Mid-Week Missouri River Fishing Report

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Classic early July dry-fly fishing on the Missouri. Some good days, others not so much. Lots of bugs and no fish, no bugs and no fish, good mornings with a lot of bugs and a lot of fish shut down by afternoon winds…..and on and on it goes.

PMD’s still going fairly strong and Tricos firing up. A few fish being caught on trico spinners but not many. This should improve daily.

Caddis a plenty – depending on the evening and the location. We’re hearing mixed reports about the caddis but the consensus seems to be that the better action remains below Craig however there are plenty of caddis in the upper stretch as well though they don’t seem to get going until last light.

All kinds of options daily for the DFO’s – go early, stay late and enjoy. What’s working? Best movers on the dry fly side this week have been No Hackle PMD’s, CDC Rusty Spinners, CDC PMD Spinners, PMD Transitional Duns, Flash Cripple PMD’s, CDC PMD Emergers, Indicator Spinner Tricos, Barr’s Trico Emerger, Double Wing Tricos, Poly Spent Caddis, CDC Caddis Emerger, Cornfed Caddis and Buzzballs.

Nymphing has been good though weeds have become a constant so check your bugs often. Weight Flies in Gold and Purple, Split Case PMD’s, PMD Psycho Mays, PMD Magic Flies, Tung Darts, PT’s, Purple UV Prince Nymphs, Hot Belly PT’s, Peep Shows and Zebras have all been getting eaten along with a bunch of other stuff. The big cool down we had on Sunday really turned things on so pay attention to those significant changes in temperature and barometric pressure and see if you can’t stumble upon the weather that flips the switch.

Most of the traffic has been and will continue to be from the dam to Craig. Wolf Creek Angler is closer to Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge than anyone. Planning on getting a super-early start? Make WCA your first stop. Open at 5:30 AM daily for shuttles, bugs, ice and anything else you might need for your day on the water.

It's Trico Time on the Missouri - photo by Wolf Creek Angler

It’s Trico Time on the Missouri – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Back in Action

Fully Stocked with more arriving daily! photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Fully Stocked with more arriving daily! photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Back to work today and arrived this morning to find a shop full of goodies that weren’t here a week ago. Lots of new flies, a bunch of Fishpond and Loon tools and accessories, the best selection of fly lines we’ve ever had, eyewear from Smith Optics, more Kast Extreme fishing gear, Simms logo wear, fully stocked Rio and Trouthunter leader/tippet inventory, Hydroflask cofee flasks, watter bottles and growlers in all kinds of cool colors….just to name a few.

The shop has never looked better and we invite you to stop in and see what the buzz is about.

Traffic on the river is still relatively light though that will begin to change from here on out as things heat up out there.
Flows continue to hold around 4000 and water temps are currently hanging in that low 40’s range – perfect for this transition period as we move from targeting slow deep water and the semi-lethargic fish holding there to faster shallows and flats and fish willing to chase and ready to put up a fight.
We’ve got a chance for rain and snow each day this week with highs in the 50’s which could make for some great fishing whether you’re looking for dry fly action or you prefer the sub-surface game. We’ve heard good reports from the last couple of days on both.
Hot bugs for today in no particular order have been Pink Amex, Grey LGM, Parachute Adams, Olive Smolt, BWO Magic Fly, Rainbow Czech, Juju Baetis, Hi-Vis Griffiths Gnat, Brown Polar Leech, Beadless Black Zebra and Tailwater Sowbugs…all available at Wolf Creek Angler.

Plenty of lodging available this week and don’t forget to book your $300 Full Day Spring Special Guide Trip through the end of the month. Make Wolf Creek Angler your first stop on the way to the river – we’ve got everything you need for Missouri River fly fishing and we are closer to the Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge access sites than ANYONE.

Spring is on the way! 3/1/2015

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This first day of March finds winter hanging on but it won’t be long before we’re on the river enjoying the warm spring sun and watching the Missouri come alive. In fact it may just be sooner than you think. We’re looking at 30’s today and tomorrow and a cold blast on Tuesday with a high around 11 but as we get towards the end of next week it’s back to 50’s and possibly even 60’s by the weekend.

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Should that trend stabilize we will definitely be opening up more lodging at WCA. We are already nearly full for next weekend so don’t wait any longer to make your plans – give us a call today and snatch up those remaining spots – they won’t last long. $99 + tax gets you a bungalow or cabin with full kitchen and bath through the end of April. Each unit sleeps three very comfortably and can accommodate up to four. We are dog friendly so don’t leave your pet behind.
March 20th marks the spring equinox and the start of our $300 Spring Special Missouri River Guide Trips. $300 gets you a full day on the MO with all the trimmings through the end of April. Don’t miss out on this amazing deal.
The shop will be closed today and likely Monday and Tuesday but we will be here Wednesday preparing for the warm weather and the crowds that will come with it. Expect us here every day once the weather turns. 40 degrees and above means the doors will be open at WCA.
We are stocked up with the flies you will need as well as the ones you won’t need but should have anyways and we’re always happy to help you out with fly selection, rigging, location or any other questions you may have. Remember there are no stupid questions. We may occasionally give you a stupid answer but we will always do our best to help you in any way we can.
Make Wolf Creek Angler your one stop shop on the way to the river. We’ve got you covered with guides, shuttles, bugs, bobbers, licenses, cold-weather gear, drift boat rentals, lodging and everything you need for fly fishing the Missouri and we are closer to Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge than ANYONE.

Why Wolf Creek? 10 Reasons you should make Wolf Creek your Missouri River fly fishing destination

 

10. Location, Location, Location

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Wolf Creek is located just 3 miles from the Wolf Creek Bridge and 4.5 miles from Holter Dam. Chances are if you are traveling by car to fish the Missouri from much of Western, Southwestern and Central Montana and beyond you will be passing through Wolf Creek before you reach the river. Whether you are coming from Helena, Missoula, Kalispell, Billings, Bozeman, Butte or a host of other cities Wolf Creek is your first access to the Missouri River. Since Holter Dam to Craig is the most popular section of the river to float/fish it only makes sense to exit at Wolf Creek, buy your flies and arrange your shuttles at Wolf Creek Angler and proceed to your adventure on the MO. We will shuttle your rig to Craig or wherever you choose to float and you will have saved yourself all kinds of time and substantial mileage. If you choose to bypass Wolf Creek and start your day in Craig you have already added eight miles to your trip. Not the end of the world but by the time you travel eight miles back to Holter Dam or Wolf Creek Bridge you’ve added roughly 15-20 miles to your trip and shaved 30 minutes to an hour off of your fishing time. If you come out once a week to fish you are looking at 60-80 extra miles and a loss of several hours of fishing time over the course of the month. If you fish every month of the year it could be costing you up to several hundred dollars (depending on gas prices) and up to two days of lost fishing time over the course of a year! That’s a steep price to pay and we would love to help you save your time and money.

9. Food, Gas and Lodging

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Wolf Creek Lodging

Looking to have access to amenities during your trip to the Missouri any time of the year? Wolf Creek is your destination. With two bar/restaurants and the ONLY gas station/convenience store and the ONLY US Post Office between Helena and Cascade, Wolf Creek is your first choice. Need lodging? Wolf Creek Angler has you covered with affordable lodging options year round. We’ve got units with full kitchens and full baths which sleep up to four comfortably and during the warmer months we’ve got no-frills motel rooms for under $70/night. We are dog friendly, we offer guide discounts and all of our units are clean and comfortable and right next door to a first-rate Missouri River fly shop.

8. A River Runs Through It

Much of Norman MaClean's A River Runs Through It ws set in and around Wolf Creek.

Much of Norman Maclean’s novel A River Runs Through It takes place in and around Wolf Creek. Wolf Creek is mentioned in the story many times – other Missouri River fishing destinations are not.

