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Winter Returns

Springtime in the Rockies 2021

Monday we were guiding in shorts and flip flops, searing pale winter skin and feeling like summer with temps just shy of 90 all the while knowing a return to winter was looming later in the week.

A Winter Storm Watch became a Winter Weather Advisory which then became a Winter Storm Warning last night as a few flakes began to fall. This morning we awoke to a steady snow, heavy and wet and temps hovering just above freezing.

That winter storm warning remains in effect through tomorrow morning. We’ll continue to see a mix of rain and snow with temps holding near 40 and a brisk north wind thrown in just for good measure. We’ll dip down to 29 tonight before things start to turn towards more seasonable conditions late this weekend. We’re not expecting much for accumulation down here though Rodgers Pass is getting hammered and could see up to a foot of new snow by the time it’s all said and done.

By far not the worst winter can dish out but quite a contrast from a few days ago. And while 89 degrees felt great we are definitely in need of the precipitation so we’ll try to keep the complaints to a minimum and just be thankful for what we’re getting.

Traffic is light today as you can imagine but there are a few boats out and really, if it wasn’t for the north wind, it wouldn’t be a bad day to be out there. That being said, I’m happy to be in the shop today.

Fishing has been solid this week, status quo for the most part with good nymphing and the occasional dry fly opportunities with plenty of BWO’s around, a few March Browns and sporadic rising fish fairly willing to engage if you’re lucky enough to find them.

There haven’t really been any drastic changes as far as fly selection is concerned though we’ve definitely begun to move away from the pink stuff towards late spring staples like baetis nymphs and caddis pupae. A beaded tailwater sow in size #14 paired with a Little Green Machine is still tough to beat but it could be worth your while to swap that sow for a Tung Dart, a Weight Fly or the like trailing with the LGM, psycho may, nitro caddis, Radiation Baetis, Magic Fly, Split Case BWO etc.

We left the streamer rods home earlier in the week with the cloudless skies and the sun beating down on the water but streamer fishing could be the ticket in the midst of this storm system for the next day or two. And speaking of streamer rods, we’ve got Galloup’s Streamer X Rods from Echo in #7 and #8 back in stock. Get yours before their gone!

Supply chain challenges continue and we do have some holes in our inventory but all things considered we are in pretty good shape right now with newly arrived Echo rods, plenty of bugs, a bunch of new Ross and Lamson reels, a good selection of Simms G3 waders and various wading boots and spring/summer clothing arriving in fits and starts seemingly daily.

We’ve got lodging and guides available this weekend. Things fill up early next week. Call for availability if you’re interested in a last minute trip to the MO and we’ll see what we can do for you.

Official Spring shop hours are 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily. Stop in for shuttles, bugs, leaders, hand warmers and blow out pricing on all remaining cold weather gear from Simms.

We hope to see you soon at WCA, your Missouri River spring fly fishing destination.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-05-20T10:48:12-06:00May 20th, 2021|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Montana, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The Shape of Water, Spring 21 Edition

As we close in on mid May it’s time to take a look at the water conditions both at present and for the season ahead.

We’ve been alluding to this for a few weeks now and the story really hasn’t changed. Flows are low on the Missouri right now at 3760 CFS which is a few thousand CFS short of where we’d expect them to be during an average year when May flows would typically be in the 6K range.

Precipitation has been considerably below average this spring which is not great for the water situation but what has helped us thus far has been the cooler temperatures we’ve been experiencing this spring which have kept the snowpack largely intact.

Current Snow Water equivalent around the region is basically between 80 to 100 percent of average and a little less in the southwest corner of the state where we’re looking at around 65 percent of average. Things could be better, things could be much worse as far as snowpack goes.

Canyon Ferry Reservoir is currently 77 percent full which means that if below average precipitation persists throughout the spring then we won’t be seeing much of an increase in flows as indicated by the chart below. Again, we’d definitely like to see a little more water but things could definitely be much worse. Here’s hoping for a wet second half of spring.

