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.

Indian Summer Coming to a Close

Unseasonably warm weather this week on the MO with plenty of sunshine and highs pushing 80 on Thursday and Friday before we start to trend towards normal for the weekend. Weekend highs will still be on the summery side in the mid to high 60’s. Enjoy it while it lasts.

One week from today we’ll be looking at a high of 40 with a rain/snow mix and by mid-week we’ll be topping out in the mid to high 30’s with overnight lows in the 20’s and snow in the forecast.

BWO weather to be sure to close out the month of October and it could be EPIC!

Get out and enjoy what could be the last gasp of warm autumn weather this week but make time to inventory and organize the real fall fishing gear. Hats/gloves/socks/layering pieces/waders/wading jackets…it’s cold-weather gear time. It might just be the right time to think about a new pair of Simms waders and/or boots for the weeks ahead. We’re fully stocked with G3’s, Freestone and Freestone Z’s as well as a full line of boot options from both Simms and Korkers.

We’ve also got you covered with piles of gloves and hats and flannels and of course all the best Missouri River BWO dry fly and nymph patterns.

Did somebody say streamers? Those cold, dark cloudy days have BWO’s written all over them but these are also the conditions the streamer set dreams of all year round.

Either way, we’ve got you covered, no matter where your heart leads you.

We’re closing out our last busy week of guiding for the season and lodging is fairly booked up from here on out with a busy couple of days ahead. We’ve got a few rooms open for the weekend and the first part of next week before the final push with a full house from next Wednesday through the weekend, after which we will be closing up a good portion of our lodging for the winter.

Shop staff is on through the end of the month so starting the first week of November it will be a staff of one. Per usual we will be open through the winter months though we will likely reduce it to 4-5 days/week and like we did last season we may close the shop for a week or so in early November weather dependent. All this to say…we’ll keep you posted!

In the meantime, get out there and enjoy these last two weeks of what has been an awesome October, capping off another phenomenal fall season on the Missouri.

Shop hours through the end of October are Monday – Saturday 7:30 AM – 5 PM and 7:30 – 4:00 PM on Sundays.

Guide trips are still available but many are wrapping up their guide seasons this week and starting to disappear. That being said, we do offer trips year round, weather permitting so while options are going to be somewhat limited for a few weeks we can usually find someone given enough notice and things get markedly easier once hunting season is over.

Book now for late fall/early winter trips and while you’re at it make sure you have your dates on the books for 2024. Much of prime (June/July) has filled and we’ve recently been filling up our September 2024 calendar to the point where we’re nearing capacity for at least one full week of the month.

We hope to see you soon at WCA, your one stop shop for everything you need for your day on the water.

October Can’t Be Beat

Roughly two weeks in, October has not disappointed.

Cooler air and water temps and plenty of cloud cover have contributed to some excellent days on the water. More of the same ahead weather wise for the remainder of this week with daytime highs in the 50’s and overnight lows dipping into the 30’s with a good shot at some rain tomorrow and overcast skies on Friday.

Temps tick back up into the 60’s over the weekend with lows in the 40’s with a good mix of clouds and sun all week long. You really couldn’t ask for better fishing weather so if you haven’t made it out for much fall fishing now is the time.

Sooner than later the change in the weather is going to come and while there are plenty of folks around to whom the weather is not a determining factor, this next week or two might be it for those looking for idyllic autumn days on the water.

Water temps are in good shape, just shy of 58 degrees making for happy trout.

Flows dropped somewhat dramatically this week and are currently holding around 3000 CFS. Adjust those nymph rigs accordingly.

Varying reports on the dry fly side but there have definitely been some good days and there will be more when the conditions are right. Pseudos, midges, the occasional October Caddis, ants….all on the menu in October with full blown Fall BWO’s on the horizon…fingers crossed.

Nymphing continues to be your best bet for numbers. Zebras, Sows, LGM’s, Psycho Mays, 2 Bits, Peep Show, Split Case BWO, Olive S & M, Olive Micromay, Juju Baetis… all good bets and all available in stock at Wolf Creek Angler.

Let’s face it, fall is STREAMER SEASON and we are loaded up with everything you need for hucking meat on the MO. We are your undisputed Streamer Authority with the gear, the bugs and the know how to get you dialed in.

We like to talk fishing – any kind of fishing. But if you really want to engage us, bring up anything having to do with streamer fishing. We can’t shut up about it!

Cool cloudy autumn days were built for streamer fishing. Get out there!

There’s a lot going on in the world right now, serious times indeed. There’s no better escape than time on the water.

Come enjoy autumn’s PRIME TIME here on the Missouri.

Autumn’s Arrival

With the Autumnal Equinox just a day away, finally it feels like fall.

It’s been a very fall-like week with morning temps in the 40’s and daytime highs topping out in the low 70’s. We’ve seen a nice mix of clouds and sun with breezy conditions more days than not.

Today is the kind of day streamer addicts dream about with highs barely reaching 50 and a persistent soaking rain. What’s typically not included in the dream but more often than not accompanies this weather pattern is the substantial east northeast wind which is likely making things on the uncomfortable side for even the hardiest of anglers.

And it just so happens we have the hardiest of crews on the water today closing out another fantastic week with our friends from Schultz Outfitters in Ypsilanti MI here for their annual fall fishing extravaganza. We’ve been covering many miles of water this week from the MO to the Blackfoot and Clark Fork and as per usual, it’s been a ton of fun with an awesome group of anglers. This trip is always a highlight of our fall fishing season.

It feels like it’s probably time to pack the shorts away for the year and this is the type of day that tests your gear. Should you find you’ re due for an upgrade in the wader/boot/rain gear/hat and glove department we’ve got you covered from head to toe with Simms gear, the choice of professional guides everywhere!

Back to the topic of Streamer Addiction….it’s on! Weeds are still going to bother you but streamer season is in full swing and the browns are on the prowl. If streamers are your game, this is your time and we are your shop with streamer sticks for every budget and all kinds of sinking lines for all techniques and conditions as well as the best streamer selection on the MO.

Nymphing still ruling the day with zebra midges and sow bugs continuing to be consumed with reckless abandon, particularly in the Holter to Wolf Creek run but the whole thing is fishing well right now.

We’ve had some slower days, especially in the afternoons but overall September fishing has been excellent.

Dry fly fishing has taken a back seat as of late with limited top water activity though hoppers and ants will continue to produce as will October Caddis, the occasional callibaetis event and pseudos for those who find pleasure in fishing bugs you can’t see. BWO’s on the horizon.

Water conditions are coming into shape with flows continuing to hold steady in the 5K range (currently 4900 CFS) and temps on the drop at 60 degrees.

With fall darkness taking hold we’ll be modifying our shop hours for October. Beginning October 1st hours will be 7:30 AM – 5 PM daily. We hope you start your Missouri River day at Wolf Creek Angler. We’ve got everything you need for your day on the water. Shuttles, bugs and so much more.

Happy fall!

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