Autumn in the Air

Autumn is a magical time on the Missouri – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

I’m sure we’ll see more days with temperatures in the 80’s before summer is said and done but if you’ve been out on the MO this week, especially in the mornings, I’m sure you’ve noticed a decidedly fall feeling in the air.

Highs in the 70’s, overnight lows in the 40’s and 50’s and intermittent rain showers coming and going more days than not…feels like fall to me!

The leaves are starting to change. Shorter days and longer nights are ushering in cooler water temps and while the angling traffic remains light, the fishing is heating up.

Nymphing with Zebras and Sows will get your ticket punched at the dam but whether you’re up there or further down, don’t be afraid to mix it up with Pheasant Tails, Little Green Machines, Psycho Mays, Peep Shows, Magic Fly BWO, Split Case BWOs or even an October Caddis nymph.

Cray Fish will continue to be on the menu for the next while. Most are opting for larger Zirdles (#6’s and #8’s) in tan or natural but we also like the old classics, Claw R Crays, Snapping Crays…these used to be the ticket before the Zirdle took over as the Crayfish of choice but should not be overlooked.

The hopper bite? Meh! Pretty typical MO River hopper season. You’re bound to get some eats but its generally not lights out. Drop a Green Machine or Pheasant Tail or trail an ant to increase your odds. And if Big Drys are your preference it is never a bad idea to give the October Caddis once fall fishing is underway.

The calls have started about BWO’s. No BWO’s in September. It has become a late October/early November thing but we’ll let you know the moment it happens!

The other question is spoken in my love language. How about STREAMERS?

YES! Spring and Fall are STREAMER TIME on the MO and while it is still on the early side, these next 8 weeks offer you a great shot at that Missouri River Brown of a lifetime.

Weeds will present a challenge throughout the fall campaign, but you can work through it. Choose your water wisely and prepare mentally for what’s ahead. Whether you are nymphing or dry fly fishing or streamer fishing you NEED CLEAN BUGS. Do not get lazy about that. Check them on every cast and make certain they are clean. It is MANDATORY.

Stop by the shop and we will get you lined out with the best Missouri River bugs and clue you in on our preferred set ups.

Maybe it’s time for a new streamer line or maybe even time for a whole new setup. We’ve got em’ and with winter on the horizon, we want to move them so while we haven’t yet officially announced our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale (coming soon) we are open to negotiation and we have been known to wheel and deal as the days grow short.

Shop hours are 7 AM – 5 PM daily.

Sun Sets on Summer

photo by Sam Casne

There’s still about a month of summer remaining according to the calendar but that’s a mere formality. In our world, summer has all but ended and the sun is rapidly setting on the 2026 Missouri River summer season.

As happens this time of year, angling traffic has ground almost to a halt with rec floaters outnumbering drift boats three to one. There are a handful of guide trips still happening but many of us take advantage of the end of summer slowdown to unplug and unwind and prepare for the upcoming fall season which typically starts to kick in around the second week of September.

Half of the WCA crew have left for the season with school back in session. Couple this with the lull in lodging and it makes for some lonely days around the fly shop, so you’ll have to excuse us if we happen to abbreviate our hours on occasion over these next two weeks.

We bid a sad farewell to our awesome summer help Rudy and Sophie last week. Summer was a blast with these two!

It’s an interesting time of year on the Missouri, and one which is often overlooked by anglers so don’t tell anyone, but late August/early September are the sleeper of the season.
Granted, there are challenges that come with late summer fishing on the Missouri. Weeds are at their worst. Major bug hatches ware waning. Water temperatures can be marginal, and the combination of hot days and smoke can sometimes make for less than ideal conditions on the water.

But on the positive side…angling pressure is almost non-existent and between terrestrial fishing and nymphing you can often have banner days on the MO in late summer.

The zebra midge and sow bug feast is on in the grass flats below the dam, and we often catch some of our best brown trout of the season on hoppers or crayfish.
Bottom line – don’t sleep on late summer on the MO!

