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Missouri River Weekend Update

Hopper Time!

Blue skies and sunshine this weekend, highs in the 80’s and 90’s for the next few days before we see another cool down late in the week.

Angling traffic is on the light side but do expect plenty of rec floaters out there this weekend. It’s going to be a gorgeous couple of days to float the river.

What fishing traffic there is seems to be concentrated in the canyon which by all accounts is fishing very good right now, especially by August standards. Weeds are a challenge, but nothing you can’t handle. While the canyon is getting some good press right now don’t limit yourself. Try the lower river, try the upper river…..there are fish everywhere!

Plenty of options right now if you’re willing to switch it up early and often but for my money I would go with a hopper (or a chubby) and either a Rubber Legs or your favorite mayfly nymph.

We’re liking the Moorish and More or Less Hoppers in pink and also having some luck with the #12 White Cloud Hoppers in peach. Don’t overlook yellow either, most of the naturals I’ve seen around (and there aren’t a bunch of them) have been yellow. We’ve had luck with everything from #8’s to #12’s but I think there’s a tendency to want to go big and that isn’t always the ticket. If you aren’t getting any looks at that #8 try something small or get the best of both worlds and trail an ant off that #8 hopper, then you’ll have the right size meal for any appetite.

As far as nymphs to drop, again we like the brown or brown/yellow rubber legs and all kinds of mayfly stuff. Split Case PMD’s, Military Mays, Docs Summer Bug, 2 Bits, Little Green Machines, Peeps, Purple Lightning Bugs, plain old PT’s….you get the picture. Additionally we’ve had some good days with the #16 purple weight fly, tan UV Czechs and various crayfish patterns.

Tricos? Yes and no. There are bugs. There are fish eating them but those who are here specifically for the Trico fishing have been disappointed for the most part. Rig up an indicator spinner and a cdc emerger and have it at the ready in case you come across some rising fish. Otherwise grab your hopper rig and fire away. Hit the banks, hit the seams, hit the riffles and be ready for the take.

We’ve been a little hum-drum with our reports as of late, after all it is August but it’s definitely worth your time to come out and give it a shot. Sure there are some tough days, but there are also some really good days and there’s NOBODY HERE! That’s bad for us but it’s great for you if you’re hoping to have some water to yourself. Besides that, it’s summertime in Montana. Why wouldn’t you spend your day floating down a river?

We’ve got plenty of lodging available as well as abundant availability with the hardest working guides on the Missouri. We’re also offering free lodging as part of our Dog Days of Summer Special. Now through the end of August book a full day guide trip and a night of lodging and we’ll throw in a second night of lodging for free.

We’re open daily at 6:30 AM for all of your Missouri River Fly Fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 13th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, grasshoppers, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Weekend Update

front

Things continue to be a little tough out there but don’t despair. There are plenty of reasons you should be fishing the Missouri right now.

These are just a few of them.

1. HOOT OWL RESTRICTIONS

Screenshot (73)
Water levels continue to drop on many rivers around the state. Low flows mean high water temps, especially during hot weather. High water temps mean stressed trout. The Hoot Owl closure list continues to grow with a couple of rivers (Jefferson and parts of the Big Hole) now completely closed to fishing. Meanwhile on the Missouri we’re enjoying relatively stable flows in the 4100 cfs range and comfortable water temps in the low to mid 60’s. Rumor has it we’re going to see a drop in flows here as well but we don’t expect anything too drastic. Should we drop into that 3500 range you can expect more weeds but for the time being we’re liking the conditions on the river, especially by August standards. If Hoot Owl conditions have chased you off of your favorite water it’s time to hit the MO’.

2. LIGHT TRAFFIC

August is traditionally a slow month on the Missouri and while we appreciate the break after an extremely busy several months, six days in and we’re rested and ready to ramp up again! We typically see a big drop in traffic during August and early September despite the fact the fishing can be good. It can also be challenging but if it wasn’t a challenge what fun would it be? Regardless, for whatever reason, there aren’t a lot of people around in August so it’s the perfect time to come fish the Missouri if it’s relative solitude you seek. It’s not quite December solitude but you can usually find yourself a stretch of water void of other anglers. No waiting at the ramps, less competition on the water, immediate seating at Izaaks and plenty of vacancies in the area are all good reasons to try August fishing on the Missouri.

