fly fishing Archives - Page 27 of 48

Welcome Spring

Springtime on the Missouri – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

The long, cold winter has finally come to an end.

Spring arrived yesterday in a seasonably average fashion with temps in the 40’s and a mix of sun and clouds.

Traffic on the river was virtually non-existent following what was definitely the busiest weekend we’ve seen in 2017. It remains on the quiet side today though there are a few west-siders around seeking respite from their own raging waters.

It looks like it’s going to be a nice week to fish the Missouri with temps in the 50’s and 60’s throughout the week with plenty of sunshine and the ever-present, though minimal chance for rain and snow most every day.

Spring is an awesome time to fish the MO’ as the water temps rise and the fish get active and go to work stockpiling calories in preparation for the rigors of spawning happening now and in the immediate future. More on this to come but PLEASE mind your steps when wading out there taking care not to trample the redds.

So how’s the fishing? It’s definitely been a mixed bag of reports over these past few days but overall I would say it’s leaning towards being on the slow end of things. That being said, what could you possibly rather be doing than shaking off the winter with a trip to the MO’, regardless of the fishing conditions?

Firebeads, pink scuds and sows, Rainbow Warriors, Rainbow Czechs, Pink Amex, Casne’s Pinkalicious, LGM’s, Lightning Bugs, Tailwater sows, Bubble Yums, soft hackle sows, zebra midges….they’re all worth a try. How about a San Juan Worm fished in the dirty water? The currently gauge-less Little Prickly Pear is pumping some mud as is the Dearborn so don’t overlook the worms and definitely don’t shy away from throwing streamers. The water remains on the cold side, still in that 37 – 38 degree range but it’s world’s away from the sub 35 degree temps of the past few months and it’s only going to get warmer so expect things to improve dramatically very soon.

And as if the possibility of good to great nymphing and streamer action weren’t enough we have had some solid dry fly action as well depending on the day with good midge hatches and hungry fish eager to rise to a well-presented midge cluster. We’re stocked up on midge patterns with plenty to choose from but having your dry fly rod rigged up and ready with a Hi-Vis Parachute Adams and a Griffiths gnat or Bucky’s Midge Cluster is about as close to a sure-thing as you’re going to find should you be lucky enough to encounter those sipping trout.

Wolf Creek and Craig are still in winter mode where services are concerned but that’s all about to change as Izaak’s returns this Friday evening. The bar opens at 4 pm and they will be serving dinner from 5 pm – 9 pm six night’s a week. They will be closed on Mondays. It sounds like John and his crew have been hard at work this winter making improvements to their already awesome space. We can’t wait to see (and taste) what’s new.

Should you find yourself here on Monday in need of dinner make your way to The Oasis in Wolf Creek. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served Thursday – Monday. We’ll have yet another dining/drinking option here in Wolf Creek this season with Shotgun Annie’s, formerly The Frenchman and Me. They were hoping for an April 1st opening day but that has been pushed out to June 1st. We can’t wait!

The shop is open daily from here on out with hours changing as the season progresses but for the time being you’ll find us here at 8 AM every day anxious to help you out in whatever we can on the Missouri and beyond.

Piles of new gear arriving daily. A full reel case, a full rod rack, more clothing items than we know what to do with, waders and boots piled high and bins overflowing with all the bugs you need, no matter where you’re fishing.

Lodging options are about to double as we open the remaining cabins today and tomorrow and we’re aiming to have EVERYTHING open by the first week of April, including the completely renovated and soon to be much coveted room #8.

Don’t forget our Spring Lodging and Guide Trip special running through the end of April. $500 for two night’s lodging and a full day on the water with one of our expert guides. You won’t find a better deal ANYWHERE! There are other deals out there….NOBODY can touch this one.

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-09-21T19:02:09-06:00March 21st, 2017|Categories: Fishing Report, Local Buzz|Tags: Craig MT, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, Montana, running line, spring fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Winter’s Last Gasp?

While we are currently sitting at just shy of 20 degrees and are under a winter storm warning through this evening a major warm up is on the way. Could it be that this is winter’s last gasp?

Not likely. But regardless, we are looking at mid 40’s for the weekend and it looks like we’ll hit 60 next week as the official start of spring looms, now just 10 days away.

Ideally things warm up and the snow goes away locally while winter holds tight in the high country for a while which looks like it’s going to be the case judging by the latest SNOTEL map which continues to grow increasingly blue indicating snowpack over 110 % of average for much of the region.

We’re expecting it will be busy on the river this weekend and next week, at least by late winter standards, with nice weather, warming water and hungry fish looking for a spring feast.

We’ve got plenty of lodging available and will be opening more soon to accommodate your early spring fishing plans. We’ve been doing a few trips here and there but guide trip season will get underway in earnest next week as the spring special trips start to roll. We’ve still got plenty of availability for March but April is starting to fill as word has gotten out about THE BEST SPRING FISHING DEAL ON THE MISSOURI….HANDS DOWN! $500 for two night’s lodging and a full day on the water with the hardest working guides on the river through the end of April.

You won’t find a better deal ANYWHERE!

Even if you don’t take advantage of our $500 special we’ve got great rates on guide trips without lodging as well as lodging without guide trips. $350 full day guide trips through the end of April and lodging in our cabins or bungalows for just $99/night plus tax.

It’s going to be a spectacular spring on the MO’ and the shop is fully stocked with everything you need and more with new shipments of Missouri River fly fishing essentials arriving daily. We’ve got cold weather gear from Simms and KAST; wading gear from Redington and Korkers; eyewear from Smith Optics and CLiC; Nomad nets, packs and accessories from Fishpond; lines, leaders and tippet from ARC, RIO and Trout Hunter; rods from LOOP, Echo and Redington; reels from Nautilus, LOOP, Ross, Echo and Redington and the near LEGENDARY largest selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Don’t miss our ever-expanding streamer selection including a bunch of EXCLUSIVES from ZK you won’t find ANYWHERE ELSE. Streamer Season is upon us and while we unapologetically love nymphing any time of year and love to fish dries to sipping trout on warm summer days (and cold winter days as well) it is chucking streamers that really gets us fired up. It’s all about the chase!

We’ve got a bunch of new WCA logo gear you’re going to love and you’re going to want to keep an eye on our sale rack throughout the spring as we clear out the cold weather gear and make room for warmer weather fare. That means the best deals you’re likely to find anywhere on top quality gear from the best brands in the business.

We’ve also offer RO and Adipose Drift Boat rentals and Missouri River shuttle service and if we don’t have it or can’t do it, we’re happy to connect you with the people who can. We pride ourselves on having a great relationship with every other shop in the area and while it’s no secret we are all competing for your business our business as a collective is taking care of your fly fishing needs and we will gladly send you to another shop if we aren’t able to accommodate you.

We think it’s going to be a great season on the MO’ and we hope to see you soon.

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-09-21T19:04:36-06:00March 10th, 2017|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, Montana, Redington, RIO, RO Drift Boats, running line, simms, spring fishing, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Mid Winter Sun on the MO’

Seeking sunshine and a Missouri River Winter trout fix?

We’re looking at spring-like weather on the MO’ right now with temperatures in the mid 40’s and a fair amount of sunshine right on through the end of next week when we’ll see a return to more seasonable conditions.

The water is in great shape with current river flows holding just shy of 3500 cfs while the water temperature is creeping up towards the 36 degree sweet spot for winter fishing.

Nymphing, swinging, and maybe even some dry-fly action on midges if you’re lucky and while we can’t make any promises about the fishing, there’s always the potential for a great numbers day and regardless of how many fish you catch there’s nothing like a day on the water to cure your mid-winter blues.

Why not make a weekend out of it with a stay at Wolf Creek Angler? We’ve got the best lodging deals on the MO’ right now at just $99 (plus tax) for a cozy bungalow with full kitchen and private bath. The rooms sleep three comfortably with two twin beds and a pull out couch. We’re also offering a King Bed conversion for a $10 fee if you would prefer a king bed to the two twin beds.

We’ve got insane deals on winter guide trips at $350 for a full day and we’ve got an unheard of deal on two nights lodging and a full day guide trip for just $500 you simply can’t afford to pass up. And the best part…..NO CANCELLATION FEES, NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

There’s nothing better than sitting back and letting our guides do all of the work for you but if you prefer to do it on your own we’ve got everything you need for Missouri River winter success.

WCA is your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing One Stop Destination with clean, affordable lodging; the fishiest guides on the river; shuttles; a bug selection you need to see to believe; drift boat and equipment rentals; great cold weather gear from Simms and Kast; LOOP rods and reels; Lines, leaders and tippet from RIO and ARC; eyewear from SMITH and piles of tools and accessories from the best brands in the business.

If you’ve fished the MO’ in the winter before then you know that the town of Wolf Creek is THE place to be. With the only bar/restaurant and the only gas station/convenience store between Helena and Cascade, Wolf Creek is the hub of activity during the winter months. Couple that with a first-rate Missouri River fly shop and great lodging just minutes from Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge and you’ve got no reason to go anywhere else.

We hope you make us your Montana Mid-Winter Fly Fishing Getaway Destination.

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-09-21T19:04:36-06:00February 15th, 2017|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, RIO, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

February fishing on the MO

It’s starting to feel a little more like late winter with longer days and more moderate weather conditions but I have a feeling we’re probably far from done with winter weather so don’t put the shovels and cold weather gear away just yet.

That being said, we’re looking at a very spring-like week here on the MO’ with abundant sunshine and highs near 50 expected all week.

The ramps are clear for the most part and much of the shelf ice has disappeared but keep in mind the water is still very cold and you are likely to encounter some treacherous spots where ice remains so please be careful out there.

I have a feeling we’ll see a little more boat traffic out there from here on out which is a welcome sign of spring to me. I don’t mind wade fishing in the winter, in fact winter is the only time I wade fish the Missouri but I for one am excited to be back in the boat.

The minimalism of wade fishing is nice. Carrying what you need on your person forces you to limit yourself to one discipline and stick to it. I used to carry a streamer rod and a dry-fly rod on my walk in outings but gave it up. It’s just not practical to carry two rods and limiting yourself to one option forces you to work hard at that option. This is a good thing!

Stay focused on the slow winter water. Again, the water is very cold and the fish aren’t overly active. They are in extreme energy conservation mode so while they do need to eat, they aren’t going to expend any more energy than is absolutely necessary to do so. You’ll need to find them and make it easy on them by presenting a meal they don’t have to work for. They are hungry and they will eat. You just need to put the flies in front of them. Once you get that figured out you could very well be in for some great days of winter fishing on the Missouri.

There’s no time like the present! Following a week of frozen plumbing woes at WCA, we are back in shape with plenty of lodging available. $99 for a cozy bungalow with full kitchen and private bath. The rooms sleep three comfortably with two twin beds and a pull-out couch.

New this season, for a $10 fee we are offering a king bed option (instead of the two twins) for those interested. Please let us know at the time you book. Remember we are Dog Friendly but we do charge a $25/dog cleaning fee so please inform us ahead of time if your dogs will be joining you. We’re still running at somewhat limited lodging capacity but we’re keeping an eye on the weather and will likely open up more lodging soon.

Don’t forget we’ve got some great winter specials going on as well. Full day guide trips on the MO for just $350 OR two nights lodging and a full day guide trip for just $500 (plus tax). You won’t find a better deal ANYWHERE!

We are your Missouri River winter fly fishing destination with everything you need for your time on the water. Shuttles, bugs, Adipose and RO Drift Boat Rentals, Simms cold weather gear, Loop rods and reels, the best guide trip and lodging deals around and much more.

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-02-13T18:08:42-07:00February 13th, 2017|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The snow continues to pile up but we’re thinking spring at Wolf Creek Angler

It’s two degrees in Wolf Creek today but as we close in on just under six weeks until the first day of spring we cant help but begin to get excited about the rapidly approaching season.

Winter continues to make its presence felt with frigid temps and plenty of snow over the past couple of days. We’ve got more snow piled up around the shop right now than I’ve seen in my years here and we didn’t get a fraction of what our friends in NW Montana got over the last couple of days with some areas receiving up to 50″ of new snow.

The Montana SNOTEL Snow Water Equivalent map is beginning to transform into what we like to see and while much of the region is still below 90 percent of average we’re seeing more and more green (and some blue) daily which we’re hopeful will mean a good water year again on the MO’ and hopefully around the region. With plenty of winter ahead we are optimistic conditions will be ideal.

The SNOTEL Water Year map for total precipitation (% of average) looks even better but keep in mind this is total precipitation, not snow pack.

So what’s it all mean?

Once again, it’s still early to tell but we like what we’re seeing. We will hopefully continue to accumulate snow pack in the high country but as always, the unknown is the amount of precipitation we will see in the spring which will ultimately determine what we see for water this year.

The latest predictions from the Bureau of Reclamation are calling for most probable average flows on the Missouri below Holter in the 4ooo cfs range based on current conditions at Canyon Ferry Reservoir which at this point is 75% full which is 95% of the 30 year average for this date. Translation….good most probable flows but the Max Probable would be even better with a nice 10K flush in June.

It looks like we will see a hint of spring at the end of this week with temps in the high 30’s and low 40’s beginning on Thursday. The 10 day is calling for plenty of sunshine and sustained moderate temps through the end of next week so we may be on our way.

As we move towards the more mild temps of mid to late winter keep in mind Wolf Creek Angler has the undisputed best deal on the water this winter with two nights lodging and a full day of guided fishing with the best guides on the river for just $500 plus tax and NO CANCELLATION FEES!

Whether you’re fishing with our guides or doing things on your own, make us your first stop on the way to the MO’.

We are your Missouri River fly fishing one stop shop with clean and affordable accommodations, great guides and THE up and coming Missouri River fly shop fully stocked with anything you need for your day on the water.

Shuttles; Adipose and RO drift boat rentals; cold-weather gear from Simms and Kast; wading gear from Redington; rods from Loop, Echo and Redington; reels from Ross, Nautilus, Loop and Echo; Nomad nets and accessories a plenty from Fishpond; all kinds of great WCA logo gear and of course the biggest and best selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-02-07T19:32:02-07:00February 7th, 2017|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Echo, Fishpond, fly fishing, Holter Dam, Kast Gear, Loop, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, Redington, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Long, Cold Winter

Well the groundhog says six more weeks of winter.

We’re not going to argue but I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t growing weary of winter weather.

Don’t get me wrong, we’re happy to have the snow (which is still only 70-80 % of average throughout much of western Montana) and the cold is keeping it here but we are anxious for warmer days.

I haven’t fished much this winter, only getting out twice in January, and I haven’t floated the river since November. We had a brief respite from the cold earlier this week and I enjoyed a couple of hours out there on Monday, closing out January with a few fish to hand.

February rolled in on Tuesday with more snow and cold and it’s been back to sub arctic conditions for most of the week.

There is a warm up coming this weekend with highs reaching 30 tomorrow and Sunday looks to be a nice day (for a Super bowl) with partly sunny skies and highs breaking the 40 mark before plummeting again on Monday back into the teens for the first part of next week.

I’ll believe it when I see it but at this point it looks like we may start to see some warmer days towards the end of next week with average highs in that 40 degree range again for next weekend.

Ideally we’ll start to see some sustained periods of warmer weather here on the MO while the high country continues to get that much-needed precipitation. We’re all anxious to get out on the water again and while we’ve kept busy with lodging all winter with the ice fishing crowd we’re definitely ready to see some more traffic in the shop. Spring shipments are starting to arrive so expect some great deals on winter gear in the not to0 distant future.

Stop in and see us this weekend for shuttles and bugs and anything else you might need for your day on the water. Pink flies aplenty and bins full of streamers you can’t get ANYWHERE else. Take a look at that long-term and pick a day to come take advantage of the best deal on the Missouri. Two night’s lodging and a full day guide trip for one or two anglers with the best guides on the river for just $500 with NO CANCELLATION FEES. Don’t need the lodging? $350 for a day on the water. The perfect cure for your Cabin Fever and those Winter Time Blues!

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-02-03T19:39:38-07:00February 3rd, 2017|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Groundhog Day, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Winter Fare at Wolf Creek Angler

It’s hard to believe it but we’re already a month into 2017. In some respects this winter feels like a slow grind but in other ways it feels like it’s flying by. Either way, before you know it we will be fully immersed in the season and the snow and endless cold will be but a distant memory.

Looking back at last year’s mild winter we were doing a lot more fishing through these months. Not that there aren’t a few folks out there doing it on any given day, but the deep freeze has kept many of us inside for the most part.

It’s not all bad. Winter projects are getting completed which will make it a guilt-free spring on the water knowing the things you intended to get done during the off-season actually did get done.

We’ve had a couple of minor warm-ups which have definitely resulted in an increase in traffic on the river but at 34 ish degrees, the water is still too cold to get those fish going. 35 would be an improvement, 36 plus is what we’re waiting for.

When will we get there? It’s hard to say for sure but I’m optimistic about February which is going to start on the cold side but sooner or later it’s going to warm up enough to bring the water temps up and when it does we will be poised and ready.

Speaking of warm ups, it looks like we’re in for a nice weekend with high 30’s and low 40’s through Monday. I expect we’ll be busy in the shop as there are a lot of people suffering from some extreme cabin fever right now who will be looking to self-medicate with a dose of the MO’. Couple that with a football free Sunday and we may be in for our busiest weekend of 2017 to date.

If you intend to float this weekend the good news is the ramps are clear for the most part though it’s always a good idea to check them out for yourself before you go. If you’re wading there is still a fair amount of shelf ice around so please be careful.

It might be the perfect time to take advantage of our INSANE Winter Guide Trip and Lodging Special. $500 for two night’s lodging and a full day on the river for one or two anglers with one of our exceptional guides with NO CANCELLATION FEES, NO QUESTIONS ASKED! Don’t need the lodging? $350 for a full day on the MO’ for one or two anglers all winter long.

Nymphing will likely be your best bet for hookups targeting the slowest, foggiest water you can find. A #10 or #12 Pinkalicious, Ninch’s Bubble Yum Scud, Rainbow Czech, Pink Amex or Pink Weight Fly paired with a #18 pink lightning bug, Ninch’s Thunderbug, firebead sow bug in grey or pink, rainbow warrior, firebead Ray…..etc fished deep and true should do the trick. Hit the dip, hit the pause, hit the drop….hit everything as the takes are often extremely subtle in these conditions.

We’ve seen a lot of people swinging this winter as well, maybe just as many as we’ve seen nymphing. The Hot Head Kreelex has been by far the most consistent choice on the streamer side with polar leeches and anything in white getting attention as well. Swing or slooooow upstream retrieve. They aren’t going to chase, not until things warm up a lot!

Stop by WCA on your way to the river for shuttles, bugs, Simms cold-weather gear, Loop rods and reels, ARC lines and tippet and anything else you may need for your day on the water.

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-01-26T17:15:57-07:00January 26th, 2017|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Chewy’s Winter Welfare Check & Fishing Report 1.17.17

If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been largely absent for some time now. Considering its been colder than Shackleton’s ass on the sunniest of days for the past several weeks, not much has been going on at the shop, on the river or in general for that matter. Cold, abject misery has been the status quo in the canyon. With winter storm after winter storm rolling through, the unrelenting wind, my motivation to drop the thread bobbin and wader up has been practically non existent. Has being the imperative statement. Up until yesterday morning, my days consisted of sleeping in as long as humanly possible, strong coffee, hot soup and tying as many flies as my yeti-esque hands allow.

Weather improved enough to actually do more than drive the frontage road, dreaming of spring. How was the fishing? Awesome. Typical winter fare in the nymph department, pinks, hot heads, Zebras & San Juans. Bobber-lobbing definitely the most productive means at this point. Don”t
underestimate the streamer bite though. Swinging brought a few to the net today before a 5 man crew crowded me out of an otherwise, wide open river. White was the color of choice by a long shot. Slow swings over deeper water with a sink tip to get it down, the only way to go. We’ve got all the standards in stock along with some WCA exclusives tied up by yours truly.

If you plan on floating in the next few days be advised: RAMPS ARE SKETCHY! Even at the Dam today a truck struggled but succeeded to get off. Be smart choosing your float, Wolf Creek Bridge is a definitely a no go, along with Mtn. Palace, Stickney Creek & the Dearborn. Few buddies floated Craig to Spite today and did fine. Just be sure to check conditions before you commit and come prepared, even if its just to lend a hand to your fellow floater!

From the looks of it, we’ve got another few days of warmer weather before things get cold again. We’ll be at the shop for the rest of the week with anything and everything you need to stay dry, warm, caffeinated and fishy on your way to winter trout nirvana. The best outerwear and warmest layers from SIMMS, kick ass water resistant gloves from Kast Extreme Fishing Gear, the largest selection of flies in all of Wolf Creek and of course, the best free coffee in the canyon. What else do ya’ need?

Oh, lodging? Got that too. Booked solid for the night but the rest of the week is wide open. Clean rooms for $99 just minutes from the MO.

~Cheers, Chewy.

By Zach King|2017-01-17T23:55:31-07:00January 17th, 2017|Categories: Fishing Report, Montana Fly Fishing|Tags: fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Enjoying a brief January Thaw on the Missouri – Photo by Wolf Creek Angler

A warm-up is underway and we will finally make it above freezing this week, possibly even breaking 40 on Wednesday. Per usual you can expect breezy conditions with the warmer air but nothing too crazy. We’ll see south-southwest winds in the 15-20 mph with higher gusts but definitely manageable.

The river will definitely see some traffic as we seize this opportunity for relief from the arctic air. The water temps remain just shy of 35 degrees so it may not be lights out fishing but that’s secondary at this point. Come out and enjoy the warm up and the sunshine. It looks like we drop back down into the 20’s this weekend and into early next week so now is the time!

We are full tonight and tomorrow but have lodging available for the rest of the week. I would definitely recommend booking sooner rather than later though as the ice guys are keeping us busy with lodging with the perch fishing still lights out on Holter.

This week might just be the perfect time for a mid-winter getaway to the MO’. Don’t forget our winter guide trip/lodging special…$500 for two nights lodging and a full day on the river. There are other deals out there…nobody can touch this one!

Don’t need lodging? Full day guide trips just $350 all winter long! That’s all the gear and all the bugs and a full day on the water with one of our expert guides.

Stop by the shop on your way to the river for shuttles, cold weather gear and more.

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-01-16T16:41:11-07:00January 16th, 2017|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Bidding Farewell to 2016

There’s been a lot of talk these past couple of weeks about what a terrible year 2016 has been, mostly in relation to the rash of celebrity deaths that occurred.

It was definitely a politically and socially tumultuous year as well and for all of these reasons I guess I understand the sentiment but the reality is that a turn of the calendar has little power to change the world in which we live.

I share in the hope that 2017 brings happiness and joy and peace and prosperity to the world. I too mourn the passing of beloved celebrities but in my case it’s not so much the passing of the individuals but rather the passing of time signified by the passing of these cultural icons who have been a part of our existence for so long.

Time marches on!

In that vein, I think that while we tend to magnify the bad things in our lives it’s important to account for all the ways in which we are blessed as well.

2016 was a year overflowing with blessings.

For me it was another year spent in Montana with an amazing family, growing a successful business. It was another year of good health, another year of spending time with great friends and family and another year spent doing what I love.

It was a year with plenty of challenges, as all of them are and will always be. Life is made up of some peaks and some valleys with most days spent on the plateaus of the day-to-day. The highs and lows are a certainty over which we have very little control. I enjoyed my walk on the plateau for the most part in 2016. One more time around.

Wolf Creek Angler continued on the upward trajectory in 2016. There were definitely growing pains and lessons learned but overall we couldn’t be more pleased.

We kicked off the spring with a brand new logo and hit the ground running.

We had a good water year and an early start to the season which resulted in fantastic growth on all levels. We continued to wage our battle to bring in more of the products you have asked for and we did make some tremendous headway with the addition of some BIG name products, most notably SIMMS sportswear, outerwear and accessories. We are still a long ways from where we want to be but we’re definitely on our way.

We increased our guide trips on both the Missouri and Blackfoot Rivers and hope to do the same in 2017.

2016 was a busy lodging season and while we didn’t make any dramatic changes we continued with our commitment to doing all of the little things we need to do to make your stay with us an excellent experience. Expect more of the same and likely a major improvement or two for the coming season.

One thing we didn’t have in 2016 was The Frenchman and Me. We missed it. Our guests missed it.

Change is underway at The Frenchman and as of this writing, Shotgun Annie’s Eatery and Tavern will open April 1st. We’re stoked! More news on this soon…

All in all a great year for Wolf Creek Angler. We are thankful for everything that has come our way but mostly we’re thankful for all of our customers, old and new, who continue to support us.

We love trout, we love fly fishing in Montana, we love being a part of the Missouri River fly shop/outfitter/guide community but most of all we love our interactions with you our customers. We’ve met so many people and forged great friendships in these first three seasons which will last a lifetime and when things are quiet as they are this time of year it’s the thought of summer days on the water and around the shop and of our rooms filled with happy anglers that tides us over and keeps us sane as we await the start of the season.

Happy New Year to all! May 2017 be the best year yet.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-12-31T19:48:42-07:00December 31st, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: 2016, 2017, fly fishing, Happy New Year, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

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