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Looking Towards Fall

Fall on the Missouri – photo by Neale Streeks

Thinking about fall fishing on the Missouri? We are too!

October is one of our favorite months to fish the MO’ and judging by our lodging and guide trip bookings, it’s yours too.

The first three weeks of October look to be extremely busy though we still have openings so don’t put it off any longer, give us a call today and book that fall trip.

As of right now things are pretty busy starting around the middle of September and then thin out the last week of October. Keep in mind that these last few years the late October/early November fishing has been the best of the fall. The weather can be hit or miss but it’s typically cool/cloudy/snowy/rainy days that are preferred if fishing BWO’s is your game.

Fall is also the time for streamer fishing. Weeds will still be a factor but it’s definitely worth the effort when you hook into that giant Missouri River brown decked out in full spawning colors.

Don’t let the possibility of rain or sleet or snow or cold discourage you as it’s often the case that the worse the weather is the better the fishing is. And the beauty of lodging and fishing with WCA is that you’ve got a premier Missouri River fly shop on site ready to meet all of your fly fishing needs. Cold weather gear; layering; waders and boots; rods from Loop, Echo, St Croix and Redington; reels from Ross, Loop, Nautilus, Redington and Echo; ARC and Rio fly lines; packs, nets and accessories from Fishpond and the biggest and best selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana, including a streamer selection that rivals that of any other shop with a bunch of WCA Exclusives you won’t find anywhere else. We’re starting to stock up for fall fishing with all kinds of new bugs and new gear. Stay tuned for a MAJOR shop-related announcement coming soon!

So while it’s definitely still summertime on the Missouri it won’t be for long. Leaves are starting to change, pre-season football has started, the first of the Oktoberfest beers have already hit the shelves and in two weeks your kids will be back in school and you’ll all be wondering where the summer went. Fret not, fall is a magical time on the MO’.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 15th, 2016|Categories: Montana Fly Fishing, Uncategorized|Tags: ARC Fishing, brown trout, Fall fishing, Fishpond, fly fishing, Redington, RIO, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Go Time

splashyrise

It’s GO Time at Wolf Creek Angler as we hit our summer stride.

Last week’s pause in the action is but a memory now with a few relatively quiet days being replaced with busy mornings in the shop getting guide trips out the door and getting all of our customers everything they need for fishing the MO’.

Since I’m being followed by early-rising customers and guests into the shop most mornings when I get here to open I think it’s time we start opening earlier.

Starting tomorrow (Friday) we will be open daily at 6:30 AM, earlier than all the rest so if you’re planning on hitting the water early make us your first stop. We’re your early morning Missouri River One Stop Shop for shuttles, bugs, ice, lines, leaders, tippet, Fishpond Nomad Nets and anything else you might need.

Dry Fly fishing is heating up and our guests are loving it. Plenty of PMD’s and Caddis out there and plenty of opportunities to target rising fish. Absent those much sought after pods of rising fish, blind fishing can be very effective as well if you’d rather stare at a fly than a bobber. Try a Sloans Outrigger Caddis (or perhaps the Outrigger Sally) trailed with a Grey CDC Caddis emerger. The fish are hungry and they’re on the hunt for juicy dead-drifting bugs. Spend some time getting that reach cast dialed in and get out there and give them a shot. Need some help with your cast? We can do that! We’ve got the best guides on the river and they are great teachers. We’ll have you perfectly presenting dry flies in no time!

Nymphing remains somewhat inconsistent these last few days with flows continuing to fluctuate but it looks like we’ll be settling in to consistent summer flows soon. Barring any major precipitation events we should see flows stabilizing in the 5000 cfs range for the remainder of June before dropping to predicted summer flows in the low 4000 range. We like it! We’d prefer a little more water but as I’ve stated repeatedly we’ll take whatever we get and make the best of it….not much else we can do. Expect the MO’ to be your go-to trout water in Montana once again this summer and expect WCA to be your go-to Missouri River fly fishing destination. Screenshot (69)

Best bets for nymphing right now would be something along the lines of a Rainbow or Tan UV Czech or Purple or Gold Weight Fly trailed with a Split Case PMD, PMD Magic Fly, S & M, Light Peep Show or some other PMDish offering. We’ve been sticking with the deep (8′ overall) rigs and picking up a few here and there in the deep water but the fast shallows are LOADED with fish right now and should be targeted. Short leashing is definitely something you want to consider from here on out.

