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Mid Week on the MO

Late summer on the Missouri – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Plenty of blue skies and sunshine out there and some fish as well.

Good nymphing and decent trico reports from the morning shift at the dam and word of decent caddis action last night between Wolf Creek and Craig.

It’s hit and miss right now to be sure but don’t believe the hype! These are awesome days to be out there. The weather is beautiful, the pressure is light to moderate and there are plenty of fish. You may need to work for them but we’re ok with that.

Plenty of doom and gloom muttering about the fishing this season going on but we choose to take the conditions for what they are, adjust our game accordingly and fish on. We encourage you to do the same.

It’s certainly been a less than stellar season for the DFO’s but that being said, there have been and there will continue to be plenty of fish caught on dry flies.

August trip bookings have really started to take off so apparently not everyone has soured on the 2015 Missouri. As is generally the case in August we’ve got a fair amount of lodging vacancies so come out and enjoy the quiet time on the Missouri.

Make Wolf Creek Angler your one-stop on the way to the MO for shuttles, bugs, sun protection, almost legendary coffee, fishing licenses, ice, river maps, tools and accessories, Fishpond Nomad boat nets and anything else you might need for your day on the water. Open daily at 6 AM.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:48-06:00July 29th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, Fishpond, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The Week Ahead

Hopper Time on the Missouri photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Feeling like fall out there on this cool and damp late July Monday with temps hovering in the 50’s and a steady soaking underway. We’re thinking San Juan Worms and streamers!

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms tomorrow and then clearing out and heating up for the remainder of the week with temps back in the high 80’s by week’s end.

Could be some good trico days this week but hoppers and ants have been the dry flies of choice around here as of late. Stop by and check out our terrestrial bins, you won’t find a larger selection of bugs anywhere in Wolf Creek.

What a difference a week makes! A week ago today may have been the busiest boat day of the season on the MO – today there is scarcely a soul to be seen. Empty parking lots and miles of unoccupied water. Much of the traffic has disappeared for the time being but expect the majority of what’s left to continue to congregate between the dam and Craig. Enjoy the solitude of a day in the canyon or further down.

Hoppers, Pine Squirrel Leeches, Ants, Crayfish, Zebra Midges, Split Case PMD’s, Peep Shows, Weight Flies…for what it’s worth, these are the bugs folks have been buying.

Stop by Wolf Creek Angler for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs. Open early at 6:00 AM every day, make us your one stop on the way to the river.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:48-06:00July 27th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Weekend Update

Hopper Time

The best fishing reports we’ve heard for the past couple of days have come from the canyon and below where the hopper bite has started to come on. There have been some good days with a lot of action on the hopper and some other days where the hopper bite wasn’t all that but the dropper was getting plenty of attention.

Hopper fishing is an awesome way to spend a day on the water and while you may not get the numbers you’d get nymphing at the dam, the anticipation coupled with the occasional swirl or explosive grab will keep you wanting more.

We’ve got a great selection of tried and true Missouri River foam and we’d love to get you pointed in the right direction as far as bugs to use and places to go. The hopper game is best played from a drift boat and a long stretch of river. No row-arounds required. We’ve heard of decent action from Wolf Creek to Craig and the water between Craig and Spite is one of our favorites for throwing hoppers but if you really want to commit try the canyon or below and stick with it.

New to the hopper game? Why not book a trip with us and let our guides get you dialed in. Again – it’s not a numbers game but it’s a fun way to fish and a great way to spend a day on some water you might normally overlook.

This is not to say that it’s been on fire. Inconsistent is a good way to describe things out there lately no matter what you are throwing. If the hoppers’ aren’t getting any love run a dropper, your nymph of choice. We’ve been having great luck with a natural Pine Squirrel leech and have heard of good results on PT’s, peep shows, micromays etc. Throw something you like and see what happens.

Tricos and Caddis still offering plenty of opportunities for the hardcore DFO’s but it’s certainly been a strange season where the tricos are concerned. Our advice – make preparations to be on your trico A game and then roll with your day – if it happens it happens and you will succeed. If it doesn’t then go to your nymph and/or hopper rigs and make the best of it.

Traffic was pretty heavy all week but has begun to drop off. Yesterday looked almost like August with just a few boats around (comparatively speaking). I’m sure the fish appreciated the break. Expect a little more room out there for the next few weeks as we enter into the August Lull and if you’re thinking of coming out don’t let the slow down scare you away. Fishing can be weird this time of year but it can also be really good.

Lodging and guide availability open up a bit within the next week so give us a call and book your Missouri River fly fishing adventure. Mornings are a little darker every day so the shop will be open at 6:00 AM daily starting tomorrow. Make us your one stop on the way to the MO for RO Drift Boat rentals, lodging, shuttles, guides, clothing, accessories, all kinds of cool sun protection and of course, the largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana. Come by and see what the buzz is about.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:48-06:00July 25th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, grasshoppers, Missouri River, Montana, RO Drift Boats, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Mid Week Blues

Frustration.

Many of our guests are feeling it right now. Most roll with it knowing it’s part of the game no matter where you fish.

Bugs have been a little unpredictable which of course has limited the dry-fly opportunities but as we’ve been saying those who are putting their time in are finding plenty of opportunities and are enjoying plenty of success especially as measured by finding oneself in the state of wading in the Missouri River, fly rod in hand, casting tiny bugs to rising fish miles away from reality. How much better could it be? Catching a bunch of fish certainly might add something to the experience but those who have figured it out return to the porch at WCA each night satisfied and happy regardless of the number of bugs on the water or the number of fish up.

Of course some leave disappointed. Some are wired to measure the enjoyment and success of their experience by the amount of fish they catch, the size of the fish they catch, the amount of bugs on the water…etc. That’s ok too, we get it but we encourage all to take the time to take in your surroundings. Enjoy the sights and sounds and the company of your friends as you experience this magical place.

It’s interesting talking with our guests each morning and hearing about how they did. We hear a lot about a lack of bugs or things being tough out there but we also hear a lot about what an amazing place this is and how lucky we are to call this home. We don’t disagree.

How’s it fishing? It’s fishing ok and the better you are the more success you will have. If you’re having a tough go of it we encourage you to book a trip with us and let one of our expert guides get your game dialed in.

Tricos are still getting going and offering good opportunities depending on the day. PMD’s and PED’s are still around but definitely fading fast. Caddis are here and could very well be your best bet for the time being. Too early for hoppers? Definitely not. Try throwing a hopper or a Chubby, you might be surprised!

Nymphing? We haven’t heard a lot of nymphing reports as it’s definitely prime time for the DFO’s but those who are doing it continue to do well with Split Case PMD’s, Purple Weight Flies, Tung Darts, PT’s, Psycho Mays, Zebra Midges etc.

Stop by Wolf Creek Angler, your 5:30 AM one stop on the way to the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:48-06:00July 15th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Mid July Missouri River Report

Summertime in full swing here in Wolf Creek with some cooler temps and cloudy conditions and even a little rain on occasion. It’s been a little windy out there for the past couple of days which has made things challenging for the dry-fly guys but we’re continuing to hear some good reports from those who are putting in the time.

The Missouri is in better shape than most which has brought more traffic than usual, however the monsoon-like conditions we saw on Saturday kept many off of the water and in the fly shops waiting it out which was great for us but we are starting to hear a bit of grumbling about the weather etc. You won’t hear any grumbling from us – let it rain! Cooler temps and rain showers? We’ll take it.

Tricos in the mornings – some good days, some not so good. PMD’s still a staple of your day. Caddis? Plenty around but not like in the old days, at least that’s what we’re being told. Good nymphing most days but sometimes you’ll be working for them.

We’re loaded up with all kinds of bugs for all of the above so make us your 5:30 AM one-stop shop on the way to the river for shuttles, bugs, fishing licenses, damn fine coffee, Flyagra, Strike Foundry Strike Indicators, Kast Guide Wear and much, much more.