3. GRASSHOPPERS AND ANTS

Although not known as a great terrestrial fishery the Missouri gives up plenty of big browns to hoppers and ants strategically drifted and occasionally twitched through the right spots. Banks, seams, riffles…..you know the spots. Do a long float covering as much water as you can and be patient. Hopper fishing is rarely action-packed but there are occasional good days and frequent good parts of mediocre days so it’s definitely worth your while to give it a try. Not sure where to go? Stop by the shop and we’ll get you set up with the right bugs and give you some direction on where to go. If you really want to get your hopper game dialed in book a trip with us and we’ll have one of our expert guides take you to the ultra secret hopper hot zones. We’re happy to send you to these spots on your own but nobody knows the water better than those who are out there every day. If you are new to the Missouri or new to fly fishing or both we can’t stress enough how critical a guide trip can be to your future success or lack thereof. You’ll learn more in a day on the water with one of our guides than you could in a whole season of trying it on your own.

4. FLYSHOP EMPLOYEES ARE CRAVING HUMAN CONTACT

While it’s not quite that bad there are definitely some lonely spells in shop these days. The upside to this though is that we’ve got plenty of time to do things like cleaning the shop, grounds keeping….etc so the shop is really clean and the lawn is making a comeback after a bit of neglect since we’ve had plenty of time to dedicate to a sprinkling program. We’re busy working on fall fill in orders and starting to put together pre-season orders for 2017 and also doing a fair amount of lodging and guide trip boo

kings for fall and for next season. There are always things to do around the shop but our favorite thing to do in the shop is help customers so it would make our day if you came by.

5. DOG DAYS OF SUMMER LODGING SPECIAL

Now through the end of August book a guide trip and two nights lodging with Wolf Creek Angler and we’ll throw in a third night of lodging for free. That’s up to a $129 value. It’s a great opportunity to do a second guided day on the MO’ or to rent one of our RO or Adipose Drift Boats and try it on your own after which you can relax at WCA for another night for free.

See you soon at WCA.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 6th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Montana Fly Fishing, Uncategorized|Tags: brown trout, Dog Days, fly fishing, grasshoppers, Missouri River, RO Drift Boats, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

No wait at the boat ramps for the time being. The fish are here – where are you? photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Things are pretty quiet around here this week. The bright sun and high temps are keeping things challenging on the river and while it’s still hard to beat a day floating the MO’, no matter what time of year, the current conditions have many anglers singing the summertime blues.

Trico action has been hit or miss. The bugs have been consistent but it seems more often than not the fish just don’t seem that interested. Our walk/wade DFO guests have had a particularly frustrating time of it. Between the finicky fish, the heat, the seemingly ever-present wind and the lack of any consistent evening activity it’s been challenging to say the least. We’ve spent plenty of time talking folks off of the ledge over these past couple weeks and will likely continue to have to do so. The bottom line is that August fishing can be tough. But then again, it can be tough any time of year and there are plenty of August days that the fishing is phenomenal.

One thing that helps is to adjust your expectations. Keep in mind that the fish have been extremely pressured for the last several months. Pair that with bright, sunny, hot days and you have the potential for some tough fishing but with that being said you could also have spectacular fishing and could have it virtually all to yourself.

We love to throw the hopper this time of year so what we recommend is a long float where you’ll have plenty of opportunities to nymph or throw hoppers and since you’re covering a lot of water you’ll likely find fish up here and there in areas that don’t see as much pressure so you’ll be able to satisfy your dry fly cravings as well.

Streamers are an option as well. It isn’t our favorite time of year to fish streamers due to the amount of sunshine and aquatic vegetation but if you choose your spots and deliver your cast with pinpoint accuracy you are likely to move a fish or two. I’ve spent a little time throwing streamers in select spots the last few times out and have moved a few each time, including one beast of a brown hooked and lost at the boat which was definitely pushing the two foot mark. Those who fish with me might accuse me of being a little hung up on Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow Sculpin and I get it but all I will say is that I haven’t changed bugs in three weeks! Bright sunny days may not be ideal but I’m a firm believer that if you put the fly in front of them they’re going to go after it regardless of weather conditions.

Think quality, not quantity when it comes to August fishing. Big fish (and small ones too) eat hoppers and streamers and while you aren’t likely to rack up double digits you are apt to get a few to go if you cover enough water. I’ll take a hopper eat or a streamer chase over a bobber drop any day of the week, even if it means substantially fewer fish. Success is directly tied to your expectations and your perception. That is why I encourage you to perhaps lower your expectations and just enjoy the experience rather than focusing on the numbers.

We talk to plenty of anglers who are having a legitimately tough time hooking up and we will always do whatever we can to help but we also talk to a lot of anglers who are disappointed because they only got 6 or 8 and only one of those was over 20″. To me this is a great day, especially for this time of year, but for some these numbers equate to failure. It’s all in how you perceive things.

The list of Hoot Owl and Mandatory Drought Closures is growing daily so you may find yourself on the MO’ very soon if fly fishing in Montana is in your plans. If you do we invite you to stop by WCA for the latest river info and a bug selection that rivals that of any other shop. Find the complete list of restrictions and closures here http://fwp.mt.gov/news/restrictions/waterClosure.html

And don’t forget our Dog Days of Summer Special. For the month of August book a guide trip and two nights lodging and get a third night of lodging for free. Get dialed in with a guide on day one and then get more dialed in with a second day of guided fishing or rent a boat and try it on your own.

Light traffic, plenty of sunshine and the potential for some pretty good fishing or not, but again, there are much worse things you could be doing than spending a day floating the MO’ on a sunny Montana summer day.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 2nd, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

On the Road Report: Political Refugee Edition.

Over the past few weeks, with the mercury on the rise, water across the state flat-lining and the political climate starting to resemble an episode of Jerry Springer straight out of a Kafka book; I’ve found myself more often than not, getting the hell away from everything. I’m already done with hearing the political talk at the bars and on the river. Combine the never ending political ramblings with the unavoidable heat, lets just say that Chewy needs a change of pace. But first, onto the fishing report.

Like our goofy grinned friend up the street says, fishing right now, is as good as you are. Crowds, weeds, high sun and ohh yeah picky fish. Still seeing a good trico spinner fall in the morning providing some good targets and the hopper bite throughout the day has been picking up. Try a More-or-Less Hopper or a Chubby in the riffles and seams with a split case or cray dropper.

Limited options right now if you’re looking at getting off the MO onto some freestone or small water. Hoot-Owl restrictions on lots of Western District and a handful of Central waterways. Check out the complete list HERE but just be ready for more to be added on as we push into the latter part of summer. Even with a lot of big name rivers feeling the sting, still loads of options if you’re looking into something different. Our buddies at Lakestream Fly Shop in Whitefish have been posting some good reports from the Flathead & Swan as well as a handful of guides reporting good action on the Yellowstone. If you’re looking for something a little more local, you’ll have to work for it, but the options are still out there. Alpine lakes, and the higher reaches of rivers not being affected as much by low flows and high temps are a good place to start looking.
As for me, I’ll be loading up a cooler and hitting the high country in search of cooler temps, less crowded water and a total lack of political discourse. Not to mention the backcountry brookies and cutthroat. Jason will be manning the shop for the next few days while I claim refugee status in the greater Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Bourbon, Beer & Bear Spray, a solid recipe for a weekend if you ask me. If you don’t see me in a few days, don’t worry about it, something tells me I won’t be missing much.

~Cheers, Chewy.

By Zach King|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 1st, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Montana Fly Fishing, Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

A Taste of Autumn

Feeling like October this 11th of July as we sit in the middle of a cold front that has brought unseasonably cool temps and some much-needed precipitation in the form of rain and possibly a few snow flakes in the higher elevations. Summer will return tomorrow with sunshine and temps moving back towards the norm with high 70’s and low 80’s for the remainder of the week.

Rainy and cold and windy today which may not be the ideal conditions for dry fly fishing on the Missouri but we’re happy to have the relief as waters around the state have been dropping and warming already forcing Hoot Owl closures in some places. Long-term forecasts predict higher than average temps and lower than average precipitation for the rest of the summer so if nothing else we’re grateful for the temporary arrest of the trends that will undoubtedly result in more Hoot Owl closures in the future.

Here on the Missouri we are in great shape with current flows at 4440 and temps in the low 60’s. Canyon Ferry is full and it looks as though flows will be maintained in the 4000 cfs range for the summer months. Expect a busy river for the rest of the summer as anglers migrate to the MO seeking cooler waters.

Tricos and Caddis will be the game for the next while with PMD’s still holding on and the fish reportedly opting for those PMD’s when given a choice. Add your favorite PMD to the smorgasbord of tricos on the water and hold on. Best selling trico patterns have been Indicator Spinners, Double Wings, Eric’s Trico Spinner, Quigley’s Trico Hackle Stacker and Drowned Tricos in #20. Helen Keller and Almost Dun PMD’s paired with a rusty spinner have been the go-to on the PMD front and the good old #16 CDC Caddis Emerger paired with an Outrigger Caddis or X Caddis have been effective caddis patterns. All of these and many more available now at Wolf Creek Angler.

Nymphing has continued to produce good numbers, especially at the dam, with Purple or Gold Weight flies paired with a PMD S & M or Split Case PMD. Other good options have been Military Mays, black Zebra midges, brown 2 Bit Hookers, Peep Shows, Tan UV Czechs, Gold or Purple Lightning bugs, LGM’s, PT’s, and on and on.

It’s not exactly streamer season on the Missouri but given the conditions today I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to throw them. Sparkle Minnows, Rainbow Baby Gongas, Space Invaders, JJ’s, Polar Leeches, Buggers and all kinds of creations from the mind of Chewy available exclusively at WCA. The ever-increasing vegetation may present some challenges when you’re stripping streamers but it’s definitely worth your efforts to power through. Choose your water carefully and change your bugs and your retrieve frequently and you may just be rewarded with a Missouri River Giant.

DFO’s may sit this day out so it would be a great day to take advantage of the conditions and have the river to yourself, relatively speaking of course.

We’ve got a few lodging openings this week due to cancellations and we’ve got guides available each and every day so if you’re considering a spur of the moment trip to fly fish the legendary Missouri this week give us a call. Things open up next week as we start to enter the late summer lull which is a lull only as measured by the amount of traffic. If you want to experience great Trico and terrestrial fishing without the crowds, August is the perfect month to fish the MO’. We’ve got plenty of openings for lodging and guides so don’t hesitate to book a trip today. If you’re looking to book fall fishing don’t wait another day….October and early November are filling quickly.

Make us your first stop on your way to the river for shuttles, RO and Adipose Drift Boat Rentals, sun protection, rain and wading gear, LOOP rods and reels, ARC and Rio lines, leaders and tippet and the largest and best selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:34-06:00July 11th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, RIO, RO Drift Boats, running line, streamers, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Summer Days on the Missouri

It’s hard to believe but we’re just days away from JULY!

As always, the season is absolutely flying past and while it doesn’t seem all that long ago we were anxiously awaiting spring we are now smack dab in the middle of prime time. Dawn comes early and dusk comes late which means LONG days of fishing (and long days of working) and late nights recapping the events of the day in anticipation of tomorrow.

I’ve heard many reports over the past few days….this is some of what I’ve heard.

“The water is really low. This is the lowest I’ve ever seen it.”

“The water is really cranking.”

“Best PMD hatch I’ve seen in years”

“No bugs!”

“Tons of Caddis”

“Where are the caddis?”

“These fish are very picky”

“The fish are still really dumb”

“They’re not eating the duns”

“They’re only eating duns”

“As many boats as I’ve ever seen on this river”

“….pretty quiet out there. Where is everyone?”

As per usual, everyone seems to have a different perspective on things and while we get it that perception is reality this is our take on the current conditions.

We’ve got bugs…..plenty of them. PMD’s, Caddis, Brown Drakes, Yellow Sallies, midges…lots of bugs. PMD’s are plentiful and have been fairly consistent and reliable. Caddis are here. Reportedly not the big caddis we used to have, nor the numbers we used to have back in the day but there are caddis to be found daily and there are fish eating them and often willing to eat your imitation of them whether there are real bugs around or not. Big Brown Drakes in the secret spots only you know about and Yellow Sallies here and there.

The water is in good shape. We didn’t get the push we had hoped for, (We did reach 7,000 but only for a short time) but Canyon Ferry is full and it looks as though we’ll see flows at or near 4100 for the entire season. We’re currently sitting at 4480 with water temps eclipsing the 60 degree mark daily. Look for those water temps to increase substantially this week with highs in the 90’s. Moss is starting to gain a foothold though it is almost July so we’re pretty stoked there isn’t much more of it already.

It’s been a good dry-fly season so far….dry-fly Nirvana on the Missouri. There are plenty of fish eating though it often takes a substantial amount of time and water to find them. When you do they are often times spooky and generally on the picky side but that is why we all love dry fly fishing on the Missouri…..we love the challenge.

Nymphing has been solid, still seemingly better in the canyon stretch though we are starting to see the migration to the dam. A host of bugs getting it done out there including Split Case PMD’s, Weight Flies in purple or gold, black zebras, S & M’s, Military Mays, 2 Bit Hookers, Tung Darts and whatever else you like.

You’ll hear it here often…fish what you like. If you’re confident in your flies you will fish them better and will likely catch more fish. If you don’t like the bug but choose to fish it because it’s the current rage you will likely be left wondering what it is you are doing wrong. We all do it. We all chase the “hot list” of flies which is great for fly sales but next time you are in the fly shop we encourage you to take your time and really take a look at the selection. Sure there are a half-dozen bugs that everyone is buying, that the shops can’t seem to keep in stock and those bugs are selling for a reason but with hundreds of other patterns to choose from we guarantee there are other flies that will catch just as many fish. Maybe start with that “hot fly” and look for something similar, look for something different. Different can be good. The fish like different.

It happens all of the time. Someone comes in the shop asking for a such and such which we are either out of or never had to begin with. We do our best to direct that customer to another selection that would likely work just as well but they’ll have none of it. Tens of thousands of flies and NOT ONE of them will do. We get a kick out of this but we also understand and appreciate the necessity of having the flies you think you need so we work extremely hard at keeping the bins stocked with everything from LGM’s to 2 Bits to Psycho Mays to Peep Shows to Split Case PMD’s to you name it.

Stop by for our inaugural Fourth of July Fly Sale happening all day Monday, July 4th at Wolf Creek Angler. 25% off all flies – a ridiculously good deal and a great opportunity to try some flies you normally wouldn’t. We’ll also have the dollar fly bin loaded up and will have some great gear on the clothing sale rack from KAST, Simms and Redington.

Prime 2017 dates are filling as our happy guests secure next year’s reservations on their way out and fall is really starting to fill in so we encourage you to make those fall fishing plans today. It will be here before you know it!

In the meantime, enjoy summertime on the Missouri.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:34-06:00June 28th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Redington, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Caddis Sunset – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Beautiful (though somewhat windy) summer weather following Monday’s Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. We love all seasons on the MO’ but summer holds a special place in our hearts with the long hot days, gentle summer breezes and bugs a plenty. It’s dry fly Nirvana on one of the best trout rivers on the planet!

It’s the time of year when our long-time regulars return and friendships are rekindled over post-fishing cocktails around the trout camp at WCA. Come by most any evening and you’ll find folks relaxing on our porches taking in the canyon views and swapping lies from the day.

Come by most any morning and you’ll find a shop abuzz with activity as our guests and customers get ready for their day on the water. What bugs to use, what section to float, what time the bugs come off, how long it takes to float from the dam to Craig…..these questions and many more are asked and answered daily as we get you set up with premium flies from our ever expanding selection which is rapidly becoming the talk of the canyon.

The OPEN sign goes on at 6:30 AM but the coffee is usually on and the door open by 6:15 making us by far your earliest fly shop option around. We tried this last season and generally found that first half hour to be a quiet time with an occasional customer but the word has apparently gotten out because now we’re more often than not seeing a steady flow of customers from before the sign is even turned on.

Fishing conditions are optimal right now though a few clouds would likely help increase dry fly opportunities. Flows are holding in the 4500 range, currently at 4320 and water temps are in the 60 degree range. PMD’s are abundant, caddis are present and rising fish are plentiful. The wading is easy and the fish, though wising up quickly, are eager to take a well presented fly. Our guests, with few exceptions, have been all smiles the past few days save for some frustration with the wind yesterday which was way more than a gentle breeze but the fishing has been good and the anglers have been happy.

Nymphing remains challenging in the top sections though with a little work you should be able to find some fish willing to eat. The Split Case PMD has been the bug of choice but we’re continuing to pick them up on San Juan worms, Caddis Pupae and a host of mayfly nymphs as well. Lightning bugs, S & M’s, Military Mays, Magic Fly, Psycho May….there are a lot of things working though not much of it working all of the time so plan on changing those bugs and those rigs until you get into them.

We are certainly in our Prime Time right now so we suggest you call well ahead of time if you are seeking lodging, guide trips or boat rentals. The rest of the week looks like it’s going to be nice with sunshine and 70’s. We’re looking at cooler temps and a good chance for some thunderstorms on Friday and Saturday returning to sunshine and 70’s early next week.

We’ll see you bright and early each and every day at Wolf Creek Angler.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:34-06:00June 22nd, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Mid June Missouri River Report

Mid to late June brings the PMD's

We’re already looking back at the first half of June as we find ourselves fully immersed in PRIME TIME on the Missouri. It’s hard to believe the summer solstice is but a couple of days away. Time marches on!

Snow and cold and frozen fingers and frozen guides don’t seem that long ago but believe it or not we have somehow reached the meat of the season. Dry Fly Nirvana on the MO’.

I’m still getting plenty of calls inquiring about whether the PMD’s have started yet. Yes…yes they have. Bugs a plenty here and plenty of dry fly opportunities. PMD’s are the main course with a smattering of caddis served up daily and it’s not too early to think about terrestrials.

Our bins are fully stocked with all kinds of new PMD and Caddis patterns, both dries and nymphs. We’ve got so many new bugs we’ve had to clear out some of the old to make way for the new so don’t miss our $1 fly bin – great bugs at a ridiculous price. Don’t forget those hard-to-find Purple Buggers….just $1 at Wolf Creek Angler. Get em’ before they’re gone!

Our Go-To PMD’s have been Eric’s Rusty Spinner, CDC Winged PMD Emergers, Quigley’s Film Critic, Wilcox’s Micromay , Knock Down Duns and PMD Flash Cripples among many many more. Caddis staples include Outrigger Caddis, CDC Caddis Emerger, Cornfed Caddis and X Caddis. If you’re still plying sub-surface the worm continues to produce, especially paired with a tailwater sow. We’ve also done well with purple or gold weight flies or Tung Darts paired with LGM’s, S& M’s, Military Mays, 2 Bit Hookers, Summer Bugs and on and on.

Looking for more great deals? Don’t miss our inaugural fourth of July fly sale coming soon and our sale racks are always worth a look for screaming deals on great gear from the likes of Simms, Redington and Kast. Nothing wrong with any of it….just need to move it out. Hopefully you won’t need any cold weather gear for the next little while but come that next chilly day on the water you’ll have the layers you need to stay warm and you’ll feel great about having gotten a killer deal.

Speaking of the weather it looks like we’ll see a return to 80’s on Tuesday, right on cue for the official start of summer. Sunshine and 80’s expected most of the week. Perfect weather for a just arrived Simms Solarflex featuring our new and improved logo.

Lodging is slammed but we have had a few cancellations here and there, give us a call and we’ll see if we can find you some room at the inn. Guides are slammed as well, making hay as they do, but if a June or July Missouri River guide trip is on your bucket list don’t hesitate to call…we’ll make it happen. As one of the only Outfitter Owned and Operated Fly Shops on the Missouri we’ve got the edge when it comes to putting you on the water with some of the best guides on the river.

We are open daily at 6:30 AM – earlier than anyone else so make us your early morning Missouri River fly fishing one stop. Shuttles, bugs, strong coffee, sun protection and a wealth of friendly advice and up-to-the minute info on what’s happening on the MO’. You are our number one priority….every day of the year.

See you bright and early at WCA.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:34-06:00June 17th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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

Early June on the MO’

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It feels like summer. Sunshine and 90’s and plenty of bugs.

With this weather it won’t be long until our lush green landscapes become much less so as the hills are scorched by the summer sun but we’re holding out hope for some more precipitation and maybe even another bump in the flows which are currently at 5370 cfs. Water predictions are on the shelf for now as we simply don’t know. It feels like we could see another low water year but as I write the sky is darkening with storm clouds. A few big rains could change the whole story. Canyon Ferry is currently sitting at close to 96% full so while runoff may be over or close to it, a few days of rain could very well bring us the water we’re looking for. We’ll see 80’s and 90’s and a chance of showers and thunderstorms all week long before a cool down this weekend returns us to more seasonable temps in the 60’s and 70’s.

Angling traffic has picked up on the river this week after a busy weekend of rec floaters and little angling pressure. It’s a different story today with no shortage of drift boats on the water river wide. We’re heading into Prime Time on the Missouri if you are a dry fly angler….The Big Show! PMD’s and Caddis are on the menu right now and finding rising fish is becoming more and more consistent with every passing day. The majority of the dry fly action is still concentrated in the stretches below Craig and consequently this is where we continue to see the most angling pressure but there is plenty of good fishing to be had in the upper stretches as well.

We’ve had some good days out there powering through what at times has been some very challenging nymphing while on the hunt for rising fish. The fish we’ve found on top have been more than willing to eat for the most part provided you feed them what they want. We’ve had good luck with a gray CDC Caddis Emerger or Cornfed Caddis trailed behind a Sloans Outrigger Caddis or a Parachute Adams, particularly the sparkle variety. Consistently good PMD patterns include the Helen Keller PMD, Almost Dun PMD, Flash Cripple PMD and various PMD and Rusty Spinners. Throw an emerger on with one of these or try the amazingly effective Buzzball.

We’re loaded up with all kinds of cool Caddis and PMD patterns both nymphs and dries. We’ve got more than 50 PMD patterns and at least as many Caddis varieties. Best Bets on the nymphing side right now include Split Case PMD’s, Doc’s PMD, Doc’s Summer Bug, Hares Ear Tung Dart, Light Peep Show, S & M PMD, Brown 2 Bit Hooker, Military May PMD, UV Yum Yum, Purple, Pearl or Olive Lightning Bugs, PT’s, UV Czechs and on and on. It’s a virtual smorgasbord this time of year. Fish what you like and fish it well.

As we mentioned, nymphing has had its challenging moments over the past few days. Maybe it’s the fluctuations in flows, maybe it’s the abundance of sunshine, maybe it’s just fishing….who knows. Work the water you like, change bugs, change depths, move to the water you may not like as much and repeat. If you put the time in you will likely find some level of success, if not, there’s always tomorrow.

Streamer fishing remains an option, especially under cloud cover. Try Space Invaders, Sparkle Minnows, Baby Gongas, Lil’ Kims, ZK’s S.O.B., Circus Peanuts, ZK’s Club Drug, Dirty Hippies and Montana Mouthwash just to name a few. We’ve had good luck with Olives, Naturals and white. Once again, fish what you like and fish it well. With water temps in that mid 50’s range you’ll want to keep those bugs on the move. Make them chase!

We’re open every day at 7 am for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs. Lodging, shuttles, sun protection, the best guides on the Missouri River and an ever-expanding fly selection that’s already come to be known as one of, if not the best, in the area. We are your exclusive dealer of LOOP rods and reels and ARC fly lines on the Missouri River. Outfitter Owned and Operated and having as much fun being your fly shop as you are fly fishing one of the best trout rivers on the planet.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:34-06:00June 7th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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