running line Archives - Wolf Creek Angler

Missouri River Memorial Day Weekend

It’s hard to believe but it’s already here. The unofficial start of the summer season. Memorial Day Weekend is upon us and it’s going to feel like summertime with abundant sunshine and highs climbing into the low 70’s tomorrow and near 80 on Sunday and Monday.

More of the same for the rest of next week as we close out the month of May with a week of sunshine and 80 plus degree days and it looks like we’re finally moving on from those chilly mornings in the 30’s to overnight lows hovering around 50. Sounds like a summer forecast to me.

Memorial Day weekend has traditionally been somewhat of a quiet angling weekend with the fishing crowd leaving the river to the rec floaters but I’m not sure that will be the case this year. Our lodging is full for the holiday weekend which has not generally been the case in the past so should you venture to the MO expect plenty of every kind of traffic with rec floaters, wade anglers and float anglers all converging on the MO to commemorate the kickoff to the summer season.

Be kind. Be patient. Be considerate. And if you don’t like a crowd maybe think about staying home.

We’ve got just a couple of trips out this weekend which is the norm for most outfitters on Memorial Day so know that most of the traffic you encounter out there will not be commercial traffic.

The boat ramps will be busy with folks that maybe don’t do this every day so again, please be patient and do your best to extend some grace if things seem to be devolving into a junk show.
Fishing has been up and down this week as it tends to be this time of year but the hot take from the past couple of days has been that PMD’s have arrived weeks ahead of what we normally see here on the MO. These have not been consistent hatches and the fish, while sporadically feeding, have not really keyed in on them just yet. It could just be a random occurrence which may go quiet for the next week or two or it could be that we’re starting early. Either way, you’ll want to have those PMD boxes organized and at the ready just in case.

Coincidentally, or not, we just received many of our PMD patterns over the past couple of days so we’ll be working this weekend on shuffling the bins to move the PMD’s front and center and the BWO’s to the back burner.

Whether we see more bugs this weekend or not you would do well to get some PMD nymphs into your mix. Split Case PMD’s, Magic Flies, Psycho Mays, Redemptions, Crack Backs, Gold Lightning Bugs and PT Little Green Machines all good options. The sows aren’t going anywhere so keep them in the mix and maybe try a worm as recent bumps in the flows have triggered the worm bite.

Streamers continue to be more miss than hit and with all of that sunshine in the forecast conditions are not optimal but we are nearing the end of spring streamer season so if you’re going to do it this is the time. Soon the summer aquatic vegetation will be taking hold making stripping an exercise in futility.

Go flashy, go yellow, go copper and strip fast, still incorporating plenty of pauses. The big browns are still on the hunt, setting up in the shallows for the ambush so you’ve still got a shot at that day maker or maybe even the fish of a lifetime.

We are open early at 7 AM every day for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs. Tons of bugs, Adipose Drift Boat Rentals, The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO, ice, fishing licenses, sun protection and so much more. We hope you make us your Missouri River One Stop on your way to the MO this Memorial Day Weekend.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-05-23T13:10:19-06:00May 23rd, 2025|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: brown trout, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Soggy Spring on the MO

It’s been a wet week here on the MO but that’s really had no effect on traffic. This time of year it’s go time – rain or shine. Spring bookings are a roll of the dice weather wise with April – June being our rainiest months of the year but those booking spring trips generally know what they’re in for.

It can be sunny and hot one day with temps plummeting the next accompanied by rain or snow. The fish don’t mind. The bugs do but sooner or later it all comes together.

Sunshine has been scarce this week making this morning’s break from the constant cloud cover a welcome site. Cloudy wet days are actually the preferred conditions on the water as far as fishing goes but after a few chilly rain soaked days it’s nice to see and feel the sun.

We’ll see a mixed bag this weekend with rain in the forecast for later today and on Sunday. A drier start to the week next week but still cooler with highs in the 60’s edging upwards late next week into the 70’s.

The cool, cloudy wet days have been perfect for BWO’s but not so much for Caddis. Look for BWO’s to continue to dwindle as we head into the second half of May. Caddis will pop with a little heat. March Browns will continue to tease. PMD’s are on the horizon and midges will persist.

Many are here seeking the dry fly bite and while we’ve had bugs and ample opportunities on the right days those opportunities can often seem to be somewhat elusive. Keep after it and don’t be afraid to fish blind with a caddis or Parachute Adams or Purple Haze. Pods should obviously be targeted by matching the hatch but in the absence of pods and/or bugs you could do worse than running the aforementioned Caddis or Adams tight to the bank and seeing what happens.

As always, nymphing is your go to. They’re still eating the sow but baetis nymphs like the Little Green Machine, PsychoMay and Magic Fly have been the better bugs as of late. Keep fishing those and start to work in some PMD nymphs like the Split Case, Crackback, Magic Fly or Redemption.

Flows have been jumping around a bit, currently 4920 CFS with water temps at 51 degrees. Changes in flows can sometimes have a negative effect on feeding patterns, as can changes in weather patterns. I guess what I’m trying to say is that despite what you may have read or heard elsewhere, it hasn’t exactly been lights out every day. There have certainly been some hot windows but a fair number of lulls in the action as well…and not just for the DIY anglers.

The MO may be as close to a guarantee as you can get when it comes to numbers and quality of fish but…NEWSFLASH…we do have slow days on the MO as well so keep those expectations in check and don’t let a tough day get you down. After all, no matter how many fish you catch or don’t catch you are blessed to be on these fabled waters, drifting through these magical landscapes seeking encounters with these amazing creatures. At least that’s how I see it.

We’ve been busy in the shop and on the shuttle circuit and lodging has been full for the most part more nights than not…it’s a fun time of year to be in the business! We’re open daily from 7 AM – 5 PM and we’re here for anything and everything you need for your day on the water. From The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO to the largest selection of Missouri River bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana to rain and wading gear from Simms and Korkers to fishing licenses to ice to sunscreen to Sage rods and Lamson reels and so much more. We hope you make us your first stop on your way to the MO.

Save Gas. Save Time. Shop at Wolf Creek Angler!

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-05-16T09:47:22-06:00May 16th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Settling In

Spring presents a grind, a minor league grind by comparison to what’s to come but a good warm up nonetheless and a chance to Settle In To Spring.

There have been a handful of genuinely busy days but as per usual, spring traffic is moderate, it just feels really busy sometimes after a winter of achieving customer counts in the single digits more days than not.

Fishing has been solid though the default conditions of sunshine and cloudless skies with varying degrees of breeziness can sometimes make for challenging days, especially for those in dry fly mode.

Not to say it isn’t happening. It is. You just need to be in the right place at the right time and the right time is typically the later part of the day when the sun is low and mid-day breezes have dissipated. Evening midge fishing has been consistently good for a couple of months now and should provide ample entertainment for those who despise the bobber but if you’re looking for BWO’s it’s far from clockwork.

In other words, take advantage of the overcast, not so nice days. Those are the BWO days. Sometimes it happens. Sometimes it doesn’t. We’ve seen a couple of good bug days with some good pods and some very respectable fish willing to eat a well-presented fly. As you’ve no doubt heard, it ain’t like it used to be but it is like it is and you can still catch a behemoth on a dry fly on any given day during spring fishing on the Missouri.

March Browns are not something you’ll typically find in abundance but they’re around and the fish LOVE them. We recommend you keep a few in reach for quick rigging should the opportunity present itself. Mother’s Day this Sunday…the Mother’s Day Caddis have been alerted and have begun to show themselves.

So back to the default weather conditions…nymphing has, and will almost always be, the go to method for those looking to bend the rod with relative frequency. Sunny days still aren’t the best but if you’re fishing deep it shouldn’t matter much. That being said, we’ve certainly had some tougher days as of late where they just didn’t seem to be eating but other days have been what you’ve come to expect on the MO, constant action with a good number of fish to hand.

It’s still a Sow Bug game as it seemingly always is, but baetis nymphs have been the better option as of late with Grey Little Green Machines, Olive Psycho Mays, BWO Redemption, BWO Magic Fly, Split Case BWO’s and plain old Pheasant Tails leading the charge.

Streamer fishing has been somewhat sub-par due I think mostly to the aforementioned weather conditions but low light periods have been good so if you’re going to do it maybe look to that extra early start or those same BWO type grey/rainy/snowy days.

Some days it feels like we’ve hit our season stride in the shop and lodging world with boats and rigs packed in the parking lot, all rooms occupied and multitudes awaiting their turn at the register for bugs and shuttles. Other days it feels like winter again with sparse occupancy and maybe just a few folks poking around the shop. Such is springtime on the MO but it only get’s busier from here so we’re thankful for the gradual start.

Our WCA team has been assembled and I honestly think it’s our best one yet. You’ll mostly see Phil and yours truly in the shop but we’ve also welcomed back Shalon who has been here on and off over the years and Bryan who joined us last year and helps part time with the shop and shuttles. We’re also excited to have Shaniah on board helping with the shop and shuttles and Carson will return in June for a second year of doing anything and everything that needs to be done. Rhonda and Gary have returned to round out the shuttle staff and Missy is back for year number 5 as Head of Housekeeping.

We hope you stop in and meet all of our awesome crew members.

We’re open earlier than most at 7 AM daily and will be extending our hours beginning on Monday, May 12th when we’ll be open from 7 AM – 5 PM Daily.

Stop in for The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO (unless you want to pay more elsewhere) and restock your bug boxes while you’re here. We’ve got more bugs than we’ve ever had and that’s saying something as we’ve always been proud co possess the biggest selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Fishing licenses, Ice, Trxstle Rod Racks, Sage R8 Classics, Ross Coors reels and SO MUCH MORE.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-05-08T16:01:58-06:00May 8th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: caddis, 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

ARRIVAL

The spring season is in full swing as we approach April’s close and prepare for a busy month of May.

River Life has returned. Winter’s monochromatic grey has been supplanted by all hues of green as buds are bursting forth and grass is greening by the second. The landscape transforms before our eyes as the season takes hold. Some days it seems you are literally able to watch it happen.

Pelicans have arrived. Goslings are starting to appear under the careful watch of their high-strung and loud parents. Bug life is unfolding at a rapid pace and busy mornings in the fly shop have also returned as spring traffic has also arrived.

We are experiencing a true Montana spring with plenty of cold mornings and the occasional snow shower mixed in with moderate daytime temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Awesome days to be on the water watching it all unfold from the seat of a drift boat. It doesn’t get much better than this!

Nymphing remains the go-to with most traffic, most days camped in the Holter to Craig stretch though with the increased bug activity there has been a fair amount of folks opting for the canyon stretch and below.

It’s still a sow bug game but baetis nymphs like Little Green Machines and Psycho Mays and Magic Flies (among many others) are getting eaten with regularity. No need to make any radical changes to your setup just yet but start to key in on the faster, medium depth water. Leave the slow winter stuff behind, it’s time to move on.

The streamer bite has been decent during low light periods early or late and throughout the day when we get the cloud cover. Again, medium depth and shallow fast water have been productive and there have been plenty of big browns hanging in those soft spots against the bank looking for the ambush. Cast right to the bank and drag your bug off the bank into the shallows. It’s not a high percentage play but you might be surprised how many of those big browns sit in next to no water waiting for a meal to happen by. We’ve got another month of this – PRIME STREAMER TIME on the MO!

As mentioned, there are plenty of bugs around and plenty of dry fly opportunities for those looking to put in the work. You can hunt for risers or just fish blind. Midges are the mainstay but there are baetis around and on the move upstream and we’ve seen a few March Browns around as well. You could even fish a Skwala blind and maybe get an eat or two but for my money it’s hard to beat plying the waters with a #12 Purple Haze or Parachute Adams, especially when you’re seeing sporadic rises.

Published shop hours are still 8:00 – 4:00 daily but we’re generally open for business by 7:30 and here until traffic subsides.

It’s getting to be that time of year where lodging is at a premium, much of it booked last minute. We’re full for the weekend but things open up a bit on Sunday and we have at least a room or two open most nights during next week.

Guide trips are ramping up and we’re starting to get into a rhythm but we’re still a few weeks out from our busy season so we do generally have guides available with a day or two notice if a last minute trip to the MO is in the works for you.

Either way, we invite you to start your day at Wolf Creek Angler for EVERYTHING you need for your day on the water including The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO and so much more.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-04-24T12:51:59-06:00April 24th, 2025|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Holter Dam, midge, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Spring is beginning to show itself on the MO. Photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Just back this week from some R and R on the Oregon coast and ready to take on the spring season.

The weather is gorgeous (for the moment), the grass is greening, the trees are budding and fishing is on the verge of greatness.

Sure, it’s been a mixed bag out there this week but that’s the nature of spring fishing. The water temps are creeping up into the low 40’s and a couple of more ticks upwards will do wonders to trigger more consistency in the bite as well as ushering in some increased bug activity…aka BWO’s!

For those in search of dry fly action the midge fishing has been good and should continue to deliver. The aforementioned BWO’s hopefully soon and a few eats on the Skwala on any given day. Mother’s Day Caddis just around the corner.

Most are nymphing and having moderate success but you need to know there have been some slow days as well so don’t expect every day to be off the charts. That’s just not how it works, even on the amazingly prolific Missouri.

Broken Record on the bugs. Tailwater Sows, Soft Hackle Sows, Pederson’s Sow, Poxyback Sows, Pill Poppers, Pink Sock Sow, Scud Bombs…notice a pattern? Pink Lucent Bead Ray Charles, Caviar Scuds, Firebead Rays, Bubble Yum Scuds and Amex good calls as well and your go to baetis nymphs are coming into play. Little Green Machines, Radiation Baetis, Magic Fly BWO, Mosason, Olive Psycho May, Olive Redemption, Two Hot Baetis, Olive 2 Bit Hooker, Olive Spanish Bullet and many more! Fish the flies you believe in – it makes all the difference.

The Streamer bite has been fair and will continue to improve as the water warms. It’s definitely better on the overcast days but don’t for a minute think you can’t fish streamers in the sun.

If you haven’t been by the shop for a while we invite you to give us a look. Our fly bins are packed full of Missouri River standards as well as a bunch of new patterns for 2025 including piles of perdigons.

The fly selection at WCA is unrivaled. We have what they have and more and we are, without question, your Missouri River Streamer Authority with the absolute best streamer selection on the MO!

All lodging is now open and available and guide trips are just now starting to roll. Plenty of both available now.

Shop is open at 8 AM daily for all of your Missouri River Fly Fishing needs including THE CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES ON THE MO, Adipose drift boat rentals, Mending Waters drift boat rentals FREE for all vets and active duty military (reserve your boat here), fishing licenses, ice, the best coffee in the canyon and so much more.

Welcome to spring on the Missouri!

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-04-10T14:03:05-06:00April 10th, 2025|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Adipose, caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Weekend Outlook

Yesterday was an idyllic day on the Missouri with temperatures in the 70’s, nary a breath of wind, blue skies and a wealth of sunshine. Perhaps not the ideal fishing conditions as the fish prefer overcast skies but what a day to be on the water…just a taste of what’s to come as spring progresses but hopefully well down the road, not in March!

Similar conditions on tap for today with a few more clouds and a bit of a breeze but another gorgeous day overall with highs in the low 70’s and west-southwest winds 12-17 mph, gusting to 24 mph. Enjoy it because a return to normal is imminent.

Cooler temps on the way with a high of 60 tomorrow and a 40% chance of rain in the afternoon and a full return to normal spring conditions for the weekend with rain and snow and highs only in the 40’s but don’t let that deter you as these are perfect conditions as far as spring fishing goes.

Flows are holding steady at 3320 CFS with water temps bumping up to near 38.

Nymphing has been good and will continue to improve from here on out, especially as those water temperatures begin to bump. Sow bugs, sow bugs and sow bugs, perhaps with a zebra thrown in for good measure. Fresh flies in bins at WCA including a bunch of sexy new sow bug variations. Pill Poppers, Tailwater Sows, Pink Sock Sow, Scud Bomb, Pederson’s Sow, Soft Hackle Sow, Pink Lucent Bead Ray, Hot bead Ray, Rainbow Czech, Amex, Red Zebra, Knowle’s Ruby Midge, UV Candy Striper Midge, Caviar Scud etc. and don’t forget the Little Green Machines, BWO Redemptions, Magic Fly BWO, Radiation Baetis and any other baetis nymph faves.

Streamer fishing is heating up and will get better and better as water temps increase. Sparkle Minnows, Dirty Hippies, Skiddish Smolt, Swim Coach, Lil Kim, Kousin Kim, Micro Dungeons, Mod Maidens, Polar Leeches, MK Ultras or your big bug of choice. Conventional wisdom would dictate dredging the depths of the winter water while those water temps remain cold, and this can be effective, however, contrary to convention the faster shallows and flats have been producing the better action as of late so fish it all!

Midge action on top when conditions allow for it.

All of our lodging is now open. We’re being inundated with shipments of new gear and as already mentioned, our fly bins are well stocked and ready for the season and daily shuttle service is up and running.

I anticipate a bit of a slowdown next week as the weather returns to normal but for the time being the season is underway! Spring Hours 8 AM – 4 PM daily.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-03-27T10:49:21-06:00March 27th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Welcome Spring!

Finally, the long and frigid winter has relented, and spring is in the air.

Actually, winter wasn’t all that long or all that frigid and we’re really hoping for a few more snow events before all is said and done. The weather has been mild by March standards for the last couple of weeks but the calendar is proclaiming the official first day of spring today so let us celebrate spring’s arrival, knowing that we’ll likely be weathering a bit of a slog these next weeks through ever-changing weather conditions but the countdown is underway.

Soon the brown landscapes will begin to transform into vibrant hues of green as moisture and sunlight bring forth new life. Trees and flowers will begin to bloom as the smell of spring fills the air. Waters will soon begin to warm, waking our trout from their winter slumber and bug life will return.

I still lean slightly towards autumn as my favorite season but spring, especially in the later stages, is truly amongst the most wonderful times of the year. And if we’re strictly talking fishing, I’ll take spring hands down.

Nymphing is already getting good and will continue to improve as we make our way into spring. The die hard DFO’s have already found an abundance of winter fish willing to eat an adequately presented midge pattern. Perfect presentations are not a requirement of winter and early spring dry fly fishing but as angling traffic increases, along with the number of bugs on the menu, you will need to step up your game. If dry fly fishing is your passion, you’re just weeks away from what you’ve been dreaming about since you hung up your waders and stashed your five weights last fall.

Nymphing and dry fly fishing aside, spring is king for the streamer contingent and it’s about to get good! Free from the weeds of fall, spring is without a doubt THE BEST TIME for STREAMER FISHING on the MISSOURI. The swingers know it, they have been after these fish all winter long but now is the time. The fish are hungry coming out of winter stasis and as the water warms energy returns and winter dormancy is replaced by hunger fueled aggression, the perfect conditions for stripping meaty streamers on the MO.

We are the undisputed streamer authority on the MO. We have the best bug selection on the river, a pile of specialty lines for any and all conditions and rods and reels from Sage, Lamson, Echo and Redington. We have got something for every budget, hand selected by yours truly for overall performance and value.

We’ve opened a good portion of our lodging with only the motel rooms yet to do. Our March Madness Spring Guide Trip and Lodging Special runs through the end of the month so book your spot today. We are offering two nights of premium lodging and a full day trip for one or two anglers for just $700. That’s two nights of lodging and a guide trip for what a trip alone will cost you starting April 1st, a savings of $500 off the regular price. And the best part…there’s no penalty for cancellation for any reason.

We are now open daily from 9 AM – 4 PM and will expand hours as needed.

New gear arriving daily for spring including a bunch of new bugs, the Sage R8 Classic and the still reigning best waders in the industry from Simms Fishing Products.

We are your Missouri River one stop fly shop with everything you need for your day on the water including fishing licenses, The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO, Adipose drift boat rentals and so much more.

We hope to see you soon for Spring Fishing on the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-03-20T11:57:36-06:00March 20th, 2025|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: Adipose, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, Echo, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

March Madness MO Style

With winter apparently in the rearview (at least for the time being) and more mild weather in the forecast we’re taking this opportunity to offer you our March Madness Spring Guide Trip Special.

We’re doing a full day trip for one or two anglers, all tackle and lunch included, for the half day rate of $550!

If you want to make a getaway out of it, we’re offering our Lodging and Guide Trip Special with two nights of premium lodging and a full day trip for one or two anglers for just $700. That’s two nights of lodging and a guide trip for what a trip alone will cost you starting April 1st, a savings of $500 off the regular price.

Weather can certainly be hit or miss in March, we’re well aware of that, which is why we are offering this package with NO PENALTY FOR CANCELLATION for any reason. Too windy? Too rainy? Too snowy? Just don’t feel like going? No problem!

The weather is mild. The fish are hungry. Guides are anxious to get on the water again and it is still March. What else are you going to do in March?

Take a break from the drudgery of doing your taxes or whatever else you might be doing to pass the time until spring and get out on the water today.

We’re opening more lodging this week so shouldn’t have any problem accommodating the rush. Give us a call and book your trip today.

Our phone number is (406)235-4350. Operators are standing by!

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-03-13T09:12:54-06:00March 13th, 2025|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, Lodging and Guide Trip Special, March Madness Spring Guide Trip Special, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

More Early Spring this Weekend on the MO

It seems as though winter may have loosed its grip on us for good as we’ll see another spring-like weekend ahead with temperatures back in the 50’s, possibly hitting 60 on Sunday.

Winds looks manageable for the weekend out of the south/southwest at 9 -16 mph with some higher gusts to 25 mph. You’ve fished in much worse!

The trend continues through the first part of next week before temperatures normalize with high 30’s and low 40’s starting on Thursday.

Reports from this past weekend were a bit of a mixed bag but overall the consensus seemed to be that fishing was on the slow side but slow or not, you could do much worse than spending an early March day soaking up the sun while floating down the Missouri River.

It’s been quiet this week despite consistently mild weather and as is generally the case in the early season we’re not sure what to expect heading into the weekend, but we’ll be here regardless. Shop hours this weekend are 9 AM -2 PM, Sunday included, and we’re running shuttles daily.

We’ve got lodging available at winter rates of $149/night (plus tax) and our Adipose drift boat rentals are a great deal at $150/day (you haul the boat). We haven’t had much call for it yet but if you’re looking for a guided day on the river we can accommodate.

During the month of March we’re offering a full day trip, lunch included, at a half-day rate of $550 for one or two anglers. We’re also offering a lodging/guide trip special for $700 (plus tax) for two nights of premium lodging and a day of guided fishing. As is usual with March trips the weather can always be a factor so there’s no penalty for cancellation should winter return. This offer is for the month of March only, normal prices resume on April 1st. Book your trip today and leave the rowing to us.

If you’re sticking to the DIY program it’s status quo this time of year with sow bugs leading the charge. Tailwater Sows, Soft Hackle Sows, Pederson’s Sow, Carpet Bugs, Poxyback Sows, Pill Poppers, Firebead or Pink Lucent Bead Ray Charles, Bubble Yum Scuds, Rainbow Czechs, Amex and Zebra Midges are all go-to bugs for early spring.

Dry fly fishing is an option with plenty of midges in the mix and streamer fishing (swinging or stripping) should be just on the verge of really heating up.

The most commonly asked question we get is when is the best time to fish the Missouri and my stock answer is whenever you’re able to be here because the consistency on the MO is unmatched but if you really want to know you’d be hard pressed to find a better time and place to fish than springtime on the Missouri.

We invite you start your day on the MO with us, especially if you’re coming from the south. We’ll get you set up with FISHING LICENSES, shuttles, all the best bugs from all the best vendors, and anything else you might need for your day on the water. Simms waders and boots, Sage and Lamson rods and reels, fresh new fly lines from SA, Rio and Airflo and piles of tools and accessories from the best brands in the business. And it’s all right on your way. No need to drive another 10 minutes down the road to get the same stuff and then turn around and drive right back up to the dam or Wolf Creek Bridge! We are closer to the Holter Dam to Craig section launches than ANY OTHER SHOP.

See you soon for spring fishing on the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-03-06T10:18:58-07:00March 6th, 2025|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: Adipose, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Holter Dam, Lamson, midge, Missouri River, pill popper, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Idyllic February Float on the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

It’s been less than a week since we were in the icy grip of winter with sub-zero temperatures and a thick blanket of snow covering the landscape.

When I did a boat ramp tour last Friday all ramps and parking lots from Holter Dam to Stickney were buried but after several days of temps nearing 50 degrees nearly all of the snow has vanished, and the ramps and parking lots are clear.

The phones have been ringing non-stop since Monday with folks eyeing up a gorgeous weekend ahead and just like that our winter lodging is full for the weekend, which is something we haven’t seen in months.

I wouldn’t say we’re BUSY but there has certainly been an uptick in traffic in the shop and on the river this week and I’d expect it will feel busy this weekend with a lot of folks from all around the state headed to the MO for a late-winter fix.

As expected with the warmer weather it’s been breezy this week and will be again tomorrow with gusts up to 30 mph expected but Friday we settle into sunshine, temps near 60 and light winds out of the south at 5-10 mph. It doesn’t get much better than that…not this time of year.

Monday will see a return to the 40’s with a chance of rain and snow but above average temps still expected through next week.

The spring-like weather is nice, especially after a couple of weeks of arctic air but we are hoping this is just a brief respite and that we’ve got plenty of more winter on the way.

For now though, we’re here and we’re ready for business. Our lodging may be full but we’re ready to go with shuttles, Adipose rental boats, cold weather gear, sunscreen, bugs a plenty and don’t forget your 2025 Fishing License starting on Saturday, March 1st.

Looking to buy online? You may do so here but if not we’re happy to sell you a fishing license.

Pill Poppers, Pink Soft Hackle Sows, Pederson’s Sow, Tailwater Sow in Rainbow or Pink, Firebead Rays, Rainbow Czechs, Bubble Yum Scuds…you get the picture. Think Pink and don’t forget the Zebra Midges. All available now at WCA.

Winter Fare at Wolf Creek Angler

Conditions might just be right for some stellar dry fly action this weekend as well as March Midge Madness commences. Keep those Griffiths Gnats and other midge cluster patterns at the ready. We’ve got a plethora to choose from.

Swingers are out and having good luck with Polar leeches, Thin Mints, Kreelex, Fruit Rollups and other leechy offerings.

It might feel crowded out there this weekend after months of desolation so please dust off that river etiquette if you’re hitting the water giving a WIDE BERTH to those wade anglers and paying mind to the rhythm of the row arounds, doing your best to maintain the beat.

Official shop hours are still 9 – 4 Tuesday – Saturday at least for another couple of weeks but we’ll likely be here by 8 most days for those getting an early start.

Spring has sprung for the moment…enjoy it while it lasts.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-02-26T14:01:30-07:00February 26th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Holter Dam, midge, Missouri River, pill popper, running line, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|1 Comment

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