fly fishing Archives - Page 30 of 48

Finally September!

Coming Soon…..

We’ve finally bid farewell to a long, quiet August and while today is a bit of a carryover with hot weather and a relatively quiet river, change is coming right on cue.

We’ll see temps cool over the next couple of days and it will really feel like fall on Sunday and Monday with rain and highs in the 50’s. Sounds like streamer weather to me….bring it on.

And speaking of streamers, I fished with my good friend Brad Turner http://www.pmangler.com/ from Michigan the last couple of days and despite the bright sunny conditions we did manage to move a bunch of fish and even boated a few. Brad is a total streamer junkie and taught me much of what I know about the streamer game. He likes to throw the BIG bugs and he and his crew back in Michigan have been revolutionizing the game in their own way with some cutting edge patterns designed to move in such a way when fished correctly that no self-respecting monster trout can resist at least coming out to have a look.

I was a bit skeptical since I’ve grown accustomed to the smaller bugs we typically throw on the MO’ but sure enough these bugs swim like none I’ve ever seen and we moved enough fish within a mile or two to make me a believer. I’ll be continuing to test these bugs out throughout the fall as the streamer fishing improves and you can expect to find a few of them in the bins at WCA very soon. These aint no wooly buggers….they’re big complex bugs and you’re going to work if you’re fishing them like they need to be fished! Amateurs need not apply! Intrigued? Book a streamer trip with WCA on the MO’ this fall or look Brad up for some Michigan streamer action on the Pere Marquette or Manistee. He’s also doing destination trips to the White in Arkansas. Inquire with him about this or give us a call and we can get you hooked up with his crew for Big Browns on the White in February. We may even join you!

Brad Turner with a beast of a White River Brown

We love throwing streamers, especially in the fall and spring, and while the Missouri is not known as a great streamer river, those who put in their time and work hard at it are often times rewarded. Stop by the shop for all the latest tips and techniques, a wide array of specialty streamer lines from Rio and Airflo, some awesome streamer sticks from Loop, Echo and St Croix and a great selection of bugs, many of which you won’t find in any other shop.

Don’t care for streamers? No worries! The nymphing has been consistently good, especially at the dam and while Trico fishing is all but done there is definitely enough terrestrial action to keep it interesting for those looking for the dry fly experience.

The water is in good shape by September standards and it looks like we’ll see consistent flows throughout the fall season. We did see a bit of a drop recently and it looks like we’ll be sitting just south of 4K for the fall and winter months. Current water temps are holding in the low to mid 60’s and should begin to drop into the 50’s with consistently cool nights and cooler daytime temps on the way. Have I mentioned that we’re getting excited about streamer fishing? Bring on the rain and cool weather. Screenshot (77)

A busy weekend ahead at Wolf Creek Angler though we do still have a few rooms available. Give a call today and book yourself a room and a day or two of fall fishing on the Missouri.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:32-06:00September 1st, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, fly fishing, Missouri River, RIO, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Late August Missouri River Fishing Report

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It’s been pretty much Status Quo these last couple of weeks on the Missouri. No dramatic changes in the weather, no dramatic changes in the flows or water temps. The fishing has been pretty good on some days, pretty slow on others, definitely lacking consistency.

The dam seems to be heating up and consequently will be where you find most of the traffic right now though it’s far from what we would call busy. As you would expect nymphing is going to be your best bet for putting fish in the boat. #20 Black Zebras (black or silver bead) have been effective run in tandem with a tan UV or Rainbow Czech, Pheasant Tail, Dark Peep Show, BWO Magic Fly, LGM, brown 2 Bit etc. Cray Fish have reportedly been working some days so a Claws R or Snapping Cray wouldn’t be a bad call but personally I haven’t had much luck with the Crays as of late.

Everyone’s got their favorite rig right now. Some are doing really well short leashing, others are running deep rigs. We’ve been running medium length rigs in shallowish faster water without weight and picking up plenty of fish. If you aren’t getting them in spots you think you should be, adjust the length/weight of your rig a few times before switching bugs out. Not that the bugs don’t make a difference….they definitely do, but we find more often than not that it’s the length/weight of the rig rather than the bug selection that makes the biggest difference.

Streamer fishing was definitely the talk around the shop last week with Olive and White being the ticket, though we heard of some success on flashy copper stuff as well. ZK’s Stun Gun in Olive was the meal ticket for several days late last week but we also heard good reports on the Circus Peanut, Skiddish Smolt, Keller’s Late Night Wanda. ZK’s Son of Bunny all in olive and of course Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow both the Sculpin and JJ. The cloudy days are better streamer days as you would expect but that being said, we’ve had plenty of action on the bright sunny days as well so don’t let the sun get you down!

Dry fly fishing has fallen off though Hoppers and ants are getting eaten with some regularity. There are still plenty of Tricos around on a daily basis but finding fish on them continues to be a challenge. If you want to play the dry fly game we suggest sticking with hoppers and/or ants. Purple, Tan, Yellow or Pink More or Less or Moorish Hoppers, Grape Fat Franks and Purple Yeti Hoppers in #08 or #10 have all been effective. Black or Cinnamon Ants and Blooms Stealth Ant in purple should all be found in your terrestrial box.

Fish streamers, fish hoppers, fish nymphs…..they’re all effective right now.

Traffic should remain fairly light this week though we are expecting a lot of folks around for the Labor Day weekend so if its solitude you seek we recommend getting out here sometime between now and Thursday. We’ve got a couple of rooms left for the holiday weekend and then things open up starting on Tuesday. Slowly but surely you’ll see a bump in the angler traffic over the next couple of weeks. By mid-September (or sooner with the Yellowstone closure) it will resemble July and will hopefully be fishing great.

Give us a call today and book your Montana Fall Fly Fishing Adventure on the MO’.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 29th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

This Week on the MO’

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A breezy start to the week today but it looks like it could be great week for late summer fishing on the Missouri. We’ll see highs in the 70’s all week with overnight lows in the mid 40’s keeping things cool but we are under a Red Flag warning today which means that critical fire weather conditions are occurring. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Winds will diminish this evening though it will still be on the breezy side out there tomorrow with southwest winds 8-14 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.

On the bright side, a couple of good hopper days at hand so get out there.

You can’t count on the trico bite on these breezy days as the bugs tend to get blown off of the water but the breeze is your friend if you’re fishing hoppers and ants. Maybe not exactly your friend, but more like an acquaintance you don’t really care for but whom you tolerate. The wind is a challenge to the rower and will also challenge the best of casters but it also tends to deliver natural terrestrials to the water as they are blown off course by gusty winds, ending up on the water where they are immobilized and likely soon to end up a big meal for a big trout. It stands to reason that if there are more naturals hitting the water on a particular day then the trout key on them so you should take advantage of these breezy days and get your hopper game on.

We’re having good luck with More or Less Hoppers in Pink, Purple and Golden and have also had some looks on the purple Yeti Hopper. Moorish in tan, yellow and pink are always a good call and Pink Fat Alberts are getting some attention as well. Our bins are loaded with foam and our terrestrial selection rivals that of any other shop. If you haven’t been in to check out Wolf Creek Angler you owe it to yourself to do so. We’ve got all the bugs, all the gear, all the service and more in the most laid back, non-intimidating atmosphere you’ll find anywhere.

Nymphers have been finding success on most sections of the river though the canyon and the dam are going to be your best bets. We’ve had plenty of action on Claws R Cray or Snapping Crays paired with black zebra midges or dark Peep Shows though there are definitely good days and not-so-good days with the cray so once you’ve run it for a good while and made plenty of depth adjustments if you aren’t hooking up then set it aside for another day. Purple lightning bugs and Holla Back Girls in pink or purple, Olive or PMD S & M’s, LGM’s, Pheasant Tails, Tailwater Sows, Psycho Mays, Split Case PMD’s, Military Mays, 2 Bits and many more….all catching fish. Fish what you like and what you have faith in, you’ll be amazed at the difference having confidence in your flies will make.

Streamers? Absolutely. Definitely better on the cloudy days (Wednesday looks like your best shot this week) but worth throwing on the sunny days as well. The weeds can be a challenge but if you pick your spots and are willing to change bugs a lot until you find what’s working you could be in for some action. Some of our goto’s as of late have been Circus Peanuts, Rainbow Snot Rockets, Space Invaders, ZK’s Stun Guns and Keller’s Late Night Wanda in Olive. All of these and many more available now at Wolf Creek Angler.

Plenty of lodging and guides available right on through the end of the month and don’t forget our Dog Days Special. Book a night’s lodging and a full day guide trip and we’ll throw in a second night of lodging for free.

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 22nd, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Fall on the Missouri – photo by Neale Streeks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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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

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