Need help with fly selection or rigging or wondering where to go? That’s what we’re here for. No pressure, no posing, no posturing, no intimidation. Just friendly service and a commitment to each and every one of our customers to do everything we can to make your day on the Missouri as successful and enjoyable as it can possibly be.

Following are the current Hoot Owl Restrictions around the state.

Beaverhead River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/10/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Portions of the Beaverhead River from Anderson Lane to its confluence with the Big Hole River (7/9/2015)

Big Hole River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/03/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Entire Big Hole River, excluding Dickey Bridge to Maiden Rock Fishing Access Site. (7/2/2015)

Bitterroot River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/03/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Bitterroot River from its origin at the confluence of the East and West Forks of the Bitterroot River to its mouth (7/2/2015)

Blackfoot River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/03/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Blackfoot River from its headwaters to its confluence with the Clark Fork River (7/2/2015)

Clark Fork River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/03/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Clark Fork River from its origin at the confluence of Warm Springs and Silver Bow Creeks to the confluence with the Flathead River (7/2/2015)

East Gallatin River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/10/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Entire East Gallatin River from its origin at the confluence of Rocky and Sourdough Creeks to its confluence with the West Gallatin River (7/9/2015)

Flint Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/03/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
From the Highway 1 Bridge near milepost 53 to the mouth (7/2/2015)

Gallatin River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/10/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Lower Gallatin River from Sheds Bridge (Hwy 84) near Four Corners, MT, downstream to its confluence with the Madison River at Three Forks (7/9/2015)

Jefferson River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/03/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Entire Jefferson River (7/2/2015)

Madison River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/10/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Lower Madison River from Ennis Dam to the Missouri River Headwaters. (7/9/2015)

Ruby River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/10/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Portions of the Ruby River from Duncan District Road to its confluence with the Beaverhead River (7/9/2015)

Shields River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/10/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Most of the Shields River from its confluence with Smith Creek downstream to its confluence with the Yellowstone River. (7/9/2015)

Silver Bow Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/03/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
From Blacktail Creek to the mouth where it joins with Warm Springs Creek (7/2/2015)

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:48-06:00July 13th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Strike Foundry, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Weekend Outlook

Caddis Sunset – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Busy weekend already underway on the Missouri. Breezy conditions made things a little tough this morning for the dry-fly crowd but there are plenty of fish up and plenty of bugs around…persistence is the key.

Weather forecast is calling for a chance of showers and thunderstorms tonight and more of the same tomorrow with a 50% chance of rain and a pleasant high of 73 under partly sunny skies with west winds at 8-15 mph.

Missouri River flow currently holding around 3900 with a morning water temp generally in the low 60’s – mid 60’s by afternoon. We’ll see air temps dropping into the mid to high 50’s for the next few evenings which should help to keep things cool.

Expect plenty of company out there this weekend, especially with the latest round of Hoot Owl Closures in the Southwest portion of the state. The Missouri is in good shape and should remain that way. Please be respectful of your fellow anglers out there and treat them as you would like to be treated.

As the crowds increase and the river shrinks the potential for conflict is certainly on the rise so be kind to one another and please be kind to the fish by trying to minimize the time playing them and the time they are out of the water. Perhaps forgo the grip and grins and stick to pics of fish kept in the water. We generally steer clear of any preaching here but we’ve got a long summer ahead of us and we’re likely going to see more traffic than usual so please be kind to our river!

PMD’s on the wane. Tricos gaining momentum. Caddis a plenty. Nymphing is just fine. Stop by the shop for shuttles and bugs and up-to-the-minute intel on what’s happening on the Missouri. Shop open daily at 5:30 AM for your beat-the-crowd early morning convenience.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:48-06:00July 10th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Mid-Week Missouri River Fishing Report

Classic early July dry-fly fishing on the Missouri. Some good days, others not so much. Lots of bugs and no fish, no bugs and no fish, good mornings with a lot of bugs and a lot of fish shut down by afternoon winds…..and on and on it goes.

