interesting. More of this please!

Streamer fishing continues to be worth your time though I wouldn’t say this has ranked as one of our better spring streamer seasons. There have been some great browns chasing the streamer and some nice fish landed, but overall, I’d rate the streamer fishing a solid Meh…and that’s coming from someone who lives for this time of year as it relates to said streamers, so it pains me to say it.

You’ve heard it already and you will hear it again but for all sorts of reasons we need some water on the MO (and most every other river in the state of Montana). It doesn’t look like it’s going to happen this year, and we’ll be fine, but as we look beyond the current season, I for one have already added a daily appeal to the higher power for a real winter and an abundance of water in 2027 so if we see high water next year you’ll know why!

Just a few days left for our Mother’s Day Wader and Boot Sale which ends on Sunday. Forty percent OFF ALL WOMEN’S WADERS AND WADING BOOTS! This is in conjunction with our Spring Wader and Boot Sale running through Memorial Day with all waders and boots 20 percent off.

If you’re spending Mother’s Day on the MO stop by the shop for bugs and shuttles and pick up some new waders and boots for mom at the best prices you’ll see in 2026.

Springtime is in Full Bloom, and it looks like a gorgeous weekend ahead with sunny skies and temps in the 70’s tomorrow and Saturday. We will hit 80 on Mother’s Day with more of the same on tap for next week. Highs in the 70’s, overnight lows in the 40 and plenty of sunshine. It doesn’t get much better!

New Shop Hours starting Monday, May 11th. 7 AM – 5 PM Daily.

By Jason Orzechowski|2026-05-07T12:08:55-06:00May 7th, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: brown trout, caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, March Browns, Missouri River, Montana, Mother's Day, running line, spring fishing, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Go Time

While we’ve been anxiously awaiting a shot of spring snow and cold to slow things down and keep us in that early-season window, it doesn’t seem like Mother Nature got the memo. Buds are popping, grass is greening, and more days than not we’re seeing sunshine and temps that feel a lot more like mid-May than early April.

What’s also popping? Bugs.

Midges are everywhere, and we’ve been hearing reports of BWO’s showing up in fishable numbers in the canyon over the past week. Dry fly opportunities are on the table most days now, and only getting better. Midges are the Spring Training of the dry fly game—reliable, consistent, and a great way to knock the rust off—but the regular season is just getting underway. Look for BWO’s and midges to carry the load over the next 4–6 weeks, with March Browns and caddis not far behind.

Best Bets for midges…Bucky’s Midge Cluster, Black Midge, Griffith’s Gnat, Hi-Vis Midge, Grizzly Midge Cluster, Adams Midge Cluster. GO To BWO’s – Guide Winna Spinna BWO, Olive Haze, Hi Vis BWO, Pederson’s 401K Baetis, Sprout Baetis, Nyman’s DOA Cripple Baetis, Last Chance Cripple, Flash Cripple, Jake’s Hatchback Baetis…and so many more.

Spawning is still in full swing on the MO, so please be mindful of where you’re wading. Give those fish some space and let them do their thing—the future of this fishery depends on it.

If you’re looking for numbers, nymphing remains the go-to. Double sows are still punching the ticket more often than not. Zebra Midges, Ruby Midges, Little Green Machines, Magic Flies, Caviar Scuds, Pill Poppers, Amex, Pederson’s Sow, Bubble Yums, worms, and soft hackle sows are all getting it done.

The streamer bite has been solid—even under bluebird skies—but as always, low light is your best friend. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, Swim Coaches, MoJo Minnows, Micro Dungeons, Baby Gongas, Polar Leeches, Dirty Hippies, Lil’ Kims…you know the drill. Fish what you believe in. Water temps are still hanging in the low 40’s, so no need to get wild with the strip, but fish are definitely getting more aggressive and will chase on the right days. Mix up your retrieve, build in pauses, and don’t be afraid to fish everything from the depths to the shallows and tailouts—it’s all in play right now.

There’s truly no better time of year to fish streamers on the Missouri, and with some rain, snow, and cloud cover in the forecast for Sunday and Monday, things could get downright epic.

We’re open daily at 8 AM with everything you need for your day on the water—Cheapest DAM shuttles on the MO, the biggest selection of Missouri River bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana, and all the latest gear from the best brands in the business. New rods, reels, waders, boots, lines, leaders—you name it—arriving almost daily. ’Tis the season.

Lodging is fully open and guides are standing by. Give us a call or book your trip online—we’ll see you out there.

By Jason Orzechowski|2026-04-09T10:41:38-06:00April 9th, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, midge, Missouri River, Montana, pill popper, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Autumn in the Air

Summer has continued to hang around this week but autumn vibes are emerging, especially on these chilly Missouri River mornings.

Cooler, wet weather is on the way for the remainder of the week and into the early part of next week with a chance for showers each day, daytime highs in the 70’s and overnight lows dipping into the 40’s. The same system will deliver our first mountain snows of the season at elevations over 10,000 feet. We’ll see none of that but we’re excited to see fall weather shaping up as it should with fall technically still two weeks away. Bring it on!

Fall fishing is about to heat up as water temps cool. The Holter Dam to Craig run continues to see the most activity with double zebras getting it done in the grass flats. Your best bet for numbers for the next while will be nymphing that stretch but it’s obviously also where the traffic will be so if you’d prefer fewer boats and less competition don’t be afraid to work the middle and lower sections where you’ll likely end up with fewer fish but it’s a worthy trade for a bit more solitude on the water.

Best bets for nymphs right now would be your aforementioned Zebra Midges along with Frenchies, Little Green Machines, PT’s, October Caddis Nymphs, Sowbugs, Olive 2 Bits, Olive Psycho Mays and a host of other baetis nymphs.

Those looking for dry fly action have been hoping for better days with a lack of opportunities presenting themselves as of late. The waning tricos have all but wrapped up and terrestrials, while always a good fall option, haven’t been overly productive. Hoppers were hit and miss this season but will continue to play throughout September. Ants have historically been the preferred terrestrial but like the hoppers, just haven’t been overly productive this year. Keep at it with those terrestrials and start adding the October Caddis to your repertoire. September is the best month for the October Caddis on the MO…go figure.

If you’re into the tiny dry fly game you’re trico days are likely done for this season but you’ll be pleased to know that the oft despised Pseudocleoens have arrived. If fishing #22 dry flies makes you happy this is your time.

Personally, I could take or leave the Pseudos. Fall is STREAMER TIME as far as I’m concerned and weeds be damned; we’ll be ripping streamers from here on out. Our streamer bins have just been restocked with something for everyone. Whether buggers or balanced leeches or Sparkle Minnows or D & D’s or Wedge Heads and so much more, we’ve got you covered. Stop in and see why we’re known as THE BEST STREAMER SHOP ON THE MO hands down.

Need a new streamer line or maybe even a new rod and reel? We’ve got what you need with all the best sinking and intermediate options from SA, Rio and Airflo and rods and reels for every budget from Redington, Echo, Lamson and SAGE. Look for our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale COMING SOON!

We’re closing out a moderately busy guide week getting back into the swing of things while preparing for chaos next week with our busiest week of the fall by far. No guides available next week but if you’re looking to book that last minute trip things open up the following week through the end of the season.

Lodging is somewhat busy but we generally have at least a few vacancies nightly.

Our Autumn hours are now in effect, 7:30 AM – 5 PM daily. We hope you make us your first stop on your way to the river for shuttles, bugs and so much more.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-09-10T10:28:30-06:00September 10th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, green machine, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Montana, October Caddis, running line, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Dog Days Underway

Current Situation on the MO…Sunny and pleasant with high temps only in the low 80’s this week. We’ve seen fleeting thunderstorms come and go over the past couple of days resulting in a few new lightning ignited fires in the area including one on the Dearborn Ranch just NW of Wolf Creek which has burned about 200 acres as of this writing but appears to be progressing towards containment.

Flows are currently at 4690 CFS with water temps hanging in the low to mid 60’s, currently at 64 degrees.

Traffic has slowed not quite to a crawl but some days it sure feels that way. Expect more of the same for the next while with the exception of the occasional influx of those fleeing from low water conditions and Hoot Owl restrictions in effect around much of the region.

Tricos most days for the early crowd. Caddis towards evening with terrestrials filling in the daytime gaps. Nymphing never goes out of style but it gets a little more labor intensive this time of year with having to keep your rigs clean, and keep them clean you must…ALWAYS.

Purple Weight Flies and Frenchies remain the go to with LGM’s, PT’s, Zebras and various sub-surface caddis patterns getting the nod as well. Cray Days are here. Zirdles, Snapping Crays, Claws R Cray…these are a few of our favorites. If you have something different throw it, variety is often the key to success on the water as it is in life.

More guide trips going out than what you would expect with things as seemingly quiet as they are but by no means crowded out there. We have rooms aplenty if a last minute trip to the MO is on your mind. Give us a call at the shop to book today and if not for now, get those fall plans on the books as things are starting to fill up.

We’re open daily at 7 AM, ready to assist you with getting a good start to your day with all the right bugs, boat rentals, sun screen, ice and don’t forget the famed Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO.

WCA is your one-stop shop for everything you need for your day on the water and we’re right on your way from most everywhere. There’s no need to go any further than Wolf Creek unless you want to burn more fuel and pay more for your shuttle but that’s up to you.

Welcome to the DOG DAYS of Summer. See you out there.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-07-29T14:22:53-06:00July 29th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

July Fade

Barely a week remains as July fades and the dog days of late summer approach.

The beehive-like atmosphere we’ve seen for weeks on end has quieted as prime time now resides in the rearview of this 2025 campaign.

We’re still a week or two out from the late summer ghost town but the crowds have certainly thinned.

The Prime Time regulars have come and gone. The daily cat herding involved with getting a dozen or more guide trips out the door has temporarily ended, the endless rental boat launches/retrieves have subsided and the traffic jam at the front counter has eased significantly.

It’s been a BUSY spring into summer and in spite of the waning cash flows typical of this time of the season we welcome the pause, if for no other reason than to catch our breath and gear up for the next round.

Fishing has not disappointed, and it should continue to be good, especially with the decreased pressure. Look for Tricos to continue to provide an exceptional dry fly experience during the earliest and latest hours of the day followed by an adequate hopper bite and decent caddis activity throughout the day.

Nymphing hasn’t really slowed down though there have been a handful of slower days mixed in for good measure. Frenchies and Purple Weight Flies continue to outpace just about everything else in the nymph bins but there are plenty of other options that will catch fish right now including Zebra Midges, Sow bugs, Zirdles, PT’s and a wide variety of caddis pupae and emergers.

How about streamers you ask…definitely a challenge with the amount of weeds in the river but I’m hearing the bite has been solid so don’t overlook it as an option. Patience is required.

Hoot Owl Restrictions have gone into effect on many Montana waters as stream flows continue to plummet. Slightly below average temps and a shot of rain here and there have been helpful but the fear remains that this late summer season is going to be a struggle. We don’t anticipate restrictions on the MO though if angler migration from other rivers becomes an issue that could have an adverse effect on things here. We’re keeping a close eye on things.

We’re currently looking at flows of 4300 cfs on the Missouri with water temps in the 63 – 64 degree range. We encourage everyone to carry a stream thermometer and check water temps often regardless of whether or not there are restrictions in place on the river you are fishing. If you see water temps anywhere near the 67 degree (or warmer) mark, it’s time to quit fishing. We carry several different stream thermometers including the Fishpond Riverkeeper Digital. If you don’t have one and you plan on fishing in Montana between now and September you need to invest in one.

We are open daily from 7 AM – 5 PM for all of you Missouri River trout fishing needs. Ice, bugs, Stream Thermometers, sunscreen, fishing licenses, The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO and so much more. We hope you make us your first stop on your way to the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-07-22T15:18:39-06:00July 22nd, 2025|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, Fishpond, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Happy Independence Day from Wolf Creek Angler

Summer continues its frenetic pace with Independence Day upon us. We are definitely in the midst of the blur with a brief respite during the Fourth as the fishing set typically leaves the river to the splash and giggle crowd for the holiday.

