Spring Approaches

Spring is on the way – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

The first day of spring is two weeks from today and it looks as though the weather will be trending accordingly.

March came in maybe not quite like a lion, but a bit on the wintery side nonetheless with snow showers and winds out of the north. The weekend snow is still hanging around but it looks like that could change soon with high temps bumping upward throughout the week, breaking into the 50’s for the weekend and nearing 60 on Monday. Friday looks like it could be on the breezy side but other than that it appears as though awesome spring weather is on the way.

We’re holding out hope for more winter weather over the next month or so, at least in the high country, as regionally, we’re still in desperate need of precipitation.

For the moment however we’re in good shape with Missouri River flows holding around 3750 CFS, having dropped on March 1st from the 4000 CFS mark. Water temps are holding just shy of 35 and generally hitting that mark at some point daily.

Look for those water temps to start to climb as we settle in to 50 plus degree highs in the coming days and weeks. And you know what that means…warming waters equals active, hungry and hot fish as spring arrives. It also means spawning rainbows so PLEASE, PLEASE watch where you walk when wade fishing taking care not to trample those redds. There all already a number of them out there so cautious wading starts now.

We’ve been getting a good number of calls from folks asking whether the spawn is on and we can only hope that intentions are to experience what can be excellent fishing DURING the spawn rather than the targeting of spawning fish. You can read all about it here in a great article on the subject from Hatch Magazine, but the bottom line is we urge everyone to avoid those spawning fish as the spawning fish are the future of the fishery. Please leave the spawning fish alone.

I have no judgments about fishing egg patterns behind spawning fish. This is simply offering the appropriate imitation as you are doing anytime you “match the hatch” but if you’re targeting fish on redds by flossing them you might take a minute to reconsider not only the ethics or lack thereof involved but also the bottom line fact that harassing these spawning fish has a substantial negative impact on the future of the fishery.

That’s my soap box for the day and while spawning is somewhat underway, things are technically in the Pre Spawn stage. Water temps in the 39 – 41 degree range typically usher in the full blown spawn. The warming water temps have moved the fish to action and they are hungry as they emerge from their winter stasis.

It’s why spring is such an amazing time to fish the Missouri as our thousands of rainbows feed with abandon, banking calories required for the upcoming spawn while the browns look to replenish caloric stockpiles depleted by winter’s trials.

Nymphing is about to get HOT. Dry fly fishing has already been solid and will steadily improve as midge activity becomes more consistent eventually paving the way for spring BWO’s but I’m getting ahead of myself. If you know me at all, you know what’s on my mind when it comes to spring fishing and that’s STREAMERS! As water temps warm our hungry browns get more aggressive and more willing to chase down a meaty streamer. A calorie-rich target becomes almost irresistible as the browns look to pack on the mass.

A slow strip and/or swing will continue to be the game with water temps still in the mid 30’s and the deeper slower water will continue to produce but keep an eye on those water temps and change your game accordingly. A sunny day, even if it’s only in the high 30’s or 40’s, will warm those shallows and attract the fish which are all on the hunt for warmer water.

If the sun is on the water fish those faster flats with both streamers and nymphs and if it’s streamers you’ll want to pick up the pace on that retrieve with plenty of pauses in between strips as more often than not they’ll attack on the pause.

Stop by the shop on your way to the river for hot nymphs, a plethora of midge patterns and the best streamer selection on the MO. New bugs arriving daily and we’re stocked up on new fly lines for any and all applications.

The new license year is underway as of last Friday so be sure to purchase your new fishing license which we can help you with if need be. Shuttle service is still a bit hit or miss with winter staffing in effect but that’s all about to change and soon won’t be an issue. Men’s and women’s Simms waders and boots are fully stocked and you need look no further than Wolf Creek Angler for a top shelf rod and reel selection from Sage, Lamson, Echo and more.

We’ll be looking to make more lodging available in the coming weeks but for the time being we’ve got our newly remodeled bungalows available at winter rates of $149/night and we’ve also got The Quarry House available for those looking for something to accommodate a larger group. The Quarry House is $400/night and sleeps 6.

