Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates Archives

Early April on the MO

Just back from a week in the Utah desert and trying to settle in to the busy springtime groove this week on the MO’.

The migration from the west side has begun with flows over there bumping enough to send a bunch of traffic our way this week.

Yesterday turned out to be a good day to dig out from under a week’s worth of things left on hold while I was away. The cold snowy morning kept traffic to a minimum which kept things quiet in the shop…perfect conditions to re-acclimate.

Today is a different story. A quintessential early spring day with blue skies and an abundance of sunshine. I started early, launching a couple of rental boats before we opened and since I turned the OPEN sign on it’s been pretty much non-stop traffic, the majority of which has come from the west side.

We’ve got a few folks staying and a number of trips out this week but we’ve got plenty of openings for lodging and guide trips both if you’re looking to take advantage of our Spring Guide Trip and lodging special which comes to an end on April 18th.

$550 for a full day guide trip for one or two anglers plus not one but TWO nights of premium lodging. Guide trips alone are $450 plus tax for a full day while if lodging is all you need kitchenettes are running $99/night. These prices simply can’t be beat but like all good things, they too must come to an end. Regular pricing goes back into effect on April 18th with guide trips back at $550 plus tax and premium lodging back to $135/night (plus tax).

As of late last week all of our lodging is now open so our always popular motel rooms are back in play at $75 for a single room (one full bed) and $85 for a double (one twin and one full bed).

Nymphing turned the corner last week and our clients have been treated to some epic days as of late. The numbers are at the dam but fishing has been good everywhere if you want to separate yourself from the crowds and if streamers are your game then this is your time.

I’ve been out of the shop for a week so I haven’t seen the day to day on what bugs folks are buying but judging by the bins it sure appears as though the tailwater sows, pill poppers and caviar scuds are still leading the charge and I did sell my first Little Green Machines of the season today so look for the baetis nymphs to be starting to play a major role as well.

Sparkle Minnows and Kreelex have been the hot sellers from the streamer bin today but this is the time to throw the kitchen sink at them. As tempting as it is to stick with one or two patterns ( I do it all the time) it is Prime Time for Streamer fishing so mix it up and see if you can’t discover the next hot bug.

The weather looks good for the rest of the week with tomorrow being the nicest day by far with temps reaching near 70. It’ll be 50s for the remainder of the week with a chance for some of that spring snow over the weekend. All in all things are in good shape. Flows continue to hold in the 3800 CFS range with temps climbing into the low 40’s, currently just shy of 41.

The cooler weather will bring things back into shape elsewhere so that west side pressure will taper off over the next couple of days and while there will be some traffic around over the weekend this really is the perfect time to fish the MO’ with hot fish and relatively low pressure.

We hope you make us your first stop on your way to the MO for shuttles, bugs and much much more. The shop is open at 8:00 AM daily.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-04-06T13:47:15-06:00April 6th, 2021|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

St Paddy’s Day Update

The official start of spring is still a few days away but the spring fishing season has already started in earnest and from what we’ve seen so far it feels like just the beginning of what is sure to be one of the busiest seasons on record not only for Wolf Creek Angler and the fly fishing industry but for the outdoor industry in general.

One year ago our doors were CLOSED as a non-essential business in the early stages of the pandemic. We completely lost our spring season and had no idea what we were in for as summer approached. As it turned out we were able to open our doors by late spring and June brought a lifting of quarantine restrictions for out of state visitors allowing us to salvage a season many thought would be completely lost.

Outdoor retail turned out to be a bright spot in a crippled and struggling economy and while we ended up having a decent retail season we took a significant hit with lodging and guide trip cancellations as much of the country was locked down and/or leery of travel throughout the summer.

Fast forward a year and we’re thankfully looking at a very different outlook for 2021. Thanks in large part to three vaccines developed in record time we are in the waning days of this pandemic. Case numbers and restrictions continue to drop while bookings continue to build and from where I sit in Wolf Creek Montana this thing is about to be in the rear view.

Montana is going to be an extremely busy place this spring and summer and like I said, this season on the Missouri will likely be one for the record books as many of those who skipped traveling in 2020 resume summer travel and either return to favorite haunts or visit places they may have never seen. It’s going to be a big year for regulars as well as for first time visitors looking to get a taste of this wild and socially distanced place we call home.

Suffice it to say, if you haven’t booked your summer dates by now you may be out of luck. We’re slammed through the third week of July and then things open up a bit. We do have random vacancies here and there so it’s worth a call even if it’s prime time but if you need more than a night or two we don’t have much in the way of consecutive nights available.

It’s a similar story with our guide calendar, a few random openings here and there but guides are as busy as I can remember them ever being since I’ve been here, at least for June and July. As with the lodging, things open up in late July but even that late July/August time frame which is usually DEAD, is starting to fill up.

Prime fall dates are still available but I’d expect much of that will fill early this season as well.

We’re super stoked for the 2021 season and as always we’re making continuous improvements to make your stay with us more enjoyable. Some things you may or may not notice this season; another shipment of new mattresses and box springs has now completed the replacement of all 22 beds on the property, new bedding replacing the old cabin style comforters and bed skirts with clean white duvets, new heating/cooling wall units in our bungalows, new matching dish sets and cookware in all of our kitchenettes and new ceiling fans in the railroad cabins just to name a few.

Our cabins and bungalows are now all open and we’re likely a week or so out from opening our motel rooms. We’ve got plenty of lodging available for your Missouri River spring getaway and a shop full of must have new gear. Spend that stimmy on a spring guide trip and lodging special and a new pair of G3 waders and have plenty left over for dinner and drinks at Annie’s.

Happy St Paddy’s Day from Wolf Creek Angler – we’re looking forward to seeing you soon.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-03-17T12:36:42-06:00March 17th, 2021|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, Montana, St Paddy's Day, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Early Spring on the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Winter made a brief return last night almost as if on cue after we decided to open up the majority of our lodging late last week. I had to do a little bit of shoveling this morning but as I write last night’s snow is rapidly disappearing with temps back in the 40’s and a few peeks of sunshine. Spring has re-emerged.

This is exactly that best case scenario we’ve been hoping for with snow continuing to accumulate in the high country while we enjoy fishy spring-like weather on the MO’. We’ll see 40’s and plenty of sunshine all week as we head into another awesome weekend with temps expected to be back in the 50’s and maybe even near 60 again on Sunday.

It will likely be another busy weekend on the water. Last weekend felt like spring with Chewy back behind the counter, a lot of traffic through the shop, a lot of fishing licenses being sold and all of our available lodging occupied.

Things emptied out yesterday which gave us a chance to prepare for the next round which started today with a big group of our friends from Freestone Fly Shop in Hamilton over for a couple of days of early spring fishing on the Missouri.

Early spring is one of my absolute favorite times of the year as everyone starts to emerge from the winter doldrums and slowly but surely the traffic ticks up and before you know it the spring season is in full swing.

We’ve already half committed to our normal spring schedule, removing Sunday from the CLOSED list and starting the 22nd (if not before) we’ll be open EVERY DAY from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend which unfortunately means losing an hour of sleep on Sunday morning but on the flip side it means an extra hour of daylight in the evening and the continued march towards those long summer days which will be here before we know it.

Prime Time guide trip and lodging dates (June/July) are all but gone and Spring Special bookings as well as those for fall are really starting to ramp up. It feels like it’s going to be one for the ages with our current bookings easily eclipsing anything we’ve ever seen in the past for confirmed bookings at this point in the year.

If you’re still contemplating your summer plans, time is running out! And it’s not just here on the Missouri, and it’s not just here in Montana. I spent a good part of my Sunday trying to book RV spots for a planned trip back east in August and it’s the same everywhere. Campgrounds are full, hotels, motels and resorts are full, guide calendars are rapidly filling and while we fully expect to have a shop full of gear to offer you all season long we’ve been warned that the demand for outdoor gear will continue to be unprecedented so if you’re considering a purchase (waders, boots, rods, reels etc.) don’t drag your feet.

Unlike Prime Time, we do have plenty of lodging available for the coming weekend though I do expect it will fill. $99 for a cozy cabin or bungalow, each with a full kitchen and private bath. Cook for yourself OR stop in at Shotgun Annie’s which is opening this Friday. For the time being they will be open Tuesday – Sunday 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM. We’re SUPER STOKED to have them back!

Yes, spring is taking hold and we can’t wait to see you back in Wolf Creek and back on the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-03-09T14:44:59-07:00March 9th, 2021|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, Freestone Fly Shop, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, Montana, running line, Shotgun Annie's Wolf Creek, spring fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

In Like a Lamb

March has arrived this time not like a roaring lion but rather a gentle lamb. Maybe we’ll miss the lion altogether (though I’m not counting on it) but for the time being spring has sprung!

Abundant sunshine and temps nearing 60 through Saturday. Not quite as warm on Sunday and into the early part of next week but 40’s and 50’s nonetheless. Not bad for early March in Montana.

As you would expect the phone has been ringing nonstop with people looking for lodging and guide trips this weekend. We’re currently full but that may be changing today as we make our best effort to get more lodging open for the weekend.

The fact that we’ve decided to get things opened up early will pretty much guarantee a return to winter in short order but after losing most of spring 2020 to the pandemic we are ready to make hay as the sun begins to shine.

Expect some traffic out there this weekend but don’t let that deter you. March traffic is a far cry from April, May and June traffic. There’s plenty of water and there are plenty of trout for all.

River flows are stable currently at 3400 CFS and the water temps are bumping up, currently at or near 35 degrees. Stay on the winter program if you’re nymphing targeting the slow depths with pink anything, firebead anything and sows and scuds. Try a Pill Popper, Pederson’s Sow or Caviar Scud as your lead coupled with a #16 tailwater sow or pink soft hackle sow. If you have it to yourself work it until you find them, adjusting depth accordingly.

Prime Streamer Season is about to commence. Obviously the water temps need to come up a bit for things to really heat up but it’s definitely worth your time right now targeting slower water and structure and keeping your retrieve SLOW with plenty of pauses in between strips. Kreelex, Polar Leeches, Sparkle Minnows, Clousers, Mojo Minnows, Mini Dungeons and the rest of the usual suspects are moving fish but I wouldn’t hesitate to size up and throw something new into the mix like ZK’s Gladio or Thick Biscuit…hot off the vice and new for 2021.

Midge action has been sporadic at best but I’ve got a feeling it’s about to get good. Keep that dry fly set up rigged and ready with your favorite midge cluster.

If you’ve been waiting patiently for SPRING SPECIAL GUIDE TRIPS to go into effect then you haven’t been paying attention. The WCA Winter Lodging and Guide Trip Special has been in effect all winter long and will run through the middle of April. $550 for a full day on the water and not one but TWO nights of premium lodging at Wolf Creek Angler. It’s a deal that CAN NOT BE BEAT…we challenge you to try!

Don’t need the lodging? Guide Trips are $450 through mid-April which is the going rate for spring trips on the Missouri.

Spring shipments arriving daily. New waders, boots, rods, reels and the biggest pre-season fly order we’ve ever done!

Once again, we’re fully expecting winter to return but for the moment spring is here and WCA is ready to roll.

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page or feel free to give us a call to find out when that additional lodging will become available.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-03-03T09:05:23-07:00March 3rd, 2021|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, running line, spring fishing, Streamer Fishing, streamers, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Not so fast…

As if on cue, winter is about to make a return coinciding nicely with our recent decision to open additional lodging units to accommodate the increase in traffic spurred by last week’s warm weather.

We had been looking at a full house for the weekend but as it stands now we have ample availability should you decide to tough it out.

Temps look fine this week but it’s going to be breezy today and tomorrow. . We’ll make 50 today and close to it tomorrow but expect gusty winds 11-18 with gusts to 30 today and 18-26 mph with 30+mph gusts tomorrow. Thursday may be your best bet with a high of 42 and winds 5-9 mph.

Winter rolls in on Friday with snow and a high of 34 and then the bottom drops out with lows in the single digits Friday night. We’ll struggle to make it into the teens through the weekend so while I had hoped we were past this (should’ve known better) I guess we’ll be resuming the fight against frozen plumbing! If we can make it through the early part of next week things look to trend warmer beginning on Tuesday.

Maybe not a great fishing weekend but it’s not all bad as another shot of precipitation certainly won’t hurt.

We’re currently looking at 100 to 120 percent of normal snow water equivalent throughout the region which should translate into another good water year on the Missouri.
Updated projections from the Bureau of Reclamation indicate most probable peak flows in the 8K range and summer flows in the 5 to 6K range. Max probable peak at this point looks to be somewhere in the 13K range and minimum probable holds steady around 4K all season long.

So what does that mean for your 2020 season flows? It’s still early to tell but odds are we’ll see some decent volume (not flushing flows by any stretch) early on, leveling off to somewhere in the 6K range for your Prime Time.

Once again, spring rainfall (or lack thereof) can make all the difference in the world but at this point we’re liking what we’re seeing for the Missouri and also liking the fact that current projections indicate a good water year throughout the region and perhaps minimal Hoot Owl restrictions but time will tell.

This is the time of year when most calls to the shop turn from booking trips to inquiring about what the conditions will be for said booked trips. While we’re definitely not experts, from a layman’s perspective it appears as though that volume shift away from early June towards mid-June/early July we saw in bookings in 2019 and in our current bookings was the right call.

In spite of the winter weather hiccup we’re anticipating an early and busy spring season. Half of our lodging units are now open and the rest will follow as soon as the weather permits and the traffic volume dictates.

The word is that Shotgun Annie’s will be opening for the season this Thursday. It’s been a long winter without them being open and we’re super stoked to have them back.

If you decide to sit this weekend out why not take some time and book yourself a spring special guide trip. $400 for a full day for one or two anglers. Book two days on the river and a night of lodging and we’ll throw in a second night’s lodging for FREE!

Spring merch arriving daily by the truckload at Wolf Creek Angler. Stop by the shop and see what’s new.

By Jason Orzechowski|2020-03-10T17:53:53-06:00March 10th, 2020|Categories: Local Buzz, Uncategorized|Tags: Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, Montana, running line, Shotgun Annie's, Shotgun Annie's Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Welcome to March on the Missouri

As I drove in this morning it sure felt to me like spring was in the air. 40 degrees with a mix of clouds and sun and a light rain…quintessential early spring conditions. If it wasn’t for the howling wind it might be the perfect day to be on the water.

Fast forward two hours and I’m staring out the shop window at sheets of snow blowing across the horizon. And then, just like that, there’s the sun again. Yes, this is spring time in the Rocky Mountains.

If it wasn’t for the high wind warning I suspect there would be some traffic today. This is the kind of weather that gets people thinking about spring fishing and the forecast going forward this week is likely going to bring them out in droves. After all, with temps expected to be in the low 60’s on Friday, who can resist?Sure it’ll likely be breezy but once you get into the 60’s the wind is much easier to tolerate.

Lodging is starting to book up for the weekend, we’ll have more available possibly by this weekend but for sure by next week so give us a call if you’re thinking of coming out. And don’t forget our spring guide special is in full effect. $400 Full Day guide trips for one or two anglers. Book two trips and a night of lodging and we’ll throw in the second night of lodging for FREE. That’s right – FREE LODGING at Wolf Creek Angler.

If you’re inclined to DIY – we’ve got two fancy new Adipose drift boats for rent (a Runoff and a Flow) and the Mending Waters Montana boats are once again available for rent via mendingwatersmontana.org FREE to all vets and active duty military personnel.

The water is in great shape with flows currently at 4480 cfs and water temp bumping up against 36 degrees. It’ll get there soon. Flows will bump over the next two days, back up to around 4900 cfs by Friday.

Nymphing and streamer fishing will be your methods of choice but don’t count out dry fly fishing. Breezy conditions typically take this option off the table but you never know. Sometimes you come upon that perfect spot, shielded from the wind where the midge feast is occurring. If I were wade fishing I probably wouldn’t go through the trouble of bringing the extra rig unless conditions were just right, but you’d be a fool not to have a dry fly rod at the ready in your boat from here on out as spring fishing commences.It’s on the early side but if you’re fishing from a drift boat I wouldn’t hesitate to spend some time prospecting with a Skwalla or chubby. You just might get surprised.

Likewise, nymphing is still in the winter zone but it’s about to undergo a transformation as the water warms and the fish start to move and the spring bugs begin to emerge. I’ve been sticking with the Bubble Yum/Rainbow Czech/Amex/Pederson’s Sow/Pill Popper/Caviar Scud point fly trailed with a tailwater sow/soft hackle sow/zebra midge/Yum Yum/Ray Charles etc but there’s no reason you shouldn’t start to work some baetis nymphs into the mix. Jujus’, Radiation Baetis, BWO Wondernymphs, Olive S & M’s, Split Case BWO’s, Magic Flies, LGM’s, Olive Lightning Bugs etc. would all be good options going forward but if you’re happy with your winter rig’s performance then by no means should you change it up. You do you!

There’s been plenty of talk about the streamer action as of late and the talk has been that if streamer fishing is your thing and you’re not out there, then you’re missing out right now. It’s been primarily a swing game but don’t let anyone tell you you can’t strip. I wouldn’t get overly aggressive with your strip just yet but a nice slow strip with plenty of pauses in between has been very effective. Polar leeches, Mojo minnows, Kreelex, Clouser-type minnows and buggers have been steady movers out of the bins these last few weeks and will continue to be good options. Don’t be afraid to go bigger, bulkier and flashier though. The big browns seem to be on the hunt and on the right day don’t seem to be overly selective. Fish what you like. Again…you do you!

Reports have been good for most sections though I haven’t heard much from Pelican down. It’s likely on the cold side down there. Wolf Creek to Craig is a great go-to and Craig to Dearborn has been my preference as of late. I’ve heard decent reports from the canyon and Holter Dam will likely be a busy place very soon so go where you like and do what you like to do…it’s time for spring fishing on the MO’.

By Jason Orzechowski|2020-03-04T18:39:33-07:00March 4th, 2020|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Free Lodging, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|4 Comments

Farewell to February

We’re closing out February with another spring-like weekend and even though I’m pretty sure there’s bound to be some winter to come I can’t help but shift gears.

Conditions are still favorable with snow water equivalent still at over 120 percent of average in most areas but at the same we’re looking at bare ground and mild temps here on the Missouri. As I’ve been saying for most of the winter, it’s the best of both worlds with snow in the high country to feed our flows and mild conditions where we’re at giving us ample opportunities to get out on the water.

Winter/Spring Special in FULL EFFECT as we speak. $400 Full Day Missouri River Guide Trips and the most affordable lodging option around at $99 (plus tax) for a clean and cozy bungalow with private bath and full kitchen facilities. Now through the end of April book two days on the water and one night of lodging and we’ll throw in a second night of lodging for free. I challenge you to find a better deal ANYWHERE on the MO!

The winter slumber is about to come to an end, slowly but surely. We’ll soon be opening additional lodging as required and while we don’t have a firm date, I know Shotgun Annie’s will be opening in March.

The fishing has been consistently strong over these past weeks with very little in the way of traffic. Saturdays have been busy but only by winter standards. It’s been the perfect winter to fish the Missouri and there haven’t been many doing it so we urge you to get out here and enjoy the solitude while it lasts.

Warm, sunny days will be here before you know it and with them the crowds which, from the shop perspective, can’t come soon enough but we have definitely been enjoying good fishing and an abundance of solitude on the river.

If you’re on the fence, wondering if it’s worth fishing this time of the season, wonder no more. Every day you’ve got the potential for excellent nymphing, ever-improving streamer fishing and even some good top water action on the right days when the wind stays down. And it’s only going to get better from here on out.

As the water warms the fish will start moving out of those deep winter runs, expanding your opportunities both sub-surface and on top.

It’s still a winter nymph game and will continue to be so for the next month. Anything with a pink or orange bead is a good start and a little soft hackle is never a bad call. Pill Poppers, Caviar Scuds, Rainbow Czechs, Hot Bead Rays, UV Crush, Pink Amex, Pederson’s Sow, Bubble Yum Scuds, Pink Weight Flies, Tailwater Sows, Cotton Candy, Yum Yums Pink Lighting Bugs and don’t forget your Zebra Midges. All of these and many more available now at WCA.

Top Water – it’s a midge game. Fish your favorite midge cluster paired with an Adams or single midge. Griffiths gnats, black sippers, Grizzly Midge Clusters, Bucky’s Midge Cluster, Hi Vis midge etc.

The streamer set has started to mobilize. Action has been decent and is trending upwards. Still a lot of swinging happening which may be your best bet but strippers don’t despair, it’s about to turn. A couple of degrees and it could blow up.

When will that happen? It’s anyone’s guess but this weekend looks prime with temps back into the 50’s Friday and Saturday. It’ll be on the breezy side but it definitely looks to be fishable.

We do have limited lodging available which I expect will fill for the weekend so don’t wait to make that call.

Also – if you’re out and about, stop in and see Chewy this weekend. After a long winter on the IR he will be back in the shop all weekend.

Call ahead for up to the minute reports and conditions.

By Jason Orzechowski|2020-02-26T17:23:00-07:00February 26th, 2020|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

The Countdown is Underway

With spring just 29 days away we can’t help but turn our thoughts to what’s soon to come.

And while it wasn’t very spring-like this morning with temperatures in the single digits, the early dawn and the sunshine and clear blue skies today have us thinking spring fishing on the Missouri.

Spring ranks high as one of our absolute favorite times to fish the MO’. As winter loosens is grip the water temps begin their slow ascent awakening our hungry trout from their cold-weather stupor and igniting the instinct to feed with reckless abandon.

The rainbows are looking to stockpile calories for the upcoming arduous spawning season while the brown trout key in on high calorie targets like baitfish. Couple this aggressive feeding with the least amount of aquatic vegetation you’ll see all season long and you can see why spring is THE absolute best time to fish streamers on the Missouri River.

The fish are hungry for nymphs, they’re hungry for streamers and as if that weren’t enough, they’re more than willing to eat a dry fly as midges and later BWO’s provide great top water action and pave the way for the coming summer dry fly smorgasbord.

You might think that with all these fishing opportunities available in the spring we’d charge a premium for guide trips but if you thought that you’d be wrong. Quite to the contrary, spring just so happens to be the time when we offer the best rates of the season for guide trips and lodging.

Like trout emerging from a somewhat dormant winter existence, outfitters, guides and fly shops are also emerging from winter dormancy. As is the nature of the business, we’ve expended substantially more than we’ve taken in over the winter months and it’s time to start feeding again! Spring trip specials are our way of enticing you into getting an early start on your season. Dust off those cobwebs and get dialed in for the coming season.

At Wolf Creek Angler we’re thinking spring all winter long so unlike some of the other shops who make you wait almost until it’s technically spring by the calendar, we offer our spring special ALL WINTER LONG! $400 FULL DAY GUIDE TRIPS and great deals on lodging. And speaking of great deals, we’ve got the best lodging/guide trip deal on the river hands down. Book two days of guided fishing and a night of lodging and your second night’s lodging is on us. That’s right – FREE LODGING at Wolf Creek Angler. Try to find a better deal…you won’t. I guarantee it.

So while you might think February is a little early to start talking spring fishing, we disagree. If the weather allows for it, why wouldn’t you come get an early start on your 2020 season?

Case in point – the coming weekend looks pretty darn good with temps nearing 50 each day. It will likely be breezy but not enough to prevent you from having a great day on the water.
Things have been quiet so far this week with the colder temps and snow but I’m expecting we’ll see a fairly busy weekend. At this point we do have lodging available but I expect that will book up for the weekend. Guides are chomping at the bit, ready to get back to work.

The fishing has been consistently good these past couple of weeks and should continue to hold steady. Water temps are holding at around 35 which will continue to dictate winter locations/techniques but a tic or two up could make a huge difference, especially if you’re itching for the streamer game.

Give us a call for real-time updates and conditions or to book your spring special lodging and guide trips.

By Jason Orzechowski|2020-02-19T19:35:00-07:00February 19th, 2020|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Streamer Eaters on the Prowl

Just when we were getting used to spring sunshine and temperatures in the 50’s Mother Nature shows us again that she’s in charge and she’s not quite done with winter weather.

We’re currently in the midst of a good soaking rain and under a WINTER STORM WARNING starting tonight, primarily for elevations above 5,000 feet where 6-12 inches of new snow is expected. We won’t see that here but we’re bracing for a cold, wet snowy day on the water tomorrow.

Lucky for you we’ve got plenty of Simms cold weather gear still hanging around the shop and better yet it’s all 30 percent off!

And speaking of SIMMS – spring is definitely wader weather and there are no better waders in the world than Simms waders so if you’re in the market for a new pair we’d love to sell them to you. We stock G3’s, Freestones and Tributaries (something in every price range) and the boots to go with them and we’re happy to order absolutely anything else you might want including boot foot models or G4’s or G4Z’s, which are the ultimate in wader technology and quality.

It’s a busy week here at WCA in spite of the soggy weather. The west side blew out Sunday night bringing an influx of guides and outfitters and their clients in search of fishable water and it just so happens the Missouri fits the bill and we’re happy to host the migration.

The river is fishing well, with the majority of traffic in the Holter Dam to Craig stretch. LPP and the Dearborn are adding some color but not so much that it’s having a negative impact on the fishing. Most are opting to fish the clean side but don’t be afraid to work the mud line with a worm and a sow bug or better yet a streamer if you are so inclined.

In my mind there is no better time to fish streamers on the MO than April and these soggy/cloudy/snowy days can be lights out. Sparkle Minnows, MK Ultras or Ultralites, Mojo minnows, Clousers, Skiddish Smolts…..angler’s choice this time of year. Fish what you like and stick with it.

Nymphing the dam down is your best bet for numbers. The aforementioned worm and sow bug are key. Pill poppers, UV Crush, Caviar Scuds, Lucent Bead Rays, Soft Hackle Sows, Pinkalicious, Rainbow Czechs, Bubble Yums, Cotton Candies, Amex…..all good choices.

The water is still on the cold side at right around 37 degrees so the majority of the fish are continuing to hold in the deeper, slower water but we’ve picked plenty up in the transitional water as well so don’t limit your options.

Flows have bumped to the 6500 range….we love 6-8K and the river does too.

It’s game-time…are you ready?

The Missouri River awakening continues this week as Izaak’s opens on Thursday, April 11th for season number nine. We can’t wait! Brisket Sandwich and Smoked Wings oh how I’ve missed you.

Izaak’s will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for the time being but open for divinely delicious dinner offerings Wednesday-Sunday 4 PM – 9 PM. Dinner at Izaak’s is a highlight of the trip for many and we are thrilled to have this world-class dining option here on the Missouri.

It’s going to be a soggy week here on the MO but it looks like we’ll see a return to more seasonable conditions by the weekend.

We’ve got lodging available for the weekend ($99 for a kitchenette, $75-$85 for non-kitchen rooms) and our $400 spring special guide trips are in full swing. Book yours today!

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-04-09T20:35:32-06:00April 9th, 2019|Categories: Fishing Report, Local Buzz|Tags: Holter Dam, Izaaks, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Welcome April….The Season is Upon Us

And just like that winter was gone!

April is here and it’s GO TIME on the MO. The fishing is heating up and Wolf Creek and Craig are starting to come alive after one of the more brutal winters in recent memory.

The river is seeing some moderate to heavy traffic, especially on the weekends and especially in the Holter Dam to Craig stretch.

More importantly (from where I sit) the shop is busy and that’s good because spring shipments are arriving daily and the product is starting to stack up. We’re fully stocked with all kinds of great new gear. Simms waders and boots, tons of new bugs, Lamson and Ross reels, Loop, Echo and Redington rods, Korkers boots and the best of men’s and women’s 2019 sportswear from Simms. Piles of fly boxes, lines, leaders, tools and accessories. Boat bags and packs from Fishpond and Simms. Awesome new sunglasses from Smith and Suncloud and a sale rack you’re not going to want to miss. All Remaining Winter gear needs to go NOW! We’ve got the best deals you’re going to find on cold weather gear from Simms including jackets, hats, gloves, socks, flannel shirts, coldweather pants and more. Get em’ before they’re gone.

Adipose Rental boats are polished up and ready to hit the water and don’t forget we’ve got three Mending Waters Montana boats available free of charge to all vets and active duty military. Reserve your boat today at mendingwatersmontana.org

As of today lodging is 100 percent OPEN and we’re excited for our first FULL HOUSE of the season coming this weekend. It’s been a long and lonely winter around Wolf Creek Angler. Let the busy season begin!

Spring Special Guide Trips in effect…just $400 through the end of the month. Don’t miss this awesome opportunity to fish the amazing MO with the best guides in the business and save yourself $150 while doing it. The fishing is good and getting better and while we’ve still been flirting with some winterish weather the 10 day looks good with highs in the 50’s through the weekend and a little cooler heading into next week. Perfect spring fishing weather. Nymphs, streamers, dries….it’s all happening right now.

We are your Missouri River one stop shop with everything you need for your day on the water. Guides, rooms, shuttles, fishing licenses, the best coffee in the canyon and the biggest and best selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Open 8 am daily for all of your fly fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-04-03T20:08:22-06:00April 3rd, 2019|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, Montana, Redington, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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