Missouri River Archives - Page 46 of 62

This week on the MO…

After having to scrape ice off of the windshield on Monday we’re back to 70’s and 80’s for the remainder of the week before we return to more seasonal weather on Sunday.

The cold gray skies early in the week made for what was, by most reports, the best fall fishing to date this season on the Missouri river wide.

Sunshine returned mid-week making things a little more challenging for all. Later starts have been key with the fish coming up as soon as the sun gives way to late day shadows. The late afternoon/early evening is the time to be out there if dry flies are where your heart is.

Pseudos, tiny baetis and the occasional caddis are making up the current menu as we await the larger fare BWO’s which will hopefully happen as we move into the middle to latter part of the month. Play the mix and match game or go with something easy like a Parachute Adams and a CDC Caddis Emerger. Find the fish, make the cast and hope. There are plenty of fish being caught on dry flies and plenty of anglers getting frustrated as well. Don’t forget your reach cast – it’s critical! Stop by the shop for honest, no pressure advice on where to go, what to use and how to use it. Better yet, book a day with one of our expert guides and learn more in a few hours then you might ever learn doing it on your own.

Nymphing has been predictably good – better in the mornings and afternoons but good enough all day long to keep it interesting. Tungsten Tailwater Sows, Czechs, BWO Magic Flies, Juju Baetis, Psycho Mays, Micro Mays, Payczechs, Black Beauties, Black Zebras, Pink LB’s, Snack Nasty Sows and on and on. Fish what you like – like what you fish – it’s makes all the difference in the world.

Streamer sales are way up this season and we’re doing everything we can to keep those bins full of the stuff you love. Sparkle Minnows, Dirty Hippies, Circus Peanuts, Polar Leeches, Gongas, Kreelex in a myriad of colors and a bunch of bugger stuff along with a few of our own creations which have been getting some attention.

Stop by the shop on your way to the river for shuttles, flies, ice, cigars, fishing licenses, cold weather gear, deeply discounted warm weather gear, Echo rods, Nautilus reels, lines, leaders, tippet, tools, complimentary Montana Maid Coffee and much more.

Open daily at 7 am for all of your Missouri River fall fly fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:45-06:00October 8th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, juju baetis, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Fall Fishing Underway

The weather we’ve been waiting for

Wind, snow, rain….we’ve had it all this weekend and some pretty damn good fishing to go along with it.

The forecast for 40 mph North winds on Saturday scared some people off. In fact we bought in and moved a couple of guide trips to Sunday. By most reports it really wasn’t that bad out there on Saturday. Things were calm in Wolf Creek and I think a little breezy on the water but nothing like what they had been calling for.

It sounds like those who stuck it out were rewarded with a solid afternoon both on top and below.

Streamers were effective yesterday as we anticipated they would be with Sculpin Sparkle Minnows and Polar Leeches in silver and Olive/Copper getting the most action. We’ve been selling a few folks on running the double streamer rig and it’s been working well. Try the Sparkle Minnow in tandem with a polar leech or Pine Squirrel leech. Hit the shelves and drop-offs, bomb the banks, work the buckets. Lots of water out there holding lots of fish and unfortunately holding a lot of weeds as well. It can be frustrating but if you stick with it and acclimate you may very well hook into a giant.

New to the streamer game? Come by the shop and grab a demo St Croix Bank Robber, quite possibly the best streamer stick ever made.

As per usual nymphing is where the numbers are. Weight flies, Tung Darts or Czechs paired with your favorite baetis nymphs or a black zebra should do the trick. Stop by the shop on your way to the river and allow us to get you set up for your day on the MO. Got questions about rigging? Don’t be afraid to ask – we spend hours every day building and explaining how to build Missouri River rigs, it’s what we’re here for.

Even the DFO’s have been happy this weekend with some big time pseudo action. We’ve got plenty of pseudos and BWO’s to choose from on the dry side of the bin and we encourage you to try each and every one of them but should you choose to keep it simple a Parachute Adams trailed with a CDC Caddis emerger is hard to beat.

It looks like the sunshine will return this week with daytime highs in the 50’s and 60’s and while sunny days may not be exactly what we would like it is going to be a gorgeous autumn week on the Missouri and a busy one at that. No lodging vacancies at WCA for the week ahead but we do still have guides available daily and we’d be happy to help you find lodging close by so give us a call and book your Missouri River fall fly fishing extravaganza today.

The shop is open daily at 7 AM with everything you need for your day on the water. Shuttles; boats; bugs; indicators galore (1/2″ and 3/4″ Air Locks back in stock Monday); cold weather gear from KAST, Outdoor Research and Redington; leaders; lines; and tippet from Rio, Airflo and Trout Hunter; rods from Echo and St Croix including the Bank Robber and High Stick Drifter; great deals on reels from Nautilus and Ross and much much more.

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By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:45-06:00October 4th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Air Lock Indicator, Bank Robber, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, indicator, Missouri River, Redington, RIO, running line, St Croix, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Special Fish – Special Day

Grandfather’s Flies – Hand Tied in PA some 50 years ago and ready for action on the MO – photo by Jim Murray

Guest Blog from WCA Guide Jim Murray

It’s not always big brown trout. Or days spent catching fish after fish. While those moments and memories are great, sometimes it’s the little things that grab us the most, and remind us how lucky we are that we get to spend our days and lives on the water. I had the chance to fish with Andrew and Aaron this week, and it was a day that I won’t soon forget. Andrew was in Montana for the first time, visiting his son Aaron, who is in the Air Force and stationed in Great Falls. Being from Florida, he had never seen Montana, wild rivers, grizzly bears, elk, or caught a fish on a fly rod. Being in Montana for the first time, he decided to check a few items off his bucket list and “Experience the Montana Experience”.
I met Andrew and Aaron at the shop in the morning and as we planned our day, he mentioned, that while he had never held a fly rod, his grandfather used to be an accomplished fly fisher and fly tyer back in Pennsylvania after World War II. In fact, his father had just given him a box of flies that his grandfather had tied back in either the 1950’s or early 1960’s. He showed me the box of flies and asked if there was any way that the flies would work on the river that day, and if he could fish with them. As I looked through the box, I was impressed at the well tied flies. Catskill type dry flies. Classic wet flies. It was like looking at a fly fishing time capsule. I said that I would be happy to tie on one of his grandfather’s flies, but first, let’s learn how to cast a fly rod. And maybe catch a fish or two with some of our more modern techniques.
We had a fun day, floating the Missouri on a beautiful day and getting both Andrew and Aaron into numerous nice rainbows and one really nice brown.

Aaron with a fine Missouri River brown

The day and the “Montana Experience” was complete. Except for one thing. The box of 60 year old flies in Andrew’s backpack. As we approached the Untouchables Bridge, I knew our float was nearing the end, and I asked Andrew if he still wanted to throw one of his grandfather’s flies. He replied that even if it meant not catching another trout, he wanted to throw one of his flies for the rest of trip. Done deal. I rigged up a dry fly rod, picked out a likely looking fly that might fool a fish for the many pseudos that were hatching, and had Andrew cast the fly along a nice flat, that had a few rising fish.

Andrew couldn’t believe he was fishing one of his grandfather’s flies, and He, Aaron and I watched as the fly drifted drag free through the flat. Boom. Fish on. A small rainbow attacked the fly, and I’m pretty sure you could have heard the three of us screaming with excitement throughout the Canyon. We landed the rainbow and the moment was complete. While the rainbow would be hard pressed to pass 6 inches, it was the biggest, most special fish of the day. By Far.

A very special fish for Andrew – photo by Jim Murray

Andrew had shown up at the shop that morning, having never held a fly rod, and ended the day catching a trout in Montana on flies his grandfather had tied in Pennsylvania 50 or 60 years ago. It was a special moment and a special day. I felt lucky to be a part of it. As soon as we got off the river, Andrew texted his father, relaying the story. His father replied that he had goose bumps. Me too, Andrew.

Thanks for a great day. I was proud to be a part of it!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:46-06:00October 2nd, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Hitting our fall stride

The fall season is well underway as we close out September and welcome the cooler weather and hopefully the more consistent fishing of October.

Reports have been all over the boards with a few folks having some tremendous fall fishing days while most slog through sporadic bug activity and somewhat hit or miss conditions.

River traffic is still on the light side though you wouldn’t think so based on the parking lot at WCA which is, on more nights than not, choked with trucks and boats and campers etc. Definitely a July atmosphere here with folks trading lies at the end of the day over cocktails while enjoying the full moon, the starry skies and the crisp fall air. What an awesome time to be here!

Our lodging is full for the most part for the next couple of weeks though there are a few vacancies here and there and we do get the occasional cancellation so don’t give up – give us a call and inquire. Guides available daily or do it yourself with one of our RO Drift Boats.

Dry-fly fishing could explode any day now and the nymphing and streamer fishing will continue to get better from here on out.

