Montana Archives - Page 8 of 33

St Paddy’s Day Update

The official start of spring is still a few days away but the spring fishing season has already started in earnest and from what we’ve seen so far it feels like just the beginning of what is sure to be one of the busiest seasons on record not only for Wolf Creek Angler and the fly fishing industry but for the outdoor industry in general.

One year ago our doors were CLOSED as a non-essential business in the early stages of the pandemic. We completely lost our spring season and had no idea what we were in for as summer approached. As it turned out we were able to open our doors by late spring and June brought a lifting of quarantine restrictions for out of state visitors allowing us to salvage a season many thought would be completely lost.

Outdoor retail turned out to be a bright spot in a crippled and struggling economy and while we ended up having a decent retail season we took a significant hit with lodging and guide trip cancellations as much of the country was locked down and/or leery of travel throughout the summer.

Fast forward a year and we’re thankfully looking at a very different outlook for 2021. Thanks in large part to three vaccines developed in record time we are in the waning days of this pandemic. Case numbers and restrictions continue to drop while bookings continue to build and from where I sit in Wolf Creek Montana this thing is about to be in the rear view.

Montana is going to be an extremely busy place this spring and summer and like I said, this season on the Missouri will likely be one for the record books as many of those who skipped traveling in 2020 resume summer travel and either return to favorite haunts or visit places they may have never seen. It’s going to be a big year for regulars as well as for first time visitors looking to get a taste of this wild and socially distanced place we call home.

Suffice it to say, if you haven’t booked your summer dates by now you may be out of luck. We’re slammed through the third week of July and then things open up a bit. We do have random vacancies here and there so it’s worth a call even if it’s prime time but if you need more than a night or two we don’t have much in the way of consecutive nights available.

It’s a similar story with our guide calendar, a few random openings here and there but guides are as busy as I can remember them ever being since I’ve been here, at least for June and July. As with the lodging, things open up in late July but even that late July/August time frame which is usually DEAD, is starting to fill up.

Prime fall dates are still available but I’d expect much of that will fill early this season as well.

We’re super stoked for the 2021 season and as always we’re making continuous improvements to make your stay with us more enjoyable. Some things you may or may not notice this season; another shipment of new mattresses and box springs has now completed the replacement of all 22 beds on the property, new bedding replacing the old cabin style comforters and bed skirts with clean white duvets, new heating/cooling wall units in our bungalows, new matching dish sets and cookware in all of our kitchenettes and new ceiling fans in the railroad cabins just to name a few.

Our cabins and bungalows are now all open and we’re likely a week or so out from opening our motel rooms. We’ve got plenty of lodging available for your Missouri River spring getaway and a shop full of must have new gear. Spend that stimmy on a spring guide trip and lodging special and a new pair of G3 waders and have plenty left over for dinner and drinks at Annie’s.

Happy St Paddy’s Day from Wolf Creek Angler – we’re looking forward to seeing you soon.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-03-17T12:36:42-06:00March 17th, 2021|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, Montana, St Paddy's Day, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Early Spring on the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Winter made a brief return last night almost as if on cue after we decided to open up the majority of our lodging late last week. I had to do a little bit of shoveling this morning but as I write last night’s snow is rapidly disappearing with temps back in the 40’s and a few peeks of sunshine. Spring has re-emerged.

This is exactly that best case scenario we’ve been hoping for with snow continuing to accumulate in the high country while we enjoy fishy spring-like weather on the MO’. We’ll see 40’s and plenty of sunshine all week as we head into another awesome weekend with temps expected to be back in the 50’s and maybe even near 60 again on Sunday.

It will likely be another busy weekend on the water. Last weekend felt like spring with Chewy back behind the counter, a lot of traffic through the shop, a lot of fishing licenses being sold and all of our available lodging occupied.

Things emptied out yesterday which gave us a chance to prepare for the next round which started today with a big group of our friends from Freestone Fly Shop in Hamilton over for a couple of days of early spring fishing on the Missouri.

Early spring is one of my absolute favorite times of the year as everyone starts to emerge from the winter doldrums and slowly but surely the traffic ticks up and before you know it the spring season is in full swing.

We’ve already half committed to our normal spring schedule, removing Sunday from the CLOSED list and starting the 22nd (if not before) we’ll be open EVERY DAY from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend which unfortunately means losing an hour of sleep on Sunday morning but on the flip side it means an extra hour of daylight in the evening and the continued march towards those long summer days which will be here before we know it.

Prime Time guide trip and lodging dates (June/July) are all but gone and Spring Special bookings as well as those for fall are really starting to ramp up. It feels like it’s going to be one for the ages with our current bookings easily eclipsing anything we’ve ever seen in the past for confirmed bookings at this point in the year.

If you’re still contemplating your summer plans, time is running out! And it’s not just here on the Missouri, and it’s not just here in Montana. I spent a good part of my Sunday trying to book RV spots for a planned trip back east in August and it’s the same everywhere. Campgrounds are full, hotels, motels and resorts are full, guide calendars are rapidly filling and while we fully expect to have a shop full of gear to offer you all season long we’ve been warned that the demand for outdoor gear will continue to be unprecedented so if you’re considering a purchase (waders, boots, rods, reels etc.) don’t drag your feet.

Unlike Prime Time, we do have plenty of lodging available for the coming weekend though I do expect it will fill. $99 for a cozy cabin or bungalow, each with a full kitchen and private bath. Cook for yourself OR stop in at Shotgun Annie’s which is opening this Friday. For the time being they will be open Tuesday – Sunday 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM. We’re SUPER STOKED to have them back!

Yes, spring is taking hold and we can’t wait to see you back in Wolf Creek and back on the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-03-09T14:44:59-07:00March 9th, 2021|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, Freestone Fly Shop, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, Montana, running line, Shotgun Annie's Wolf Creek, spring fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Spring is on the way – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

As we approach the end of February with but a handful of days left in the month we are rapidly shifting gears into spring fishing mode with all indications pointing to a busy season ahead.

Here is your glass half full outlook for spring 2021 on the Missouri.

1. Winter is Waning

This is both good and bad but the main takeaway is that it is still only February so chances are good we will see plenty more winter weather in the weeks to come. That being said, the current forecast is calling for seasonable conditions for the next ten days with highs in the mid 30’s to 40, a bit of colder air on Saturday and back to the status quo early next week. As per usual wind has been a factor making those temperate days a little less so, but all in all conditions are favorable for an early start to spring fishing.

Meanwhile, snowpack is looking good and hopes are that we will continue to see significant accumulation in the high country which will keep us in good shape through the spring and summer seasons.

2. Healthy Fish and Stable Numbers

This is traditionally the time of year we see The Annual State of the Missouri report presented by Fish, Wildlife and Parks which is where they present the data from the previous year’s fish counts and give an assessment of the current season in regards to fish populations and water conditions.

Unfortunately Covid protocols continue to throw a wrench into things so while we expect that presentation to happen in one form or another sometime soon we haven’t gotten word of when that will be.

Consequently, we did reach out to FWP Fisheries Biologist Jason Mullen to see if we could get some highlights and we’re happy to report that based on what he was willing to share with us we should be in for a good season based on the 2020 data. Trout numbers are stable, but more importantly, they reported the second highest relative weight (measure of “fatness”) for the period of record for rainbows in the Craig section and additionally, they saw an abundance of juvenile fish, handling “more 6” – 8” fish by far than in previous years in the Craig section.

This is excellent news, indicating a thriving, healthy trout population on the MO. We’ll report more details once we have them but we couldn’t be happier with what we’ve heard so far.

3. Covid Cases on the decline

Following a peak of over 1600 new daily cases in mid-November Covid cases have been on the steady decline.

With the vaccine now starting to see wider distribution it looks to me like that light at the end of the Covid tunnel is now in plain sight and we’re well on our way.

The state mask mandate was lifted a couple of weeks ago but many counties including Lewis and Clark where we are, still have mandates in place.

We are cautious and we are optimistic and we are ready to close the book on Coronavirus to the furthest extent possilbe.

4. Busy Days Ahead

Bookings for the coming season look good with prime time rapidly reaching capacity. We’re hard at work preparing for the coming season with maintenance and repair projects in full swing.

As always, you can expect a commitment to customer service as well as a commitment to the health, safety and well-being of all of our clients and guests.

Regardless of what happens with the Covid numbers and regulations, you can rest assured that we will continue to employ the same enhanced cleaning and safety protocols we put into place last season. We will continue to not only clean, but to also completely disinfect rooms between stays and we will not only follow, but go above and beyond the safety and health protocols prescribed by the state and county.

The days are getting longer. The sun is feeling closer and it won’t be long before we are in full spring swing on the MO’.

We hope to see you in the shop and on the water very soon.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-02-23T13:13:13-07:00February 23rd, 2021|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Wolf Creek Angler is honored to be your Fly Shop

Since adding our online web store in December we’ve been pleasantly surprised not only by the volume of online sales we’ve been doing but also by the wide range of locations from which we’ve been receiving orders.

It’s not a big surprise when a deeply discounted item like a rod or reel gets ordered by someone on the other side of the country but getting an order for a Wolf Creek Angler Trucker Hat or T shirt from Nowhereseville MN, WI, PA, GA, SC etc. sure puts a smile on my face.

It’s got me thinking a little differently about retail.

When we decided to build an online store we had originally intended on limiting it to WCA Logo gear as that is what we get the most calls about, but as we’ve worked to add additional items we’ve been overwhelmed by the response. I never expected anyone would go to www.wolfcreekangler.com to buy a spool of 4X tippet or a dozen Rainbow Czechs but people actually do and we couldn’t be more pleased.

So while my focus has always been on in-store sales I’m seeing now that having such a limited focus has hurt us, or at least prevented us from reaching our retail sales potential.

We’ve always had the perfect set up during the season with a captive clientele made up of all the folks staying with us. It’s what separates us from the rest. We are truly a one stop shop with lodging, guides, shuttles, drift boat rentals and a quality fly shop all in one place and closer to Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge than any other shop.
That’s a dream during the season but truth be told, there aren’t a lot of folks traveling to Wolf Creek or Craig to go to a fly shop this time of year, despite what you may have read elsewhere.

Sure, we get the occasional visit from folks passing by on the Interstate who swing in simply out of curiosity and we do of course have people staying with us most of the winter, at least on the weekends but generally speaking our retail volume is drastically reduced during the winter months.

There are plenty of days during the heart of winter where we don’t see anyone darken our door which has always had me contemplating the merits of closing for a month or two. But there’s a lot more to WCA than retail alone and much of that happens in the winter with people booking for the coming season. It’s office work which could obviously be done elsewhere but truth be told, I don’t work well from home so that is why we’re open all year.

But the question has always been…how can we increase retail during the off season?

Enter the web store.

Now we have a way to truly be your fly shop 24/7 365 wherever you are, and I’ll be honest, I never really thought about retail that way. I’ve always figured we’re here for you when you’re here with a shop full of everything you need during your visit. But why not be here for you anywhere you are, anytime with everything fly fishing you need period?

Like each of our competitors we have a loyal following, a cadre of fans who would rather purchase from us than anyone. It’s for this reason that we’ve battled from the start to expand our product offerings to meet the needs of our customers because while it may be the case that they’d RATHER buy from us, if we don’t have what they need we’re forcing them to go elsewhere.

We’ve more than tripled our product offerings from the time we opened in 2014, stepping up our game along the way with the addition of A List brands like Simms, Rio, Echo, Smith, Airflo, Lamson, Korkers and more. We’ve steadily built our fly selection with top quality flies from the likes of Montana Fly Company and Umpqua to the point where we boast a selection that rivals that of any of our competitors. We’ve brought in niche products, some of which have done well, some of which haven’t. The point is, our focus is and always will be on providing you, our customer, with the very best products offered by the top brands in the industry. As Industry Ambassadors we personally use the products we sell and we believe in and stand behind all of the brands we carry.

And while we’ve come a LONG way, it’s still an uphill battle trying to assemble all of the brands we’d like to offer you. The politics of proximity are complicated and are a huge hurdle but we’re not backing down until we have all of the things you’re asking to purchase from us.

In the meantime, we are honored and humbled to be not only your Missouri River Fly Shop but your Fly Shop in general…wherever you are.

We’ll continue to add products to our online store and we encourage you to contact us if you don’t see what you’re looking for because we’ve obviously got a lot of products not yet listed in the web store. And when it comes to products from any of the brands we carry, if we don’t stock the particular item you are looking for we are always more than happy to get it for you and have it drop shipped to your door.