With the creek opener coming up Saturday there will be many miles of additional fishable water available although much of that is running high at the moment. We’ve gotten a lot of calls about the Dearborn this week and we will be running a limited number of Dearborn shuttles this weekend. It’s looking like borderline flows (currently at 256 CFS and dropping) but with warmer temps and the potential for some precipitation heading into the weekend we’re thinking it may be an option. We’ll keep you posted.

We posted on social media about this but in case you didn’t see our post, due to staffing limitations we’re limiting Dearborn shuttles to three each on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. We will not be able to offer these shuttles during the week but will have 5 spots available on Saturday and Sunday the 22nd and 23rd. Shuttles will be sold on a first come first served basis but we will take reservations if you have things figured out ahead of time and want to make sure you’re covered.

It looks like a nice weekend ahead and warm sunny days to kick things off next week.

The hills are rapidly greening. The Arrowleaf balsamroot flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, the bugs are popping and it’s about to be lawn mowing, creek fishing, flip flop wearing, sun soaking time in Montana.

See you soon.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-05-12T14:02:38-06:00May 12th, 2021|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: Dearborn River, Dearborn River shuttles, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Missouri River Pre-Grind Report

With water on the rise around the state, the MO has become a busy place this week with steady low flows providing one of the better fishing options in the region. Traffic remains moderate for the most part as The Grind approaches.

Spring is settling in with some nicer days as of late but cool temps and rain are on tap for this weekend which will likely make for some good baetis opportunities as well as optimal streamer fishing conditions.

Nymphing has been strong, rain or shine, with the baetis nymphs maybe starting to edge out the sowbug/scud selections ever so slightly. There’s still been a run on Pill Poppers, Tailwater Sows and Caviar Scuds but we’re also moving a bunch of Little Green Machines, Olive Psycho Mays, BWO Magic Flies and the like as we move into mayfly season.

For my money I’m still starting out with a Pill Popper and no bead sow and not messing with a good thing but if that rig goes quiet you’d be well advised to show them a green machine or the like.

Sunshine has rendered the streamer game less than stellar but we’re moving fish and getting some good grabs even on the cloudless days. It’s all about persistence!

Bugs have been plentiful and the fish are starting to look up but the majority of the pods I’ve observed lately have been smaller fish. Expect some good top water action this weekend with the weather and study those rise forms to locate the bigger fish. They’re out there. You just need to work for them.

We’re still in the prime of spring fishing where you can realistically expect to have great action with whatever method you choose. I’ll throw streamers all day, any day but I’ve always got the dry fly rig at the ready this time of year as well as a bobber rig for those times we just need to catch a fish.

Mornings in the shop have been increasingly busy with the bump in traffic this week and we continue to be encouraged by bookings for the season ahead. Most of Prime Time is booked solid and fall is just starting to take shape.

Lodging has been busy but it seems to come in waves. We’ll go a day or two with just a couple of rooms occupied and then things blow up and we’re booked solid. At this point the weekend looks to be a little slow but again, that can all change with a couple of phone calls. If you’re looking to come out and enjoy some spring fishing on the Missouri over these next couple of weeks we’ve got you covered with plenty of lodging options and access to some of the best guides on the river. It’s always a challenge to line up a guide for the next day but if you can give us a couple of days to work on it we can generally get you on the water with a great guide.

Bugs are moving from the bins at a fevered pace and so far we’ve been able to keep most of those bins stocked with all of the Missouri River essentials. Other product has been more of a challenge but we have no shortage of gear in stock with more arriving daily and we’d like nothing better than to keep all of these items moving through.

Waders will continue to be a challenge but we’ve got plenty of Simms G3’s in stock as well as Simms Flyweight, Freestone and G3 boots and Korkers a plenty including the new River Ops boot which has been receiving rave reviews.

Fishpond Eddy River and Lowcountry hats are back in stock and we’ll have a large shipment of WCA logo gear arriving soon, including sun hoodies, just in time for the warm weather which should arrive soon.

We’re open from 7:30 – 5 PM daily for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-05-05T14:20:04-06:00May 5th, 2021|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, running line, simms, spring fishing, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Spring has FINALLY Arrived

We’re seeing an abundance of blue sky and sunshine with temperatures warming into the 70’s and near 80 by Friday. Flip Flop weather is nearly upon us.

Sure the fishing may have slowed down just a bit and BWO’s prefer grey skies and rain to blue bird days but that being said, it sure feels good out there right now.

After a couple of weeks of cold, cloudy, snowy, rainy dreary days I for one am happy to see the sun again.

The grass is finally greening (and growing) and the buds are popping and the birds are singing. NOW it feels like springtime on the Missouri!

And it’s not as though the fishing is terrible. It’s been a little tougher than it was two weeks ago but we’re still nymphing them up pretty good most days and dry fly opportunities (both midges and BWO’s) are a very real possibility each and every day. Expect to find fish eating midges any day and if you’re looking for good BWO action keep an eye on the forecast for cloud cover.

Streamer fishing has been hit or miss but has generally been pretty good on the cloudier days. Olive and white have been consistently good but we’ve also had luck on greys and tans. Sparkle Minnow for the win as always but Clousers, Skiddish Smolt, MoJo Minows, ZK’s Gladio and MK Ultralight all getting some eats as well.

Strip off the banks and also in the buckets varying your retrieve speed with short strips and long strips and plenty of pauses in between. They seem to be grabbing on the pause more often than not. Most importantly…keep at it. Persistence pays off (sometimes). Once again, clouds are better but they’ll eat under the blazing sun as well. You just need to find the right fish and the only way you’re going to do that is to stick with it. If 45 minutes without a grab or a flash bums you out then maybe stick to the bobbers.

Tailwater Sows with or without the bead, Pederson’s Sow, Pill Poppers, Czechs, Bubble Yums and Soft Hackle Sows still leading the charge but there are plenty of baetis nymphs bouncing around in the system so LGM’s, Psycho Mays, Redemptions, BWO Magic Fly, Olive Lightning Bugs etc are all good calls and you can never go wrong with a black Zebra. Medium depth (3-4’) medium fast to fast water should be your nymphing target water and they’ve been eating the streamer in that water as well.

Traffic has been moderate with the majority generally in the Holter Dam to Craig zone but don’t be afraid to spread out. If you call ahead we’re happy to tell you where the traffic is concentrated so you can plan your day accordingly. Sometimes it happens that everyone figures the dam zone will be busy so they all end up going down river which seemed to be the case on Saturday with a ton of traffic in the canyon and barely anyone fishing the dam to Craig.

We are your eyes and ears on the river and not just where fly selection is concerned. We know where the traffic is and where the fish are. Don’t be afraid to ask us. It’s what we’re here for.

Spring inventory keeps trickling in. We’ve got plenty of bugs, leaders, lines, tippet and such but we’re all struggling to keep rods and reels and waders and boots and the like in adequate supply. Call ahead if there is something specific you’re looking for and we’d be happy to let you know if we have it or where else you might be able to find it if we don’t.

Lodging is moderately busy but we’ve got plenty of rooms available for the next couple of weeks. We’re getting a good number of last minute guide trips being scheduled and this is a good time of year to do it that way. A few weeks from now a last minute guide will be hard to come by but for the time being if you’re thinking about booking a trip we’d appreciate the call and we’d be thrilled to have your business.

Enjoy the warm weather and the sunshine this week and don’t let the wind forecast get you down. It’s not terrible with sustained south southwest winds in the 6-15 mph range the next couple of days, increasing to 15-20 mph on Friday afternoon with some bigger gusts but windy warm days are so much for tolerable than windy and cold days so get out there.
Sunday looks like it could be the next good baetis day with a chance for showers and thunderstorms and a high of 58.

Hope to see you in the shop and on the water soon.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-04-28T11:10:08-06:00April 28th, 2021|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: bubble yum, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Holter Dam, midge, Missouri River, pill popper, Psycho May, Redemption, running line, Streamer Fishing, streamers, Tailwater Sow, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, ZK's Gladio|1 Comment

Low Water, Spring Snows and BWO’s

With April’s end in sight we’re still waiting for spring to settle in, at least where the weather is concerned.

The last couple of weeks have served up a fairly steady diet of spring snow showers coupled with that dreaded north wind making for somewhat less than ideal conditions if sunny and warm spring days are your thing but for those more concerned with the fishing than the forecast April has not disappointed.

As you would expect, nymphing has been the go to for numbers but streamer fishing has been good and dry fly fishing, though lacking consistency, has been good enough to keep things interesting with midges a plenty and some substantial BWO events occurring over the past week.

Our spring special is now in the rearview and despite the lingering winter conditions we managed to book more of these trips than ever before. And while we usually book a fair amount of guide trip and one night stays this year we had multiple parties stay for over a week with multiple trips, something we’ve rarely seen in April and NEVER in March but I think 2021 is going to continue to be a year of firsts.

There have been a few nice days sprinkled in for good measure and some of those days have been approaching “busy” by spring standards, but generally speaking traffic has been light and the fishing has been solid.

River conditions are currently prime for the dry fly angler and look to remain that way all season long with flows holding in the 3700 CFS range with water temps still holding in the 42 degree range. Snow pack is rapidly diminishing and while the map still indicates 80 – 109% of average for much of the region, flow projections indicate status quo flows with no substantial increase on the horizon. Canyon Ferry remains at only 76 percent full so again, barring an extremely wet May/June it appears as though we’ll be settling in to a low water year on the Missouri.

Wade anglers love these flows as wade access increases dramatically which inevitably leads to an increase in wade angler/boat angler conflict but don’t let that get you down and don’t be a part of the problem. There’s still plenty of water for everyone and while technically those floating are required to yield to the wade anglers, it’s extremely helpful for everyone to communicate in an effort to reduce said conflict.

Yes – if you wade out to a spot and stake your claim it is technically yours but just keep in mind that those same low flows that allow you to get to that spot you normally couldn’t get to also limit the navigation options for those in boats so often times they’ll have to come closer than what you’d like simply because it’s the only way to get by you.

Things work great if boats give an extra wide berth to the wade anglers and also if the wade anglers understand that sometimes boats are going to have to come close to them in order to get by. What makes it all work seamlessly is if the person rowing the boat announces their intentions, maybe even asking the wade angler when possible, where they would prefer the boat to go.

It’s really not difficult but when conflict arises it’s generally due to a lack of communication. If everyone understands the rules of the road as dictated by the flows and treats those they encounter with respect and kindness things usually work out just fine.

Best Sellers from thy Nymph Bins – Pill Poppers, Caviar Scuds, Rainbow Czechs, Tailwater Sow Bugs, Firebead Rainbow Czech, Firebead Ray, Little Green Machine, BWO Magic Fly, Soft Hackle Sow, Zebra Midge, Bubble Yum Scud.

Essential Dry Flies – Bucky’s Midge Cluster, Black Sipper, Sprout Baetis, Grizzly Midge Cluster, Hi Vis Griffiths Gant, Olive Parachute Adams, WCA Trude, BWO Film Critic, BWO Flash Cripple, CDC Baetis Emerger, Micro May BWO.

Hot Streamers – Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow (Sculpin), Double Sparkle Minnow, ZK’s Gladio, Galloup’s Mini Dungeon, Galloup’s Silk Kitten, Craven’s Dirty Hippy, Lil’ Kim, ZK’s MK Ultralite, Craven’s Swim Coach. We’ve also been selling plenty of Thin Mints and buggers for the more traditional streamer set.

No need to start any earlier than 9, especially with the days continuing to get longer. As you’d expect Holter Dam to Craig has been the float of choice but Wolf Creek to Stick, Craig to Mid and Mid to Prewett have all been good options as well.

Things are starting to get consistently busier but we do have plenty of lodging and guide availability for the time being as well as Adipose drift boat rentals and a shop full of everything you need for success on the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-04-20T11:01:25-06:00April 20th, 2021|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Adipose, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, 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 a few days left to take advantage of our 2021 Spring Lodging and Guide Trip Special. It all comes to an end on Sunday April 18th and while we’ve been experiencing some winter-like conditions this week it looks like we’re in for another gorgeous weekend. Saturday looks like near perfect conditions with sunshine and 64. Sunday won’t be quite as nice with the possibility for some rain in the forecast but that could up the odds you might find some BWO’s. I’m not able to personally confirm but we have heard reports of a few bugs here and there this week.

We’ve got plenty of availability for both lodging and guides for the weekend so we hope to see you out here.

If you’re planning your own guideless adventure we’re happy to have you as well. Spring special lodging rates also come to a close on Sunday so don’t miss this opportunity to take advantage of the best lodging deal around.

It’s been a little quiet this week with the weather being what it is, but despite the fact that there’s snow on the ground this morning Wolf Creek and Craig and the MO are definitely OPEN for business.

Shotgun Annie’s has already expanded their hours and are now open every day. (Monday and Tuesday dinner only, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM and Wednesday – Sunday lunch and dinner 11:30 – 9:00 PM). We’ve also got a new place in town, The Wolf Ice Cream and Hoagies, located next door to the laundromat/Oasis. I haven’t been yet but I hear it’s good.

Izaak’s in Craig is OPEN Wednesday – Sunday 3-9 PM and The Craig Taphouse should be open soon…we can’t wait!

Suffice it to say, the fishing has been good to great most days, things in and around town are up and running and all we need is a little spring sunshine to make it feel like a bit more like the season is underway.

Flows are low and stable at around 3500 CFS with water temps holding in the 42 degree range and it doesn’t look like we’ll see much of a change any time soon with flows predicted to pretty much hold in this range all season long. A wet spring could obviously change that but we’re settling in to these flows and dialing things in accordingly.

I’ve said it repeatedly and I’ll keep beating the drum…if streamer fishing is your game this is your time. Water temps are near prime and conditions are optimal, at least for the next six weeks or so. Nymphing is the numbers game with Tailwater Sows, Caviar Scuds, Pill Poppers, Hotbead Rays and Zebra Midges still leading the charge. Little Green Machines and other baetis nymphs also now playing an increasingly important role.

Again, not much for BWO’s just yet and the midge game hit and miss but between the random Skwalas and midges and the increasing potential for BWO’s you could definitely put together a dry fly day if you worked at it.

Stop in and see all the new arrivals. From the hot new River Ops boots from Korkers to the awesome new rod and reel offerings from Waterworks Lamson, a brand new jig section in our fly bins, the amazing Tornado Anchor, new Camo Air Lock Indicators and much, much more.

Open daily at 8:00 AM for shuttles, licenses, lodging, guides and anything and everything you need for your day on the water.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-04-14T12:38:05-06:00April 14th, 2021|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Craig Taphouse, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Izaaks, midge, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Shotgun Annie's, Streamer Fishing, The Wolf Ice Cream and Hoagies, Tornado Anchor, Waterworks Lamson, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Early April on the MO

Just back from a week in the Utah desert and trying to settle in to the busy springtime groove this week on the MO’.

The migration from the west side has begun with flows over there bumping enough to send a bunch of traffic our way this week.

Yesterday turned out to be a good day to dig out from under a week’s worth of things left on hold while I was away. The cold snowy morning kept traffic to a minimum which kept things quiet in the shop…perfect conditions to re-acclimate.

Today is a different story. A quintessential early spring day with blue skies and an abundance of sunshine. I started early, launching a couple of rental boats before we opened and since I turned the OPEN sign on it’s been pretty much non-stop traffic, the majority of which has come from the west side.

We’ve got a few folks staying and a number of trips out this week but we’ve got plenty of openings for lodging and guide trips both if you’re looking to take advantage of our Spring Guide Trip and lodging special which comes to an end on April 18th.

$550 for a full day guide trip for one or two anglers plus not one but TWO nights of premium lodging. Guide trips alone are $450 plus tax for a full day while if lodging is all you need kitchenettes are running $99/night. These prices simply can’t be beat but like all good things, they too must come to an end. Regular pricing goes back into effect on April 18th with guide trips back at $550 plus tax and premium lodging back to $135/night (plus tax).

As of late last week all of our lodging is now open so our always popular motel rooms are back in play at $75 for a single room (one full bed) and $85 for a double (one twin and one full bed).

Nymphing turned the corner last week and our clients have been treated to some epic days as of late. The numbers are at the dam but fishing has been good everywhere if you want to separate yourself from the crowds and if streamers are your game then this is your time.

I’ve been out of the shop for a week so I haven’t seen the day to day on what bugs folks are buying but judging by the bins it sure appears as though the tailwater sows, pill poppers and caviar scuds are still leading the charge and I did sell my first Little Green Machines of the season today so look for the baetis nymphs to be starting to play a major role as well.

Sparkle Minnows and Kreelex have been the hot sellers from the streamer bin today but this is the time to throw the kitchen sink at them. As tempting as it is to stick with one or two patterns ( I do it all the time) it is Prime Time for Streamer fishing so mix it up and see if you can’t discover the next hot bug.

The weather looks good for the rest of the week with tomorrow being the nicest day by far with temps reaching near 70. It’ll be 50s for the remainder of the week with a chance for some of that spring snow over the weekend. All in all things are in good shape. Flows continue to hold in the 3800 CFS range with temps climbing into the low 40’s, currently just shy of 41.

The cooler weather will bring things back into shape elsewhere so that west side pressure will taper off over the next couple of days and while there will be some traffic around over the weekend this really is the perfect time to fish the MO’ with hot fish and relatively low pressure.

We hope you make us your first stop on your way to the MO for shuttles, bugs and much much more. The shop is open at 8:00 AM daily.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-04-06T13:47:15-06:00April 6th, 2021|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, running line, Streamer Fishing, 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

In Like a Lamb

March has arrived this time not like a roaring lion but rather a gentle lamb. Maybe we’ll miss the lion altogether (though I’m not counting on it) but for the time being spring has sprung!

Abundant sunshine and temps nearing 60 through Saturday. Not quite as warm on Sunday and into the early part of next week but 40’s and 50’s nonetheless. Not bad for early March in Montana.

As you would expect the phone has been ringing nonstop with people looking for lodging and guide trips this weekend. We’re currently full but that may be changing today as we make our best effort to get more lodging open for the weekend.

The fact that we’ve decided to get things opened up early will pretty much guarantee a return to winter in short order but after losing most of spring 2020 to the pandemic we are ready to make hay as the sun begins to shine.

Expect some traffic out there this weekend but don’t let that deter you. March traffic is a far cry from April, May and June traffic. There’s plenty of water and there are plenty of trout for all.

River flows are stable currently at 3400 CFS and the water temps are bumping up, currently at or near 35 degrees. Stay on the winter program if you’re nymphing targeting the slow depths with pink anything, firebead anything and sows and scuds. Try a Pill Popper, Pederson’s Sow or Caviar Scud as your lead coupled with a #16 tailwater sow or pink soft hackle sow. If you have it to yourself work it until you find them, adjusting depth accordingly.

Prime Streamer Season is about to commence. Obviously the water temps need to come up a bit for things to really heat up but it’s definitely worth your time right now targeting slower water and structure and keeping your retrieve SLOW with plenty of pauses in between strips. Kreelex, Polar Leeches, Sparkle Minnows, Clousers, Mojo Minnows, Mini Dungeons and the rest of the usual suspects are moving fish but I wouldn’t hesitate to size up and throw something new into the mix like ZK’s Gladio or Thick Biscuit…hot off the vice and new for 2021.

Midge action has been sporadic at best but I’ve got a feeling it’s about to get good. Keep that dry fly set up rigged and ready with your favorite midge cluster.

If you’ve been waiting patiently for SPRING SPECIAL GUIDE TRIPS to go into effect then you haven’t been paying attention. The WCA Winter Lodging and Guide Trip Special has been in effect all winter long and will run through the middle of April. $550 for a full day on the water and not one but TWO nights of premium lodging at Wolf Creek Angler. It’s a deal that CAN NOT BE BEAT…we challenge you to try!

Don’t need the lodging? Guide Trips are $450 through mid-April which is the going rate for spring trips on the Missouri.

Spring shipments arriving daily. New waders, boots, rods, reels and the biggest pre-season fly order we’ve ever done!

Once again, we’re fully expecting winter to return but for the moment spring is here and WCA is ready to roll.

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page or feel free to give us a call to find out when that additional lodging will become available.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-03-03T09:05:23-07:00March 3rd, 2021|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, running line, spring fishing, Streamer Fishing, streamers, 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

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