We’re currently looking at flows of 3490 CFS with water temperatures at the dam ranging from 63 – 66 degrees. Again, the weeds are a challenge, but overall, the conditions aren’t bad and the payoff can be great.

Small hoppers in tan, peach or yellow have been good (More or Less, Donkey Kong, Fancy Pants) and ants always seem to get a look or two. Drop a green machine or pheasant tail and hit the banks and the edges of the weed beds and the riffles.

Double sows or double zebras at the dam or try a Zirdle or Claws R with a purple weight fly, Tung Dart or October Caddis nymph.

They’ll eat the streamer this time of year, but this is where the weeds are going to challenge you the most. You must mentally prepare for streamer fishing the height of the weed season but again, if you can put up with the misery you could very well be rewarded with your fish of the year.

Need a room? We have an abundance of vacancies at the moment along with wide open availability for rental boats. Last-minute guided trips are still somewhat of a challenge with the aforementioned exodus currently ongoing, but we’ll do our best to get you on the water.

Shop hours are 7 AM – ???, usually 4 ish for the time being. We’ll resume normal hours as soon as traffic warrants it.

Stop by WCA for shuttles, hoppers, ice, sunscreen and anything you might need for your day on the MO. And tell your rec floater friends who don’t fish to stop driving multiple rigs to the river and stop by for the Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO! I guarantee you, at the current fuel prices it’s cheaper to buy a shuttle than drive that second rig.

Just something to keep in mind, with the light traffic we’ve been starting our shuttle runs around 11 AM and are typically wrapping up by 1 PM so that shuttle window is narrow at the moment. If you’re rolling in at 1 or 2 pm for your float we’re very likely done with shuttles for the day, so you’ll want to call ahead if you’re planning on getting shuttled anytime after noon.

By |2026-08-25T10:06:17-06:00August 25th, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Sun Sets on Summer

Early June Update

We were treated to some unseasonably cool weather and plenty of rain to close out May and kick off our busiest month of the year.

Four days into June and so far it’s been below average temperatures with scattered rain showers each day and with the exception of tomorrow which looks to be on the warmer side with a high near 80, the trend will continue at least for the next week with highs in the 50’s and 60’s much of next week and a good chance for more precipitation towards the end of next week. 

What looked like low flows and an early arrival for summer has given way to more spring-like conditions with many of our local waters bumping considerably with the rain, so much so that even the Dearborn River which we were almost certain would be a no-go again this year bumped to over 500 CFS and has folks scrambling to get a float in before the water disappears. It’s down to 488 CFS as of this writing and will continue to drop so don’t put it off for too long. Yes we are doing Dearborn shuttles but call ahead as we are trying to schedule just one or two runs a day and we will only do them if we have two or more. 

The steady MO bumped over 3500 and is now on the drop, currently at 3400 CFS with the tribs adding some volume as you move downstream. Little Prickly Pear didn’t see much of a bump but the Dearborn set up a good mud line a couple of days ago and the worm bite has been good. 

The bump in flows around the region has brought some traffic back this way but that will likely dissipate as  we head into next week with most everything starting to come back into shape. 

And it’s a good thing because June is the start of our Prime Time. Not the everyone go to the MO because everything else is blown transient Prime but the, annual pilgrimage to the Missouri Dry Fly Mecca Prime. Folks arriving this week will be surprised to find out that the PMD hatch is well -underway, a few weeks ahead of schedule, but don’t despair. The return of cooler, wetter weather has us optimistic that the early start may not mean an early end, just bonus time on the front side. 

Caddis are back on the menu and early terrestrial fishing has been effective on the right day.

We’ve been a little skinny on our PMD patterns as we asked for normal PMD time delivery but we’ve now got the bins fully stocked and ready. 

Hi Vis Spinners, Hatchbacks, CDC Emergers, Flash Cripples, Film Critics, Last Chance Cripples, Sprouts and many more along with a great selection of Rusty Spinners and Buzzballs to satisfy your PMD needs and piles of Cornfed Caddis, Double Duck Caddis, Stockingfoot Caddis and your favorite Elkhair classics. It’s been busy on the Dry Fly Side of the bins this week and will remain so from here on out. 

Those still chasing bobbers and plying the depths are finding plenty of fish still happy to oblige. Worms, Sows, Split Case PMD’s, Two Hot PMD, PMD Magic Fly, Redemption, Gold Lighting Bug, Little Green Machine, Doc’s Summer Bug, Purple Weight Fly, Tung Darts, UV Czech Caddis, Blow Torch, Pheasant Tails and on and on. 

Often overlooked, WCA has a fly selection equal to or more expansive than any of the other shops on the MO. Give us a look, we know you’ll be back once you do. After all, we do have the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana. 

Our spring wader sale has come and gone, thank you to all who purchased new boots and waders from us. The sale might be over but wader season appears to be extended this year so keep us in mind if you’re looking for a new pair of Simms Waders or boots. 

The shop is open from 7 AM to 5 PM daily for shuttles, bugs, ice, micro swivels, lines, leaders, Smith and Suncloud sunglasses, tools and accessories from Fishpond and Dr Slick, Buff and Simms sun protection, Sage rods and reels, Trxstle rod racks and so much more. 

We are your Missouri River one stop fly fishing headquarters, closer to Holter Dam and the Wolf Creek Bridge than any other shop. 

By |2026-06-04T14:18:06-06:00June 4th, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Early June Update

Mid-May on the MO

Halfway through May and the BLUR is on!

With rivers on the west side blown it’s been a busy week on the MO with a variety of weather conditions and what can only be called a mixed bag on the fishing and bug front.

We saw quite a Mother’s Day Caddis Event last week but that’s come and gone for the most part as has the BWO fishing. Midges continue to be a consistent option and the rumors are true…PMD’s have begun, weeks ahead of schedule.

Summer-like weather has had the river feeling more like July than mid-May but yesterday’s highs in the 80’s have been replaced by much more seasonal 50’s and 60’s and it looks like we’ll hold where we’re at for a while and even see some 30’s and 40’s on Sunday and Monday with a few snow showers possible before we climb back into the 60’s and 70’s next week.

The shuttle business has been booming with this week being our busiest of the season by far. We’ve seen a bit of a lull in lodging this week but that changes this weekend as we fill up and vacancies become scarce from here on out. We have had some cancellations here and there so please give us a call if you need lodging anytime over the next couple of weeks. We might just be able to help you out.

Nymphing has continued to produce with Tailwater sows and baetis nymphs still the go to’s but it’s definitely time to work some PMD nymphs into your offerings. Frenchies, PT Green Machines, Redemptions, Magic Flies, Gold Lighting Bugs, PMD Psycho Mays, PMD Perdigons and more. You might also swap out that Pill Popper lead fly for a Blow Torch, Tung Dart, Weight Fly or other Caddis offering.


Low light streamer fishing has continued to be a viable option with plenty of big-shouldered browns still on the hunt. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolt , Micro Dungeons and Space Invaders all good options.


Creek opener this Saturday….NOW you can fish the Little Prickly Pear! Unfortunately it’s been getting fished plenty this spring so it’s not exactly untouched water but it’s always nice to be back on the small water.


Shop Hours are 7 AM – 5 PM Daily and you’ve still got a week left to take advantage of our Spring Wader and Boot Sale. 20% off all waders and boots.

Make us your first and only stop on your way to the MO for the Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO and the largest selection of Missouri River bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana. We’re confident that once you give WCA a try you’ll see no reason to go anywhere else.

We are proud to be your one stop Missouri River Fly Fishing destination.

By |2026-05-14T13:21:10-06:00May 14th, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Mid-May on the MO

Go Time

 

While we’ve been anxiously awaiting a shot of spring snow and cold to slow things down and keep us in that early-season window, it doesn’t seem like Mother Nature got the memo. Buds are popping, grass is greening, and more days than not we’re seeing sunshine and temps that feel a lot more like mid-May than early April.

What’s also popping? Bugs.

Midges are everywhere, and we’ve been hearing reports of BWO’s showing up in fishable numbers in the canyon over the past week. Dry fly opportunities are on the table most days now, and only getting better. Midges are the Spring Training of the dry fly game—reliable, consistent, and a great way to knock the rust off—but the regular season is just getting underway. Look for BWO’s and midges to carry the load over the next 4–6 weeks, with March Browns and caddis not far behind. 

Best Bets for midges…Bucky’s Midge Cluster, Black Midge, Griffith’s Gnat, Hi-Vis Midge, Grizzly Midge Cluster, Adams Midge Cluster. GO To BWO’s – Guide Winna Spinna BWO, Olive Haze, Hi Vis BWO, Pederson’s 401K Baetis, Sprout Baetis, Nyman’s DOA Cripple Baetis, Last Chance Cripple, Flash Cripple, Jake’s Hatchback Baetis…and so many more. 

Spawning is still in full swing on the MO, so please be mindful of where you’re wading. Give those fish some space and let them do their thing—the future of this fishery depends on it.

If you’re looking for numbers, nymphing remains the go-to. Double sows are still punching the ticket more often than not. Zebra Midges, Ruby Midges, Little Green Machines, Magic Flies, Caviar Scuds, Pill Poppers, Amex, Pederson’s Sow, Bubble Yums, worms, and soft hackle sows are all getting it done.

The streamer bite has been solid—even under bluebird skies—but as always, low light is your best friend. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, Swim Coaches, MoJo Minnows, Micro Dungeons, Baby Gongas, Polar Leeches, Dirty Hippies, Lil’ Kims…you know the drill. Fish what you believe in. Water temps are still hanging in the low 40’s, so no need to get wild with the strip, but fish are definitely getting more aggressive and will chase on the right days. Mix up your retrieve, build in pauses, and don’t be afraid to fish everything from the depths to the shallows and tailouts—it’s all in play right now.

There’s truly no better time of year to fish streamers on the Missouri, and with some rain, snow, and cloud cover in the forecast for Sunday and Monday, things could get downright epic.

We’re open daily at 8 AM with everything you need for your day on the water—Cheapest DAM shuttles on the MO, the biggest selection of Missouri River bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana, and all the latest gear from the best brands in the business. New rods, reels, waders, boots, lines, leaders—you name it—arriving almost daily. ’Tis the season.

Lodging is fully open and guides are standing by. Give us a call or book your trip online—we’ll see you out there.

Farewell October

The fall fishing season has nearly passed us by with weeks of great weather and decent fishing and more of the same on tap for the foreseeable future as we bid farewell to October.

River flows continue to limp along in the 2500 CFS range with water temps still holding in the 50’s. These are not exactly prime conditions for fall fishing, especially considering the abundance of bright sunny days but things could certainly be worse. With a few modifications to your approach there’s good fishing to be had even in the low and clear.

Save a few rainy/snowy overcast days earlier in the month dry fly fishing has been marginal but not to worry, November often delivers those coveted BWO events on the MO. The same could be said for the streamer game though there have been a handful of really good days especially considering the blue sky October we’ve had.

Nymphing has been the ticket and while action from the dam down is always a safe bet, the middle and lower stretches are worth your time. Sow bugs, Zebras, Worms and your favorite baetis patterns (Little Green Machines, BWO Magic Fly, Radiation Baetis etc) are all good bets. The water is still relatively warm so there is no need to switch to winter water/winter tactics but cold weather favorites like the Pill Popper and Pederson’s Sow have been effective as of late.

It looks like a nice weekend ahead with mostly sunny skies and temps in the low 50’s tomorrow. Saturday looks more like September than the first day of November with highs near 70 but we will return to more normal conditions on Sunday. Monday looks like the best conditions for the next while with cloudy skies, a high of 46 and winds SW at 5-10 mph. Expect mad streamer action and a good chance for dry fly activity….or not. The mornings have been cold with temps in the 30’s so no need to rush out though with the time change happening this weekend a later start is going to make for a short day on the water.

We’ve switched to late fall hours, opening at 8 AM daily and will continue to adjust as traffic dictates. We’ve closed the motel rooms for the winter with the cabins soon to follow but as always, we will have our bungalows open all winter long.

Check out our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale next time you’re through – the best deals of the year as we close out the season. 

By |2025-10-30T15:06:24-06:00October 30th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Farewell October

Autumn in the Air

Summer has continued to hang around this week but autumn vibes are emerging, especially on these chilly Missouri River mornings.

Cooler, wet weather is on the way for the remainder of the week and into the early part of next week with a chance for showers each day, daytime highs in the 70’s and overnight lows dipping into the 40’s. The same system will deliver our first mountain snows of the season at elevations over 10,000 feet. We’ll see none of that but we’re excited to see fall weather shaping up as it should with fall technically still two weeks away. Bring it on!

Fall fishing is about to heat up as water temps cool. The Holter Dam to Craig run continues to see the most activity with double zebras getting it done in the grass flats. Your best bet for numbers for the next while will be nymphing that stretch but it’s obviously also where the traffic will be so if you’d prefer fewer boats and less competition don’t be afraid to work the middle and lower sections where you’ll likely end up with fewer fish but it’s a worthy trade for a bit more solitude on the water.

Best bets for nymphs right now would be your aforementioned Zebra Midges along with Frenchies, Little Green Machines, PT’s, October Caddis Nymphs, Sowbugs, Olive 2 Bits, Olive Psycho Mays and a host of other baetis nymphs.

Those looking for dry fly action have been hoping for better days with a lack of opportunities presenting themselves as of late. The waning tricos have all but wrapped up and terrestrials, while always a good fall option, haven’t been overly productive. Hoppers were hit and miss this season but will continue to play throughout September. Ants have historically been the preferred terrestrial but like the hoppers, just haven’t been overly productive this year. Keep at it with those terrestrials and start adding the October Caddis to your repertoire. September is the best month for the October Caddis on the MO…go figure.

If you’re into the tiny dry fly game you’re trico days are likely done for this season but you’ll be pleased to know that the oft despised Pseudocleoens have arrived. If fishing #22 dry flies makes you happy this is your time.

Personally, I could take or leave the Pseudos. Fall is STREAMER TIME as far as I’m concerned and weeds be damned; we’ll be ripping streamers from here on out. Our streamer bins have just been restocked with something for everyone. Whether buggers or balanced leeches or Sparkle Minnows or D & D’s or Wedge Heads and so much more, we’ve got you covered. Stop in and see why we’re known as THE BEST STREAMER SHOP ON THE MO hands down.

Need a new streamer line or maybe even a new rod and reel? We’ve got what you need with all the best sinking and intermediate options from SA, Rio and Airflo and rods and reels for every budget from Redington, Echo, Lamson and SAGE. Look for our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale COMING SOON! 

We’re closing out a moderately busy guide week getting back into the swing of things while preparing for chaos next week with our busiest week of the fall by far. No guides available next week but if you’re looking to book that last minute trip things open up the following week through the end of the season.

Lodging is somewhat busy but we generally have at least a few vacancies nightly.

Our Autumn hours are now in effect, 7:30 AM – 5 PM daily. We hope you make us your first stop on your way to the river for shuttles, bugs and so much more.

August Exodus

Autumn Creeping In

The Ghost Town persists here on the MO with angling traffic all but absent as the minutes tick away on what’s left of the summer.

The hot and hazy late summer days seem better suited for splash and giggle floats than any serious angling pursuits though you could do much worse than spending the day in a drift boat seeking a random hopper take or two.

It’s nothing new, it’s just that time of year when angling pressure drops dramatically as folks opt for squeezing every last bit out of summer before getting back to the grind.

Meanwhile, our trout are enjoying a well-deserved break from the pressure and while flows remain on the low side at 3700 CFS, water temps are well in the safe zone in the 62-65 degree range. For those few who are taking advantage of the late summer lull and enjoying summer solitude on the MO the early part of the day has been best with things generally shutting down by early afternoon.

The Missouri has never been known for the hopper bite but that is what most folks are doing these days, either pairing that hopper with an ant or maybe dropping a small nymph like a Little Green Machine or Pheasant Tail but it’s fine to fish a solo hopper as well. Nothing quite like brown trout hopper eats!

Nymphers are fighting the weed mass and finding success in the shallow fast runs with Zebra Midges, Frenchies, LGM’s and crayfish patterns. The dam down has been the best bet for the bobber crowd with the grass flats coming into early fall form. You can’t go wrong with double zebras or a zebra and a zirdle.

Things are quiet on the streets of Wolf Creek and Craig. These are lonely days in the fly shop, save the occasional abbreviated morning rush. You’ll likely see more boats in our parking lot than you will on the water for the next little while, at least until the fall season gets underway in another couple of weeks.

And speaking of that…autumn is definitely creeping in. The choke cherries are ripe, leaves are starting to change color, daylight is shrinking and those evening and early morning temps certainly feel like fall. Enjoy these last weeks of summer while you still can.

Considering the current conditions we’re modifying our hours through the end of August and will be closing at 4 PM but still opening every day at 7. With the cooler mornings we’ve been pushing trip start times to 7:30-8 AM but if you’d like to start earlier we’re more than happy to do so.

We have an abundance of rooms available through the end of the month and we’d love to be your late summer Missouri River destination. Fall is booking up though we still have plenty of openings in October and early November for guide trips and lodging. Book you Missouri River fall getaway today!

 

By |2025-08-21T08:35:41-06:00August 21st, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: , , , , , , , |Comments Off on August Exodus

Dog Days Underway

Dog Days on the Missouri

Current Situation on the MO…Sunny and pleasant with high temps only in the low 80’s this week. We’ve seen fleeting thunderstorms come and go over the past couple of days resulting in a few new lightning ignited fires in the area including one on the Dearborn Ranch just NW of Wolf Creek which has burned about 200 acres as of this writing but appears to be progressing towards containment.

Flows are currently at 4690 CFS with water temps hanging in the low to mid 60’s, currently at 64 degrees.

Traffic has slowed not quite to a crawl but some days it sure feels that way. Expect more of the same for the next while with the exception of the occasional influx of those fleeing from low water conditions and Hoot Owl restrictions in effect around much of the region.

Tricos most days for the early  crowd. Caddis towards evening with terrestrials filling in the daytime gaps. Nymphing never goes out of style but it gets a little more labor intensive this time of year with having to keep your rigs clean, and keep them clean you must…ALWAYS.

Purple Weight Flies and Frenchies remain the go to with LGM’s, PT’s, Zebras and various sub-surface caddis patterns getting the nod as well. Cray Days are here. Zirdles, Snapping Crays, Claws R Cray…these are a few of our favorites. If you have something different throw it, variety is often the key to success on the water as it is in life.

More guide trips going out than what you would expect with things as seemingly quiet as they are but by no means crowded out there. We have rooms aplenty if a last minute trip to the MO is on your mind. Give us a call at the shop to book today and if not for now, get those fall plans on the books as things are starting to fill up.

We’re open daily at 7 AM, ready to assist you with getting a good start to your day with all the right bugs, boat rentals, sun screen, ice and don’t forget the famed Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO.

WCA is your one-stop shop for everything you need for your day on the water and we’re right on your way from most everywhere. There’s no need to go any further than Wolf Creek unless you want to burn more fuel and pay more for your shuttle but that’s up to you.

Welcome to the DOG DAYS of Summer. See you out there.

By |2025-07-29T14:22:53-06:00July 29th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Dog Days Underway

Summer Solstice

On this, the eve of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, we’re left wondering how it’s possible that June has nearly passed us by.

Summer is being ushered in with a cold front paired with rain and mountain snow. Perhaps not the preferred forecast for those seeking summer sun but definitely the weather we need as much of the region is already grappling with drought conditions.

Soggy Summer Solstice

Enjoy your summer weather today with sunshine and highs near 90. Tomorrow brings a chance of showers and thunderstorms throughout the day with a high of 73 degrees. Chance of rain is 100 percent. More of the same tomorrow night with lows in the low 40’s.

The trend continues on Saturday with rain and highs in the low 60s and more of the same on Sunday with highs struggling to hit 60 degrees.

Summer sun and heat will return early next week with temps climbing back into the 70’s and 80’s.

The weekend weather could put a damper on the phenomenal PMD fishing we’ve been experiencing these past couple of weeks but we’ll trade a day or two of dry fly fishing for any precipitation we can get.

As summer heat returns next week expect plenty of company out there. Expect a bunch of boat traffic, an army of wade anglers and no shortage of rec floaters also enjoying this amazing water we call home. It’s officially SUMMERTIME on the MO!

Did I mention phenomenal PMD action? Why yes, I did and it is. The best in years! How long will it last? It’s hard to know but there’s only one way to find out.

Visit Wolf Creek Angler on your way to the water and stock up on the latest and greatest techy PMD patterns. We like a GWS spinner or Jake’s Hatchback paired with a Film Critic, Last Chance Cripple or CDC emerger. You’d also do well to add a few Rusty Spinners into your mix.

Arm yourself with an ample supply of bugs and prepare to deliver perfect presentations (or as close to it as you can get). Fishing to a pod of sippers is NOT the ideal place to practice your casting technique or to perfect your drift, you had all winter to work on it.

Fishing a caddis allows for some level of sub-perfect drift as a skating/skittering caddis often attracts a violent take. Try a Missouri River CDC Caddis, Outrigger Caddis, Stockingfoot Caddis, Cornfed Caddis or any number of classic variations of Elk Hair offerings. And while you’re stocking up on dry flies don’t forget the Buzzballs. Summertime is Buzzball time on the MO.

Terrestrials are starting to come into play. Ants will get some looks. Hoppers on deck.

Those chasing bobbers are also faring well with Split Case PMD’s, Crackbacks and Frenchies leading the charge. PT Little Green Machines, PMD Psycho May and Magic Fly, Doc’s PMD, Stockers Two Hot PMD, Purple or Gold Weight Fly, Tung Darts all good options.

Streamers….not so much but if you can contend with the rapidly increasing volume of aquatic vegetation and you’re convinced you’re going to entice that fish of a lifetime knock yourself out.

Water levels are currently at 4380 CFS with water temps just north of 60 degrees. We’ve likely seen the peak flows come and go; it wasn’t much.

We’re open early, 7 AM daily, and we literally have EVERYTHING you need for your day on the water including sunscreen, ice, the best free coffee in the canyon and The CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES ON THE MO.

We’re in the midst of PRIME TIME so lodging is pretty well spoken for, guides are booked solid and rental boats are in heavy rotation and are pretty tough to come by. Disappointing for those looking for that last minute pilgrimage to the MO but it’s a good reminder to make those plans now for 2026. The vast majority of our PRIME TIME bookings are made a year in advance, just something to keep in mind.

Happy Summer Solstice! We hope to see you soon for PRIME TIME on the Missouri.

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