7. Little Prickly Pear/Wolf Creek Canyon

Postcard view of Little Prickly Pear Canyon

Postcard view of Little Prickly Pear Canyon

Our awe-inspiring canyon goes by both names. Whatever you choose to call it it’s an amazing place. Please keep your eyes on the road as you wind your way through the canyon along Little Prickly Pear Creek. More than a billion years ago,during the Precambrian Era, an ancient inland seaway deposited these shales and sands, which over time,became these vibrant red and green mudstones called“Spokane Shale”. Many of our guests enjoy relaxing times on the porch gazing at the rugged hillside across from the shop where we often see mule deer and big horn sheep and the occasional black bear.

6. The Oasis

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Located within walking distance of Wolf Creek Angler, The Oasis offers dining during the season and is a great place to unwind anytime of the year with a game of pool or just watching the game and relaxing in the bar.

5. Welcome to Wolf Creek MT

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Wolf Creek is made up of an eclectic mix of residents, some with deep Montana roots spanning generations, others who’ve arrived here from anywhere and elsewhere and have fallen in love with all that Wolf Creek has to offer. It might get a little weird around Wolf Creek sometimes but that’s part of what we love about it. Come discover for yourself the charm of Wolf Creek MT.

4. Wolf Creek Bridge

 

Thinking about summertime... photo by Wolf Creek Angler

 

To call the Wolf Creek Bridge iconic is an understatement. Everyone who has fished the Missouri knows the bridge. It is probably our most photographed local landmark and images of our bridge often appear on the blogs and facebook pages of local fly shops and outfitters. We love our bridge so much we made it a part of our logo and while we love to see pictures of our bridge on social media, Wolf Creek Angler is the only shop with a rightful claim to the Wolf Creek Bridge.

3. Shotgun Annie’s

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A Wolf Creek institution, Shotgun Annie’s (formerly The Frenchman and Me) is the only year-round restaurant between Helena and Cascade. It is a classic small town Montana saloon and is a favorite amongst our guests. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and  dinner and Shotgun Annie’s. They serve up great steaks, ribs, burgers and more.

2. Montana Microbrews at The Canyon Store

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Rivaling the Montana-Made beer selection of large grocery stores in the bigger cities, The Canyon Store has fully embraced the Montana Microbrew craze. Check out their great selections from Lewis and Clark, Bitterroot Brewing, Bayern, Mighty Mo, Bozone and more.

1. Wolf Creek Angler

Wolf Creek Anglers Services

On the move and at your service since April of 2014, we are here for the long haul and fully intend to do our part to put Wolf Creek back on the map as a Missouri River fly fishing destination. We are your full service Missouri River fly shop offering lodging, guided fly fishing, drift boat and equipment rentals, shuttle service and a first-rate shop with an ever-growing inventory of everything you need for success on the Missouri River including the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

This season make Wolf Creek your Missouri River fly fishing destination!

Weekend Report

Valentine Sky at Holter Dam - photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Valentine Sky at Holter Dam – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Lots of people out and about and enjoying the 60 degree weather yesterday but from what we’ve been hearing this morning things were on the slow side, at least between Holter Dam and the Dearborn launch. Sounds like a few fish being taken here and there but nothing like the reports from Thursday which was good to great for many and bordering on epic for some. I was not able to get out during the day on Thursday but I did walk in for an hour or so at last light and cleaned up with all but one fish coming on the pink firebead soft hackle sow.
It’s another April-esque weekend with lots of people around, full lodging, a couple of boat rentals out, a decent stack of shuttles to run and lots of bugs going out the door.

The day started on the cloudy side and they are calling for a chance of rain this afternoon but we are currently looking at sunshine and blue skies and 53 degrees. It’s a perfect day to spend on the water with your valentine.

A chance of snow tomorrow but still nice with a high of 43 and calm winds. Snow and a high of 36 for Presidents Day and then back to 40’s and 50’s later next week. You’ve got a couple of weeks left to take advantage of our February special. Book a full day guide trip at the $395 winter rate and get a night’s lodging in one of our bungalows for $59! Our guides have been out on the water getting things dialed in and they are ready to show you what an awesome winter fishery the Missouri can be.  Nymphing has of course been the most effective method of putting fish in the boat but streamers are having their moments as well and there are just enough fish rising to midges on a daily basis to make things interesting for the dry fly guys. Spend a day on the water with one of our expert guides and enjoy the solitude offered by the winter months. Your full day trip includes a delicious hot lunch and hot and cold beverages as well as all the flies and the use of any equipment you may need and transportation to and from the river. Take advantage of this great deal and enjoy the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been having all month.

Not looking for a guided trip? That’s ok too – we’ve got rooms available for $99/night, each with it’s own full kitchen and bath. Rooms sleep up to four very comfortably. Wolf Creek is definitely the place to be for winter fishing on the Missouri with the only restaurant and the only gas station/convenience store between Helena and Cascade and since you will likely be fishing somewhere between Holter Dam and Craig this time of year why wouldn’t you stay at Wolf Creek Angler considering that we are closer to Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge than ANYONE? We’ve got plenty of parking space for your boats and our shop has everything you need for fishing the Missouri including shuttles and the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

We hope to see you in Wolf Creek soon.

Wolf Creek Angler is your full service Missouri River Fly Shop - photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Wolf Creek Angler is your full service Missouri River Fly Shop – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

 

Mid Week on the MO – 2/11/15

Winter fishing has been heating up on the Missouri - photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Winter fishing has been heating up on the Missouri – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

I closed out a three-day trip yesterday with another good nymphing outing. We fished Holter down as opposed to the Wolf Creek to Craig run we’d done the previous couple of days and found things to still be a little lackluster up there. My hopes were high after connecting on the first drift of the day but our hookups ended up being spaced out enough that I was wishing we had skipped the dam as we battled a cold north wind most of the way to Wolf Creek Bridge.
We caught all but a couple of fish on the pink firebead soft hackle sow bug and didn’t really try much else. It was midge madness for a few hours in the early afternoon and while we didn’t throw a dry fly we did run into a couple of guys from Missoula who had cleaned up and hadn’t thrown a nymph all day. I prepped a midge rig after we talked to them but didn’t see anything other than sporadic rises the remainder of the day but I will definitely be keeping the dry- fly rig in the arsenal from here on out.
Cold and foggy in Wolf Creek this morning but we’re headed for a very nice couple of days with temps in the 50’s and maybe near 60 on Friday and Saturday before winter returns Monday with snow and lows in the single digits Monday night. High in the teens on Tuesday. Based on the forecast we will return to our winter schedule this weekend. The shop will be open at 8 am through Sunday but will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. As always we are open for guide trips and lodging every day and we do still have a couple of vacancies for the weekend though I would expect those to fill by tomorrow. $99 + tax gets you a great room in Wolf Creek just minutes from Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge and don’t forget Wolf Creek is the place to be for  Missouri River winter fishing  with the only restaurants, bars, gas station and convenience store between Helena and Cascade. Wolf Creek Angler is your Missouri River winter fly fishing destination!

Wolf Creek, Montana

Wolf Creek is your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing Destination – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Monday Missouri River Report 2/9/15

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It’s felt like April around here for the past several days, both temperature wise and traffic wise. Our lodging was full all weekend and Saturday and Sunday were by far the busiest days we’ve had in the shop in 2015. Throw in some boat rentals and a couple of guide trips out this week and it’s shaping up to be an outstanding week, especially for early February. We’re loving it!
It was a busy day on the river yesterday with a bunch of boats out and a lot of wading anglers. The couple of reports I’ve heard today were that it was not a stellar fishing day but when you’ve got sunshine and 55 degrees on a February day in Montana who needs fish? The majority of the traffic seemed to be in the Wolf Creek to Stickney section with things being a little tough at the dam for the past week or so. We will fishing the dam today to see if anything has changed. Full report tomorrow.
The bug report is sounding like a broken record but that’s generally the case with winter fishing. Best sellers yesterday included Firebead Sows, Pinkalicious, Rainbow Payczechs, hot bead wire worms, pink lightning bugs and soft hackle Rays. On the streamer side Polar Leeches in Olive and Olive and Copper and Kreelex in Brown and Gold have been our go to’s and we’ve been hearing of people having some pretty good streamer days on Clousers as well.
Rain today, rain and snow tomorrow and back to sunshine and 50’s for the end of the week. Lodging available this week with a couple of vacancies for the weekend. What better place to spend Valentine’s Day Weekend than in Wolf Creek and on the Missouri River?

By |2016-10-25T16:16:01-06:00February 9th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: , , , , |0 Comments

Thursday Fishing Report 2/5/15

February fishing on the Missouri River

February fishing on the Missouri River

Spring-like weather continues here in Wolf Creek and with it some very good days on the water. We haven’t heard any reports this week of off-the-charts numbers but there is plenty of action to be had, certainly by early February standards.
Reports we’ve heard from the dam to Wolf Creek have not been great and many are opting for the Wolf Creek to Craig stretch and below. I spent a couple of hours wading the Bull Pasture to dam section on Monday and picked up a few fish in the dead slow frog water but it was on the slow side. The usual spots between Wolf Creek and Craig are holding plenty of fish and from what we’ve experienced things seem to improve in the late afternoon/early evening.
The water temp ticked up a couple of degrees over the last two days and is holding close to 36 with flows holding right around 4900. The warmer water coupled with partly cloudy skies and a chance of rain today has us thinking Streamers but the nymphing should be strong as well.
Go to’s have been the pink lightning bugs and firebead soft hackle sows with the lightning bugs seeming to work better earlier in the day. Pair either with a Casne’s Pinkalicious, fish 5 or 6 feet from your indicator to your split and work those spots you know the fish are holding in. Grid your water out starting in close and working your way out until you’ve covered what you can reach – adjust your rig accordingly and do it again. Wondering where those usual spots are? A drive from Wolf Creek Bridge to Craig will usually give you a pretty good indication based on traffic but if there is no traffic and you haven’t spent much time on the Missouri we highly recommend hiring us to guide you. It’s a terrific investment if you plan on making fishing the Missouri a habit, especially at our $395/full day winter rate. If you are new to the area, just getting into fly fishing or just haven’t spent much time on the Missouri a day on the water with one of our expert guides is a great way to get dialed in. It could take weeks, months or even years of fishing on your own to gain the experience and knowledge you’ll get from a day on the water with one of our guides. Interested? Call 800-800-4350 and book your trip today.

50’s through the weekend, 40’s next week with a chance of rain most days. Tomorrow looks great with highs in the mid 50’s and plenty of sunshine. The winds will blow most days but at this point it looks tolerable with teens and low 20’s and some stronger gusts. Lodging is filling quickly for the next two weeks but we do have a few vacancies remaining.

Hot February Nymphs Top to bottom; Pinkalicious, Firebead Soft Hackle Sow Bug Grey, Firebead Tungsten Sow Pink, Pink Lightning Bug. All available at Wolf Creek Angler. photo by  Wolf Creek Angler

Hot February Nymphs
Top to bottom; Pinkalicious, Firebead Soft Hackle Sow Bug Grey, Firebead Tungsten Sow Pink, Pink Lightning Bug. All available at Wolf Creek Angler. photo by Wolf Creek Angler

 

 

February on the Missouri

February Midge Madness on the MO - photo by Wolf Creek Angler

February Midge Madness on the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

February can be an excellent time to make a trip to the MO and while the weather can sometimes be a challenge if you hit it right you could experience some absolute spring-like conditions and some great fishing. While nymphing is by far the most productive and widely utilized technique during the winter months don’t overlook the streamer action (swung or slowly stripped) or the dry-fly action as the fish target the tiny midges that are present more often than not when the sun is shining on the Missouri.

It looks like we’re in for a pretty decent stretch of weather starting on Thursday with temperatures climbing into the 50’s and near 60 on Friday. As it stands now the long-range has us holding in this weather pattern through the middle of the month so it’s the perfect time to plan a trip to Wolf Creek Montana. We would love to take you fishing.

As if the spring weather weren’t enough to bring you here, we’re offering an awesome deal this month only where if you book a full day guide trip at our ridiculously reasonable winter rate of $395, we’ll throw in a night’s lodging in one of our bungalows for $59! A guided day on the river includes expert instruction from one of our world-class guides, all the flies you need, a hot lunch and hot and cold beverages and transportation to and from the river. Take advantage of this offer while it lasts and don’t worry about being locked in. If the weather is unfavorable or if you just decide you don’t want to do it you are free to bail with no penalty.

Not looking for a guided trip? Come stay with us at Wolf Creek Angler and do it yourself. Our warm and cozy bungalows are priced right for the winter at $99/night. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Frenchman and then stop in the shop for a shuttle and whatever you need for your day on the river. We’re loaded up with winter bugs, cold weather gear, terminal tackle, licenses, RO drift boat rentals and some great deals on merchandise we need to move to make way for spring shipments.

No need to rush – you are just minutes from Holter Dam and the Wolf Creek Bridge. Spend your day on the water and return to your home-away from home where you can either utilize the full kitchen in your bungalow and make your own meal or head to The Frenchman for a night out in Wolf Creek. Don’t miss Uncle Joe’s Oasis for a night-cap and stop by the Canyon Store for provisions including an excellent selection of Montana Microbrews.

Wolf Creek is the place to be for winter fishing in Montana  and Wolf Creek Angler is proud to be your  full service Missouri River fly shop. Book your trip today!

Wolf Creek Angler is your full service Missouri River Fly Shop - photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Wolf Creek Angler is your full service Missouri River Fly Shop – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Mid Week Missouri River Fishing Report 1/28/15

Wolf Creek Angler guide Luke Koerten with a bright and feisy 5 O'Clock bow. - photo Wolf Creek Angler, LLC
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It was another awesome spring-like day in Wolf Creek yesterday so I decided to tag along with WCA guide Luke Koerten, his girlfriend Betsy and their dogs. We floated Holter Dam to Craig with high expectations, excited about some January streamer action after having heard about some great streamer action over the weekend.
We figured we would start out chasing the bobber and get a few fish to hand before settling in to the streamer quest. Good plan but didn’t really pan out as we had anticipated. We ended up spending a lot of time changing bugs trying to find the HOT fly and never really did find anything that was working consistently. We had a tough run from the dam to Wolf Creek Bridge but started to piece a decent day together from there to Craig. The bite seemed a little off, maybe a result of the surge from LIttle Prickly Pear the last couple of days but the water was in great shape and I expect things will normalize over the next day or two.
We did ok with Firebead Soft Hackle Sows, Pink Lightning Bugs, Rainbow Warriors, Wire Worms, Soft Hackle Rays and the almost-famous WCA Casne’s Pinkalicious, which started to turn on at the end of the day.
Everything came from the slow deep winter runs but we rarely picked up more than two fish out of a run. Our lack of success delayed the streamer quest though we did spend an hour or two stripping SLOW and managed to connect a couple of times with the Polar Leech which has been our go-to at WCA since October. Weise’s Swimming Minnow got a few looks and Luke had some custom ties which moved a few fish but as was the case with the nymphing, there didn’t seem to be any one thing in particular they were looking for.
The late afternoon/early evening proved to be the best time slot, which reportedly has been the case for the last couple of days. All in all a decent day, in fact a damn good day by January standards. This weather pattern looks like it is going to hold through the weekend so get out there and enjoy it before winter returns, which it inevitably will. We currently have lodging available for the weekend and expect it will fill  so book your room today and while you’re at it why not take advantage of our ridiculously reasonable winter trip rates of $395 for a full day on the MO.
See you in the shop and on the water.

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