December is upon us

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It’s hard to believe but we’ve actually reached the last month of another fantastic year on the Missouri. Year number three for Wolf Creek Angler. Our best yet by far but we’re not focusing on that. As always, we’re looking towards the future.

I tell my clients this all the time when they cast behind the boat…look to the future not the past. Downstream is where you need to focus to maximize your success. Take a look at what is coming your way and do what you need to do in order to make it happen. The world downstream is filled with possibilities, the world behind the boat has passed.

Sure you might pick up a fish or two behind the boat but when you focus on the past you tend to miss opportunities coming your way.

It is in business as it is in the boat. 2016 will soon be behind us and we had great success but now is the time to look downstream and see what’s coming in 2017.

New challenges, new opportunities, new improvements and the hope that 2017 will again go down as our best season yet.

So December is a great time to reflect on the successes and contemplate the challenges we had in 2016 as we look ahead and make necessary adjustments in order to best capitalize on the opportunities coming our way.

We hope you join us in closing out the year over these next weeks whether that is by taking advantage of the best lodging/guided fishing deal on the river (BY FAR!), by stopping in for shuttles and bugs on your next trip out, by allowing us to assist you with finding the perfect gift for the fly fishers on your list or simply by following our blog and Facebook page.

These next few days would be a great time to get your Missouri fix. The weather is still tolerable and the fishing is better than what you would expect. We’ve got plenty of lodging available and guides are standing by. Once again – $500 for two nights lodging and a full day on the river with one of our exceptional guides for one or two anglers with absolutely NO CANCELLATION FEES. You won’t find a better deal anywhere on the MO’ – Guaranteed!

The forecast is for highs near 40 through Sunday though it may be on the breezy side but not to worry, we’ve got a shop full of gear designed to remove being cold from the equation. Simms gloves and hats and socks galore as well as ColdWeather shirts and pants, waderwick layering, Kinetic Jackets, Guide jackets and more.

Arctic air arrives on Monday night  and while we swear by the gear we carry and love the Simms  #ForgetTheForecast hashtag there comes a point where no matter how many layers of GoreTex and Primaloft and Windstopper gear you have you are going to get cold. With a high of 9 expected on Tuesday I think we’ll have reached that point!

Make it a Missouri River weekend with Wolf Creek Angler!

Farewell November

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Closing out what can only be described as an unseasonably warm November it appears as though we will finally start to see some winter weather with the coldest temperatures of the season arriving early next week.

We may see some snow on Sunday and Monday but the big story is the cold air settling in on Monday night with lows in the single digits and highs only in the teens.

If you had plans to fish you may want to do it this week as we will continue to see temperatures near 40 with a chance for some snow showers each day through the weekend.

Traffic has been surprisingly light these past two weeks despite continued reports of excellent nymphing, solid streamer action and even some decent dry fly opportunities. Expect the arctic air to bring things to a standstill where fishing is concerned.

Two months from now it will be a different story as cabin fever really starts to take hold and folks become much more willing to brave the elements just to get out and do something but for now I think it’s safe to say that if 40 degrees and the best fall fishing in years didn’t bring people out then we likely won’t be seeing much activity with highs only in the teens.

As always there will be a few of you die-hard anglers out there and we are more than happy to provide you with lodging and flies and hand warmers and anything else you might need for your time on the water. We definitely aren’t saying you shouldn’t fish, we’re just saying that you should let us know if you’re heading out here and are in need of anything because it’s this type of weather that sometimes keeps us home.

The dark days of winter in the canyon can be challenging to say the least. It’s not that there isn’t plenty to do, there definitely is, but when the daylight is short and the air is frigidly cold and the chance of human contact is minimal it can be pretty tempting to sleep in, skip the drive and work from home.

That aside, more often than not I will opt to make the drive because it’s much easier to stay focused and productive in the shop.

We hope you make us your first stop if you’re coming out to fish the MO’. Wolf Creek is your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing Destination with the only bar/restaurant and the only gas station/convenience store between Helena and Cascade and Wolf Creek Angler is your Missouri River Winter fly fishing headquarters with more on-site lodging than anyone, the best deals on guide trips all winter long and a shop full of everything you need for your day on the water and more.

Shop hours are Wednesday – Saturday 8-4 and Sundays 8 – noon. We are officially closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but if the weather is fishy on those days you will likely find us here anyway getting ready to hit the water ourselves.

Enjoy this last day of November and bring on the winter!

 

 

Winter Special Getting Noticed

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A few days ago we posted our winter special and the response has been huge.

Just to clarify – we are offering full day Missouri River Guided float trips for one or two anglers all winter long for $350 or two nights of lodging and a full day on the water for $500. That’s over a $250 savings!

Mind you we’re starting trips later in the morning this time of year and with the dwindling hours of daylight you’re getting a shorter trip but you won’t find a better deal anywhere. Some aren’t offering winter trips at all, others are offering them at full price. We’re offering two nights of lodging and a full day on the water for one or two anglers for less than what you’ll pay just for your guide trip elsewhere.

Keep in mind also that while the lodging tax is always in effect, the resort tax is on hiatus until April so that’s an additional 3% savings on EVERYTHING. Lodging, Guide Trips, Shuttles, Flies, Simms sportswear and accessories, Drift Boat Rentals…..EVERYTHING!

And the best part of the deal? No cancellation fees! When you book a trip during the season you are locked in and under most circumstances you will end up losing your 50% deposit. That’s not the case now. Winter can be a challenging time to book a trip because the weather can change without  notice and while we don’t mind being on the water in sub-zero conditions we realize that this isn’t for everyone.

Not to worry. Book your trip and rest assured that if the weather turns or if you simply change your mind you’re off the hook. No fees. No questions asked!

Winter fishing on the Missouri can be downright fantastic. It can also be slow. It’s fishing! We’re concentrating primarily on nymphing and streamer fishing right now though there have been occasional dry fly opportunities as well. As we move into December and into the heart of winter fishing those dry fly opportunities will dwindle but will return in the late winter as midge fishing becomes a viable option.

Winter fishing is not for everyone but once that cabin fever begins to set in a day on the Missouri might be just what the doctor ordered. Things are quiet in Wolf Creek and Craig for the winter months but we do have The Oasis for dining and night life; The Canyon Store for gas, groceries and a great Montana Microbrew selection and of course Wolf Creek Angler for all of your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing Needs.

We’ve got more on-site lodging than anyone, the best winter bug selection around and all the cold weather gear you’ll need to eliminate being cold from the equation.

Don’t forget our lodging units are all furnished with a full kitchen and access to barbecue grills so bring your own food with you and you won’t have to go anywhere!

We hope to see you this winter for HOT fishing on COLD days with Wolf Creek Angler.

Weather (and Winter Rate Guide Trips) On The Way

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Enjoy the sunshine and warm weather this weekend. It sounds like we’re finally going to see some more seasonable conditions by the middle of next week with clouds and rain and snow and highs in the 30’s and 40’s and lows in the 20’s. This is what we’ve been waiting for!

Get your cold weather gear together, get your streamer rigs ready and keep that dry fly rod rigged. With any luck you may just get your fall BWO fix after all though many of us have moved past that possibility and are concentrating our efforts on winter nymphing and Streamers!

Some are stripping, some are swinging. Both methods are producing and are a great way to spend a day on the water. Our streamer bins are fully stocked with the best bugs in the canyon including many ZK Exclusives you won’t find in any other shop.

Need a new streamer rig? We’ve got great options from Loop, Echo and Redington and a full range of streamer specialty lines from Rio and Airflo. Stay tuned for our Winter Rod Sale happening soon.

If nymphing is your game stick with the sow bugs and scuds and it may be time to start working in some pink and some firebeads as well. Pink Weight flies, Casne’s Pinkalicious, Ninch’s Thunderbug, Pink Lightning bugs, Pink AmEx…..they’re all winter staples and while we aren’t there quite yet it won’t be long.

Water temps are dropping and the fish are on the move making the transition away from the fast (ish) shallows to the slower, deeper winter water.