PMD’s still going fairly strong and Tricos firing up. A few fish being caught on trico spinners but not many. This should improve daily.

Caddis a plenty – depending on the evening and the location. We’re hearing mixed reports about the caddis but the consensus seems to be that the better action remains below Craig however there are plenty of caddis in the upper stretch as well though they don’t seem to get going until last light.

All kinds of options daily for the DFO’s – go early, stay late and enjoy. What’s working? Best movers on the dry fly side this week have been No Hackle PMD’s, CDC Rusty Spinners, CDC PMD Spinners, PMD Transitional Duns, Flash Cripple PMD’s, CDC PMD Emergers, Indicator Spinner Tricos, Barr’s Trico Emerger, Double Wing Tricos, Poly Spent Caddis, CDC Caddis Emerger, Cornfed Caddis and Buzzballs.

Nymphing has been good though weeds have become a constant so check your bugs often. Weight Flies in Gold and Purple, Split Case PMD’s, PMD Psycho Mays, PMD Magic Flies, Tung Darts, PT’s, Purple UV Prince Nymphs, Hot Belly PT’s, Peep Shows and Zebras have all been getting eaten along with a bunch of other stuff. The big cool down we had on Sunday really turned things on so pay attention to those significant changes in temperature and barometric pressure and see if you can’t stumble upon the weather that flips the switch.

Most of the traffic has been and will continue to be from the dam to Craig. Wolf Creek Angler is closer to Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge than anyone. Planning on getting a super-early start? Make WCA your first stop. Open at 5:30 AM daily for shuttles, bugs, ice and anything else you might need for your day on the water.

It’s Trico Time on the Missouri – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:48-06:00July 8th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Holter Dam, Missouri River, running line, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

July 4th River Report

Happy Independence Day from all of us at Wolf Creek Angler. It’s a little quiet around the fly shops today as the rafts and tubes and kayaks and various other floating apparatuses take over the MO on this hot and sunny day. Plenty of drift boats out there as well but we generally treat the 4th as a day off from fishing around here.
That being said those who are fishing today are likely getting into them both on dries and nymphs. Reports from yesterday ranged from poor to outstanding with the dry-fly guys having the more challenging day for sure but there are plenty of fish being caught both on top and below the surface.
A nice mix of PMD’s and caddis and now fishable numbers of tricos as well. Good numbers of all of the above depending on who you ask. It’s all about perspective.
Speaking of that, it’s during this dry- fly prime time more than at any other time of year that you can have two people fish right next to one another and have similar fishing results and one will say it’s the most bugs they’ve ever seen and the best fishing they’ve ever had here while the other wonders where all the bugs have disappeared to. One guy catches two fish and is thrilled, another catches 12 and wonders why the fishing is so slow….it’s all perspective. Personally, if I can get a couple of opportunities to cast to rising fish and I hook (and maybe land) one or two I’m thrilled, but that’s just me.
The nymphers are getting it done from the dam to Craig for sure and elsewhere too- still with the gold or purple weight fly and split back PMD combo though the split back has cooled slightly the past day or two. Psycho May PMD’s, PMD Magic Flies, Light Peep Shows, gold or purple lightning bugs and PT’s of all kinds are getting eaten regularly.
As we mentioned there are plenty of tricos around though the fish have yet to really key on them. Last season’s hottest trico pattern was by far the Indicator Spinner Trico and we are fully stocked so keep a few at the ready along with your PMD and Caddis patterns.
We’ve been selling a lot of Eric’s Rusty Spinners, PMD Flash Cripples, No Hackle PMD’s and Drowned Spinner PMD’s. If you can’t find a PMD pattern that the fish want don’t overlook the Parachute Adams in #18 or #20.
Tan Elk Hair Caddis, X Caddis, Outrigger Caddis, Kings River Caddis, Poly Spent Caddis, Corn Fed Caddis and CDC Grey/Tan Caddis Emergers in #16 should all be a part of your Missouri River Caddis arsenal.
All of these and many, many more at Wolf Creek Angler, your first and only stop on your way to the MO. Open at 5:45 AM daily for your early morning first on the water convenience.

Flows holding around 4000, temp creeping up – currently around 64. Much cooler weather on tap for tomorrow with highs in the low 60’s and a good chance for some much- needed precipitation. High 70’s low 80’s for the first part of next week – perfect weather for your Missouri River Dry Fly Fishing Nirvana.

Stop by the shop today and take advantage of great deals on almost everything including WCA Hoodies for right around $25! What a steal. Big festivities everywhere tonight but Craig will definitely be the place to be with live music at Izaaks and a bunch of fishy people milling around town and having a grand time celebrating the birth of our nation.

Be safe out there!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:48-06:00July 4th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Farewell to June/ Summertime on the MO

In Training this summer at Wolf Creek Angler

Hard to believe but we’re closing the books on June already. What is statistically our wettest month turned out to be a dry one with record high temps over the past week.
We did get a nice soaking thunderstorm last night so our almost-14 year old part time groundskeeper/boat washer/driveway sweeper and whatever else needs to be done go to guy is enjoying a day off from moving sprinklers. He may not realize it just yet but I think this whole Wolf Creek Montana, Missouri River fly fishing thing is going to start to take hold soon. Spend enough time around this culture and you can’t help but get sucked in. In the meantime if you happen to see my kid around the shop perhaps you could let him know how bad you feel for him that he has to spend his summer working around a fly shop, floating the MO with his super un-cool old man and hanging around fishing guides and fishy people in general.
It’s definitely feeling like summertime at WCA. The regulars are here for extended stays and it’s great to see all of these folks again. Early mornings, late nights, hot coffee and cold beers and the sense of eternal Saturday we enjoy from around mid June through the end of the season where we likely have no idea what day of the week it actually is but they all feel like Saturday.
People come from all around the world to fish the Missouri and we’re thrilled to be a part of their Montana experience.
Plenty of traffic out there but plenty of room to find a piece of water to call your own and spend as much time as you want perfecting that perfect delivery and perfect presentation. Sometimes it all comes together… sometimes it doesn’t. It’s all part of the appeal of dry fly fishing on the MO.
See you in the shop bright and early for everything you need for your day on the water.
Open daily at 5:45 AM – earlier than anyone. So make Wolf Creek Angler your first stop on your way to the river. We’ve got you covered with shuttles, RO Drift Boat Rentals, all kinds of sun protection, Kast Gear (including Tailspin Guide Shorts), all the lines, leaders and tippet you need from Rio and Trout Hunter and of course, the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana. Come check us out – we’re confident you will find our bug selection rivals that of any other in the canyon.

See you in Wolf Creek.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:51-06:00June 30th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, RO Drift Boats, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The week ahead

All kinds of cool logo gear available now at WCA

A cool down is underway and we should see highs decline daily, down to 90 by Thursday. Hot again on Friday but it looks like it’s going to be a beautiful fourth of July weekend.

Flows are holding steady in the 4100 range with water temps in the low 60’s.

Dry fly fishing has been very good despite the heat with plenty of PMD’s and Caddis river-wide and the nymphing, by most accounts, has been exceptional.

Expect PMD’s mid-morning and throughout the day. Best PMD patterns have been CDC Rusty Spinners, Hi-Vis Rusty Spinners, No Hackle PMD’s, Flash Cripples and Parachute Adams. Big movers from the caddis bins have been the Outriggers, X-Caddis and of course the CDC Grey/Tan Caddis emergers.

Beadless Split Back PMD’s continue to be the biggest mover from the nymph bins but there’s all kinds of bugs working including, but not limited to, olive WD 40’s, PMD Psycho Mays, MicroMays, Tung Darts, Purple Zebras, Peep Shows and PT’s.

Come check out our Fourth of July sale starting Friday and running through the weekend. 15% of most everything including Smith Chromapop sunglasses, Yeti Coolers, Fishpond Nomad Boat Nets, Simms logo wear, Kast Extreme Fishing Gear and of course, the largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:51-06:00June 29th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments