Thanks for the Hat Tip
From our friends at Missoula River Lodge
photo by Joe Cummings
http://www.montanaflyfishingguide.com/2015/11/fishing-the-end/
Friday Fishing Report
Dan had his best day ever on the Missouri – photo by Wolf Creek Angler
It’s been a windy week on the Missouri with the exception of yesterday morning which turned out to be one of the better days we’ve had recently both weather wise and fishing wise. Calm winds and sunny skies made for an exceptionally nice November day on the water.
My friend Dan is in from Michigan for a few days and we had intended on fishing the Missouri every day. Wednesday’s winds forced a change in plans and we opted to go try our luck throwing streamers on the Blackfoot. I always enjoy wading the Blackfoot but the fishing was extremely slow and extremely challenging with high winds and snow. We covered many miles of water Wednesday between two rivers with only one fish landed and a couple of flashes and tugs to keep it interesting but a tough day overall.
We knew Thursday would be our window of opportunity on the Missouri with less wind in the forecast and it turned out to be even nicer that what we were expecting, at least up until mid-afternoon when the howl returned. We opted for the Dam to Craig run to keep it simple and had the whole thing pretty much to ourselves with just two other boats on the water. I had not been out on the MO recently so we started out with the rig and the water we’ve been hearing have been the go-to but the shallow water/short leash combo proved to be a bust for us. Once we found the right water and the right rig things turned on for the better part of the day up until the time the winds returned. The deeper, slower winter water was good for us running with a deeper rig but still no weight. We had success with black zebras and a pink amex but caught the majority of our fish on a #18 tailwater sow.
We had fully intended on throwing streamers but never got away from the bobber. We also had the dry-fly rig at the ready but unfortunately those opportunities didn’t materialize. That’s kind of been the story for most of the fall. There are BWO’s around but not very many and not with the consistency we would like to see. It’s been a disappointing fall for the die hard dry fly anglers but if you’re willing to chase the bobber it’s been good more often than not.
Traffic on the water is extremely light though there are a few folks around and we’re still booking trips and lodging for those who enjoy the solitude of fall fishing. We’re full for the weekend but have plenty of availability next week. It looks like this weather pattern is going to hold for the time being with breezy, but comfortable days so it certainly wouldn’t be a bad week to come out and fish with us. Colder temps expected by the end of next week.
Give the shop a call for up-to-the-minute reports on the weather and the fishing and stop by on your way to the water for shuttles, bugs, Kast cold weather gear, RO Drift Boat Rentals and great end-of-season deals on rods, reels and more.
Missouri River Fishing Report 11.5.15
Based on my view from today, I’m calling it. It’s official, my favorite time of the year on the Missouri. That awesome transitional period of time when the foothills are getting dusted in snow, the crowds have all but disappeared, bugs are out, fish are up, the crock-pots’ been doing its thing all day and coffee comes with Kahlua and Beam. I got out just as the sun rose above the hills and started burning off the morning fog and lasted through the afternoon. If it wouldn’t have been for one other lone wader in some back water, I would have had the place to myself today. I won’t complain about that though, after all, when you start your day with Kahlua & Coffee, you really can’t complain about much.
First Snow
We got a couple of inches of snow overnight though it’s rapidly disappearing with temps in the high 30’s today. As predicted yesterday’s grey skies and intermittent snow/rain/sleet made for a great day on the water with plenty of bugs and plenty of fish willing to eat. Similar conditions this morning though the clouds are rapidly dissipating. They’re calling for mostly sunny skies by this afternoon so now is the time!
Things are quiet on the river which is great for those who are around. Plenty of real estate to work with if you’re hunting heads and if you’re floating and throwing streamers or nymphing as you look for rising fish you’ve got miles of prime water virtually to yourself.
There have been a few folks around taking advantage of our winter lodging rates and while it certainly hasn’t been what we would consider busy we’ve had enough going on here to keep us occupied throughout the day. It’s that time of year when things slow down enough that part of the daily duties in the shop include laundry and housekeeping (and shoveling snow)!
We’ve got two rooms left for the weekend which looks like it’s going to be nice. Give us a call today and book one for yourself and while you’re at it why not book a guide trip? $99 gets you a cozy cabin or bungalow with private bath and a full kitchen.
Plenty of deals to be had in the shop as we clear out the items slated for obsolescence. Great deals on Ross and Nautilus Reels and Echo and St Croix rods. 30 % off summer logo wear from Simms and select Guide Wear from Kast and much more. Don’t forget we’ve got WCA Gift Cards good for everything we sell. They make the perfect gift for the fly anglers on your list.
The coffee is on and the shop is open at 7 AM daily, earlier than all the rest, for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs. Bugs, shuttles, Hand Warmers, hats, gloves, RO Drift Boat Rentals, Cold Weather gear from Kast and Redington and plenty of honest advice on the where, when and how. Stop in and say hi next time you’re in Wolf Creek, we’d love to visit with you and Jake would love for you to pet him and rub his belly. He’s suffering from neglect and attention deprivation since the arrival of the quiet time!
Welcome November
Frozen Boots Coming Soon – photo by Wolf Creek Angler
Things are about to get wintry around here which could make for some great days on the water in the days and weeks to come. We’ll see temps close to 50 today but the rest of the week will be much colder with daytime temps struggling to reach 40 and overnight lows in the low 20’s. It also looks like we will be getting what looks like it will be our first significant snowfall of the season beginning tonight and lasting through Wednesday. If you’re fishing this week remember to bring those waders and boots inside at night! Cold waders and frozen boots are no way to start your day.
Will the change in the weather mean BWO’s? We’re hoping so. There have been bugs around but not in the numbers or with the consistency we would like to see. Let’s hope the changes in the weather this week brings the bugs. If not the nymphing should be just fine. Good action on sows and scuds as of late with the Tailwater Sow really coming on. Try a sow with a Tungsten Rainbow Czech or Pink Amex as a point fly. LGM’s, S & M’s, Zebra Midges, lightning bugs, WD40’s, Magic Flies, Dark Peeps, Red Headed Step Child, various Pheasant Tails and Grey and Pink scuds all getting some attention.
Counting flies all week at WCA. Care to guess how many we have? We’ll let you know but I can tell you this for certain – we’ve got more flies now than have ever been assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.
We’ve booked some lodging and a few trips for the week with those in the know taking advantage of the upcoming conditions and hopefully cashing in. Why not join them? We’ve got plenty of vacancies and we’d love to have you here.
Shop open daily at 7 AM for all of your Missouri River Fly Fishing needs. Complimentary Hot Coffee, Cold Weather Gear from KAST, Redington, Outdoor Research and more. Hand Warmers, piles of warm hats and gloves and all the gear you need for your time on the water.
Celebrating Another Great Season at WCA
Team WCA. Jason and Sheila Orzechowski, Cindy Benson and Zach King.
Wolf Creek Angler 2015 Guide Crew. Pictured Left to Right Brock Long, Matt Mortenson, Luke Koerten, Matt Hargrave, Jason Orzechowski, Russ Dobrzynski, Jim Murray, Darrel DeLeon, Eric Mondragon
The WCA staff and guide crew gathered at Lewis and Clark Brewing Co in Helena last night to celebrate the end of the 2015 Guide Season, our best season yet by far!
A sincere thanks to all of those who worked so hard to continue to build the WCA brand. A lot of people took notice of Wolf Creek Angler this season and we’re committed to maintaining our focus on doing all the things we need to do to earn your business and make WCA your Missouri River Fly Shop of choice.
Thanks to Cindy, Sheila and Brandi for their outstanding work behind the scenes with the housekeeping and to Zach King for coming in late in the game and doing an awesome job of not just fitting in to the shop but of bringing his own unique energy to the table. We’re super stoked to have Zach on board and we’re excited for the future. Thanks also to Guides Matt Hargrave, Luke Koerten and Jim Murray for helping out in the shop when we needed it.
Our guide trip business saw tremendous growth this season and we will continue to build. Thanks to Jim Murray, Matt Hargrave, Brian Scott, Nick Kaufman, Luke Koerten, Stephen Caldwell, Eric Mondragon, Ardy Neuman, Mike Niles, Russ Dobrzynski, Justin Lawrence, Rob Weiker, Jerel Beougher, Ryan Stultz, Brock Long, Matt Mortenson, Darrel DeLeon and Jeff Johnson for all of your hard work on the water. We count on you to keep them coming back and we’re proud to have you representing our shop.
We would also like to thank our friends at The Trout Shop, Headhunters Fly Shop, Crosscurrents Fly Shop and Trout Montana for continuing to welcome us to the fold.
Most importantly – a huge thank you to all of our guests and customers who make the realization of this dream possible. We are thrilled with the success we’ve had so far but our focus remains on the future. As it’s been from day one, WCA is a work in progress. Expect continuous improvement on everything from the lodging to the shop to the web site and beyond with our goal being to offer you a great product in a laid back, ego-free atmosphere with a constant commitment to customer service.
It’s nice to reflect on the season but keep in mind that while many have put away their fishing gear for the year, for others the season never ends. We’re here for you. We are open all year for lodging, guide trips, shuttles and a shop full of everything you need for Missouri River fly fishing.
See you in the shop and on the water!
Bidding Farewell to October
The lure of the Yellowstone – photo by Wolf Creek Angler
Fall Brown on the Yellowstone – photo by Wolf Creek Angler
Finally seeing the fall weather we’ve been hoping for these last few days as we close out October and prepare for what could be a very productive November on the Missouri .
Plenty of cloud cover, cooler temps and some precipitation in the forecast. Definitely BWO weather and the Streamer crowd is mobilized and ready for things to heat up out there.
We ventured to the Yellowstone on Thursday with high hopes of epic streamer action and while we had near perfect weather conditions it was a less-than epic day of streamer fishing. We got a fair amount of chases and did manage to boat several nice browns but nothing in the hog class. Regardless, there’s nothing quite like a fall day on the Stone and it’s always a good time hanging around Livingston for a night.
Meanwhile back on the MO it sounds like we had a couple of solid days out there. The winds have returned today and it’s likely going to be breezy all weekend with WSW winds sustained around 20 and gusting over 30. A chance of rain all weekend and perhaps some snow rolling in on Monday.
If you just can’t resist the thought of some windy, rainy days on the river we’ve got a couple of vacancies tonight and tomorrow. Off-Season rates start on Sunday and we’ve got vacancies a plenty from here on out so when the weather settles and you’re ready to hit the water and have miles of river virtually to yourself give us a call and book a room for $99/night + tax. Hordes of unemployed guides wandering around aimlessly as well so come on out and put them to work. We’re expecting a good November…possibly everything October didn’t turn out to be. There could be some great dry-fly and streamer days ahead and the nymphing will be just fine as we settle into winter fishing mode on the Missouri.
Look no further than Wolf Creek when making your plans for late fall/winter fishing on the Missouri River. A first-rate, full-service fly shop with great lodging accommodations, two bar/restaurants, the only gas station/convenience store between Helena and Cascade and all within minutes of Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge. There’s NOBODY closer! We hope you make Wolf Creek and WCA your off-season Missouri River Fly Fishing destination.
The shop will close at 4 today for the WCA Staff Appreciation Party.
See you bright and early at 7 AM tomorrow morning.
The Week Ahead
Missouri River Perch on the Fly. Photo by Jim Murray
Finally feeling like fall around here with some sustained cooler weather. Highs in the 40’s and 50’s and lows in the 30’s this week and a pretty good chance we’ll see some snow showers tomorrow. Many of the leaves have already fallen and the traffic on the river has been light on most days. Many have shifted their attention to hunting for the time being and it won’t be long before the focus turns to the holidays. We’ll be right here through it all, awaiting your return to the river and enjoying a little solitude in the mean time.
Speaking of holidays – get all of your Christmas shopping done early with a visit to Wolf Creek Angler. We’ve got everything for the fly fishers on your list. Can’t decide what to get them? A Wolf Creek Angler gift card is the perfect choice. Good for anything we sell, including shuttles.
For those who choose to fish it should be good this week as we continue the transition into late fall/winter fishing. Things have been a little inconsistent out there with a couple of really good days and a fair share of not-so-good ones. A full portion of blue skies and bright sunshine served with a side of mediocrity! There have been BWO’s around but not like what we like (and expect) to see this time of year. Tomorrow’s snow and rain and cloud cover could change that, we’ll keep you posted.
Nymphing has been decent with many opting for the short leash as of late. We’ve been selling a ton of Strike Foundry Lil’ Nuggets as well as Palsa Pinch-On Indicators and we’re also fully stocked on Air-Locks in the 1/2″, 3/4″ and 1″ sizes if you prefer. Czechs, Zebras, Lightning Bugs, LGM’s, Magic Flies, S & M’s…..the usual suspects with the relatively recent addition of your favorite sows and scuds.
Streamers? We haven’t had great weather for streamer fishing but even so, it streamers are your game then by all means, throw streamers, rain or shine. I finally got a chance to hit the water last Friday with WCA Guide Extraordinaire Jim Murray and committed all of my fishing time to throwing streamers in the bright sun. I moved a couple of fish on the sparkle minnow and then covered all colors and sizes before settling into the JJ which ended up moving a dozen or so fish. Lots of chases (15-20), a couple engagements…nothing to hand. Not a bad day of streamer fishing in my opinion, especially given the conditions. It’s always nice to hook up but the chase is more than half the fun of streamer fishing for me.
We’ve got plenty of vacancies this week with the exception of Thursday night so give us a call today to book a room and/or guide trip. Our motel units are closed for the season but we will have cabins and bungalows through the end of November and the bungalows will be open all winter long. The forecast is for another mild winter so we expect we’ll be fairly busy with winter lodging and fishing. Off-season rates go into effect November 1st. Cabins and bungalows with full kitchens for $99/night plus tax.
Come enjoy fall on the Missouri.
Winding Down
Despite the much-anticipated arrival of the BWO’s, some consistently good fall nymphing and the continued unseasonably warm weather, these last few days feel like the winding down has begun. Not from a fishing standpoint mind you, in fact it’s about to get really good out there, but the traffic has dropped off considerably, Izaaks is closed for the season and you just get the sense that we’ve entered the quiet time on the Missouri. I’m sure it has a lot to do with the abbreviated daylight and the long shadows we start to get this time of year in the canyon – not much sunlight hitting the shop right now. All that aside, we’ve still got full lodging through next week and we’re anticipating a busy weekend with cooler weather and the chance for some rain and snow showers starting Sunday.
A lot of folks will be turning their attention to hunting with the big game general season opener happening Saturday. If you’re not a hunter though this is the time to plan a late season fishing trip to the Missouri. With the bugs just getting going and the weather turning we are likely in for some exceptional dry-fly fishing and the streamer bite should only improve from here on out.
Give us a call and book your trips today. We’ve got a few lodging openings next week and we’ve got a bunch of guides wandering around looking for work. Wait another week and start taking advantage of our off-season lodging rates beginning November 1st.
If you’re just coming out to fish for the day make Wolf Creek Angler your one stop for everything you need for your day on the river. Shuttles, RO Drift boat rentals, KAST Extreme Fishing Gear, Redington Sonic Dry base layers and waders and boots, St Croix Bank Robber Demo Rods, Complimentary Montana Maid Coffee, Cigars, Smith Sunglasses, hats and gloves from Outdoor Research and of course, the biggest and best selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.
There is soon to be a BWO Explosion and the ensuing feeding frenzy and you could have the river virtually to yourself. Don’t tell anyone – just get out here and fish the Missouri.
See you in the shop and on the water. Open daily at 7 AM for everything Missouri River Fall Fly Fishing.
Mid Week, Mid-October Missouri River Fishing Report
The first half of October has been a blur with the “second season” definitely in full effect. Traffic on the river has been moderate for the most part with a couple of very busy days and a handful of days with no one around.
WCA has been abuzz with activity all month with a full house on the lodging end of things and a bunch of trips and boat rentals going out daily. We hired Zach just in time for the rush!
It’s been great catching up with our fall regulars as well as welcoming and getting to know many new guests who have fallen under the spell of the Missouri and have vowed to return. What a great time of year to be in the fly fishing business in Montana!
The weather has felt more like summer than fall thus far but we’ve been enjoying the cool nights and cold mornings and while we’ve had our share of wind and sunshine there have been a few relatively calm, cloudy days which have resulted in some awesome days on the water – the kind of days you expect in October. We’re hoping there will soon be more of those to come.
Flows have continued to drop (3030 as I write) which we’re not thrilled with here but the wade anglers are loving it. Water temps are hanging in the high 50’s but should drop over the remainder of the week and into the weekend with cooler weather on tap.
Dry fly fishing has been decent given the right conditions with fish rising in the areas you would expect. It’s definitely been a late afternoon/evening game when the wind cooperates. Primarily pseudos with some small bwo’s mixed in and a fair amount of October caddis activity as well. Hi Vis BWO’s, BWO Sprouts, Olive Pseudos, Para Ants, various BWO Cripples and emergers, October Caddis, CDC Caddis Emergers, WCA Trudes, Purple Haze, RS2’s and Parachute Adams have all been effective dry flies.
Nymphing has been good both with the short leash and the longer rigs. The cloudy days keep the fish concentrated in the shallows but there’s no reason you shouldn’t try the short leash on the sunny days or the long leash on the overcast days. You’re dealing strictly with probabilities out there, it’s not always as it should be so don’t be afraid to stray from the prescribed methods/bugs you are reading about on the blogs. We do the things that have proven to be effective under the given conditions and adjust accordingly depending on the results. Nymphs we’ve been selling a lot of this week have been Tailwater Sows (with and without the tungsten bead), LGM’s, BWO Magic Fly, black Zebras (silver bead and black bead), Hares Ears, Weight Flies, S & M’s, BWO Angle Case Emergers, Peep Shows, Pink, Purple and Pearl LB’s, 2 Bits in Red, PT’s and on and on. We say it all the time and we live by it – fish the flies you have confidence in and good things will happen.
Streamers continue to be a hot commodity though the sunny skies have not been conducive to great streamer action. That being said, why wouldn’t you throw a streamer on a sunny day? Dredge the depths just like you’re doing with the long leash rigs. You’ll likely move some fish. We can safely guarantee with 100 percent certainty that you won’t move any fish on streamers in you don’t throw them. Sparkle Minnows, Kreelex, Circus Peanuts, Polar Leeches, Olive Smolts and buggers should all be in your streamer arsenal. We’ve got a couple of demo St Croix Bank Robbers rigged up and ready to fish – take one for a test drive!
We hope you stop by Wolf Creek Angler on your way to the river for all of your Missouri River fall fly fishing needs. We’re stocked up on cold weather gear from KAST Extreme Fishing Gear including Steelhead gloves and some super cool Hell Razor and Velocity jackets. We’ve also got plenty of hats and gloves from Outdoor Research, Sonic-Dry base layers, waders, jackets and boots from Redington; piles of WCA fleece from Simms along with deeply discounted summer logo gear; Bank Robber and High Stick Drifter rods from St Croix; 20% Off Ross CLA reels; Air-Lock Indicators; Rio lines, leaders and tippet and the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.
Stop in and meet the new guy and grab a complimentary cup of Montana Maid Coffee.
See you in the shop and on the water.
Missouri River Baetis Box