Missouri River Archives - Page 16 of 62

WCA Shocks the Fly Fishing World

In a move that’s sure to cause a stir on the MO, Wolf Creek Angler has defied convention by offering a winter guide trip and lodging deal the likes of which has NEVER BEFORE BEEN SEEN.

$550 (plus tax) for a full day guide trip AND two nights lodging. You read it right. A full day trip and not one, but two nights of lodging for the same price you’ll pay for just a trip alone with the competition.

While deals abound in the spring, winter guide trips have traditionally not been offered at a discount. Not surprisingly, these trips have always been somewhat of a rarity.

That is until now!

“With the mild winter we’ve been having we just saw an opportunity to get an early start to the 2021 season by offering an unbeatable deal” said Jason Orzechowski, owner and outfitter at Wolf Creek Angler. “Spring deals are great but we just figured that since we’re talking about shorter days on the water and the potential for weather that might push the comfort zone for many it only makes sense to offer winter trips at a deep discount.”

Here’s what you get

• Full Day Guide Trip for one or two anglers with the best guides on the river. These aren’t transients, these are full-time resident guides who fish the Missouri EVERY month of the year. Trip includes all flies and terminal tackle and any equipment needed as well as lunch and refreshments. The only things not included are your Montana fishing license and guide gratuity.

• Clean and Comfortable lodging in our cozy bungalows. Rooms equipped with two twin beds, a full pull out couch, private bath and complete kitchen with full sized fridge, range, microwave, coffee maker and all cookware included.

• The guaranteed BEST WINTER DEAL ON THE MISSOURI with no cancellation fees. Cancel anytime for any reason…no questions asked!

Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity to experience winter solitude and hot fishing on the Missouri all winter long. Space is limited so BOOK NOW.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-01-13T11:27:57-07:00January 13th, 2021|Categories: Local Buzz|Tags: $550 winter guide trip and lodging special, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, simms, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Waiting on Winter

The unseasonably mild weather continues. And while we’re definitely enjoying some ideal January fishing conditions we’re keeping an eye on the snowpack and hoping for some precipitation soon. Mind you we’re not in terrible shape with much of the region currently sitting at 90 – 109% of average but with the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin drainages currently sitting in the 70-89% range we could definitely use some snow so crossing our fingers and hoping for the best.

Ideally we get a few good dumps in the high country and maintain the almost spring-like conditions we’ve been enjoying here on the Missouri. The best of both worlds!

The next couple of days look prime with mostly sunny skies, highs around 40 and winds on the calm side. Next week looks like more of the same with temps climbing, nearing 50 by Wednesday.

We’re not seeing much in the forecast just yet but the assumption is that sooner or later winter is going to return so if you’re looking for your Missouri River fishing fix… now is the time.

We’ve been getting plenty of calls from folks looking for fishing reports and current lodging and/or guiding availability so I’m expecting we’ll see a few people around this weekend. We do still have lodging available though I expect we’ll be full for the weekend so if you’re considering coming out I’d suggest you make that call sooner rather than later.

We’ve decided to do something no other shop is doing this winter and that’s to offer discounted guide trips all winter long. Discounted trips have traditionally been a spring promotion but the way I see it, if there’s any time that should be being promoted with discount rates it’s winter time. The days are short and the weather conditions can often be a challenge but winter fishing, especially nymphing, can be outstanding.

We’re offering full day trips for $450 for one or two anglers which includes everything but your Montana fishing license and guide gratuity. All flies, terminal tackle, lunch and refreshments are included. This is hands down the best deal you’ll find on the Missouri this winter. Rates are valid through the end of March.

And as if that weren’t enough – we’re getting a jump on spring by also offering a guide trip and lodging special. $550 (plus tax) for a full day on the water with one of our exceptional guides AND two (2), that’s right, two nights of premium lodging at Wolf Creek Angler. No rushing to get here the morning of your trip. No driving home tired after hauling in trout all day. We invite you to try to find a better deal…you won’t!