Go early, stay late or Go Late and stay later. Plenty of daylight on both sides of the clock.

See you out there.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:34-06:00June 9th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: Fishpond, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The best deals of the season at WCA

All the new product rolling in these last couple of weeks has begun to crowd us out so if you’ve been waiting for ridiculous deals on all kinds of great gear, the wait is over.

Now is the time to shop at Wolf Creek Angler for 40 percent off KAST Hell Razor and Velocity jackets and great deals on select items from Redington, Smith, Echo and more.

We’ve seen re-designs on a lot of products this season so we’re left with no choice but to clear out the old models at obscenely low prices. Redington Palix River waders and boots as well as the women’s Willow River waders and boots 40 % off. Echo has really dressed up their Carbon series rods with the new Carbon XL. Pick up last years Carbon in 4, 5, or 6 weight for 40% off. Smith has revamped several of their standard models so now is the time to pick up a pair of Smiths for a great price.

Great deals like this won’t last long so be sure to stop by WCA soon and take advantage of the best deals of the season.

Don’t want the old stuff? No problem. We’re loaded up with all kinds of new gear from all of the above and many more including an impressive lineup of rods and reels from LOOP and a bunch of packs and accessories from Fishpond. We’ve also got a bunch of new WCA logo gear we think you’re going to love.

We are open 7 days a week at 7:30 AM for bugs, shuttles, coffee, guide trips, RO and Adipose Drift Boat Rentals, affordable lodging and everything Missouri River Fly Fishing so make us your first stop on the way to the river. We are proud to be your Missouri River Fly Shop and if we’re not we would love the chance to earn your business. Stop by soon and see what the buzz is about….you’ll be glad you did.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:37-06:00April 9th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Fishpond, fly fishing, Missouri River, Redington, RO Drift Boats, running line, Smith, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Back in Action

WCA-mountains-fish-bridge-location-navy

I’m back in the shop today following a quick visit back to Michigan where I got to spend a couple of days on the home waters chasing Great Lakes Steelhead. It was a great trip for sure and I even managed to land a couple of hot fish but I’m excited to be back in Wolf Creek where spring has begun to take hold.

The grass is greening, the spring flowers are beginning to appear and there are buds on the trees and bushes in various stages of bloom. We love this time of year on the Missouri.

The fishing has reportedly been on the slow side for the past several days and the real-time reports I’ve been getting today seem to indicate a continuation of this trend but fear not, sooner or later it will be happen,

Chewy did a fantastic job holding down the fort in my absence and managed to get plenty of fishing in as well. He announced the presence of BWO’s in his last blog post and while it may be a while before we see the bugs in numbers there are plenty of midges around if you just can’t wait to throw a dry-fly.

Nymphing has been the best bet per usual. Status Quo on the bugs. Pink stuff, firebeads, Sows, Czechs etc. and we’re starting to see the mayfly stuff move as well. Split Case BWO’s, BWO Angel Case and Bubbleback Emergers, Micromays, Peep Shows, PT’s and on and on. We invite you to come check out our ever-expanding selection which is literally growing by the day.

Streamer fishing has yet to really take off but this is the time of year to commit to it as it will just get better and better for the next month or two as that water warms and the fish start to go on the prowl. I spent much of my time in Michigan fishing streamers last week and the bite was terrible but as those in the know will tell you, you have to commit. Change flies, change retrieves, change colors until you find what works. And it may well be that nothing works but if you’re going to be successful at the streamer game you absolutely must commit.

Once again, come by and check out what we have heard some refer to as “the best streamer selection in the canyon”. We’ve got bugs you simply won’t find anywhere else thanks to Chewy and his obsession with tying and fishing streamers.