Thank you for making us your fly shop and for trusting us to provide you with the products, the services and most importantly the customer service that sold you on us in the first place. We rely solely on you to be able to what we do and you can rest assured that we are committed to doing everything we can to exceed your expectations. Whether it’s upgrades to our lodging, expanded services or the aforementioned addition of the brands and products you demand, you are our number one priority.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-02-18T12:00:46-07:00February 18th, 2021|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: Airflo, Echo, fly fishing, Holter Dam, Korkers, Lamson, Missouri River, Montana, Montana Fly Company, Rio Products, running line, simms, Smith, Umpqua, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The Thaw

It didn’t last long but after bottoming out repeatedly at -27 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chills as low as -50 it feels good to emerge from last weeks’ arctic blast. We went several days without breaking zero and probably averaged somewhere around -5 for much of the week. Cold for sure, but nothing like February 2019 when we averaged less than one degree for the entire month. Not so this year.

We’re warming up this week with highs near 30 for the next couple of days and overnight lows dipping down around 20 though we will see a return to single digits tomorrow night with a low of 7 but the warming trend resumes on Thursday and into the weekend when we’ll see temperatures in the 40’s and possibly nearing 50 by next Monday.

After a bump in flows to compensate for the frigid temps we’ve dropped back down to around 3500 CFS. Water temps are COLD, currently right around the freezing mark.
The river definitely got a good rest last week and we haven’t seen much activity as of yet this week but we’re expecting some traffic as we head into the weekend with both the hard water anglers and those fishing the river now competing for a limited number of rooms closer to the action than any other lodging option.

Wolf Creek Angler lodging is the best deal you’re going to find anywhere in the vicinity this time of year coming in just under $100/night for a cozy bungalow with two twin beds, a full size pull out couch, a private bath and a full kitchen which is a must have this time of year with zero dining options currently being offered.

Plan to resume winter fishing techniques when you get back out there with nymphing obviously being your best bet. As cold as the water is plan to dredge the depths of those SLOOOOW winter runs with the usual suspects (anything pink, sowbugs, Hot Bead Rays, Caviar Scuds, Soft Hackle Sows etc.) I like a #10 or #12 tungsten bead lead trailed with a pink or gray soft hackle sow but it’s way more about location than selection right now.

With water temps hovering around freezing the fish are not doing much. Conserving energy is the name of the game so they aren’t likely to move far to eat. Consequently, you’ll have to adjust your depth until you find where they’re at and once you get your bugs in their face more often than not they’ll eat. They need the calories, they just can’t afford to expend much energy to get them so set up shop where you know they’re at and adjust until you find them.

As the water temps bump up expect things to get a little easier as the fish start to move. They’re hungry and just as soon as the cost/benefit equation starts to turn in their favor with warmer water the focus will shift from energy conservation to caloric consumption. Spawning season is rapidly approaching for our Rainbow population which means it’s time to maximize calorie intake. Expect the action to heat up just as soon as we see a warming trend take hold.

We’re also heading into the best time of year for fishing midges, the unofficial start of dry fly season on the MO. Keep your dry fly rod rigged, and ready and in reach.

Swing season is still a go and we’re mere weeks away from prime streamer fishing getting underway.

I’m trying not to wish winter away just yet as we really do need substantially more precipitation but one can’t help but get excited for what’s on the way with such a drastic shift in the weather.

I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of winter but it’s not too early to start thinking spring fishing. After all, spring is only a month away.

Before you know it the season will be upon us so there’s no better time to start organizing your gear and figuring out what you already have and what you need for the season ahead.

It’s the perfect time to purchase those new waders and boots you’ve been promising yourself for the last several seasons. Or how about a new rod and or reel for 2021. Based on what we saw last year with people flocking to our sport gear may be hard to come by again so don’t drag your feet.

Spring product is continuing to trickle in and that late winter trickle will soon be a steady flow. We’re replenishing and restocking and also bringing in a bunch of new gear for 2021, including more new fly patterns than we’ve ever brought in before.

So as we emerge from this short arctic blast and prepare to embark on Season Number Eight at Wolf Creek Angler I can’t help but feel like this is going to be the best year yet.

Shop our online store or come see us in person. Extended shop hours and additional lodging options on the way just as soon as the demand requires it and the forecast permits it. Winter Lodging just $99/night plus tax. Guide Trips $450 for one or two anglers and our World Famous Winter Guide Trip and Lodging Special just $550 for a full day on the water and not one but TWO nights of premium lodging. All in effect through April 18th.

Shop Hours currently 8 AM – 3 PM Tuesday – Saturday and we’re ALWAYS OPEN for lodging and guide trips.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-02-16T12:10:55-07:00February 16th, 2021|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

February Delivers Yet Again

Following weeks of mild winter with above average temps and below average participation Mother Nature finally served up a good helping of actual winter weather starting with a winter storm over the weekend and followed by the coldest weather we’ve seen in a long time. We won’t see positive digits until Saturday so it’s a good solid week of sub-zero temps and while the storm definitely didn’t produce an excess of precipitation, it did bring our snowpack back up into the 90 – 109 % range across much of the region vastly improving the 21 season outlook for the time being.

Forget fishing this week unless you’re doing it through the ice. We’re currently sitting at about eight below with the coldest air yet to come. High of -2 today and tomorrow and the real cold snap coming Wednesday night into Thursday with lows of -22 and a high of -10 on Thursday.

The icy grip begins to loosen over the weekend and it looks like we’ll be back into the low to mid 30’s early next week.

We’ve opted to remain closed this week but will be back on our normal schedule next week.

If you love winter sports now is your time. If you’ve been waiting for ice to form on Holter Lake now is your time. Let’s hope the outlook for this month continues to hold true with lower than average temps and above average precipitation as we start to prepare for the spring season. Hopefully the snow continues to fall in the mountains building great flows for the season and as long as we’re thinking wishfully, it would be great to see a return to mild weather here at the lower elevations around the first of March while snow and cold persist in the high country which would give us the best of both worlds with a great head start on the spring season and the slow melt we need for good flows all season long.

It’s definitely too early to predict what we’ll see for weather and for water this spring but as we always say this time of year; there will be water, there will be weather and there will be trout. How much water we don’t know, what kind of weather remains to be seen but you can rest assured that regardless of what’s coming, we’ll soon be on the water chasing bobbers, stripping streamers, hunting heads and doing what we do best which is putting you on fish.

Winter Special in effect, now through April 18th. $450 Full Day Guide Trips for one or two anglers which is the going rate for spring special trips on the MO.
What is NOT the going rate is $550 for a full day on the water AND not one, but TWO nights of premium lodging. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, can touch this deal so do yourself a favor and book your trip today. Space is limited!

We’ll be in and out this week, making sure everything is weathering the cold and tending to emails and voice mails so leave us a message. We will get back to you ASAP.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-02-09T10:22:56-07:00February 9th, 2021|Categories: Local Buzz|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Welcome to February on the MO

The season is rapidly approaching and will be here before you know it with the first month of 2021 already in the books.

The Groundhog says six more weeks of winter…let’s hope so. The bare ground and blue skies tell a different story this second day of February and while it appears as though we’ve got some colder temps in the forecast, winter continues to elude us.

We’ll see 50’s today and highs in the high 30’s for the remainder of the week. A chance for some rain and snow on Friday and cold Friday night with lows in the single digits and only climbing into the 20’s on Saturday. Perhaps not the best conditions for weekend fishing but it couldn’t be much better than it is right now.

We’ve got rooms and guides and rental boats available daily and the best deal on the river all winter long…$550 for a full day guide trip with the best guides on the river and not one but TWO NIGHTS of premium lodging in our cozy bungalows. Offer good through the end of March.

If you prefer to DIY winter lodging rates are $99/night (plus tax) and if you just want to make a day out of it we’re doing guide trips without the lodging for $450 for a full day for one or two anglers.

Water conditions are status quo with flows hanging around 4100 CFS and water temps back up near 35 degrees. Holter Dam to Craig continues to be the go-to but don’t hesitate to work the water below Craig. Things were getting a little slushy last down low so I’d recommend staying above mid canon.

Winter Nymphing, Swinging and stripping are all good options right now and midge activity should be ramping up this month if you’re set on dry fly fishing.

We like to mix it up on winter floats, generally switching methods according to location, with the dry fly rig always at the ready.

Status quo all winter long as far as the bugs go. Think Pink! Pill Poppers, Bubble Yums, Amex, Cotton Candy, Pederson’s Sow, Pink Lucent Bead Rays, Firebead Rays, Firebead Czechs, Soft Hackle Sows, Pink or Rainbow Weight Fly, Zebra Midge, Caviar Scud, Rainbow Czechs…you get the picture. Target those super slow winter buckets and work them thoroughly.

Best bets on the streamer front – go small (ish) and leechy….or not. Polar leeches, Fruit Roll Ups, Balanced Leeches, Thin Mints, Pine Squirrel Leeches and black buggers or if you want to size up go with Kreelex, Sparkle Minnows, Mini Dungeons, Clousers and the like. A lot of swinging going on these days with plenty of takers and moderate success on the strip as well. Keep your retrieve slow with plenty of pauses in between and be ready for the take on the pause.

Griffiths gnats and midge clusters for all of your top water action. Keep your dry fly rod rigged and ready so you’re able to target those rising fish immediately as a lot of the winter feeding tends to be somewhat sporadic.

It kind of felt like spring around here last week with multiple guests staying multiple nights and keeping us busy all week long in the shop and with a few guide trips. It’s always nice to see trucks and trailers filling the parking lot after a few lonely weeks and judging by the early bookings it’s going to be a busy season. So while we’re praying for snow and cold we’re also keeping a close eye on the long-term forecast and we’re ready to spring into action with more lodging as soon as conditions look like they’re going to be stable. We’ve been waiting for that arctic cold snap all winter long and we’re holding out hope that it’s still coming but if we don’t see it materializing sometime soon we may just go ahead and open things up so we’re ready for the inevitable rush.

Spring gear is starting to trickle in and we’re well stocked this winter with everything you need for your day on the water.

We are your Missouri River mild winter fly fishing destination with everything you need all in one place. Lodging, guides, Adipose boat rentals, Simms wading gear and accessories, cold weather gear, fishing licenses, eye wear from Smith and Suncloud, lines and leaders from Airflo and Rio (including MOW tips and versi leaders for the swing set) and of course, the largest selection of Missouri River bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.
Swing in or shop online.

The shop is open Tuesday – Saturday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM with expanded and extended hours likely coming soon. Open EVERY DAY for lodging and guide trips.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-02-02T11:44:33-07:00February 2nd, 2021|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Adipose, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, simms, spring fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Late January…The River is Calling

It finally feels a little more like winter this morning with single digit temps as we close the books on January and a tumultuous start to 2021.

That being said, we’re thankfully a LONG way from the world and the tumult and we’re headed right back into a continuation of the mild weather patterns we’ve been seeing all winter long with highs in the low 40’s expected through the weekend. Awesome conditions for late January fishing on the MO…not so great for snowpack and the resulting summer stream flows.

So while you should absolutely take advantage of the situation and get out on the water let’s all hope for some winter weather soon.

Don’t get me wrong. I haven’t missed shoveling snow or white-knuckling it from Helena every day but we need the precipitation and I’d rather have it now than at winter’s end so hopefully we’ll see some winter weather soon….at least in the high country.

In the meantime business has been steadily picking up, especially in the lodging department. After all, what better way to spend the winter days than soaking up the winter sun on the Missouri and maybe even catching a trout or two.

Even with the weekend traffic there is still an abundance of solitude to be found as there simply aren’t that many people to whom winter fishing is all that appealing and that’s ok as it really opens it up for those hardcore anglers who don’t see fishing as a “season” but as just something you do any and every day of the year that you can.

Flows remain steady (and low) at right around 4000 CFS (4030 at the time of this writing) and the water temps are hovering just shy of 34 degrees. Winter water conditions for sure.

If wade fishing in January is on your radar then you likely know the program but my advice to anyone who wants it is that even if it seems like a really nice day you’re much better off overdressing than underdressing. After all, even if it’s a 42 degree day with light and variable wind, you can only stand in 34 degree water so long before the cold starts to seep in whether literally or figuratively and hopefully it’s figuratively because the last thing you want is leaky waders when plying winter water. And speaking of waders, while stocking foot waders will work, boot foot waders are what you want in the winter. Yes they’re expensive, but well worth it as far as I’m concerned. It’s a world of difference between the two.

Simms offers the best boot foot waders on the market in both the G4Z and G3 models, however they are custom order only. Please give the shop a call if you’re interested in ordering a pair.

Regardless of which type of waders you are using you’ll want to layer extensively underneath to keep the chill at bay.

WCA has you covered from head to toe with all the best layering, socks, hats and gloves from Simms.

Our lodging is full this week but we do have rooms open for the weekend and don’t forget our Winter Guide Trip and Lodging Special – Full day trip for one or two anglers and TWO nights of lodging for just $550 (plus tax)

The shop is open at 8:00 AM Tuesday – Saturday and we’re open for guide trips and lodging EVERY DAY whether the shop is open or not.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-01-26T11:32:20-07:00January 26th, 2021|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Go To Winter Nymphs on the MO

Colder weather on tap this week and through the weekend, though definitely not January in Montana COLD.

Conditions remain prime to get out and enjoy some winter solitude while getting your trout fix.

Highs in the high 20’s and low 30’s are expected through the weekend with a slight chance for snow Thursday night and Friday. Expect cloudy skies and calm to moderate winds on Thursday and Friday with an abundance of sunshine expected on Saturday and Sunday.

Water conditions remain stable with flows currently holding at 4070 CFS and water temp slowly dropping, currently just shy of 34.5 degrees.

You really couldn’t ask for better conditions as we move towards late January. Classic winter water minus the snow and ice on the ramps. Enjoy it while it lasts. Winter is coming sooner or later (we hope).

Holter Dam to Craig is where you’ll want to concentrate your efforts, especially as the water temperatures drop. Dam to Wolf Creek makes a nice half day float if you want to get a later start while Wolf Creek Bridge to Craig is a good full day float. We’ve emerged from the afternoon darkness so you’ve got some extra light on the back end of the day but even so, Dam to Craig is maybe still a bit much unless you plan to just blow through it.

We are definitely in winter nymphing mode with all of the standards in play. Pink Amex, Bubble Yum Scud, Rainbow Czech, Pill Popper, Hot Bead Rainbow or Pink Weight Fly and the like paired with Tailwater Sows, Soft Hackle Sows, Caviar Scuds, Pederson’s Sow, Pink Lighting Bug, UV Yum Yums and zebra midges.

Swing Season also remains in full effect and the streamer set is taking advantage of the mild weather and extended light to stretch out those floats and cover as much water as possible.

The wind has been a factor as always but as we get into February and beyond look for dry fly opportunities to increase with midge activity increasing.

Remember WCA has the best winter lodging deal in the area at $99/night (plus tax) for a cozy bungalow complete with full kitchen and private bath. And just FYI we have gotten word from the 7R Guest Ranch that they are now serving dinner on the weekends so if not having a restaurant to go to has been keeping you away…problem solved.

And speaking of deals – we invite you to join us for our $550 guide trip and lodging winter special. A full day guide trip for one or two anglers with the best guides on the MO and TWO nights of lodging for the impossibly low rate of $550. Space is limited so book now. Offer runs through the end of March.

Winter Shop Hours remain 8 AM – 2 PM Tuesday through Saturday. Open EVERY DAY for lodging and guide trips. Stop by for bugs, cold weather gear, Adipose Drift Boat rentals and much more.

While you ponder your winter plans make it a point to call this week to book your spring and summer dates. Prime Time is filling quickly and it looks like it’s going to be a busy year on the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-01-19T12:50:15-07:00January 19th, 2021|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: 7R Guest Ranch, Craig MT, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Holter Dam, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

WCA Shocks the Fly Fishing World

In a move that’s sure to cause a stir on the MO, Wolf Creek Angler has defied convention by offering a winter guide trip and lodging deal the likes of which has NEVER BEFORE BEEN SEEN.

$550 (plus tax) for a full day guide trip AND two nights lodging. You read it right. A full day trip and not one, but two nights of lodging for the same price you’ll pay for just a trip alone with the competition.

While deals abound in the spring, winter guide trips have traditionally not been offered at a discount. Not surprisingly, these trips have always been somewhat of a rarity.

That is until now!

“With the mild winter we’ve been having we just saw an opportunity to get an early start to the 2021 season by offering an unbeatable deal” said Jason Orzechowski, owner and outfitter at Wolf Creek Angler. “Spring deals are great but we just figured that since we’re talking about shorter days on the water and the potential for weather that might push the comfort zone for many it only makes sense to offer winter trips at a deep discount.”

Here’s what you get

• Full Day Guide Trip for one or two anglers with the best guides on the river. These aren’t transients, these are full-time resident guides who fish the Missouri EVERY month of the year. Trip includes all flies and terminal tackle and any equipment needed as well as lunch and refreshments. The only things not included are your Montana fishing license and guide gratuity.

• Clean and Comfortable lodging in our cozy bungalows. Rooms equipped with two twin beds, a full pull out couch, private bath and complete kitchen with full sized fridge, range, microwave, coffee maker and all cookware included.

• The guaranteed BEST WINTER DEAL ON THE MISSOURI with no cancellation fees. Cancel anytime for any reason…no questions asked!

Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity to experience winter solitude and hot fishing on the Missouri all winter long. Space is limited so BOOK NOW.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-01-13T11:27:57-07:00January 13th, 2021|Categories: Local Buzz|Tags: $550 winter guide trip and lodging special, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, simms, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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