And the best part – ZERO cancellation fees for winter trips so book today knowing that if the weather turns or if you just happen to change your mind, you’re off the hook – no questions asked.

Space is limited so take advantage of this mild winter and plan a getaway to Wolf Creek Angler today.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-01-07T11:57:58-07:00January 7th, 2021|Categories: Local Buzz|Tags: $450 Missouri River Winter Guide Trips, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Winter Lodging and Guide Trip Special, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Sunrise on 2021

As the sun rises on 2021 the promise of a new day gives us plenty of reason for optimism as we anticipate the coming season.

Summer bookings continue to fill the calendar, giving shape to what we hope will be another strong season as we begin year number eight. As previously stated the outdoor recreation industry was a good one to be in during a pandemic and indications are that this will continue to be the case indefinitely, even as the world starts make a return to normal. Even so, having lost our spring last year due to the shut down and having suffered through plenty of cancellations throughout the 2020 season due to travel difficulties and Covid concerns, we’ve got some ground to make up. Early indications based on our current 2021 bookings are that we’re headed in the right direction.

That’s the outlook for prime-time but what about now?

As I write I’m looking out the window at bare ground as has been the case for much of this winter thus far. The thermometer reads 32 degrees with cloudy skies and relatively calm conditions. River flows are currently around 3800 CFS with water temps holding at 35 degrees. In short, winter fishing conditions on the Missouri are prime, especially by January standards, with no big changes on the horizon.

There hasn’t been much variation in the forecast for the past several weeks. Highs around 40, overnight lows in the 20’s, a mix of clouds and sun with little precipitation. Wind has been an issue at times but all things considered, it’s been an extremely fishable winter season with very light traffic.

As previously announced we are back in the business of winter lodging so there’s really no reason to not take a couple of days off and spend some time on the Missouri. Book a guide or bring your boat (or rent one of ours) or just do the winter walk/wade. Most are settling in to winter nymphing, some are opting to swing and a few are intent on logging that first dry fly eat of the year. All are good options given the current conditions.

Nymphs – Think Pink! Pill Poppers, Bubble Yum Scuds, Amex, Yum Yums, Rainbow Czechs, Pink Weight Flies, Pederson’s Sow, Pink LB, Cotton Candy, Tailwater Sow, Pink Lucent Bead Rays, Soft Hackle Sows, Caviar Scuds…just to name a few. Slow, deep winter water fished deep with a bb or two to get you down.

Streamers – Winter Standards like Kreelex, Polar Leeches, Thin Mints, Balance Leeches, Buggers etc. but don’t be afraid to stray from the standards. Dredge the depths with a SLOW retrieve or swing the tailouts.

Dries – Griffiths Gnat, Grizzly Midge Cluster, Hi Vis Midge, Black Midge, Adams Midge, Bucky’s Midge Cluster, Black Sipper. Midges are it for the next couple of months and may or not be present, all depends on the day but it’s never a bad idea to keep a dry fly rod rigged and ready just in case.

The Winter Program

Guided Fishing – WCA Guides are the BEST on the river. Book yourself a trip today and leave the rowing and rigging to us. $450 winter rate for a full day float for one or two anglers and no risk with no cancellation fees for any reason for winter trips.

Lodging – Wolf Creek Angler is your best option and the best deal you’ll find anywhere. $99/night (plus tax) for a cozy, clean bungalow with two twin beds, a pull out couch, full kitchen and private bath just minutes from the river.

Dining – You’re pretty much on your own so all the more reason to book one of our bungalows, each with a full size fridge, range, microwave, coffee maker and all cookware provided.

Boat Rental – Adipose Flow drift boats. $100/day. You haul. $150 if you need us to haul it for you.

Shuttle Service – Headhunters remains the only game in town at this point but we’re currently mulling over options based on the persistent mild weather. Stay tuned!

Shop Hours – Officially still Tuesday – Saturday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM but it’s a safe assumption we’ll be here on Mondays if it’s nice (at least long enough to get our boats hooked up and hit the river) and if winter ever returns we likely won’t be here on days it doesn’t make sense to make the trip out. Regardless, we’re open for lodging and guide trips EVERY day.

We’re excited for the New Year and the coming new season and we hope to see you soon at Wolf Creek Angler.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-01-04T11:32:17-07:00January 4th, 2021|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: $450 Winter Rate guide trips, 2021, Adipose, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Shop Closed next week as we bid farewell to 2020

Wolf Creek Angler will be closed tomorrow, December 27th – Wednesday December 30thas we escape for some year’s end R and R. Normal winter hours resume on New Year’s Eve. Winter Hours are Tuesday – Saturday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

We are pleased to announce that winter lodging will return starting the week of January 3rd. $99/night (plus tax) for a cozy bungalow, complete with full kitchen and private bath. Bungalows sleep three with two twin beds and a full size pull out couch.

We hope you make us your Missouri River winter destination in 2021. There doesn’t appear to be much change in the weather happening anytime soon so stick with that New Year’s resolution to spend more time fishing and log some time on the MO’.

We’re excited for the New Year to get underway and while we don’t expect 2021 to be without challenges we’re optimistic that the pendulum is going to start to swing back towards normalcy soon.

Thank you all again for supporting us through this Freak Show of a year. We can’t wait to see you all again in 21.

Cheers!

By Jason Orzechowski|2020-12-26T10:16:31-07:00December 26th, 2020|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Winter Solstice

You wouldn’t know it by looking at the weather but winter has arrived, on this, the shortest and darkest day of the year.

Today we turn the corner. Days get longer starting tomorrow and before you know it we’ll be back into long, hot summer days on the MO’.

Turning the corner towards summer days on the Missouri

For now we’ll see temps topping out in the low 50’s today followed by some snow tomorrow and then right back into the same weather we’ve had for what seems like a month now. Partly sunny skies, highs in the low 40’s with no weather events on the horizon.

The WCA guide and shop crew will be enjoying the solstice en masse, spending the day on the water as you would expect.

We’ll be back in the shop tomorrow with regular hours Tuesday and Wednesday and 8 – noon (ish) on Christmas Eve. We will be closed on Christmas, but back in the shop Saturday before taking a few days off next week for some end of the year R and R.

We hope you get out and enjoy this Christmas week on the MO.

Tight Lines and Happy Solstice!

By Jason Orzechowski|2020-12-21T09:36:21-07:00December 21st, 2020|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, winter, winter solstice, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Mid December on the MO’

All remains quiet on the Missouri as we close out these last two weeks of 2020 and look with eager anticipation towards the promise and potential of a new year.

Conditions remain favorable by December standards with more of the same on tap as far as weather is concerned and water conditions holding steady with flows at a low but constant 3690 CFS and water temps hanging right around 37 degrees, give or take.

We’ll see partly sunny skies with temps in the low to mid 40’s all week long though it looks to be breezy this weekend with a high wind watch in effect for Friday night.

Nymphing will be the method of choice over these next couple of months as the fish are settling in to their winter habitat though swinging or stripping streamers will continue to keep many of us occupied all winter long. Dry fly fishing? Not much happening on that front at the moment though midges are a winter staple and will provide some dry fly action throughout the winter months.

Dredging nymphs under a bobber is your best bet for success right now so break out your winter boxes and pick apart that frog water. Pink is in play and will be a staple from here on out. An ideal rig would be #12 pink or rainbow weight fly, pink AmEx, Pinkalicious, Rainbow Czech, Pill Popper, Bubble Yum etc., trailed with a #16 or #18 soft hackle sow, Tailwater Sow, Caviar Scud, Zebra Midge, poxyback sow, Ray Charles, Rainbow Warrior, pink lighting bug, cotton candy etc. If it’s pink and has a pink or hot bead you can’t go wrong. You just need to find the depth and the lane and you’ll be in business. We’re fully stocked with all of the above as well as countless other options.

Keep the streamers on the small side (or not). Buggers, Pine Squirrel Leeches, Fruit Rollups, Polar Leeches, Kreelex etc. have all been effective though the bigger stuff will work as well. Whichever route you decide to go you’ll want to achieve substantial depth and keep your retrieve SLOW with plenty of pauses in between strips. Try the occasional swing or jig action as well. Winter is obviously becoming swing season on the Missouri with the two handers seemingly taking over but don’t feel like you can’t fish single handed utilizing old school streamer methods. I’m here to tell you, it still works!

And the beauty of it this time of year is that whatever methods you prefer, there is no shortage of water on which to ply your trade.

As has been the case for most of the fall, traffic is not an issue. There are always a few wader anglers around and maybe a boat or two depending on the weather and the day of the week but there is a daily abundance of solitude to be found which will likely be the case for at least the next few weeks until cabin fever starts to drive some traffic our way.

Our lodging continues to be on hold until things settle down with Covid cases which it seems might be happening now, at least by the daily state wide numbers which have been trending downwards for the last couple of weeks. If these trends continue we’ll likely make lodging available again in January, just in time for the aforementioned cabin fever traffic.

We’ve gotten a few calls inquiring about the ice on Holter….there is none! We’ll keep you posted.

As we approach Christmas which is ONE WEEK FROM FRIDAY, and as we gather to celebrate the holidays, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all again for your patronage over the years and especially during this crazy Covid year. I don’t know that we’re quite out of the woods just yet but I’m confident 2021 is going to be a year of leaps and bounds towards normalcy and I for one can’t wait.

By Jason Orzechowski|2020-12-16T10:33:45-07:00December 16th, 2020|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Hooked Up – December Days on the MO. Photo by Matt Hargrave

More of the same this week on the MO.

You can expect steady weather and stable flows as we descend into the darkest and shortest days of the year from now through December 21st when we turn the corner and commence the march towards spring and the 2021 season.

We’ll see a high near 55 today, trending cooler for the remainder of the week but with no significant changes and no precipitation in the forecast. With Christmas just two weeks from this Friday it looks as though a white Christmas is not likely but obviously this could all change between now and then.

In the meantime, it’s pretty tough to beat these fishing conditions for early December yet things remain surprisingly quiet. A few more boats out there on the weekends and a few wade anglers out there daily but not what you’d expect.

Nevertheless, we’re enjoying the solitude and enjoying some good streamer days and it sounds as though the nymphing is picking up and there have even been the occasional sipping trout out there willing to engage a well presented dry fly on any given day.

We’re continuing to keep our lodging closed for the time being, waiting for things to improve on the Covid front. Hopefully soon!

Shop hours are 8 AM – 2 PM Tuesday – Saturday with social distancing and masking in full effect (for whatever it’s worth). If you know what you need and would rather not take your chances indoors give us a call on your way out and we’ll be happy to deliver your items curbside.

Our shuttle service remains on hiatus until spring but we are fully stocked on all of the essential winter bugs as well as a wide array of Simms gear from hats, gloves and socks to layering to waders, boots and outerwear.

And don’t forget our web store is now live so you can shop from the comfort of your home or office. We’re continuing to add new items daily so as you think about that countdown to Christmas and if you haven’t yet gotten your shopping done www.wolfcreekangler.com should perhaps be your next stop.

We hope you get out and take advantage of this amazing weather this week on the MO and hope to see you in the shop when you do.

By Jason Orzechowski|2020-12-08T10:10:08-07:00December 8th, 2020|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Christmas, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T), Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

There’s NO TIME like STREAMER TIME on the MO’ photo by Wolf Creek Angler

December has arrived and the weather couldn’t be better (by late fall standards) for getting in a few more days on the water in 2020. We’re currently in the midst of a very stable weather pattern with daily highs reaching into the 40’s and overnight lows in the 20’s. The forecast calls for mostly sunny skies each day right on through the weekend though we are seeing some perfect cloud cover this morning. And best of all – winds are light and variable, in the 6-11 mph range for the next several days and hopefully through the weekend.

Traffic will likely continue to be very light so not only are weather conditions favorable for late fall fishing but there is an abundance of solitude to be found on the river right now which means you can pretty much pick and choose where you want to fish and have it virtually to yourself.

The last couple of times out we saw no one. I expected a bit more activity on Black Friday – the Friday after Thanksgiving, with most everyone having the day off of work and near-perfect weather conditions and I was right. We saw two other boats between Craig and Mid…quite the traffic jam. I assume there may have been some nymphing traffic up at the Dam but all in all the Missouri is currently a Ghost Town which spells opportunity for anyone looking to get back out on the water now that hunting has wrapped up.

I’m sure the lack of available services are contributing to the absence of anglers this fall but once again, the Missouri is your best option for late-season angling state-wide.
You may have to spend some time on the road traveling to and from but there’s no reason you shouldn’t be spending these days on the water. We are continuing to keep our lodging closed for the time being due to the Covid situation and from what I can tell Annie’s remains closed but we’re just a short drive from Helena or Great Falls (or Cascade for that matter) where you’ll find plenty of lodging and dining options. With the weather being what it is camping is still an option as well though I’d personally opt for a heated trailer over a tent right now.

Regardless, fishing is good, especially if you’re into stripping, swinging or nymphing.

Flows have bumped to 3760 with water temps having recently dipped below 40, currently hanging at 39.5 degrees. If you’re nymphing this spells winter fishing protocol so dust off the pink stuff and start concentrating your efforts in the slow, deep winter water. That being said, with the air temps being relatively warm the water temps will tick up each day which is likely going to prevent those fish from totally committing to the winter slumber so don’t overlook the medium fast, shallow to medium depth water including those island tail outs.

And speaking of island tail outs – if there’s anywhere on the river you’re going to have to compete for water it’s at those tail outs and other easily accessible runs where the swingers like to camp out. Polar Leeches, buggers, Pine Squirrel Leeches, Kreelex, Fruit Rollups and the like are the preferred Swing Selections.

Old School Strippers are covering vast stretches of water and still finding fish everywhere you’d expect and in some places you wouldn’t. Big Streamers, Small streamers, black streamers, Yellow streamers, flashy streamers, natural streamers…it’s been all over the board with plenty of willing players both of the Bruiser Brown and Rainbow Trout varieties. Get after it!

Once again, store hours are 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Tuesday – Saturday and while we’re unfortunately not currently doing lodging or shuttles we do have a shop full of things you need for your day on the water or perhaps to occupy space under your tree for your favorite fly anglers.

Simms waders, boots, sportswear and accessories; Fishpond packs and accessories; Rods and Reels a plenty (ON SALE NOW) from Echo, Redington, Ross, Loop, Lamson and more; lots of WCA logo gear and of course, the BIGGEST and BEST selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Sheltering in Place? No problem. Shop wolfcreekangler.com from the comfort of your home. We are adding items daily. ALWAYS FREE SHIPPING on orders over $50. Check out our online store today.

We appreciate your patience as we continue to navigate these times. We can’t wait for things to get back to normal and we are so thankful and proud to be your Missouri River Fly Fishing Headquarters.

By Jason Orzechowski|2020-12-01T11:36:15-07:00December 1st, 2020|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, Echo, Fishpond, fly fishing, Lamson, Loop, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, Redington, running line, simms, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|2 Comments

Late Fall Colors on the Missouri River – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

You could do worse this Thanksgiving week than spending some time on the MO’. The weather is certainly tolerable, especially by late November standards, with daily highs in the 40’s and nearing 50 this weekend. It’s been breezy and will continue to be so but that’s to be expected. Sustained South Southwest winds in the 14-16 mph range with higher gusts up to 28 mph, not ideal but definitely fishable.

Flows continue to be low, currently right around 3500 CFS with water temps holding above average for late November but continuing to slowly drop. We’re currently sitting at 41.5 degrees so you’ll definitely want to add some layers if you plan on spending any extended time wading.

Traffic has been very light. A few wade anglers around most days doing the swing thing and generally a couple of boats in the mix with the nymphing set working the dam stretch leaving most of the rest of the river unmolested.

Conditions are ideal for those late fall streamer trips on the MO and while the Trout Spey swingers are growing in numbers staking out their claims daily, the old-school single-handers are covering the miles and enjoying the lack of competition and some decent fall streamer fishing (depending on the day).

Many of the brown trout are post-spawn and looking for high calorie targets as they prepare for winter’s cold. The perfect storm of events and conditions for the fall streamer angler. That being said, there are plenty of active redds out there so please leave those fish alone and watch where you step when wade fishing.

A slow retrieve with plenty of pauses has been effective generally working the banks and drop-offs. We’ve been moving a few off of the banks but most of the action seems to be mid way between the bank and the boat in medium fast, moderate depth water. Much more so than the slow deep stuff at this point. Don’t overlook the swing either. Sometimes a swing/strip hybrid retrieve can be deadly.

Best colors vary depending on the day. Black, natural, grey, yellow, olive and white have all had their moments. Conventional wisdom says dark colors and dark days but don’t be afraid to buck convention. Mini Dungeons, MK Ultralights, Kreelex, Sparkle Minnows, Swim Coach, Dirty Hippies, Peanut Envies and Circus Peanuts have all been getting noticed as have smaller buggers and polar leeches. Switch patterns and colors often until you find something that works.

Wolf Creek Angler is your Missouri River Streamer Fishing Headquarters with an unrivaled selection of the big bugs, a streamer line for any and all situations and a deep passion for and knowledge of the sport which we absolutely love to talk about. Stop in for tips and techniques, your favorite bugs or anything and everything Missouri River Streamer Fishing.

Don’t care for streamer fishing? That’s ok too. Nymphing is providing plenty of action right now as the fish make the transition to winter conditions. As it’s been with the streamer bite, we’re still picking up fish on nymphs in medium fast water but they are starting to stack up in the traditional cold weather spots, deep and slow.

Target both starting with the faster water and then getting down into the slow depths if need be. Tailwater sows, black Zebras, Soft Hackle Sows and Rainbow Czechs are all standard fare for late fall and it wouldn’t hurt to start working some of the winter fare into the mix. Pill Poppers, Bubble Yums, Cotton Candy, Pink Rays, UV Crush, Caviar Scuds, Hot Bead anything….you know the routine. All available now at WCA.

And speaking of WCA, we’re changing things up again with our hours. We apologize for the frequent changes but Covid continues to dictate our operational status. Effective immediately our hours are Tuesday – Saturday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, CLOSED Sunday and Monday. Lodging will continue to be closed for the time being but don’t let that prevent you from calling to book your 2021 dates. It was brought to my attention last week when I announced we would not be taking any new lodging reservations that readers might construe that as us not taking reservations for next season which is absolutely not the case. We’ve just decided to close lodging for the time being while Covid continues to rage. We fully intend on being 100 percent open for business for the 2021 season so by all means, call now and book those dates.

We have suspended our shuttle service for the winter but will resume with vehicle shuttles in the spring.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to do our best to navigate through these strange times.

By Jason Orzechowski|2020-11-24T12:48:42-07:00November 24th, 2020|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Quiet on the MO’ photo by Wolf Creek Angler

We’ve definitely reached that time of year when angling traffic all but ceases on the MO’. The cold and snow have ushered in The Quiet and while you may find the occasional trout-obsessed, hard core angler out there swinging the tail outs or driving up and down the Recreation Road praying for BWO’s as they comb the side channels in search of rising trout, there is no shortage of solitude to be found on the river these days.

The same can unfortunately be said for the confines of the shop where we’ve been engaged in such year-end pleasantries as counting flies and FINALLY completing those pre-season orders. The season is now over for shop staff which means it’s just yours truly and usually the dog here as well to keep me company.

So while it is indeed The Quiet Time, it’s also that time of year when my job description is expanded to include ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that needs to be done. Housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, snow removal, security, phone calls, emails, dog walks, website work and more. And on the rare occasion a customer darkens the door, I may even get the chance to sell stuff.

Mid-November through the end of the year are by far the quietest weeks of the season. Hunters are afield and the holidays are approaching which means we simply don’t see much in the way of traffic. It’s a perfect opportunity to take stock of the season and think about how we can do things better next year and it’s also the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy the solitude of the season.

All that being said, I do expect there may be a slight uptick in traffic next week as we see things warm up early in the week with temps in the high 40’s though mid-week. The rest of this week doesn’t look terrible though temps remain in the 30’s and winds are forecast to increase with the least desirable day looking to be Saturday with sustained west winds 22-28 mph, gusting to 44 mph.

River flows are currently 3560 CFS with water temps hovering around 43.5 degrees. Water conditions are favorable for BWO emergence, weather conditions maybe not so much though Monday looks like it could shape up to be one of those quintessential fall BWO days with overcast skies and rain and snow in the mix. If the wind allows for it perhaps Monday will be the day you DFO’s have been waiting for.

If you’re swinging or stripping, weather and water conditions aren’t nearly as critical though overcast skies are certainly your friend as well. And those looking to chase the bobber will also welcome the cloud cover. Again, it won’t be busy even if we do see a few more folks around so if you haven’t had your fill of fall fishing next week looks like a good time to be here.

I’ve not heard of much happening on the dry fly front so I won’t waste your time with a report about how nothing is happening. If you’re a fall BWO angler you know the game, you’re not looking to us to tell you HOW to get it done, just maybe WHEN. We’ll keep you posted though if you find yourself reading about how great of a BWO day we had yesterday then it’s likely too late!

Nymphing reports have been on the sub-par side overall these past couple of weeks but any day could turn out to be the best day of your season. You won’t know if you don’t go! Your go-to bugs should be Rainbow Czechs, Tailwater Sowbugs, Zebra midges, Soft Hackle sows, Pill Poppers etc. and you might keep some baetis nymhs (Green Machine, split case BWO, BWO Magic Fly) in the mix though we are definitely entering winter nymphing conditions. Bring on the Pinks and Firebeads!

Streamer fishing has been decent depending on the day and should continue to produce. Swingers are getting them on Polar Leeches, Kreelex, Fruit Rollups and the like and while those work on the strip as well we’ve been getting plenty of action on Sparkle Minnows, Swim Coaches, Mini Dungeons, JJ’s and MK Ultralights.

Swing the tail outs and strip off the bank or through the flats and tail outs. Don’t overdo it with your stripping action. The water is getting cold so keep it on the slow side with plenty of pauses.

Just to remind you, our winter shop hours go into effect next week. Wednesday – Saturday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, CLOSED Sunday – Tuesday. The days we are open and our hours will fluctuate with the weather conditions. Please call ahead to make sure we’re here when you need us but expect that if the weather dictates it we will be here, at least in the mornings.
And once again, we have discontinued our shuttle service for the season and will resume shuttles in the spring. Please contact Headhunters Fly Shop for winter shuttles.

Steer Clear of the Covid, enjoy The Quiet and find the good in each and every day.

By Jason Orzechowski|2020-11-12T17:08:04-07:00November 12th, 2020|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Craven's Swim Coach, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Kreelex, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, pill popper, Rainbow Czech, running line, sparkle minnow, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow bug, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges, zk's mk ultralight|0 Comments

Previous 151617 Next