New bugs, new gear, new logo, new boats, new hours, more lodging options…..it’s definitely game on at Wolf Creek Angler. New rods and reels from LOOP, Echo, Redington and more. Tons of new lids and logo gear from Simms, killer packs from Fishpond, the aforementioned tons of new bugs and boxes of new stuff coming through the door daily. Come see what the buzz is about at Wolf Creek Angler. Stop in for shuttles, RO and Adipose drift boat rentals, fishing licenses and the friendliest service you’ll find anywhere.

We’re now open 7 days a week from 7:30 am – 5:00 pm. We’ve currently got about half of our lodging units open and available and will likely get the motel opened up next week. $400 guide trips and special spring rates on select lodging through the end of the month. It’s one of our favorite times of the year, watching everything come alive again. Come experience spring time on the Missouri, you’ll be glad you did.

Izaaks in Craig is open every day but Monday and The Oasis here in Wolf Creek is now open 7 days/week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you prefer to do it yourself, most of our cabins and bungalows feature a full kitchen and there are gas grills available for all of our guests. Give us a call today and book your lodging and guided fishing with WCA. We’ve got a few rooms available throughout the week but just one left on Thursday and nothing on Friday so don’t wait until the last minute to make those plans. We’ve got plenty of guides at the ready who would love to get you on the water and show you what springtime on the Missouri is all about.

We’re looking at a chance of snow tomorrow with highs in the 40’s and breezy but the rest of the week looks like spring with plenty of sunshine and temps in the 60’s and 70’s. We hope to see you soon.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:37-06:00April 4th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Fishpond, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, RO Drift Boats, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The Road Ahead

Next month will mark the official beginning of our third year in business. We couldn’t be more excited!

We’ve undergone some changes and have had our share of growing pains but our trajectory remains upward and focused and we can’t wait for the season to really get rolling. That being said, part of what we’re so excited about is the amount of business we’ve done this winter both in the shop and with lodging. We would have preferred a bit more of a winter but the mild weather has certainly benefitted us. With the exception of December which is always slow it’s been a consistently busy winter. We’ve been doing the 5 day/week schedule closing on Mondays and Tuesdays which has worked out for the most part but we will definitely be looking at expanding that schedule to 7 days if we see another winter like this next year.

We’ve got a busy season on the books for lodging and guide trips and we’re excited to show off our shop to a bunch of new clients. Our regulars will also find plenty of changes which we hope will keep them coming back. We’re always looking to expand our inventory to give you the products you want as well as to offer you some items you can’t find at every other shop.

To this end we’re super stoked to be the brand new exclusive dealer of LOOP rods and reels on the Missouri. The response has been great so far as the LOOP ARMY hones in on a local source and those who aren’t familiar with the brand get exposed to this great product line. We are steadily building up our LOOP inventory but if there is something you need that we aren’t currently carrying we can get it for you right away, generally in a day or two. Come by and cast a few of these rods. You may just find yourself joining the LOOP Army. We’re super excited to help build the brand here on the Missouri.

We’re also very excited to announce that we’ve significantly expanded our already impressive fly selection. More nymphs, more dries, some serious growth in our streamer selection and a bunch of new foam. We’ve also begun to build a selection of non-Missouri specific flies for those interested in exploring the wealth of other waters nearby and while the majority of our rods and reels are geared to the Missouri you will now find some great #3 and #4 weights as well as a smattering of two-handed selections.

We continue to be your exclusive full-line KAST dealer and we’ve expanded our selection of packs and accessories from Fishpond and Umpqua and expanded our fly line inventory to include a much broader selection of specialty lines from Rio and Airflo. We’re fully stocked on waders and boots for the whole family from Redington including the new Palix River wading pants, a great alternative to chest waders during the warmer months and on smaller streams. These are an exceptional value at under $140.00. Check back often for new additions to our inventory as we continue to make inroads with the brands and products you want to see in your Missouri River fly shop.

We’re also pleased to announce that we’ve partnered with Adipose Boatworks to add the wildly popular Adipose Flow to our rental fleet. Now you can rent a RO or an Adipose. We love them both and we’re excited to be able to offer you a choice.

We’ve continued to make improvements to our lodging which you may or may not notice. New paint, new couches, new chairs…these are some of the bigger ones but it’s our intention to continuously improve at all levels which might mean new sheets, new towels , new dish racks etc. You won’t notice many of these changes but you might notice if we didn’t make them. It’s our hope that your stay with us will always be enjoyable and while we aren’t the Hilton we are committed to providing clean, comfortable, affordable lodging coupled with exceptional service from our entire staff.

And speaking of our staff, you will definitely see a few new faces around the shop this season. Zach King (AKA Chewy) started with us last fall and will be assuming the role of shop manager for the coming season. Chewy has spent the winter here at Wolf Creek Angler keeping an eye on things for us, covering the shop on Sundays and obsessively scouting and fishing the Missouri almost daily. He is a great addition to our team and we’re excited to have him on board. We will likely add one or two more to the staff as things ramp up.

Another staff change you will notice this year is in our guide crew. We’ve added a couple of new guides and parted ways with a few others so while some of the faces may be new what hasn’t changed is our commitment as a guide staff to providing you with an exceptional experience both on and off the water. For us your guide day starts long before we meet you at the shop. We’re busy prepping our boats, getting your lunches together and contemplating where to float in order to give you the best day possible. We like to spend a few minutes talking with you once we’ve met to figure out what your expectations are and how we can best meet those expectations. We’ll figure out where to go and what to do based on what you want out of your guide trip, not on what’s most convenient or easy for us as your guide.

We are your outfitter owned and operated Missouri River fly shop and guide service. For us guide trips are not just another service we offer, they are the foundation upon which Wolf Creek Angler was built. We don’t just book the trip, we also row the boat. Fishing the waters of Montana is what brought us here. This is our passion and we would love to share it with you.

This is the road ahead. Change is constant. Continuous improvement is our mantra and whether your staying with us, fishing with us, shopping with us or any or all of the above you are why we are here and we feel truly blessed to be able to do what we do and to serve you.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:38-06:00March 5th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Adipose, Fishpond, fly fishing, Kast Gear, Loop, Missouri River, Montana, Redington, RIO, RO Drift Boats, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Farewell to August

The cold front which arrived over the weekend has cleared the skies this morning however along with the cold front came a new fire which hit very close to home. The Bray Gulch fire above Holter Lake was spotted on Sunday afternoon and at last report was burning approximately 100 acres forcing the evacuation of the Holter Lake and Log Gulch Campgrounds as well as the north side of Beartooth Road which remains closed this morning. Officials report that they believe they will be able to hold the fire at Beartooth Road.

It’s definitely feeling like fall with temps in the low 50’s this morning and fallen yellow leaves starting to dot the lawn. A little breezy today with southwest winds sustained at 14-17 and gusting to 24 – not the best weather for containing fires but the cooler temps are helpful. High near 85 tomorrow and then things really start to cool down with temps in the 50’s and 60’s later in the week and into the weekend with showers and thunderstorms likely each day starting on Thursday.

The fishing has been fairly consistent and should only improve as we move into September. Not many folks around these days which has afforded us plenty of time to work on various projects around the shop as well as to spend a little time at the archery range preparing for the upcoming hunting season.

Should you bother coming out to fish the Missouri right now? Absolutely you should. Lack of traffic does not mean lack of fish – and while it may not be STUPID GOOD right now we’ve had some very respectable days out there. Couple that with having miles of water to yourself and why wouldn’t you come fish the Missouri right now?

We’ve got plenty of lodging available and though some of our guides are enjoying the downtime before the fall season kicks into gear they would rather be working so give us a call and book a trip today. Nymphs, hoppers, streamers….we’re throwing them all right now.