And don’t forget, throughout the month of March we’re running our Spring Tune-Up special…a full day of guided fishing on the MO for one or two anglers and two nights of premium lodging at Wolf Creek Angler for just $800.

Shop schedule will switch to spring hours soon but at the moment we’re open Monday – Saturday at 8 AM.

See you soon for EPIC spring fishing on the MO.

Recharge

Idyllic February Float on the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

It’s not lost on us that to those who don’t live here it may appear as though some of us tend to take for granted this amazing world-class fishery that is the Missouri River…and perhaps some do. After all, people come from all around the world to fish the MO and even though it’s right here in our back yard some rarely fish it.

By “take for granted”, I don’t mean that in the defined sense that we fail to properly appreciate the river as a result of overfamiliarity but rather in the sense that with unlimited opportunity to enjoy the river some of us tend to be choosy about the conditions in which we will fish. Mind you, there is no lack of appreciation for this unbelievable resource from where I sit. She amazes me every day of every year I have been blessed to live here.

As fellow anglers, we too make plans on occasion to go fish other places and that being the case we’re very well acquainted with being at the mercy of Mother Nature. We know what it’s like to roll the dice with an idyllic picture of your destination in mind, only to have that picture obliterated by torrential rains, hurricane winds, Arctic cold fronts, scorching heat or any number of other conditions that could make your dream trip challenging at best, or a nightmare at worst. We get it. Such is the nature of vacations.

This is not that.

This is having the Missouri River as a backdrop to our respective daily grinds and establishing a healthy relationship with her. Having the option to fish the Missouri ANYTIME is a luxury not afforded to many, a luxury well recognized by the vast majority of those of us who work and live in this amazing place.

It’s different for everyone and all a very personal matter based on who and what and where we are. We’re all at different stages in life. That goes for our professional lives, our family lives, our recreational lives. We’re all fellow travelers with varying time and distance ahead of and behind us. I have nothing to say about anyone else’s journey, only my own.

When I moved to Montana some 12 years ago I fished a hell of a lot more than I do now. Familiarity with what was all brand new has definitely played a role but so has this journey of evolution happening every second of every minute of every day to each and every one of us.

Fly Fishing remains my passion. A passion that has evolved tremendously over the last 30 years and which has been tempered and refined but which still thrives in my soul and provides me with much of the spiritual sustenance I require.

Gone are the days when I would, as the Simms ad proclaims, “Forget the Forecast”. To the contrary, when we’re talking about the Missouri in particular, the forecast is of vital importance. My days of fighting the winds are behind me. My tolerance of cold has lessened considerably but in the absence of howling wind I’ll still row a boat and fish in freezing temps.

I’m still amped by overcast skies, perhaps with a rain shower or two thrown in….my conditional parameters tend to expand immensely during streamer season!

Backing out streamer season however I’m a big fan of sunshine and light variable breezes and temps somewhere between 44 and 84 degrees. The temp range allows for plenty of days on the water year round, the sunshine is vital to me during the colder months but in the summer it doesn’t play as big of a roll. The wind is my determining factor and is what keeps me off of the water more often than not.

Mind you, this is all having to do with fun fishing. We do what we have to do to make a living. Conditions notwithstanding.

All this to say that lately I’ve been feeling the itch to get back on the water. The spring-like weather has had me daydreaming about that magic, euphoric feeling of being in a drift boat, carried by the current and maybe, just maybe even getting a shot at a fish or two. You’ll likely read more from me about this sometime down the road but numbers increasingly mean less and less to me.

Looking at the forecast this week it appeared as though Wednesday was going to be the day. Sunshine, minimal winds and highs in the 50’s. Definitely not the weather we need at the moment but it really doesn’t get much better in February.

And so, once forecasted conditions were confirmed the CLOSED sign went up and I spent a much anticipated afternoon floating the MO, just the dog and me, just what I needed for a recharge.

With only a dry fly rod on board I spent the day head hunting, hoping for some February midge magic. This was not to be. I didn’t care!

Don’t get the wrong idea. I still LOVE to catch fish and had I been with someone I would have been happy to pass the time stripping a streamer as we hunted for rising fish but that’s not what I was after yesterday. What I was after I got…in spades.

I couldn’t wait to get to work today and once I got here I was happy to be busy with all the things that need to happen here before the season picks up again not long from now. On top of that we had a fairly busy morning with another nice day on tap and it was good to talk fishing again with a bunch of people who couldn’t wait to get out there and try to find what they came for.

Tight Lines!

President’s Day Weekend Forecast

February Delivers Winter to the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

February continues to deliver some much needed winter weather.

The snow is piling up in the high country but we’ve still got a long ways to go. Snowpack is improving slowly but surely and while I’m tempted to curse the weather while I’m digging out my driveway in the pre-dawn hours, so far I’ve resisted that urge and powered through it, thankful we are getting exactly what we need.

 

This latest round of precipitation is being accompanied by a blast of cold arctic air which has us in the teens today with single digits on tap overnight. Friday will see an end to the snow but continued cold with a high of 20 and overnight low near 5 degrees. Things start to warm up on Saturday with a high near 37 and Sunday we’re back up near 40’s and bumping up against 50 again on Monday.

Friday fishing will be on the chilly side but the holiday weekend and into next week could be exceptional with those daytime temps in the low 40’s and an abundance of sunshine making for some ideal February conditions on the MO.

Expect plenty of top water action with winter midge madness underway. Pair a #18 Bucky’s Midge Cluster with a #18 or #20 Black Midge and feed those steady risers.

The nymphing action should be good as well with no real changes on the bug front. Pill Poppers, Bubble Yums, Rainbow Czechs, Amex, Weight Flies paired with Tailwater Sows, Soft hackle sows, Zebra midges, Pederson’s Sow, Radiation Baetis, Pink Lighting bugs or really any other of your go to winter offerings.

Target the slow, deep winter water and run as close to the bottom as practical but don’t get stuck on that. Especially on the sunny days when the sun is warming the water up a tick or two, don’t be afraid to target the moderately faster runs. Shorten up your rig accordingly and see what happens. You might be surprised.

Streamer action should be good as well, primarily working the slower tail outs and deep, slow buckets with a combination swing and super slow and long strip. But again, don’t get stuck on that. Bomb the banks, switch up your bugs, switch up your retrieve. You might find an aggressive retrieve off the bank to be effective, it all depends on the day. 

The established winter techniques are a great starting point but the fish don’t always follow the script. Break those winter rules and see what happens.

The shop will be closed for the weekend as we make the trek up to Calgary for a long overdue return to a Wings/Flames game on Saturday but we do have lodging available for the holiday weekend and beyond.

We’ll be back in the shop on Monday for the big President’s Day rush which could well end up with getting out on the water ourselves for an afternoon outing.

Let’s hope the snow continues to pile up throughout the second half of February. Spring is just 33 days away and will be here before we know it.

Welcome February

January is now in the rearview and ended up being a wild ride weather-wise with everything from snow and 40 below to sunshine and 60 degrees all within the span of a couple of weeks. That’s a swing of 100 degrees or more!

The current spring-like conditions have ushered in a substantial increase in angling traffic with the winter regulars being joined by folks coming in from all around the state to enjoy this winter thaw.

We’ve enjoyed the bump in lodging and shop business and we’ve even picked up a couple of guide trips this week which are our first of 2024.

It looks like we’ve got a couple of more days of ridiculously mild weather today and tomorrow before a return to somewhat normal conditions this weekend. Highs near 60 today and tomorrow. A bit on the breezy side today with gusts to 30 mph but tomorrow looks idyllic with cloudy skies, a high of 60 and winds west southwest 5 – 9 mph.

Saturday brings temps in the high 30’s with rain and snow and Sunday looks wintery with snow showers, a high of 35 and north northwest winds and next week looks like normal February weather with temps in the 20’s and 30’s and a chance for snow here and there. No major precipitation events in the forecast at this point but the more seasonable temps are a good start.

We do have lodging available if you want to get out and enjoy these last couple of nice days and we could probably even find another guide or two willing to get the boat wet if you want to leave all the work up to us.

We’ve heard solid nymphing reports all week long with the Holter to Craig stretch being your best bet and there are dry fly opportunities on any given day if you can find a shelter from the wind.

We haven’t heard much from the streamer set but there’s no reason a swing or a slow strip wouldn’t be productive with the current water conditions.

Flows are holding steady in the 4400 CFS range with water temps just shy of 34 degrees. Calm days will provide an abundance of midge action on top, otherwise most are playing the bobber game with pink definitely in play. Pill Poppers, Bubble Yums, Cotton Candy, Pederson’s Sow, Rainbow Czechs, Caviar Scuds, Lucent Bead UV Sow all fine choices. Pair with a tailwater sow in rainbow or pink, a zebra midge, a pink lucent bead ray, a pink lighting bug, a soft hackle sow or similar. Add a bb and start with a 7’ – 9’ overall length with 5 ish feet from indicator to split. Water temps are trending upwards but it’s cold enough that most of the fish will be found in the slowest, deepest water you can find. Start deep and adjust accordingly, staying off the bottom but running as close to it as possible. Adjust upwards in small increments until you find where they’re at.

Keep that midge rig at the ready in hopes of dry fly opportunities and if streamers are your game swing those tailouts with a smallish leech pattern, kreelex or polar minnow or hit the depths with a sinking line and a super slow retrieve with plenty of pauses.

Start your day with a stop at WCA for shuttles, bugs and so much more. We are your quintessential, locally owned and operated mom and pop shop on the MO. FLY SHOP SMALL with Wolf Creek Angler!

Wishing for Winter while Enjoying the Thaw

January Thaw

Spring-like conditions have taken hold this week with temperatures in the 40’s through the weekend, climbing into the 50’s and near 60 by mid-week next week. And yes, it’s a nice switch from the 30 below we saw last week but there is certainly cause for concern as we approach the end of January with regional snowpack at record lows.

Birds are singing, the sun is shining, the snow is melting, the fish are feasting…feels much more like March than January but these things are beyond our control so I guess the best thing to do is embrace it.

Traffic has increased this week and by increased I mean that we actually had a customer or two through the doors this week and even ended up running a few shuttles. A welcome change for sure!

Conditions on the water really couldn’t be better so if you’re looking for a quick Missouri River trout fix you’d do well to make your way out here in the next week or so and cure that cabin fever.

We’ve got our newly remodeled bungalows available for rent at the special winter rate of $149/night (plus tax) and I’d bet with that feel of spring in the air we could very likely find you a guide willing to spend a day on the water doing all of the work while leaving it up to you to catch all of the fish.

Predictably, nymphing has been the go-to as of late but winter midges are providing ample dry fly opportunities as well. Cover a short section of river on a relatively calm day and you will undoubtedly find plenty of opportunities to hone those dry fly skills. And one of the nice thing about dry fly fishing in the winter is that it’s not all that hard to fool them. Having had months of relief from the barrage of dry flies they tend to be much less wary and much more forgiving of a less-than-perfect presentation.

Black midges, midge clusters, Griffith’s gnats or a small (#18 or #20) parachute Adams should do the trick.

Best bets for nymphs are all of the broken record variety….pink anything and a sowbug! Pill Poppers, Pederson’s Sow, Bubble Yum Scud, Rainbow Czech, Amex, Naughty Bunny, Pink Weight Fly, Caviar Scud and the like trailed with a tailwater sow, pink lighting bug, pink radiation baetis, soft hackle sow, lucent bead Ray, zebra midge, rainbow warrior or a standard PT should get it done.

Following the deep freeze we’ve still not really heard any streamer reports but with the water temps back on the rise there’s no reason not to be doing the swing thing or even a measured strip/swing from the boat. Sparkle Minnows, Kreelex, Polar Leeches, Skittish Smolt, Thin Mints, Pine Squirrel Leeches, Balanced Leeches, Buggers…all good options.

As of early this week the lower river remains locked up with ice so you’ll likely want to concentrate your efforts between Holter Dam and Craig. The upper river ramps are usable and shelf ice, while a factor, is rapidly disappearing. As we mentioned last week, the dam is weeping large chunks of ice regularly so BE AWARE when you are wade fishing. One of these chunks could definitely cause you issues if you happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. In fishing, as in life, situational awareness is KEY. Have it! Heed it!

This ice chunk doesn’t look like much from afar but up close and personal it could and would cause the wading angler problems

We’re open at 8 AM Tuesday – Saturday and offering shuttles when we can. Bug bins are fully stocked and we’ve got plenty of hand warmers, gloves, hats, socks, waders, boots and whatever else you might need for your day on the water.

Arctic Blast

Following last week’s arctic blast which saw temps bottom out at near -40 with wind chills of -65 we are now looking at another stretch of above average temps with highs in the low to mid 40’s starting tomorrow and running at least through late next week.

We did receive a few inches of snow with this system which is great but unfortunately there is nothing in the immediate forecast for more precipitation. We are still in desperate need of precipitation as we’re over a third of the way through our snow pack building season with most of the state sitting at 40% – 60% of normal.

Some of the infrastructure at WCA didn’t fare particularly well through this arctic blast. Leaving the faucets running thorough the arctic blast was not enough to prevent the dreaded frozen pipes so here we are again with a substantial plumbing project in the works. We have yet to get the water moving again but we’re hoping to make some progress as temperatures warm this weekend and into next week.

We will be open next week but without restroom facilities available. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Fishing has come to a standstill with the lower river choked with ice at the moment. I’d expect winter traffic to resume with the warm up. Please use caution if you’re headed out there as shelf ice could be a hazard for a while and the dam will be shedding ice as well so watch out for those chunks heading downstream. Many of them will be large enough to cause problems for you.

No official reports at this time but you’d do well to think pink if you’re headed out in the days to come. Flows are currently at 5160 CFS and water temps are cold, just shy of 33 degrees so you’ll want to target the deep and slow winter water.

Pill Poppers, Amex, Rainbow Czechs, Pederson’s Sow, Caviar Scuds, Bubble Yum Scuds etc should all be fine options trailed with tailwater sows, Rainbow Warriors, Soft hackle sows, zebra midges and the like. And don’t forget the midges for your January Dry Fly Fix.

Tomorrow looks to be a little breezy but the next few days don’t look bad. Partly sunny days with temps in the 40’s and relatively calm winds could result in some decent dry fly opportunities.

Winter is also swing season on the MO and I’d expect we’ll see a bump in that traffic as well this week.

The ramps are likely not in the best shape but it shouldn’t be long with those warmer temps and a little bit of sun. We’ll get you a ramp report in the next couple of days. In the meantime, be prepared for bad ramps with plenty of rope in case you aren’t able to back down the ramp. If there’s any doubt just slide your boat down the ramp. It’s a little more work but much better than getting your vehicle stuck on the ramp or worse.

Shop hours are spotty, especially with our repair projects underway, but you can expect us to be here Tuesday – Saturday from 9 AM to mid-afternoon. Shuttles available most days and winter lodging is available for $149/night plus tax.

We’re praying for snow and more winter to arrive soon but in the meantime we’ll look forward to seeing you during this January Thaw.

Winter Solstice

The first day of winter has arrived though you certainly wouldn’t know it judging by the weather.

Regardless, today is the shortest day of the year and tomorrow marks the start of the slow, but steady ascent out of darkness.

Daylight will begin to stretch which means we are on our way to summer and it won’t be long before sunlight again creeps across our parking lot and eventually returns to illuminate the shop in a warm, spring glow.

Of course the coldest days still lie ahead and we’re hoping and praying for the snow to fly but in the meantime we’re enjoying 50 degree December days and wrapping up 2023 by hitting the water.

It doesn’t feel much like Christmas without a trace of snow on the ground but alas, we are four days out which means there is but 10 days left in 2023. The time seems to pass more quickly every year, a symptom of aging no doubt, but on the bright side, those warm spring and summer days will be here before you know it.

Here’s wishing you all a Happy Winter Solstice from Wolf Creek Angler. We are here today for anyone lucky enough to be spending this Solstice on the MO and we will return on Saturday. The shop will be closed tomorrow (Friday, December 22nd) for our Annual WCA/Iron Fly Christmas Float and per usual we will be closed on Sunday and Christmas Day and will be back in the shop on Tuesday.

It looks like we’ll see cooler temps and some rain and snow on Saturday with mild weather on tap throughout next week.

Nymphing and Streamer Fishing have been excellent (by December standards) and you may even find a fish or two willing to hit a dry fly if you’re in the right place at the right time. Sow bug game for the nymphers with Tailwater Sows, Pill Poppers, Pederson’s Sow and the like topping the list. The usual suspects for streamers with Olive, Tan, Yellow and White all having their moments. Swinging and Stripping have both been effective and we’re finding willing players in the slow depths as well as the fast water flats.

Good action to be had everywhere though the Holter Dam to Craig stretch seems to be attracting most of the traffic as is generally the case during the winter months. Daylight is certainly a limiting factor but there’s no reason to start early as that 11 AM – 2 PM window has been the most productive by far.

We recommend shorter floats this time of year with 5 ish miles being ideal for the amount of daylight available if you’re going to start your float in that 10 AM – 11 AM time slot.

We just restocked those sparse Tailwater Sow bins so we’ve got you covered on the Sow Bug front as well as having the best streamer selection on the river. WCA Gift Cards make excellent stocking stuffers so you can load up on those as well when you stop in for bugs and the Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO.

Winter on the Way?

 

It’s hard to believe but the descent into darkness has us barreling towards the shortest day (and longest night) of the year just two weeks from now.

In spite of that fact, were it not for the long hours of darkness you might not know we were on winter’s doorstep as the weather hasn’t exactly been what you’d expect for the first week of December.

It’s 60 degrees and sunny as I write which is a carbon copy of yesterday. Breezy in spots, but generally calm out there. Very little traffic yesterday, a few more folks around today but definitely not what you would call crowded.

Nymphers soaking up the sun, swingers doing their swing thing and strippers plying the shadows of the canyon walls. Something for everyone though dry fly opportunities are minimal save some midge activity.

We’re shuttling daily as needed and putting a few boats on the water here and there but the post-Thanksgiving/pre Winter Solstice Silence remains.

We’re getting a few lodging inquiries, though the Inn is Vacant at the moment. Give us a call if you’re interested in taking advantage of this unseasonably mild weather and escaping to the MO. Our newly remodeled bungalows are available all winter long for $149/night plus tax. The best deal on the nicest rooms you’re going to find this winter on the Missouri.

Flows have been steady in the 4400 cfs range with water temps hanging at around 40 degrees. Ideal water conditions no matter the time of year.

Something akin to more normal early December weather conditions will resume starting tomorrow with highs in the high 30’s to low 40’s and lows in the mid 20’s for the next 10 days. Zero precip in the forecast at the moment. Let’s hope that changes.

We’ve enjoyed not shoveling snow but we do need to start building that snowpack and those 2024 stream flows.

Since our Halloween week Winter Storm we haven’t seen much in the way of snow and while it can change quickly, a white Christmas seems unlikely at this point. I hope I’m wrong.

And speaking of Christmas, not counting today there are 18 days left to complete your shopping. We hope you consider us for any fly fishing related gifting including our ever-popular WCA gift cards good for anything and everything we sell.

Some other popular gift ideas this year include Simms flannels, Fishpond Nomad nets, Lamson reels, Sage rods, Simms hats and gloves, WCA logo gear, MFC fly boxes and piles and piles of Missouri River flies.

Happy Shopping and Happy Fishing from WCA!

