Montana Archives - Page 4 of 34

An Intro to Holter Dam

Much of the information below was compiled from the article Holter Dam’s Century of Excellence from Hydro Review, March 25th, 2020. Historic photos courtesy of Helena as She Was

It’s not something we spend much time thinking about but that massive structure we’ve become so accustomed to seeing, which holds back the Mighty Missouri and which marks the start of one of the most prolific trout fisheries in North America, not only produces electricity to supply much of the region with power but is also an amazing piece of engineering history, having been in operation for more than 100 years.

Recently our shop staff had the opportunity to tour the facility from the bottom up and it is truly an amazing thing to see.

Holter Dam is one of a series of hydroelectric, straight gravity dams on the Missouri River. The dam is a run-of-the-river dam because it can generate electricity without needing to store additional water supplies behind the dam.

Prior to our tour I had little understanding of how a hydroelectric dam works and while I’m still fairly ignorant of the process, it’s nice to finally have a basic knowledge of what’s happening inside the Powerhouse of a dam. The illustration below is not Holter specific but does show the basics of hydroelectric power generation.

One of the things that really struck me is that much of what you see in the way of design and equipment are much the same as they were when construction of the dam was completed in 1918. When you consider the pace at which technology is currently progressing, it is amazing to think that power generation is happening the same way now as it was in 1918. It is obviously more efficient now, but the basic concepts and designs are unchanged. Holter Dam continues to perform with high reliability with the original infrastructure and design intact.

Electricity produced by Holter Dam is used to supply tens of thousands of residential and commercial electric customers in Helena, Great Falls, Butte, and Missoula with clean, affordable, and reliable energy.

The dam was inducted into the Hydro Hall of Fame in 2019.

Originally known as the Wolf Creek Project, Holter Dam was one of several business ventures of a partnership formed between Anton Holter and entrepreneur Samuel T Hauser. Construction of Holter Dam was on the drawing board during the construction of Hauser Dam at the turn of the century.

Both projects came at a time when the State of Montana was developing Hydro power in large part to support copper mining in the region which was booming because the country was in the process of electrification and needed copper wire everywhere.

Work was halted on the dam in 1909 due to cost over-runs and fear of bankruptcy. Work resumed in 1916 by Montana Power Company with around five hundred workers on the job site. The construction camp at Holter was the largest ever built by MPC and included more than 115 structures, the very last of which still stand as dam employee housing.

The first turbine-generator unit was operational by 1917 and was joined by three others in 1918. The finished dam was 1,350 feet long and more than 110 feet high, which was the highest dam in Montana at the time of completion.

The powerhouse contains 4 12-MW turbine generator units that generate 6600 Volts, four 20,000 kVA transformers that set the voltage to 100,000 volts. Holter Lake impounds 240,000 acre-feet of water.

MPC owned the dam until 1999 when all power generating facilities were sold to PPL Montana which operated the facility until 2014 when Northwestern Energy purchased the PPL Hydro facilities.

So next time you are fishing the dam and you hear the siren indicating an increase in release volume from the spill bays you might take a second and think about what’s actually going on in that building which we often don’t even notice because we’ve seen it a million times.

We often reduce the dam operation to Cubic Feet per Second and how flows are going to affect our fishing but there is a much larger picture, one framed in history, which it is worth taking the time to understand and appreciate.

Our sincere thanks to Cody Gatch, Operations Foreman at the dam, for taking the time to give our shop staff an informative, interesting, and entertaining look at Holter Dam.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-07-30T16:43:38-06:00July 30th, 2023|Categories: Local Buzz, Uncategorized|Tags: Holter Dam, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Project|2 Comments

The Blur Begins to Fade

The second half of June and the first half of July are our busiest part of the season, often referred to as THE BLUR due to the lack of demarcation from one day to the next. It’s a time of pre-dawn boat rental boat launches, chaotic mornings in the shop getting trips out the door and often times working well into the night picking up boats and prepping them for the next day. A few hours a sleep per night is pretty standard during The Blur. Our guides have their own Groundhog Days to deal with during this time, often working three or four weeks straight without a day off. It’s these weeks that test the mettle of those looking to make a go at a career in Montana Fly Fishing.

Now as we move into the latter part of July, the Blur has started to fade. Don’t get me wrong, things are still busy, just not the fever pace of a week or two ago. Slowly but surely, things are slowing down. Traffic has lessened and soon will slow to a relative crawl as the Blur gives way to the Fade and the Fade gives way to the Dog Days of Summer.

The days are already noticeably shorter and while we’re still opening at 6:30 AM daily you can expect later light and cooler temps as summer falls away. We’ll see where the weather goes but for now we’ll likely push you to start as early as possible to counter the triple digit highs on tap for the days ahead. July is our hottest month of the year and we may see this heat wave stick around for a while but sooner or later cooler temps will return as will a 7 AM open. We’ll let you know when that’s happening.

Fishing has been somewhat inconsistent but overall there’s not much to complain about.

Some Like it Hot

The wade anglers are happy with flows having now dropped below 5K (currently 4860 CFS) with water temps holding in the mid 60s range. Keep an eye on those water temps on those hot days as it doesn’t take long to heat up with these lower flows. We encourage every angler to carry a thermometer with them at all times and check water temps often. Once that temp eclipses 68 degrees it’s time to think about giving the fish a break and finding something different to do.

We’re expecting flows to hold where they’re at which should keep things cool but once water temps hit 70 degrees or greater you really shouldn’t be fishing. There’s been no talk of Hoot Owl on the MO this season but self-regulating is something we should all be doing. You can expect us to request 6 AM starts on the really hot days but regardless of whether you start early or not our guides will stop fishing if water temps exceed 68 degrees.

Need a stream thermometer? We have them available for purchase at WCA!

Tricos have been gaining momentum, Caddis have been the consistent evening go to and hoppers and ants are getting the occasional looks. Plenty of options for the DFO. Best-selling dries this week have been Hi Vis Trico, Guide Winna Spinna (Rusty or Trico), Double Wing Trico, Indicator Spinner Trico, Barr’s Trico Emerger, Lighthouse Spinner Trico, Cornfed Caddis, Missouri CDC Caddis, Outrigger Caddis, Blooms’s UV Caddis, Stockingfoot Caddis and CDC Grey Caddis Emerger.

More or Less Hoppers in Peach, Tan and grey have been moving fish and Micro Chubbies are getting plenty of looks as well. Come check out our greatly expanded FOAM section, which, I think it’s safe to say, rivals or exceeds that of any other shop on the MO.

Those chasing bobbers have had good luck with black Zebra Midges, Frenchies, Little Green Machines, Pheasant Tails, Split Case PMD’s, Purple or Gold Weight Flies, Tung Darts, S & M’s and of course, Sowbugs. Zirdles have also continued to have their moments though that has lacked consistency.

Not much to report as far as streamer fishing goes though buggers, particularly Thin Mints, have been effective.

Hot summer nights (though not too hot) are the perfect time to throw a mouse as well. Once again, keep a close eye on those water temps, but when the water temps allow for it why wouldn’t you try your luck at fooling a mammoth Missouri River brown trout with a mouse. Not for the faint at heart!

Just to repeat, we’re open at 6:30 AM daily for all of your Missouri River summer fly fishing needs. Sunscreen, Ice,Headwear, Neck Gators, Sun Gloves, Smith and Suncloud Sun Glasses, Simms Solarflex shirts, flip flops, NEW Korkers wading shoes and sandals and much more. How about a new SAGE R8 or Sonic? We’ve got em’.

Lodging and guides are still locked up but another week and we’ll have rooms available and might even be able to find you that (somewhat) last minute guide trip.

Adipose Drift Boat rentals, Simms waders and boots, Rio and SA lines, leaders and tippet and without a doubt, the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Don’t forget, Wolf Creek Angler has the confirmed CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES on the MO. You won’t find a cheaper Dam shuttle anywhere. Our shuttle business has more than doubled from last year but we still can’t help but wonder why anyone would go anywhere else for a shuttle from the Dam down unless they just enjoy spending more money on said shuttles which must be the case because there are all kinds of rigs being shuttled from the dam which we aren’t moving.

The only other thing it could be is that folks don’t know that we’re here. Case in point, we had clients show up a few minutes late the other day for their trip because they “just assumed we were in Craig”. They assumed WOLF CREEK angler was in CRAIG! Help us get the word out – CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES ON THE MO ONLY AT WOLF CREEK ANGLER located in Beautiful WOLF CREEK MONTANA.

We LOVE Craig. We’re perplexed by watching the rigs with drift boats in tow passing us by in the morning presumably en route to Craig, only to see those same rigs at the dam later in the morning. And in this case it’s not just that our shuttles are cheaper, it’s that some folks are driving an extra 15 miles which means more money spent on fuel and at least a half hour later start than what would’ve been the case had they stopped here for a shuttle. Obviously to each their own but we’d love it if you spread the word to your peeps.

We hope you join us for The Fade and beyond this season on the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-07-18T16:04:02-06:00July 18th, 2023|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: Adipose, brown trout, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Montana, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Goodbye June….Hello Summer

It’s a sleepy Wednesday with intermittent rain showers and a general sense that it’s a good day to wait it out in anticipation of a very summer-like forecast ahead.

Sunshine and 90’s on the way starting tomorrow just in time for the kickoff to the pre 4th of July weekend…the real start of summer. It’s time to bid farewell to this cool wet June and get the Montana summer underway.

Finally there are consecutive days without “a chance of showers and thunderstorms” in the forecast. Not that we won’t continue to see the occasional summer storm but it’s nice to see a forecast with sunshine as the headline rather than the carbon copy chance of rain and thunderstorms we’ve seen for most of June.

What’s that mean for your PRIME TIME dry fly season on the Missouri? Hopefully good things to come.

PMD’s have been sporadic at best and now that we’re approaching the time when they tend to begin to taper off it’s unclear whether we’ll see a late surge or if my favorite hatch on the MO just fades away giving way to Caddis and Tricos and terrestrials.

Our council is to remain prepared for any and all of it.

Good reports this week on the Caddis front from those doing the late shift. Cornfed, Missouri CDC, Iceberg and Stockingfoot Caddis in tandem with the old standby CDC Caddis emerger all money right now in the right place at the right time.

Nymphing continues to be the numbers game. Broken Record Nymphing Report…..Sowbugs should be your go to. There isn’t a #14 Tailwater Sow to be found in any shop right now but we’ve got a pretty good stock of #16’s at the moment.

Split Case PMD’s, Frenchies, Little Green Machines, Faucii’s, PMD Magic Flies, PMD Redemptions are all producing as are go to caddis pupae like the gold or purple weight fly, Translucent Caddis Emerger, Nitro Caddis, Tung Dart, Pulsating Caddis, Deep Six Caddis Pupae and more. All in stock now at Wolf Creek Angler.

Boat rentals are full bore right now and the Mending Waters boats for vets and active duty military have never been so busy. Our summer guide season has peaked but chances of getting a last minute guide will continue to be slim to none for the next few weeks. Not that you shouldn’t at least give us a call though. We do get the occasional cancellation.

Same with rooms. We’re full from now to the third week of July but we do get cancellations once in a while so make the call. And just a note, our regulars have been extremely intentional about getting things booked for next year so if you had intentions on coming in 2024 I’d suggest you make those plans now before everything fills up.

Fall dates have started to fill but we’re still looking pretty good for late September and much of October if fall fishing on the MO is on your agenda.

These are the long days of summer but the march to darkness is underway with each passing day shaving off moments of light. Before we know it the morning light will arrive a little later and will not linger quite so long as darkness returns.

But for now – enjoy the Montana summer.

Plenty of sunshine on the way and the heat to go with it. The river will soon be busy with rec floaters looking for a cool respite so just be aware of that going in. The resource is here for everyone and we should all make it a point to go out of our way to get along and promote harmony on the water.

Starting July 1st we’ll be open earlier yet at 6:30 am for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-06-28T13:31:17-06:00June 28th, 2023|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Wolf Creek Angler is your Missouri River Fly Fishing Headquarters

It’s relatively quiet this first day of June on the Missouri but that’s about to change!

Chalk it up to being a post-holiday week or just the calm before the summer storm but it’s been eerily quiet this week with many of the transient guides and outfitters taking their clients and returning to their home waters.

Wet weather has perhaps kept some of the local angling traffic away and we’re still a ways out from the heat that drives the recreational floaters to the MO but all that aside, the fact of the matter is, we’re on the cusp of the start of the summer season and a few days from now things are going to look a whole lot different so if spring solitude is your thing this is your window and it’s about to close!

We’re now entering the days folks book a year or more in advance. These are the days of pilgrimage from afar to the hallowed waters of the Missouri. These are not the days of “everything else is blown so we’ll have to fish the MO”, from here on out everyone who is here is here for this. They’re here to carry on what are often times generational traditions of summer days on our giant spring creek.

These are the days of the DFO. Not that you won’t see plenty of bobbers on any given day but the history of fly fishing on the Missouri is one steeped in the lore of epic hatches and monster browns and bows sipping well-presented dry flies. It’s a place known for technical fishing with all of the elements in play that make a soft landing and a drag-free drift a necessity.

The coming early days of Caddis and PMD activity always allow for a fair amount of sloppiness and less than stealthy presentation but it won’t be long before things get techy and the fish get extremely picky and if you’re not on your game you’ll likely have a tough time on the Missouri. Prepare yourself for the Missouri River Dry Fly Extravaganza!

That being said, this world class tailwater is chock full of sub surface food which means if you prefer the bobber to the dry fly the Missouri is for you as well. It’s almost always game on for the nymphing set and while the reckless abandon with which these trout have been feeding for the past month may be waning there is an incredible abundance of food in the water right now and the fish don’t stop eating.

Of course sow bugs continue to be the staple but there are caddis pupae, baetis nymphs, PMD nymphs, March Brown nymphs, worms, crayfish and who knows what else bouncing around the water column. Anchor your rig with a beaded Tailwater sow, Czech nymph, Weight Fly, worm or Crayfish and trail a Little Green Machine, 2 Bit Hooker, Magic Fly, Split Cast PMD, S & M, Frenchie, Psycho May and on and on….All available at Wolf Creek Angler.

Back to dry flies – we’re currently making the shift, switching the hi vis bins from BWO’s to PMD’s and Caddis. Stock up today on the latest and greatest as well as the old standbys. We recommend you keep a good selection of spinners and duns at the ready but we catch a bunch of fish on cripples…just sayin.

The Guide Winna Spinna is a relative new-comer to the Missouri. Great Fly….Terrible Name. CDC PMD Spinners and Para PMD’s along with Indicator Spinners in PMD and Rusty – all fine PMD options. Hellen Keller PMD, PMD Film Critic, PMD Flash Cripple. CDC Winged Emerger, Brooks Sprout PMD and the ever-popular Buzzball should all hold a place in your fly box.

Our go-to Caddis patterns include Cornfed Caddis, Blooms Para Caddis, Sloan’s Outrigger Caddis, Stockingfoot Caddis, Missouri CDC Caddis, Iceberg Caddis, Front End Loader, X Caddis and the always popular CDC Caddis Emerger.

You’ll find all of these and many more filling the bins at WCA amongst the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

As you prepare for the weeks ahead think about replacing those old fly lines. There’s nothing quite like fishing a fresh new line to help you step up your game. It’s difficult enough to overcome the challenges posed by micro currents when trying to perfect that presentation. Why add the challenge of a line that won’t float? Cleaning and dressing helps but at some point you need to replace those lines.

We’ve got you covered with all the basics as well as the more technical tapers from SA, Rio and Airflo.

Stock up on 5X and don’t forget your floatant.

We’re open at 7 AM daily for EVERYTHING you need for your day on the MO.

Sun protection, rain gear, Simms waders and boots, the brand new Korkers Swift Sandals and All Axis wading shoes, SAGE R8’s, Lamson Speedsters, tons of Simms logo gear, Adipose drift boat rentals, Mending Waters Drift boats FREE TO ALL VETS, Fishing licenses, Fishpond Nomad Nets and now featuring the CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES ON THE MO!

Welcome to Pre Prime on the MISSOURI!

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-06-01T12:23:50-06:00June 1st, 2023|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: Adipose, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, Fishpond, fly fishing, green machine, Korkers All Axis wading shoe, Korkers Swift Sandal, Lamson Speedster, mending waters montana, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Sage R8, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Creek fishing opens this Saturday

Another heat wave on the way this weekend with temps expected to approach 90 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. As luck would have it we’re currently experiencing some smoke from the wildfires burning in Alberta and British Columbia which does affect air quality to an extent but more importantly it also provides overcast conditions, all the better for those fishing the MO.

Current air quality conditions in Wolf Creek are moderate for the most part, worse as you travel to Helena and Great Falls. Expect hazy conditions today through Saturday with things starting to clear on Sunday.

Saturday is the general stream opener in Montana which will soon begin to distribute the angling traffic around the region however with the current streamflows already running high and hot weather on tap for the weekend which will likely bring about an increase in runoff, we’re expecting continued heavy traffic here for the time being.

We’re in good shape on the Missouri with current flows at 7000 CFS with water temps right around 50 degrees. Flows on the Dearborn and Prickly Pear have steadily dropped this week but will likely be on the rise again this weekend. Both are adding color to the MO but not in a bad way – chalky, not muddy. Just how we like it.

It’s been a decent week for BWO’s, especially with the low light conditions and there are a few caddis bouncing around out there as well as some march browns and of course, the ever-present midges which are still providing plenty of low light action for the dry fly set. Much more to come!

Nymphers are replacing sow bugs and scuds with BWO and PMD nymphs as well worms and zirdles in select locales. You needn’t abandon the sows altogether though as they are on the menu every month of the year on the Missouri.

Streamer fishing has been good enough with the better action during low light as you would expect. White, tan, yellow, olive….all good choices. Deeper has been better with a moderate retrieve and plenty of pauses in between. Work the banks, making sure you hit every fishy looking seam and pocket and every under-brush lair. There’s a reason you think those spots look fishy. It’s because they are. That being said, you’ll also want to hit island tailouts mid-river riffles and drops, water that maybe doesn’t look quite as sexy but which may hold the beast you’re seeking.

We’re open at 7 AM daily with everything you need for your day on the water, be that the MO or anywhere else. The CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES on the MO and so much more!

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-05-18T11:34:13-06:00May 18th, 2023|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: 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|0 Comments

Eternal Winter on the MO

It just keeps coming!

A steady snow falling this Thursday afternoon, APRIL 20th. Lows in the mid 20’s expected tonight with more snow on the way tonight and tomorrow. One more night of unseasonably cold lows Friday night and then maybe, just maybe we’ll be done with this.

No complaints about the snow – it’s all good but generally once we’re this far into April we’re ready for those temps that might freeze plumbing to have ceased. I’ve been waiting to turn the last of the water on having learned my lesson in years past when we’ve ended up with frozen plumbing in mid-April but we’re getting down to the wire and we’re going to need that water soon.

The dice will undoubtedly be rolled this weekend. Overnight lows look to be climbing and I think perhaps we’re on the precipice of leaving winter behind.

In addition to challenging my sanity, the unseasonably cold weather has also had somewhat of a chilling effect on business. With the exception of a couple of nice days that brought folks out of the woodwork (notably last Saturday) things have been relatively quiet for late April on the MO. Cold weather has kept the waters state-wide in good shape and delayed the runoff that generally precipitates the annual spring migration of guides and outfitters to the MO from around the region.

This has made for some relatively quiet days on the water which no one is complaining about. No one with the exception of the fly shop owners who are sitting on piles of new inventory watching the spring season pass by! But that’s neither here nor there.

Weather and stories of woe aside – fishing has been outstanding. Just what you would expect in mid to late April on the Missouri. Nymphing has been outstanding, last light dry fly fishing on midges has been consistently good depending on the day and streamer fishing is in PRIME TIME so if that’s your game these next few weeks are when you’ll want to be here.

Best bets for nymphs….Pill Poppers, Peterson’s Sow, Tailwater Sow, UV Yum Yum, Pink Ray with lucent pink bead, Caviar Scud, Rainbow Czech, Radiation Baetis (Pink), Pink Lighting Bug, Rainbow Warrior, black Zebra midge, soft hackle sow, Cotton Candy, Split Case BWO, BWO Magic Fly, Little Green Machine, Olive Psycho May. Sow bugs and anything with pink or orange beads have been the go tos but you should definitely be mixing some baeits and midge nymphs just to show them something they maybe haven’t seen quite so much.

The fish are on the move. You might find a few hanging in that slow winter water yet but you’ll definitely want to target the medium fast, medium depth water which is where they seem to be congregating at the moment.

Most of the nymphing traffic has been in the Holter Dam to Craig stretch but there’s no reason not to spread it out as the river is fishing well in all sections.

Dry Flies – Black Midge, Griffiths Gnat, Parachute Midge, Bucky’s Midge Cluster, Midge Sprout, Parachute Adams and maybe give that Skwala a try.

Streamers – all over the board but best sellers have been Skiddish Smolt, Sparkle Minnow, Thin Mints, Kreelex, Silk Kitty, Swim Coach, Mini Dungeon, Baby Gonga, MK Ultralite. Best Colors – Natural, white and olive.

Swing or strip. Bomb the banks, work the troughs, dredge the depths. The fish are where you find them which could be anywhere right now. Try a varied strip with plenty of pauses. Hit the shallows and give it a second to settle before you strip.

There’s no time like spring time on the MO.

We’re open daily from 7:30 AM – 4 PM. Stop in for everything you need for your day on the water including the CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES ON THE MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-04-20T16:37:05-06:00April 20th, 2023|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Sunny Late Winter Vibes as Wolf Creek ANgler

Blue skies and sunshine this ninth day or March, exactly the kind of day we need to get into spring fishing mode. The temperature hasn’t broken the freezing mark in a couple of days but we’re headed there today with a high near 40 on tap. Calm south winds in the 6-8 mph range make today the day to be on the water.

Snow and light winds from the NORTH tomorrow with a high of 33. 1-3 inches of snow expected. I’ll just leave that there without commentary.

Power through it. Spring weather will arrive next week with highs in the low to mid 50’s starting on Monday.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect!

We’ve opened a third of our lodging in preparation for a full house next week when our friends from the Bitterroot arrive for their Annual pre-season fling on the MO.

It’s been a couple of worrisome nights hoping for the best in regards to the plumbing with temps dipping into the single digits (so far so good) and we’re not quite out of the woods just yet but things look to be trending in the right direction.

Target date for opening the remodeled bungalows is April 1st or before and motel rooms will likely be opened by early to mid-April.

The shop is in GO mode with piles of spring inventory awaiting your arrival. We’re stocked up on Simms waders and boots, Sage rods and reels and of course the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Streamer bins are full, Sow Bug bins are full, Midge bins are full….we’re ready to rock and roll at Wolf Creek Angler.

We’re also your exclusive FWP License Provider in Wolf Creek and while we encourage all of our guests to purchase licenses online which you can do here, we’re happy to provide this service to our customers. After all, what kind of fishing shop doesn’t sell fishing licenses?

Fishing has been good and it’s about to get a whole lot better as that blazing spring sun warms the winter waters letting our trout know it’s GO TIME.

For the rainbow population that means gearing up to spawn. For the browns that means it’s time to feast. Time to feast on midges, time to feast on nymphs, almost time to feast on eggs and most importantly, time to feast on baitfish. Streamer Time on the MO!

It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year for those to whom enticing a hungry beast of a brown with a well-stripped streamer is the Holy Grail of fly fishing. Mind you we’re well aware that to some the Streamer game doesn’t even qualify as “fly fishing” and that’s ok.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and our opinion is that we’re all seeking the “tug” and it doesn’t really matter how we get there. We LOVE feeding dry flies to sipping fish. We LOVE chasing bobbers and you already know how we feel about streamer fishing. Find what you like and do it. It needn’t be any more complicated or controversial than that. #COEXIST

We’ll be adding Mondays back into the mix starting this week so starting on Monday the 13th, spring shop hours for now will be Monday – Saturday 9 AM – 4 PM.

Time change happens this weekend so don’t forget to Spring Ahead. Long hours of daylight on the way!

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-03-09T13:01:24-07:00March 9th, 2023|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: #coexist, brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Sage, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Following a couple of days this week where we got, what this winter has been, a rare taste of sunshine, blue skies, moderate temps and calm winds that mark late winter on the MO, it’s back to grey skies and cold gusty winds on this dreary second day of March.

It doesn’t feel much like it today but spring is in fact, on the way. 18 days and counting to be exact. It’ll be a while yet before the weather conditions sync with what the calendar says but sooner or later we’ll emerge from winter’s darkness here at Wolf Creek Angler and that warm spring sun will crowd out the cold and melt this ridiculous accumulation of ice and snow we’ve been haphazardly negotiating since about the middle of November.

Looking at today and tomorrow, conditions look less than ideal for fishing the MO with persistent gusty winds but Saturday looks optimal with sunshine, a high near 40 and south winds just 8-13 mph. Temps drop on Sunday and will hang in the high 20’s for a couple of days with a decent chance for snow but it looks like a moderate warmup underway starting mid-week next week.

We’ll be closed this weekend starting tomorrow for out of town obligations but if the weather trends hold for next week I would expect to have our first lodging units of the season available by next weekend.

Progress continues on our remodels with things really starting to take shape. It’s a huge makeover ushering in a whole different level of accommodation in our ever popular bungalows. And while this is probably the most dramatic of the changes we’ve made, heading into season number 10 and taking account of all the things we’ve done, I couldn’t be more pleased with the slow but steady transformation which has occurred here.

If you hadn’t shopped or stayed here since we bought the business in 2013 I’m confident you would not recognize much of anything about the operation we’ve become. And it’s not just the lodging. Wolf Creek Angler was always meant to be first and foremost a kick ass Missouri River fly shop and while I acknowledge that my opinion is definitely biased, I state truth when I tell you that this is exactly what we have become.

From humble roots we’ve scratched and clawed our way forward, ever expanding our offerings and chasing the top brands in the industry to the point where I’m happy to announce we do indeed offer the best of everything in fly fishing topped off this season with the much sought after and fought for addition of SAGE to our rod and reel inventory.

We firmly believe in and stand behind every product line we carry but those Sage and Simms Authorized Dealer signs are the symbols of victory in a battle, the likes of which I never imagined when we opened Wolf Creek Angler. I know it’s lost on most who walk into a fly shop and expect to see those brands but it’s FAR from a given and our having these industry leading brands is an affirmation of our legitimacy not only as a shop, but as a brand here on the MO.

Obviously Montana is the Big Leagues when it comes to fly fishing in North America and the Missouri River is among the major players. And while we’ll continue to fly under the radar here in Wolf Creek in the shadow of the oft cited and promoted town of Craig, it’s a position we don’t mind at all.

Five and a half river miles upstream we’ve been quietly doing our thing here for the past 9 years, building Wolf Creek Angler into a brand that has carved out a spot here on the Big League Missouri. And while we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, we’re not done.

Onward and Upward!

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-03-02T10:09:00-07:00March 2nd, 2023|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: Craig MT, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, progress, running line, Sage, season number 10, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The Shape of Water – February 2023 Edition

This is the time of year the calls really start to pick up from folks looking for flow predictions for the Missouri for the spring season.

Having just received the monthly Water Supply and Projected Operations report from the Bureau of Reclamation I figured I’d take this opportunity to give you the latest.

Current conditions as of February 8th have us at 3710 CFS with steady water temps just shy of 34 degrees, fairly standard winter flows and temps. The weather has been mild with daily highs generally in the high 30’s and low to mid 40’s, a trend we will see continue for at least the next 10 days.

That last substantial weather system we saw the week before last did deliver some much needed precipitation in the high country so we are indeed in that ideal winter pattern at this point with a good looking snow pack but little to no snow on the ground locally. If it wasn’t for the gusty winds, conditions really couldn’t be much better for February fishing.

Local conditions might make one think we’re destined for a low water spring but drilling down into the data, it doesn’t appear that this will be the case, at least according to the current snow pack and reservoir conditions.

With the Missouri Headwaters currently sitting at 114% of average, a favorable monthly precipitation and temperature outlook and Canyon Ferry currently sitting at 73.3% full, it seems we may in fact get the necessary and preferred flows we need this spring.

As indicated by the chart above, our most likely scenario at this point is flows holding at a steady 4K through this month and next before bumping slightly in April and then increasing to around 8K in May before peaking in the 9500 CFS range in early June. April through July runoff inflow forecast volume into Canyon Ferry Reservoir of 2,263,000 acre-feet, or 123 percent of average is predicted.

That being said, we’ve got a long way to go so actual flow volumes will likely deviate from February predictions.

I know I’ll be receiving calls after I post this from wade fishing folks who are going to voice concern and displeasure with said projections. Here’s what I’ll say about that…

First and foremost, just to repeat, we’re a long ways out. These projections are based on climate forecast models and current snowpack conditions and reservoir volumes. Nothing is carved in stone and I’d venture a guess that it’s very possible we see something more in the minimum probable model with flows holding steady right where they’re at all season long.

Second, should we see a peak of 8k – 10K it’s important to keep in mind that this is NOT considered to be “high” flow. The mean average peak flow below Holter Dam from 1947 – 2020 was 14,061 CFS so 8 – 10 K is historically considered to be on the low side.

As far as how flows relate to fishing conditions, we LOVE 6 – 8K. The wade anglers don’t love those flows as that 6K and up starts to present challenges but looking at the bigger picture, the sustainability of the fishery is dependent upon healthy flows. We’d love to see at least a few days of those “flushing flows” in the 15K range for the health of the river but an 8K – 10K peak is certainly preferred to a sustained 4K all season long.

It’s the same story every season. Those in the know make their best educated guesses as to what we’ll see and then Mother Nature gives us whatever she wants to give us. Maybe we’ll see 4K, maybe we’ll see 20K. It’ll likely be somewhere well in between.

What I can say for sure is that there will be water and we will be fishing it regardless of how high or low the flows may be. My February gut tells me that by the second week of June we’ll be settling in to summer flows and while those early summer flows may not be exactly what you LOVE I have a feeling that boat and wade anglers alike will be enjoying the start to another amazing summer season on the Missouri. That instinct may change depending on what happens between now and April but I’ll keep you posted.

Here’s to a great season ahead.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-02-08T11:18:30-07:00February 8th, 2023|Categories: Local Buzz, Uncategorized|Tags: Canyon Ferry Reservoir, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Missouri River flows, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Winter Solitude on the MO’

Late January on the MO and things remain relatively quiet despite the extremely mild weather we’ve been experiencing all month long. The weather trend will continue through next week though it looks like we’ll see a cool down at the end of next week as we enter the final days of this first month of 2023.

Yes, January is soon to come to a close which means we’re merely weeks away from the official start of the 2023 season.

February is traditionally a cold and quiet month on the MO and it has been the heart of our winter these past several years with snow and frigid temps prevailing. Midge fishing can be good when the weather allows for it but knowing that March will provide plenty of those opportunities we’d just as soon see the snow pile up throughout the month of February as the snowpack has continued to diminish with the unseasonably warm weather.

Either way, February is our last quiet month. It’s our last chance to cross the T’s and dot the I’s of the coming season before the onslaught. And while March can sometimes deliver its own winter punch, come the middle of the month any slight warming trend will open the proverbial floodgates as folks from all around return to the hallowed waters of the Missouri.

That means we’ve got a TON of work to complete in roughly 6 weeks. We’re in the thick of our lodging remodel with things going as well as can be expected thus far but the ticking of the clock is growing increasingly louder!

We’re also in the midst of assembling our crew for the coming season while reviewing spring pre-season orders before they start to arrive while also continuing to fill the lodging and guide calendars. Prime is very close to capacity. Spring and fall still have plenty of open dates. There’s no time like the present to get those dates on the books. It’s going to be another busy year on the MO and everywhere else in Montana.

So while the deadlines of the coming season loom we couldn’t be more excited for 2023!

We’ll have fresh lodging, fresh faces around the shop and the same great quality products you’ve come to expect us to have along with the much anticipated arrival of SAGE rods and reels! That’s right, Wolf Creek Angler is your BRAND NEW SAGE DEALER on the MO. It’s been a long time coming – 9 years to be exact and we couldn’t be more excited to bring on Sage to round out a great selection of rods and reels from the best brands in the industry.

And speaking of the best brands in the industry, don’t forget WCA is your exclusive SIMMS dealer in Wolf Creek Montana with the best waders, boots, tech outer and layering gear and so much more.

From the day we opened our doors it has been my number one priority to offer our customers the very best brands in the industry and the fight to do so has been exhausting to say the least but I couldn’t be more proud of the fly shop we’ve become and we aren’t stopping now. Expect more of the same from WCA.

We are your Full Service, Missouri River Destination Fly Shop and it’s our goal to make sure our customers have no reason to go anywhere else. Great lodging that doesn’t break the bank, the most professional and personable guide crew on the river and a shop offering all the best products you deserve staffed by the friendliest crew you’ll find in any shop, anywhere.

A full parking lot and crowded mornings in the shop are just around the corner.

We can’t wait!

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-01-20T13:00:33-07:00January 20th, 2023|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Sage, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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