Christmas Archives - Page 2 of 4

December on the MO

Welcome to December on the Missouri.

This is traditionally our slowest month of the year in the shop as people get distracted from fishing by the onset of winter and the busy holiday season.

Be that as it may, we’re here, anxious to help you in any way that we can.

While we don’t typically see a lot of traffic in the shop this time of year we are busy on the phones and busy at the keyboard booking trips and lodging for the coming season.

Prime dates are filling quickly so don’t put it off any longer if you plan on booking with us for 2020, especially June and July which are rapidly approaching capacity.

The Thanksgiving winter storm pretty much shut things down out here over the weekend with folks opting for food and football and couch time rather than battling single digit temps and snow. The weather has improved and fishing could be good this week though if you’re planning on coming out to float keep in mind the ramps could be a challenge. We sold a couple of Wolf Creek to Craig shuttles this morning which were abruptly changed when the guys got down there and found there was a vehicle stuck on the ramp.

It’s never a bad call to have tire chains this time of year or a tow strap or rope at the least just in case the ramps are a problem.

We’re currently sitting at 42 degrees with partly cloudy skies and it looks to be much of the same throughout this week. Expect breezy conditions with this warmer air but don’t let that deter you. This could be your last, best week to fish the Missouri in 2019!

We’ve got plenty of lodging availability and we can definitely find a guide or two if you want to get in a trip before winter really sets in.

Seeing as today is Cyber Monday perhaps you’re online getting all of your Christmas shopping done. If so, good for you. That leaves you three weeks to fish. If not, maybe we can help with that Christmas shopping.

We’re not much for cyber shopping here. We prefer the brick and mortar and while we may not be offering cyber deals we are offering plenty of great deals nonetheless.

Now through Christmas we’re offering 25 percent off all rods and reels and if you buy a rod and reel combo we’ll throw in an ARC fly line and backing for free.

We’ve got soft goods on sale from 25% – 50% off as well as holiday deals on flies, lines, leaders, tippet and so much more.

WCA Gift Cards also make great gifts for all of the fly fishers on your list.

We’re open daily at 8 AM and hope to see you this holiday season at Wolf Creek Angler.

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-12-02T18:57:18-07:00December 2nd, 2019|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: Christmas, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The First Day of Winter has us thinking SUMMER!

The Winter Solstice is upon us. The shortest day and longest night of the year.

It’s a special day as it means we’ve crossed that threshold officially beginning the countdown to summer 2019.

Sure, we’ve got a long ways to go but beginning tomorrow each day will be a little bit longer and before you know it we’ll be right back into Prime Time on the Missouri.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The Winter Solstice is the moment at which the Earth’s axis tilts the Northern Hemisphere farthest from the sun’s warmth. This year’s Winter Solstice is unique in that it coincides with the onset of the December Full Moon. Often referred to as the Cold Moon, December’s full moon is also known as the Long Night Moon, the Moon Before Yule and the Oak Moon. Along with the Cold Moon the Ursid Meteor shower will also be visible in the night sky during the longest night of the year. The forecast is calling for a mostly cloudy night in our neck of the woods but if you can find yourself some clear skies it could be quite a show.

As if the Winter Solstice weren’t reason enough to celebrate we’re also just a few days out from Christmas with New Year’s Eve looming so while the longest night of the year might not sound like a cause for celebration if you focus on what’s beyond it like holiday festivities and more importantly like long summer days and bugs and trout you’ve got every reason in the world to celebrate!

Thinking about summertime… photo by Wolf Creek Angler

We’ll be raising a glass tonight, how about you?

Why not continue the celebration by spending the first weekend of the winter on the Missouri. The weather looks to be decent with sunny skies on Saturday, mostly cloudy skies on Sunday and highs near 40 both days and while the winds continue to howl today the forecast looks favorable for diminishing winds beginning tomorrow.

Knock out your last minute Christmas shopping at Wolf Creek Angler and treat yourself to a day or two on the water. We’ve got all kinds of great deals going on right on through Christmas on the stuff they really want, not just the stuff that didn’t move this year. Waders, boots, rods, reels, sportswear, outerwear and much more from the best brands in the business….all at the best prices of the season. You can’t afford to pass these deals up.

We’ve also got lodging available for $99/night and guides on call for $400 full day Missouri River guide trips just in case you want to make a weekend of it. Remember, $500 (plus tax) gets you two nights of premium lodging and a full day Missouri River guide trip for one or two anglers all winter long. This is the best deal you’ll find on the MO this winter, hands down…we guarantee it!

Happy Winter Solstice!

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-12-20T17:15:51-07:00December 21st, 2018|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: Christmas, Cold Moon, Long NIght Moon, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Ursid Meteor Shower, Winter Solstice 2018, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Our picks for the best fly fishing gifts of 2018.

Simms ColdWeather LS Shirt/Pants $99.95

Longtime staples around here for cold weather fishing and all around winter wear.

Quick dry warmth featuring micro fleece waffle-lining But Simms takes this hardworking mainstay into the 21st, with the boosted warmth of waffle-lined micro-fleece internals. ColdWeather LS features include quick-dry performance, potent UPF 50 sun protection, and chafe-free, off-shoulder seaming for added comfort. Stash gear in two super-sized, top-close chest pockets. And stay effortlessly stylish in these ultrawarm, brushed-flannel performance plaids.

Pants equipped for deep-freeze conditions. Subzero mornings? No sweat. Simms’ Coldweather Pants combat the conditions thanks to micro fleece-lined internals and hand-warmer pockets. Angler-appreciated extras include COR3™ fabric technology; an adjustable waist with a corrosion-fighting center-front snap; and articulated knees for bolstered durability and massive mobility.

Redington Behemoth Reels $139.99

Our best selling reel in its class!

Our BEHEMOTH reel combines the most powerful drag in its class with stunning aesthetics that push the limits of fly reel design. The unique, un-machinable, die-cast construction is coupled with a durable, interlocking, large-arbor spool design that both looks and functions like a premium reel. A super-heavy duty carbon fiber drag package brings the utmost in drag strength, reliability and performance to the family. Sized for your favorite 5-weight trout rod, and all the way up to saltwater ready, big-game sizes, the BEHEMOTH reels offer performance and affordability to beginner and veteran anglers alike.

Korkers Buckskin and Buckskin Mary Wading Boots $139.99

Our best-selling boot.

OmniTrax® Interchangeable Sole System adapts your traction to any fishing condition. Two outsoles included with every purchase.

Hydrophobic materials faster dry times lessen the chance of spreading invasive species.

Durability enhanced midsole, scratch rubber toe cap extends to side panels, rubberized anti-abrasion synthetic material.

Drainage integrated, large drainage ports and internal drainage channels.

Traditional laces durable metal hardware provides secure fit.

Weight: 3.2 LBS per pair with felt soles.

Redington Sonic Pro Waders $299.99

The all new Sonic-Pro wader uses 4-layer waterproof-breathable fabric and SonicWeld seams to create a simple wader with superior durability for uncompromising performance on the water. We designed this wader with minimal pockets and a clean silhouette to provide anglers a durable wader that simply performs in all conditions, from deep steelhead wading to hot summer trout runs.

The all-new WOMEN’S SONIC-PRO wader was designed specifically for female anglers. This wader incorporates our reliable, extensively field tested 4-layer waterproof-breathable fabric and SonicWeld seams to create an ultra-functional wader with superior durability for uncompromising performance on the water. Stretch side panels allow anglers to move easily in and out of this wader and add comfort on the water. The flattering design works to fit a woman’s body properly, with minimal pockets to reduce bulk and a stretch mesh back panel to move with the body while casting and crouching. The WOMEN’S SONIC-PRO wader simply performs; it’s durable, comfortable, and designed for women who fish.

Echo Carbon XL

Our best-selling fly rods…three years running.

A true all-around performer with the features and feel associated with rods four times the cost. Tim designed these rods to be airy-light with actions that benefit a wide range of casting styles and fishing situations. Bass to browns, bluegill to brookies, the Carbon XL covers it all.

