Mid February on the Missouri

Valentine Sky at Holter Dam - photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Valentine Sky at Holter Dam – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

We’re looking at continued unseasonably warm temperatures, likely for the remainder of the month. Let’s hope for at least one more winter blast in March. In the meantime why not brave the winds and come out and do some February fishing on the Missouri.

We’ve opened additional lodging to accommodate the increase in traffic and we would love to have you as our guest. $99 (plus tax) gets you a cozy cabin or bungalow complete with full kitchen facilities. Stock up on groceries and set up camp in Wolf Creek.

The Oasis Bar is open every day if it’s a taste of Wolf Creek night life you seek but if you’re hoping for dining out options be sure to book your trip Thursday – Monday as these are the days they are serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Oasis from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Once again, with lodging equipped with full kitchens and barbecue grills you don’t need to worry about dining out during your stay with us.

Need a boat? No problem. Wolf Creek Angler features RO Drift Boats for rent including the Tailwater Skiff and Deville. Better yet, leave the rowing to us and book a winter guide trip for just $400.

We’ve had a few trips out and a bunch of people staying with us the past couple of weeks making it feel like the 2016 season is getting underway. Sure there are still some quiet days in the shop but we’ve had plenty of busy mornings and we keep busy throughout the day running shuttles, cleaning rooms, adding inventory for spring and booking guide trips and lodging.

We invite you to swing by and check out our new selection of rods and reels from LOOP Tackle as well as a bunch of great gear from KAST Extreme Fishing. Why not treat yourself to a pair of Kast Steelhead gloves and a Kast Hell Razor jacket? It’s awesome gear and definitely stands out from the rest. Deals to be had at Wolf Creek Angler as we make the transition to spring gear.

The shop is open REGULARLY Wednesday – Sunday at 8:00 AM and we’re usually around on Mondays and Tuesdays as well if the weather is fishy. Call ahead if you have any doubts but you’ll see the OPEN sign ON from the northbound Interstate as you approach the Wolf Creek Exit. If you don’t see the sign on we encourage you to continue to Craig and visit our friends at The Trout Shop or Headhunters. It all depends on the weather but we will likely go to a 7 day schedule starting sometime in March.

Keep in mind we are open EVERY DAY for lodging and guide trips, it’s only the shop that is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

We hope to see you in the shop this week. We’ve got you covered with shuttles, bugs, cold weather gear, the biggest and best streamer selection ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana and much more.

Valentine’s Weekend Outlook

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The spring weather continues and the migration to the Missouri will be in full effect this weekend as people from all around the state take advantage of the opportunity to leave winter behind and get an early start on spring fishing. The Missouri River is without a doubt the hottest fishing destination in Montana right now.

It’s been our busiest lodging week of the season so far and the shop has been abuzz daily with folks getting shuttles and stocking up on flies and other Missouri River essentials.

We’ve got one cabin left for the weekend and we expect it will be gone by lunchtime. It’s not exactly the Honeymoon Suite but it would still make a great place to spend your Valentines Day weekend with your significant other. Throw in a $400 Missouri River Guide Trip or do it yourself with a RO Drift Boat rental and watch the romance bloom!

Wolf Creek Angler Lodging Options

Nothing says Love like a new fly rod, particularly a new LOOP Cross S1 or Opti Stream fly rod and reel to match. If you are in the market for a new rod be sure to stop in and check out our new expanded selection from LOOP, ECHO, ST CROIX and REDINGTON along with reels from ROSS, LOOP, NAUTILUS and more including the acclaimed BEHEMOTH reel from Redington, an awesome value at $110.

Valentine Deals to be had store-wide.

Wolf Creek is the nexus of Missouri River winter fly fishing with the only OPEN restaurant and the only gas station/convenience store between Helena and Cascade. Pair that with an up and coming Missouri River fly shop and guide service offering clean and comfortable rooms complete with full kitchens all minutes from Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge and you’ve got yourself a Montana winter fly fishing destination like no other.

Expect a fair amount of traffic at the dam this weekend and don’t be afraid to spread out as we’ve been hearing decent reports from the dam down to Mid. I wouldn’t hesitate to go even lower, the fishing should be fine, we just haven’t heard much from the lower stretches as of yet.

Stop in for up-to-date info on the what to use when and where.

Welcome February

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It’s feeling a little more like winter right now with a current temperature of 24 but we’re headed back into spring-like weather later this week with temps in the 40’s and near 50 on Saturday.

The groundhog has predicted an early spring, let’s hope it’s not too early.

Despite the unseasonably warm temps here on the Missouri our snowpack isn’t looking too bad, currently at 90 percent of average. We would definitely like to see that continue to increase. It’s really an ideal situation to have the cold and snow in the high country building our spring flows while we experience above average temps here making winter fishing on the Missouri a fairly constant option.

We’ve got lodging available throughout the week, though the weekend is almost full so don’t wait too long to book that room. We’ve been staying busy with lodging all winter long between the hard water anglers and those coming out to fish the Missouri. We’ll keep an eye on the long-term forecast and will likely open up a few more units sooner rather than later as the weather and the demand dictate.

Don’t forget $400 guide trips all winter long. Book it now, if you don’t like what the weather brings on the day of your trip you are free to cancel with no penalty for doing so. Guides are starting to get restless and are ready to get back at it. Give us a call and put them to work today.

Be sure to stop in on your way to the river for shuttles and bugs and anything else you might need for your day on the water.

 

 

Missouri River Weekend Report

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Wolf Creek Angler is your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing Destination

They’re calling for big winds today, with gusts near 30 mph. We haven’t seen it yet. It’s a beautiful morning on the Missouri with sunny skies and temps closing in on 40.

The flows are up a bit at 3840 with the water temp just shy of 35. The wind will likely pick up this afternoon but if you’re contemplating coming out to fish this morning I would definitely encourage you to do so.

It’s a stark contrast to last Saturday when we saw the busiest day on the water so far of 2016. I did the loop to Craig and back and saw one rig at Craig – aside from that not a soul between Wolf Creek and Craig but it is early yet.

More seasonable weather on the way with 30’s and a chance for snow right through next week. Definitely fishable weather but not the spring-like temps we’ve been getting accustomed to again. Let’s hope for more winter….we need it!

We’ve got limited lodging available tonight and we’re wide open for next week as it stands now. Why not pick a day or two and come out and treat yourself to a day of winter fishing on the Missouri. You deserve it! $99 lodging and $400 guide trips all winter long. It’s the best value on the river.

If you’re wondering about dining options during these winter months The Oasis Bar and Grill is serving breakfast, lunch and dinner from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday-Monday. You can also bring your own provisions and do it yourself. All of our available units offer fully furnished kitchens and we’ve got barbeque grills available for your use.

With the only open restaurant and the only gas station/convenience store between Helena and Cascade, Wolf Creek is definitely the hub of activity in the canyon during the winter months. Throw in our comfortable and affordable lodging and an up and coming, extremely well-provisioned Missouri River Fly Shop located closer to Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge than any other shop and you’ve got your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing destination.

We’ve got new gear arriving daily, including some awesome rods and reels from LOOP you just have to try. We’re also featuring the new Behemoth Reels from Redington, an incredible value at $110. The Behemoth combines the most powerful drag in its class with stunning aesthetics that push the limits of fly reel design.

Shuttles, cold-weather gear from KAST, RO Drift Boat Rentals and of course, the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana. Come check us out. Our normal winter schedule in the shop is 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday-Sunday but when fishing conditions are prime on Mondays and Tuesdays you will likely find us here on those days too. Open every day for lodging and guide trips.

Make Wolf Creek Angler your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing Destination.

Wolf Creek Angler welcomes LOOP to the Missouri

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We are super stoked to announce that we have become the Exclusive Dealer of Loop Tackle on the Missouri River.

Probably best know for the creation of the large arbor reel in 1984, Loop has developed a cult following of hardcore anglers worldwide who come from all walks of life and comprise what has come to be known as the LOOP ARMY. We are thrilled to be affiliated with LOOP USA and we’re excited to help build the brand of one of the elite companies in the fly fishing industry here on one of the best trout rivers in the world.

Loop was founded in Sweden in 1979 by Christer Sjöberg and Tony Karpestam – two young enthusiastic fly fishers with one goal in mind; to make a living doing what they loved. They wanted to be involved in the developing world of fly fishing and to explore and fly fish in areas previously impossible to reach.

We have been on the hunt since we opened our doors two years ago for great products which we can get behind and which are not available at every other shop in the area. Along with KAST GEAR which we brought in last year, LOOP certainly falls into this category.

Loop is a complete fly-fishing company. Today Loop designs, develops and manages every manufacturing process of their gear themselves. All of their  products are designed and built to last and function in the world’s toughest conditions and to last for season after season. Experience, enthusiasm and an unbreakable will has led them to only put the Loop brand on the best products.  Loop started out as a dream and for over twenty years Loop has been a leader in the fly fishing industry. Today that dream has evolved into an international company focused on delivering dreams to their customers.

Along with an impressive lineup of rods and reels Loop also offers an extensive assortment of fly lines and some limited apparel. We are currently featuring rods and reels and will add to our inventory offerings as we build the brand but for those already in the LOOP ARMY, we are your authorized LOOP dealer on the Missouri and we are happy to special order anything you need.

These are great rods and reels, on par with any of the big names in the industry. I just started fishing the S1 and have found my new favorite rod! We invite you to come by and cast the flagship Cross S1 and see for yourself.

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The new LOOP Cross S1 fly rod series is the single most important revolution to occur in fly fishing since we introduced the large arbor reel over 20 years ago. It’s that big.

If the large arbor provided revolutionary function that made the fly reel exponentially better, you won’t believe the difference Cross S1 construction makes with fly rods. We could write an entire book on the adventure that has led to the Cross S1 series of fly rods. We could look up and write down all the available superlatives that are yet unused by other manufacturers (not many left nowadays), but the only way to truly describe what we mean is to hand one to you and let you test it for yourself. If there has ever been a time in our history of development of high-performance fly fishing gear where Loop merited a “look” and a test from the fly fishing world, it is now. Over a period of two years we have developed these fly rods where we used the new 3M™ Powerlux™ Composites. The result is amazing, the strength associated with the 3M™ Powerlux™ Composites generates a lightness and controllable elasticity that simply must be experienced.

We have carefully restricted the inherent elasticity of the Loop Cross S1 so that the rod is working evenly over a much wider range than other fly rods. We have managed to make super-strong featherweight fly rods, with an emphasis on fishing where the rod is working with minimum vibration through an entire load range – from close-in and out to even extreme distances. The design requires minimal input power where the rod does the job. It has never been so easy and taken so little effort to deliver precision loops at 10-meters or 30-meters while easily controlling the line or changing the pace of the cast.

3M and Powerlux are trademarks of 3M Company.

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We’re currently stocking the Cross S1 and Opti Stream rods and both the Classic and Opti Reels and we will be adding more products as we move towards the spring season. We invite you to check out http://www.loopflyusa.com/ to learn all about LOOP and the great products they offer.

 

 

Weekend Outlook

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The mild weather continues this weekend with highs near 50 expected today and temps in the 40’s on Saturday and Sunday with a favorable wind forecast and a chance of rain and or snow each day.

The fishing has been good throughout the week by winter standards and there’s no reason it shouldn’t continue to be. Nymphing has been the best bet but we’re hearing some solid streamer reports as well, particularly in the Wolf Creek Bridge to Craig stretch.

A super slow retrieve is often the key this time of year as the fish are on the lethargic side with those water temps hanging in the low 30’s. For the most part they aren’t going to give chase but if you present them with the opportunity for a high calorie target moving slowly enough they will eat it. A slow strip or a swing is always the best bet under these conditions which is going to mean you’re going to want to use an intermediate line or a slow sinking VersiLeader from Rio. I always tend toward the heavier/faster sinking streamer lines just out of personal preference but a fast-sinking line presents challenges when you are looking for a slow retrieve. Not that you can’t effectively fish these lines but there’s definitely a skill set involved in figuring out how to fish them in cold water.

The best action has been on the slender side with the Kreelex, various clouser-type bugs, polar leeches and ZK’s Iced Out Grill all getting some attention. The streamer bins are loaded up at Wolf Creek Angler and Chewy has been feverishly tying to keep up with demand. Check out the go-to patterns in all sorts of flavors as well as a bunch of custom creations you won’t find in any other shop. We love the streamer game and we appreciate and understand your addiction. The Missouri is not a streamer river in the classic sense, with a bunch of structure to throw to but it can be nothing short of phenomenal on the right day. It’s a little different game than what you may be used to but always worth your time. Interested in streamer fishing the MO?  Make Wolf Creek Angler your first stop.

We’ll get you rigged with the right line and the right bugs and we’ll talk you through technique and tell you where to go to optimize your experience. If you’re thinking you need a new streamer stick we’ve got awesome deals happening right now on the St Croix Bank Robber designed by Kelly Galloup and we’d love to get you rigged with everything you need.

If you’re sticking to the nymphing game it’s status quo. Pink Amex, Rainbow Czech or Casne’s Pinkalicious trailed with firebead softhackle sows, pink lightning bugs, firebead rays, black zebra midges, etc. Slow and deep to medium deep water, adjusting depth and weight as necessary.

If you’re waiting for dry-fly action it’s getting to be that time where you should have your midge rig at the ready. We’ve seen a few bugs around each day and a few sporadic rises but I wouldn’t plan to make a day out of it just yet.

We’ve seen more traffic out there today than we’ve seen in a while. Expect company and be on your best behavior. It’s been a while since we’ve had to do much sharing of the water and this is definitely sharing by winter standards. Still plenty of solitude to be had.

We’ve got a full house this weekend but it looks like the mild weather will continue into next week. $99 Lodging available starting Sunday night and $400 guide trips available all winter long.

See you in the shop and on the water.

 

Back At It…

Guest Blog from WCA Guide Jim Murray

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It looks like we may be in for another mild winter which will mean an early start to the 2016 guide season.

Our commitment to provide the very best Missouri River Fly Fishing experience for our clients year-round requires us to be out there whenever possible so that we’re prepared whenever you call for that guide trip. It’s grueling work, but it’s the sacrifice we at Wolf Creek Angler are willing to make for you.

Jason and I had been trying to get out on the river the past couple of weeks, and this week we were finally able to get out there for a couple of days of fishing. Reports had been all across the board, which is not unusual with winter fishing. We spoke to a couple of other guides and hard-core local anglers who had been out recently, and they had been less than enthusiastic about the fishing. We were itching to get out there see for ourselves.
We were glad we did, and while we had our ups and downs over the course of two days, we put a fair number of fish in the boat, and had a great time doing it. Fish didn’t always seem to be where we expected to find them, but we found out that if we poked around a little bit, changed our flies/depth/location etc, we would find a few willing fish to eat our bugs.

The fish were in slow/moderate-slow water and we seemed to have the most success in moderate depth runs rather than the deeper, more typical winter water. Flies seemed to be the least important variable, but we had the most success on fire bead sows and zebra midges. We threw streamers for a short while, but that game definitely seemed to be off. With the temps warming the next few days it might be a great time to shake away those winter blues with a bent rod!

Here are some winter tips to keep in mind when you do:

• If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. If you fish a run that you think should hold fish, go back through again, but change it up. Add weight. Remove weight. Change your depth. Move the boat to a little deeper water. A little shallower water. Change flies. The fish are there. Find ‘em and feed ‘em.

• Hit EVERYTHING. Winter eats are often subtle. If the bobber winks at you, set. You will often be happy with the result.

• Pink/Sows/Zebras – pick your favorite big pink/fire bead Czech/scud/sow, followed by a smaller more “techy” nymph, like a beadless tailwater sow or a zebra midge. That seemed to be the recipe for our success.

• Presentation is key. This should go without saying, but as always, work on getting that perfect drag free drift.

• Stay warm! Dress in layers to ensure you stay warm out there. Nothing ruins a day on the river faster than being cold!
We are very fortunate to live near this great year-round fishery, and Winter on the Mo can be a blast. It’s time to put away that shotgun and get the fly rod out! Cure your cabin fever with a day on the Missouri!

Cold Weekend Outlook

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Snowy and cold this weekend on the Missouri although not nearly as cold as what they had been calling for a few days ago. We’ll see highs in the mid 20’s tomorrow and close to 30 on Sunday with partly sunny skies….maybe not ideal conditions but certainly fishable.

Night time temps in the single digits will keep things icy. Slush will be a constant irritation. Watch that shelf ice and be on the lookout for icebergs on the move when you’re wading.

We wouldn’t recommend floating the river this weekend with wind chill values as low as -10 but if you decide to do it please use extreme caution at the ramps as they can definitely be on the sketchy side in these weather conditions. Four-Wheel drive is a must.

Things are going to warm up next week with highs near 40 on Wednesday and Thursday. If you feel a couple of sick days coming on give us a call and book yourself a cozy bungalow for a night or two. $99 gets you a room for three with a full kitchen. Don’t feel like cooking? The Oasis Bar and Grill is serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Thursday – Monday from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

Looking for a guide? $400 gets you a full day float trip on the MO with one of our expert professional guides, a hot lunch, plenty of solitude and the chance to discover what an awesome winter fishery the Missouri can be. Book it today – if you don’t like what you’re seeing weather wise come game time you are free to bail. We will be out there weather permitting – you may as well be out there with us.

Need shuttles, winter bugs, hats, gloves, hand warmers, cold weather gear or anything else for a cold day on the water? Wolf Creek Angler is your Missouri River Winter Fly-Fishing headquarters. Stay with us, shop with us, fish with us. With 99% of the winter fishing taking place between Holter Dam and Craig, Wolf Creek is the place to be, just minutes from the dam and Wolf Creek Bridge.

Pay us a visit and find out why Wolf Creek is rapidly becoming the nexus of winter fly-fishing on the Missouri River. People from around the state and beyond choose Wolf Creek when they are looking for a winter fly-fishing fix. With the only restaurant and the only gas station/convenience store between Helena and Cascade and a first-rate Missouri River fly shop with comfortable and affordable lodging just minutes from Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge, the choice is clear. Wolf Creek Angler, Uncle Joe’s Oasis Bar and Grill and The Canyon Store provide everything you need from flies to food to fuel to night life. Keep an eye on the weather and when you see a break come discover for yourself all that Wolf Creek has to offer.

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Everything you need in Wolf Creek Montana

 

 

Mid Week Missouri River Fishing Report

Enjoying a brief January Thaw on the Missouri - Photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Enjoying a brief January Thaw on the Missouri – Photo by Wolf Creek Angler

It’s been a nice couple of days here on the Missouri by January standards and the river has been predictably busier with people taking advantage of warmer temps, calm winds and sunshine.

Cold and snow return tomorrow. Highs in the teens and night-time lows in the single or negative digits through the weekend with an 80% chance of snow tomorrow and a good chance of snow each day through Saturday. Sunday looks to be mostly sunny and cold and it looks like things warm up heading into next week.

I couldn’t resist the pull yesterday. Having not been out for quite a while it was a great day to do the Wolf Creek to Craig float and hit all the reliable winter runs.

No big changes to report. Slow water, anything pink and firebeads! Pink Amex, firebead pink soft hackle sow and pink lightning bugs all drew a favorable response.

There were quite a few midges on the water yesterday though I only saw a couple of sporadic rises but it won’t be long before there are swarms of midges and fish keying on them so it’s never a bad idea to have your dry-fly rig at the ready.

Only one other boat out there yesterday but plenty of wade anglers around. I like to float if I have time just so I can quickly get from spot to spot. If there is someone fishing the spot I want to fish I just float on past to the next one. The drawback of course is that you are committed and even on the nicer days like we’ve been having, once that sun goes away it gets cold quickly. Even so – if I have the time I would almost always rather float than do the walk/wade thing on the Missouri. The right cold weather clothing, a thermos of coffee, a thermos of hot soup and in extreme cases a propane heater or two go a long way in making your winter float an enjoyable experience.

If you haven’t experienced winter fishing on the MO you really should. We’ve got all the cold weather gear and all the winter nymphs and streamers you need and we’re more than happy to tell you exactly where to go to find the fish.

Keep your eye on the weather and do it yourself or book  a $400 full day float trip some time this winter. Dress appropriately and leave the hot soup,  hot coffee and heaters to us. Better yet, book a cozy bungalow for $99 and do a day with a guide and a day or two on your own.

Our bungalows are fully equipped with kitchens so you can cook your own meals.  If you prefer to eat out, The Oasis is currently serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Thursday – Monday from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

Don’t miss a great opportunity to experience winter solitude on the Missouri.

Sun Rises on 2016

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Another year in the books.

Welcome 2016. We think it will be our best year yet!

Lots of exciting things happening at Wolf Creek Angler in 2016 as we continue to grow and to establish our brand. We couldn’t be more pleased with our second season compared to the first and we’re poised and ready for continued growth as we prepare for Season Three.

We’re finding our voice and settling in as we continue to be spurred on by the overwhelming encouragement we receive from our guests and customers.

Our goal is not just to get you in the door but to keep you coming back. We’re sincerely humbled by the response we’ve gotten over these first two seasons as we’ve seen a lot of new faces but also many that have become familiar. We are honored to be your Missouri River Fly Shop and we are committed to making your experience with us the best it can be.

From keeping the shop fully stocked with the products you want to constantly making improvements to the lodging to continuing to develop our guide crew…it’s all rooted in serving you. We’ve faced plenty of challenges in each of these areas and we haven’t always been successful in implementing the changes we would like to make but we’re always working on it.

One of the more frustrating challenges has been getting the products in the shop that we know you want. It’s much easier said than done but we continue to make inroads as we seek out products and brands we’re excited to get behind. Those who shop with us know that our fly and terminal tackle selection rivals that of any other shop and we will always maintain our focus on these because these are the things you are coming here to buy but we will also continue to expand our other offerings. Expect to find more of the products you want available at Wolf Creek Angler each and every season.

The challenge with lodging is that the sky is the limit where improvements are concerned but not so with the resources. Small steps…we’ll get there. Much of what we do on the lodging side you’ll probably never notice and we’re ok with that. We are committed to providing clean, affordable accommodations and that’s what you will find when you stay with us. We don’t expect you to notice new mattresses, new bedding, new towels…etc but we know you’d likely notice if we didn’t keep up with these things.

Perhaps one season you will arrive at WCA to find a brand new lodge with all the trappings but for now rest assured you will find clean, affordable lodging and a friendly staff committed to doing everything they can to make your stay with us as comfortable and as enjoyable as possible.  We have the best housekeeping staff in the canyon…hands down.

The same commitment we have to customer service in the shop and the lodging carries over to our guide staff. Each and every one of our guides is expected to treat your day on the river the same way we treat your stay with us. Our goal as guides is to tailor each day to meet your individual expectations and to make your Missouri River fly-fishing experience one you won’t soon forget.  We don’t push the numbers game – we provide an overall experience which certainly includes catching fish but we don’t measure the success of our days strictly by the number of fish caught, nor should you.

The Missouri is an amazing river with incredible numbers and size of fish but there is so much more to it than that. We provide you with experienced, professional guides, each of whom understands and subscribes to our commitment to our guests to provide exceptional service and to make your trip with us one you wont soon forget.

We’re excited about 2016 and we can’t wait to see you at Wolf Creek Angler.

Our sincere thanks to all of you  for making 2015 such a great year and for making us your Missouri River Fly Shop.

 

By |2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00January 1st, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , |0 Comments

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