Celebrating Another Great Season at WCA

Team WCA. Jason and Sheila Orzechowski, Cindy Benson and Zach King.

Team WCA. Jason and Sheila Orzechowski, Cindy Benson and Zach King.

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

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

 

The WCA staff and guide crew gathered at Lewis and Clark Brewing Co in Helena last night to celebrate the end of the 2015 Guide Season, our best season yet by far!

A sincere thanks to all of those who worked so hard to continue to build the WCA brand. A lot of people took notice of Wolf Creek Angler this season and we’re committed to maintaining our focus on doing all the things we need to do to earn your business and make WCA your Missouri River Fly Shop of choice.

Thanks to Cindy, Sheila and Brandi for their outstanding work behind the scenes with the housekeeping and to Zach King for coming in late in the game and doing an awesome job of not just fitting in to the shop but of bringing his own unique energy to the table. We’re super stoked to have Zach on board and we’re excited for the future. Thanks also to Guides Matt Hargrave, Luke Koerten and Jim Murray for helping out in the shop when we needed it.

Our guide trip business saw tremendous growth this season and we will continue to build. Thanks to Jim Murray, Matt Hargrave, Brian Scott, Nick Kaufman, Luke Koerten, Stephen Caldwell, Eric Mondragon, Ardy Neuman, Mike Niles, Russ Dobrzynski, Justin Lawrence, Rob Weiker, Jerel Beougher, Ryan Stultz, Brock Long, Matt Mortenson, Darrel DeLeon and Jeff Johnson for all of your hard work on the water. We count on you to keep them coming back and we’re proud to have you representing our shop.

We would also like to thank our friends at The Trout Shop, Headhunters Fly Shop, Crosscurrents Fly Shop and Trout Montana for continuing to welcome us to the fold.

Most importantly – a huge thank you to all of our guests and customers who make the realization of this dream possible. We are thrilled with the success we’ve had so far but our focus remains on the future. As it’s been from day one, WCA is a work in progress. Expect continuous improvement on everything from the lodging to the shop to the web site and beyond with our goal being to offer you a great product in a laid back, ego-free atmosphere with a constant commitment to customer service.

It’s nice to reflect on the season but keep in mind that while many have put away their fishing gear for the year, for others the season never ends. We’re here for you. We are open all year for lodging, guide trips, shuttles and a shop full of everything you need for Missouri River fly fishing.

See you in the shop and on the water!

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Bidding Farewell to October

The lure of the Yellowstone - photo by Wolf Creek Angler

The lure of the Yellowstone – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Fall Brown on the Yellowstone - photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Fall Brown on the Yellowstone – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

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Finally seeing the fall weather we’ve been hoping for these last few days as we close out October and prepare for what could be a very productive November on the Missouri .

Plenty of cloud cover, cooler temps and some precipitation in the forecast. Definitely BWO weather and the Streamer crowd is mobilized and ready for things to heat up out there.

We ventured to the Yellowstone on Thursday with high hopes of epic streamer action and while we had near perfect weather conditions it was a less-than epic day of streamer fishing. We got a fair amount of chases and did manage to boat several nice browns but nothing in the hog class. Regardless, there’s nothing quite like a fall day on the Stone and it’s always a good time hanging around Livingston for a night.

Meanwhile back on the MO it sounds like we had a couple of solid days out there. The winds have returned today and it’s likely going to be breezy all weekend with WSW winds sustained around 20 and gusting over 30. A chance of rain all weekend and perhaps some snow rolling in on Monday.

If you just can’t resist the thought of some windy, rainy days on the river we’ve got a couple of vacancies tonight and tomorrow. Off-Season rates start on Sunday and we’ve got vacancies a plenty from here on out so when the weather settles and you’re ready to hit the water and have miles of river virtually to yourself give us a call and book a room for $99/night + tax. Hordes of unemployed guides wandering around aimlessly as well so come on out and put them to work. We’re expecting a good November…possibly everything October didn’t turn out to be.  There could be some great dry-fly and streamer days ahead and the nymphing will be just fine as we settle into winter fishing mode on the Missouri.

Look no further than Wolf Creek when making your plans for late fall/winter fishing on the Missouri River.  A first-rate, full-service fly shop with great lodging accommodations, two bar/restaurants, the only gas station/convenience store between Helena and Cascade and all within minutes of Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge. There’s NOBODY closer! We hope you make Wolf Creek and WCA your off-season Missouri River Fly Fishing destination.

The shop will close at 4 today for the WCA Staff Appreciation Party.

See you bright and early at 7 AM tomorrow morning.

Winding Down

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Despite the much-anticipated arrival of the BWO’s, some consistently good fall nymphing and the continued unseasonably warm weather, these last few days feel like the winding down has begun. Not from a fishing standpoint mind you, in fact it’s about to get really good out there, but the traffic has dropped off considerably, Izaaks is closed for the season and you just get the sense that we’ve entered the quiet time on the Missouri. I’m sure it has a lot to do with the abbreviated daylight and the long shadows we start to get this time of year in the canyon – not much sunlight hitting the shop right now. All that aside, we’ve still got full lodging through next week and we’re anticipating a busy weekend with cooler weather and the chance for some rain and snow showers starting Sunday.

A lot of folks will be turning their attention to hunting with the big game general season opener happening Saturday. If you’re not a hunter though this is the time to plan a late season fishing trip to the Missouri. With the bugs just getting going and the weather turning we are likely in for some exceptional dry-fly fishing and the streamer bite should only improve from here on out.

Give us a call and book your trips today. We’ve got a few lodging openings next week and we’ve got a bunch of guides wandering around looking for work. Wait another week and start taking advantage of our off-season lodging rates beginning November 1st.

If you’re just coming out to fish for the day make Wolf Creek Angler your one stop for everything you need for your day on the river. Shuttles, RO Drift boat rentals, KAST Extreme Fishing Gear, Redington Sonic Dry base layers and waders and boots, St Croix Bank Robber Demo Rods, Complimentary Montana Maid Coffee, Cigars, Smith Sunglasses, hats and gloves from Outdoor Research and of course, the biggest and best selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

There is soon to be a BWO Explosion and the ensuing feeding frenzy and you could have the river virtually to yourself. Don’t tell anyone – just get out here and fish the Missouri.

See you in the shop and on the water. Open daily at 7 AM for everything Missouri River Fall Fly Fishing.

 

This week on the MO…

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After having to scrape ice off of the windshield on Monday we’re back to 70’s and 80’s for the remainder of the week before we return to more seasonal weather on Sunday.

The cold gray skies early in the week made for what was, by most reports, the best fall fishing to date this season on the Missouri river wide.

Sunshine returned mid-week making things a little more challenging for all. Later starts have been key with the fish coming up as soon as the sun gives way to late day shadows. The late afternoon/early evening is the time to be out there if dry flies are where your heart is.

Pseudos, tiny baetis and the occasional caddis are making up the current menu as we await the larger fare BWO’s which will hopefully happen as we move into the middle to latter part of the month. Play the mix and match game or go with something easy like a Parachute Adams and a CDC Caddis Emerger.  Find the fish, make the cast and hope. There are plenty of fish being caught on dry flies and plenty of anglers getting frustrated as well. Don’t forget your reach cast – it’s critical! Stop by the shop for honest, no pressure advice on where to go, what to use and how to use it. Better yet, book a day with one of our expert guides and learn more in a few hours then you might ever learn doing it on your own.

Nymphing has been predictably good – better in the mornings  and afternoons but good enough all day long to keep it interesting. Tungsten Tailwater Sows, Czechs, BWO Magic Flies, Juju Baetis, Psycho Mays, Micro Mays, Payczechs, Black Beauties, Black Zebras, Pink LB’s, Snack Nasty Sows and on and on. Fish what you like – like what you fish – it’s makes all the difference in the world.

Streamer sales are way up this season and we’re doing everything we can to keep those bins full of the stuff you love. Sparkle Minnows, Dirty Hippies, Circus Peanuts, Polar Leeches, Gongas,  Kreelex in a myriad of colors and a bunch of bugger stuff along with a few of our own creations which have been getting some attention.

Stop by the shop on your way to the river for shuttles, flies, ice, cigars, fishing licenses, cold weather gear, deeply discounted warm weather gear, Echo rods, Nautilus reels, lines, leaders, tippet, tools, complimentary Montana Maid Coffee and much more.

Open daily at 7 am for all of your Missouri River fall fly fishing needs.

 

 

Fall Fishing Underway

The weather we've been waiting for

The weather we’ve been waiting for

Wind, snow, rain….we’ve had it all this weekend and some pretty damn good fishing to go along with it.

The forecast for 40 mph North winds on Saturday scared some people off. In fact we bought in and moved a couple of guide trips to Sunday. By most reports it really wasn’t that bad out there on Saturday. Things were calm in Wolf Creek and I think a little breezy on the water but nothing like what they had been calling for.

It sounds like those who stuck it out were rewarded with a solid afternoon both on top and below.

Streamers were effective yesterday as we anticipated they would be with Sculpin Sparkle Minnows and Polar Leeches in silver and Olive/Copper getting the most action. We’ve been selling a few folks on running the double streamer rig and it’s been working well. Try the Sparkle Minnow in tandem with a polar leech or Pine Squirrel leech. Hit the shelves and drop-offs, bomb the banks, work the buckets. Lots of water out there holding lots of fish and unfortunately holding a lot of weeds as well. It can be frustrating but if you stick with it and acclimate you may very well hook into a giant.

New to the streamer game? Come by the shop and grab a demo St Croix Bank Robber, quite possibly the best streamer stick ever made.

As per usual nymphing is where the numbers are. Weight flies,  Tung Darts or Czechs paired with your favorite baetis nymphs or a black zebra should do the trick. Stop by the shop on your way to the river and allow us to get you set up for your day on the MO. Got questions about rigging? Don’t be afraid to ask – we spend hours every day building and explaining how to build Missouri River rigs, it’s what we’re here for.

Even the DFO’s have been happy this weekend with some big time pseudo action. We’ve got plenty of pseudos and BWO’s to choose from on the dry side of the bin and we encourage you to try each and every one of them but should you choose to keep it simple a Parachute Adams trailed with a CDC Caddis emerger is hard to beat.

It looks like the sunshine will return this week with daytime highs in the 50’s and 60’s and while sunny days may not be exactly what we would like it is going to be a gorgeous autumn week on the Missouri and a busy one at that. No lodging vacancies at WCA for the week ahead but we do still have guides available daily  and we’d be happy to help you find lodging close by so give us a call and book your Missouri River fall fly fishing extravaganza today.

The shop is open daily at 7 AM with everything you need for your day on the water. Shuttles; boats; bugs; indicators galore (1/2″ and 3/4″ Air Locks back in stock Monday); cold weather gear from KAST, Outdoor Research and Redington; leaders; lines; and tippet from Rio, Airflo and Trout Hunter; rods from Echo and St Croix including the Bank Robber and High Stick Drifter; great deals on reels from Nautilus and Ross and much much more.

 

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Special Fish – Special Day

Grandfather's Flies - Hand Tied in PA some 50 years ago and ready for action on the MO - photo by Jim Murray

Grandfather’s Flies – Hand Tied in PA some 50 years ago and ready for action on the MO – photo by Jim Murray

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Guest Blog from WCA Guide Jim Murray

It’s not always big brown trout. Or days spent catching fish after fish. While those moments and memories are great, sometimes it’s the little things that grab us the most, and remind us how lucky we are that we get to spend our days and lives on the water. I had the chance to fish with Andrew and Aaron this week, and it was a day that I won’t soon forget. Andrew was in Montana for the first time, visiting his son Aaron, who is in the Air Force and stationed in Great Falls. Being from Florida, he had never seen Montana, wild rivers, grizzly bears, elk, or caught a fish on a fly rod. Being in Montana for the first time, he decided to check a few items off his bucket list and “Experience the Montana Experience”.
I met Andrew and Aaron at the shop in the morning and as we planned our day, he mentioned, that while he had never held a fly rod, his grandfather used to be an accomplished fly fisher and fly tyer back in Pennsylvania after World War II. In fact, his father had just given him a box of flies that his grandfather had tied back in either the 1950’s or early 1960’s. He showed me the box of flies and asked if there was any way that the flies would work on the river that day, and if he could fish with them. As I looked through the box, I was impressed at the well tied flies. Catskill type dry flies. Classic wet flies. It was like looking at a fly fishing time capsule. I said that I would be happy to tie on one of his grandfather’s flies, but first, let’s learn how to cast a fly rod. And maybe catch a fish or two with some of our more modern techniques.
We had a fun day, floating the Missouri on a beautiful day and getting both Andrew and Aaron into numerous nice rainbows and one really nice brown.

Aaron with a fine Missouri River brown

Aaron with a fine Missouri River brown

 

The day and the “Montana Experience” was complete. Except for one thing. The box of 60 year old flies in Andrew’s backpack. As we approached the Untouchables Bridge, I knew our float was nearing the end, and I asked Andrew if he still wanted to throw one of his grandfather’s flies. He replied that even if it meant not catching another trout, he wanted to throw one of his flies for the rest of trip. Done deal. I rigged up a dry fly rod, picked out a likely looking fly that might fool a fish for the many pseudos that were hatching, and had Andrew cast the fly along a nice flat, that had a few rising fish.

Andrew couldn’t believe he was fishing one of his grandfather’s flies, and He, Aaron and I watched as the fly drifted drag free through the flat. Boom. Fish on. A small rainbow attacked the fly, and I’m pretty sure you could have heard the three of us screaming with excitement throughout the Canyon. We landed the rainbow and the moment was complete. While the rainbow would be hard pressed to pass 6 inches, it was the biggest, most special fish of the day. By Far.

A very special fish for Andrew - photo by Jim Murray

A very special fish for Andrew – photo by Jim Murray

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Andrew had shown up at the shop that morning, having never held a fly rod, and ended the day catching a trout in Montana on flies his grandfather had tied in Pennsylvania 50 or 60 years ago. It was a special moment and a special day. I felt lucky to be a part of it. As soon as we got off the river, Andrew texted his father, relaying the story. His father replied that he had goose bumps. Me too, Andrew.

Thanks for a great day. I was proud to be a part of it!

Hitting our fall stride

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The fall season is well underway as we close out September and welcome the cooler weather and hopefully the more consistent fishing of October.

Reports have been all over the boards with a few folks having some tremendous fall fishing days while most slog through sporadic bug activity and somewhat hit or miss conditions.

River traffic is still on the light side though you wouldn’t think so based on the parking lot at WCA which is, on more nights than not, choked with trucks and boats and campers etc. Definitely a July atmosphere here with folks trading lies at the end of the day over cocktails while enjoying the full moon, the starry skies and the crisp fall air. What an awesome time to be here!

Our lodging is full for the most part for the next couple of weeks though there are a few vacancies here and there and we do get the occasional cancellation so don’t give up – give us a call and inquire. Guides available daily or do it yourself with one of our RO Drift Boats.

Dry-fly fishing could explode any day now and the nymphing and streamer fishing will continue to get better from here on out.

Lodging opens up for the second half of October and there’s no reason it shouldn’t be great fishing so get your guide trips and lodging booked now for late October. This truly is our favorite time of year on the Missouri. Spend your days on the river fishing how you like to fish be it dries, nymphs or streamers and then unwind over dinner either here in Wolf Creek at The Frenchman or The Oasis or venture down to Craig for dinner at Izaaks or The Trout Shop Café which is serving some amazing dishes for breakfast and dinner Friday – Monday.  I highly recommend the grilled rib eye which I had last night and which was one of the best steaks I’ve had in Montana. Seating is very limited but it’s definitely worth the wait.

Stop by the shop for the full range of fall fly fishing fare. We’ve got you covered with everything  from base layers to fleece to waders to boots to Kast Steelhead Gloves and much more. Shuttles, Rods, Reels, lines, leaders and tippet and of course the largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana. We’re proud to be your Go-To Missouri River Fly Shop and Guide Service.  If you haven’t been in lately stop by and see what the Buzz is about.

 

 

Weekend Report September 26th

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Fall in Wolf Creek Montana

Some good days, some great days, some not so good days this past week as fall fishing continues to ramp up on the Missouri.

Nymphing is still the go-to for numbers but there’s enough happening on top between Trico hold overs, Pseudos, terrestrials, the occasional caddis and the promise of baetis to keep the DFO’s interested. Sub surface options remain somewhat status quo with black Zebras leading the charge followed by Grey LGM’s, Red 2 Bits, Micromays, Psychomays, Purple Weight Flies, Hot Belly and standard PT’s, Grey WD-40’s, Purple Lightning Bugs, BWO Magic Flies and a host of other baetis-themed bugs.

Streamers? Not on fire by any means but definitely worth your time. Stop by the shop and check out our ever-expanding streamer selection which is definitely starting to get noticed. We love the streamer game and we understand the addiction. Get your fix at WCA. Demo a St Croix Bank Robber designed by streamer legend Kelly Galloup. You might just get hooked!

The leaves aren't the only colors of fall. The brown trout are colored up in spawning splendor this time of year and we've been catching some great ones this week.

The leaves aren’t the only colors of fall. The brown trout are colored up in spawning splendor this time of year and we’ve been catching some great ones this week.

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It’s nice to have the shop abuzz with activity again in the mornings as we get the trips out the door each day and get you set up with everything you need for your day on the water.

Afternoons have been spent meeting with reps and looking at new products as we put together our plans for next season and work on getting those pre-season orders written. Can it really be that time again already

We’re really excited to see all the new products being offered for next season and as always we’re working hard to bring you the products you want from the brands you love as we continue to try to earn your business and become your Missouri River fly shop and guide service of choice. Expect big things from Wolf Creek Angler and rest assured that we will always be doing everything we can to meet your expectations.

Lodging vacancies have been hard to come by for the past couple of weeks and will continue to be a challenge as we head into October. Things start to open up towards the end of October but if the fishing is half as good as we anticipate in the weeks to come we will remain fairly full right on into November. Don’t hesitate to book your mid to late October lodging and guide trips – they’re going quickly!

Speaking of late fall – remember we’re open all year so keep us in mind when you are making your late fall/winter fishing plans. Once things start to shut down in Craig later in the fall Wolf Creek becomes the place to be with lodging, dining, gas, groceries and of course the best fly shop ever to call Wolf Creek Montana home. Look no further than Wolf Creek Angler for your late season Missouri River fly fishing needs. We’ve got everything you need and we’re closer to Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge than anyone.

Autumnal Equinox Eve

Fall Fishing in Montana

Fall Fishing in Montana

The eve of fall is officially upon us and while we’re experiencing summer-like temperatures this week we will see another cold front arriving this weekend making it feel more like fall.

The river has been in great shape with flows in the 4K range continuing to be maintained and water temps dipping below 60 degrees with the cool nights.

Abundant sunshine, gusty winds and weeds have all been atop the complaint lists of the half-empty angling crew but the half full bunch are enjoying the sunshine and blue skies and the changing colors while embracing the challenges presented by the winds and weeds and catching plenty of fish.

Dry-fly opportunities continue to present themselves in the form of lingering tricos and terrestrials along with the occasional skittering caddis but nymphing has definitely been the better option as of late. Black or purple Zebra Midges paired with Tung Darts, Weight Flies, BWO Magic Flies, Red Two Bits, S & M’s, Czechs, MicroMays, Purple Hot Belly PT’s, Chocolate WD-40’s, LGM’s, Bionic Chartreuse Midges and Psycho Mays have all been producing.

The streamer bite has been hit or miss but that being said,  we’ve sold more streamers in the past week than I can remember ever selling in a week’s time. We’ve got more and better streamer patterns than we’ve ever had and we plan to continue to expand our selection. Come by the shop and let us get you set up with everything you need for streamer fishing the MO. From bugs to Airflo, Rio and SA streamer lines to St Croix Bank Robber specialty streamer sticks, we’ve got everything you need to get started. If you’re new to the streamer game or looking to upgrade your current set up grab one of our Bank Robber demo rods, you won’t be disappointed.

We encourage you to get out and enjoy fall fishing  in Montana. Whether that’s floating the MO or exploring smaller waters it’s an awesome time of year to fish in Montana. Limited lodging available for the weeks to come and expert guides available any and every day. Give us a call today to book your Missouri River fly fishing trip of a lifetime – there’s no time like the present.

Shop open daily at 6:30 AM, earlier than ALL the rest, for all of your Missouri River Fly Fishing needs. Shuttles, bugs, boats, hot and cold weather gear from KAST, sun protection, Montana Maid Coffee, leaders and tippet from Rio and Trout Hunter, Fishpond Nomad nets and accessories and much more.

Mid September in Montana

On the hunt. September also means archery season in Montana. Photo by Wolf Creek Angler

On the hunt. September also means archery season in Montana. Photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Cooler temps and overcast skies have put us in full-on fall mode and while fall fishing is certainly on our minds, this is also the time of year we become conflicted about whether to be on the water or in the field stalking deer and elk.

Archery season is just over a week old and we’ve been out a couple of times but the warm weather has made it easy to maintain our focus on fishing. That may soon change however as it’s looking and feeling like fall out there with temps dipping into the low 40’s at night making for some great mornings to be out in the field.

Rain in the forecast through Thursday could make for some great streamer days and while nymphing was reportedly on the slow side yesterday it should be turning on with water temps hovering right around 60 degrees. Tricos remain an option as do Pseudos, Callibaetis and terrestrials depending on where you’re fishing. Whispers of baetis seem appropriate with the current weather trend – bring em’ on!

Status Quo on the nymphing front with zebra midges, two-bit hookers, Rainbow Czechs, LGM’s, PT’s, Weight Flies, Tung Darts, Olive WD 40’s, S & M’s, BWO Magic Flies etc. all getting some attention. Rig up with the bugs you like and fish them like you know they’re going to get eaten. Faith in the fly you are using almost always trumps the pattern.

Not sure what to use or where to go? Stop by the shop on your way to the river. We’d love to get you set up and headed in the right direction. Shuttles, Lodging, RO Drift Boat Rentals, Expert Guides, Cold Weather Gear from Kast and Redington, Rock Bottom sale prices on Simms WCA summer logo wear and of course, the largest selection of  flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

See you at WCA. Open 6:30 AM Daily (Earlier than ALL THE REST) for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs.

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