A true all-around performer with the features and feel associated with rods four times the cost. Tim Rajeff designed these rods to be airy-light with actions that benefit a wide range of casting styles and fishing situations. Bass to browns, bluegill to brookies, the Carbon XL covers it all.

Fishpond Cutbank Gear Bag $249.95

A gear sanctuary on the water

Designed to organize gear and keep it dry. With the Fishpond signature molded bottom and welded recycled TPU fabric, the Cutbank Gear bag covers the bases. As a specialized tackle bag that keeps gear dry on a raft or drift boat, as well as the perfect size to fit in the hatch of most all flats boats, this gear/tackle bag is an organization system that allows for easy access wherever your adventures take you. Built with our incredibly tough 1680d TPU coated recycled Cyclepond nylon, YKK water resistant zippers, and welded construction with a molded top and bottom, this is more than just another gear bag. Think of this as a gear sanctuary on the water.

Simms Exstream Hat $69.99

Mandatory headwear for winter fishing on the MO’.

Fleece furnace meets 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell protection Snuff an Arctic assault with Simms’ fully waterproof, quilted fleece-lined 3-layer GORE-TEX® ExStream™ Hat. Features include a plush elastic sweatband and customizable fit thanks to an adjustable circumference with a back cord lock. Black under the brim reduces glare. One size fits most.

Stanley Wolf Creek Angler Growler $59.00

First fill is on us at Blackfoot River Brewing Company in Helena

What’s that call echoing throughout the land, bouncing off mountains and tumbling through valleys? “Cold beer, and lots of it!” the armies of the thirsty cry out. Rising to the call for cold, fresh beer, the 64oz Classic Vacuum Growler lets you transport your favorite brew in fully functional and iconic style. Take control with a rugged handle for easy carry and one-handed pouring. The wide mouth allows for quick filling, sharing, and cleaning. That satisfying ‘pop’ you hear when you open this bad boy is a sure sign your beer is fresh and bubbly. It ain’t Grandad’s old vacuum bottle, but he’ll raise his pint in admiration. You might just have to top him off.

Fly Boxes Galore $24.00 – $129.00

(and plenty of flies with which to fill them)

Fly boxes make great Christmas gifts and we’ve got something in every price range. From $24 plastic WCA logo boxes to hand-made Al Swanson boxes and everything in between. Choose your box and load it up. Don’t forget our “Cheaper by the Dozen” special going on now…$5/dozen flies while they last.

WCA Gift Cards $Any Amount

A perennial favorite for any occasion, but especially for the holidays…WCA gift cards are the perfect gift for all of those anglers on your list for whom you have absolutely no idea what to buy. You can get them in any amount, they never expire and they’re good for absolutely EVERYTHING we sell. Lodging, guide trips, shuttles, boat rentals, merchandise….EVERYTHING! We’re happy to mail them anywhere in the world you need them sent. Just give us a call and we can take care of all of it right over the phone.

These are just a few ideas based on some of our more popular items but we’ve got a shop full of all kinds of gear in every price range. We’re more than happy to help you with gift ideas and while we haven’t yet ventured into E-commerce we’re more than happy to ship you whatever you need.

We hope you keep us in mind when shopping for your favorite fly fishers.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-11-24T16:52:00-07:00November 25th, 2018|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, Echo, Fishpond, fly fishing, Holiday Gift Guide, Redington, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Mid November

Despite a fairly warm week ahead we’ve decided to proceed with shutting down a few more cabins for the winter as it seems things have pretty much slowed to a halt. Not to worry. We are open for business all year but for all intents and purposes the 2018 season is in the books, capping a fifth successful season for Wolf Creek Angler!

Effective next week our winter business hours will be Wednesday – Saturday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm and Sunday 8:00 am – 12 noon. As per usual you can expect to find us here any day (including Monday and Tuesday) if the weather dictates it and likewise we may opt out if hazardous conditions pose a traveling risk or if it’s just too damn cold to fish. We are open for lodging and guide trips EVERY DAY. Don’t forget our MOvember special – $500 for a full day guide trip and two nights of premium lodging. You won’t find a better deal anywhere!

The “fishable” weather parameters tend to shift and evolve as the winter drags on. We’re looking at temps in the mid to high 40’s this week but I don’t expect much traffic. If we see these types of conditions come January however you can bet we’ll be booked solid and busy in the shop.

Mid November through the end of the year is our slowest time as people get busy with the holidays. Many are focused on hunting and have already long since put away the fishing gear for the season. That being said, we will see a bump in traffic (weather permitting) as the colleges go on winter break in a couple of weeks.

It’s been an awesome fall for fishing the Missouri and elsewhere in the state. We couldn’t have asked for better conditions. The weather was great and this was hands down the best fall fishing I’ve seen since moving to Montana.

Dry fly fishing will still be an option for the next couple of weeks though it appears as though sunshine will prevail much of this week which is not great for dry fly or streamer fishing.
Plan on settling in to winter nymphing but keep your options open. Bobber fishing will be your best bet for numbers from here on out but keep that dry fly rig and that streamer stick at the ready.

It’s time to start thinking winter fare….Firebeads, Sows, Pill Poppers, Pinkalicious, Pink Amex, Rainbow Czechs, Cotton Candy, UV Crush, Zebra midges, worms, Bubble Yums, Soft Hackle Sows…etc. Water temps are still holding in the high 40’s so you’ll still find the fish spread out in a variety of water types but you’d do well to start focusing on the deeper, slower winter runs.

We’re running fairly deep (7’-9’ overall) and usually running a tungsten bead point fly along with a bb or two. I wouldn’t say we’ve exactly got things dialed for winter quite yet as water conditions are in flux but it won’t be long and you’ll be fishing the same water with the same bugs and the same rigging for days at a time.

BWO’s are definitely a possibility….keep your dry fly rod rigged and ready, especially on the overcast days.

Streamer fishing has been solid and will continue to occupy our time. Some are shifting into Trout Spey season, others are content to stick to the single handed techniques. Either way, this is your time. Get after it.

Chewy has returned to the tying bench for the winter so expect all of your favorite ZK patterns to be back in stock SOON. In the meantime it’s getting to be Kreelex, Skiddish Smolt and Polar Leech time and it’s always Sparkle Minnow season!

As the Christmas shopping season approaches we hope you keep us in mind to help you take care of the anglers on your shopping list. We’ll do a Holiday Gift Guide soon but in the meantime we’re happy to provide you with personalized gift ideas…just give us a call. A new rod and reel, a new fly box filled with Missouri River flies, new waders, new boots, a Missouri or Blackfoot River guide trip? The options are limitless. Give us a call or drop us a line, we’d be happy to give you some ideas to fit any budget.

By Jason Orzechowski|2018-11-12T20:18:18-07:00November 12th, 2018|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: Christmas, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

2017 The Year in Review

Another year and another season in the books.

As we sit through the latest round of winter weather we can’t help but think back to those warm sunny days on the water. And while winter is barely a week underway we know that spring will be here before we know it, at least we hope it will!

Looking back over posts from the year it looks as though 2017 started out much as 2018 will, in winter’s icy grasp. With any luck however it won’t be long until we see that first January warm-up and get back to fishing the MO’. In the meantime, the ice has formed and the hard water anglers have started booking rooms for the days ahead, a welcome development after a slow and quiet December.

The early months of 2017 were quiet around the shop, as they always tend to be with the biggest story of the winter being the renovations to our motel.

Unit number eight received a much needed makeover and our guests loved it. Look for a similar transformation in number 9 this year. A paint job in Cabin #2 and new flooring in Cabin #3 were also welcomed changes.

River life resumed normalcy in late February as the winter weather began to retreat. March and early April brought phenomenal fishing on the Missouri and elsewhere and things got off to an early start at WCA with many eager anglers descending on the MO’. Run off began in mid May and kept things busy as the Missouri was the only fishable water in the region for a time.

We announced our new guide lineup in April, welcoming Kelly Harrison and Jeff Jennings to our team. Both were, and continue to be a great fit and will resume work for us in 2018. Prime dates are filling quickly so don’t miss your chance to fish with Kelly or Jeff or any one of our other amazing guides.

The spring fishing was nothing short of spectacular with the hatches coming off right on schedule and plenty of healthy Missouri River bows and browns willing to play.

The idyllic spring season soon transitioned into an equally idyllic summer and then around the 4th of July things got a little weird. On July 5th I experienced my first earth quake, a 5.8 mag centered near Lincoln which rattled much of the west central part of the state. It was Montana’s biggest quake in decades and did not go unnoticed by many.

By mid July the heat and lack of precipitation brought Hoot Owl closures to many rivers around the region and also opened the door to what ended up being one of the worse fire seasons in our history with over a million acres burned state-wide.

Smokey skies, poor air quality and evacuations were the story for the remainder of the summer. Fishing was fine but the poor air quality led to a noticeable drop in business as we awaited the cooler weather of fall and prayed for precipitation which we finally got in mid September in the form of an early winter storm which delivered rain and snow and effectively brought the fire season to an end.

The Lookout Fire west of Wolf Creek MT Photo by Rocky Infanger

October brought with it more winter weather along with some of the best fall fishing in recent memory. We had a handful of awesome BWO days throughout the course of the fall and streamer fishing was as good as I’ve seen it since I’ve been in Montana.

The BIG news in October was that after a couple of seasons of trying to make it happen, Wolf Creek Angler received a brand new Project Healing Waters Adipose Flow Drift Boat available to all US Military Active Duty and veterans FREE of charge.

Wolf Creek Angler has partnered with Montana Project Healing Waters, Adipose Boatworks and Headhunters Fly Shop to expand this popular program which up until now had been administered exclusively through Headhunters in Craig. Now with one boat at Wolf Creek Angler in Wolf Creek and two at Headhunters in Craig we will be able to accommodate even more vets. If you are a vet or an active duty US Military member you qualify for a free rental boat courtesy of Project Healing Waters, Helena Chapter.

Of course the other BIG news of October in Wolf Creek MT was the much anticipated Grand Opening of Shotgun Annie’s Eatery and Tavern.

The wait was worth it and we are so pleased to be dining and drinking in this establishment again. It was the topic of conversation all summer long amongst our guests, most of whom were unable to experience Shotgun Annie’s during their 2017 visit. We’re pleased to announce that dining has returned to Wolf Creek…breakfast, lunch AND dinner.

It appeared as though it was going to shape up to be an excellent late season on the Missouri with some off-the-charts fishing action and a brand new eatery and tavern in town. We were fully stocked with cold-weather bugs and gear and ready for that coveted last gasp of the retail and lodging season but alas it was not to be.

Mother Nature had different plans and early November brought snow and arctic air, essentially bringing the 2017 season to a close. The weather improved and the fishing stayed hot through the month of November and the first half of December but aside from local traffic the river was empty.

Late November Days on the MO’

Christmas brought more winter weather which brings us back to where we are today. Two days remain in 2017 and we are in the midst of a significant winter storm. I’ve fished my last day of 2017 (over a week ago) and it looks like it will be mid week next week at the soonest before I fish the new year.

Snowpack is in great shape and the season forecast is for below average temps and above average precipitation so all is well but watching the snow pile up outside I can’t help but dream of spring.

Happy New Year from all of us at Wolf Creek Angler. Thank you for making 2017 our best yet. I have a feeling 2018 will be even better!

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-12-29T21:44:12-07:00December 29th, 2017|Categories: Wolf Creek Chatter|Tags: Adipose, Christmas, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|3 Comments

December Beckons

November’s early winter blast pretty much shut things down on the Missouri and for whatever reason folks stayed away for most of the month despite plenty of very fishable days. Sure the wind has howled seemingly more often than not which is less than ideal but by late fall standards it really hasn’t been bad.

If you’ve closed the book on the 2017 season it may be time to reconsider.