Weekend Outlook

MOvember is upon us

Mild weather on tap for the weekend and through late next week with temps in the low to mid 50’s tomorrow and Saturday and bumping up against 60 and beyond for most of next week.

Is this the calm before the storm? It doesn’t really appear to be as there isn’t really any major cold fronts or big precipitation events in the forecast at the moment but it’s coming sooner or later so get out there and enjoy it while it lasts.

An idyllic day today. Calm winds and 50 degrees with ample sunshine. It doesn’t get much better in November.

That being said, we’ve not seen much in the way of BWO’s this fall which has the dry fly set pouting but there are being fish caught on dry flies. You just need to know the when and where and how.

Stop by the shop and we’ll get you dialed.

Nymphers are happy with plenty of action on the early winter fare. Sow Bugs, Zebras, BWO nymphs, Czechs and the like. Pink is starting to get noticed as are hot bead varieties of all your favorites.

Streamer fishing is still in its prime with swingers and strippers both reporting plenty of success. Thin Mints, buggers, balanced leeches and polar leeches have been good on the swing. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolt, Dirty Hippies and Baby Gongas have all had their moments as well with white seeming to have been the go to color for the most part this week. Might we recommend a Pearl Sparkle Minnow, a grey or brown and yellow swim coach or a white Colonel Kurtz?

Our limited lodging has been filling up with this mild weather and I’d expect that will continue with hunters and anglers vying for the coveted Wolf Creek Angler bungalows.

Winter shop hours are 8 AM – 4 PM Tuesday – Saturday and we’re doing our best to accommodate your shuttle requests and even getting some last minute guide trips out the door.

Winter means fewer hours of daylight and an abbreviated shop schedule but we’ll always do our best to take care of all of your Missouri River winter fly fishing needs. Affordable lodging, the best guides on the water, the Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO and the biggest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.
Fish ON

First Taste of Winter

Winter Weather on the Way

Did you make it out for that fall fishing fix on the MO last weekend?

Positively gorgeous weather but change is underway.

A little cooler, a little cloudier yesterday to kick the week off with some reports of epic dry fly fishing yesterday afternoon.

A lot colder today with a WINTER STORM on the way.

We had several guests bail early, leaving this morning in order to beat the weather. The temperature has been dropping all morning, currently 27 and on the way to a low in the low teens this evening. In spite of this I would venture a guess that the fishing could be off the charts today on the front side of this weather system.

Snow in the forecast for tonight…3-5 inches possible this evening with another 2- 4 tomorrow when we’ll see a high of just 26 with 14 mph north winds gusting to 21 mph. We’re not anticipating much traffic for the remainder of the week with snow in the forecast each day, highs in the 20’s and lows in the single digits. Things appear to begin to normalize on Sunday and into the early part of next week with temps back above freezing and into the 40’s by the middle of the week.

We’ve got one hearty group arriving tomorrow and filling the property for the rest of the week. These will be our last guests of the season in our cabins and motel rooms which we will be closing for the winter early next week.

Our bungalows will remain open with winter rates taking effect on November 15th. Our winter rate will be $149/night (plus tax), $100 off the regular season rate.

We’ve only got three of these units so they will likely all book if we get breaks in the weather. Book well ahead of time if you’ve got your eye on specific winter dates and cancel anytime. No questions. No fees.

The approaching system has stymied my own fishing plans. This last week of October has developed into a bit of a tradition over the years. The Annual Late Season Streamer Odyssey will have to wait but I’m holding out hope that we’ll get it done before the season comes to an end.

The shop will be open daily (for the most part) 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM through the end of November, weather permitting, though it’s never a bad idea to call ahead this time of year as we’ve been known to open late, close early or not be here at all if the conditions prevent safe travel (or if we happen to on a streamer odyssey).

Case in point – while I do fully intend on making it to Wolf Creek in the snow tomorrow it might not be until after 8 AM. I don’t think I’ll be missing much, but if you’re reading this and planning on being here at 7:30 for a shuttle you might want to adjust your plans.

Enjoy this first winter weather event of the season. We’ll see you on the other side.

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