midge Archives - Wolf Creek Angler

Finally Freezing

It has been a long time coming but we’re finally seeing some normal winter weather with single digit lows and highs in the teens and twenties for the weekend. Just what you would expect in late January.

Unfortunately, it’s just an anomaly in our FOREVER NOVEMBER as we will be back in the 40’s next week and 50’s next weekend!

This is great news if you’re getting the itch and need some time on the water to scratch it but with January nearly in the rearview and just two months remaining before the season begins to get underway, we could certainly use a bunch more winter.

The Snotel map still shows much of the region at or just slightly below 100 percent of average but a substantial portion of that green is starting to turn to yellow (70 – 89% of average) and if we don’t start to add to that snowpack soon it could mean another challenging summer in Montana. Let us hope for a snowy and cold February and March!

Things will be quiet for the weekend with the frigid temps but I would expect we will see some traffic next week.

Nymphing will be your best bet for numbers next week with sow bug variations being the go-to all winter long. Pill Poppers, Tailwater Sows, Pederson’s Sow, Soft Hackle Sow, Poxyback Sow…you get the idea. Rainbow Czechs, Amex and Bubble Yums also in the mix right now along with Rainbow Warriors, Caviar Scuds and Zebras.

The warmer days will likely be accompanied by breezy conditions but if you can find those quiet spots, sheltered from the wind, midge fishing is only going to get better from here on out if winter dry fly fishing is your jam. We are fully stocked on all kinds of midge and midge cluster patterns so stop by and stock those midge boxes on your way to the river.

Streamer fishing has been meh with the swingers having more luck than the strippers on most days. Water temps, while not exceedingly cold, are cold enough that the fish are hunkered down in the slow winter depths and not overly eager to give chase. Try swinging a Kreelex, a Polar Leech, a Thin Mint or other leechy offering or even just a soft hackle if you are so inclined.

For those who just cannot quit the strip (me included), Sparkle Minnows and Skiddish Smolt have been moving the occasional fish but it has definitely been slow going. Regardless, keep at it. You never know what might happen when you dredge the depths with a SLOW strip and a bunch of pauses. Those behemoth browns are down there; you just need to work until you find one willing to move just enough to grab that high calorie offering. A lot of rowing, a ton of casting and stripping and a little luck…the recipe for winter streamer success on the MO.

We are open at 8:30 AM Tuesday – Saturday and as the weather dictates we’re doing what we can to have shuttle service available though that will continue to be hit or miss for another month or so. A call ahead, especially a day ahead, helps tremendously so give us a heads up if you can and we will do our best to take care of your shuttles.

We are stocked up on winter flies and while the Annual Rod and Reel Sale has come to a close we’ve certainly been known to wheel and deal as we clear space for newly arriving inventory. There is no time like the present to upgrade that rod or those waders and boots or whatever it is you need.

We are your Missouri River One Stop shop covering everything you need for your trip to the Missouri. All the gear, all the flies, the best guide crew on the river and a place to lay your head. It’s all here at Wolf Creek Angler!

By Jason Orzechowski|2026-01-23T11:26:27-07:00January 23rd, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, pill popper, running line, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

January Thaw?

Back in the day we would call this a January Thaw. This winter we’ll just call it more of the same.

Seemingly since November the forecast, with very few exceptions, has called for partly cloudy skies and highs somewhere in the 40 – 50-degree range, often with winds of 10 – 20 mph.
We did have a fair amount of precipitation in December with a couple of dustings of snow, but most was in the form of rain. The data proclaims good snowpack in the high country but from where we sit, far from those high-country peaks, the landscape is completely void of snow.

According to NRCS data, all river basins in the state received between 170% and 300% of the 20-year median precipitation for December. In the lower elevations that came in the form of rain which melted any existing snow, but the hope going forward is that mountain snowpack will continue to build and hopefully at some point we will get some winter weather and see snow at mid and lower elevations.

Snowpack in most areas tends to peak in mid to late April.

For the time being its Forever November here in Mid-January on the Missouri.

What does it all mean?

Again, the data indicates that we are in good shape with much of the region sitting at well over 100 percent of average snowpack so we’re holding out hope that our drought-stricken state will see some relief in 2026. Fingers crossed, praying for snow.

In the meantime, it’s not all doom and gloom. Why not take advantage of the situation and get out and fish?

Temps near 60 tomorrow, closer to 50 through the weekend. The wind forecast even looks good with breezy conditions tomorrow but things settling down for Thursday and Friday into the weekend. 50 degrees and calm in the middle of January is almost unheard of.

Rooms have started to book up for the weekend, but we do still have a couple of vacancies and don’t forget our Winter Guide Trip and Lodging Special….2 nights of premium lodging and a full day guide trip for one or two anglers for just $850.

Winter nymph and streamer bins are fully stocked, and I suspect there may even be some decent dry fly opportunities if you want to stock up on midges.

Shop Hours Tuesday – Saturday 8 AM – 4 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday but always open for lodging and guide trips.

By Jason Orzechowski|2026-01-13T13:04:58-07:00January 13th, 2026|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, nymphs, running line, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Settling In

Spring presents a grind, a minor league grind by comparison to what’s to come but a good warm up nonetheless and a chance to Settle In To Spring.

There have been a handful of genuinely busy days but as per usual, spring traffic is moderate, it just feels really busy sometimes after a winter of achieving customer counts in the single digits more days than not.

Fishing has been solid though the default conditions of sunshine and cloudless skies with varying degrees of breeziness can sometimes make for challenging days, especially for those in dry fly mode.

Not to say it isn’t happening. It is. You just need to be in the right place at the right time and the right time is typically the later part of the day when the sun is low and mid-day breezes have dissipated. Evening midge fishing has been consistently good for a couple of months now and should provide ample entertainment for those who despise the bobber but if you’re looking for BWO’s it’s far from clockwork.

In other words, take advantage of the overcast, not so nice days. Those are the BWO days. Sometimes it happens. Sometimes it doesn’t. We’ve seen a couple of good bug days with some good pods and some very respectable fish willing to eat a well-presented fly. As you’ve no doubt heard, it ain’t like it used to be but it is like it is and you can still catch a behemoth on a dry fly on any given day during spring fishing on the Missouri.

March Browns are not something you’ll typically find in abundance but they’re around and the fish LOVE them. We recommend you keep a few in reach for quick rigging should the opportunity present itself. Mother’s Day this Sunday…the Mother’s Day Caddis have been alerted and have begun to show themselves.

So back to the default weather conditions…nymphing has, and will almost always be, the go to method for those looking to bend the rod with relative frequency. Sunny days still aren’t the best but if you’re fishing deep it shouldn’t matter much. That being said, we’ve certainly had some tougher days as of late where they just didn’t seem to be eating but other days have been what you’ve come to expect on the MO, constant action with a good number of fish to hand.

It’s still a Sow Bug game as it seemingly always is, but baetis nymphs have been the better option as of late with Grey Little Green Machines, Olive Psycho Mays, BWO Redemption, BWO Magic Fly, Split Case BWO’s and plain old Pheasant Tails leading the charge.

Streamer fishing has been somewhat sub-par due I think mostly to the aforementioned weather conditions but low light periods have been good so if you’re going to do it maybe look to that extra early start or those same BWO type grey/rainy/snowy days.

Some days it feels like we’ve hit our season stride in the shop and lodging world with boats and rigs packed in the parking lot, all rooms occupied and multitudes awaiting their turn at the register for bugs and shuttles. Other days it feels like winter again with sparse occupancy and maybe just a few folks poking around the shop. Such is springtime on the MO but it only get’s busier from here so we’re thankful for the gradual start.

Our WCA team has been assembled and I honestly think it’s our best one yet. You’ll mostly see Phil and yours truly in the shop but we’ve also welcomed back Shalon who has been here on and off over the years and Bryan who joined us last year and helps part time with the shop and shuttles. We’re also excited to have Shaniah on board helping with the shop and shuttles and Carson will return in June for a second year of doing anything and everything that needs to be done. Rhonda and Gary have returned to round out the shuttle staff and Missy is back for year number 5 as Head of Housekeeping.

We hope you stop in and meet all of our awesome crew members.

We’re open earlier than most at 7 AM daily and will be extending our hours beginning on Monday, May 12th when we’ll be open from 7 AM – 5 PM Daily.

Stop in for The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO (unless you want to pay more elsewhere) and restock your bug boxes while you’re here. We’ve got more bugs than we’ve ever had and that’s saying something as we’ve always been proud co possess the biggest selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Fishing licenses, Ice, Trxstle Rod Racks, Sage R8 Classics, Ross Coors reels and SO MUCH MORE.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-05-08T16:01:58-06:00May 8th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: caddis, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, midge, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

ARRIVAL

The spring season is in full swing as we approach April’s close and prepare for a busy month of May.

River Life has returned. Winter’s monochromatic grey has been supplanted by all hues of green as buds are bursting forth and grass is greening by the second. The landscape transforms before our eyes as the season takes hold. Some days it seems you are literally able to watch it happen.

Pelicans have arrived. Goslings are starting to appear under the careful watch of their high-strung and loud parents. Bug life is unfolding at a rapid pace and busy mornings in the fly shop have also returned as spring traffic has also arrived.

We are experiencing a true Montana spring with plenty of cold mornings and the occasional snow shower mixed in with moderate daytime temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Awesome days to be on the water watching it all unfold from the seat of a drift boat. It doesn’t get much better than this!

Nymphing remains the go-to with most traffic, most days camped in the Holter to Craig stretch though with the increased bug activity there has been a fair amount of folks opting for the canyon stretch and below.

It’s still a sow bug game but baetis nymphs like Little Green Machines and Psycho Mays and Magic Flies (among many others) are getting eaten with regularity. No need to make any radical changes to your setup just yet but start to key in on the faster, medium depth water. Leave the slow winter stuff behind, it’s time to move on.

The streamer bite has been decent during low light periods early or late and throughout the day when we get the cloud cover. Again, medium depth and shallow fast water have been productive and there have been plenty of big browns hanging in those soft spots against the bank looking for the ambush. Cast right to the bank and drag your bug off the bank into the shallows. It’s not a high percentage play but you might be surprised how many of those big browns sit in next to no water waiting for a meal to happen by. We’ve got another month of this – PRIME STREAMER TIME on the MO!

As mentioned, there are plenty of bugs around and plenty of dry fly opportunities for those looking to put in the work. You can hunt for risers or just fish blind. Midges are the mainstay but there are baetis around and on the move upstream and we’ve seen a few March Browns around as well. You could even fish a Skwala blind and maybe get an eat or two but for my money it’s hard to beat plying the waters with a #12 Purple Haze or Parachute Adams, especially when you’re seeing sporadic rises.

Published shop hours are still 8:00 – 4:00 daily but we’re generally open for business by 7:30 and here until traffic subsides.

It’s getting to be that time of year where lodging is at a premium, much of it booked last minute. We’re full for the weekend but things open up a bit on Sunday and we have at least a room or two open most nights during next week.

Guide trips are ramping up and we’re starting to get into a rhythm but we’re still a few weeks out from our busy season so we do generally have guides available with a day or two notice if a last minute trip to the MO is in the works for you.

Either way, we invite you to start your day at Wolf Creek Angler for EVERYTHING you need for your day on the water including The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO and so much more.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-04-24T12:51:59-06:00April 24th, 2025|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Holter Dam, midge, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

More Early Spring this Weekend on the MO

It seems as though winter may have loosed its grip on us for good as we’ll see another spring-like weekend ahead with temperatures back in the 50’s, possibly hitting 60 on Sunday.

Winds looks manageable for the weekend out of the south/southwest at 9 -16 mph with some higher gusts to 25 mph. You’ve fished in much worse!

The trend continues through the first part of next week before temperatures normalize with high 30’s and low 40’s starting on Thursday.

Reports from this past weekend were a bit of a mixed bag but overall the consensus seemed to be that fishing was on the slow side but slow or not, you could do much worse than spending an early March day soaking up the sun while floating down the Missouri River.

It’s been quiet this week despite consistently mild weather and as is generally the case in the early season we’re not sure what to expect heading into the weekend, but we’ll be here regardless. Shop hours this weekend are 9 AM -2 PM, Sunday included, and we’re running shuttles daily.

We’ve got lodging available at winter rates of $149/night (plus tax) and our Adipose drift boat rentals are a great deal at $150/day (you haul the boat). We haven’t had much call for it yet but if you’re looking for a guided day on the river we can accommodate.

During the month of March we’re offering a full day trip, lunch included, at a half-day rate of $550 for one or two anglers. We’re also offering a lodging/guide trip special for $700 (plus tax) for two nights of premium lodging and a day of guided fishing. As is usual with March trips the weather can always be a factor so there’s no penalty for cancellation should winter return. This offer is for the month of March only, normal prices resume on April 1st. Book your trip today and leave the rowing to us.

If you’re sticking to the DIY program it’s status quo this time of year with sow bugs leading the charge. Tailwater Sows, Soft Hackle Sows, Pederson’s Sow, Carpet Bugs, Poxyback Sows, Pill Poppers, Firebead or Pink Lucent Bead Ray Charles, Bubble Yum Scuds, Rainbow Czechs, Amex and Zebra Midges are all go-to bugs for early spring.

Dry fly fishing is an option with plenty of midges in the mix and streamer fishing (swinging or stripping) should be just on the verge of really heating up.

The most commonly asked question we get is when is the best time to fish the Missouri and my stock answer is whenever you’re able to be here because the consistency on the MO is unmatched but if you really want to know you’d be hard pressed to find a better time and place to fish than springtime on the Missouri.

We invite you start your day on the MO with us, especially if you’re coming from the south. We’ll get you set up with FISHING LICENSES, shuttles, all the best bugs from all the best vendors, and anything else you might need for your day on the water. Simms waders and boots, Sage and Lamson rods and reels, fresh new fly lines from SA, Rio and Airflo and piles of tools and accessories from the best brands in the business. And it’s all right on your way. No need to drive another 10 minutes down the road to get the same stuff and then turn around and drive right back up to the dam or Wolf Creek Bridge! We are closer to the Holter Dam to Craig section launches than ANY OTHER SHOP.

See you soon for spring fishing on the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-03-06T10:18:58-07:00March 6th, 2025|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: Adipose, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Holter Dam, Lamson, midge, Missouri River, pill popper, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Idyllic February Float on the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

It’s been less than a week since we were in the icy grip of winter with sub-zero temperatures and a thick blanket of snow covering the landscape.

When I did a boat ramp tour last Friday all ramps and parking lots from Holter Dam to Stickney were buried but after several days of temps nearing 50 degrees nearly all of the snow has vanished, and the ramps and parking lots are clear.

The phones have been ringing non-stop since Monday with folks eyeing up a gorgeous weekend ahead and just like that our winter lodging is full for the weekend, which is something we haven’t seen in months.

I wouldn’t say we’re BUSY but there has certainly been an uptick in traffic in the shop and on the river this week and I’d expect it will feel busy this weekend with a lot of folks from all around the state headed to the MO for a late-winter fix.

As expected with the warmer weather it’s been breezy this week and will be again tomorrow with gusts up to 30 mph expected but Friday we settle into sunshine, temps near 60 and light winds out of the south at 5-10 mph. It doesn’t get much better than that…not this time of year.

Monday will see a return to the 40’s with a chance of rain and snow but above average temps still expected through next week.

The spring-like weather is nice, especially after a couple of weeks of arctic air but we are hoping this is just a brief respite and that we’ve got plenty of more winter on the way.

For now though, we’re here and we’re ready for business. Our lodging may be full but we’re ready to go with shuttles, Adipose rental boats, cold weather gear, sunscreen, bugs a plenty and don’t forget your 2025 Fishing License starting on Saturday, March 1st.

Looking to buy online? You may do so here but if not we’re happy to sell you a fishing license.

Pill Poppers, Pink Soft Hackle Sows, Pederson’s Sow, Tailwater Sow in Rainbow or Pink, Firebead Rays, Rainbow Czechs, Bubble Yum Scuds…you get the picture. Think Pink and don’t forget the Zebra Midges. All available now at WCA.

Winter Fare at Wolf Creek Angler

Conditions might just be right for some stellar dry fly action this weekend as well as March Midge Madness commences. Keep those Griffiths Gnats and other midge cluster patterns at the ready. We’ve got a plethora to choose from.

Swingers are out and having good luck with Polar leeches, Thin Mints, Kreelex, Fruit Rollups and other leechy offerings.

It might feel crowded out there this weekend after months of desolation so please dust off that river etiquette if you’re hitting the water giving a WIDE BERTH to those wade anglers and paying mind to the rhythm of the row arounds, doing your best to maintain the beat.

Official shop hours are still 9 – 4 Tuesday – Saturday at least for another couple of weeks but we’ll likely be here by 8 most days for those getting an early start.

Spring has sprung for the moment…enjoy it while it lasts.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-02-26T14:01:30-07:00February 26th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Holter Dam, midge, Missouri River, pill popper, running line, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|1 Comment

February Thaw Underway

Following a couple of weeks of arctic air and a good amount of much-needed snow, it looks like we’re about to enter the February thaw.

Sunny skies and a high of 28 expected today with 40’s tomorrow bumping into the 50’s over the weekend and into the early part of next week. As you would expect we’ll have plenty of wind to go along with those balmy temps. Tomorrow (Thursday) actually looks to be the calmest day with a high near 40 and SW wind 8 to 11 mph but after a couple of weeks of ice making temps and accumulating snow, ramp and river conditions are not optimal.

If you do decide to give it a go expect unplowed parking lots and snowdrifts on the ramps and if you’re wade fishing expect to do plenty of wading through the snow enroute to the river with an abundance of shelf ice when you get there.

Give it a few days and let the sun work its magic. I’d expect we’ll see much improved ramp and river conditions next week.

And speaking of sun, as I write I’m happy to report that the sun is slowly inching ever closer to my parking lot and the shop. It’s still stuck in the road for the time being but it won’t be long and it will be thawing the frozen tundra at WCA.

Not much to report from the river. A lot of ice, a lot of ducks and geese and not a soul to be seen. It’ll be a different story soon.

Once access is restored plan on plying the depths with those sowbugs and other winter fare and if you happen upon a spot sheltered from the winds this is prime time for winter midges.

Water temps are cold, currently 33 degrees with flows holding in the 3100 CFS range. Fish will not be overly active in these conditions but a sunny day with midges on the water sometimes sets up for good action in the flats with the bugs and the slightly warmer shallows giving them multiple reasons to emerge from the winter depths.

Swingers will return next week, targeting the buckets and tailouts and single handers will start to work that slow winter swing/strip off the banks while also dredging the winter depths. Fish are hungry and running caloric deficits at this point of the winter cycle but it’ll be another month before conditions allow for them to expend the energy required for the chase.

Shop hours will start to normalize as the weather dictates but you can expect us to be here ready to run your shuttles once some semblance of daily traffic has returned. In the meantime – please call ahead.

Enjoy the sunshine and not shoveling and we’ll see you soon at WCA.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-02-19T13:31:14-07:00February 19th, 2025|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The Window is Open

For those looking to thwart that cabin fever, this is a good time to fish the MO but the window is about to close as winter regroups and returns this weekend.

We’ll see highs near 40 tomorrow through Saturday before the bottom drops out Saturday night and we plunge back into single digits and snow next week.

Expect breezy conditions each day with winds SSW at 10 – 20 mph…could be worse!

Nymphing has been solid with sow bugs leading the charge and pink definitely in play. Pill Poppers, Tailwater Sows, Amex, Rainbow Czech, Soft Hackle Sows, Pink Lightning Bugs, Cotton Candy, Pink Rays, Pederson’s Sow, Bubble Yum Scud….all fine choices. You might also try a black zebra as there has been no shortage of midges around.

Slow winter depths are your target water but don’t be afraid to shorten up and give the faster shallows and flats a try, especially on the sunny days when the sun hits the water and the temps tick up. It doesn’t take much of a bump to draw the fish into the warmer shallows.

Calm, cloudy days, though few and far between, have provided plenty of dry fly action, especially late afternoon when the sun drops below the horizon. Midge clusters and Griffiths Gnats have been money when conditions are right.

Swingers are finding some willing players in the go-to spots depending on the day with Kreelex and Polar Leeches and Thin Mints all producing. Haven’t heard much from the strippers lately but there’s no reason a Sparkle Minnow or Skittish Smolt stripped deep and SLOW won’t produce. On the MO, stripping is best done from a boat no matter the time of year. Leave the standing in cold water to the swingers!

I’m almost always using a heavy sinking line, working rapidly through the shallows so as not to hang up on the bottom and then free falling off the drops and ledges with a twitch or two before a SLOW ascent.

It’s definitely not a numbers game so patience is everything. Fish a bug you believe in and switch up the retrieve until you find what works, incorporating plenty of pauses and keeping in mind that the pauses are for the fish, not for you. Be ready for the grab on the pause. It happens all the time and missing those grabs is a more common occurrence than it should be.

My mantra for streamer fishing is generally to go big with your float and cover as many miles as you can but that’s not the best plan during the winter months as it tends to get cold no matter how many layers you’re wearing. No matter if you’re hunting heads, nymphing or streamer fishing it’s best to keep your floats short during the winter if you’re fishing from the boat.

Best nymphing runs – Holter Dam to Wolf or Wolf to Craig. Best Dry Fly fishing – Holter Dam to Wolf. Best Streamers Craig to Stick. That being said, you’ll find every stretch has its great spots for whatever you are doing and the fish are EVERYWHERE so don’t think you’re limited to any particular stretch for whichever discipline you happen to be employing for the day.

Shuttles at WCA are hit and miss while we await a steady stream of traffic. Please call ahead if you’re counting on us being able to move you. We will be here tomorrow (Wednesday) and likely able to help you. We’re fishing Thursday but will be back in on Friday and Saturday. I wouldn’t expect we’ll be around much next week. Weather will be the determining factor but it looks like the window is about to close.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-01-28T10:50:41-07:00January 28th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Amex, Bubble Yum Scud, cotton candy, dry fly fishing, Holter Dam, Kreelex, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Pederson's Sow, pill popper, Pink Lightning Bug, Rainbow Czech, running line, skittish smolt, Soft Hackle Sow, sparkle minnow, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, Thin Mint, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Your Winter Solstice Running Line

Winter starts tomorrow according to the calendar.

What will the weather say?

Partly sunny with a high of 52…not very wintery and no chance of a white Christmas on the MO this year with more of the same expected for the week ahead.

Not bad temps for being outside if Christmas fishing is in your plans for the week but expect breezy conditions on these warm winter days.

The countdown to summer is underway…let’s hope we get some winter ASAP!

Snowpack was looking good a few weeks ago, not as good now but still a decent start. Hopefully winter weather arrives soon.

We’ve seen a slight bump in angling traffic over the past week with the mild conditions and I’d expect that to continue next week with folks off for the holidays.

The fishing has been good by winter standards with nymphs accounting for the better numbers but the swingers and strippers are doing fine as well and when the wind isn’t howling you’re likely to even find some decent dry fly opportunities with plenty of fish keying on midges.

Things don’t change much this time of year as far as the bugs go. Sow bugs, Scuds, Rainbow Czechs and zebra midges should be your go to nymphs. Hot beads and Pink beads are preferred.
Swingers are reporting success on the Hot Head Kreelex, Thin Mints, Fruit Roll ups, Polar Leeches and the like while strippers are having moderate to decent luck with Sparkle Minnows, Skittish Smolts, Micro Dungeons, MoJo Minnows and more.

Try an Adams Midge, a black midge, a Hi-Vis midge, a Griffiths gnat or any midge cluster you like should you find any top water action.

Boat traffic has been minimal but those floating have mostly been in the Dam to Craig stretch with a few venturing below Craig as well. Most of the traffic has been wade anglers who are hitting all of the usual winter spots though you needn’t limit yourself to winter water as temps are still relatively warm for this time of year, currently hanging around 38 – 39 degrees. Flows have bumped back into the 3K range, currently 3210 CFS. You can count on those flows remaining stable for the brunt of the winter season.

We will be here today and tomorrow with limited shuttle service early on both days. Starting Sunday we will be closed for the remainder of the year with Christmas travels on the docket. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Get those last minute Christmas gifts while you can. WCA logo gear, including a bunch of new Richardson lids, has been a hot holiday seller and gift cards have been flying out the door the past week. You can purchase in-store, online or give us a call and we’ll be happy to get those in the mail for you.

As we close out 2024 we just want to thank you all again for making us your Missouri River Fly Shop, guide service and lodging destination. We can’t thank you enough and we can’t wait to do it all again.

Happy Winter Solstice and Warmest holiday wishes from your WCA crew.

See you in 2025!

The Shortest Day

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-12-20T10:09:23-07:00December 20th, 2024|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Tailwater Sow, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The State of the Missouri (Spring 2024)

Summer weather on tap for this weekend with highs in the mid 70’s tomorrow and Saturday and pushing 80 on Sunday before we return to rain and more seasonable 60’s on Monday and back to winter starting Tuesday with snow and highs only in the 40’s. Welcome to springtime in the Rockies!

We’re expecting a busy weekend on the river with the weather being what it is and we’re ready for you with piles of new inventory on hand and a good number of open rooms if you’re looking to spend the weekend on the MO. We could probably even get you on the river with one of our exceptional guides if you call us today.

Fishing has been solid all week, especially the nymphing which is producing big numbers daily, but late afternoon/early evening dry fly fishing has also been good with plenty of midges on hand and the streamer crowd is also loving life on the Missouri at the moment. It’s all happening NOW and the best is yet to come.

The glum snowpack/water forecast has really turned around over these past few weeks to the point where what was looking like a substantially low water year is now predicted to be in the normal range, at least what we’ve come to know as normal in recent times. Canyon Ferry is currently sitting at 83.5% full and is expected to fill completely which is great news for the MO.

Flow predictions have improved substantially and while we could still definitely use more precipitation current most probable forecast has us at around 4,000 CFS right on through the season with a peak of around 4500 CFS in May. Minimum probable modeling shows flows kind of where we’ve been seeing them at for the winter months at just shy of 3,000 CFS and Max Probable would have us at around 5,000 CFS for the season with a peak of 9K in May.

As is always the case, Mother Nature will have the final say but confidence is high that flows will be in good shape on the Missouri in 2024. Obviously we’re lacking the flushing flows of 15K + that seem to have such a positive effect on the fishery but compared to what we were looking at 6 weeks ago we feel like we’re in great shape.

Currently flows are 3660 CFS with afternoon water temps pushing 42 degrees. Look for that temp to continue to tick upwards with these warm sunny days making for hot spring fish.

And speaking of spring fish….rainbows are spawning both up the tribs and on the river so if you’re wade fishing the MO PLEASE be mindful of where you are walking taking care not to trample those redds.

You’ll also be happy to hear that fish counts in the Craig stretch are as healthy as ever with over 8,000 fish over 10” per mile. With a ton of both browns and bows in the 15” – 17” range we should see a bunch of big fish this season.

All that being said, we are in draught stage and while things have improved considerably over the past few weeks, the overall picture for Montana waters is less than ideal. Without substantial precipitation this spring low flows and high water temps and high fire risk are all legitimate concerns so keep praying for that precip.

We are now open every day at 8 AM with the Cheapest Shuttles on the MO, the best lodging on the MO, legendary guides and a shop packed FULL of EVERYTHING you need for your day on the water and likely some things you don’t.

We are your EXCLUSIVE Simms dealer in Wolf Creek and the oldest dealer on the MO with plenty of waders and boots for men and women as well as sportswear and accessories. We are also your exclusive Sage dealer in Wolf Creek and we’re loaded up with all the best rods money can buy. Swing in for that new R8, Sonic or Igniter and a Spectrum series reel to match. We also feature rods and reels from Lamson, Echo, Redington and Loop.

If it’s flies you’re looking for then look no further. Our selection rivals that of any shop on the MO and with the new shipments continuing to come in we’ve got so many bugs we’re running out of bins in which to put them. We’ve got all of your Missouri River standards and much more.

WCA is also your Streamer Authority on the MO and while we’ve always had the biggest and best streamer selection around we’ve outdone ourselves this spring with an expanded selection of all of your favorites and likely some you haven’t seen before.

We’re also loaded up on Streamer lines from SA, Rio and Airflo…something for everyone.

It’s Go Time on the MO.

See you soon at Wolf Creek Angler

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-04-11T15:00:45-06:00April 11th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, Echo, fly fishing, Igniter, Loop, midge, Missouri River, Montana, R8, running line, Sage, simms, Sonic, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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