Missouri River Winter Fishing Archives - Page 9 of 17

Late January on the MO’

Winter Fare at Wolf Creek Angler

It’s hard to believe it but we’re already a month into 2017. In some respects this winter feels like a slow grind but in other ways it feels like it’s flying by. Either way, before you know it we will be fully immersed in the season and the snow and endless cold will be but a distant memory.

Looking back at last year’s mild winter we were doing a lot more fishing through these months. Not that there aren’t a few folks out there doing it on any given day, but the deep freeze has kept many of us inside for the most part.

It’s not all bad. Winter projects are getting completed which will make it a guilt-free spring on the water knowing the things you intended to get done during the off-season actually did get done.

We’ve had a couple of minor warm-ups which have definitely resulted in an increase in traffic on the river but at 34 ish degrees, the water is still too cold to get those fish going. 35 would be an improvement, 36 plus is what we’re waiting for.

When will we get there? It’s hard to say for sure but I’m optimistic about February which is going to start on the cold side but sooner or later it’s going to warm up enough to bring the water temps up and when it does we will be poised and ready.

Speaking of warm ups, it looks like we’re in for a nice weekend with high 30’s and low 40’s through Monday. I expect we’ll be busy in the shop as there are a lot of people suffering from some extreme cabin fever right now who will be looking to self-medicate with a dose of the MO’. Couple that with a football free Sunday and we may be in for our busiest weekend of 2017 to date.

If you intend to float this weekend the good news is the ramps are clear for the most part though it’s always a good idea to check them out for yourself before you go. If you’re wading there is still a fair amount of shelf ice around so please be careful.

It might be the perfect time to take advantage of our INSANE Winter Guide Trip and Lodging Special. $500 for two night’s lodging and a full day on the river for one or two anglers with one of our exceptional guides with NO CANCELLATION FEES, NO QUESTIONS ASKED! Don’t need the lodging? $350 for a full day on the MO’ for one or two anglers all winter long.

Nymphing will likely be your best bet for hookups targeting the slowest, foggiest water you can find. A #10 or #12 Pinkalicious, Ninch’s Bubble Yum Scud, Rainbow Czech, Pink Amex or Pink Weight Fly paired with a #18 pink lightning bug, Ninch’s Thunderbug, firebead sow bug in grey or pink, rainbow warrior, firebead Ray…..etc fished deep and true should do the trick. Hit the dip, hit the pause, hit the drop….hit everything as the takes are often extremely subtle in these conditions.

We’ve seen a lot of people swinging this winter as well, maybe just as many as we’ve seen nymphing. The Hot Head Kreelex has been by far the most consistent choice on the streamer side with polar leeches and anything in white getting attention as well. Swing or slooooow upstream retrieve. They aren’t going to chase, not until things warm up a lot!

Stop by WCA on your way to the river for shuttles, bugs, Simms cold-weather gear, Loop rods and reels, ARC lines and tippet and anything else you may need for your day on the water.

Chewy’s Winter Welfare Check & Fishing Report 1.17.17

If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been largely absent for some time now. Considering its been colder than Shackleton’s ass on the sunniest of days for the past several weeks, not much has been going on at the shop, on the river or in general for that matter. Cold, abject misery has been the status quo in the canyon. With winter storm after winter storm rolling through, the unrelenting wind, my motivation to drop the thread bobbin and wader up has been practically non existent. Has being the imperative statement. Up until yesterday morning, my days consisted of sleeping in as long as humanly possible, strong coffee, hot soup and tying as many flies as my yeti-esque hands allow.

Weather improved enough to actually do more than drive the frontage road, dreaming of spring. How was the fishing? Awesome. Typical winter fare in the nymph department, pinks, hot heads, Zebras & San Juans. Bobber-lobbing definitely the most productive means at this point. Don”t
underestimate the streamer bite though. Swinging brought a few to the net today before a 5 man crew crowded me out of an otherwise, wide open river. White was the color of choice by a long shot. Slow swings over deeper water with a sink tip to get it down, the only way to go. We’ve got all the standards in stock along with some WCA exclusives tied up by yours truly.

If you plan on floating in the next few days be advised: RAMPS ARE SKETCHY! Even at the Dam today a truck struggled but succeeded to get off. Be smart choosing your float, Wolf Creek Bridge is a definitely a no go, along with Mtn. Palace, Stickney Creek & the Dearborn. Few buddies floated Craig to Spite today and did fine. Just be sure to check conditions before you commit and come prepared, even if its just to lend a hand to your fellow floater!

From the looks of it, we’ve got another few days of warmer weather before things get cold again. We’ll be at the shop for the rest of the week with anything and everything you need to stay dry, warm, caffeinated and fishy on your way to winter trout nirvana. The best outerwear and warmest layers from SIMMS, kick ass water resistant gloves from Kast Extreme Fishing Gear, the largest selection of flies in all of Wolf Creek and of course, the best free coffee in the canyon. What else do ya’ need?

Oh, lodging? Got that too. Booked solid for the night but the rest of the week is wide open. Clean rooms for $99 just minutes from the MO.

~Cheers, Chewy.

By Zach King|2017-01-17T23:55:31-07:00January 17th, 2017|Categories: Fishing Report, Montana Fly Fishing|Tags: fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Enjoying a brief January Thaw on the Missouri – Photo by Wolf Creek Angler

A warm-up is underway and we will finally make it above freezing this week, possibly even breaking 40 on Wednesday. Per usual you can expect breezy conditions with the warmer air but nothing too crazy. We’ll see south-southwest winds in the 15-20 mph with higher gusts but definitely manageable.

The river will definitely see some traffic as we seize this opportunity for relief from the arctic air. The water temps remain just shy of 35 degrees so it may not be lights out fishing but that’s secondary at this point. Come out and enjoy the warm up and the sunshine. It looks like we drop back down into the 20’s this weekend and into early next week so now is the time!

We are full tonight and tomorrow but have lodging available for the rest of the week. I would definitely recommend booking sooner rather than later though as the ice guys are keeping us busy with lodging with the perch fishing still lights out on Holter.

This week might just be the perfect time for a mid-winter getaway to the MO’. Don’t forget our winter guide trip/lodging special…$500 for two nights lodging and a full day on the river. There are other deals out there…nobody can touch this one!

Don’t need lodging? Full day guide trips just $350 all winter long! That’s all the gear and all the bugs and a full day on the water with one of our expert guides.

Stop by the shop on your way to the river for shuttles, cold weather gear and more.

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-01-16T16:41:11-07:00January 16th, 2017|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

The Cure for your Cabin Fever – $500 for two nights lodging and a full day of guided fishing on the MO’. There are other deals out there…NOBODY can touch this one. Call Now (406)235-4350

While it might not be quite enough of a warm up to call it a January Thaw we’re looking at temps in the 30’s and 40’s next week which is certain to bring out the throngs, at least by January standards.

We’ve been cooped up for weeks watching the mercury and the snow fall. Day after day of single digit temps, deadly wind chill factors and treacherous travel conditions have a lot of folks feeling the full effects of cabin fever so we are expecting quite an onslaught early next week when there will once again be drift boats on the water and likely an abundance of wade anglers out there as well.

Fishing has been an ice only game for a couple of weeks now with plenty of action on Holter but if all goes according to plan we will once again be catching trout in moving water.

We’ll be open all week (probably just in the morning on Monday and Tuesday, so we can fish too) so be sure to stop by to load up on winter bugs before you hit the water. We’re also fully loaded up on cold weather gear from Simms and KAST and our streamer bins are overflowing with some awesome exclusives from Chewy if you’re planning to swing.

Hot (free) coffee as well and even a few Christmas Cookies left…come by and help us finish them off.

If you plan to come out please be careful as the launches are snow covered and slippery and shelf ice is definitely a factor in most places. We’re excited about the warm-up but it is still very much winter here so keep that in mind if you are heading out.

Now would be a great time to book that winter guide trip as well. $350 for the day or take advantage of our ridiculous lodging and guide trip special….$500 for two nights lodging and a full day on the water. This is the time! Remember there are NO CANCELLATION FEES for these winter trips so if the weather turns or if you simply change your mind you are off the hook! No questions asked.

Guides are itching to get on the water and get you into fish which haven’t seen a fly in weeks. The current water temperature is just shy of 35 degrees which means that those fish are lethargic at best but a couple of ticks up could really turn things on.

Call now and get the cure for your cabin fever…..a day of winter fishing on the MO’.

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-01-12T21:13:42-07:00January 12th, 2017|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Cabin Fever, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Wolf Creek is your Holter Lake Winter Destination

It may be too cold to fish the river right now but lodging at Wolf Creek Angler has become a hot commodity these past two weeks as the perch fishing on Holter Lake continues to heat up.

The word is out and the hard water anglers have discovered the hidden gem of winter lodging at Wolf Creek Angler.

The town of Wolf Creek is your base camp for ice fishing on Holter Lake as well as winter fly fishing on the MO’ if it ever warms up enough for us to get back to it and while we’re used to living in the shadow of Craig during the season winter is when the town of Wolf Creek really shines.

Whether its ice fishing or fly fishing that brings you here, Wolf Creek is where you want to be. We’ve got the only open restaurant and the only gas station /convenience store between Helena and Cascade. As a matter of fact we also have the only US Post Office between Helena and Cascade which may not seem like much but it’s interesting to note that all that mail addressed to the self-proclaimed “center of the fly fishing universe” in Craig MT actually ends up right here in Wolf Creek MT.

As if that weren’t enough we’re excited to announce that come April we’ll once again be able to boast of having 2 bar/restaurants in Wolf Creek MT with Shotgun Annie’s Eatery and Tavern (formerly The Frenchman and Me) joining Uncle Joe’s Oasis to offer you more dining and night life options.

Throw in an up and coming Missouri River Fly Shop with cozy, clean and affordable lodging just minutes from Holter Lake , Holter Dam and the Wolf Creek Bridge river access sites and it’s easy to see why Wolf Creek has become THE destination for winter fishing on Holter Lake and the Missouri. Once you discover all that Wolf Creek has to offer you may just make us your year-round Missouri River fly fishing destination. Many have.

Give us a call today to book your winter lodging. $99 (plus tax) gets you a cozy bungalow complete with a full kitchen and private bath. The bungalows sleep three comfortably with two twin beds and a pull out couch. Our shop hours have been a little less than consistent this winter with the dangerously cold weather but rest assured, we are OPEN EVERY DAY, 365 days a year, for lodging (and guide trips).

Make that call today and discover the secret!

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-01-06T17:12:48-07:00January 6th, 2017|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Craig MT, Holter Dam, Holter Lake, ice fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Shotgun Annies Eatery and Tavern, The Frenchman and Me, Uncle Joe's Oasis, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Late December Missouri River Fishing Report

It almost feels spring-like out there this morning.

The gale force winds of the last couple of days have diminished (for the time being) and while it’s by no means warm we’re currently looking at a comfortable 20 degrees going up to near 30 this afternoon.

If you’re looking to close out 2016 with one more trip to the river today looks like your best bet. Temps remain fairly steady through the weekend but it looks like the winds will return tomorrow.

The new year will be ushered in with another arctic blast. We’ll be in the single digits for most of next week.

We’ve definitely reached winter water conditions with current water temps at just over 35 degrees and flows holding in the 3600 cfs range. Next week’s cold snap will likely drop the water temp even closer to that freezing mark so you may have to put your Missouri River winter fly fishing plans on hold for a while as we wait for a warm-up.

As the water temps drop the fish become extremely lethargic as their metabolism slows. Once the water temp drops below 35 degrees fishing becomes almost futile as the fish simply aren’t interested in eating or doing much of anything. The good news however is that a tick up a degree or two in these conditions can really turn things on as the fish emerge from their cold-induced lethargy to feed once again. They still won’t be overly active or aggressive but they are hungry so if you know where they’re at and you deliver the goods right to them you can have some pretty damn good days in the dead of winter.

The other nice thing about winter fishing is that you can pretty much run the same rig all winter long. If the fish are feeding they typically aren’t overly choosy. I’m currently running a #12 Pink Weight Fly with a #18 Pink Firebead Sow Bug and while I may play around with that trailing fly I’ll likely go with what I’ve got until I lose everything and then I’ll either replace it with the exact same rig or some variation thereof.

Some of our favorite winter bugs are Casne’s Pinkalicious, the aforementioned Pink Weight Fly, Ninch’s Bubble Yum Scud, Pink Amex, Rainbow Czech, Rainbow Weight Fly, Firebead Soft Hackle Sows, Pink Lightning Bugs, Firebead Rays, Caviar Scuds, Ninch’s Thunderbug….etc. Go Pink and Go Firebead and you can’t go wrong.

Swinging is also a popular option on the MO’ during the winter months but per the above, you’ll likely have more success with water temps above 35 degrees. Swinging versus stripping is key as those fish simply aren’t going to chase anything down with the water being as cold as it is. That being said, I’ve had some tremendous streamer days in 37 – 39 degree water with a SLOW strip. You can’t go wrong with Smallish Sparkle Minnows, Clousers, Kreelex, Polar Leeches and various buggers.

Dry Flies? Not so much at this point but as we roll into the heart of winter we’ll start to see some midge action so if winter dry fly fishing is your thing rig up a Hi-vis Parachute Adams trailed with a Griffiths Gnat, a midge cluster or a buzzball and have it at the ready.