It could be a relatively quiet weekend on the water with the forecast calling for cooler temps and rain tomorrow afternoon into Saturday but Sunday looks like a return to summer with sunshine and temps in the 80’s headed back to 90’s by the middle of next week.

The epic PMD campaign of 2025 is coming to a close but it’s not over just yet. Tricos have been ramping up this week so if early mornings and tiny bugs are your thing then this is your time.

Evening caddis action has been hit or miss but there are ample opportunities out there for those willing to put the time in.

We’re loaded up with a bunch of new Trico and Caddis patterns and well stocked on the old stand byes as well. Hopper bins are full, meticulously curated by yours truly yesterday afternoon. It’s on the early side for actual hoppers but ants and spruce moths are coming into play. We are your terrestrial source on the MO with piles of foam and the best selection of Micro chubbies in the canyon.

Still on the bobber program? Fear not! The nymph bins have been picked over pretty good this season but we’re pretty good at staying well stocked on the necessities. Frenchies, Weight Flies, LGM’s, PT’s, mountains of sow bugs and bin after bin of Zirdles and Crays.

There’s not much we don’t have in the bins at WCA. After all, it is the largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Rental boats are spoken for through the middle of the month. Guides will be hard to come by until August and though there is a slight lull in lodging just for these couple of days around the holiday we’re back to a full house starting Sunday.

Stop in for shuttles, bugs, ice, fishing licenses, sun gear, rain gear and so much more.

We’re open daily at 7 AM for all of your Missouri River summer fly fishing needs.

Happy Fourth of July from all of us at WCA!

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-07-03T12:01:06-06:00July 3rd, 2025|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Summer Solstice

On this, the eve of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, we’re left wondering how it’s possible that June has nearly passed us by.

Summer is being ushered in with a cold front paired with rain and mountain snow. Perhaps not the preferred forecast for those seeking summer sun but definitely the weather we need as much of the region is already grappling with drought conditions.

Soggy Summer Solstice

Enjoy your summer weather today with sunshine and highs near 90. Tomorrow brings a chance of showers and thunderstorms throughout the day with a high of 73 degrees. Chance of rain is 100 percent. More of the same tomorrow night with lows in the low 40’s.

The trend continues on Saturday with rain and highs in the low 60s and more of the same on Sunday with highs struggling to hit 60 degrees.

Summer sun and heat will return early next week with temps climbing back into the 70’s and 80’s.

The weekend weather could put a damper on the phenomenal PMD fishing we’ve been experiencing these past couple of weeks but we’ll trade a day or two of dry fly fishing for any precipitation we can get.

As summer heat returns next week expect plenty of company out there. Expect a bunch of boat traffic, an army of wade anglers and no shortage of rec floaters also enjoying this amazing water we call home. It’s officially SUMMERTIME on the MO!

Did I mention phenomenal PMD action? Why yes, I did and it is. The best in years! How long will it last? It’s hard to know but there’s only one way to find out.

Visit Wolf Creek Angler on your way to the water and stock up on the latest and greatest techy PMD patterns. We like a GWS spinner or Jake’s Hatchback paired with a Film Critic, Last Chance Cripple or CDC emerger. You’d also do well to add a few Rusty Spinners into your mix.

Arm yourself with an ample supply of bugs and prepare to deliver perfect presentations (or as close to it as you can get). Fishing to a pod of sippers is NOT the ideal place to practice your casting technique or to perfect your drift, you had all winter to work on it.

Fishing a caddis allows for some level of sub-perfect drift as a skating/skittering caddis often attracts a violent take. Try a Missouri River CDC Caddis, Outrigger Caddis, Stockingfoot Caddis, Cornfed Caddis or any number of classic variations of Elk Hair offerings. And while you’re stocking up on dry flies don’t forget the Buzzballs. Summertime is Buzzball time on the MO.

Terrestrials are starting to come into play. Ants will get some looks. Hoppers on deck.

Those chasing bobbers are also faring well with Split Case PMD’s, Crackbacks and Frenchies leading the charge. PT Little Green Machines, PMD Psycho May and Magic Fly, Doc’s PMD, Stockers Two Hot PMD, Purple or Gold Weight Fly, Tung Darts all good options.

Streamers….not so much but if you can contend with the rapidly increasing volume of aquatic vegetation and you’re convinced you’re going to entice that fish of a lifetime knock yourself out.

Water levels are currently at 4380 CFS with water temps just north of 60 degrees. We’ve likely seen the peak flows come and go; it wasn’t much.

We’re open early, 7 AM daily, and we literally have EVERYTHING you need for your day on the water including sunscreen, ice, the best free coffee in the canyon and The CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES ON THE MO.

We’re in the midst of PRIME TIME so lodging is pretty well spoken for, guides are booked solid and rental boats are in heavy rotation and are pretty tough to come by. Disappointing for those looking for that last minute pilgrimage to the MO but it’s a good reminder to make those plans now for 2026. The vast majority of our PRIME TIME bookings are made a year in advance, just something to keep in mind.

Happy Summer Solstice! We hope to see you soon for PRIME TIME on the Missouri.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-06-19T13:33:45-06:00June 19th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: caddis, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, pmd's, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Early June Delivers

It doesn’t seem possible but here we are, days into what folks from around the globe dream of year-round…June on the Missouri River.

Mind you June, especially early June, often means big water and big water often runs cold and delays those prime conditions for DRY FLY NIRVANA but not this year.

This season we’ve yet to see anything resembling big water and while many consider this to be a net positive, we are still holding out a slight hope that spring rains will bring us a bump in flows.

It could happen. Odds are it won’t.

We’ve not seen a bump on the Little Prickly Pear or Dearborn which are both running low and clear and it looks like flows are projected to flatline for the majority of the season at around 4,000 CFS, below the current 5200 CFS which we can only assume will be our peak flow for 2025.

What does it all mean? From the perspective of maintaining a healthy river we always prefer to see at least a taste of flushing flows in the 15K+ range which allows for a flushing of the system and a scrubbing of the substrate. High water, while sometimes challenging to deal with from the angler’s perspective, ALWAYS results in better bugs and usually a spike in fish numbers in subsequent seasons, but worry not, these lower flows carry with them the blessing of an early start to PRIME TIME conditions on the MO.

The flows and the water temps have resulted in one of the earlier PMD emergences we’ve seen in recent memory, like a week or two early!

Spring has been on the chilly side overall, a couple of brief heatwaves notwithstanding, which has made for some challenging fishing over these last couple of weeks. There have been good days. There have been plenty of tough days leaving many of our DIY guests as well as plenty of guides scratching their heads.

Rumors of PMD’s surfaced two weeks ago and were summarily dismissed as mis identification or maybe just wishful thinking but alas, it was true, PMD’s had begun to show themselves but fishing remained touch and go.

Earlier this week things turned around as the switch was flipped and epic days of fishing were seemingly had by the majority of those on the water, at least the majority of those with whom we’ve been talking.

Epic bugs, epic dry fly takes, epic nymphing. If you missed fishing these first days of June on the MO you definitely missed out. What a pay off for those rolling the dice with early June bookings. It’s not supposed to be this way but it was and it is and while we have every confidence that there will be more tough days ahead, it seems the start of the PRIME has occurred which means we could be looking at some extra innings of awesomeness in 2025 on the Missouri.

Get those PMD boxes organized, refreshed and resupplied and keep the Caddis boxes at the ready as well. Both are providing plenty of early dry fly opportunities. This is the time!

Perfect casts and perfect drifts ALWAYS encouraged but you might just be able to get away with some less-than perfect presentations for a minute while the fish acclimate and learn to distinguish between what is real, what sure looks like it could be real and what looks absolutely unlike anything that should be eaten.

