cheapest dam shuttles on the mo Archives - Page 2 of 2

This Weekend on the MO

Creek fishing opens this Saturday

Another heat wave on the way this weekend with temps expected to approach 90 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. As luck would have it we’re currently experiencing some smoke from the wildfires burning in Alberta and British Columbia which does affect air quality to an extent but more importantly it also provides overcast conditions, all the better for those fishing the MO.

Current air quality conditions in Wolf Creek are moderate for the most part, worse as you travel to Helena and Great Falls. Expect hazy conditions today through Saturday with things starting to clear on Sunday.

Saturday is the general stream opener in Montana which will soon begin to distribute the angling traffic around the region however with the current streamflows already running high and hot weather on tap for the weekend which will likely bring about an increase in runoff, we’re expecting continued heavy traffic here for the time being.

We’re in good shape on the Missouri with current flows at 7000 CFS with water temps right around 50 degrees. Flows on the Dearborn and Prickly Pear have steadily dropped this week but will likely be on the rise again this weekend. Both are adding color to the MO but not in a bad way – chalky, not muddy. Just how we like it.

It’s been a decent week for BWO’s, especially with the low light conditions and there are a few caddis bouncing around out there as well as some march browns and of course, the ever-present midges which are still providing plenty of low light action for the dry fly set. Much more to come!

Nymphers are replacing sow bugs and scuds with BWO and PMD nymphs as well worms and zirdles in select locales. You needn’t abandon the sows altogether though as they are on the menu every month of the year on the Missouri.

Streamer fishing has been good enough with the better action during low light as you would expect. White, tan, yellow, olive….all good choices. Deeper has been better with a moderate retrieve and plenty of pauses in between. Work the banks, making sure you hit every fishy looking seam and pocket and every under-brush lair. There’s a reason you think those spots look fishy. It’s because they are. That being said, you’ll also want to hit island tailouts mid-river riffles and drops, water that maybe doesn’t look quite as sexy but which may hold the beast you’re seeking.

We’re open at 7 AM daily with everything you need for your day on the water, be that the MO or anywhere else. The CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES on the MO and so much more!

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-05-18T11:34:13-06:00May 18th, 2023|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, midge, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Two weeks into May and we’re rapidly settling into the grind.

The new Wolf Creek Angler crew is continuing to take shape, guides are fully ensconced in the groove and honestly, it feels busier at this point in the season than I can recall it ever being which is obviously partially a product of the influx of guide traffic from other parts of the state but I like to think it’s also a product of WCA continuing to grow and gain momentum as your Missouri River fly fishing destination.

We recently welcomed Keith Tucker aboard as our go to shop guy. Keith’s been doing the salt water thing as a captain in the Florida keys for the past 9 years and brings with him a wealth of experience in the industry. Stop in and meet him next time you’re headed to the MO.

Lodging has been slammed with WCA guests as well as a steady stream of folks fishing with other outfitters and many of those outfitters and guides also staying with us when vacancies allow. We’ve always worked hard to build these relationships with our colleagues in the industry and we’re thrilled that in what is definitely a highly competitive business, we’ve established a trust that allows for working together.

WCA has long been a favorite haunt of many guides and outfitters who prefer the chill nature of our location to the chaos.

Fishing has been consistently spectacular despite the concentration of traffic in the upper stretches. It’s definitely been busy, more days than not.

A steady parade of drift boats can be found at the dam daily from first light to early afternoon with the busiest time generally in the 9 AM – 11 AM range. If you don’t want to see other boats you should probably think about hitting a different river but an extra early start or a post 11 launch will alleviate some of that sense of crowding.

Guides who have worked on the Missouri know the drill and when everyone operates within the accepted parameters things go swimmingly. You’ve seen the fish numbers. There are plenty of fish and even in a short stretch of river there is plenty of water to accommodate the heavy traffic. What’s always amazing is how consistently good the fishing is day after day even with this kind of pressure. It’s truly an amazing fishery.

With the Little Prickly Pear and Dearborn on the drop things are rapidly coming into shape on the lower stretches and traffic has started to spread out accordingly. You’ll still see crowds at the dam but now there are a host of options if you want to get away from some of that traffic.

Current water conditions on the Missouri – 7290 CFS, water temp 47.5 degrees. Little Prickly Pear and Dearborn at 405 and 851 cfs respectively and dropping. We expect we’ll see some traffic on the Dearborn this weekend. Call the day before for shuttles as we’re planning on doing just one or two runs a day to the Dearborn depending on demand.

Nymphing continues to be the numbers game with sow bugs still reigning as the go to food source but with the water temps steadily climbing the baetis action is heating up. BWO nymphs should definitely be a part of your arsenal at this point. Little Green Machines, Psycho Mays, Redemptions, Pheasant Tails, Military Mays, Radiation Baetis, Olive or Pearly Lighting Bugs, Split Case BWO’s….all good options and don’t be afraid to work some PMD nymphs into the mix as well, it won’t be long. You might start with a PMD Magic Fly or a Split Case or Crack Back PMD.

Dry fly anglers are finding targets with midges, BWO’s and a few March Browns around and Caddis waiting in the wings. First or last light is best, cloudy days offer some mid-day opportunities.

Streamer fishing has been hit or miss but definitely worth your time. Brown and Yellow has been good with white, natural and olive all getting some attention as well. Ply the shallows off the banks, dredge the depths, vary your retrieve and if you’re not getting looks then change bugs. It can be slow going. It can turn on just like that and shut down just as quickly.

Need gear? We’ve got you covered with a streamer line for any and all situations or just go with a VersiLeader if you’re not ready to commit. Come by and try a Streamer X or Sage Igniter if you’re in the hunt for a new streamer stick.

Got questions? We’ve got answers. From gear to rigging to bug selection we are the Missouri River Streamer Authority!

The shop is open early, 7 AM daily with everything you need for your day on the water. Simms waders and boots, sun protection, Adipose drift boat rentals, fishing licenses, piles of fresh WCA logo gear, the CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES ON THE MO and of course the most extensive selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-05-11T12:55:34-06:00May 11th, 2023|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: Adipose, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Easing Into Spring

As we approach mid-April things are slowly, but surely starting to look (and feel and smell) like spring.

Sunshine and 70’s on Monday FINALLY took care of the snow that had been lingering here around the shop since NOVEMBER.

But don’t swap out the fleece and flannel for flip flops just yet. We’re currently under a WINTER STORM WARNING in effect from 6 PM tonight through 12 AM on Friday. Today looks perfect with a slight chance of rain, mostly cloudy skies, high in the low 50s and light and variable wind.

Rain changes to snow tonight with a low of 34 and tomorrow looks fairly miserable with a high of 42, snow early on changing to rain in the afternoon and north winds 10-13 mph with gusts to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent with 1 – 2 inches of accumulation possible. If this was October it might be the makings of an epic BWO day but with our water temps still well shy of 40 degrees we’re a ways out from that.

Current water flows are higher than we’ve seen in a while at around 5400 cfs. Expect those flows to bump as the spring progresses. We’ll likely see increases up to 8K in May, peaking at around 10K before settling back to the current 5 – 6K in June. These flow predictions are great for the health of the river and obviously indicate a good looking big picture for all of the regional waters for the 2023 season. Snow pack currently ranges from 90 to 120 percent of average for the vast majority of the region.

The warm weather brought out a fair amount of traffic over the Easter weekend and Monday was the busiest day we’ve seen in a while. High wind warnings kept folks away yesterday on a day which turned out to be pretty damn nice. It’s a quiet hump day but the river will be busy this weekend if our bookings are any indication.

We’re close to a full house this weekend but we do have a couple of vacancies if you’re looking to spend your weekend on the MO.

We’ve also got our first big group trip of the season with the Annual Iron Fly Outfitting/Hidden Canyon Lodge Women’s Intermediate Fly Fishing Clinic happening Saturday and Sunday.
Winter Storm Warning aside – it looks to be a perfect spring weekend with plenty of sunshine and ideal temps in the 50’s on Saturday and edging back towards 70 on Sunday.

We’re expecting a busy weekend so get here early and beat the rush. The shop is literally bursting at the seams with new product so please come and take some of this stuff off of our hands. Waders and outerwear from Simms and Redington, boots from Simms and Korkers, rods and reels from SAGE, LAMSON, ECHO and REDINGTON and piles of fly lines from SA, Rio and Airflo. From general purpose weight forward floating lines to a full range of specialty sink lines and EVERYTHING in between we’ve got you covered.

With all of the new product coming in we’ve had to make some room so we’re clearing out a bunch of winter inventory at incredible prices. 30 – 40 percent off on winter wear and fly lines. Get em’ before they’re gone!

Need flies? You won’t find a better selection of Missouri River flies ANYWHERE! Those trendy bugs you’re reading about in all of the fishing reports- we’ve got em’. We’ve got em’ all! Pill Poppers, Bubble Yums, Tailwater Sows, Radiation Baetis, Amex, Cotton Candy, Yum Yums, Rainbow Czechs, Zebra Midges, Ray Charles, Little Green Machines and on and on. Looking for dries? We’ve got midge patterns galore and more BWO patterns than you’ll know what to do with. Looking for classics? Look no further. Parachute Adams, Purple Haze, Pheasant Tails, Hares Ears…we’re fully stocked on all of the classics in all of the sizes. And these aren’t shop ties or knock offs – these are the real deal from trusted brands like Montana Fly Company, Umpqua, Solitude Flies and Yellowstone Fly Goods.

Skwalas? Of course. We’ve got bins full of them.

Streamers? Ha! Don’t get me started. We are the undisputed Streamer Authority on the MO!

Need a couple more reasons to make Wolf Creek Angler your Missouri River Fly Fishing Destination?

Our guides are amongst the very best in the region with well over a century of combined experience. And not only are they fishy, you won’t find a more patient and humble crew anywhere. If you like a guide with a huge ego who spends half the day yelling at you and the other half telling you what a great guide they are then you’ll want to book elsewhere. You won’t find them here.

Our lodging is still amongst the most affordable in the area and your comfort while staying with us is our number one priority. Following our major remodel this winter we now have rooms ranging from basic motel style rooms to fancy efficiencies, something to fit every budget. We are dog friendly in most of our rooms with the exception of the newly remodeled bungalows.

We offer the cheapest dam shuttles on the MO…spread the word!

we are your source for Fishing licenses, ice, hats and socks and gloves, sunscreen and buffs, piles of tools and accessories from MFC, SA and more.

Wolf Creek Angler is closer to the Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge fishing access sites than any other shop. LPP and the Dearborn are currently dumping mud into the MO so chances are you’ll be starting at one or the other for the time being.

Wolf Creek is the home of Lazy I Beerworks with over 20 beers on tap and also home to the Canyon Store which is the ONLY place for gas and groceries between Helena and Cascade.

Wolf Creek is just 7 miles from Craig, home of Izaaks and the Craig Taphouse and I think there are a couple of other fly shops there as well.

As you can see, Wolf Creek is, by all measures, your Missouri River spring fly fishing destination.

See you in the shop and on the water soon.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-04-12T11:29:18-06:00April 12th, 2023|Categories: Local Buzz, Shop Life|Tags: annual women's intermediate fly fishing clinic, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, Craig Taphouse, dry fly fishing, Echo, fly fishing, green machine, Hidden Canyon Lodge, iron fly outfitting, Izaaks, Lazy I Beerworks, Missouri River, Missouri River Fly Fishing Destination, Montana Fly Company, pill popper, Redington, RIO, Sage, simms, solitude flies, Streamer Fishing, Umpqua, winter storm warning, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, yellowstone fly goods|1 Comment

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This Weekend on the MO

Mid May on the MO

Easing Into Spring