If solitude is what you seek there’s plenty of it to be found out there right now. Keep an eye on the forecast and plan accordingly. We don’t anticipate much activity next week with holiday vacations winding down and sub freezing weather returning but the hard water fishing is starting to heat up on Holter so keep us in mind for lodging if you’re coming out to clean up on perch.

Once again we may not be around much in the shop next week if it’s as cold as what they are calling for but we are open EVERY DAY for lodging.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-12-29T17:53:56-07:00December 29th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Countdown to 2017

This is it. Six days to go.

Will you fish again in 2016?

We’re looking at another warming trend beginning today but once again, with the warmer temps comes the wind. We’ll see low to mid 30’s all week-long starting tomorrow but if you’re coming out to fish be prepared for winds in the 15-20 mph range with blowing snow.

We will be back in the shop tomorrow and will be around all week so grab those WCA Gift Cards you found in your stockings and come buy yourself all the things you really wanted for Christmas!

The extended forecast shows another arctic blast as we enter the new year but once things start to warm up be sure to take advantage of our winter lodging/guide trip special. Two nights of lodging and a full day of guided fishing on the Missouri for one or two anglers with one of our expert guides for just $500 with no cancellation fees.

There are other specials out there….nobody can touch this one.

It has not been a busy winter for us thus far with the weather being what it’s been and we’re ok with that because we definitely need the snow and cold as it relates to the 2017 water year. Snowpack is still below average but as you can see we’re definitely headed in the right direction.

We would love to be running trout trips right now but for the time being keep in mind we’re a great lodging option for waterfowl hunters and hard water anglers as well. From what I’ve heard the hunting has been good and while I don’t think the ice on the lake is safe just yet it shouldn’t be long before it is.

We’re dog friendly, we’re located just minutes from Holter Lake and if you’re wondering about services during the winter months the town of Wolf Creek is the place to be with the only bar/restaurant and the only gas station/convenience store between Helena and Cascade.

We are your Missouri River winter destination.

Stop in and see us this week as we wrap up an amazing year on the MO’.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-12-26T15:52:45-07:00December 26th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Winter Solstice

Happy Wednesday!

Today is the Winter Solstice, the first official day of winter and the shortest day of the year.

You know what that means. Starting tomorrow the days start to get longer. We’ve made it the other side and before you know it spring and then summer will be here and we’ll be enjoying long warm days on the Missouri casting to sipping trout.

In the meantime enjoy the sunshine today and tomorrow and prepare for another blast of winter arriving Saturday. The timing really couldn’t be better.

A couple of not quite spring-like (but close) days on the river leading up to a cold and snowy Christmas Eve and Christmas. Just as it should be.

We’ll see 30’s through Friday and back to cold and snow for the weekend with temps dipping back into the 20’s and teens. The gale force winds with which we’ve been contending have diminished to a more tolerable 10-15 mph and should continue to decrease over the next couple of days.

We’ll be here through Friday for all of your Missouri River winter fly fishing or last-minute Christmas gift needs and we will possibly be here for a spell on Christmas Eve morning though with the forecast being what it is we are leaning towards being closed both Christmas Eve and Christmas. Game Time decision for Saturday but we will definitely be closed on Christmas Day.

While you are thinking about those warm summer days on the horizon it’s the perfect time to give us a call and book those summer fishing and lodging dates. Prime June/July dates are filling quickly so don’t wait too long if prime-time is what you are after and by prime-time I am speaking only of the highest concentration of anglers.

As far as we’re concerned it’s Prime Time from about April 15th – November 15th and while we do see a lull in traffic for the entire month of August and into the first part of September there is no reason you shouldn’t make plans to be here during those months as well. The weather is great, the fishing is fine and the traffic is light. We typically do the majority of our large group trips during this time because of lodging and guide availability and they keep coming back if that tells you anything so if you’re looking to book a large group this season think about early spring and late summer.

A few days on the Missouri and maybe a day or two on the Blackfoot…..what could be better? Wolf Creek Angler is your base camp for Missouri River Montana fly fishing and beyond.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-12-21T17:28:47-07:00December 21st, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, winter solstice, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The Big Thaw

What a difference a couple of days makes! We’ve gone from “feels like” temps of -50 a couple of days a ago to highs near 40 today and tomorrow and it appears as though we’ll be above freezing all week until the next blast of cold air arrives on the weekend.

Unfortunately with the warm up we’re getting the wind. We’re under a high wind warning today with periods of 35-45 mph southwest winds with gusts as high as 65. Expect sustained winds of 20-24 mph.

I expect there may be a few folks out there today taking advantage of time off and moderate temperatures but the winds will keep many off of the water. Personally I would rather fish in below freezing temps with no wind than what we’re seeing today and tomorrow but that’s just me.

Water temps have dropped into the 35 degree range so I would definitely plan on shifting gears into winter fishing mode if you’re going out. Firebeads and/or anything pink should be coming into play and the assumption would be that the majority of the fish have made the transition to the slow deep winter water. I don’t have a recent fishing update as it’s been just too cold to fish or to do much of anything outside but we’ll likely be out later today and will post what we know as soon as we know it.

In the meantime target that winter water with a deep nymph rig, be patient and stay warm! I also wouldn’t hesitate to swing as it’s getting to be prime time for Polar Leeches and the Hot Head Kreelex!

It’s been tough trying to put together a consistent schedule in the shop with the weather being what it’s been. We had settled on regular hours of Wednesday – Saturday 8 AM – 2 PM, closed Sunday – Tuesday but then we ended up being closed most of last week because it was insanely cold. We’re here today and tomorrow because it’s warm and because we figure there may be some people around with the college crowd home from school and looking to spend some time on the MO’. We’ll be around all week if the forecast holds with limited hours on Saturday which is Christmas Eve and closed on Sunday for Christmas.

As we move past the holidays and get into the heart of winter we will try to stick to that Wednesday – Saturday schedule for the most part but once again if the weather returns to what we saw last week with treacherous temps we probably won’t be here and likewise if we have really fishy weather on the days we’re supposed to be closed we will more than likely be here, at least in the mornings. The best thing to do would be to give us a call before you come out if there is any doubt and if you’re coming out regardless of who is open when, you can see the shop from the Interstate so you’ll be able to see if we’re open or not before you hit the Wolf Creek Exit when traveling from the south.

Thank you for your patience with what has been a screwy schedule thus far this winter and remember if you happen to be out here to fish on a day we are closed we encourage you to see our friends at Headhunters in Craig for shuttles and bugs and more.

Looking at the long-term forecast for the winter months it looks like we’re still expecting below average temperatures for the most part but as we hit these periods of warmer weather keep in mind we’re offering our winter guide trip and lodging special all winter long. Two nights lodging in one of our cozy bungalows and a full day on the water with some of the fishiest, hardest working guides on the Missouri. Regardless of shop hours we are open EVERY DAY for lodging and guide trips…just give us a call. We can do it on extremely short notice but if you do choose to book ahead of time and are worried about the weather, worry no more. Rest assured there are NO CANCELLATION FEES for winter guide trips.

We hope you make Wolf Creek Angler your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing Destination.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-12-19T17:14:49-07:00December 19th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

This Week on the MO’

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Cold and snowy.

There’s not much else to say other than we are happy to see next year’s water flows continuing to develop.

Expect continued cold weather for the remainder of the week with temps in the teens for the next couple of days and bitter cold returning for the weekend. We’ll see a high of -2 on Friday with a low near -20 Friday night. Saturday looks similar but we begin to warm back to the mid teens on Sunday and it looks like we may see a bit of a warm up next week with temperatures back in the high 20’s.

We’re under a winter storm watch beginning tomorrow evening and running through Thursday night for widespread snow and gusty winds, something we thankfully haven’t seen much of recently. 4-6″ of snow possible with up to 18″ expected at higher elevations. Keep it coming!

We don’t expect much in the way of traffic on the river this week but there will definitely be some anglers joining the waterfowl hunters out there next week with the warm-up and with the college crowd home for the holidays.

If the weather cooperates we will be in the shop every day next week, at least first thing in the morning and may just get out and do a little fishing ourselves as we’re already starting to exhibit symptoms of withdrawal.

If you’re looking for last-minute Christmas gifts we can help and you don’t even need to make the trek to Wolf Creek. Give us a call and let us know what you need and we’ll get it shipped out in time for Christmas.

A Wolf Creek Angler gift card makes the perfect gift for all the fly fishers on your list. You can purchase them in any amount, they never expire, and they are good for absolutely everything we sell.

You don’t need to know what weight Loop, Echo or Redington rod; which Nautilus, Ross, Loop, Echo or Redington reel; which flies; what size Simms or Kast gear; when to book the guide trip and lodging….you don’t need to know any of it, all you need to know is WCA Gift Cards cover it all!

Enjoy the snow, stay warm and start making plans for a great 2017 on the World-Class Missouri River.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-12-13T16:39:22-07:00December 13th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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