Missouri River Winter Fishing Archives - Page 15 of 18

Weekend Report 2/21/15

More traffic this morning than I’ve ever seen on Recreation Road, unfortunately the result of an accident on I-15 in the canyon rather than hordes of anglers heading out to fish the Missouri and making WCA their first stop of the day.
A little bit of winter back for this weekend with temps hanging in the mid 20’s today and tomorrow before we return to 40’s on Monday. I wouldn’t expect much traffic on the river today based on what we’ve seen over the past week but we will be in the shop this morning for those willing to brave the cold. The roads from Helena aren’t great so please use caution if you are coming out.
Nymphing remained on the slow side yesterday, at least in the Wolf Creek to Craig stretch. We’ve seen an uptick in streamer sales over the past week and the streamer action, though often hit or miss, has been pretty decent throughout the winter. Streamer fishing should only get better from here on out as the water begins to warm a bit. I plan to devote a day to it this week and will give a full report at that time. We’ve sold piles of polar leeches over the past couple of months and the copper/olive version has been our go-to all winter. Stop in and pick a couple up and fish them – they will make you a believer! Other good sellers have been Kreelex in brown/gold, Clousers and Squirrel Leeches in Olive and Black.
At this point Monday and Tuesday look like your best bets weather-wise but it will be tolerable all week. Lodging available anytime for $99/night. Just a reminder – you’ve got one week left on your 2014 Montana fishing license. New licenses available at Wolf Creek Angler! The new license year means spring is coming soon – we will be opening up more lodging by mid March – including the much sought after Cabin #3 for $69/night through the end of April. $300 Full Day Spring Special Guide Trips beginning in March. We’re anticipating a busy spring at Wolf Creek Angler and we’re excited about a bunch of new stuff we’re going to be carrying in the shop this season. Stop in and see what’s new!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:00-06:00February 21st, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: $300 Missouri River Guide Trips, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, streamers, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Friday Fishing Report 2/20/15

Solitude on the Missouri – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

All is quiet on the Missouri today, we’re not sure why. It’s currently 43 degrees with some rain/snow looming and little to no wind. One boat in at Wolf Creek and a couple more at the dam means a lot of available water and a lot of available fish. From where I sit typing away and doing other shop stuff I can only imagine that the water is blanketed with midges and that there are pods everywhere, casually sipping away – unmolested by anglers.
Good reports from those fishing downstream in the canyon yesterday with a decent streamer bite and good nymphing action and a few fish up. I walked in below WC Bridge last night and picked up a few though it was definitely slower for me than it’s been the past few times out. My go-to firebead soft hackle sow was all but ignored with the few cooperative fish opting to eat the #10 Pinkalicious instead.
We’ve got a little dose of winter on the way for the weekend with snow showers and highs in the 20’s tomorrow along with the dreaded NNE wind gusting to 24. Calm, sunny and cold on Sunday with a high of 25 and back to 30’s and 40’s next week.
Just eight days left to take advantage of our February special – book a full day guide trip for $395 and get a night’s lodging in one of our bungalows for $59. Not really expecting a barrage of calls for trips this weekend but weather permitting we expect trips out and rooms full throughout next week.
Spring will be here before you know it and with it ever improving fishing opportunities. Book a trip with us today and find out what a magical place the Missouri can be any time of year.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:00-06:00February 20th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Streamer Fishing, streamers, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Mid-Week Report – 2/18/15

Another gorgeous daybreak on the Missouri – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

River traffic remains very light this week though lodging has filled for the next couple of nights so expect to see at least a few folks out there today and tomorrow. It’s going to be another bright and sunny day with a high near 50 and it sounds like it may get a little breezy with SW wind 8-14 mph. More of the same tomorrow but with a WSW wind 18-22 gusting to 31.
Snow in the forecast for the weekend with temps in the 30’s and back to sunny skies and 40’s next week. We do have lodging available for the weekend. $99 + tax gets you a bungalow with a full kitchen and bath which sleeps three very comfortably.
Fishing wise I would continue to stick with the winter fare (pink stuff, soft hackle sows, firebeads) and I would still recommend Wolf Creek to Craig as being your best bet. Bring along a dry -fly rod rigged with a midge cluster or griffiths gnat and search the side channels for rising fish. Streamer fishing is always an option as well. We continue to have pretty good action depending on the day on the olive/copper polar leeches as well as the Kreelex and clousers.
The shop will be open from 7:30 am – 5:00 pm at least Wednesday – Sunday and we’ll be here on Monday and Tuesday as well if the weather calls for it. Please call ahead on Mondays and Tuesdays for the time being just to make sure. We are open EVERY day for lodging and guide trips and soon the shop will be open EVERY day as Fred will be returning sometime in early to mid March. We will likely open up more lodging in March so count on staying with us throughout the late winter/early spring.
We’ve got some great deals going on select items in the shop as we clear space for new merchandise arriving daily. We’ve got some awesome new product lines coming for spring which we are extremely excited about as we continue with our commitment to offer you the products you expect from your Missouri River fly shop.
See you in the shop and on the water!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:00-06:00February 18th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek|0 Comments

Missouri River Fishing Report – Tuesday February 17th

Presidents Day Solo Mission on the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

We were expecting things to be at least a little busy yesterday with the holiday and the near perfect weather conditions on the Missouri but apparently Presidents Day is not a big fishing day. With mostly cloudy skies and temps hanging in the mid 30’s and no wind to speak of I opted to fish in the afternoon and had an outrageously good couple of hours floating Wolf Creek to Craig with not another boat to be seen. A couple of wade anglers and a couple of pontoons – that was it – essentially the whole thing to myself with plenty of fish willing to play.
I chose two spots to nymph – one at the beginning of the float and one at the end, and spent the rest of the day exploring the slow banks and side channels looking for heads as I had not yet fished dries this year. I managed to stumble into a couple of different pods of feeding fish and while my first fish of 2015 on a dry-fly eluded me, I did have my first dry-fly refusals of 2015 and I was just thrilled to be out there throwing the 5 weight again to rising fish. The midges covered the water much of the day and the fish I found eating them were predictably in the slow spooky side channel waters. It was a great time and I’m looking forward to spending more time doing this in the weeks to come as it’s a major part of the winter fishing experience on the Missouri which I have, for the most part, overlooked.
On the nymphing side both spots I fished produced a lot of fish – many to hand and probably just as many missed. Nothing new here – Pinkalicious trailed with a firebead soft hackle sow bug. I fished the pink sow at the first spot until it was destroyed and having no more switched to the grey for the remainder of the day and did just as well. Only one fish on the Pinkalicious so I would highly recommend going with at least one firebead soft hackle sow. Fish the sloooow deep water and hit any movement of the indicator. Some aggressive takes but mostly on the subtle side. Overall a tremendous day on the water.
It looks like a couple of nice days ahead and then a little colder with a chance for some snow over the weekend but not so cold or so snowy that you shouldn’t be fishing. We are closed today but will be back in the shop tomorrow for the remainder of the week. Lodging has started to fill for the weekend but we do still have some vacancies so book your room now and make Wolf Creek your weekend destination.

Plenty of these and not a soul to be seen – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:00-06:00February 17th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, indicator, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Weekend Report

Valentine Sky at Holter Dam – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

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

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

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

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

We hope to see you in Wolf Creek soon.

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

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:01-06:00February 14th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Mid Week on the MO – 2/11/15

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

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

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

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:01-06:00February 11th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Tuesday Fishing Report

February fishing on the MO

Ran out of time to do the dam to Craig yesterday and just did the usual Wolf Creek to Craig. As has been the case as of late we started a little slow but things really picked up in the afternoon, our best time slot being 4 – 5 pm.
Switched things up a little on the rigs trying some different bugs we haven’t been using but soon returned to the Pinkalicious/Firebead Soft Hackle Sow combo with good results.
We’re heading back out this morning – wrapping up a great group of days with a fish obsessed client from Michigan. Full report tomorrow. We’re looking at snow and a high of 32 today with a NNE wind around 10 mph. Back to sunny skies and 50’s and maybe even 60’s by the weekend. A couple of vacancies left for the weekend, and don’t forget – during the month of February when you book a full day guide trip you get one night’s lodging at the ridiculously reasonable rate of $59.
We are closed the rest of the day today but I will be back in the shop bright and early tomorrow and for the remainder of the week.
See you out there.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:01-06:00February 10th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Thursday Fishing Report 2/5/15

February fishing on the Missouri River

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

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

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

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:01-06:00February 5th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Casne's Pinkalicious, fly fishing, Holter Dam, indicator, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, nymphs, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

February on the Missouri

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:01-06:00February 3rd, 2015|Categories: Montana Fly Fishing, Uncategorized|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Holter Dam, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, RO Drift Boats, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Groundhog Day 2015: Punxsutawney Phil sees shadow, predicts six more weeks of winter

Six more weeks of winter means six more weeks of winter fishing on the MO

Happy Groundhog Day!

While some aren’t happy with Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction we accept it and embrace it, especially if it means six more weeks like the last couple we’ve had here on the Missouri River. Snowpack is still looking good at 112% for the Missouri Headwaters Mainstem and it looks like it’s going to be another good fishing week here with temperatures in the 30’s through the middle of the week and back into the 50’s by the end of the week.

The winter fishing has been pretty darn good more days than not. It’s a great time of year to fish when the weather cooperates with very light traffic and plenty of fish. Most days you have your choice of where to fish.

During the month of February we are offering a great deal on guided fishing and lodging. When you book your guide trip at our winter rate of $395/full day we are offering one night’s lodging in our bungalow style rooms for $59 plus tax, that’s $40 off our already low winter lodging rate of $99/night. Book your trip today.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:02-06:00February 2nd, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Groundhog Day, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments