Mid Week Missouri River Fishing Report

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

It’s been a nice couple of days here on the Missouri by January standards and the river has been predictably busier with people taking advantage of warmer temps, calm winds and sunshine.

Cold and snow return tomorrow. Highs in the teens and night-time lows in the single or negative digits through the weekend with an 80% chance of snow tomorrow and a good chance of snow each day through Saturday. Sunday looks to be mostly sunny and cold and it looks like things warm up heading into next week.

I couldn’t resist the pull yesterday. Having not been out for quite a while it was a great day to do the Wolf Creek to Craig float and hit all the reliable winter runs.

No big changes to report. Slow water, anything pink and firebeads! Pink Amex, firebead pink soft hackle sow and pink lightning bugs all drew a favorable response.

There were quite a few midges on the water yesterday though I only saw a couple of sporadic rises but it won’t be long before there are swarms of midges and fish keying on them so it’s never a bad idea to have your dry-fly rig at the ready.

Only one other boat out there yesterday but plenty of wade anglers around. I like to float if I have time just so I can quickly get from spot to spot. If there is someone fishing the spot I want to fish I just float on past to the next one. The drawback of course is that you are committed and even on the nicer days like we’ve been having, once that sun goes away it gets cold quickly. Even so – if I have the time I would almost always rather float than do the walk/wade thing on the Missouri. The right cold weather clothing, a thermos of coffee, a thermos of hot soup and in extreme cases a propane heater or two go a long way in making your winter float an enjoyable experience.

If you haven’t experienced winter fishing on the MO you really should. We’ve got all the cold weather gear and all the winter nymphs and streamers you need and we’re more than happy to tell you exactly where to go to find the fish.

Keep your eye on the weather and do it yourself or book a $400 full day float trip some time this winter. Dress appropriately and leave the hot soup, hot coffee and heaters to us. Better yet, book a cozy bungalow for $99 and do a day with a guide and a day or two on your own.

Our bungalows are fully equipped with kitchens so you can cook your own meals. If you prefer to eat out, The Oasis is currently serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Thursday – Monday from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

Don’t miss a great opportunity to experience winter solitude on the Missouri.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00January 6th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, nymphs, running line, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Missouri River Fishing Report 1.3.16

Based on the number of folks out on the river in the past few days I would say many of you have your priorities straight. With the high temperature in the last two days hovering somewhere between Sub-Arctic and Arctic, more towards the former, lots of anglers occupying limited stretches of open water. Despite the cold temps and sometimes unbearable wind, success has been pretty frequent. If your new years resolution is to fish more in 2016, no reason to not start now.

Lots of ice flowing, that’s right downstream. Seems to be piling up just below Lone Tree and is pretty consistent through the canyon. Sort of a downer for a few reasons. 1) To state the obvious, its hard to fish with ice flowing. 2) Generally when the wind is out of the SSW, as it has been, you can usually get a break from it in certain spots below the Dearborn. The ice pretty much nullifies that though. Combine the two previous points and what are you left with? The Dam to Lone Tree that’s what.

Not just anglers out there either. Keep an eye out for all the water fowl hunters on the river. I don’t know about you but I don’t want to start the new year with a face full of goose load.

Lots to contend with out there right now. If you do plan on hitting the water anytime soon, make sure you’re all stocked up on pretty much anything, pink, hot-headed, or midge flavored for nymphs & if you’re opting for the bugger game a little smolt, kreelex or more natural looking sculpin should do the trick. Swing by and check out the fly bins and see what strikes your fancy.

Speaking of flies, I’ll be here all winter cranking out some cool custom bugs available only at Wolf Creek Angler. Rigorously tested throughout Montana by a loosely associated group of whiskey drinking, flannel clad, bearded trout bums every fly is hand tied right here in Wolf Creek. We’ll post more on some of the patterns that’ll be hitting the bins later on in the winter.

In the mean time we’ll be here Wednesday-Saturday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m. – Noon(ish). Give cabin fever a kick in the pants and head on over for everything you need for some winter time fishing!

~Cheers, Chewy.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00January 4th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Montana Fly Fishing|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, winter fishing, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

A Look Back…

2015 was a busy and great year for us at Wolf Creek Angler with a lot of progress and a few growing pains but all in all a spectacular second season and a great spring-board for season number three.

www.wolfcreekangler.com

We started the year off with the excitement of the launch of our new website which received rave reviews all season long. The web site continues to grow and evolve and we anticipate some major changes in the seasons to come which will eventually allow you to shop WCA from the comfort of home through an on-line store. These things can be a fairly major undertaking so we may start small but expect to at least be able to shop WCA logo gear via the web site at some point this season.

Unseasonably warm temperatures started to prevail in late January and kick-started the 2015 season. We had plenty of guests all winter long from around the state taking advantage of a very mild winter and coming out to fish the Missouri. An abundance sunshine and blue skies and temps hovering in the 50’s for weeks at a time kept us busy in the shop and we even ended up opening additional lodging in March to accommodate the influx.

March 13th was a big day for Wolf Creek Angler as we were featured in The Drake Magazine Online “Fly Shop Friday” feature.

http://www.drakemag.com/featured-content/flyshop-friday/1378-wolf-creek-angler-fly-shop-on-the-missouri-river.html

Later in March we announced our partnership with KAST Extreme Fishing Gear as we became the Exclusive Full Line Kast dealer on the Missouri River. It’s been a great partnership so far and we’ve enjoyed introducing folks to some awesome technical fishing gear. From the extremely popular Steelhead Gloves which put Kast on the map to summer guide wear to extreme outerwear, Kast is rapidly becoming an industry favorite and we are proud to offer these awesome products.

We received another honor in mid May when we were featured in the Helena Independent Record as well as The Billings Gazette and The Missoulian.

http://helenair.com/news/local/angling-for-wolf-creek-montana-fly-shop-owners-are-living/article_d3adcf18-769e-5ac7-be1c-06676703b8a2.html

We hit a bump in the road on Labor Day Weekend when we were forced to cancel our Inaugural WCA Soiree due to spring downpours. We put a lot of work into getting the shop ready for this event which was to feature a barbecue and a band but alas Mother nature had different plans and you won’t ever hear us complaining about much-needed precipitation. Will there be another Soiree? Time will tell.

As the blur of the prime season commenced we enjoyed some great fishing all summer long while enjoying the company of our guests and continuing to work behind the scenes to improve the lodging experience and to make Wolf Creek Angler everything you expect your Missouri River fly shop to be and more. It was a tough summer for much of Montana with drought conditions and Hoot Owl Closures most everywhere but not on the MO.

Mid August brought the bears and the wild fires. The drought like conditions made for a poor Choke Cherry year which brought an abundance of black bears to Wolf Creek where the banks along Little Prickly Pear Creek offered some of the few concentrations of choke cherries to be found in the area. Dry conditions also brought wild fires, one of which struck very close to home near Holter Lake causing the evacuation of the campgrounds and the closure of Beartooth Road. We had a few days of sharing the river with the helicopters and planes scooping water to pour on the fires but a soaking rain helped get things under control and things soon returned to normal with access to The Bull Pasture restored.

The late August-early September ghost town was replaced by a very busy fall as traffic returned to the river in droves. Not coincidentally we welcomed Zach King to the WCA staff in mid-October just in time for the rush. We’re super-stoked to have Zach on board.

Wolf Creek Angler 2015 Guide Crew. Pictured Left to Right Brock Long, Matt Mortenson, Luke Koerten, Matt Hargrave, Jason Orzechowski, Russ Dobrzynski, Jim Murray, Darrel DeLeon, Eric Mondragon

We celebrated another great Wolf Creek Angler season at the end of October and spent the first half of November enjoying solitude and great fishing on the Missouri.

The last weeks of the year have been quiet as expected but looking back on the season as a whole we have definitely exceeded our expectations from a business standpoint with steady growth in lodging and retail and a huge uptick in guide trips, an area we were very focused on in 2015 and one which we will continue to grow.

We’re looking forward to an awesome 2016. We’ve had a great start with bookings and we’re excited about new products soon to arrive at WCA. We are so thankful to you, our customers for allowing us to realize this dream and we remain firmly committed to doing everything we can to earn your business and to become your Missouri River Fly Shop of choice.

We can’t wait to see you in 2016. Cheers!!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00December 28th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Dub C A Soiree, fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

A little something from Paul Puckett to get you in the Star Wars frame of mind

I’m not going to talk much about fishing today so if you are in need of a fishing report check back tomorrow or give us a call at the shop and we’d be happy to give you the latest.

We’ve got our tickets and we’re primed to see The Force Awakens tonight. By all accounts its living up to the hype, setting a box office record last night for a Thursday night opening, pulling in between $50 and $55 Million. A solid opening for sure. I’m excited to see the movie and wondering if it will deliver on its implied promise of taking us back in time.

The roster of holiday season films this year is definitely making us confront our own imminent mortality. Between the latest installment of the Rocky saga CREED and The Force Awakens we’re being taken back to a different time in our lives, the Springtime of our lives. I’m definitely dating myself here but can it really be almost 40 years since the summer of 77 when I was just 7 years old going to see the first Star Wars movie at the Cinema 12 in Muskegon Michigan?

It doesn’t seem like that long ago but it’s a lifetime ago, and in a galaxy far, far away from the here and now. Some of who and much of what made up my world in 1977 is gone now, as is the case for most of us who grew up watching the Star Wars and Rocky sagas unfold. While we never know when our time will come, the law of averages would suggest that my generation has reached that point of likely having more years behind us than ahead of us. Cheery thoughts for this Friday morning.

They’re just movies I know, but they wind up eliciting a jumble of emotions as we harken back to the days of our youth. We may have lost grandparents and parents and friends over these 38 years, but we’ve also grown up and gained spouses and kids and homes and careers. We’ve had highs and lows, we’ve made decisions that have had huge impacts on the course of our lives, for the better and the worse. We’ve just been living our lives while time marches on and while we usually don’t take the time to think and reflect on what has brought us to where we are, these films inspire navel gazing as we frame our life journeys within the context of the time span between the first film and the latest episode.

On that note – enjoy your Friday. Go out and see The Force Awakens and appreciate it for what it is.

Back to fly fishing tomorrow….I promise!

May the force be with you!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00December 18th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, running line, Star Wars, The Force Awakens, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Fresh snow and no trailer tracks at Wolf Creek Bridge

It’s been a cold and snowy week here on the Missouri but the sun is shining again today and while it’s still a little on the cold side we are now in a warming trend and it looks like it could turn out to be a downright pleasant weekend for winter fishing with highs near 40 tomorrow and Saturday. Daytime highs look like they will be above freezing into mid-week next week which means we’ll see a little traffic out there with everyone on Christmas break.

Make Wolf Creek Angler your first stop on your way to the river for everything you need for your day on the water. Shuttles, cold-weather gear, RO Drift Boat rentals, tons of tools and accessories and of course, the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Cozy winter lodging for $99/night (plus tax) and full day guide trips just $400 all winter long!

Missouri River Winter Fare

We haven’t heard a lot of reports this week as there simply aren’t many folks fishing but we do have some guests staying with us right now who braved the cold and snow all day yesterday and are out there again this morning and they had an ok day yesterday. Same bugs, same water we’ve been talking about for the past couple of weeks. Run something pink and something with a firebead, fish the slow froggy winter water and you should find some willing players. Watch that indicator closely and hit any pause or dip. The takes will likely be very subtle and you may not get the fight you’re expecting but the water is cold (35 degrees) and the fish are understandably a little lethargic. Still, its bent rods in December in Montana – we’ll take it.

The phones have been very busy this week with folks booking 2016. Our June/July lodging is nearing capacity and April and May are filling nicely as well. Prime guide dates are filling fast but there’s still time. Give us a call today and let us help you plan your Montana fly fishing dream vacation. Our specialty is clearly the Missouri but if you are interested in experiencing some variety during your visit we’d love to book you a day on the Blackfoot or any other waters you might be interested in fishing.

Christmas is one week from tomorrow. Have you done your shopping? Great gifts for the fly fisher abound at Wolf Creek Angler. We’ll be altering our schedule next week and will be open Monday and Tuesday but closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas.

Today’s gift suggestion – the Hell Razor Hoodie from Kast – perfect for these cold winter months on the MO.

Hell Razor Hoodie

Incredibly lightweight & extremely warm.

Everyone has their favorite jacket. The one that never sees a closet or coat-hook. The one that, unless you’re already sleeping in it, is always close enough to grab—regardless of where you are, what you’re going to be doing, or what the weather is.

For us, the Hell Razor is that jacket: performance and comfort that’s perfect as an insulating layer or solo as outerwear when it’s not pushing single-digits. Designed to be windproof, water resistant, yet highly breathable and thermally efficient, the Hell Razor utalizes Primaloft 60g Gold insulation so you get a jacket that is incredibly lightweight and extremely warm. This jacket is definitely our go-to favorite whether we’re wrestling big fish, wheeling into town—or yes, sleeping in from time to time.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00December 17th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, fly fishing, Kast Hell Razor Hoodie, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, RO Drift Boats, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

WCA Gift Cards make the perfect stocking stuffer.

December days are quickly dwindling away. Soon 2016 will be upon us.
It’s a great weekend weather wise to fish the Missouri with temps forecast to be in the 40’s. Winds are currently calm and should be tolerable all weekend. Wolf Creek and Craig are ghost towns right now. Most of the people who are around are working in fly shops, waiting…hoping some folks come out to fish this weekend.
The phones have been busy the last few days with people booking their 2016 guide trips and lodging and there have been a few stragglers wandering in for bugs and what not but overall these are lonely December days in the canyon.

We’ve got a few guests booked for the coming week though it looks like we’re maybe in for some weather with a winter storm watch in effect from tomorrow afternoon through Tuesday morning. We could see up to six inches of new snow and possibly a foot or more in the higher elevations….let’s hope so!

You’ve still got plenty of time to get your Christmas shopping done at Wolf Creek Angler. We’ll be here in the shop today and tomorrow and back again on Wednesday and we’re always open for lodging and guide trips so don’t hesitate to give us a call. You could finish that shopping from the comfort of your couch this morning by just giving us a call and having us send WCA Gift Cards to all the fly fishers on your list. We are happy to sell you gear for Christmas presents but gift cards are really a great way to go. You can purchase them in any amount and they are good for everything we sell from merchandise to shuttles to lodging to guide trips to boat rentals…..EVERYTHING WE SELL! Want to give someone the gift of their dreams? How about a stay at Wolf Creek Angler and a day of fishing on the Missouri with one of our awesome expert guides? Give us a call and we’ll help you plan this trip of a lifetime.

Today’s featured gift idea…….Waders. If you fish you need them. Lot’s of folks do without them in the summer which is fine but if you fish in the spring and fall or all year-long like we do, you need waders.

We feature the full line of Redington waders and wading boots. Stop in and check them out.

Sonic-Pro Stocking Foot Wader

Sonic-Pro Waders are created with ultra-durable 4-layer, waterproof/breathable DWR coated fabric and feature double taped, sonic welded seams (no sew construction), articulated seams for increased mobility, and reinforced lower legs and seat for durability. Sonic-Pro waders are outfitted with multiple pockets for stashing gear, and hold everything from a hemostat to retractors and fly boxes. The convenient mesh pocket and hyplon dock with multiple attachment points make this wader every gear junkie’s wish list.

100% Nylon, 4-layer, waterproof/breathable wader fabric
High-tech ultra sonic welded construction (no sew) and double taped seams
Articulated seams for increased mobility
Reinforced lower leg and seat for added durability
Opposing buckles for easy conversion to waist high
Custom flip out tool pocket with mesh pocket, forcep dock, hypalon retractor dock and additional zippered pocket ideal for keeping tippet
Ergonomic hand warmer pockets lined with brushed micro-fleece
Laser cut exterior pockets with YKK water resistant zippers
Custom designed features include: 2-inch stretch wading belt with Redington buckle, gravel-guards with custom moulded lace hook, and custom moulded hemostat clamp d-ring
High density neoprene bootie
Mesh carry bag included
Seam technology licensed via Orvis Patent 7,770,235

Willow River Wader

Our Women’s Willow River waders are specifically designed for comfort and durability. Made from 3-layer,waterproof/breathable DWR coated fabric, these waders feature reinforced knees for added durability and opposing buckles for easy conversion to waist height waders. They also feature high density neoprene booties and fleece lined hand warmer pockets to keep you warm in cooler waters.

3 layer, waterproof/breathable DWR coated fabric
Water resistant zip pocket for storage
Neoprene gussets under arms for secure fit
Tonal print on upper for style
Hemostat holder with versatility to store internal or external
Internal drop mesh pocket for storage
3mm high density, ergonomic right and left neoprene booties
Gravel-guard with lace hook and mesh for drainage

Palix River Wader

The Palix River Waders are constructed from 3-layer, waterproof/breathable DWR coated fabric, feature reinforced lower legs for durability, high density neoprene booties, fleece lined handwarmer pockets, and a flip out pocket with secure YKK zipper. A wading belt and integrated gravel-guards are also included to keep you safe in the water. A great feature set at a great value.

100% Polyester, 3-layer waterproof/breathable DWR coated fabric
Opposing buckles for easy conversion to wait high
Chest pocket plus a flip out pocket with YKK zipper
Double layer knee for increased durability

Prowler Boot Felt

The new men’s Prowler Wading Boots are our premier wading boot offering. They offer exceptional performance and durability in a fresh, modern aesthetic. With molded rubber rands, wide soles, and quick-drying and quick-draining synthetic materials, these boots are built for long days in any river condition imaginable.

Molded rubber overlays for durability
Molded Polyurethane midsole, strong yet lightweight
Wide sole- expanded surface sole for stability
Padded collar for ankle support
Mesh lined interior and drain holes for quick drainage
Molded, non-corrosive metal hardware
Available in both sticky walnut rubber and felt sole options
Stud compatible

Skagit River Boot Felt

The Skagit Boot is Redington’s mainstay wading boot offering supreme durability, full support, and comfort. Mesh paneling has been added to the body of the shoe for drainage and quick dry times. Boots are stud compatible for rugged conditions.

Available in Sticky Walnut Rubber or Felt soles
Rubber toe cap for added abrasion resistance
Mesh panels for quick drainage
Padded collar for ankle support
Deep draw lacing with molded, non-corrosive metal hardware
Webbing pull loops for easy in/out
Stud compatible

Willow River Boot Felt

Willow River Boots are designed for the woman angler. Sizing, fit, support, and comfort have all been accounted for in a lightweight construction. Boots are stud compatible for more venturesome anglers.

Available in Sticky Walnut Rubber or Felt soles
Supportive, lightweight, and quick drying
Rubber toe cap for added abrasion resistance
Padded collar for ankle support
Deep draw lacing with molded, non-corrosive metal hardware
Webbing pull loops for easy in/out
Stud compatible

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:42-06:00December 12th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, fly fishing, Missouri River, Redington Palix River Waders, Redington Prowler Wading Boots, Redington Sonic Pro Waders, Redington Willow River Waders, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Weekend Report

Christmas is two weeks from today so time is running out to get that shopping done. That being said, it’s going to be a nice weekend on the Missouri (by December standards) with highs in the 40’s and manageable winds so why not kill two birds with one stone and do your Christmas shopping at Wolf Creek Angler on your way to fish the Missouri.

We’ve got lodging available for the weekend at $99/night and we’d love to have you here. Fishing has been good most days and will continue to be but you need to find the right water or you could be in for some long days.

Winter water is definitely the target. Slow, deep and lacking features – this is the water you want, the water you would never fish during the normal season. We’re happy to get you pointed in the right direction but once you get there you need to grid that water out working inside out to find where they’re at. A tungsten Rainbow Czech, Pink Amex or Pinkalicious paired with a pink LB or Firebead Sow of some sort will get the job done.

Throwing a streamer can be productive this time of year as well but nymphing will almost always be your best bet for success during the winter months. Flows bumped a bit over the past couple of days and are currently at 3420. Water temp is a chilly 37 degrees so don’t expect a real aggressive take or a big fight from these fish right now, they’re a little on the lethargic side. Focus on that indicator and hit any slight dip or pause, that’s often all you get this time of year.

Having a hard time figuring the winter fishing thing out? We encourage you to spend a day on the water with one of our guides. $400 gets you a full day on the water for the winter months. It’s a great value and will be money well spent. You’ll learn more in a couple of hours with one of our expert, professional guides than you would in a whole winter of fishing on your own trying to figure it out. We’ve been out there regularly keeping things dialed in and we’d love to show you what a great winter fishery the Missouri can be.

Whether or not you book lodging or guide trips stop by the shop and stock up on everything you need for your day on the water. Shuttles, bugs, cold-weather gear, hot coffee and Christmas gifts galore.

Today’s Gift suggestion feature is the perfect gift for someone who has everything. The River Series wooden fly boxes from A.L. Swanson Craftsman Studio in Helena are a gift that will be handed down for generations. They are beautiful boxes which are designed to be utilized.

Features Include:

replaceable rippled foam inserts
solid-brass internally mounted hinges that won’t snag a shirt seam
magnetic closers capped in abalone or mother of pearl that gently keep the box closed
a unique lanyard post made of solid brass
a water resistant finish that feels like butter to the touch

This box has been finished with varnish and requires minimal care.

Originally published in May.

We’ve recently started selling handmade River Series wood fly boxes from A.L. Swanson. They are beautiful boxes made in Helena Montana and constructed from sustainably harvested lumber, inlaid with exotic woods, metals and shell. They feature inlaid shell and earth magnet closures, brass hinges….the whole nine yards.

The River Series features three different size boxes from three classic Montana rivers, each box with it’s own unique characteristics just like their namesakes, the Missouri, the Madison and the Smith Rivers.

Starting at $129 these boxes aren’t cheap but they are a perfect Montana keepsake for the fly anglers in your life and we think they make a perfect Father’s Day gift which could very well be passed on for generations to come…they’re THAT nice.

Swanson, the maker of the boxes, expects them to be used rather than set on display somewhere collecting dust. They are as functional as they are beautiful and while it would certainly be a drag to lose one of these boxes the normal scratches and dings you can’t avoid with wood will only add to the character of the box as it ages.

I’m not sure I would use this box on the water if I had one, I tend to lose things, but I would definitely put it on display and it would definitely hold a prominent place amongst my prized possessions. A box like this can take on a significance you could never predict or expect.

I was given a beautiful hand-made wood fly box by a friend many years ago. I never considered actually using it for the purpose for which it was intended, I knew exactly what it would be used for. It would become the permanent home for a black and white Rooster Tail spinner.

I was still just dabbling in fly fishing at the time and had not yet committed. My dad asked me if I would like to fish with him one June evening which I did. I don’t remember if we caught anything but I closed the night out with the Rooster Tail. A few weeks later he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Seven months later he was gone. It was the last time we fished together and while it may seem sacrilege to store a Rooster Tail in a handmade fly box, this was the purpose for which this particular wood fly box was destined.

Stop by the shop and check out these beautiful boxes. We’re positive your dad, grandfather, husband or anyone you know who loves Montana and loves fly fishing would LOVE to have one. Better yet, why not treat yourself to one. After all, you deserve nice things too!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:42-06:00December 11th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: A.L. Swanson Craftsman Studios, Christmas, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Small World on the MO

The one vehicle that was at the Craig takeout the other day had a Thule on top with a bunch of stickers on it so I did what I usually do in that situation which is to put a WCA sticker on the windshield of the vehicle. Kentucky plates, Orvis Endorsed Guide Stickers, brand new Black Dog Deluxe trailer…must’ve picked up a new Adipose in Helena and doing the maiden voyage on the MO.
Yesterday morning that vehicle pulled up in front of the shop which I thought was cool. Imagine my surprise when Frank Willetts emerged from the vehicle. Who is Frank Willetts you ask? Frank is a co-owner of the Pere Marquette River Lodge in Baldwin Michigan. http://www.pmlodge.com/

The PM Lodge was a significant part of my journey into the sport of fly fishing which has ultimately led me to Montana and to the birth of Wolf Creek Angler.

While I was still on the outside looking in, still bringing the spinning gear along in case the fly fishing didn’t work out (which was pretty much every time), I was given a full day PM guide trip for my birthday through the Pere Marquette Lodge. We ended up doing a late August late afternoon/night float from M-37 to Gleason’s Landing. We spent a lot of time working on casting and presentation and while the fishing was not good that day I did hook into a beast in the darkness which I never saw but I was instantly hooked on night fishing on the Pere Marquette.

Following that first trip with the lodge I would stop there occasionally to get my fly shop fix. I met Frank the winter following that first guide trip. He and his partners had just purchased the shop. Frank’s enthusiasm was contagious and I soon became a regular at the PM Lodge. The second trip I booked through the shop Frank paired us with Brad Turner who would turn out to be the one who would teach me much of what I know about fly fishing and who encouraged me all along to chase this dream. Brad and I are great friends to this day and we fish together whenever we can, sometimes in Montana, sometimes in Michigan.

The two fly shops in Baldwin MI (PM Lodge and Baldwin Bait and Tackle http://www.fishbaldwin.com/index.cfm ) were my shops when I lived in MI and while I drifted from one to the other over the years I consider them both great shops in a great fly fishing community and I visit them every time I’m back there, you should too.

I hadn’t seen Frank since 2012 when I left Michigan so to see him in my parking lot and visit with him in my fly shop was definitely a full circle moment for me.

It just goes to show you, you never know who you’ll run into on the Missouri River.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:42-06:00December 10th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Baldwin Bait and Tackle, Baldwin Michigan, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, Pere Marquette River Lodge, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

December Bows on the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

WCA Guide Jim Murray and I braved the high wind warning and hit the river yesterday for a little early winter R & D. Aside from a few gusty spells the wind wasn’t bad, the fishing was good and we had the Wolf Creek Bridge to Craig stretch pretty much to ourselves for the most part with just one boat behind us and a few wade anglers around.

High winds were forecast for the day but this is what we found at Wolf Creek Bridge when we launched. It didn’t stay like this for long but the winds never really materialized into what they were calling for.

We hit all the winter water with standard winter rigs and picked fish up where we expected to find them. Rainbow Czechs, Pink Firebead Soft Hackle Sows and Casne’s Pinkalicious all saw some action with the Sow leading the charge.

I spent some time throwing streamers and while it wasn’t great it was definitely worth the time. The Hot Head Kreelex and a brown Polar Leech both got some attention stripped SLOW. I was targeting primarily deeper water but we did move a few in the shallow slack water so don’t overlook anything if you’re going to play the streamer game.

As we’ve been saying the best nymphing water is definitely the winter water right now. Deep, slow, froggy, non-descript – that’s where they are. We were running around 8′ overall on the nymph rigs and fished with and without weight catching fish both ways but probably more without the weight. I prefer to keep it simple and run a #10 or #12 tungsten bug as my weight but sometimes you need the extra weight.

The unseasonably warm temps are on the way out, hopefully along with the high winds which did in fact materialize today. We’ll see a return to more seasonable temps tomorrow with highs in the high 30’s and a good chance for some rain and snow showers. The weekend looks good with mostly sunny skies and highs in the low 40’s.

Why not treat yourself to a weekend of early winter fishing on the Missouri? We’ve got rooms with full kitchens available for $99/night, call and book yours today.

While you’re here get the shopping done for all the fly fishers on your list. We’ve got a shop full of essential Missouri River fly fishing gear, great gift ideas, plenty of sale items you don’t want to miss and WCA Gift Cards which make excellent stocking stuffers.

Looking for the big-ticket item they won’t believe you bought them? How about a Titan Rod Vault?

The gift they’re dreaming of available now at Wolf Creek Angler

The Titan Rod Vault locks both function and fashion to your roof through its aluminum construction which is not only weather-proof, rust-proof and able to stand up to all of Mother Nature’s fury but it’s also quite the head-turner with its brushed finish and sleek design.

What does this mean for you? More fishing! And not just more fishing, but more fishing in more places since you can take this roof-trophy anywhere – even on your bucket list cross-country fishing extravaganza!

Sturdy aluminum construction
Weather-proof and rust-proof
Aerodynamic for quiet travel

The Titan Rod Vault allows you to easily load all of your gear including up to 3 fully rigged rods and reels, and get on your way. No more hooks in the seats (or your arms), rattling and bouncing rods or even the more embarrassing ‘rods under the windshield wipers’ gimmick.

When your rods are conveniently secured away in the Titan Rod Vault that awesome drive out the river will be that much more relaxing and enjoyable without you worrying about damaging your gear or your vehicle’s interior.

Travel with rods fully rigged and ready to go
No more hooks in the seats of your vehicle interior
More convenient than other in-vehicle rod carriers

In a hurry to put your Titan Rod Vault to use?

No problem! The Titan Rod Vault can easily be installed by one person in a matter of minutes without having to buy any extra parts.

When you’re out on the water, relax knowing your rods are safe with double lock-down security. The Titan Rod Vault securely locks to your roof rack and your rods are snuggly locked away inside the Vault. Now you can plaster your alarmingly robust collection of fish stickers everywhere without worrying about another smash-n-grab through those now awesomely decorated windows.

Easy installation / removal
TRV locks to your roof rack and vault locks rods inside
Can be installed alongside most other roof rack attachments

Stop in today and pick one up for your favorite angler!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:42-06:00December 9th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Titan Rod Vault, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Gorgeous Missouri River Winter Bow – photo Eric Mondragon

Last week’s snow has all but disappeared with temps close to 50 yesterday and more of the same for this weekend and the week ahead. We may see 60 by mid-week. Given a choice we would prefer snow and cold but we’ll take it either way.

The traffic has been very light even with the warm temps. The winds are keeping some away but those who have been out there have been enjoying some good to great days both nymphing and swinging/stripping. Water temps have been hanging right around 38 for the past couple of days with flows stable at around 3030 cfs. The colder temps have caused the fish to move to the slow, deep winter water which can make things easy if you know where they are. A #12 Casne’s Pinkalicious or Pink Amex trailed with a firebead softhackle sow or a tailwater sow or a pink lightning bug or something of the sort will get you into the action and keep you there. We’ll often run the same rigs for days, even weeks at a time during the winter months with or without split shot. I prefer no split shot opting instead to use a heavy tungsten bug as my weight but it’s all a matter of preference. We typically aren’t doing much with depth adjustment either as the fish are generally concentrated at the same depth in each of these winter runs.

While nymphing is our go-to this time of year it’s also never a bad call to swing or slowly strip a streamer. Our bins are overflowing with all kinds of new streamer patterns. The Hot Head Kreelex, Skiddish Smolt, Sparkle Minnow and various Polar Leeches have all been getting some attention. Stop in and check out our selection, you won’t be disappointed.

Lodging has filled for this weekend and there will be a little more traffic out there than there has been but you will still have plenty of options for solitude on the water. Stop by the shop on your way to the river for shuttles, winter bugs and everything you might need for your day on the water and then some. While you’re here take the opportunity to get your Christmas Shopping done. We’ve got something for all the fly fishers on your list and if you can’t decide what to get them we’ve got WCA gift cards good for everything we sell.

Today we’re highlighting rods and reels. We’ve got some great deals going on Echo and St Croix rods and select Nautilus and Ross reels as we clear the way for some redesigned Echo rods and the launch of a soon-to-be announced new product line in the rod/reel department that we’re super excited about .

St Croix Bank Robber – The Ultimate Streamer Stick

If Anyone Starts Talking About Getting Sensitive Around Here,
They Better Just Be Talking About Light Tippets.

There’s stepping up to the plate, and then there’s stepping up to the fly rod and casting like a big boy. If you want to know more about it, just spend a day with Kelly Galloup. If you plan on chasing trophies with huge streamers, here’s a little tip – bring a big boy rod. Something like the Bank Robber.™ Simply put, they are the ultimate streamer rods. Forged from high-modulus / high-strain SC^V graphite blanks with SC^VI graphite in the lower sections for added power with reduced weight and St. Croix’s proprietary ART^™ and IPC^® technology, it’s something Kelly would approve of. Especially since he helped design them.

Can a fly rod really change your life?
Depends on how much of a life you have outside of fishing.

When it comes to understanding the latest sub-surface fishing techniques, few people know more than Kelly Galloup – which is why we asked him to help us develop the High Stick Drifter. Designed specifically for today’s advanced nymph fishing methods, they feature a unique lightweight tip that reduces angler fatigue when the rod is held high for long periods of time, while emphasizing sensitivity for better strike detection. High Stick Drifter rods also feature SC^VI graphite in lower sections for added power with reduced weight and St. Croix’s proprietary ART^™ and IPC^® technology. And the balance? Incredible. Can these rods change your life? Yea. We think so.

Pick up a Bank Robber or High Stick Drifter today for 20% off the regular price. We’ll also match either one up with the appropriate reel and line for additional cost savings.

Echo Carbon Rods

When Tim Rajeff set out to create the next generation of affordable trout rods he had no idea they were going to turn out so darn good-looking. Getting the action and power correct was his main goal. Tim dedicated a full year of product development to make sure every model in the ECHO Carbon family has a smooth action and is easy to cast. All but a few of these rods have smooth Medium Fast actions and possess power that would be considered close to “average or normal” for each line rating. So you get no surprises when choosing an ECHO CARBON rod. “Not too stiff, not too soft, juuuuuuuust right!!!” With a matte brown finish and a custom Rajeff Sports / ECHO man reel seat the ECHO CARBON rods stand out as the best looking rod under $200 that has ever been made.

Echo has redesigned the Carbon for next season so we’re clearing this year’s models out at 30 % off the regular price. Let us match your new Carbon with the appropriate reel and line for an additional cost savings.

Nautilus Feather Weight Xtreme

The Nautilus FWX (Feather Weight Xtreme) series is the most technologically advanced and the lightest machined aluminum disc drag trout fly reel on the market.

The award-winning FWX reels feature our Sealed Carbon Fiber (SCFTM) drag system with the proprietary TORQ-XTM clutch drive and TPX bushings. This completely sealed, maintenance-free draw bar type carbon fiber disc brake delivers the smoothest drag on the market in a light fly reel. No sand, gravel, water or snow will affect the flawless performance of this amazing disc drag.

Come check out these rods and reels and many more today. We’ve also got some great starter kits from Redington which include everything you need to get started fly fishing. Rod, reel and line and a lifetime warranty on the rod for under $200.

A moderate-fast action rod great for beginner casters or those who have a more relaxed casting stroke. 2-piece and 4-piece models offer flexibility for the traveling angler.

All water, moderate-fast action rod
Durable anodized aluminum reel seat, ideal for all fresh and saltwater applications
Alignment dots for easy rod setup
Rods come with black cloth rod tube
Combo includes: Path rod, Path reel pre-spooled with RIO Mainstream® WF fly line, and zippered carrying case
8 and 9 weight, saltwater application, available with RIO Saltwater® Floating Line
Lifetime warranty *Rod only

Not sure what kind of rod to get them? We’ll walk you through all of your options and explain the differences and get you set up with exactly what you need.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:42-06:00December 5th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report, Product Review|Tags: Echo, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, St Croix, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Previous 333435 Next