Missouri River Archives - Page 36 of 62

Fall Fishing in Full Swing on the MO’

October Skies over the MO’

As expected, this week of cool, cloudy, wet weather was just what we needed to get things going. By most accounts the fishing these past couple of days has been off the charts. Not only are we seeing the best fishing of the fall thus far, we’re seeing what has so far turned out to be the best fall fishing season we’ve had in several years.

I heard not one, but three different reports on two different days from folks who proclaimed they had experienced as good a fishing as they have ever had on the Missouri. These were all nymphing/streamer reports but it sounds like the dry-fly fishing hasn’t been too shabby either. Definitely still a Pseudo game for the most part but some bigger baetis starting to show as well.

This is the time of year you can fish any way you like and more than likely do pretty well. We’re rolling with streamer rods, nymphing rigs and dry fly rigs all at the ready.

The dam has remained a little quiet with most concentrating their efforts in the canyon or in the Wolf Creek – Spite stretches but there are fish everywhere and you should make it a point to explore some different water rather than sticking to the same two or three spots time and again. We’ve seen it a few times this past week where folks who fish the Bull Pasture etc religiously aren’t having great days and they have no idea where else to go. There are miles and miles of fish-filled water. Get out there and find your new favorite water!

Best bets for nymphing haven’t changed much. Sows, zebras, czechs, San Juan Worms, slender profile mayfly nymphs (Green Machines, Magic Flies, Juju Baetis etc) and a few starting to find some success on the firebeads and pink stuff as well.

Once again, the dry fly action is primarily a pseudo game but a #12 or #14 parachute Adams paired with an actual pseudo pattern or a smaller Adams or some variety of BWO might do the trick. I like an Olive Adams paired with a CDC Caddis Emerger, the fish do too. Have your favorite BWO emergers and cripples on deck as well, they may be seeing some playing time soon.

Streamers could be your ticket to your biggest fish of the season but keep your expectations reasonable and be prepared to work for them. Fish the bugs you believe in. Big or small, it’s up to you. Make America great again and fish one of each, they could be Stronger Together. Whatever you do make Wolf Creek Angler your first stop on your way to the MO. We are your streamer specialists with bins full of bugs you won’t find anywhere else, bugs which not only catch fish but which also transcend the stereotypes of size, style and color giving you the edge over those using the same old streamers the fish have been seeing for years. Not that those tried and true patterns don’t work, they do. Sometimes it’s just cool to break away from what you know and try something new.

It’s been a busy week in the shop with a big run on rain gear, waders, hand warmers, gloves and hats in addition to the usual bug and shuttle purchases.

We’ve got a full house right now and will for most of the remainder of the season though it does taper off the last week in October. That’s when the real hard-core fall anglers start to show. The porches have been abuzz with activity each night as our guests return from the river (or from watching the ball game) and recount the events of the day while staving off the chill in the air with a cocktail or two….it’s great to have all of these people around as we anticipate the quiet winter months ahead.

Look for one more day of clouds tomorrow before things brighten up this weekend. Sunshine returns with highs back in the 60’s for the weekend and at this point it looks like plenty of sunshine on tap for next week.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:31-06:00October 6th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Rainy days on the MO’

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Weather got you down?

It shouldn’t! This is what we think of when we think of fall fishing on the Missouri. Cold, wet, cloudy…..what’s not to like?

This is BWO weather and it’s also the kind of weather the streamer junkies dream of. With a chance for showers (both the rain and snow varieties) all week long and temps hanging south of 50 you can expect plenty of traffic out there and while we make no guarantees we think the fishing could be off the charts.

It’s a great time to fish the Missouri provided you have the right gear but there are few things more miserable as being stuck in a drift boat on a rainy 40 degree day , soaked to the core. Hypothermia tends to really detract from the experience.

We’ve all got our favorite pieces of essential gear for this type of weather but at the very least this is what we would recommend for ultimate comfort.

Redington SonicDry base layers. These pants and crew shirts are the perfect next to skin layer. SonicDry™ baselayer is powered by 37.5™ Permanent Technology and dries 2X faster than the competition, making your outdoor experience warmer, drier and more comfortable. This product is the answer for any outdoor adventure.

SIMMS Wading Socks. Use these premium Merino Wool Socks in conjunction with Simms liner socks to wick away moisture and keep your feet warm and dry all day.

Simms ColdWeather Pants. These micro-fleece lined pants are the best thing since sliced bread! If it gets really cold you can wear them over a base layer but I wear them by themselves until the temps drop into sub-zero conditions. They feature an adjustable waist and the Velcro closures on the cuffs prevent them from bunching up making them the perfect under-wader pants. You won’t believe how comfortable these pants are. It’s the best $100 you’ll spend this fall! coldweather

Simms ColdWeather Shirt. Equally as cozy and comfortable, these brushed flannel shirts feature waffle fleece lining and are the perfect insulating layer over your base. We love them for fishing of course but we wear them on and off the water. Quite possibly THE perfect fall and winter shirt. 20314-furyorangeplaid-l

Redington Sonic Pro Waders. At just under $300 you won’t find a more economical choice. These ultra-durable 4-layer waders feature Ultra-Sonic welded construction, articulated seams for ease of mobility and a reinforced lower leg for increased durability. You can spend a lot of money on waders and you generally get what you pay for but we sell a pile of Sonic Pros because they have many of the same features as some of the higher end waders at a fraction of the cost. sonic

Simms Guide Jacket – The Guide™ Jacket is a proven work horse that is built-to-fish with Gore-Tex® Shell fabric that’s waterproof, breathable, lightweight, and tenacious against tears.

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Kast Steelhead Gloves. We talk about these gloves a lot and we sell a bunch of them. There are all kinds of gloves to choose from out there but we know of none other quite like these. Patented OutDry technology makes them 100% waterproof/submersible, windproof, and breathable. Plus the warm fleece lining, and durable stretch shell give you the snug fit and uncompromising feel that you need in the fingertips, and an extended cuff for valuable additional coverage at the wrist.

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Block out the wind and the rain and you’re good. You’ll be surprised just how nasty of weather you can tolerate as long as you are dry. We’ve got all of the listed items above (and many more) in stock now at Wolf Creek Angler, your Missouri River fall fly fishing one stop.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:31-06:00October 3rd, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Redington, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Late September on the MO’

We’re closing out September with another dose of summer with sunshine and highs approaching 80 for the next couple of days. Fall returns Sunday as we return to more seasonable weather with highs in the 50’s and a chance of rain each day through the middle of next week.

We’re enjoying the sunshine and the fishing has been good but we’re excited for the return of fall weather this weekend. Sunny blue sky days make the fall colors pop….it’s beautiful out there right now. The bad news is the fish don’t like cloudless sunny days so if it’s rising fish and dry flies you prefer next week is looking good. Like dry-fly fishing, streamer fishing gets better with cloud cover so if you like either you should plan to be here next week. If you have no preference and just want to catch fish then you should be here now. Nymphing will get it done, rain or shine and this isn’t to say that you can’t fish dries or streamers on bright sunny days. You can and you should and you will likely encounter some success no matter what your method if you work hard enough at it.

Having trouble getting it figured out? Stop by the shop and pick our brains. We like nothing better than helping folks get dialed in on the MO’.

Best bets for this week –

Nymphs. Tailwater Sows, Tan UV Czechs, Little Green Machines, Weight Flies in gold or purple, Juju’s, Olive Psychomays, Superflash PTs, Trina’s BWO Angelcase Emergers, Rainbow Warriors, Military Mays, San Juan Worms, Peep Shows and October Caddis nymphs.

Fish tandem nymphs with a split shot medium to long on depth shortening up and ditching the weight late in the day.

Dries – Sprout Baetis, WCA Trudes, Wilcox’s Micromay BWO, Nyman’s DOA Cripple Baetis, Flash Cripples, Olive Para Adams, Ants, October Caddis, CDC Baetis Emerger, Cripple Callibaetis, Pseudos.

Streamers – Sparkle Minnow, JJ, Late Night Wanda, Dolly Llama, Sundell’s Moss Fire, ZK’s Mercenary, Baby Gonga, Autumn Splendor, Circus Peanut, Skiddish Smolt.

Olives and naturals have been good but don’t be afraid to throw something different at them.Stop by WCA for information overload on effective streamer strategies. We are your streamer specialists on the MO’ and beyond.

Make Wolf Creek Angler your Missouri River Fall Fly Fishing Destination. More on-site lodging than anyone, a hard-working guide crew the number one priority of which is making your time on the water a success as defined by you and an up and coming Missouri River Fly Shop fully stocked with everything you need including SIMMS sportswear and accessories and the largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

We’re the best fly shop you never even knew was here. Open daily at 7 AM. Nobody is open earlier!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:32-06:00September 28th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Fall on the Blackfoot

One of the drawbacks (if you can call it that) of owning and running a shop on one of the best trout rivers in the world is that you tend to miss out on a lot of other fly fishing opportunities on other waters. Let’s face it, there is no place like the MO so why would anyone want to go anywhere else?

Well the short answer is that there is a lifetime and beyond of amazing trout water here in Montana and while our first love is definitely the Missouri we make no apologies for spending time exploring other rivers.

One of these other rivers is just a short drive over the divide and offers a completely different experience than what we have here. The Blackfoot River begins at the Continental Divide about 10 miles northeast of Lincoln and flows west 75 miles to where it enters the Clark Fork River just east of Missoula.

Made famous by Norman Maclean’s 1976 novella “A River Runs Through It” and even more so by the 1992 movie of the same name, The Blackfoot is home to numerous species of fish including brown and rainbow trout as well as West Slope cutthroats, char and mountain whitefish.

It is a classic freestone stream in every sense and while it’s just a short drive from the Missouri River it is a completely different world marked by mountains and wilderness and everything you might picture when you think of the classic Montana wilderness fly fishing experience.

Don’t tell the MO’ but I have been in love with the Blackfoot since the first time I saw her and I am over there any chance I get.

I’ve spent countless hours on the Blackfoot but up until last Thursday I had never floated this amazing river. It’s something I’ve been meaning to do since I moved to Montana but things being what they are, I just never made it over there with a boat and a full day to float the river. It took a visit from friends from Michigan to make it happen and now I am all that much more smitten.

It is so worth your time to go experience a day on this water and while you won’t likely catch the quantity or size of fish you catch regularly on the Missouri, it’s an outing you won’t soon forget. Crystal clear water, deep blue pools, chutes runs and riffles, high canyon walls…the Blackfoot has all of this and cutthroats too!

If you’re coming for a few days we highly recommend a day on the Blackfoot to go along with your days on the MO’. We’ve got expert guides for both and we would love to share this treasure with you. Ask about it when you call us to book your Montana fly fishing adventure.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:32-06:00September 26th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Blackfoot River, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Big Fish – Small Bug, Zebra Midge days on the MO. Photo by Rudy Malmquist

A very fall-like day today in Wolf Creek with mid 40’s and rain showers. We’ll see a low of 31 tonight so it’s likely going to be a chilly start to the day tomorrow but blue skies will return and it should be very pleasant with plenty of sunshine and a high near 60.

We will see a warming trend beginning on Wednesday and should see temps near 80 for the weekend with plenty of sunshine. Expect a busy recreational weekend if the forecast holds as it could be the last of the summertime splash and giggle days.

The busy fall fishing season has begun and we expect to see plenty of traffic around from here on out. Not June/July traffic mind you but enough traffic that you should expect plenty of company out there. We’ve got more guide trips going out this week then we’ve had any week since July and we’re close to capacity on lodging for the early part of this week but don’t worry, things open up by the end of the week so give a call today and book that fall fly fishing adventure on the Missouri. Plenty of guides and plenty of lodging available for the time being before it gets crazy again the first part of October. That could all change with a phone call or two which is generally how it goes in the fall but at this time we’ve got a spot for you at Wolf Creek Angler for mid to late September fishing on the MO’.

The word is out and more and more folks are coming to find that WCA is a great option for Missouri River fly fishing any time of the year. With more on-site lodging than any other shop, the hardest working, most professional guide and shop staff you’ll find anywhere and a fully provisioned Missouri River Fly Shop with everything you need for your days on the water, you needn’t go anywhere else. We are the only Outfitter Owned and Operated Full Service Fly Shop in Wolf Creek Montana and we would like nothing better than to be your Missouri River fly fishing destination.

Keep thinking nymphing this week but expect dry fly action as well with plenty of pseudos around and reportedly some caddis activity in the evenings. The terrestrial bite is definitely waning but don’t rule it out completely just yet, especially as we creep back up into the mid to high 70’s later this week and into the early part of next week. Your favorite hopper/ant or hopper/small mayfly nymph combo may still net surprising results. You won’t know unless you try it. Moorish hoppers, Chubbys and ants in various flavors and increasingly the October Caddis are all getting eats river-wide.

Zebras, zebras and more zebras where nymphing is concerned, especially at the dam. Green Machines, PsychoMays, S & M’s, 2 Bits, San Juan Worms, various Cray Fish patterns, sows, scuds, magic flies, split case bwo’s, Juju’s, Czechs…….and on and on. No super hot single bug right now save the aforementioned Zebra Midge but plenty of fish being caught on plenty of different flies. Fish what you like and what you have confidence in. You’ll be surprised what a difference your attitude can make. In fact your attitude can often times have way more of a bearing on your level of success (or lack thereof) than any fly ever could.

Those playing the streamer game continue to report moderate to good action, depending on the day. Good options as of late have been Dirty Hippies, Moss Fires, Late Night Wandas, Sparkle Minnows, Space Invaders, Autumn Splendors, and a couple of Zach’s exclusives we just can’t seem to keep in stock.

Stop by the shop on your way to the river for up to the minute intel, what some have called the best coffee in the canyon, shuttles, cold weather gear, sun protection, ARC lines, LOOP rods and reels and much more. Open daily at 7 AM. Nobody is open earlier!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:32-06:00September 12th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, RO Drift Boats, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Autumn is a magical time on the Missouri – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

It feels like the real deal this week as we make the transition from summer into early fall. Cool days and downright chilly nights have been the norm and it doesn’t look like that’s going to change anytime soon save for a brief return to summer weather on Saturday when we’ll see temps approaching 80. Back to 50’s and 60’s next week.

Fishing has been steadily improving with the change in the weather to the point where we can tell you with minimal disclaimers that it’s been consistently good. Of course there’s always the chance that you could hit it on an off day but for the most part we’ve hearing good to great reports from our customers and guests and there have been plenty of smiling faces around.

The dam is hot right now and not coincidentally is also the busiest piece of water. Guide trips and do-it-yourselfers alike have been cleaning up on the double zebra rigs as well as various cray fish patterns paired with a zebra. Mayfly nymphs and Czech nymphs have also been effective, generally when paired with….you guessed it…a zebra midge. Notice a trend here?

Black Zebras, Tan or Rainbow Czechs, Little Green Machines, Split Case BWO’s, BWO Magic Flies, Rainbow Warriors, Lightning Bugs in various flavors, Tailwater Sows, 2 Bits, Peep Shows, Military Mays, Claws R’ Cray, Snapping Crays. Juan’s Hi Def Baetis, Juju’s…..and on and on. Our advice? Double nymph rig fished mid-column in medium fast, medium depth water. We recommend you go with at least one black zebra midge and fish whatever you like for the second bug. Adjust your depth accordingly and stick with it once you find the right bug/depth/weight combo. More often than not once you are dialed in to where the fish are you will likely find them in that same type of water as you work your way up or downstream. Other times you cross that invisible line and everything changes. Lately that invisible line has been marked by a very visible Wolf Creek Bridge. Some tough runs from the bridge to Craig, especially in the afternoon but even those starting there in the morning are finding it to be on the slow side right now.

Even the dry fly anglers have been smiling this week with an abundance of Pseudos around and also some reports of good caddis action in the evenings. Hoppers and ants should definitely remain a major part of your dry fly game right on into early October and it’s also time to throw the fabled October Caddis into the mix. Best Sellers from the dry fly bins this week have been Olive Para Pseudos , WCA Trudes, Blooms Stealth Ants, Black Para Ants, Dandelion RS2’s, Rocky Mountain Mints, Double Wing Tricos, Hi Viz Griffiths Gnat, Corn Fed Caddis and Olive Para Adams. On the foam side pink or purple Moorish Hoppers and Purple Chubbys are definitely on the move but we’ve got plenty of other flavors as well if you want to show them something different which is never a bad call.

Streamers? Absolutely! We tend to push the streamer game at WCA being that Zach and I are both streamer fanatics and will throw them in ANY and ALL conditions, but that being said it’s been a good week for streamer fishing on the MO’ (and elsewhere) and it’s only going to get better as we move into the heart of fall. Stop by Wolf Creek Angler and check out our ever-expanding selection of streamers including a bunch of custom patterns you aren’t going to find in any other shop. We’ve also just gotten a bunch of new stuff in for fall including a fresh batch of Dirty Hippies!

The switch has been flipped and we’re back in the full swing of things with rooms filled, trips out, rental boats out and plenty of activity each morning around the shop. We hope you make WCA your first stop on the way to the MO’. We are your Missouri River Fly Fishing One Stop with On-Site lodging, the best guides on the river, vehicle shuttle service, drift boat and equipment rentals and a shop full of everything you need for your day on the water.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:32-06:00September 8th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Coming Soon…..

We’ve finally bid farewell to a long, quiet August and while today is a bit of a carryover with hot weather and a relatively quiet river, change is coming right on cue.

We’ll see temps cool over the next couple of days and it will really feel like fall on Sunday and Monday with rain and highs in the 50’s. Sounds like streamer weather to me….bring it on.

And speaking of streamers, I fished with my good friend Brad Turner http://www.pmangler.com/ from Michigan the last couple of days and despite the bright sunny conditions we did manage to move a bunch of fish and even boated a few. Brad is a total streamer junkie and taught me much of what I know about the streamer game. He likes to throw the BIG bugs and he and his crew back in Michigan have been revolutionizing the game in their own way with some cutting edge patterns designed to move in such a way when fished correctly that no self-respecting monster trout can resist at least coming out to have a look.

I was a bit skeptical since I’ve grown accustomed to the smaller bugs we typically throw on the MO’ but sure enough these bugs swim like none I’ve ever seen and we moved enough fish within a mile or two to make me a believer. I’ll be continuing to test these bugs out throughout the fall as the streamer fishing improves and you can expect to find a few of them in the bins at WCA very soon. These aint no wooly buggers….they’re big complex bugs and you’re going to work if you’re fishing them like they need to be fished! Amateurs need not apply! Intrigued? Book a streamer trip with WCA on the MO’ this fall or look Brad up for some Michigan streamer action on the Pere Marquette or Manistee. He’s also doing destination trips to the White in Arkansas. Inquire with him about this or give us a call and we can get you hooked up with his crew for Big Browns on the White in February. We may even join you!

Brad Turner with a beast of a White River Brown

We love throwing streamers, especially in the fall and spring, and while the Missouri is not known as a great streamer river, those who put in their time and work hard at it are often times rewarded. Stop by the shop for all the latest tips and techniques, a wide array of specialty streamer lines from Rio and Airflo, some awesome streamer sticks from Loop, Echo and St Croix and a great selection of bugs, many of which you won’t find in any other shop.

Don’t care for streamers? No worries! The nymphing has been consistently good, especially at the dam and while Trico fishing is all but done there is definitely enough terrestrial action to keep it interesting for those looking for the dry fly experience.

The water is in good shape by September standards and it looks like we’ll see consistent flows throughout the fall season. We did see a bit of a drop recently and it looks like we’ll be sitting just south of 4K for the fall and winter months. Current water temps are holding in the low to mid 60’s and should begin to drop into the 50’s with consistently cool nights and cooler daytime temps on the way. Have I mentioned that we’re getting excited about streamer fishing? Bring on the rain and cool weather. Screenshot (77)

A busy weekend ahead at Wolf Creek Angler though we do still have a few rooms available. Give a call today and book yourself a room and a day or two of fall fishing on the Missouri.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:32-06:00September 1st, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, fly fishing, Missouri River, RIO, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Late August Missouri River Fishing Report

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It’s been pretty much Status Quo these last couple of weeks on the Missouri. No dramatic changes in the weather, no dramatic changes in the flows or water temps. The fishing has been pretty good on some days, pretty slow on others, definitely lacking consistency.

The dam seems to be heating up and consequently will be where you find most of the traffic right now though it’s far from what we would call busy. As you would expect nymphing is going to be your best bet for putting fish in the boat. #20 Black Zebras (black or silver bead) have been effective run in tandem with a tan UV or Rainbow Czech, Pheasant Tail, Dark Peep Show, BWO Magic Fly, LGM, brown 2 Bit etc. Cray Fish have reportedly been working some days so a Claws R or Snapping Cray wouldn’t be a bad call but personally I haven’t had much luck with the Crays as of late.

Everyone’s got their favorite rig right now. Some are doing really well short leashing, others are running deep rigs. We’ve been running medium length rigs in shallowish faster water without weight and picking up plenty of fish. If you aren’t getting them in spots you think you should be, adjust the length/weight of your rig a few times before switching bugs out. Not that the bugs don’t make a difference….they definitely do, but we find more often than not that it’s the length/weight of the rig rather than the bug selection that makes the biggest difference.

Streamer fishing was definitely the talk around the shop last week with Olive and White being the ticket, though we heard of some success on flashy copper stuff as well. ZK’s Stun Gun in Olive was the meal ticket for several days late last week but we also heard good reports on the Circus Peanut, Skiddish Smolt, Keller’s Late Night Wanda. ZK’s Son of Bunny all in olive and of course Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow both the Sculpin and JJ. The cloudy days are better streamer days as you would expect but that being said, we’ve had plenty of action on the bright sunny days as well so don’t let the sun get you down!

Dry fly fishing has fallen off though Hoppers and ants are getting eaten with some regularity. There are still plenty of Tricos around on a daily basis but finding fish on them continues to be a challenge. If you want to play the dry fly game we suggest sticking with hoppers and/or ants. Purple, Tan, Yellow or Pink More or Less or Moorish Hoppers, Grape Fat Franks and Purple Yeti Hoppers in #08 or #10 have all been effective. Black or Cinnamon Ants and Blooms Stealth Ant in purple should all be found in your terrestrial box.

Fish streamers, fish hoppers, fish nymphs…..they’re all effective right now.

Traffic should remain fairly light this week though we are expecting a lot of folks around for the Labor Day weekend so if its solitude you seek we recommend getting out here sometime between now and Thursday. We’ve got a couple of rooms left for the holiday weekend and then things open up starting on Tuesday. Slowly but surely you’ll see a bump in the angler traffic over the next couple of weeks. By mid-September (or sooner with the Yellowstone closure) it will resemble July and will hopefully be fishing great.

Give us a call today and book your Montana Fall Fly Fishing Adventure on the MO’.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 29th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

This Week on the MO’

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A breezy start to the week today but it looks like it could be great week for late summer fishing on the Missouri. We’ll see highs in the 70’s all week with overnight lows in the mid 40’s keeping things cool but we are under a Red Flag warning today which means that critical fire weather conditions are occurring. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Winds will diminish this evening though it will still be on the breezy side out there tomorrow with southwest winds 8-14 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.

On the bright side, a couple of good hopper days at hand so get out there.

You can’t count on the trico bite on these breezy days as the bugs tend to get blown off of the water but the breeze is your friend if you’re fishing hoppers and ants. Maybe not exactly your friend, but more like an acquaintance you don’t really care for but whom you tolerate. The wind is a challenge to the rower and will also challenge the best of casters but it also tends to deliver natural terrestrials to the water as they are blown off course by gusty winds, ending up on the water where they are immobilized and likely soon to end up a big meal for a big trout. It stands to reason that if there are more naturals hitting the water on a particular day then the trout key on them so you should take advantage of these breezy days and get your hopper game on.

We’re having good luck with More or Less Hoppers in Pink, Purple and Golden and have also had some looks on the purple Yeti Hopper. Moorish in tan, yellow and pink are always a good call and Pink Fat Alberts are getting some attention as well. Our bins are loaded with foam and our terrestrial selection rivals that of any other shop. If you haven’t been in to check out Wolf Creek Angler you owe it to yourself to do so. We’ve got all the bugs, all the gear, all the service and more in the most laid back, non-intimidating atmosphere you’ll find anywhere.

Nymphers have been finding success on most sections of the river though the canyon and the dam are going to be your best bets. We’ve had plenty of action on Claws R Cray or Snapping Crays paired with black zebra midges or dark Peep Shows though there are definitely good days and not-so-good days with the cray so once you’ve run it for a good while and made plenty of depth adjustments if you aren’t hooking up then set it aside for another day. Purple lightning bugs and Holla Back Girls in pink or purple, Olive or PMD S & M’s, LGM’s, Pheasant Tails, Tailwater Sows, Psycho Mays, Split Case PMD’s, Military Mays, 2 Bits and many more….all catching fish. Fish what you like and what you have faith in, you’ll be amazed at the difference having confidence in your flies will make.

Streamers? Absolutely. Definitely better on the cloudy days (Wednesday looks like your best shot this week) but worth throwing on the sunny days as well. The weeds can be a challenge but if you pick your spots and are willing to change bugs a lot until you find what’s working you could be in for some action. Some of our goto’s as of late have been Circus Peanuts, Rainbow Snot Rockets, Space Invaders, ZK’s Stun Guns and Keller’s Late Night Wanda in Olive. All of these and many more available now at Wolf Creek Angler.

Plenty of lodging and guides available right on through the end of the month and don’t forget our Dog Days Special. Book a night’s lodging and a full day guide trip and we’ll throw in a second night of lodging for free.

Open daily at 6:30 AM for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 22nd, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Hopper Time!

Blue skies and sunshine this weekend, highs in the 80’s and 90’s for the next few days before we see another cool down late in the week.

Angling traffic is on the light side but do expect plenty of rec floaters out there this weekend. It’s going to be a gorgeous couple of days to float the river.

What fishing traffic there is seems to be concentrated in the canyon which by all accounts is fishing very good right now, especially by August standards. Weeds are a challenge, but nothing you can’t handle. While the canyon is getting some good press right now don’t limit yourself. Try the lower river, try the upper river…..there are fish everywhere!

Plenty of options right now if you’re willing to switch it up early and often but for my money I would go with a hopper (or a chubby) and either a Rubber Legs or your favorite mayfly nymph.

We’re liking the Moorish and More or Less Hoppers in pink and also having some luck with the #12 White Cloud Hoppers in peach. Don’t overlook yellow either, most of the naturals I’ve seen around (and there aren’t a bunch of them) have been yellow. We’ve had luck with everything from #8’s to #12’s but I think there’s a tendency to want to go big and that isn’t always the ticket. If you aren’t getting any looks at that #8 try something small or get the best of both worlds and trail an ant off that #8 hopper, then you’ll have the right size meal for any appetite.

As far as nymphs to drop, again we like the brown or brown/yellow rubber legs and all kinds of mayfly stuff. Split Case PMD’s, Military Mays, Docs Summer Bug, 2 Bits, Little Green Machines, Peeps, Purple Lightning Bugs, plain old PT’s….you get the picture. Additionally we’ve had some good days with the #16 purple weight fly, tan UV Czechs and various crayfish patterns.

Tricos? Yes and no. There are bugs. There are fish eating them but those who are here specifically for the Trico fishing have been disappointed for the most part. Rig up an indicator spinner and a cdc emerger and have it at the ready in case you come across some rising fish. Otherwise grab your hopper rig and fire away. Hit the banks, hit the seams, hit the riffles and be ready for the take.

We’ve been a little hum-drum with our reports as of late, after all it is August but it’s definitely worth your time to come out and give it a shot. Sure there are some tough days, but there are also some really good days and there’s NOBODY HERE! That’s bad for us but it’s great for you if you’re hoping to have some water to yourself. Besides that, it’s summertime in Montana. Why wouldn’t you spend your day floating down a river?

We’ve got plenty of lodging available as well as abundant availability with the hardest working guides on the Missouri. We’re also offering free lodging as part of our Dog Days of Summer Special. Now through the end of August book a full day guide trip and a night of lodging and we’ll throw in a second night of lodging for free.

We’re open daily at 6:30 AM for all of your Missouri River Fly Fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:33-06:00August 13th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, grasshoppers, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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