Montana Archives - Page 26 of 33

Monday Morning….All is Quiet

The long Thanksgiving weekend has come and gone. The river continues to be shrouded in freezing fog but the sun is burning through and the cold will loosen its grip over the next few days as we leave behind the frosty single digits for the time being and move back into very comfortable 40’s by mid- week. It looks like the mild weather will hang around for at least the next ten days or so.

Will the break in the weather bring some traffic back to the river? We’ll likely see a slight uptick in traffic once those temps creep back into the 40’s, however things will remain fairly quiet through the end of the year. The holidays are upon us and the next month will fly by for most with plenty of things going on to keep everyone busy.

Should you get a chance to sneak away for a day and wet a line however, we would love to see you. It’s the perfect time to take advantage of our off-season lodging and guide rates. $99 rooms and $400 Missouri River winter guide trips for the rest of the year and through the winter months.

Our winter hours are Wednesday – Saturday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Sunday 8:00 AM – 12 Noon (ish). We will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for the winter months except when the weather is super fishy. We’re open for lodging and guide trips EVERY day and we’ll answer your calls whether we’re here or not. If you happen to come around on a day we aren’t at the shop please stop and see our friends at The Trout Shop or Headhunters in Craig or Trout Montana if you are Cascade bound and tell em’ we sent you!

Thanks to everyone who came out for our Black Friday and Small Business Saturday sales. We definitely appreciate your support and we always look forward to seeing you in the shop and on the water. Remember to pick up Wolf Creek Angler gift cards for all of the fly fishers on your list, available in any amount and good for anything we sell.

Reports from the river have been a bit hard to come by over the past few days but those who have been out have been enjoying some good days with very little competition. Think pink, think firebeads and think slow and deep winter water. We’ve got bins full of winter favorites and we’ll tell you exactly where to go and what to use when for your best shot at winter action on the MO.

We’ve also got the streamer bins fully stocked with a bunch of cool new patterns for your swinging and/or stripping fix.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:44-06:00November 30th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Thanksgiving Week on the MO

Winter Storm Warning in Wolf Creek today and tomorrow. Stay Safe!

Getting things done in the shop this week. We don’t much like the quiet days but they are to be expected and it does give us a chance to get all of our end of season chores completed. Counting flies, completing reports, cleaning, budgeting, reflecting, cleaning some more, finishing pre-season orders, booking rooms and trips for next season, daydreaming, catching up on fishing blogs….on and on it goes. Never a dull moment. And every once in a while someone actually does stop in.

A quiet time to be sure but we are under a winter storm warning and people are getting ready for Thanksgiving so we don’t really expect to see many folks in the shop today or tomorrow.
That being said our lodging is full for Wednesday and Thursday. Who knew Wolf Creek would become such a holiday destination? We’ll take it!

Snow is falling and the wind is starting to howl. Traffic should be nearly non-existent on the water for the next couple of days though the storm will be past and we will be back in the 30’s for the weekend so we’ll be expecting you. Stop in for great deals on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. We are so thankful for all of our customers who have made Wolf Creek Angler a success and we couldn’t be happier with the way the 2015 season went. We’re working hard to bring more of what you want into the shop and we’re super excited about some things we’re working on for 2016. We trust you will share in our excitement. More on this later.

We hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday and we hope to see you in the shop weather permitting. Why not take some time and make your plans for fishing the Missouri in 2016. Book your lodging and guide trips now to lock in 2015 rates. June and July lodging vacancies are rapidly disappearing and prime guide dates are filling quickly so don’t wait – give us a call today and book your Missouri River dream vacation with Wolf Creek Angler.

Can’t wait until spring? Keep your eye on the weather and book yourself a Missouri River winter getaway. Rooms for $99 and $400 guide trips. Winter fishing on the Missouri can be downright spectacular on any given day and you’ve got nothing to lose. If the weather turns, even on the morning of your scheduled trip, or if you simply change your mind about winter fishing, no worries, there are no cancellation fees. It’s winter in Montana….we get it!

Our winter hours will go into effect this Sunday, November 29th. Open Wednesday-Saturday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (or later) and Sunday 8:00 AM – noon (or later). We’re a little loose with the shop schedule in the winter but suffice it to say that if the weather is really fishy you can expect to find us here whatever the day and if it’s 20 degrees or colder and/or blizzard conditions we likely won’t be open. If the weather is questionable please call ahead. And remember we’re open EVERY DAY for lodging and guide trips.

See you in the shop and maybe even on the water.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:44-06:00November 24th, 2015|Categories: Montana Fly Fishing, Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Thanks for the Hat Tip

From our friends at Missoula River Lodge

photo by Joe Cummings

http://www.montanaflyfishingguide.com/2015/11/fishing-the-end/

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:44-06:00November 16th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: A Classic Journey Outfitters, Joe Cummings, Missoula River Lodge, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Friday Fishing Report

Dan had his best day ever on the Missouri – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

It’s been a windy week on the Missouri with the exception of yesterday morning which turned out to be one of the better days we’ve had recently both weather wise and fishing wise. Calm winds and sunny skies made for an exceptionally nice November day on the water.

My friend Dan is in from Michigan for a few days and we had intended on fishing the Missouri every day. Wednesday’s winds forced a change in plans and we opted to go try our luck throwing streamers on the Blackfoot. I always enjoy wading the Blackfoot but the fishing was extremely slow and extremely challenging with high winds and snow. We covered many miles of water Wednesday between two rivers with only one fish landed and a couple of flashes and tugs to keep it interesting but a tough day overall.

We knew Thursday would be our window of opportunity on the Missouri with less wind in the forecast and it turned out to be even nicer that what we were expecting, at least up until mid-afternoon when the howl returned. We opted for the Dam to Craig run to keep it simple and had the whole thing pretty much to ourselves with just two other boats on the water. I had not been out on the MO recently so we started out with the rig and the water we’ve been hearing have been the go-to but the shallow water/short leash combo proved to be a bust for us. Once we found the right water and the right rig things turned on for the better part of the day up until the time the winds returned. The deeper, slower winter water was good for us running with a deeper rig but still no weight. We had success with black zebras and a pink amex but caught the majority of our fish on a #18 tailwater sow.

We had fully intended on throwing streamers but never got away from the bobber. We also had the dry-fly rig at the ready but unfortunately those opportunities didn’t materialize. That’s kind of been the story for most of the fall. There are BWO’s around but not very many and not with the consistency we would like to see. It’s been a disappointing fall for the die hard dry fly anglers but if you’re willing to chase the bobber it’s been good more often than not.

Traffic on the water is extremely light though there are a few folks around and we’re still booking trips and lodging for those who enjoy the solitude of fall fishing. We’re full for the weekend but have plenty of availability next week. It looks like this weather pattern is going to hold for the time being with breezy, but comfortable days so it certainly wouldn’t be a bad week to come out and fish with us. Colder temps expected by the end of next week.

Give the shop a call for up-to-the-minute reports on the weather and the fishing and stop by on your way to the water for shuttles, bugs, Kast cold weather gear, RO Drift Boat Rentals and great end-of-season deals on rods, reels and more.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:44-06:00November 13th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana|0 Comments

First Snow

We got a couple of inches of snow overnight though it’s rapidly disappearing with temps in the high 30’s today. As predicted yesterday’s grey skies and intermittent snow/rain/sleet made for a great day on the water with plenty of bugs and plenty of fish willing to eat. Similar conditions this morning though the clouds are rapidly dissipating. They’re calling for mostly sunny skies by this afternoon so now is the time!

Things are quiet on the river which is great for those who are around. Plenty of real estate to work with if you’re hunting heads and if you’re floating and throwing streamers or nymphing as you look for rising fish you’ve got miles of prime water virtually to yourself.

There have been a few folks around taking advantage of our winter lodging rates and while it certainly hasn’t been what we would consider busy we’ve had enough going on here to keep us occupied throughout the day. It’s that time of year when things slow down enough that part of the daily duties in the shop include laundry and housekeeping (and shoveling snow)!

We’ve got two rooms left for the weekend which looks like it’s going to be nice. Give us a call today and book one for yourself and while you’re at it why not book a guide trip? $99 gets you a cozy cabin or bungalow with private bath and a full kitchen.

Plenty of deals to be had in the shop as we clear out the items slated for obsolescence. Great deals on Ross and Nautilus Reels and Echo and St Croix rods. 30 % off summer logo wear from Simms and select Guide Wear from Kast and much more. Don’t forget we’ve got WCA Gift Cards good for everything we sell. They make the perfect gift for the fly anglers on your list.

The coffee is on and the shop is open at 7 AM daily, earlier than all the rest, for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs. Bugs, shuttles, Hand Warmers, hats, gloves, RO Drift Boat Rentals, Cold Weather gear from Kast and Redington and plenty of honest advice on the where, when and how. Stop in and say hi next time you’re in Wolf Creek, we’d love to visit with you and Jake would love for you to pet him and rub his belly. He’s suffering from neglect and attention deprivation since the arrival of the quiet time!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:45-06:00November 4th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Echo, fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Montana, Nautilus Reels, Redington, RO Drift Boats, Ross, running line, St Croix, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Welcome November

Frozen Boots Coming Soon – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Things are about to get wintry around here which could make for some great days on the water in the days and weeks to come. We’ll see temps close to 50 today but the rest of the week will be much colder with daytime temps struggling to reach 40 and overnight lows in the low 20’s. It also looks like we will be getting what looks like it will be our first significant snowfall of the season beginning tonight and lasting through Wednesday. If you’re fishing this week remember to bring those waders and boots inside at night! Cold waders and frozen boots are no way to start your day.
Will the change in the weather mean BWO’s? We’re hoping so. There have been bugs around but not in the numbers or with the consistency we would like to see. Let’s hope the changes in the weather this week brings the bugs. If not the nymphing should be just fine. Good action on sows and scuds as of late with the Tailwater Sow really coming on. Try a sow with a Tungsten Rainbow Czech or Pink Amex as a point fly. LGM’s, S & M’s, Zebra Midges, lightning bugs, WD40’s, Magic Flies, Dark Peeps, Red Headed Step Child, various Pheasant Tails and Grey and Pink scuds all getting some attention.

Counting flies all week at WCA. Care to guess how many we have? We’ll let you know but I can tell you this for certain – we’ve got more flies now than have ever been assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

We’ve booked some lodging and a few trips for the week with those in the know taking advantage of the upcoming conditions and hopefully cashing in. Why not join them? We’ve got plenty of vacancies and we’d love to have you here.

Shop open daily at 7 AM for all of your Missouri River Fly Fishing needs. Complimentary Hot Coffee, Cold Weather Gear from KAST, Redington, Outdoor Research and more. Hand Warmers, piles of warm hats and gloves and all the gear you need for your time on the water.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:45-06:00November 2nd, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Montana, Redington, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Winding Down

Despite the much-anticipated arrival of the BWO’s, some consistently good fall nymphing and the continued unseasonably warm weather, these last few days feel like the winding down has begun. Not from a fishing standpoint mind you, in fact it’s about to get really good out there, but the traffic has dropped off considerably, Izaaks is closed for the season and you just get the sense that we’ve entered the quiet time on the Missouri. I’m sure it has a lot to do with the abbreviated daylight and the long shadows we start to get this time of year in the canyon – not much sunlight hitting the shop right now. All that aside, we’ve still got full lodging through next week and we’re anticipating a busy weekend with cooler weather and the chance for some rain and snow showers starting Sunday.

A lot of folks will be turning their attention to hunting with the big game general season opener happening Saturday. If you’re not a hunter though this is the time to plan a late season fishing trip to the Missouri. With the bugs just getting going and the weather turning we are likely in for some exceptional dry-fly fishing and the streamer bite should only improve from here on out.

Give us a call and book your trips today. We’ve got a few lodging openings next week and we’ve got a bunch of guides wandering around looking for work. Wait another week and start taking advantage of our off-season lodging rates beginning November 1st.

If you’re just coming out to fish for the day make Wolf Creek Angler your one stop for everything you need for your day on the river. Shuttles, RO Drift boat rentals, KAST Extreme Fishing Gear, Redington Sonic Dry base layers and waders and boots, St Croix Bank Robber Demo Rods, Complimentary Montana Maid Coffee, Cigars, Smith Sunglasses, hats and gloves from Outdoor Research and of course, the biggest and best selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

There is soon to be a BWO Explosion and the ensuing feeding frenzy and you could have the river virtually to yourself. Don’t tell anyone – just get out here and fish the Missouri.

See you in the shop and on the water. Open daily at 7 AM for everything Missouri River Fall Fly Fishing.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:45-06:00October 22nd, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Montana, Redington, RO Drift Boats, St Croix, Streamer Fishing, 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

Missouri River Friday

Late Summer Skies on the Missouri

It’s been a busy week at Wolf Creek Angler despite the drop off in traffic and while it would definitely be a stretch to say the fishing is great on the Missouri right now, our expert crew of guides have been piecing together some very respectable days this week.

Nymphing has been consistently good from Holter Dam to Wolf Creek and has been decent in the stretches below as well depending on the day. Go-to nymphs at the dam have been zebra midges in red or black, split-case PMD’s, split-case BWO’s, weight flies, light peep shows, Little Green Machines, S & M’s and more.

Some are finding decent trico action, again, depending on the day but the fish are very picky when it comes to the tricos so be prepared to deliver or to be frustrated.

Our preference as of late has been the hopper/ant combo below Wolf Creek Bridge and beyond. Some days the hopper gets the eats – other days it’s the ant, some days it’s neither but it’s always a fun way to fish. Bugs of choice have been the White Cloud hopper in tan, Moorish hopper in tan or yellow, More or Less Hopper in tan or purple and any old parachute ant. Change up your hoppers often and if the ant fails to produce try dropping a small mayfly nymph or maybe even a small leech off of the hopper.

We’ve been moving some crayfish patterns this week though we have yet to hear of much going on with the crays so far. Any day now…

Lots of new arrivals in the shop including a bunch of Simms logo gear and a full restock on Fishpond Nomad hand nets and boat nets. Shop open at 6 AM daily – we are your Missouri River One Stop with everything you need for your day on the water. Guide Trips, shuttles, fishing licenses, ice, lodging, RO Drift Boat rentals and the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana just to name a few.

Things can be a little tough out there right now, why not take the guess-work out of it and book a guide for the day – you’ll be glad you did.

See you in the shop and on the water…

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:47-06:00August 7th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Montana, RO Drift Boats, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments