Status Quo on the MO’

Hooked Up – December Days on the MO. Photo by Matt Hargrave

More of the same this week on the MO.

You can expect steady weather and stable flows as we descend into the darkest and shortest days of the year from now through December 21st when we turn the corner and commence the march towards spring and the 2021 season.

We’ll see a high near 55 today, trending cooler for the remainder of the week but with no significant changes and no precipitation in the forecast. With Christmas just two weeks from this Friday it looks as though a white Christmas is not likely but obviously this could all change between now and then.

In the meantime, it’s pretty tough to beat these fishing conditions for early December yet things remain surprisingly quiet. A few more boats out there on the weekends and a few wade anglers out there daily but not what you’d expect.

Nevertheless, we’re enjoying the solitude and enjoying some good streamer days and it sounds as though the nymphing is picking up and there have even been the occasional sipping trout out there willing to engage a well presented dry fly on any given day.

We’re continuing to keep our lodging closed for the time being, waiting for things to improve on the Covid front. Hopefully soon!

Shop hours are 8 AM – 2 PM Tuesday – Saturday with social distancing and masking in full effect (for whatever it’s worth). If you know what you need and would rather not take your chances indoors give us a call on your way out and we’ll be happy to deliver your items curbside.

Our shuttle service remains on hiatus until spring but we are fully stocked on all of the essential winter bugs as well as a wide array of Simms gear from hats, gloves and socks to layering to waders, boots and outerwear.

And don’t forget our web store is now live so you can shop from the comfort of your home or office. We’re continuing to add new items daily so as you think about that countdown to Christmas and if you haven’t yet gotten your shopping done www.wolfcreekangler.com should perhaps be your next stop.

We hope you get out and take advantage of this amazing weather this week on the MO and hope to see you in the shop when you do.

Weekend Outlook

 

Game On – Photo by Jim Murray

Mild conditions persist as January draws to a close.

River traffic remains surprisingly light and while our lodging has been extremely busy this month, the majority of those staying have been ice guys who’ve been cleaning up on the perch on Holter.

Speaking of lodging, we’re full for the remainder of this week but next week looks like continued nice weather with highs near 50 on Monday. We should see a gradual increase in river traffic from here on out so if fishing the Missouri is on your to do list then make that call today and book your lodging and/or guide trips. Weekends have been booking up generally by Monday or Tuesday.

Waiting for our spring special? The wait  is over.

Spring may be two months away but the WCA Spring Special is here! $550 for two nights lodging and a full day guide trip now through the end of April. There are other deals out there…nobody, and I mean NOBODY can touch this one! It’s the BEST DEAL on the MO hands down and the best part is you don’t have to wait until spring.  As if that weren’t enough there are NO CANCELLATION FEES for these trips. Book today, if the weather turns or if you simply change your mind you’re off the hook.

If you’re looking for a guide trip this weekend we won’t be able to do the lodging but we’ll do the trip for $400. Guides are getting HUNGRY. Book the best today.

Spring merchandise is starting to trickle in, look for great deals on winter gear soon as we make room for the new.

Good reports from the ice, decent reports from the river though the wind has been ever-present lately making things a little unpleasant out there. Expect more of that the next several days and deal with it. Nymphing has been good, definitely better on some days than others. Status quo on the bugs. Streamer fishing has not disappointed. Strip or Swing…the choice is yours. Midges in small numbers but that will ramp up soon if you’re itching for dry fly action.

Don’t forget to stop by the shop if you’re out here this weekend. We are your Missouri River Winter fly fishing one stop shop with everything you need for your day on the water. Shuttles, hand warmers, cold weather gear from Simms, the largest selection of Redington gear on the river, Adipose and RO drift boat rentals (including a brand new Project Healing Waters Adipose Flow free to all vets and active duty military) and the near legendary largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

We’ve also got a few tickets left for Tuesday’s Fly Fishing Film Tour in Helena. Get yours before they’re gone!

 

Weekend Report

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Thanks to everyone who came out last night for the Fly Fishing Film tour in Helena. Great films, great company and a great time as always. It’s not a coincidence that the film tour comes around in the dead of winter when folks are looking for a fly fishing fix and the films never fail to get us primed for the season ahead.

The good news is you don’t have to wait until spring to fish. We fish all year on the Missouri – you should too! The bad news is we’re under a high wind warning today. It’s not horrible now but expect some serious winds if you’re coming out.

From the National Weather Service….

…HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS
AFTERNOON…

* TIMING…SOUTHWEST TO WEST WINDS WILL INCREASE LATE EARLY THIS
MORNING AND REMAIN STRONG THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON. STRONGEST
WINDS ARE LIKELY TO OCCUR THIS MORNING THROUGH MID-DAY.

* WINDS…SOUTHWEST TO WEST WINDS 30 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 70
MPH.

* IMPACTS…STRONG WINDS MAY CAUSE DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS
FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A HIGH WIND WARNING MEANS A HAZARDOUS HIGH WIND EVENT IS EXPECTED
OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ENDANGER TRANSPORTATION AND COULD
CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Maybe not the best day to come out and fish but the week ahead looks awesome starting with sunny skies and a high of 44 tomorrow with much less wind and into the 50’s all week long.

Give us a call today and book your lodging for this week. We already have a few people booked and chances are good we will be full much of the week.

It would be a good week to book yourself a $400 Missouri River Guide Trip as well. Guide trips make Great Valentine’s Day presents.

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

One of the most frequently asked questions I get from folks calling to book their spring and summer dates is “so what do you do in the winter?”  Well, there is always plenty to do in the fly shop. There are orders to place, reservations to confirm, new items to check in, blogs to write,  parking lots to shovel, rooms to clean, laundry to do… And then of course there’s the fishing. I try to do plenty of that all winter long and then there’s a bunch of off-season engagements to attend.

Here’s a list of some upcoming events that may be of interest.

 

February 5th, Fly Fishing Film Tour – Helena

F3T

Tonight, February 5th at 6:30 pm at the Grandstreet Theater.

Sponsored by Cutthroat Creek-Elk Mountain and Wolf Creek Angler this Independent Screening is hosted by the Pat Barnes Chapter of Trout Unlimited. $15 Discount Tickets available at CrossCurrents Fly Shop, Elk Mountain Sports, Montana Fly Goods and Wolf Creek Angler. Tickets, if availablle, at the door at $20.

2016 marks The F3T’s 10th lap around North America and this year’s lineup of films is without question the best the Tour has ever presented. From Bolivia to the Seychelles, British Columbia and Patagonia, from Saskatchewan to Zambia and Virginia to Montana, the notable characters, unique storylines and unparalleled fishing in these films will lead you on an adventure around the globe!

February 16th – Travelogue: Fly Fishing in Cuba (Hosted at the Montana WILD Center, 7:00 PM, FREE)

Cuba

Brought to you by Pat Barnes Trout Unlimited. Come explore the hottest fly fishing destination,  Cuba.

February 24th – State of the Missouri – Montana Wild Center Helena , 7:00 PM

coolworks1

Fish counts, water flows and much more. Presented by FWP and hosted by Pat Barnes Trout Unlimited.

February 29th, Community Pint Night to benefit Pat Barnes TU at Blackfoot River Brewing Company

BR-logo_copyCome enjoy a pint or four at Blackfoot River Brewing Company in Helena with $1 from each pint going to benefit Pat Barnes Trout Unlimited.

March 11th and 12th – FOAM Annual Membership Meeting, Missoula Holiday Inn Downtown

Screenshot (28)

Join outfitters and guides from around the state for the annual membership meeting of the Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana.  Two days of great sessions and speakers. Check out http://www.foam-montana.org/   for more information.

March 12th, Pat Barnes Trout Unlimited Annual Banquet – The Gateway Center, Helena MT

topbannerJoin us in support of the Pat Barnes Missouri River Chapter of Trout Unlimited. The annual banquet is a great opportunity to get together with friends and colleagues  and enjoy an evening of raffles, silent and live auctions and great food. There are some tremendous items up for bid as well as the opportunity to enter various raffles including one for a Hyde Pro Series Drift Boat. Banquet tickets and Boat Raffle Tickets are available for purchase at Wolf Creek Angler.

For more information check out http://www.patbarnestu.org/

As you can see there’s a lot going on in the Montana Fly Fishing World, even in the dead of winter. We hope to see you at all of these events.

 

 

 

Weekend Outlook

Photo by Jim Murray

Photo by Jim Murray

We’ve definitely got a fishable weekend ahead with temps in the 40’s and mostly sunny skies. The wind will be an issue (as it seems to be more often than not) out of the SW at around 20 mph tomorrow and around 30 on Saturday with gusts approaching 40 mph.

This morning looks like the best day of the bunch with cloudy skies and relatively calm winds, it could turn out to be a perfect streamer day.

Next week looks like the time to be here with highs in the 50’s on Monday. We may see 60 on Tuesday. I have a feeling our lodging will be full so if you’re having any thoughts about coming out for a couple of days next week I suggest you book it now.

F3T

 

 

It’s going to be a busy weekend off the water for us with the Fly Fishing Film Tour at the Grandstreet in Helena tomorrow night and the Super Bowl on Sunday but we’ll be around the shop all weekend for all of your Missouri River Fly Fishing needs.

We’ve got half a dozen tickets left for the F3T – they will be gone by the end of the day. The show always sells out and is always a great way to spend a winter evening. It’s hard to go wrong with beer and fly fishing films and the chance to win F3T gear and swag from your favorite fly shops, including your 2016 Headline Sponsor – Wolf Creek Angler. We hope to see you there.

 

 

Most of the recent fishing traffic has been on Holter Lake

Most of the recent fishing traffic has been on Holter Lake

How’s the fishing you ask. We haven’t been out this week and really haven’t seen much traffic aside from the steady stream of traffic headed to Holter Lake. There are literally buckets of perch being caught and the ice is still in decent shape from what we’ve heard but that could definitely change over the next several days with the warming trend so please use caution if you’re heading out there. There is currently around 6″ of ice on the lake.

The few river reports we’ve heard have been less than stellar but it’s always worth your time. You never know when it’s going to turn on. Flows are currently holding right around 3800 and the water temp has bumped up to 35 degrees. Still on the cold side for sure but sometimes all it takes is a warm up of a degree or two to get those fish feeding. You won’t know if you don’t go.

 

 

We’ve got Streamers on the brain and we think it’s definitely worth your time to dedicate a couple of hours to throwing them but nypmhing is still going to be your best bet for catching fish. No real changes on that front. Pink stuff, Firebeads, soft hackle sows, Tailwater Sows, Zebra Midges….you know the routine. We would also suggest running some mayfly nymphs. Try a Little Green Machine, a Peep Show or an S & M and see what happens. Continue to focus on the slower, deeper water but don’t overlook the transitional water (a little faster, not quite as deep). The uptick in water temp will often times get the fish moving.

Expect an increase in dry-fly opportunities from here on out as the midges fire up. Check those side channels for rising fish and have your midge cluster of choice rigged and ready.

If you’re going to throw streamers we would suggest smaller/slender patterns. Kreelex, Clousers, Polar Leeches etc. but it never hurts to think outside the box and show them something they haven’t seen.

The shop is open at 8:00 am for all of your Missouri River winter Fly Fishing needs.

 

Fishing Report 8/26/15

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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

Final fishing report for March 2015

Leslie with one of many from Sunday's float. Things are heating up on the MO. - photo by Jim Murray

Leslie with one of many from Sunday’s float. Things are heating up on the MO. – photo by Jim Murray

Guest Blog from WCA Guide Jim Murray

 

Things are heating up on the Missouri. Literally. With the water temperatures pushing past that 40 degree mark, the river is really turning on. I had a chance to get out on the river Sunday with my girlfriend fiancé, and the Mighty Mo did not disappoint. Fellow WCA guide Matt Hargrave had told me that the fish were keying in on mayfly nymphs, and boy was he right. It seems with the warmer water temperatures, the baetis nymphs are getting really active subsurface and the fish are keying in on them. Little Green Machines, Micro Mays, Hogan S&M, and the Ju Ju Baetis in sizes 16-18 all produced fish. And don’t forget the Zebra Midge. We managed to bring one fish to the boat on a Firebead Rainbow Weight Fly, but the fish definitely seem to be moving off the pink/firebead stuff for the time being.
Along with bugs getting active, the warmer temps have the fish feeling a little more feisty and moving out of those deep winter holes. Fish were found primarily in 2-4 of water. Soft bends and shelf lines seem to be the key.
Adding to the fun is the fact that the dry fly bite is really turning on as well. Heads were spotted up between Wolf Creek and Craig, with trout willing to eat a well presented midge pattern. Rumors of big bugs being spotted in the canyon have started to be discussed over beers at the end of the day, and I know of a few anglers who have had some success giving it a try.
The streamer bite still seems to be hit or miss, (many times dependent on the angler) but only figures to improve in the coming days and weeks as the fish start to really shake off the winter doldrums and get a little nasty and aggressive. I know I have a new 8 weight rod that I’m just itching to get out and throw.
All in all, the Missouri is fishing well, and figures to only get better as conditions continue to heat up. It should be a great Spring on the Missouri. Now if we can just get some precipitation to keep it a great summer…

les3 les1

F3T Tonight in Helena

F3T

The Fly Fishing Film Tour returns to Helena tonight at 6 pm at the Grandstreet Theater with an Independent showing compliments of  Pat Barnes Missouri River Trout Unlimited. Come on out and join the Helena fly fishing community for this event. It’s a great opportunity to support our TU chapter while watching some great films and it’s also a chance for you to walk away with F3T and local fly shop swag including highly coveted Wolf Creek Angler truckers, T’s and stickers. We’ll see you there!

 

 

Weekend Report

riverjake

Fished yesterday with limited success where hook-ups are concerned but it was January 17th and 50 degrees and sunny with very little wind and I was floating down the Missouri – just me and the dog – soaking up the sun and stopping every once in a while to wet a line. I don’t know how much more successful the day could have been , though perhaps a few more trout and a few less whiteys would have been nice. There were plenty of midges on the water and a few fish eating but I rarely partake in that game this time of year. I stopped to nymph a few spots and did ok but yesterday was more about unwinding on the river than anything else.

January on the MO?

January on the MO?

Though I essentially had the water to myself (relatively speaking) I did talk to a few anglers and got mixed reports. I ran into seasonal fixture Hal Hawkins at one of his “secret” spots and he was tearing them up. The guys I talked to at the take out had had a tough day, only landing a couple but we all agreed that the weather more than made up for the lackluster bite.

No big changes as far as what’s working. The usual suspects – firebeads, pink anything, rainbow Czechs, zebras, etc. Work the slow water and the deeper troughs– they are there, it’s just a matter of whether or not they want to eat. It looks like it’s going to be great fishing weather all week with highs in the high 40’s, light winds and an abundance of sunshine. We are hoping for snow at some point but be that as it may…we are loving winter in Wolf Creek Montana.

Here’s what else is happening – the weather is beautiful and we’ve had a lot of inquiries about lodging. It’s a little early for spring fever but with temps holding steady in the high 40’s and the sun shining why wouldn’t you come fish the Missouri? We aren’t going to be able to do it this winter but we are seriously contemplating keeping several of our cabins and the shop open year-round starting this season. Please share your thoughts on this.

The Upper Missouri Watershed Alliance met last Sunday in Wolf Creek and things are starting to take shape. We are awaiting 501c3 Status and are starting to put together a plan for the future. It looks like you will be able to join for a membership fee of $25 and you will be able to do this at any of the fly shops in the area. If you have questions about the the group or would like to join please check out the Upper Missouri Watershed Alliance on Facebook.

The 2014 Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) will kick off in Helena MT on Tuesday, January 21st at 6:30 pm with an independent event at the Grandstreet Theatre hosted by the Pat Barnes Missouri River Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Please come out and support the chapter while enjoying some great films and great beer. As if that weren’t enough to get you there – we will be there handing out our highly coveted Wolf Creek Angler stickers which look great on ANY vehicle.

We are busy ordering merchandise, building fly bins, taking reservations for lodging and fishing, working on the web site and getting ready to start doing some work in the shop. April is coming soon and we can’t wait to see all of you at Wolf Creek Angler. We think you will be pleased with what you find come April.

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