If you’re going to play the streamer game then I would suggest you still spend plenty of time bombing the banks but don’t overlook the slower, deeper runs where you’ll want to slow that retrieve way down or just let it swing.

Look for a slight increase in traffic out there on the weekends but expect to have it pretty much to yourself during the week, especially when that colder weather rolls in.

Daylight is becoming scarce so you’ll want to keep your floats on the short side from here on out. Wolf Creek to Craig (or something in that 5-6 mile range) is perfect. Late starts and short floats are the winter program so a couple of nights at Wolf Creek Angler make perfect sense. We’ve got plenty of rooms available and at just $99/night plus tax you’ll have more than enough left over for Christmas shopping which, depending on who is on your list, you may be able to take care of while you’re here.

Looking for a great deal on a guided trip? Beginning November 15th and running through March 15th we’re offering full day Missouri River  float trips for one or two anglers at the obscenely reasonable rate of $350. Sound too good to be true? Wait, there’s more! We assume you’ll need lodging as long as you’re coming over to fish so we’re offering a guided fishing/lodging package. Two nights lodging and a full day of guided fishing for one or two anglers for $500 + tax! You won’t find a better deal ANYWHERE!

We are well aware that winter can be a sketchy time to book a float trip due to changing weather conditions so for that reason we’re charging NO CANCELLATION FEES for winter lodging and guide trips.

We hope to see you soon at Wolf Creek Angler, your Missouri River late season fly fishing destination.

Thursday Update

Moody Missouri Sky - Craig Montana. photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Moody Missouri Sky – Craig Montana. photo by Wolf Creek Angler

It was a little tougher out there yesterday than it’s been. Still good but we definitely had to work for them. The Tailwater Sow still won the day but I ended up doing a fair amount of bug and rig changes throughout the day. Rainbow Czechs, Tan UV Czechs and Bubble Yums were all ignored for the most part while the grey LGM, purple lightning bug, tailwater sow, grey soft hackle sow and purple Hi-Def baetis all caught fish.

A few bigger bugs on the water and a few fish in the places you would expect to find them but definitely far from a dry-fly extravaganza.

Traffic? Non existent!

You know what I love about November (and the rest of the late fall and winter) on the MO’? I love miles of empty water as far as the eye can see and being able to fish every place I want to fish, and more often than not being the first one through. Of course it’s not always this way but if you can have this experience on a 50 some degree gorgeous day in early November then you can bet the more seasonable (colder) weather will usually yield the same results.

You know what I like least about this time of year? Paradoxically its miles of empty water and the drop in traffic that ushers in the lean times for Missouri River fly shops. One in the same! It’s a fun time to fly fish the Missouri but on the shop side we’re ready for spring!

Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty to do in the shop right now. We’re busy counting flies, checking in winter product booking trips and lodging for next year, winterizing lodging units, forecasting and planning for next season….we’re plenty busy. What we miss is seeing and chatting with all of you every day.

Keep your eye on the forecast and keep us in mind for a late fall/early winter getaway. At $99/night for a cozy cabin or bungalow just minutes from the river you can’t afford to pass up this opportunity.

Remember the winter months are when the town of Wolf Creek shines with the only services available between Helena and Cascade. Need fuel, food, groceries, a post office? Wolf Creek is where you’ll find them all in addition to affordable lodging and the fastest growing fly shop on the MO’ Wolf Creek Angler.

We are your Missouri River fly fishing one stop shop with more on-site lodging than anyone; the hardest working guides on the river; vehicle shuttles; RO and Adipose Drift Boat Rentals;  cold weather gear from SIMMS, KAST and Redington; packs, bags and accessories from Fishpond and Simms; LOOP rods and reels; lines, leaders and tippet from Rio, ARC and Trout Hunter and of course, the largest and best selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

 

 

 

State of the Missouri

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4500 trout per mile, an abundance of 18″ rainbows and 17″ browns, well below average flows and plenty of opinions via the 2015 Creel Survey.

The annual State of the Missouri program was presented last Thursday night at Montana Wild Education Center in Helena by FWP Fisheries Biologist Jason Mullen.

This is always a great program and definitely worth your while if you get a chance to check it out. There was a wealth of information presented not only about the Missouri but about the Smith, the Sun and Belt Creek as well. Following are some of the highlights we know are of interest to you.

Fish Per Mile

This always seems to be the most popular topic of the presentation and while we’ve become accustomed to the numbers over the past few years the amount of trout in the Missouri River is truly mind-boggling. The numbers have been on the decline for the past couple of years following the 2012 peak of >8,000 fish >10″ per mile in the Craig section which is to be expected.

2015 saw Rainbow populations still well above the 3300 average at 4,073 per mile while Brown Trout came in slightly under the 572 average at 433. That’s still over 4,500 trout over 10″ per mile! Like I said…..Mind Boggling!

Screenshot (33)While the numbers of fish are amazing it’s the average size of the fish that surprise a lot of first time visitors to the Missouri and keeps them coming back. More than 900 18″ Rainbows and close to 100 17″ Brown Trout per mile….this is the Missouri River!

Screenshot (34)Screenshot (35)The river section from Holter Dam to Craig is by far the most popular stretch but take a look at what’s going on in the Cascade stretch. We’re looking at above average trout populations and while there are certainly more fish up high we’re still talking about over 2300 trout per mile in the Cascade stretch. There is no reason you shouldn’t be fishing the lower river!

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Screenshot (37)Screenshot (38)The fish population statistics are interesting and exciting but equally as important, if not more so, is the flow data. 2015 was not a great water year for us with average flows well below average. The Missouri certainly fared better than many other rivers in the state which saw Hoot Owl Closures for much of the season but we would definitely like to see more water this season.

Screenshot (39)Screenshot (40)Screenshot (42)Many of you may have been interviewed last season by FWP while you were out fishing the MO’ as part of the Creel Survey which began in March of last year and just wrapped up. The data are still being processed but the preliminary results are in. A few points of interest – 43% of those surveyed were non-resident anglers on par with 44% in the last creel survey in 2002. Of the resident anglers 24% were from Cascade County, 13% from Lewis and Clark and 20 % from elsewhere in Montana.

22% of those surveyed were being guided compared to just 11% in 2002. Interestingly, preliminary results show that those surveyed believe that 45% of those fishing the river are being guided. Anglers were generally satisfied with the average numbers of fish being caught and overwhelmingly satisfied with the average size of the fish being caught.

The survey also indicated that while many feel the river usage is too high the consensus is that crowding is not a problem. Also of interest is that those surveyed strongly oppose limiting use by both non-residents and guides and outfitters.

Once again, in summary,  plenty of big fish, less water than we would like and  interesting preliminaries from the creel survey.

Thursday Missouri River Fishing Report

First float in the new Adipose - photo by Wolf Creek Angler

First float in the new Adipose – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

A mixed bag of reports this week with things having seemingly slowed a bit since our last report. There are still fish being caught but the good to great days we had experienced last weekend and early this week have given way to a return to more challenging times. There are definitely still fish being caught but you may have to work for them. That being said, it is still February so all things considered I would still say the fishing is pretty damn good overall and should only get better.

We’re still holding out hope for another shot or two of winter weather but as of right now we seem to be settled in to a trend of sunny days with daytime temps in the 50’s and nighttime lows in the 30’s. We’ve had a few really nice days with just a breeze but more often than not there are varying amounts of wind to contend with. Yesterday was one of those rare calm days, today it looks like a return to the normal. No high wind warnings in the immediate forecast but always be prepared for at least a nuisance wind.

We did a quick Wolf Creek to Craig float on Tuesday in our new WCA Adipose rental and had a decent day on the nymphs before switching to streamers which turned out to be a bust. The firebead soft hackle sow in pink was our best bug and the fish we did pick up were where they were supposed to be in the medium slow, medium deep water. Same program we’ve been preaching for the past few weeks though we skipped the super slow winter water and just targeted the transitional stuff. Firebead anything, soft hackle sows, soft hackle rays, Tailwater sows, black zebra midges, Czechs, Amex…by now you know the routine. We didn’t spend any time doing row-arounds but you should.

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As I said the streamer thing wasn’t happening for us at all. A couple of tugs early on and then NOTHING. We ran through our go-to bugs  and fished hard right to the take-out and nothing.  Streamer fishing can be like that. Tomorrow is another day!

There have been a lot of midges around and the occasional fish or pod on them but I have yet to spend a day targeting rising fish. It’s all ahead of us. Great streamer fishing, great nymphing and great dry-fly fishing soon to come.

The river has been relatively quiet this week but there are definitely some people around and it’s only going to get busier as things heat up so it’s a perfect time to come out and enjoy early spring fishing on the Missouri River.

We’ve got one room left for the weekend, you may as well make it yours. $99/night gets you a cozy cabin with a full kitchen just minutes from Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge. Don’t forget – $400 full day guide trips through the end of March or do it yourself with a RO or Adipose Drift Boat Rental.

Lots of new inventory arriving daily at the shop. Come on by and see what’s new.

We hope to see you this weekend at Wolf Creek Angler.

 

 

 

 

Mid February on the Missouri

Valentine Sky at Holter Dam - photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Valentine Sky at Holter Dam – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

We’re looking at continued unseasonably warm temperatures, likely for the remainder of the month. Let’s hope for at least one more winter blast in March. In the meantime why not brave the winds and come out and do some February fishing on the Missouri.

We’ve opened additional lodging to accommodate the increase in traffic and we would love to have you as our guest. $99 (plus tax) gets you a cozy cabin or bungalow complete with full kitchen facilities. Stock up on groceries and set up camp in Wolf Creek.

The Oasis Bar is open every day if it’s a taste of Wolf Creek night life you seek but if you’re hoping for dining out options be sure to book your trip Thursday – Monday as these are the days they are serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Oasis from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Once again, with lodging equipped with full kitchens and barbecue grills you don’t need to worry about dining out during your stay with us.

Need a boat? No problem. Wolf Creek Angler features RO Drift Boats for rent including the Tailwater Skiff and Deville. Better yet, leave the rowing to us and book a winter guide trip for just $400.

We’ve had a few trips out and a bunch of people staying with us the past couple of weeks making it feel like the 2016 season is getting underway. Sure there are still some quiet days in the shop but we’ve had plenty of busy mornings and we keep busy throughout the day running shuttles, cleaning rooms, adding inventory for spring and booking guide trips and lodging.

We invite you to swing by and check out our new selection of rods and reels from LOOP Tackle as well as a bunch of great gear from KAST Extreme Fishing. Why not treat yourself to a pair of Kast Steelhead gloves and a Kast Hell Razor jacket? It’s awesome gear and definitely stands out from the rest. Deals to be had at Wolf Creek Angler as we make the transition to spring gear.

The shop is open REGULARLY Wednesday – Sunday at 8:00 AM and we’re usually around on Mondays and Tuesdays as well if the weather is fishy. Call ahead if you have any doubts but you’ll see the OPEN sign ON from the northbound Interstate as you approach the Wolf Creek Exit. If you don’t see the sign on we encourage you to continue to Craig and visit our friends at The Trout Shop or Headhunters. It all depends on the weather but we will likely go to a 7 day schedule starting sometime in March.

Keep in mind we are open EVERY DAY for lodging and guide trips, it’s only the shop that is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

We hope to see you in the shop this week. We’ve got you covered with shuttles, bugs, cold weather gear, the biggest and best streamer selection ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana and much more.

Valentine’s Weekend Outlook

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The spring weather continues and the migration to the Missouri will be in full effect this weekend as people from all around the state take advantage of the opportunity to leave winter behind and get an early start on spring fishing. The Missouri River is without a doubt the hottest fishing destination in Montana right now.

It’s been our busiest lodging week of the season so far and the shop has been abuzz daily with folks getting shuttles and stocking up on flies and other Missouri River essentials.

We’ve got one cabin left for the weekend and we expect it will be gone by lunchtime. It’s not exactly the Honeymoon Suite but it would still make a great place to spend your Valentines Day weekend with your significant other. Throw in a $400 Missouri River Guide Trip or do it yourself with a RO Drift Boat rental and watch the romance bloom!

Wolf Creek Angler Lodging Options

Nothing says Love like a new fly rod, particularly a new LOOP Cross S1 or Opti Stream fly rod and reel to match. If you are in the market for a new rod be sure to stop in and check out our new expanded selection from LOOP, ECHO, ST CROIX and REDINGTON along with reels from ROSS, LOOP, NAUTILUS and more including the acclaimed BEHEMOTH reel from Redington, an awesome value at $110.

Valentine Deals to be had store-wide.

Wolf Creek is the nexus of Missouri River winter fly fishing with the only OPEN restaurant and the only gas station/convenience store between Helena and Cascade. Pair that with an up and coming Missouri River fly shop and guide service offering clean and comfortable rooms complete with full kitchens all minutes from Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge and you’ve got yourself a Montana winter fly fishing destination like no other.

Expect a fair amount of traffic at the dam this weekend and don’t be afraid to spread out as we’ve been hearing decent reports from the dam down to Mid. I wouldn’t hesitate to go even lower, the fishing should be fine, we just haven’t heard much from the lower stretches as of yet.

Stop in for up-to-date info on the what to use when and where.

Missouri River Mid Week Fishing Report

Hungry Browns are on the Move. photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Hungry Browns are on the move. photo by Wolf Creek Angler

It’s not just the weather that’s been heating up this week. With temps in the 60’s and the water temp on the move upwards of 36 degrees the fishing, specifically streamer fishing, has really started to come on.

Nymphing has been good with fish starting to move into the more transitional water which is just a little bit faster and perhaps a little bit shallower than what we’ve been concentrating on for the past couple of months. Pink continues to rule, typically paired with some kind of firebead but tailwater sows and soft hackle sows are definitely coming into their own with zebra midges also getting some love.

Don’t switch things up too much – it’s still basically winter water you want to target using winter nymphs but it’s also time to start throwing some different bugs into the mix. Mayfly nymphs and the aforementioned sow bugs and zebra midges should definitely be part of your arsenal as the water warms up a touch and the fish start to move.

The streamer fishing has definitely been getting better and while we haven’t had any days where it was absolutely lights out, we’re definitely getting enough action to continue to devote some time to the swing/strip. I spent a couple of hours on Monday throwing the Olive/Copper Polar Leech and boated a nice brown just a few casts in followed by a few tugs and a few chases over the next couple of miles. Again, certainly not lights out – but definitely enough action to keep me interested.

Polar Leech in Brown or Olive/Copper, Kreelex in various flavors, assorted Clouser style bugs and black leech patterns have all been getting noticed. Don’t be afraid to experiment, maybe even try two bugs at a time. A slow but steady strip was getting it done for me but many have been getting them on the swing as well.

We’ve been targeting that same transitional water with the streamers but also working the super slow stuff and moving some fish. I’ve also heard of a few  people picking them up in some faster water but you still want to work those bugs slowly. River flows are holding right around 3700 and the water temp will hit 36 today and may gain another degree or two this week with highs near 60 and lows in the 40’s for the next several days.

The word is definitely out and there has been an increase in traffic this week though there is still plenty of solitude to be had. We opened some additional lodging today to keep up with the demand so if you’re thinking of coming out we should be able to accommodate you. $99 gets you a comfy room with a full kitchen which is critical if you happen to be here on Tuesday or Wednesday when the kitchen at The Oasis is closed. They are serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Thursday – Monday but the other two days you’re on your own. Bring food and put that kitchen to good use and feel free to use our barbecue grills as well if you so desire.

How about a $400 Missouri River Guide Trip? There are a bunch of unemployed guides wandering around right now who would like nothing better than to spend the day showing you what an awesome winter fishery the Missouri River can be. Whether you want to fish dries or streamers or nymphs, there’s a little something for everyone right now.

Make Wolf Creek Angler your first stop on your way to the river for bugs, boats, shuttles and much more. We are your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing Headquarters.

 

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