Montana

It’s Time to Bring Order to the Chaos

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We’re not sure what to make of this “winter” but regardless of what weather we get or don’t get over the next two months, one thing is for sure, the spring fishing season is rapidly approaching, and this is the time to start sorting your gear as you prepare of the 2026 campaign.

For me, the usual routine involves being inside where it’s warm, watching the snow fly outside where it’s frigid, while emptying out my gear bags and fly pucks and trying to restore some order to the chaos generated over months of chasing trout in Montana. This routine often involves sipping a tasty beverage or two while contemplating the season ahead.

It’s a little different this year. I’ve spent plenty of time being inside where it’s warm but rare have been the days of flying snow or frigid cold outside my cozy confines and while there have been plenty of tasty beverages consumed, I just can’t seem to get motivated to tackle the task at hand. I’ve been waiting for that stretch of snowy days where there is nowhere to go and nothing to do but start sorting flies and gear. Now February is knocking and as has been the case all winter long, the weather says go fishing. There’s no reason not to, other than the fact that the chaos in the gear bags and in the back of the rig hasn’t been addressed since fall and is in desperate need of attention.

In my defense, my fishing rig (and everything in it) has been out of my possession since Thanksgiving, thanks to an unfortunate run in with a deer, so I really couldn’t get going on this project even if I wanted to, but supposedly I’ll have my rig back sometime this week and then I’ll have no excuses! Snow or no snow – it’s time to do the work!

For me, the brunt of “the work” is fly inventory and organization. Every season I swear off the fly puck system (which is chaos defined) and tell myself I’m going to keep my flies in my fly boxes where they will be organized and easy to access. No more will I dig through puck after puck in my boat storage box, looking for that puck of flies I just grabbed from the shop prior to the outing. No more will I sift through spool after spool of tippet looking for that fresh guide spool of 4X I just bought.

A place for everything and everything in its place! It would make things so much easier and would substantially cut down on fly purchases because I would always know exactly what I have and exactly what I need.

It all begins to come into focus as each puck is emptied and the flies are placed in the proper slot in the proper box with the boxes stowed in the proper bags, arranged in seasonal order and further organized according to hatches.

Boxes upon boxes of nymphs, dry flies and streamers…. each exactly where they belong. Old tippet spools tossed, fresh spools organized and accessible, empty leader packages in the garbage where they belong and all those fat used leaders coiled and stashed for future use (I’ll save this for hopper season) GONE.

A well-organized boat bag full of well-organized boxes in the well-organized storage area of a clean and orderly rig. Boat storage absent of clutter and ready for the season ahead.

Order emerges from the chaos, and the experience of that order is nothing short of bliss but alas, chaos will not be denied but will in fact return with a vengeance, soon overtaking your next season on the water.

It’s a battle we all fight and the struggle is real and I’m here to tell you (and to convince myself) that restoration of order must commence. The time is now!

Just a heads up, we are well stocked with boat bags and fly boxes and everything you need to bring order to your chaos to start the 2026 season out right and if you’re emptying pucks we’re happy to put them back into circulation, regardless of what shop logo is on them.

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By Jason Orzechowski|2026-01-28T16:56:04-07:00January 28th, 2026|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: chaos, leaders, Montana, nymphs, order, running line, streamers, tippet spools, winter, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Welcome 2026

Happy New Year from all of us at Wolf Creek Angler and welcome to 2026 on the legendary Missouri.

Here is the latest.

It feels much more like early November than the first of January. There is zero snow on the ground here in Wolf Creek and the short-term forecast is anything but wintery with daily highs near 50 through the weekend. Temperatures will trend downward starting early next week with daily highs in 30’s. No snow on the horizon. As you would expect with the unseasonably warm weather, conditions will be breezy with SSW winds at 10 – 20 mph for the next several days but that aside, if you’re looking to get out on the river anytime soon conditions are ideal by January standards.

We are checking the forecast regularly and hoping for that plunge into winter but not seeing anything just yet. Fingers crossed and hoping for that much needed snow to arrive starting sometime soon. Admittedly the outlook seems a little dire from where we sit with a snowless landscape but there is snow in the high country and we are still early in the snow cycle.

Water conditions are typical for this time of year with flows holding around 3100 CFS and water temperatures lingering in the high 30’s. There is no shelf ice, and the ramps are in great shape.

Despite the mild weather and favorable water conditions things remain quiet with extraordinarily little boat traffic and only a handful of wade anglers to be found on any given day.

Those who are out there have primarily been nymphing or swinging but on the right days you can punch your dry fly ticket as well.

Winter fare is in play with Tailwater sowbugs (pink or rainbow), Pill Poppers, Pederson’s Sow, Cotton Candy, Pink Ray, Pink Amex, Rainbow Warriors, Rainbow Czechs, Scud Bombs, Bubble Yums all good options.

Slow and deep winter water is your target with double nymphs and a split 5ish feet under a bobber. The fish are in that water. Adjust depth accordingly until you find them.

Swingers are targeting that same water but also still finding success in some of the transitional (faster) runs and tailouts. Kreelex, Polar Leeches, Thin Mints and soft hackles are producing on the swing and those stripping are moving fish on Sparkle Minnows, Mojo Minnows, Skiddish Smolt and the like.

Most of the wade traffic has been concentrated in the Holter Dam to Wolf Creek Bridge stretch, primarily in the Bull Pasture zone.

Our favorite float this time of year is Wolf Creek Bridge to Craig. It is just the right length and there’s a plethora of good winter water in that run which means that if you happen upon a spot occupied by wade anglers or another boat you don’t need to go far to find the next good spot.

Craig to Stickney is also a good option this time of year, especially for the streamer set.

Now that the holidays have passed and we are inching towards longer days we expect things will start to pick up (at least until winter weather arrives) and we will adjust our hours accordingly.

We are here Tuesday – Saturday at 8 AM with winter lodging available anytime. Winter rates are $149/night (plus tax) for one of our cozy bungalows which sleep three and feature kitchens and private baths. Unfortunately, we do not allow pets in these rooms. We apologize for the inconvenience.

We have been getting a few calls about guided trips lately, wondering if we offer a winter special. We do not offer discounted trips, but we do offer a winter lodging and guide trip special for $850 (plus tax) which gets you a full day guided trip for one or two anglers and two nights of premium lodging. This offer runs through the end of March.

Guides are in somewhat short supply during the winter months, so we encourage you to call well in advance if you are interested in doing a winter trip on the MO. Winter conditions can obviously be a challenge so there are no penalties for cancellation of winter trips. Cancel anytime for any reason.

WCA is your Missouri River winter fly fishing destination, and we hope to see you soon.

By Jason Orzechowski|2026-01-02T13:44:39-07:00January 2nd, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Montana, pill popper, running line, Tailwater Sow, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Quiet on the MO’ photo by Wolf Creek Angler

As we approach Thanksgiving it appears as though we’re FINALLY in for at least a taste of winter weather later this week with temperatures plunging and a chance for some snow on Thursday and Friday.

Tomorrow looks good for travel and good for fishing with partly cloudy skies and a high near 40 with SW winds at 10 – 15 mph. Thanksgiving Day we’ll see snow showers and a high of 36 before the cold blast arrives on Friday with a high of 23 and lows in the single digits along with the possibility of another couple inches of snow.

The weekend will be cold with highs near twenty on Saturday and Sunday and lows near zero on Saturday night but moderating Sunday. Temperatures will stabilize next week with highs in the 30’s and low 40’s and lows in the 20’s, much more what we expect in late November!

River flows remain low, currently at 2950 CFS with water temperatures holding in the mid 40’s but look for those temperatures to drop as we head into the holiday weekend.
Traffic this week has been non-existent and while there may be a few folks taking advantage of the holiday to hit the water over the next couple of days, I’d expect the winter weather will likely keep traffic to a minimum.

If you are planning to hit the MO this Thanksgiving week you might opt for wade fishing rather than committing to a float just so you can bail at will. If you are going to float, I’d recommend staying in the Holter Dam to Craig zone, keeping it super short with a Dam to Wolf Creek Bridge run or stretching the day with a Wolf to Craig campaign.

Nymphing will produce with Sowbugs being your go-to and you may find a fish or two rising for a surface meal but for my money streamers are the ticket, either swung or stripped. Leeches and soft hackles on the swing, Sparkle Minnows and Smolts on the strip. Swing the tailouts and drop offs, hit the banks and shallows with a moderately fast strip and plenty of pauses.

We are taking advantage of the downtime to get some maintenance items knocked off the list and also to enjoy some time with loved ones. Shop hours are on the hit and miss side this time of year, but we can say for certain that we will be CLOSED for the Thanksgiving holiday starting on Thursday and won’t be back in the shop until Monday, December 1st.

We do have lodging available so give us a shout if you need accommodations, but the shop will be closed. If you need shuttles over the weekend, please give our friends in Craig a call.

We have got our best deals of the season on rods and reels and waders and boots right now or you can get your Christmas shopping done with a quick phone call. WCA Gift Cards make a great gift for the fly fishers on your list and can be purchased in any amount and are good for anything and everything we sell from shuttles to lodging to guide trips to merchandise.

As we reflect on this season that has now come to a close, we couldn’t be more thankful to all of you for making us a part of your Missouri River fly fishing experience. Whether you stayed with us, fished with us, shopped with us or all the above, we extend a heart-felt thank you for your business and for giving us the opportunity to take care of you.

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving from all of us at Wolf Creek Angler!

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-11-25T12:01:27-07:00November 25th, 2025|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Autumn in the Air

Summer has continued to hang around this week but autumn vibes are emerging, especially on these chilly Missouri River mornings.

Cooler, wet weather is on the way for the remainder of the week and into the early part of next week with a chance for showers each day, daytime highs in the 70’s and overnight lows dipping into the 40’s. The same system will deliver our first mountain snows of the season at elevations over 10,000 feet. We’ll see none of that but we’re excited to see fall weather shaping up as it should with fall technically still two weeks away. Bring it on!

Fall fishing is about to heat up as water temps cool. The Holter Dam to Craig run continues to see the most activity with double zebras getting it done in the grass flats. Your best bet for numbers for the next while will be nymphing that stretch but it’s obviously also where the traffic will be so if you’d prefer fewer boats and less competition don’t be afraid to work the middle and lower sections where you’ll likely end up with fewer fish but it’s a worthy trade for a bit more solitude on the water.

Best bets for nymphs right now would be your aforementioned Zebra Midges along with Frenchies, Little Green Machines, PT’s, October Caddis Nymphs, Sowbugs, Olive 2 Bits, Olive Psycho Mays and a host of other baetis nymphs.

Those looking for dry fly action have been hoping for better days with a lack of opportunities presenting themselves as of late. The waning tricos have all but wrapped up and terrestrials, while always a good fall option, haven’t been overly productive. Hoppers were hit and miss this season but will continue to play throughout September. Ants have historically been the preferred terrestrial but like the hoppers, just haven’t been overly productive this year. Keep at it with those terrestrials and start adding the October Caddis to your repertoire. September is the best month for the October Caddis on the MO…go figure.

If you’re into the tiny dry fly game you’re trico days are likely done for this season but you’ll be pleased to know that the oft despised Pseudocleoens have arrived. If fishing #22 dry flies makes you happy this is your time.

Personally, I could take or leave the Pseudos. Fall is STREAMER TIME as far as I’m concerned and weeds be damned; we’ll be ripping streamers from here on out. Our streamer bins have just been restocked with something for everyone. Whether buggers or balanced leeches or Sparkle Minnows or D & D’s or Wedge Heads and so much more, we’ve got you covered. Stop in and see why we’re known as THE BEST STREAMER SHOP ON THE MO hands down.

Need a new streamer line or maybe even a new rod and reel? We’ve got what you need with all the best sinking and intermediate options from SA, Rio and Airflo and rods and reels for every budget from Redington, Echo, Lamson and SAGE. Look for our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale COMING SOON!

We’re closing out a moderately busy guide week getting back into the swing of things while preparing for chaos next week with our busiest week of the fall by far. No guides available next week but if you’re looking to book that last minute trip things open up the following week through the end of the season.

Lodging is somewhat busy but we generally have at least a few vacancies nightly.

Our Autumn hours are now in effect, 7:30 AM – 5 PM daily. We hope you make us your first stop on your way to the river for shuttles, bugs and so much more.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-09-10T10:28:30-06:00September 10th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, green machine, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Montana, October Caddis, running line, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|Comments Off

July Fade

Barely a week remains as July fades and the dog days of late summer approach.

The beehive-like atmosphere we’ve seen for weeks on end has quieted as prime time now resides in the rearview of this 2025 campaign.

We’re still a week or two out from the late summer ghost town but the crowds have certainly thinned.

The Prime Time regulars have come and gone. The daily cat herding involved with getting a dozen or more guide trips out the door has temporarily ended, the endless rental boat launches/retrieves have subsided and the traffic jam at the front counter has eased significantly.

It’s been a BUSY spring into summer and in spite of the waning cash flows typical of this time of the season we welcome the pause, if for no other reason than to catch our breath and gear up for the next round.

Fishing has not disappointed, and it should continue to be good, especially with the decreased pressure. Look for Tricos to continue to provide an exceptional dry fly experience during the earliest and latest hours of the day followed by an adequate hopper bite and decent caddis activity throughout the day.

Nymphing hasn’t really slowed down though there have been a handful of slower days mixed in for good measure. Frenchies and Purple Weight Flies continue to outpace just about everything else in the nymph bins but there are plenty of other options that will catch fish right now including Zebra Midges, Sow bugs, Zirdles, PT’s and a wide variety of caddis pupae and emergers.

How about streamers you ask…definitely a challenge with the amount of weeds in the river but I’m hearing the bite has been solid so don’t overlook it as an option. Patience is required.

Hoot Owl Restrictions have gone into effect on many Montana waters as stream flows continue to plummet. Slightly below average temps and a shot of rain here and there have been helpful but the fear remains that this late summer season is going to be a struggle. We don’t anticipate restrictions on the MO though if angler migration from other rivers becomes an issue that could have an adverse effect on things here. We’re keeping a close eye on things.

We’re currently looking at flows of 4300 cfs on the Missouri with water temps in the 63 – 64 degree range. We encourage everyone to carry a stream thermometer and check water temps often regardless of whether or not there are restrictions in place on the river you are fishing. If you see water temps anywhere near the 67 degree (or warmer) mark, it’s time to quit fishing. We carry several different stream thermometers including the Fishpond Riverkeeper Digital. If you don’t have one and you plan on fishing in Montana between now and September you need to invest in one.

We are open daily from 7 AM – 5 PM for all of you Missouri River trout fishing needs. Ice, bugs, Stream Thermometers, sunscreen, fishing licenses, The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO and so much more. We hope you make us your first stop on your way to the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-07-22T15:18:39-06:00July 22nd, 2025|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, Fishpond, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Happy Independence Day from Wolf Creek Angler

Summer continues its frenetic pace with Independence Day upon us. We are definitely in the midst of the blur with a brief respite during the Fourth as the fishing set typically leaves the river to the splash and giggle crowd for the holiday.

It could be a relatively quiet weekend on the water with the forecast calling for cooler temps and rain tomorrow afternoon into Saturday but Sunday looks like a return to summer with sunshine and temps in the 80’s headed back to 90’s by the middle of next week.

The epic PMD campaign of 2025 is coming to a close but it’s not over just yet. Tricos have been ramping up this week so if early mornings and tiny bugs are your thing then this is your time.

Evening caddis action has been hit or miss but there are ample opportunities out there for those willing to put the time in.

We’re loaded up with a bunch of new Trico and Caddis patterns and well stocked on the old stand byes as well. Hopper bins are full, meticulously curated by yours truly yesterday afternoon. It’s on the early side for actual hoppers but ants and spruce moths are coming into play. We are your terrestrial source on the MO with piles of foam and the best selection of Micro chubbies in the canyon.

Still on the bobber program? Fear not! The nymph bins have been picked over pretty good this season but we’re pretty good at staying well stocked on the necessities. Frenchies, Weight Flies, LGM’s, PT’s, mountains of sow bugs and bin after bin of Zirdles and Crays.

There’s not much we don’t have in the bins at WCA. After all, it is the largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Rental boats are spoken for through the middle of the month. Guides will be hard to come by until August and though there is a slight lull in lodging just for these couple of days around the holiday we’re back to a full house starting Sunday.

Stop in for shuttles, bugs, ice, fishing licenses, sun gear, rain gear and so much more.

We’re open daily at 7 AM for all of your Missouri River summer fly fishing needs.

Happy Fourth of July from all of us at WCA!

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-07-03T12:01:06-06:00July 3rd, 2025|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Missouri River Memorial Day Weekend

It’s hard to believe but it’s already here. The unofficial start of the summer season. Memorial Day Weekend is upon us and it’s going to feel like summertime with abundant sunshine and highs climbing into the low 70’s tomorrow and near 80 on Sunday and Monday.

More of the same for the rest of next week as we close out the month of May with a week of sunshine and 80 plus degree days and it looks like we’re finally moving on from those chilly mornings in the 30’s to overnight lows hovering around 50. Sounds like a summer forecast to me.

Memorial Day weekend has traditionally been somewhat of a quiet angling weekend with the fishing crowd leaving the river to the rec floaters but I’m not sure that will be the case this year. Our lodging is full for the holiday weekend which has not generally been the case in the past so should you venture to the MO expect plenty of every kind of traffic with rec floaters, wade anglers and float anglers all converging on the MO to commemorate the kickoff to the summer season.

Be kind. Be patient. Be considerate. And if you don’t like a crowd maybe think about staying home.

We’ve got just a couple of trips out this weekend which is the norm for most outfitters on Memorial Day so know that most of the traffic you encounter out there will not be commercial traffic.

The boat ramps will be busy with folks that maybe don’t do this every day so again, please be patient and do your best to extend some grace if things seem to be devolving into a junk show.
Fishing has been up and down this week as it tends to be this time of year but the hot take from the past couple of days has been that PMD’s have arrived weeks ahead of what we normally see here on the MO. These have not been consistent hatches and the fish, while sporadically feeding, have not really keyed in on them just yet. It could just be a random occurrence which may go quiet for the next week or two or it could be that we’re starting early. Either way, you’ll want to have those PMD boxes organized and at the ready just in case.

Coincidentally, or not, we just received many of our PMD patterns over the past couple of days so we’ll be working this weekend on shuffling the bins to move the PMD’s front and center and the BWO’s to the back burner.

Whether we see more bugs this weekend or not you would do well to get some PMD nymphs into your mix. Split Case PMD’s, Magic Flies, Psycho Mays, Redemptions, Crack Backs, Gold Lightning Bugs and PT Little Green Machines all good options. The sows aren’t going anywhere so keep them in the mix and maybe try a worm as recent bumps in the flows have triggered the worm bite.

Streamers continue to be more miss than hit and with all of that sunshine in the forecast conditions are not optimal but we are nearing the end of spring streamer season so if you’re going to do it this is the time. Soon the summer aquatic vegetation will be taking hold making stripping an exercise in futility.

Go flashy, go yellow, go copper and strip fast, still incorporating plenty of pauses. The big browns are still on the hunt, setting up in the shallows for the ambush so you’ve still got a shot at that day maker or maybe even the fish of a lifetime.

We are open early at 7 AM every day for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs. Tons of bugs, Adipose Drift Boat Rentals, The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO, ice, fishing licenses, sun protection and so much more. We hope you make us your Missouri River One Stop on your way to the MO this Memorial Day Weekend.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-05-23T13:10:19-06:00May 23rd, 2025|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: brown trout, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Soggy Spring on the MO

It’s been a wet week here on the MO but that’s really had no effect on traffic. This time of year it’s go time – rain or shine. Spring bookings are a roll of the dice weather wise with April – June being our rainiest months of the year but those booking spring trips generally know what they’re in for.

It can be sunny and hot one day with temps plummeting the next accompanied by rain or snow. The fish don’t mind. The bugs do but sooner or later it all comes together.

Sunshine has been scarce this week making this morning’s break from the constant cloud cover a welcome site. Cloudy wet days are actually the preferred conditions on the water as far as fishing goes but after a few chilly rain soaked days it’s nice to see and feel the sun.

We’ll see a mixed bag this weekend with rain in the forecast for later today and on Sunday. A drier start to the week next week but still cooler with highs in the 60’s edging upwards late next week into the 70’s.

The cool, cloudy wet days have been perfect for BWO’s but not so much for Caddis. Look for BWO’s to continue to dwindle as we head into the second half of May. Caddis will pop with a little heat. March Browns will continue to tease. PMD’s are on the horizon and midges will persist.

Many are here seeking the dry fly bite and while we’ve had bugs and ample opportunities on the right days those opportunities can often seem to be somewhat elusive. Keep after it and don’t be afraid to fish blind with a caddis or Parachute Adams or Purple Haze. Pods should obviously be targeted by matching the hatch but in the absence of pods and/or bugs you could do worse than running the aforementioned Caddis or Adams tight to the bank and seeing what happens.

As always, nymphing is your go to. They’re still eating the sow but baetis nymphs like the Little Green Machine, PsychoMay and Magic Fly have been the better bugs as of late. Keep fishing those and start to work in some PMD nymphs like the Split Case, Crackback, Magic Fly or Redemption.

Flows have been jumping around a bit, currently 4920 CFS with water temps at 51 degrees. Changes in flows can sometimes have a negative effect on feeding patterns, as can changes in weather patterns. I guess what I’m trying to say is that despite what you may have read or heard elsewhere, it hasn’t exactly been lights out every day. There have certainly been some hot windows but a fair number of lulls in the action as well…and not just for the DIY anglers.

The MO may be as close to a guarantee as you can get when it comes to numbers and quality of fish but…NEWSFLASH…we do have slow days on the MO as well so keep those expectations in check and don’t let a tough day get you down. After all, no matter how many fish you catch or don’t catch you are blessed to be on these fabled waters, drifting through these magical landscapes seeking encounters with these amazing creatures. At least that’s how I see it.

We’ve been busy in the shop and on the shuttle circuit and lodging has been full for the most part more nights than not…it’s a fun time of year to be in the business! We’re open daily from 7 AM – 5 PM and we’re here for anything and everything you need for your day on the water. From The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO to the largest selection of Missouri River bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana to rain and wading gear from Simms and Korkers to fishing licenses to ice to sunscreen to Sage rods and Lamson reels and so much more. We hope you make us your first stop on your way to the MO.

Save Gas. Save Time. Shop at Wolf Creek Angler!

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-05-16T09:47:22-06:00May 16th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

Settling In

Spring presents a grind, a minor league grind by comparison to what’s to come but a good warm up nonetheless and a chance to Settle In To Spring.

There have been a handful of genuinely busy days but as per usual, spring traffic is moderate, it just feels really busy sometimes after a winter of achieving customer counts in the single digits more days than not.

Fishing has been solid though the default conditions of sunshine and cloudless skies with varying degrees of breeziness can sometimes make for challenging days, especially for those in dry fly mode.

Not to say it isn’t happening. It is. You just need to be in the right place at the right time and the right time is typically the later part of the day when the sun is low and mid-day breezes have dissipated. Evening midge fishing has been consistently good for a couple of months now and should provide ample entertainment for those who despise the bobber but if you’re looking for BWO’s it’s far from clockwork.

In other words, take advantage of the overcast, not so nice days. Those are the BWO days. Sometimes it happens. Sometimes it doesn’t. We’ve seen a couple of good bug days with some good pods and some very respectable fish willing to eat a well-presented fly. As you’ve no doubt heard, it ain’t like it used to be but it is like it is and you can still catch a behemoth on a dry fly on any given day during spring fishing on the Missouri.

March Browns are not something you’ll typically find in abundance but they’re around and the fish LOVE them. We recommend you keep a few in reach for quick rigging should the opportunity present itself. Mother’s Day this Sunday…the Mother’s Day Caddis have been alerted and have begun to show themselves.

So back to the default weather conditions…nymphing has, and will almost always be, the go to method for those looking to bend the rod with relative frequency. Sunny days still aren’t the best but if you’re fishing deep it shouldn’t matter much. That being said, we’ve certainly had some tougher days as of late where they just didn’t seem to be eating but other days have been what you’ve come to expect on the MO, constant action with a good number of fish to hand.

It’s still a Sow Bug game as it seemingly always is, but baetis nymphs have been the better option as of late with Grey Little Green Machines, Olive Psycho Mays, BWO Redemption, BWO Magic Fly, Split Case BWO’s and plain old Pheasant Tails leading the charge.

Streamer fishing has been somewhat sub-par due I think mostly to the aforementioned weather conditions but low light periods have been good so if you’re going to do it maybe look to that extra early start or those same BWO type grey/rainy/snowy days.

Some days it feels like we’ve hit our season stride in the shop and lodging world with boats and rigs packed in the parking lot, all rooms occupied and multitudes awaiting their turn at the register for bugs and shuttles. Other days it feels like winter again with sparse occupancy and maybe just a few folks poking around the shop. Such is springtime on the MO but it only get’s busier from here so we’re thankful for the gradual start.

Our WCA team has been assembled and I honestly think it’s our best one yet. You’ll mostly see Phil and yours truly in the shop but we’ve also welcomed back Shalon who has been here on and off over the years and Bryan who joined us last year and helps part time with the shop and shuttles. We’re also excited to have Shaniah on board helping with the shop and shuttles and Carson will return in June for a second year of doing anything and everything that needs to be done. Rhonda and Gary have returned to round out the shuttle staff and Missy is back for year number 5 as Head of Housekeeping.

We hope you stop in and meet all of our awesome crew members.

We’re open earlier than most at 7 AM daily and will be extending our hours beginning on Monday, May 12th when we’ll be open from 7 AM – 5 PM Daily.

Stop in for The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO (unless you want to pay more elsewhere) and restock your bug boxes while you’re here. We’ve got more bugs than we’ve ever had and that’s saying something as we’ve always been proud co possess the biggest selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Fishing licenses, Ice, Trxstle Rod Racks, Sage R8 Classics, Ross Coors reels and SO MUCH MORE.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-05-08T16:01:58-06:00May 8th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: caddis, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, midge, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

ARRIVAL

The spring season is in full swing as we approach April’s close and prepare for a busy month of May.

River Life has returned. Winter’s monochromatic grey has been supplanted by all hues of green as buds are bursting forth and grass is greening by the second. The landscape transforms before our eyes as the season takes hold. Some days it seems you are literally able to watch it happen.

Pelicans have arrived. Goslings are starting to appear under the careful watch of their high-strung and loud parents. Bug life is unfolding at a rapid pace and busy mornings in the fly shop have also returned as spring traffic has also arrived.

We are experiencing a true Montana spring with plenty of cold mornings and the occasional snow shower mixed in with moderate daytime temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Awesome days to be on the water watching it all unfold from the seat of a drift boat. It doesn’t get much better than this!

Nymphing remains the go-to with most traffic, most days camped in the Holter to Craig stretch though with the increased bug activity there has been a fair amount of folks opting for the canyon stretch and below.

It’s still a sow bug game but baetis nymphs like Little Green Machines and Psycho Mays and Magic Flies (among many others) are getting eaten with regularity. No need to make any radical changes to your setup just yet but start to key in on the faster, medium depth water. Leave the slow winter stuff behind, it’s time to move on.

The streamer bite has been decent during low light periods early or late and throughout the day when we get the cloud cover. Again, medium depth and shallow fast water have been productive and there have been plenty of big browns hanging in those soft spots against the bank looking for the ambush. Cast right to the bank and drag your bug off the bank into the shallows. It’s not a high percentage play but you might be surprised how many of those big browns sit in next to no water waiting for a meal to happen by. We’ve got another month of this – PRIME STREAMER TIME on the MO!

As mentioned, there are plenty of bugs around and plenty of dry fly opportunities for those looking to put in the work. You can hunt for risers or just fish blind. Midges are the mainstay but there are baetis around and on the move upstream and we’ve seen a few March Browns around as well. You could even fish a Skwala blind and maybe get an eat or two but for my money it’s hard to beat plying the waters with a #12 Purple Haze or Parachute Adams, especially when you’re seeing sporadic rises.

Published shop hours are still 8:00 – 4:00 daily but we’re generally open for business by 7:30 and here until traffic subsides.

It’s getting to be that time of year where lodging is at a premium, much of it booked last minute. We’re full for the weekend but things open up a bit on Sunday and we have at least a room or two open most nights during next week.

Guide trips are ramping up and we’re starting to get into a rhythm but we’re still a few weeks out from our busy season so we do generally have guides available with a day or two notice if a last minute trip to the MO is in the works for you.

Either way, we invite you to start your day at Wolf Creek Angler for EVERYTHING you need for your day on the water including The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO and so much more.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-04-24T12:51:59-06:00April 24th, 2025|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Holter Dam, midge, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|Comments Off

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