Make Wolf Creek Angler your one stop on the way to the river for shuttles, bugs, cold weather gear, sun protection, Fishpond Nomad Nets, Montana Maid Coffee, ice, Rio and Trout Hunter leaders and tippet, all kinds of tools and accessories, friendly honest advice and much more all in the most laid back, non-intimidating atmosphere you’ll likely find in any shop.

Don’t forget our Labor Day Blow Out Sale happening this Saturday and Sunday with great deals on almost everything we sell.

See you soon at WCA. Shop open daily at 6:30 AM.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:46-06:00August 31st, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Bray Gulch Fire, Fishpond, fly fishing, Missouri River, streamers, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Fishing Report 8/26/15

Good fishing to be had out there right now river-wide. We’ve had some downright spectacular days up at the dam and pieced together some decent days below Craig as well. The Wolf Creek Bridge to Craig section has not been all that lately but that being said, there are plenty of fish in that section. Get out there and get them figured out!

Double Zebras, Tung Darts, Red Two Bit Hookers, Little Green Machines, Tailwater Sows, Split Case PMD’s, BWO Magic Flies and various Crayfish patterns are getting it done below the surface and the hopper/terrestrial bite has been good enough to keep things interesting if you choose to make a day of hoppers and ants. If you’re not getting eats on the terrestrials try dropping a Pine Squirrel Leech or a #16 purple or gold weight fly or the aforementioned Zebra Midge – they may change your luck.

The smoke is hanging heavy right now and will continue to do so throughout the week but the silver lining is that the smoke is blocking out the sun and keeping things from getting as hot as they could which is allowing the fire crews to make substantial progress on many of the fires burning around the area.

Hoot Owl Restrictions have begun to be lifted as we move towards cooler days. See below for the latest comprehensive list of Restrictions and Closures from FWP.

Traffic is still very light out there but it wont be this way much longer. Lodging is beginning to fill again as people begin to work fall fishing on the Missouri into their plans. Give us a call today for lodging and /or guide trips. Mid September through early November is one of our absolute favorite times to fish the Missouri. Sunny days with a chill in the air, colored up trees, colored up fish – does it get any better? Traffic will definitely pick up as we move into September but people tend to spread out more in the fall so it never seems to feel overly crowded unless you get stuck doing row-arounds at the dam.

Make Wolf Creek Angler your destination for fall fishing on the Missouri. We’ve got everything you need from top notch Missouri River Fly Fishing Guides to clean, functional and affordable lodging and a first-rate fly shop fully stocked with everything Missouri River Fly Fishing including an ever-increasing selection of bugs rivaling that of any shop in the area. Open daily at 6 AM, earlier than all the rest, for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs and just minutes from Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge – nobody is closer!

Bugs, shuttles, Rio and Trout Hunter leaders and tippet, ice, fishing licenses, sun protection, cold-weather gear, hot weather gear, Fishpond Nomad Nets, Smith sunglasses, all kinds of tools and accessories and more. Don’t see what you want? We are always more than happy to call around and see if we can find it at one of the other shops for you.

Stop by Wolf Creek Angler and see what the buzz is about.

Following is the up-to-date list of Restrictions and Closures from FWP.

Beaver Creek Full Angling Closure starting 09/01/2015
Mandatory Waterbody Closure
Beaver Creek, in Hill County, for its entire length below the outlet of Beaver Creek Reservoir. (8/24/2015)
View Water Body Report

Belmont Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary to the Blackfoot River. (7/29/2015)
View Water Body Report
Big Hole River Madatory Drought Closure starting 8/19/2015.
Mandatory Drought Closure –

[24 hour] River sections of the Big Hole River: Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to North Fork Big Hole River. (8/18/2015)
View Water Body Report
Madatory Drought Closure starting 8/19/2015.
Mandatory Drought Closure – [24 hour] Big Hole River from the Notch Bottom FAS to the confluence with the Beaverhead River. (8/18/2015)
View Water Body Report
Copper Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary to Landers Fork. (7/29/2015)
View Water Body Report

Cottonwood Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary to the Blackfoot River. (7/29/2015)
View Water Body Report

Gold Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary of the Blackfoot River. (7/29/2015)
View Water Body Report

Landers Fork Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary to the Blackfoot River. (7/29/2015)
View Water Body Report
Monture Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary to Blackfoot River. (7/29/2015)
View Water Body Report

Morrell Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary to Clearwater River. (7/29/2015)
View Water Body Report
Murphy Lake Emergency Closure on Murphy Lake
Fire Related Closure
Murphy Lake located in Lincoln County. (8/24/2015)
View Water Body Report

North Fork Blackfoot River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
North Fork Falls to the confluence with the Blackfoot River. (7/29/2015)
View Water Body Report

Reopened Waterbodies
Big Hole River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 8/21/2015.
Closure Lifted
Big Hole River: Maiden Rock FAS up to the Notch Bottom FAS. (8/21/2015)
View Water Body Report
Bitterroot River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 8/19/2015.
Closure Lifted
Bitterroot River from its origin at the confluence of the East and West Forks of the Bitterroot River to its mouth. (8/19/2015)
View Water Body Report
Blackfoot River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 8/19/2015.
Closure Lifted
Blackfoot River from its headwaters to its confluence with the Clark Fork River. (8/19/2015)
View Water Body Report
Clark Fork River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 8/19/2015.
Closure Lifted
Clark Fork River from Rock Creek downstream to its confluence with the Flathead River. (8/19/2015)
View Water Body Report
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 8/22/2015.
Closure Lifted
Clark Fork River from its headwaters downstream to Rock Creek. (8/22/2015)
View Water Body Report
East Gallatin River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 08/24/2015
Closure Lifted
Entire East Gallatin River from its origin at the confluence of Rocky and Sourdough Creeks to its confluence with the West Gallatin River. (8/24/2015)
View Water Body Report
Flint Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 8/22/2015.
Closure Lifted
From the Highway 1 Bridge near milepost 53 to the mouth. (8/22/2015)
View Water Body Report
Gallatin River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 08/24/2015
Closure Lifted
Lower Gallatin River from Sheds Bridge (Hwy 84) near Four Corners, MT, downstream to its confluence with the Madison River at Three Forks. (8/24/2015)
View Water Body Report
Jefferson River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 08/24/2015
Closure Lifted
Entire Jefferson River. (8/24/2015)
View Water Body Report
Madison River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 08/24/2015
Closure Lifted
Lower Madison River from Ennis Dam to the Missouri River Headwaters. (8/24/2015)
View Water Body Report
Ruby River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 08/24/2015
Closure Lifted
Portions of the Ruby River from Duncan District Road to its confluence with the Beaverhead River. (8/24/2015)
View Water Body Report
Shields River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 08/24/2015
Closure Lifted
Most of the Shields River from its confluence with Smith Creek downstream to its confluence with the Yellowstone River. (8/24/2015)
View Water Body Report
Silver Bow Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 8/22/2015.
Closure Lifted
From Blacktail Creek to the mouth where it joins with Warm Springs Creek. (8/22/2015)
View Water Body Report

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:47-06:00August 26th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Fishpond, fly fishing, Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T), green machine, Holter Dam, Missouri River, RIO, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Wildfires and Brown Trout

Things remain pretty quiet around Wolf Creek and Craig as we move into the second half of August. Traffic is light but there are definitely fish being caught out there.

If you follow this blog you might think we’ve stopped fishing though nothing could be further from the truth! We’ve posted travel blogs and bear blogs over the past few days and the wildfires are definitely the topic of conversation right now with Governor Bullock declaring a fire emergency in Montana over the weekend. There are currently over 100 active wildfires around the state burning some 47,000 acres and some of these are hitting home affecting waters we love to fish with the Sucker Creek fire affecting the Landers Fork and Copper Creek and the Scotty Brown fire which is now contained closing River Junction Road limiting Blackfoot access.

So what about the fishing?

The fishing report has been somewhat static as of late but it’s definitely worth your time to get out there and fish the Missouri. Nymphing has been decent, especially at the dam and there have been a bunch of big brown trout being caught on terrestrials primarily in the lower stretches but there’s no reason you shouldn’t try the hopper rigs wherever you happen to be fishing.

Good nymph choices have been black zebra midges, red Two-Bit Hookers, Tung Darts and Peep Shows with various Cray Fish and Leech patterns getting some attention as well. On top run your choice of hoppers and ants. We’ve been having good luck with tan Moorish hoppers, Pink or Purple More-or-Less hoppers and tan Whitecloud Hoppers trailed with black parachute ants.

These are some of the beauties our guides and clients and shop customers have been picking up over the last couple of weeks.

Stop by Wolf Creek Angler on your way to the river for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs including Fishpond Nomad hand nets and boat nets, Yeti Hoppers, Hydro Flask growlers and pint glasses, tippet and leaders from Rio and Trout Hunter, loads of cool Simms WCA logo wear, shuttles, lodging, some of the hardest working guides on the river and of course, the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana and we’re just minutes from Holter Dam, nobody is closer. Shop open daily at 6 am – Montana Maid Coffee freshly brewed every morning.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:47-06:00August 17th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, Fishpond, Holter Dam, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

August Outlook

Welcome to August on the Missouri. The crowds are gone (for the time being) and the fishing is hit or miss but definitely still worth your time. The water levels are continuing to be held in the 4000 range with water temps holding in the low to mid 60’s. Water-wise we’re in good shape and the projections for the late summer and into the fall are for things to remain status quo with a slight reduction in flows starting in September. Most probable flows are predicted to be in the 3700+ range for the fall months.

There is moss and weeds to deal with on the river, there are also big brown trout lurking in and around those weed beds just waiting for a juicy hopper. Don’t let the weeds get you down – they’re part of the deal this time of year, make the best of it.

Tricos? Some days yes, others not so much but you should keep your trico rig at the ready just in case. Our program as of late has been nymphing in the early part of the day and then switching to hoppers around lunch time with the occasional trico interruption. Pseudos and Callibaetis around as well and Caddis are ever-present though not as plentiful as many would like to see.

Streamers? Yes. Streamer fishing can be ok this time of year though we typically avoid the frustration. Dry fly fishing the weedy water can be challenging, nymphing it even more so….stripping streamers through it? Nearly impossible. There are probably some big fish to be caught on streamers right now – we will leave them for you.

Much of the water around the state is not faring as well as the Missouri with Hoot Owl Restrictions continuing to be implemented. This is the up-to-date report on Restrictions and Closures from FWP. It’s your responsibility as an angler to be aware of and to adhere to these restrictions so keep an eye on the FWP web site or give us a call or stop by the shop for the latest info. Open daily at 6:00 AM for guide trips, shuttles, bugs, boats, licenses, sun protection, lodging, piles of logo gear, guide wear from Kast and much, much more. Take advantage of the relative solitude of August and enjoy a day on the river – it’s never a bad way to spend a day.

Restrictions & Closures

Belmont Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary to the Blackfoot River. (7/29/2015)

Big Hole River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 08/04/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Hoot owl restrictions in place for the following river sections of the Big Hole River: Maiden Rock FAS to the mouth. (8/4/2015)
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 08/04/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
River sections of the Big Hole River: Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to North Fork Big Hole River. (8/4/2015)

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)

Copper Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary to Landers Fork. (7/29/2015)

Cottonwood Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary to the Blackfoot River. (7/29/2015)

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)

Gold Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary of the Blackfoot River. (7/29/2015)

Jefferson River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 08/04//2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Entire Jefferson River. (8/4/2015)

Landers Fork Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary to the Blackfoot River. (7/29/2015)

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)

Monture Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary to Blackfoot River. (7/29/2015)

Morrell Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary to Clearwater River. (7/29/2015)

North Fork Blackfoot River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
North Fork Falls to the confluence with the Blackfoot River. (7/29/2015)

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)
Reopened Waterbodies
Beaverhead River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 07/30/2015
Closure Lifted
Entire Beaverhead River (7/30/2015)

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:47-06:00August 4th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, Fishpond, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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

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