We’re loaded up with piles of techy new PMD and Caddis patterns as well as the old standbys you have no reason not to fish.

On the nymph side it’s time for Split Case PMD’s, PT Little Green Machines, PMD and Rusty Magic Flies, Redemptions, Psycho Mays, Frenchies and the like but don’t abandon the sowbugs…never abandon the sowbugs.

We are open early every day at 7 AM or before with EVERYTHING you need for your day on the water. Shuttles, bugs, Adipose drift boat rentals, Trxstle rod racks, ice, sunscreen, raingear, sunglasses, rods, reels, lines, leaders, tippet, boots, waders, fly treatments, tools, packs, some of the best coffee you’ll find in the canyon and of course the friendly customer service and expert advice you’ve come to expect from Wolf Creek Angler, your Outfitter Owned and Operated Missouri River Fly Fishing Headquarters.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-06-05T12:53:54-06:00June 5th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, pmd's, running line, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Soggy Spring on the MO

It’s been a wet week here on the MO but that’s really had no effect on traffic. This time of year it’s go time – rain or shine. Spring bookings are a roll of the dice weather wise with April – June being our rainiest months of the year but those booking spring trips generally know what they’re in for.

It can be sunny and hot one day with temps plummeting the next accompanied by rain or snow. The fish don’t mind. The bugs do but sooner or later it all comes together.

Sunshine has been scarce this week making this morning’s break from the constant cloud cover a welcome site. Cloudy wet days are actually the preferred conditions on the water as far as fishing goes but after a few chilly rain soaked days it’s nice to see and feel the sun.

We’ll see a mixed bag this weekend with rain in the forecast for later today and on Sunday. A drier start to the week next week but still cooler with highs in the 60’s edging upwards late next week into the 70’s.

The cool, cloudy wet days have been perfect for BWO’s but not so much for Caddis. Look for BWO’s to continue to dwindle as we head into the second half of May. Caddis will pop with a little heat. March Browns will continue to tease. PMD’s are on the horizon and midges will persist.

Many are here seeking the dry fly bite and while we’ve had bugs and ample opportunities on the right days those opportunities can often seem to be somewhat elusive. Keep after it and don’t be afraid to fish blind with a caddis or Parachute Adams or Purple Haze. Pods should obviously be targeted by matching the hatch but in the absence of pods and/or bugs you could do worse than running the aforementioned Caddis or Adams tight to the bank and seeing what happens.

As always, nymphing is your go to. They’re still eating the sow but baetis nymphs like the Little Green Machine, PsychoMay and Magic Fly have been the better bugs as of late. Keep fishing those and start to work in some PMD nymphs like the Split Case, Crackback, Magic Fly or Redemption.

Flows have been jumping around a bit, currently 4920 CFS with water temps at 51 degrees. Changes in flows can sometimes have a negative effect on feeding patterns, as can changes in weather patterns. I guess what I’m trying to say is that despite what you may have read or heard elsewhere, it hasn’t exactly been lights out every day. There have certainly been some hot windows but a fair number of lulls in the action as well…and not just for the DIY anglers.

The MO may be as close to a guarantee as you can get when it comes to numbers and quality of fish but…NEWSFLASH…we do have slow days on the MO as well so keep those expectations in check and don’t let a tough day get you down. After all, no matter how many fish you catch or don’t catch you are blessed to be on these fabled waters, drifting through these magical landscapes seeking encounters with these amazing creatures. At least that’s how I see it.

We’ve been busy in the shop and on the shuttle circuit and lodging has been full for the most part more nights than not…it’s a fun time of year to be in the business! We’re open daily from 7 AM – 5 PM and we’re here for anything and everything you need for your day on the water. From The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO to the largest selection of Missouri River bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana to rain and wading gear from Simms and Korkers to fishing licenses to ice to sunscreen to Sage rods and Lamson reels and so much more. We hope you make us your first stop on your way to the MO.

Save Gas. Save Time. Shop at Wolf Creek Angler!

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-05-16T09:47:22-06:00May 16th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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