December has thus far brought mild temps and a lack of precipitation which is not great in the grand scheme but which should have you thinking late fall fishing on the MO’.

Traffic will remain light as many are occupied with holiday preparations and celebrations which means you could have this thing virtually to yourself for the rest of 2017.

The weather is unseasonably warm, the fishing is good, the traffic is light and the deals on lodging and guide trips are too good to pass up.

Why not treat yourself or someone you love to an early Christmas present. Two nights of lodging and a full day guide trip for just $500. You won’t find a better deal anywhere. Nobody can touch this one!

We’ve got plenty of guides and rooms available all month long so don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Sure we’re offering this deal all winter long but sooner or later we will actually get winter weather which will challenge even the most hard core anglers.

The short term forecast looks more like October than December so what are you waiting for? Book yourself a room and a guide or just grab your gear, stock up on firebeads and everything pink and come out for the day.

We’re stocked up with the best selection of winter bugs in Wolf Creek and everything you need for your day on the water. Shuttles, Simms cold weather gear, RO and Adipose drift boat rentals (including our Project Healing Waters Adipose FREE to all vets and active duty military personnel) and plenty of great gift ideas so you can get your holiday shopping done while you are here.

Just want the guide trip without lodging? Only $350 all winter long.

Just looking for a bed? We’ve got you covered with cozy cabins and bungalows for just $99. All of our available units have full kitchens and private baths and sleep two to three comfortably. Cook for yourself or check out Shotgun Annie’s. The food is good, the service is friendly and we’re thrilled to have them here!

Wolf Creek is the place to be this winter on the MO’.

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-12-06T16:51:55-07:00December 6th, 2017|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: Adipose, Christmas, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, RO Drift Boats, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

November on the Missouri

We’ll close out the month of November with another week of ideal late fall fishing conditions. Overcast skies with the occasional peeks of sunshine, temperatures in the low to mid 40’s and a chance for some snow today and Wednesday.

It’s currently calm but they are calling for west southwest winds of 11-16 mph today with gusts as high as 30 mph. Tomorrow looks ideal with partly sunny skies, a high near 45 and south wind at 11-13 mph.

We’ll return to more seasonable temps for the weekend with highs in the 30’s and a chance for some snow on Saturday and Sunday.
Thanksgiving is behind us and Christmas is rapidly approaching (just four Mondays away)! This is the perfect week to take advantage of the mild weather and get your Missouri River fly fishing fix before the holiday grind goes into full effect.

Traffic has remained very light despite the nice weather though we expect to see a bump in activity with the general hunting season having come to a close yesterday.

Reports from the holiday weekend were mostly positive. Nymphing is definitely your best bet right now but streamers are in the mix as well. The swingers are finding success on Kreelex, Think Mints and smallish buggers. Trout Spey season is definitely a go but a deep slow strip will move them as well so don’t give up on single hand bank bombing from the boat just yet. Sparkle Minnows, Dirty Hippies, MK Ultras, Mini Dungeons, ZK’s Inflated Egos and various flavors or polar leeches have all been getting noticed and are good bets from here on out. Go deep with a slow to moderate strip and don’t be afraid to let it swing. It’s not lights out but if you put your time in you should be able to find some willing players. The water temps are continuing to fall and are hovering right around that 40 degree mark so the fish are definitely slowing down and transitioning to slow deep winter water but if you deliver the goods right to them and they don’t have to work too hard for it they definitely aren’t going to pass up a big meal.

Focus on transition type water with your nymphs as well. Not too fast…not too slow. Not super shallow and not too deep. They’re definitely moving towards those winter lies but we’re continuing to have the best luck in the medium depth/medium fast water in close proximity to slow winter water. Rig up with a #12 pink Amex, Bubble Yum Scud, Rainbow Czech or Pinkalicious and trail with your favorite winter bug. #16 or #18 tailwater sows, firebead soft hackle sows, pink lighting bugs, firebead Rays, Pill Poppers, Pederson’s Sows, Wayno’s Cotton Candys, UV Crush, Cotton Candy LGMs are just a few of our favorites but the options are truly limitless.

With the shorter days many opt for wade fishing this time of year but floating gives you more options. Don’t forget we’ve got Adipose and RO Drift Boats available for rent all winter long and if you’re a vet we’ve got a Project Healing Waters Adipose Flow available to you FREE OF CHARGE anytime. We don’t do a huge rental business during the winter months so we generally have boats available but calling ahead is never a bad idea for any of our boats and is a MUST for the PHW boat.

Plenty of lodging and guides available all winter long so don’t hesitate to give us a call and book yours today. Don’t forget the best deal on the MO – two night’s lodging and a full day guide trip for just $500! Only interested in a room? Just $99/night (plus tax). Don’t need the room but want the guide? Guide trips just $350 while the snow flies. Looking for a better deal? You won’t find one ANYWHERE.

We’re in the shop Wednesday – Sunday at 8:00 am and occasionally on Mondays and Tuesdays as well but you should definitely call first before coming out on those days. We’re open for lodging and guide trips every day.

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-12-07T15:47:43-07:00November 27th, 2017|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Adipose, Christmas, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, RO Drift Boats, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Winter Solstice

Happy Wednesday!

Today is the Winter Solstice, the first official day of winter and the shortest day of the year.

You know what that means. Starting tomorrow the days start to get longer. We’ve made it the other side and before you know it spring and then summer will be here and we’ll be enjoying long warm days on the Missouri casting to sipping trout.

In the meantime enjoy the sunshine today and tomorrow and prepare for another blast of winter arriving Saturday. The timing really couldn’t be better.

A couple of not quite spring-like (but close) days on the river leading up to a cold and snowy Christmas Eve and Christmas. Just as it should be.

We’ll see 30’s through Friday and back to cold and snow for the weekend with temps dipping back into the 20’s and teens. The gale force winds with which we’ve been contending have diminished to a more tolerable 10-15 mph and should continue to decrease over the next couple of days.

We’ll be here through Friday for all of your Missouri River winter fly fishing or last-minute Christmas gift needs and we will possibly be here for a spell on Christmas Eve morning though with the forecast being what it is we are leaning towards being closed both Christmas Eve and Christmas. Game Time decision for Saturday but we will definitely be closed on Christmas Day.

While you are thinking about those warm summer days on the horizon it’s the perfect time to give us a call and book those summer fishing and lodging dates. Prime June/July dates are filling quickly so don’t wait too long if prime-time is what you are after and by prime-time I am speaking only of the highest concentration of anglers.

As far as we’re concerned it’s Prime Time from about April 15th – November 15th and while we do see a lull in traffic for the entire month of August and into the first part of September there is no reason you shouldn’t make plans to be here during those months as well. The weather is great, the fishing is fine and the traffic is light. We typically do the majority of our large group trips during this time because of lodging and guide availability and they keep coming back if that tells you anything so if you’re looking to book a large group this season think about early spring and late summer.

A few days on the Missouri and maybe a day or two on the Blackfoot…..what could be better? Wolf Creek Angler is your base camp for Missouri River Montana fly fishing and beyond.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-12-21T17:28:47-07:00December 21st, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, winter solstice, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The Big Thaw

What a difference a couple of days makes! We’ve gone from “feels like” temps of -50 a couple of days a ago to highs near 40 today and tomorrow and it appears as though we’ll be above freezing all week until the next blast of cold air arrives on the weekend.

Unfortunately with the warm up we’re getting the wind. We’re under a high wind warning today with periods of 35-45 mph southwest winds with gusts as high as 65. Expect sustained winds of 20-24 mph.

I expect there may be a few folks out there today taking advantage of time off and moderate temperatures but the winds will keep many off of the water. Personally I would rather fish in below freezing temps with no wind than what we’re seeing today and tomorrow but that’s just me.

Water temps have dropped into the 35 degree range so I would definitely plan on shifting gears into winter fishing mode if you’re going out. Firebeads and/or anything pink should be coming into play and the assumption would be that the majority of the fish have made the transition to the slow deep winter water. I don’t have a recent fishing update as it’s been just too cold to fish or to do much of anything outside but we’ll likely be out later today and will post what we know as soon as we know it.

In the meantime target that winter water with a deep nymph rig, be patient and stay warm! I also wouldn’t hesitate to swing as it’s getting to be prime time for Polar Leeches and the Hot Head Kreelex!

It’s been tough trying to put together a consistent schedule in the shop with the weather being what it’s been. We had settled on regular hours of Wednesday – Saturday 8 AM – 2 PM, closed Sunday – Tuesday but then we ended up being closed most of last week because it was insanely cold. We’re here today and tomorrow because it’s warm and because we figure there may be some people around with the college crowd home from school and looking to spend some time on the MO’. We’ll be around all week if the forecast holds with limited hours on Saturday which is Christmas Eve and closed on Sunday for Christmas.

As we move past the holidays and get into the heart of winter we will try to stick to that Wednesday – Saturday schedule for the most part but once again if the weather returns to what we saw last week with treacherous temps we probably won’t be here and likewise if we have really fishy weather on the days we’re supposed to be closed we will more than likely be here, at least in the mornings. The best thing to do would be to give us a call before you come out if there is any doubt and if you’re coming out regardless of who is open when, you can see the shop from the Interstate so you’ll be able to see if we’re open or not before you hit the Wolf Creek Exit when traveling from the south.

Thank you for your patience with what has been a screwy schedule thus far this winter and remember if you happen to be out here to fish on a day we are closed we encourage you to see our friends at Headhunters in Craig for shuttles and bugs and more.

Looking at the long-term forecast for the winter months it looks like we’re still expecting below average temperatures for the most part but as we hit these periods of warmer weather keep in mind we’re offering our winter guide trip and lodging special all winter long. Two nights lodging in one of our cozy bungalows and a full day on the water with some of the fishiest, hardest working guides on the Missouri. Regardless of shop hours we are open EVERY DAY for lodging and guide trips…just give us a call. We can do it on extremely short notice but if you do choose to book ahead of time and are worried about the weather, worry no more. Rest assured there are NO CANCELLATION FEES for winter guide trips.

We hope you make Wolf Creek Angler your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing Destination.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-12-19T17:14:49-07:00December 19th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

This Week on the MO’

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Cold and snowy.

There’s not much else to say other than we are happy to see next year’s water flows continuing to develop.

Expect continued cold weather for the remainder of the week with temps in the teens for the next couple of days and bitter cold returning for the weekend. We’ll see a high of -2 on Friday with a low near -20 Friday night. Saturday looks similar but we begin to warm back to the mid teens on Sunday and it looks like we may see a bit of a warm up next week with temperatures back in the high 20’s.

We’re under a winter storm watch beginning tomorrow evening and running through Thursday night for widespread snow and gusty winds, something we thankfully haven’t seen much of recently. 4-6″ of snow possible with up to 18″ expected at higher elevations. Keep it coming!

We don’t expect much in the way of traffic on the river this week but there will definitely be some anglers joining the waterfowl hunters out there next week with the warm-up and with the college crowd home for the holidays.

If the weather cooperates we will be in the shop every day next week, at least first thing in the morning and may just get out and do a little fishing ourselves as we’re already starting to exhibit symptoms of withdrawal.

If you’re looking for last-minute Christmas gifts we can help and you don’t even need to make the trek to Wolf Creek. Give us a call and let us know what you need and we’ll get it shipped out in time for Christmas.

A Wolf Creek Angler gift card makes the perfect gift for all the fly fishers on your list. You can purchase them in any amount, they never expire, and they are good for absolutely everything we sell.

You don’t need to know what weight Loop, Echo or Redington rod; which Nautilus, Ross, Loop, Echo or Redington reel; which flies; what size Simms or Kast gear; when to book the guide trip and lodging….you don’t need to know any of it, all you need to know is WCA Gift Cards cover it all!

Enjoy the snow, stay warm and start making plans for a great 2017 on the World-Class Missouri River.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-12-13T16:39:22-07:00December 13th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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