Lodging opens up for the second half of October and there’s no reason it shouldn’t be great fishing so get your guide trips and lodging booked now for late October. This truly is our favorite time of year on the Missouri. Spend your days on the river fishing how you like to fish be it dries, nymphs or streamers and then unwind over dinner either here in Wolf Creek at The Frenchman or The Oasis or venture down to Craig for dinner at Izaaks or The Trout Shop Café which is serving some amazing dishes for breakfast and dinner Friday – Monday. I highly recommend the grilled rib eye which I had last night and which was one of the best steaks I’ve had in Montana. Seating is very limited but it’s definitely worth the wait.

Stop by the shop for the full range of fall fly fishing fare. We’ve got you covered with everything from base layers to fleece to waders to boots to Kast Steelhead Gloves and much more. Shuttles, Rods, Reels, lines, leaders and tippet and of course the largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana. We’re proud to be your Go-To Missouri River Fly Shop and Guide Service. If you haven’t been in lately stop by and see what the Buzz is about.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:46-06:00September 29th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Craig MT, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, RO Drift Boats, running line, streamers, The Trout Shop Cafe, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Weekend Report September 26th

Fall in Wolf Creek Montana

Some good days, some great days, some not so good days this past week as fall fishing continues to ramp up on the Missouri.

Nymphing is still the go-to for numbers but there’s enough happening on top between Trico hold overs, Pseudos, terrestrials, the occasional caddis and the promise of baetis to keep the DFO’s interested. Sub surface options remain somewhat status quo with black Zebras leading the charge followed by Grey LGM’s, Red 2 Bits, Micromays, Psychomays, Purple Weight Flies, Hot Belly and standard PT’s, Grey WD-40’s, Purple Lightning Bugs, BWO Magic Flies and a host of other baetis-themed bugs.

Streamers? Not on fire by any means but definitely worth your time. Stop by the shop and check out our ever-expanding streamer selection which is definitely starting to get noticed. We love the streamer game and we understand the addiction. Get your fix at WCA. Demo a St Croix Bank Robber designed by streamer legend Kelly Galloup. You might just get hooked!

The leaves aren’t the only colors of fall. The brown trout are colored up in spawning splendor this time of year and we’ve been catching some great ones this week.

It’s nice to have the shop abuzz with activity again in the mornings as we get the trips out the door each day and get you set up with everything you need for your day on the water.

Afternoons have been spent meeting with reps and looking at new products as we put together our plans for next season and work on getting those pre-season orders written. Can it really be that time again already

We’re really excited to see all the new products being offered for next season and as always we’re working hard to bring you the products you want from the brands you love as we continue to try to earn your business and become your Missouri River fly shop and guide service of choice. Expect big things from Wolf Creek Angler and rest assured that we will always be doing everything we can to meet your expectations.

Lodging vacancies have been hard to come by for the past couple of weeks and will continue to be a challenge as we head into October. Things start to open up towards the end of October but if the fishing is half as good as we anticipate in the weeks to come we will remain fairly full right on into November. Don’t hesitate to book your mid to late October lodging and guide trips – they’re going quickly!

Speaking of late fall – remember we’re open all year so keep us in mind when you are making your late fall/winter fishing plans. Once things start to shut down in Craig later in the fall Wolf Creek becomes the place to be with lodging, dining, gas, groceries and of course the best fly shop ever to call Wolf Creek Montana home. Look no further than Wolf Creek Angler for your late season Missouri River fly fishing needs. We’ve got everything you need and we’re closer to Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge than anyone.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:46-06:00September 26th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, Craig MT, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Montana, nymphs, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Autumnal Equinox Eve

Fall Fishing in Montana

The eve of fall is officially upon us and while we’re experiencing summer-like temperatures this week we will see another cold front arriving this weekend making it feel more like fall.

The river has been in great shape with flows in the 4K range continuing to be maintained and water temps dipping below 60 degrees with the cool nights.

Abundant sunshine, gusty winds and weeds have all been atop the complaint lists of the half-empty angling crew but the half full bunch are enjoying the sunshine and blue skies and the changing colors while embracing the challenges presented by the winds and weeds and catching plenty of fish.

Dry-fly opportunities continue to present themselves in the form of lingering tricos and terrestrials along with the occasional skittering caddis but nymphing has definitely been the better option as of late. Black or purple Zebra Midges paired with Tung Darts, Weight Flies, BWO Magic Flies, Red Two Bits, S & M’s, Czechs, MicroMays, Purple Hot Belly PT’s, Chocolate WD-40’s, LGM’s, Bionic Chartreuse Midges and Psycho Mays have all been producing.

The streamer bite has been hit or miss but that being said, we’ve sold more streamers in the past week than I can remember ever selling in a week’s time. We’ve got more and better streamer patterns than we’ve ever had and we plan to continue to expand our selection. Come by the shop and let us get you set up with everything you need for streamer fishing the MO. From bugs to Airflo, Rio and SA streamer lines to St Croix Bank Robber specialty streamer sticks, we’ve got everything you need to get started. If you’re new to the streamer game or looking to upgrade your current set up grab one of our Bank Robber demo rods, you won’t be disappointed.

We encourage you to get out and enjoy fall fishing in Montana. Whether that’s floating the MO or exploring smaller waters it’s an awesome time of year to fish in Montana. Limited lodging available for the weeks to come and expert guides available any and every day. Give us a call today to book your Missouri River fly fishing trip of a lifetime – there’s no time like the present.

Shop open daily at 6:30 AM, earlier than ALL the rest, for all of your Missouri River Fly Fishing needs. Shuttles, bugs, boats, hot and cold weather gear from KAST, sun protection, Montana Maid Coffee, leaders and tippet from Rio and Trout Hunter, Fishpond Nomad nets and accessories and much more.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:46-06:00September 22nd, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, Fall fishing, fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Montana, running line, St Croix, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Mid September in Montana

On the hunt. September also means archery season in Montana. Photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Cooler temps and overcast skies have put us in full-on fall mode and while fall fishing is certainly on our minds, this is also the time of year we become conflicted about whether to be on the water or in the field stalking deer and elk.

Archery season is just over a week old and we’ve been out a couple of times but the warm weather has made it easy to maintain our focus on fishing. That may soon change however as it’s looking and feeling like fall out there with temps dipping into the low 40’s at night making for some great mornings to be out in the field.

Rain in the forecast through Thursday could make for some great streamer days and while nymphing was reportedly on the slow side yesterday it should be turning on with water temps hovering right around 60 degrees. Tricos remain an option as do Pseudos, Callibaetis and terrestrials depending on where you’re fishing. Whispers of baetis seem appropriate with the current weather trend – bring em’ on!

Status Quo on the nymphing front with zebra midges, two-bit hookers, Rainbow Czechs, LGM’s, PT’s, Weight Flies, Tung Darts, Olive WD 40’s, S & M’s, BWO Magic Flies etc. all getting some attention. Rig up with the bugs you like and fish them like you know they’re going to get eaten. Faith in the fly you are using almost always trumps the pattern.

Not sure what to use or where to go? Stop by the shop on your way to the river. We’d love to get you set up and headed in the right direction. Shuttles, Lodging, RO Drift Boat Rentals, Expert Guides, Cold Weather Gear from Kast and Redington, Rock Bottom sale prices on Simms WCA summer logo wear and of course, the largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

See you at WCA. Open 6:30 AM Daily (Earlier than ALL THE REST) for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:46-06:00September 15th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, RO Drift Boats, running line, Streamer Fishing, streamers, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Mid Week Missouri River Fishing Report

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

Fishing is heating up as we settle into our post-summer routine here on the Missouri.

Cooler temperatures this week and good reports from all stretches including some near-epic nymphing days from the dam down and some good dry-fly action river wide.

There are still tricos to be found in the upper stretches, depending on the day and while it’s definitely worth your time to target those fish keying on the trico spinners make sure to bring your A game. These fish have seen it all this season and they won’t tolerate any angler error.

The more forgiving option on top is definitely the terrestrial route. More-or-less and Moorish hoppers in tan or pink, chubbys in purple, tan or gold, sparkle ants, parachute ants and the occasional beetle have all been getting some attention. Try trailing a hopper with an ant or beetle and see what happens. The terrestrial rigs have been a little slow the past couple of days but we’re getting plenty of eats on nymph droppers. Some prefer to stick with the indicator rig, figuring two nymphs are better than one but we would much rather watch a hopper than a bobber even when the fish are completely ignoring the hoppers. You just never know when you might put that hopper over that 2′ brown and get the eat. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Go-to nymphs for us this week have been black zebras, Rainbow Czechs, Tung Darts, Weight Flies, Peep Shows, 2 Bit Hookers in red, Rainbow Warriors, PT’s, LGM’s, Red Headed Step Child, Claws R Cray, Snapping Cray, Chocolate or Olive WD40’s and various other mayfly nymphs.

September can also be a great month for streamers on the Missouri. Cooler days and overcast skies are the ticket…..bring on the streamer weather! Circus Peanuts, Sparkle Minnows, Polar Leeches, Pine Squirrel Leeches and various buggers should all be a part of your Missouri River streamer arsenal. Stop by the shop and stock up and while you’re at it why not take a St Croix Bank Robber out for a test drive. We’d love to get you set up with everything you need for fall streamer fishing.

Lodging is filling quickly for the next six weeks of autumn awesomeness and our guides are starting to get busy again so don’t miss out on one of our favorite times of the year on the MO.

Long nights, cool mornings, the smell of autumn in the air….Montana fall Fly Fishing at its finest!

Shop open daily at 6:30 AM (earlier than ALL THE REST) for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs. Shuttles, bugs, bobbers, lines, leaders, gloves, hats, sun protection, waders, boots and much more including coffee on the house and the most laid-back and friendly atmosphere you’ll find in any shop anywhere.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:46-06:00September 9th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, indicator, Missouri River, nymphs, Two Bit Hooker, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Labor Day 2015

The best deals of the season this weekend at WCA

You asked, we delivered. The response has been so great to our Labor Day Sale that we’ve decided to extend it one more day so include a trip to Wolf Creek in your plans today for great deals on almost everything in the shop.

Sunny skies today with highs near 60. Perfect fall fishing weather on the Missouri. A nice week ahead with plenty of sunshine and temps in the low to mid 70’s.

Things are about to get really busy again so take advantage of these last days of relative solitude and enjoy some time on the water. Give us a call and book a cabin and a guide trip and experience Missouri River fall fishing at its best.

Thanks to all of you who came out for the sale and for the Browns and Brews Craft Beer Festival. It’s been a fun weekend despite the cooler weather.

Now we bid summer a fond farewell and welcome the fall season. Make Wolf Creek Angler your one-stop on the way to the MO for everything you need for your day on the water. Shuttles, RO Drift Boat Rentals, Lodging, Guides and a shop full of Missouri River fly fishing necessities. Open daily at 6:30 am, earlier that ALL THE REST. Open earlier and located closer to Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge than anyone else. We are proud to be your Missouri River Fly Shop.

Farewell summer….

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:46-06:00September 7th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, RO Drift Boats, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Labor Day Weekend Forecast

Spend your Labor Day Weekend at Wolf Creek Angler

We’ll close out summer with a wet weekend and cooler temps, just what we need right now to help get the wildfire situation under control. Expect rain this afternoon and then off and on right on through Sunday night. At this point it looks like Labor Day will be pleasant with mostly sunny skies and a high near 70.

In the meantime think nymphs, streamers, huge savings on almost everything at WCA and Montana brewed beer.

Overcast skies, rain and temps south of 70 could make for some spectacular nymphing and streamer days so change those heliocentric weekend plans and get out here.

Leave summer behind and embrace the awesomeness of fall with a weekend in Wolf Creek and Craig- we’ve got plenty of lodging available with rates starting at $69.

Why not splurge and book yourself a cabin or bungalow for under $120/night plus tax. As part of our Labor Day Blow Out SALE book Friday and Saturday night and we’ll throw in Sunday night for free (Bungalows and Cabins only).

Speaking of the Labor Day Blow Out – WCA is the place for great deals on most everything this Saturday and Sunday. Take 20 percent off of all merchandise store-wide and more on select items including 30 percent off men’s and women’s Simms WCA solarflex shirts and up to 40 percent off select clearance items. The best deals of the season this weekend at Wolf Creek Angler.

The best deals of the season this weekend at WCA

You can’t afford to miss these deals!

Make sure to include the Inaugural Browns and Brews Craft Beer Festival in your plans. The event will be held under the tent in Craig on Saturday, September 5th from 4 pm – 8 pm rain or shine and will include live music, live and silent auctions and of course amazing craft beer from Katabatic, Bozeman Brewing Co., The Mighty Mo, The Front, and Bowser Brewing. $25 entry fee gets you in and also gets you a cool Derek DeYoung glass with which to sample your brews.

Bid on all sorts of cool items including what may be the coolest item of all – a WCA Hydro Flask growler and matching Hydro Flask True Pint glasses. Who knows, you may even be able to talk one of the breweries into filling it for you!

Hydro Flask WCA growler and True Pint glasses could be yours.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:46-06:00September 3rd, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Browns and Brews, Craig MT, Missouri River, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments