Montana Archives - Page 5 of 32

In Like a Lamb

Spring is in the air this first morning of March with temps nearing 60 today and just enough moisture in the air to impart that unmistakable scent of spring. A bit of rain in the forecast starting tonight and running through Thursday. We’re under a high wind warning through this afternoon but tomorrow looks like the best day of the bunch with temps in the 50’s, a chance of rain and winds out of the south at 7-10 mph. These spring-like conditions will begin to recede at the end of the week as temps drop and the chance for snow returns. Let’s hope this next round of winter happening next week delivers as we’re in desperate need of precipitation.

It looks to be a quiet week on the MO….the calm before the storm. Winter weather or not, the switch will flip next week as spring traffic begins to arrive. We’ll likely see busier weekends and mid-week traffic will come and go but March has become the unofficial start of the season so be prepared to share the water. Mind you we’re not talking about anything remotely resembling summer traffic but to those who have been enjoying the winter solitude over the last couple of months the bubble is about to burst.

March also means busy days in the shop as the majority of our spring orders are scheduled for arrival this week. We’ll be flooded with new gear and scrambling to maximize space while attempting to transition from the puppy pen to behavioral modifications to keep Zeke out of mischief. It’s going to be an interesting spring around WCA…please bear with us as we continue to work on building a well-behaved Shop Dog.

It’s also time to open more lodging which we’ll plan on doing likely following next week’s winter (ish) weather. We’ll see what the weather brings but I would expect to have all of our cabins open by the middle of the month with the motel target date right around April 1st.

Our Winter Lodging and Guide Trip Special comes to an end on March 19th so time is running out to take advantage of the best deal on the MO.

Fishing continues to be good following last week’s deep freeze. Continue to utilize the tried and true techniques and patterns of late winter/early spring and you should be in for plenty of action. If you’re nymphing think pink with a side of Sowbug or Zebra Midge. Fire beads will also be money for the next while. Firebead Rays, Firebead Czechs, Rainbow Weight Flies and Caviar Scuds all good choices at this point. Keep your major focus on the deep slow winter water but don’t completely ignore the tail outs and similar runs with a little more speed and a little less depth. Water temps are still cold at around 35 degrees but they’ll be ticking upward from here on out, signaling to the fish that the long-awaited time to move is underway.

Look for abundant midge action on the calm days, keeping that dry fly rod rigged and ready with a Hi-Vis Adams and a Griffiths gnat in #18 or #20.

The swing action continues with Polar Leeches, Balanced Leeches, Thin Mints, Kreelex, Fruit Rollups, Buggers and the like still on the menu but look for the single hand strippers to begin to take over the streamer set as water temps come up and the energy expelled/caloric intake equation starts to favor hunting and running down those high calorie meals.

It’s our FAVORITE time for streamer fishing the MO’.

The shop is open at 8 AM daily. Brand new Adipose Flow Drift Boats for rent, 2022 Fishing Licenses and anything and everything you need for your day on the water.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-03-01T09:42:01-07:00March 1st, 2022|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: Adipose, dry fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Arctic Blast on the MO.

We’re currently emerging from an arctic blast which arrived on Sunday night and which bottomed out at -19 in Wolf Creek this morning with wind chill values as low as -30. Suffice it to say…not a lot of traffic on the river so far this week.

We’ll see highs back in the teens today, twenties tomorrow, 30’s on Friday and back in the 40’s and low 50’s over the weekend and into the first part of next week. The warmup is welcomed, especially considering the cold blast brought very little in the way of precipitation. Arctic air is much more tolerable when it comes with much needed snow. Without the snow there’s not much good about it. Cold hands, frozen pipes, too cold to do much of anything outside AND the necessity of dumping more of our precious water as increased flows are necessary to keep things from freezing at the dams.

I’d expect a somewhat busy weekend ahead with abundant sunshine and temps bumping into the 50’s Sunday – Tuesday. It’ll likely be breezy with the warmer air moving in but you shouldn’t let that deter you because if the pre-arctic blast fishing is any indication we should see a return to some damn good fishing, especially following several days of zero fishing pressure.

Nymphing will be your go to for numbers with pink in play. Try a #12 Pink Amex, Rainbow Czech, Bubble Yum Scud, Pill Popper, Caviar Scud, Pink Weight Fly, Pinkalicious etc. trailed with a black Zebra Midge, Tailwater Sow, Soft Hackle Sow, Pederson’s Sow or Lucent Bead Pink Ray. Fish the deep, slow winter water thoroughly, starting in close and working your way out. 5’ indicator to split should be a good starting point. Adjust as necessary.

Streamer fishing will be gaining steam from here on out with plenty of winter swingers still around and the single hand set starting to make an appearance as well. I hope we’ll see winter’s return yet again but as spring weather takes hold expect streamer action to heat up. March and April are probably my favorite months for streamer fishing the MO with minimal weeds and hungry trout on the hunt for maximum caloric intake. Sparkle Minnows are my go to, serving as the proverbial canary in the coal mine.

Swingers are finding success with the usual winter fare….Kreelex, Polar Leech, Thin Mint, Black or Olive Buggers, MoJo Minnows, Fruit Rollups, Pine Squirrel Leech, Balanced Leech etc.

As the water temps tick upward don’t be afraid to go bigger with your bugs and do what you can to make them dance! A varied retrieve with plenty of pauses in between generally proves to be effective but keep the strips on the SLOOOOW side for the time being.

Midge fishing last week was phenomenal. Let’s hope for some calm afternoons and hopefully a few hours here and there of epic winter dry fly fishing. Griffiths gnat is the go to but you’ll likely want to pair that with something hi-vis so you can see where you’re at. An Adams or Hi Vis Midge should do the trick.

We’ve got trips scheduled for this weekend and will likely be busy by winter standards over these next few weeks as folks take advantage of the last of the Winter Lodging and Guide Trip Special which comes to an end on March 19th. That’s 2 nights of premium lodging AND a Full Day Missouri River Guided Trip for one or two anglers for just $550. You won’t find a better deal ANYWHERE!

The shop is open daily at 8 AM for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs. Our winter/spring dry fly and nymph bins are fully stocked and you won’t find a better streamer selection on the MO. Simms waders, boots and cold weather gear. Oros Strike Indicators. Rio lines, leaders and tippet. Rising nets and accessories and your 2022 Montana Fishing Licenses starting March 1st.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-02-23T14:37:55-07:00February 23rd, 2022|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Winter Lodging and Guide Trip Special, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Quiet on the MO’ photo by Wolf Creek Angler

The cold snap which lingered over the holidays is but a memory now as we settle in to more seasonal conditions with daily high temps hanging right in that average, or slightly above average, 35 – 40 degree zone for the next while.

It’s been breezy more often than not as you would expect but the breeziness is much easier to contend with on a 40 degree day than a single digit day. While snowpack conditions are holding fairly steady in the high country the snow is all but gone here in Wolf Creek and on the Missouri. A bit of shelf ice hanging around here and there and the occasional chunks of ice falling off of the dam but wading conditions by winter standards, are actually optimal right now.

Flows are low and steady currently at 2840 CFS with water temps just shy of 34 degrees.

This is winter fishing at its best. Mild temps, low flows and hungry trout.

Hungry yes, aggressive….not so much. While there are no shortage of hungry fish, their primary concern right now is conserving energy. Winter is hard. Water temps are cold. It’s a whole different game from an angling perspective.

Sexy riffles and seams are not your winter targets. Holding in cold fast water requires energy the fish simply don’t have during the winter months.

Slow and deep….that’s where you’ll find them. And you’ll need to pick that water apart because they aren’t going to move much for a meal. Grid your water starting in close and working from the inside out. If you’ve covered the grid without success try going a little deeper and cover it again. Once you find one, you’ll generally find more in that same zone as they tend to stack up where favorable conditions prevail.

Bug selection is usually not the issue, it’s just a matter of putting the bugs in the right place.

A tungsten bead lead fly, usually along with a bb or two, will help you achieve your desired depth. Good options include Rainbow Czechs, Pink Amex, Caviar Scuds, Pill Poppers, Bubble Yum Scuds, Pink Weight Fly, Rainbow Weight Fly, Firebead Sows…you get the picture. Trail with a soft hackle sow, tailwater sow, Pederson’s sow, Pink Ray, Pink Lightning bug etc. and you should be in business.

Start with 5’ – 6’ from your indicator to your split and see what happens.

Or you could swing.

Or you could strip.

These methods tend to be less effective in cold water conditions but that’s not to say you won’t coax a few into breaking the rules. Nymphing is where the winter numbers are but you’ll still find plenty of folks swinging and a few even sticking to the single handed stripping game. Go DEEP and strip PAINFULLY SLOW…you might be surprised what you dredge up from the depths.

A high calorie target moving lethargically through the zone with plenty of pauses in between strips is often too great a temptation for our resident hogs to resist. It’s a low percentage method you might not want to commit your whole day to but I would. The largest brown trout I’ve caught on the Missouri was on a cold early January day. Dredged up from impossible depths.

It’s a great time to fish the MO and you can pretty much have it to yourself for at least another month.

We’re not quite ready to commit to published daily hours but we’re working in that direction and as it stands now we’re here more often than not at 8:30 AM with the definite exception of Sundays.

Open for lodging and guide trips EVERY DAY. Call, email or direct message us on Facebook and we’ll respond promptly.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-01-13T12:53:09-07:00January 13th, 2022|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, fly fishing, indicator, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Secret Season on the MO (Don’t tell a soul)

It’s been a cold start to 2022. Temps have been hanging in the single digits with brutal wind chill factors. We’re currently under a Wind Chill Advisory as well as a Winter Weather Advisory with wind chills as low as 30 below expected through this afternoon. The Winter Weather Advisory is for additional snow throughout the day and will remain in effect through 10 pm tonight with 2-5 inches of accumulation expected at lower elevations and 5-10 inches in the mountains. We’ll take it!

It’s all good news as we’re still in desperate need of any precipitation we can get. Much of the region has reached 90 – 100 percent of normal snowpack which is great but considering those percentages are based on a 30 year average our hope is that those numbers keep climbing throughout the winter and remain well over 100 percent.

That being said, for those who enjoy fishing the river during the winter months conditions have not been favorable, but it looks like that’s about to change. A January thaw is on the horizon. We’ll see highs near 45 tomorrow followed by average highs in the mid to high 30’s with overnight lows in the 20’s through the end of next week. As expected, we’ll see high winds tomorrow and over the weekend, but it tapers off early next week to the point where we could see some absolutely prime winter conditions out there the middle part of next week.

Likewise, if you’ve been waiting for good ice on Holter we’re there. We haven’t heard much in the way of fishing reports but there are plenty of folks hitting the ice each day so I would assume they’re catching fish.

Things have been quiet at WCA these last few weeks but I’m expecting we’ll start to see some traffic over the weekend and into next week. Don’t forget we’ve got winter lodging available for $99/nights. Rooms are fully furnished with two twin beds and a pull-out couch, full kitchens and private bath. Call, email or message us on Facebook to book a room. Shop hours have been hit and miss but we always return calls, and we respond quickly to emails and FB messages whether we’re in the shop or not. Our phone number is (406)235-4350 and the best email for winter is jason@wolfcreekangler.com

We’ve been in inventory mode so a bit of chaos in the shop at the moment but it’s an orderly chaos! Slowly but surely, we’re getting things cleaned up and organized and we should be in good shape just in time for the thaw. A few new items trickling in including the start of spring fly orders and the new OROS Strike Indicators that promise to be all the rage in 2022.

All remaining Simms G3 waders and boots are on closeout until they’re gone and we’re still wheeling and dealing on rods and reels and sportswear, making room for new spring inventory.

How about a January guide trip?

Back by popular demand we’re pleased to announce our WINTER GUIDE TRIP AND LODGING SPECIAL. A full day Missouri River guide trip for one or two anglers and two nights lodging for only $550. We’ll post more details soon but what more do you need to know? It’s the best deal you’re going to find ANYWHERE!

Things could certainly change between now and then but at this point Thursday and Friday of next week look awesome with temps in the high 30’s and very little wind in the forecast. Per usual, NO PENALTY for CANCELLATION for winter trips so book it now and if things go south, you’re not out anything if you decide to bail.

For today (and for the next 8 weeks) we say LET IT SNOW! But should mild weather settle in for a spell we say Welcome Back to the MO! We can’t wait to get this 2022 season underway.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-01-06T09:19:48-07:00January 6th, 2022|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Winter Lodging and Guide Trip Special, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

2021 – Year in Review

As we close the books on 2021 it’s worth just taking a quick look back before we embark on season number 9 at Wolf Creek Angler.

With winter finally starting to take hold those hot summer days seem like a lifetime ago. We’re in the midst of the first real cold snap of the winter with single digits and below, daily wind chill advisories and a good start to the snowpack we so desperately need. Fingers crossed for much more of the same for the next couple of months.

Without a doubt the biggest story of 2021 was the drought which continued to stress the west. Low flows and high water temps took a significant toll on the rivers of Montana in 2021, this in the midst of one of the busiest seasons we’ve ever seen following a year of pandemic lockdown.

Hoot Owl Closures came early driving even more traffic to the Missouri and in July the unthinkable, though not unexpected, happened as Hoot Owl Restrictions went into effect on our Missouri for the first time in over 20 years.

The fever pace of spring and early summer subsided in late July as the conditions hastened the arrival of the Dog Days of Summer with a significant angler exodus as many of those who love nothing better than evening dry fly fishing on the MO disappeared in response to the Hoot Owl Restrictions.

It was an unprecedented season for us and while it was our busiest yet through early July things got tough mid through late summer as we dealt with the fall out of FWP restrictions after having already placed self-imposed restrictions on our guide business in early July with abbreviated trip hours and a cap on summer guide trips. It was the right decision and I’d do it again without hesitation with the long view in mind.

As the summer heat finally started to subside we were treated to an amazing autumn with gorgeous weather and awesome fishing on the MO and seemingly everywhere else we fished throughout the fall. The fever pace of business returned and we ended strong, just as we had started in the spring. Even with the challenges of summer we had our best season ever and we intend to maintain the trajectory!

Some highlights from 2021….

Covid still a factor (sort of) in 2021. We did continue to see cancellations due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Not nearly as many as in 2020, but travel was still a problem for some, including our good neighbors to the north in Alberta, many of whom missed yet another season on the MO. We’re counting on you for 2022!

There has been an abundance of political hay made on all sides of this thing and I will continue to steer clear of all of it. That being said, compared to 2020, 2021 felt essentially Post Pandemic at WCA and we’re confident 2022 will feel EVEN MORE that way.

Fishing with the Gov -And speaking of politics, or at least of politicians.…we had the pleasure of taking former Governor of Montana Steve Bullock fishing in late May which was definitely a highlight not only for 2021 but for the entire time we’ve been in business. A very cool thing in my mind and one which transcends party politics. When the Governor asks to go fishing, you take the Governor fishing, regardless of the letter next to their name. At least that’s the way I see it.

The first week of June I had the absolute pleasure of fishing the Salmon fly hatch on Rock Creek with WCA Guide Extraordinaire Luke Koerten. This was a first for me, and hopefully I’ll have the opportunity to do it again. We happened to hit it just right but I think I would’ve enjoyed it immensely even if we hadn’t. Definitely a day I will not forget and an experience I highly recommend to those who’ve not had the pleasure.

Water Problems – I arrived to work one morning in July to find that many of our guests were without water. A quick call to our water/well guy revealed that we were one of over 10 calls he had received that morning for the same problem. With temperatures running high and stream flows running low wells were running dry and it was feared this was what we were experiencing.

A delve into our well later that day revealed this was thankfully NOT the case but the water issues persisted. It was a mortifying experience as the Innkeeper as there was nothing we could do to immediately remedy the situation and get water to our guests who, by the way, were all extremely gracious in spite of the tremendous inconvenience.

Eventually, after digging up a good portion of our property in search of a broken pipe we made the decision to abandon the existing underground plumbing and run a new main line.
We were able to temp in a supply line to get water to our guests after a couple of days without, and finally in September we dug up our newly replanted lawn once again and buried a new main line. Problem solved! A HUGE Thanks to John Parker and American Septic/Water Net for all of your help anytime we need it.

Fire – Around the same time as our water problems were occurring the Wolf Creek/Craig community had a close call with the Rock Creek Fire sparked by a vehicle pulling a trailer on Highway 287. Interstate 15 between Wolf Creek and Craig was closed and some residents were evacuated as the fire made its way towards the river, even crossing the Interstate at one point but thankfully they were able to get things under control working through that first night. The fire ended up burning some 3500 acres and was the first of several which threatened the area through the summer and early fall.

Hoot Owl Restrictions went into effect on the Missouri on July 20th and were in effect for roughly a month. Smoke from regional wild fires actually helped the water temp situation by filtering the sunlight and keeping water temps from rising as much as they would’ve under clear skies.

Jake – On August 25th we said goodbye to our beloved shop dog and companion of 12 years. He is sorely missed! While Jake can never be replaced we did welcome a new pup into our lives in early December. Zeke is our shop dog in training and you will likely meet him this season.

New Dog on Duty at WCA

As previously mentioned, it was an amazing autumn in Montana with awesome weather, awesome colors and more often than not, awesome fishing.

The 2021 fishing season started early, around the second week of March to be exact and current bookings indicate 2022 will be much the same….weather dependent. We’re expecting another LONG and prosperous season and we’re praying for winter to bring us plenty of precipitation to feed our streams in 2022.

Here’s wishing you all a blessed and Happy New Year from all of us at Wolf Creek Angler. We can’t wait to see you in 2022.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-12-30T14:22:32-07:00December 30th, 2021|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: Craig MT, Governor Steve Bullock, Missouri River, Montana, Rock Creek, Rock Creek Fire, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|2 Comments

Winter Solitude on the MO’

It’s been one of the windiest Decembers I can recall, so much so that I arrived this morning to once again find our rental boats blown from their parking spots into the yard, a good 20 – 30 feet away. This is the third time this has happened in the last few weeks. It certainly didn’t happen at all during the season and I don’t recall it happening at all last fall/winter. Suffice it to say it’s been windy.

Howling winds have kept river traffic to a minimum though there’s usually at least one or two hard core anglers out there regardless.

Conditions seem ideal this morning with cloudy skies, 38 degrees, no wind and an occasional light snow falling. It’s perhaps the fishiest day we’ve seen this month but thus far I’ve not seen a race to get to the river.

If you’ve had the itch to get out there but have been kept away by the winds, today might be the day. In fact, the week ahead looks favorable with similar conditions tomorrow followed by colder air arriving later in the week. A few snow showers predicted today, tomorrow and again on Thursday and temps dipping down into single digits Thursday night before things return to somewhat average seasonal conditions for the weekend…the last weekend before Christmas if you’re counting.

Water temps have been steadily dropping and are currently holding at around 40 degrees while flows remain low, currently at 2840 CFS. Snow pack is starting to accumulate, slowly but surely.

Hopefully we’ll soon start to see some substantial precipitation in the high country, our 2022 season depends on it!

With the aforementioned wind seemingly always present along with now having an 8 week old puppy to tend to, I haven’t been on the water for a while though plans are in place for our Annual Staff Christmas Float next week, hopefully the weather will cooperate. In the meantime however, while I don’t have an up to the minute fishing report, I can tell you that current conditions point towards classic winter nymphing techniques coming into play.

Colder water temps have undoubtedly spurred migration into the deep, slow winter waters. Go deep (5’ – 6’ from indicator to weight and adjust accordingly). It’s time to break out the winter nymph box – think pink! Pill Poppers, Pink Amex, Rainbow Czech, Pink Weight Fly, Bubble Yum Scud, Caviar Scud, Pederson’s Sow etc in the lead followed by Tailwater Sows, Pink Lightning Bugs, Rainbow Warriors, Soft Hackle Sows, UV Yum Yums, Lucent Bead Pink Ray Charles, Radiation Baetis in Pink and don’t overlook a standard Black Zebra Midge. The bugs are generally not the challenging part of the equation. It’s finding where in the water column they’re at (aim deep) and putting your flies directly in front of them. Cold water means conserving energy is critical so they aren’t going to move far for a meal.

All that being said, the 2 Handers will continue to ply the faster tail outs all winter long and will entice fish to move on a well swung leech (buggers, fruit rollups, polar leeches, balanced leeches etc)

Likewise, cold water be damned, the strippers will persist in targeting subsurface structure as well as seeking those occasional rogue fish hanging in the shallows, near the drop offs close to the bank. It’s time to load up that heavy sink streamer tip and get down. Don’t ignore the sexy water off the banks, there may be fish there, but you’ll also want to get down deep with a SLOOOW a retrieve and plenty of pauses. The slow retrieve is critical…the bugs not so much. Winter may not be prime streamer time but we’ve dredged up plenty of BIG FISH on days the water temps were in the mid to high 30’s with the air temps bordering on too cold to be out there.

The online store has been busy these past couple of weeks with folks loading up on gift cards and WCA apparel for Christmas giving. Our fall rod/reel sale will run through the end of the year and we’ve got clearance pricing on select items from Simms including G3 waders and boots.

Lodging and guide trips available ALL WINTER LONG.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-12-13T11:38:03-07:00December 13th, 2021|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Christmas, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, nymphs, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

New Dog on Duty at WCA

It’s been a LONG time since we’ve had a new puppy in the house…more than a dozen years, and I have very little recollection of those days when our beloved Jake first joined our family.

A few days ago we welcomed a new pup into the fold. Ezekiel Jacob Montana is his name, and he goes by Zeke.

Zeke will be eight weeks old on Sunday and so far he’s everything we hoped he would be and and also a lot of things we maybe weren’t 100 percent ready for, having apparently repressed those memories from the last time we shared a house with a tiny yellow Labrador.

In some ways it’s been easier than I thought it would be. He has absolutely no aversion to being crated and so far it’s been me waking him up at night to take him out, not vice versa. He sleeps a lot. But when he’s not sleeping he requires constant attention and supervision. There’s a lot of eating, biting, playing, going to the bathroom (so far so good for the most part with housebreaking), exploring any and every place he’s able to get to followed by frequent naps and more of the same.

I’ve trained two dogs in my lifetime, both of whom were absolutely amazing but again, I don’t remember what we did to train them. I’ve spent the last month pouring over dog training books and YouTube videos and now I have a mashup of techniques in my head which I’ve been attempting to implement, some with success, some not so much. Zeke is incredibly bright and learns quickly. The stall outs, when they occur, are all on me but we’ll get there!

Part of our strategy with getting a late fall/winter pup was the fact that it’s obviously a slow time for the business which would afford me plenty of time working with the puppy. So far so good. The weather turned cold the day we picked him up so I haven’t been too concerned about not being in the shop the last couple of days. I did take him to work this morning with the thought that I could tend to emails, voicemails, filling and shipping online orders and the like. Zeke had other ideas.

We will try again once I get an enclosed play/hang out area set up for him which will happen this week but until that time there’s not much happening other than puppy supervision while we’re at the shop.

This being the case, I’ve decided to unofficially close the shop for the next couple of weeks. We’ll be around at some point most days and will be OPEN when we’re there but I think it’s in everyone’s best interest if we steer clear of published hours for the remainder of 2021.

We’re still open for lodging and guide trips every day and if there’s anything you need from the shop we’re around and just a phone call away. Visit our online store for shopping made easy, including those coveted WCA gift cards which make an excellent gift for any of the fly fishers on your list.

We wrapped up our shuttle season in November and have been referring all shuttle requests to Headhunters and while I would love to have the shop open from 8 -5 every day for those making the trek to the MO, between staffing challenges and puppy training it’s simply not practical.

Again, Zeke and I will be in the shop more days than not and when we’re there the OPEN sign will be ON but hours will be of a random nature for the next few weeks.

We appreciate your patience and understanding and we can’t wait for the world to meet Zeke (once he’s where he needs to be).

Call forwarding to my cell phone will be turned on as of tomorrow and I am really good about answering messages and emails. If you need a room or a guide give us a call or shoot me an email and we will make it happen. I’ve been busy with 2022 confirmations for the past several days and have most of them done. If you haven’t yet received yours it’s coming shortly. 2022 is going to be another very busy year on the Missouri so if by chance you haven’t yet booked your dates…. time is of the essence.

Cheers!

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-12-07T12:29:33-07:00December 7th, 2021|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: Ezekiel Jacob Montana, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, Zeke|2 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving from WCA

On this day of Thanks giving, of reflecting on all of those things with which we are blessed, it’s the perfect time to express our heart-felt thanks to all of you for making all of this possible.

Without you there is no Wolf Creek Angler!

So to each and every one of you whether you fish with us, stay with us, shop with us, follow us on social media or all of the above we can’t thank you enough for allowing us to do what we do and to truly live this dream in magical Montana.

We’re so thankful for just having had our best season yet and we can’t wait to do it all again.

So from our table to yours, we wish you all a happy, safe and blessed Thanksgiving.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-11-25T09:23:35-07:00November 25th, 2021|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: Montana, running line, Thanksgiving, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Welcome to MOvember

It’s hard to believe but November is upon us and a very busy 2021 season is coming to a close.

The transition to the off season is almost complete with the majority of seasonal folks having already disappeared. Things are quiet in Wolf Creek and Craig.

That being said, November brings its own dedicated contingent to the MO with swing season underway, streamer fishing still hanging on, fall dry-fly fishing at its apex and pre-winter nymphing providing plenty of action for those seeking a different Missouri River experience, one of solitude, absent the throngs.

Things look and feel deserted right now but a closer look reveals evidence of a different, more subdued season underway. A season where you can have the river seemingly to yourself on most days but a season which lacks not just the crowds but much of the infrastructure enjoyed by the prime season angler.

Commerce has slowed to a crawl with some businesses closing for the season and others shifting to abbreviated hours for the winter months.

Izaaks is closed for the season and Annie’s is open Friday – Sunday 11 AM – 8 PM but will be closing for winter on November 21st. Bottom line… you’d be wise to bring food if you’re headed this way any time before next spring.

The Canyon Store is OPEN all year with fuel, beer,food and other essentials and Wolf Creek Angler remains open every day for the time being. We’ve closed a third of our lodging thus far and have gone to winter rates on our remaining open rooms. $99 (plus tax) for a cozy cabin or bungalow, each with a full kitchen and private bath.

It is indeed our quiet time on the MO but that being said, Wolf Creek shines this time of the season with everything you need all in one place, just minutes from Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge where the vast majority of Missouri River winter fishing occurs. Why would you go anywhere else? There’s NOBODY closer to Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge than Wolf Creek Angler.

We’ve got everything you need for your day on the water from Adipose drift boat rentals to Simms waders and boots and cold weather gear to lines, leaders and tippet from Rio and Airflo to tools and accessories from Fishpond, Rising and Loon to the now near legendary largest selection of Missouri River bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana. Our flies come from Montana Fly Company, Umpqua Feather Merchants, Solitude and Yellowstone Fly Goods and are the highest quality flies available.

So while things may look deserted out there on the river right now, we’re enjoying hosting a good portion of the late-season contingent this early November at Wolf Creek Angler.

We’re near full capacity all week long with awesome fall weather on tap for at least the next 7 days. Cabins 2 and 3 are available through the weekend and next week we’re wide open so if you’re looking to make the trip give us a call.

The late season is generally a DIY affair but if you’re looking for a guide we can likely accommodate. As mentioned above, many of the seasonal folks have left the area but most of our guides at WCA are local so if you’re looking for a late season guided trip let us know.

Great weather, great end of the season deals in the shop, and most importantly, GREAT FISHING happening NOW at Wolf Creek Angler.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-11-02T09:45:47-06:00November 2nd, 2021|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: Adipose, dry fly fishing, Fishpond, fly fishing, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Montana, MOvember, RIO, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

October Snow – photo by Tony Van Dort

Parts of SW Montana saw a significant winter weather event earlier this week while here on the Missouri we got just a small dose of what’s to come.

While snow blanketed Bozeman and the surrounding area we only saw a dusting down here with a little more at higher elevations but the cold temps and dark skies were just what we needed to get some BWO action going out there.

Winds have limited those opportunities but with water temps continuing to drop we’re in good shape for those seemingly rare days when the wind isn’t howling. Keep an eye on the forecast and plan your trip around those cool and cloudy days….or not. Cloudy conditions are ideal but you can catch plenty of fish on the sunny days as well.

Missouri River Fall streamer fishing is moving towards peak season with plenty of bruiser browns on the prowl and the Bows eager to play as well. For my money a #4 Sparkle Minnow can’t be beat but there are plenty of other bugs that will elicit the chase and the attack. We’ve had good luck with Swim Coaches, Dirty Hippies, Mini Dungeons, Lil’ Kims, Circus Peanuts and MK Ultralights and if you’re more of a traditionalist black buggers and Thin Mints have been solid.

Nymphing will be your go to for numbers with sow bugs starting to take over that top spot which has been occupied by the black zebra midge for the past several weeks. Rainbow Czechs, Amex, Tungsten Tailwater Sow, Pill Poppers, Soft Hackle Sows, LGM’s, BWO Magic Fly, Olive Lightning Bug, Olive S & M, No big changes on the nymphing front. 3 (ish) feet bobber to tungsten lead fly. Fast (ish), medium depth and maybe a deep dive in the swirls for good measure.

Sprout Baetis, Cripple Baetis, Olive Haze, BWO Film Critic, CDC Baetis Spinner and baetis emergers all good bets on top with ants and October Caddis still worth a try.

Warm weather returns this weekend with plenty of sunshine and temps near 70 on Saturday and Sunday. We’ve got a few vacancies remaining for the weekend if you want to come out and enjoy what may very well be the last warm weekend of 2021 and our guide calendar has cleared substantially making guide trips a real possibility this weekend.

We’re in the midst of our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale with 25% off ALL RODS and REELS and 30% off your total if you buy any rod and reel combo.

All remaining Simms summer sportswear as well as Confluence wading sandals and men’s and women’s Flyweight boots and all remaining G3 stockingfoot waders 30% off.

Not only is it what many consider to be the best time of the year to fish the MO, it’s also the time of year for the best deals on the best gear at Wolf Creek Angler.

Fall hours 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-10-13T13:07:34-06:00October 13th, 2021|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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