Late April on the MO’

 

Are there any bugs you ask? Ummm….just a few! photo by Luke Koerten

As we close out the month of April and head into the heart of the spring season things are shaping up nicely on the Missouri with plenty of water (but not too much), plenty of bugs and plenty of hungry trout.

The fishing has been tough on some days, pretty damn good on others. Overall I would still call it “spotty” but there are stretches which are consistently fishing pretty good and some go to areas within said stretches which are holding good concentrations of fish as you would expect them to in mid to late spring.

We’ve still seen better numbers of fish being caught in the canyon but we’ve also had some fair days in the dam to Craig stretch which seems to be improving by the day.

Flows have stabilized in the 7000 cfs range but we are still seeing drops and bumps of a couple of hundred cfs on a fairly regular basis which may be contributing to the spottiness. Water temps are on the rise and are currently holding in the 45 degree range which has the trout on the move.

Streamer fishing has been inconsistent but if you hit it right you can expect plenty of chases and some aggressive takes. The  same could be said for the dry fly action. There has been no shortage of bugs with gobs of midges and plenty of BWO’s in the mix but finding feeding fish has been a challenge on most days. Again, if you hit it right you could be in for some epic dry fly fishing….the best of this young season. Obviously “hitting it right” is the key and therein lies the challenge. Our advice….fish early and fish often. You may or may not hit it right but we can say with 100 percent certainty that if you aren’t on the water you aren’t going to catch fish. It’s as simple as that.

Nymphing has been less of a roll of the dice and will continue to be the best bet for numbers. With the increase in flows some of the slots you may be used to holding fish may have moved so if you come up empty fishing your usual line go back and do it again, changing your path rather than the depth of your rig, generally moving towards the bank a foot or two to find your desired water column.

We’ve found most of the fish in the top section are still concentrated in slower, deeper, winterish water which has been producing good results river-wide however we have definitely begun to see a transition to shallow, faster water in the canyon stretch. Fish the slow stuff down there and if you can’t  find them then try shortening up your rig and fishing the faster shallow summer water.

Sow bugs have been our go-to as of late with the Tailwater sow leading everything else in my box. We’ve also had good luck with soft hackle sows, yum yums and Firebead sows. Caviar Scuds, Bubble Yums, Rainbow Czechs, LGM’s, Rainbow Warriors, black zebras, Pink Amex, Radiation Baetis, S & M’s , Juju’s, pink or purple Lightning Bugs and hot bead wire worms have all been good options depending on the day.

Keep your midge clusters and BWO’s at the ready as well just in case you happen upon some heads. A hi vis parachute Adams or a Purple Haze paired with a Griffiths Gnat or midge cluster is hard to beat but we’ve also had BWO rigs at the ready. Sprout Baetis, Nyman’s DOA Cripple Baetis, BWO Film Critic, Wilcox’s Micromay BWO’s , No Hackle BWO’s, Flash Cripples and Hackle Stackers are all good dry fly options you have at your disposal.

On the streamer side we haven’t seen any one bug leading the charge. It’s kind of been all over the place but greys, whites and olives have been producing in various sizes. I’ve had good luck lately  with ZK’s Bunny Wailer in olive and in white and we’ve also been moving fish with brown Dirty Hippies, Sculpin and JJ Sparkle Minnows, Godzilla Sculpins, Baby Gongas in rust, tan and olive Circus Peanuts and black and olive Dolly Llamas. I say it all the time…fish what you like because you’ll fish it with confidence and if you are fishing with confidence you’ll up your odds. Give it a solid hour or more. Change colors, change patterns, vary your retrieve. Streamer fishing requires a commitment which often times leaves you blanked but when you see that chase or feel that slam you’ll definitely want more.

Come on by the shop and check out our much talked about amazing fly selection. We’ve got bugs you won’t find anywhere else as well as plenty you’ll find everywhere else. We pride ourselves on our extremely well-stocked fly bins and we’re confident that if you’ve never shopped our bins you’ll likely be shocked and awed by our selection and if not shocked and awed than at least pleasantly surprised. Buy your Missouri River flies where many of the best guides on the river  do…Wolf Creek Angler!

We’re open daily at 7:30 am for all of you Missouri River fly fishing needs. Shuttles, Adipose and RO Drift Boat Rentals, LOOP rods and reels, Redington wading gear, Simms outerwear and accessories, clean and affordable lodging, the best guides on the water, the aforementioned biggest and best selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek MT and much more.

We’ll be looking at cloudy skies and a chance of precipitation (rain and snow) most of this week. BWO and Streamer weather to be sure. We did have a couple of cancellations for the weekend which has been booked solid for some time. If a last-minute trip to the MO sounds like something you’d be interested in give us a call and book today. It’s the final weekend to take advantage of our spring lodging and guide trip special….2 nights and a full day on the water for the ridiculous price of  $500.  You heard right. Don’t let this opportunity slip away. Starting Monday this same trip will cost you over $750.

 

 

 

 

Winter’s Last Gasp?

While we are currently sitting at just shy of 20 degrees and are under a winter storm warning through this evening a major warm up is on the way. Could it be that this is winter’s last gasp?

Not likely. But regardless,  we are looking at mid 40’s for the weekend and it looks like we’ll hit 60 next week as the official start of spring looms, now just 10 days away.

Ideally things warm up and the snow goes away locally while winter holds tight in the high country for a while which looks like it’s going to be the case judging by the latest SNOTEL map which continues to grow increasingly blue indicating snowpack over 110 % of average for much of the region.

We’re expecting it will be busy on the river this weekend and next week, at least by late winter standards,  with nice weather, warming water and hungry fish looking for a spring feast.

We’ve got plenty of lodging available and will be opening more soon to accommodate your early spring fishing plans. We’ve been doing a few trips here and there but guide trip season will get underway in earnest next week as the spring special trips start to roll. We’ve still got plenty of availability for March but April is starting to fill as word has gotten out about THE BEST SPRING FISHING DEAL ON THE MISSOURI….HANDS DOWN! $500 for two night’s lodging and a full day on the water with the hardest working guides on the river through the end of April.

You won’t find a better deal ANYWHERE!

Even if you don’t take advantage of our $500 special we’ve got great rates on guide trips without lodging as well as lodging without guide trips. $350 full day guide trips through the end of April and lodging in our cabins or bungalows for just $99/night plus tax.

It’s going to be a spectacular spring on the MO’ and the shop is fully stocked with everything you need and more with new shipments of Missouri River fly fishing essentials arriving daily. We’ve got cold weather gear from Simms and KAST; wading gear from Redington and Korkers; eyewear from Smith Optics and CLiC; Nomad nets, packs and accessories from Fishpond; lines, leaders and tippet from ARC, RIO and Trout Hunter; rods from LOOP, Echo and Redington; reels from Nautilus, LOOP, Ross, Echo and Redington and the near LEGENDARY largest selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Don’t miss our ever-expanding streamer selection including a bunch of EXCLUSIVES from ZK you won’t find ANYWHERE ELSE. Streamer Season is upon us and while we unapologetically love nymphing any time of year and love to fish dries to sipping trout on warm summer days (and cold winter days as well) it is chucking streamers that really gets us fired up. It’s all about the chase!

We’ve got a bunch of new WCA logo gear you’re going to love and you’re going to want to keep an eye on our sale rack throughout the spring as we clear out the cold weather gear and make room for warmer weather fare. That means the best deals you’re likely to find anywhere on top quality gear from the best brands in the business.

We’ve also offer RO and Adipose Drift Boat rentals and Missouri River shuttle service and if we don’t have it or can’t do it, we’re happy to connect you with the people who can. We pride ourselves on having a great relationship with every other shop in the area and while it’s no secret we are all competing for your business our  business as a collective is taking care of your fly fishing needs and we will gladly send you to another shop if we aren’t able to accommodate you.

We think it’s going to be a great season on the MO’ and we hope to see you soon.

 

Missouri River Mid Winter Getaway

Mid Winter Sun on the MO’

Seeking sunshine and a Missouri River Winter trout fix?

We’re looking at spring-like weather on the MO’ right now with temperatures in the mid 40’s and a fair amount of sunshine right on through the end of next week when we’ll see a return to more seasonable conditions.

The water is in great shape with current river flows holding just shy of 3500 cfs while the water temperature is creeping up towards the 36 degree sweet spot for winter fishing.

Nymphing, swinging, and maybe even some dry-fly action on midges if you’re lucky and while we can’t make any promises about the fishing, there’s always the potential for a great numbers day and regardless of how many fish you catch there’s nothing like a day on the water to cure your mid-winter blues.

Why not make a weekend out of it with a stay at Wolf Creek Angler? We’ve got the best lodging deals on the MO’ right now at just $99 (plus tax) for a cozy bungalow with full kitchen and private bath. The rooms sleep three comfortably with two twin beds and a pull out couch. We’re also offering a King Bed conversion for a $10 fee if you would prefer a king bed to the two twin beds.

We’ve got insane deals on winter guide trips at $350 for a full day and we’ve got an unheard of deal on two nights lodging and a full day guide trip for just $500 you simply can’t afford to pass up. And the best part…..NO CANCELLATION FEES, NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

There’s nothing better than sitting back and letting our guides do all of the work for you but if you prefer to do it on your own we’ve got everything you need for Missouri River winter success.

WCA is your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing One Stop Destination with clean, affordable lodging; the fishiest guides on the river; shuttles; a bug selection you need to see to believe; drift boat and equipment rentals; great cold weather gear from Simms and Kast; LOOP rods and reels; Lines, leaders and tippet from RIO and ARC; eyewear from SMITH and piles of tools and accessories from the best brands in the business.

If you’ve fished the MO’ in the winter before then you know that the town of Wolf Creek is THE place to be. With the only bar/restaurant and the only gas station/convenience store between Helena and Cascade, Wolf Creek is the hub of activity during the winter months. Couple that with a first-rate Missouri River fly shop and great lodging just minutes from Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge and you’ve got no reason to go anywhere else.

We hope you make us your Montana Mid-Winter Fly Fishing Getaway Destination.

 

Mid February on the MO’

February fishing on the MO

It’s starting to feel a little more like late winter with longer days and more moderate weather conditions but I have a feeling we’re probably far from done with winter weather so don’t put the shovels and cold weather gear away just yet.

That being said, we’re looking at a very spring-like week here on the MO’ with abundant sunshine and highs near 50 expected all week.

The ramps are clear for the most part and much of the shelf ice has disappeared but keep in mind the water is still very cold and you are likely to encounter some treacherous spots where ice remains so please be careful out there.

I have a feeling we’ll see a little more boat traffic out there from here on out which is a welcome sign of spring to me. I don’t mind wade fishing in the winter, in fact winter is the only time I wade fish the Missouri but I for one am excited to be back in the boat.

The minimalism of wade fishing is nice. Carrying what you need on your person forces you to limit yourself to one discipline and stick to it. I used to carry a streamer rod and a dry-fly rod on my walk in outings but gave it up. It’s just not practical to carry two rods and limiting yourself to one option forces you to work hard at that option. This is a good thing!

Stay focused on the slow winter water. Again, the water is very cold and the fish aren’t overly active. They are in extreme energy conservation mode so while they do need to eat, they aren’t going to expend any more energy than is absolutely necessary to do so. You’ll need to find them and make it easy on them by presenting a meal they don’t have to work for. They are hungry and they will eat. You just need to put the flies in front of them. Once you get that figured out you could very well be in for some great days of winter fishing on the Missouri.

There’s no time like the present! Following a week of frozen plumbing woes at WCA, we are back in shape with plenty of lodging available. $99 for a cozy bungalow with full kitchen and private bath. The rooms sleep three comfortably with two twin beds and a pull-out couch.

New this season, for a $10 fee we are offering a king bed option (instead of the two twins) for those interested. Please let us know at the time you book. Remember we are Dog Friendly but we do charge a $25/dog cleaning fee so please inform us ahead of time if your dogs will be joining you. We’re still running at somewhat limited lodging capacity but we’re keeping an eye on the weather and will likely open up more lodging soon.

Don’t forget we’ve got some great winter specials going on as well. Full day guide trips on the MO for just $350 OR two nights lodging and a full day guide trip for just $500 (plus tax). You won’t find a better deal ANYWHERE!

We are your Missouri River winter fly fishing destination with everything you need for your time on the water. Shuttles, bugs, Adipose and RO Drift Boat Rentals, Simms cold weather gear, Loop rods and reels, the best guide trip and lodging deals around and much more.

 

Chewy’s Winter Welfare Check & Fishing Report 1.17.17

If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been largely absent for some time now. Considering its been colder than Shackleton’s ass on the sunniest of days for the past several weeks, not much has been going on at the shop, on the river or in general for that matter. Cold, abject misery has been the status quo in the canyon. With winter storm after winter storm rolling through, the unrelenting wind, my motivation to drop the thread bobbin and wader up has been practically non existent. Has being the imperative statement. Up until yesterday morning, my days consisted of sleeping in as long as humanly possible, strong coffee, hot soup and tying as many flies as my yeti-esque hands allow.

Weather improved enough  to actually do more than drive the frontage road, dreaming of spring. How was the fishing? Awesome. Typical winter fare in the nymph department, pinks, hot heads, Zebras & San Juans.  Bobber-lobbing definitely the most productive means at this point. Don”t
underestimate the streamer bite though. Swinging brought a few to the net today before a 5 man crew crowded me out of an otherwise, wide open river. White was the color of choice by a long shot. Slow swings over deeper water with a sink tip to get it down, the only way to go. We’ve got all the standards in stock along with some WCA exclusives tied up by yours truly.

If you plan on floating in the next few days be advised: RAMPS ARE SKETCHY! Even at the Dam today a truck struggled but succeeded to get off. Be smart choosing your float, Wolf Creek Bridge is a definitely a no go, along with Mtn. Palace, Stickney Creek & the Dearborn. Few buddies floated Craig to Spite today and did fine. Just be sure to check conditions before you commit and come prepared, even if its just to lend a hand to your fellow floater!

From the looks of it, we’ve got another few days of warmer weather before things get cold again. We’ll be at the shop for the rest of the week with anything and everything you need to stay dry, warm, caffeinated and fishy  on your way to winter trout nirvana. The best outerwear and warmest layers from SIMMS, kick ass water resistant gloves from Kast Extreme Fishing Gear, the largest selection of flies in all of Wolf Creek and of course, the best free coffee in the canyon. What else do ya’ need?

Oh, lodging? Got that too. Booked solid for the night but the rest of the week is wide open. Clean rooms for $99 just minutes from the MO.

~Cheers, Chewy. 

December is upon us

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It’s hard to believe but we’ve actually reached the last month of another fantastic year on the Missouri. Year number three for Wolf Creek Angler. Our best yet by far but we’re not focusing on that. As always, we’re looking towards the future.

I tell my clients this all the time when they cast behind the boat…look to the future not the past. Downstream is where you need to focus to maximize your success. Take a look at what is coming your way and do what you need to do in order to make it happen. The world downstream is filled with possibilities, the world behind the boat has passed.

Sure you might pick up a fish or two behind the boat but when you focus on the past you tend to miss opportunities coming your way.

It is in business as it is in the boat. 2016 will soon be behind us and we had great success but now is the time to look downstream and see what’s coming in 2017.

New challenges, new opportunities, new improvements and the hope that 2017 will again go down as our best season yet.

So December is a great time to reflect on the successes and contemplate the challenges we had in 2016 as we look ahead and make necessary adjustments in order to best capitalize on the opportunities coming our way.

We hope you join us in closing out the year over these next weeks whether that is by taking advantage of the best lodging/guided fishing deal on the river (BY FAR!), by stopping in for shuttles and bugs on your next trip out, by allowing us to assist you with finding the perfect gift for the fly fishers on your list or simply by following our blog and Facebook page.

These next few days would be a great time to get your Missouri fix. The weather is still tolerable and the fishing is better than what you would expect. We’ve got plenty of lodging available and guides are standing by. Once again – $500 for two nights lodging and a full day on the river with one of our exceptional guides for one or two anglers with absolutely NO CANCELLATION FEES. You won’t find a better deal anywhere on the MO’ – Guaranteed!

The forecast is for highs near 40 through Sunday though it may be on the breezy side but not to worry, we’ve got a shop full of gear designed to remove being cold from the equation. Simms gloves and hats and socks galore as well as ColdWeather shirts and pants, waderwick layering, Kinetic Jackets, Guide jackets and more.

Arctic air arrives on Monday night  and while we swear by the gear we carry and love the Simms  #ForgetTheForecast hashtag there comes a point where no matter how many layers of GoreTex and Primaloft and Windstopper gear you have you are going to get cold. With a high of 9 expected on Tuesday I think we’ll have reached that point!

Make it a Missouri River weekend with Wolf Creek Angler!

Holiday Gift Guide

 

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Looking for that perfect gift for the fly fishers on your list?

We can help.

Something we know about fly fishing….it is definitely gear intensive…or as much so as you want it to be.

Sure there are those that go the minimalist route with one rod and a dozen all-purpose flies for any and all situations and there are those on the opposite end with piles of rods ranging from 0 – 12 weight and a reel for each and boxes crammed full of thousands of flies designed to mimic any bug in any stage in any part of the world. Most of us fall somewhere in between.

If you are shopping for fly fishers we are confident we can help, regardless of how much or how little gear they already have or want to have.

10. Redington Path Combo $189.958122

How about rods and reels? We’ve got a vast array of both in all price ranges but since our emphasis here is on quality AND affordability we’ve got an abundance of options in the entry-level to mid-price range and we would love nothing better than to assist you in choosing the perfect set-up whether that angler on your list is a seasoned pro or aspiring to be one.

Are you looking to get someone interested in fly fishing? Our advice is don’t break the bank. Go with an entry-level set-up and see where it goes before you invest too much into it. You could easily spend over $1000 on a rod and reel only to find out it really isn’t their thing.

We’ve got the perfect solution in our Redington Path combos. You get the moderate-fast action rod, the reel, the fly line the backing and a rod case for under $200 and the rod has a Lifetime warranty!. This is undoubtedly our best-selling set-up for beginners.

9. Ross Colorado LT Reel 800-ross-reel-colorado-lt-p1290898$285.00

Designed around our original Colorado’s click and pawl system, the new award-winning Colorado LT retains the same ruggedness and the signature all-metal clicker of its older brother. However, that is where the similarities end as the Colorado LT is built with a new aesthetic and modern design evident in its large arbor and highly detailed porting. Adding to its elegant simplicity, the Colorado LT boasts only 15 different parts in total, all designed, machined, and assembled in Montrose, Colorado USA.

 

 

8. Simms Guide Jacket simms-guide$349.95

This proven workhorse from Simms should be on every angler’s list.

The redesigned Guide™ Jacket is built-to-fish with Gore-Tex® Shell fabric that’s waterproof, breathable, lightweight, and tenacious against tears. Guide-tested features include two top-loading, fly-box compatible storage pockets with integrated retractors and Shingle Cuff™ engineering for unimpeded casting. A Tuck-Away fly patch folds out to hold sidelined bugs.

 

 

 

7. Fishpond Nomad Boat Net 229.95 nomadpig

Nomad Nets are constructed with carbon fiber/fiberglass composite material. The result is a very lightweight and durable net. Nomad Nets are built for the conditions that prevail where great fishing exists; they are waterproof, UV protected, and float like a cork. All Nomad Nets come standard with a rubber bag.

 

The now legendary Nomad Net needed a bigger basket for the boaters. The Nomad Boat delivers it, as well as extra-long handle for extra-wily fish.

6. Redington Sonic Pro Waders $299.95 sonic

Four layer breathable fabric and SonicWeld seams for under $300!

The all new Sonic-Pro wader uses 4-layer waterproof-breathable fabric and SonicWeld seams to create a simple wader with superior durability for uncompromising performance on the water. We designed this wader with minimal pockets and a clean silhouette to provide anglers a durable wader that simply performs in all conditions, from deep steelhead wading to hot summer trout runs.

 

 

 

5. Simms ColdWeather Shirt  $99.95 20314-furyorangeplaid-l

Our absolute favorite winter shirt….hands down.

Quick dry warmth featuring micro fleece waffle-lining. 
Simms takes this hardworking mainstay into the 21st, with the boosted warmth of waffle-lined micro-fleece internals. ColdWeather LS features include quick-dry performance, potent UPF50 sun protection, and chafe-free, off-shoulder seaming for added comfort. Stash gear in two super-sized, top-close chest pockets. And stay effortlessly stylish in these ultrawarm, brushed-flannel performance plaids.

 

4. Simms ColdWeather Pants $99.95 coldweather

If you like the ColdWeather shirt wait until you try the pants.

Pants equipped for deep-freeze conditions
Subzero mornings? No sweat. Simms’ Coldweather Pants combat the conditions thanks to micro fleece-lined internals and hand-warmer pockets. Angler-appreciated extras include COR3™ fabric technology; an adjustable waist with a corrosion-fighting center-front snap; and articulated knees for bolstered durability and massive mobility.

 

 

 

3. Yeti Drinkware $24.99-$39.99 img_8174

Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. 10 OZ Lowball,   30 OZ Ramblers and the stainless steel koozie you thought you’d never need the Colster.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Stanley Wolf Creek Angler 64 OZ Growler $59.00 img_7774

As always, your first fill-up at Blackfoot River Brewing Company in Helena   http://blackfootriverbrewing.com/is on us. 

Rising to the call for cold, fresh beer, the 64oz Classic Vacuum Growler lets you transport your favorite brew in fully functional and iconic style. Take control with a rugged handle for easy carry and one-handed pouring. The wide mouth allows for quick filling, sharing, and cleaning. An audible ‘pop’ when you open this bad boy is a sure sign your beer is still carbonated. It ain’t Grandad’s old vacuum bottle, but he’ll raise his pint in admiration.

 

 

 

  1. Wolf Creek Angler Logo Wear $20.00-$99.99 img_8175

Hats, T – Shirts, Guide Shirts, ColdWeather Shirts, Fleeces, hoodies….all adorned with the logo of your favorite fly shop.

 

 

 

Can’t decide  or not sure what they want? A Wolf Creek Angler gift card makes the perfect gift for all the Missouri River Fly Fishers on your list. The cards can be purchased in any amount, they never expire, and they can be used for absolutely anything we sell. Shuttles, Guide Trips, Drift Boat Rentals, Lodging, Merchandise…..Anything!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday Update

Moody Missouri Sky - Craig Montana. photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Moody Missouri Sky – Craig Montana. photo by Wolf Creek Angler

It was a little tougher out there yesterday than it’s been. Still good but we definitely had to work for them. The Tailwater Sow still won the day but I ended up doing a fair amount of bug and rig changes throughout the day. Rainbow Czechs, Tan UV Czechs and Bubble Yums were all ignored for the most part while the grey LGM, purple lightning bug, tailwater sow, grey soft hackle sow and purple Hi-Def baetis all caught fish.

A few bigger bugs on the water and a few fish in the places you would expect to find them but definitely far from a dry-fly extravaganza.

Traffic? Non existent!

You know what I love about November (and the rest of the late fall and winter) on the MO’? I love miles of empty water as far as the eye can see and being able to fish every place I want to fish, and more often than not being the first one through. Of course it’s not always this way but if you can have this experience on a 50 some degree gorgeous day in early November then you can bet the more seasonable (colder) weather will usually yield the same results.

You know what I like least about this time of year? Paradoxically its miles of empty water and the drop in traffic that ushers in the lean times for Missouri River fly shops. One in the same! It’s a fun time to fly fish the Missouri but on the shop side we’re ready for spring!

Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty to do in the shop right now. We’re busy counting flies, checking in winter product booking trips and lodging for next year, winterizing lodging units, forecasting and planning for next season….we’re plenty busy. What we miss is seeing and chatting with all of you every day.

Keep your eye on the forecast and keep us in mind for a late fall/early winter getaway. At $99/night for a cozy cabin or bungalow just minutes from the river you can’t afford to pass up this opportunity.

Remember the winter months are when the town of Wolf Creek shines with the only services available between Helena and Cascade. Need fuel, food, groceries, a post office? Wolf Creek is where you’ll find them all in addition to affordable lodging and the fastest growing fly shop on the MO’ Wolf Creek Angler.

We are your Missouri River fly fishing one stop shop with more on-site lodging than anyone; the hardest working guides on the river; vehicle shuttles; RO and Adipose Drift Boat Rentals;  cold weather gear from SIMMS, KAST and Redington; packs, bags and accessories from Fishpond and Simms; LOOP rods and reels; lines, leaders and tippet from Rio, ARC and Trout Hunter and of course, the largest and best selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

 

 

 

Rainy days on the MO’

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Weather got you down?

It shouldn’t! This is what we think of when we think of fall fishing on the Missouri. Cold, wet, cloudy…..what’s not to like?

This is BWO weather and it’s also the kind of weather the streamer junkies dream of. With a chance for showers (both the rain and snow varieties) all week long and temps hanging south of 50 you can expect plenty of traffic out there and while we make no guarantees we think the fishing could be off the charts.

It’s a great time to fish the Missouri provided you have the right gear but there are few things more miserable as being stuck in a drift boat on a rainy 40 degree day , soaked to the core. Hypothermia tends to really detract from the experience.

We’ve all got our favorite pieces of essential gear for this type of weather but at the very least this is what we would recommend for ultimate comfort.

Redington SonicDry base layers. These pants and crew shirts are the perfect next to skin layer. SonicDry™ baselayer is powered by 37.5™  Permanent Technology and dries 2X faster than the competition, making your outdoor experience warmer, drier and more comfortable. This product is the answer for any outdoor adventure.

SIMMS Wading Socks. Use these premium Merino Wool Socks in conjunction with Simms liner socks to wick away moisture and keep your feet warm and dry all day.

Simms ColdWeather Pants. These micro-fleece lined pants are the best thing since sliced bread! If it gets really cold you can wear them over a base layer but I wear them by themselves until the temps drop into sub-zero conditions. They feature an adjustable waist and the Velcro closures on the cuffs prevent them from bunching up making them the perfect under-wader pants. You won’t believe how comfortable these pants are. It’s the best $100 you’ll spend this fall! coldweather

Simms ColdWeather Shirt. Equally as cozy and comfortable, these brushed flannel shirts feature waffle fleece lining and are the perfect insulating layer over your base. We love them for fishing of course but we wear them on and off the water. Quite possibly THE perfect fall and winter shirt. 20314-furyorangeplaid-l

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redington Sonic Pro Waders. At just under $300 you won’t find a more economical choice. These ultra-durable 4-layer waders feature Ultra-Sonic welded construction, articulated seams for ease of mobility and a reinforced lower leg for increased durability. You can spend a lot of money on waders and you generally get what you pay for but we sell a pile of Sonic Pros because they have many of the same features as some of the higher end waders at a fraction of the cost. sonic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simms Guide Jacket – The  Guide™ Jacket is a proven work horse that is built-to-fish with Gore-Tex® Shell fabric that’s waterproof, breathable, lightweight, and tenacious against tears.

simms-guide

 

Kast Steelhead Gloves. We talk about these gloves a lot and we sell a bunch of them. There are all kinds of gloves to choose from out there but we know of none other quite like these. Patented OutDry technology makes them 100% waterproof/submersible, windproof, and breathable. Plus the warm fleece lining, and durable stretch shell give you the snug fit and uncompromising feel that you need in the fingertips, and an extended cuff for valuable additional coverage at the wrist.

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Block out the wind and the rain and you’re good. You’ll be surprised just how nasty of weather you can tolerate as long as you are dry. We’ve got all of the listed items above (and many more) in stock now at Wolf Creek Angler, your Missouri River fall fly fishing one stop.

Late September on the MO’

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We’re closing out September with another dose of summer with sunshine and highs approaching 80 for the next couple of days. Fall returns Sunday as we return to more seasonable weather with highs in the 50’s and a chance of rain each day through the middle of next week.

We’re enjoying the sunshine and the fishing has been good but we’re excited for the return of fall weather this weekend. Sunny blue sky days make the fall colors pop….it’s beautiful out there right now. The bad news is the fish don’t like cloudless sunny days so if it’s rising fish and dry flies you prefer next week is looking good. Like dry-fly fishing, streamer fishing gets better with cloud cover so if you like either you should plan to be here next week. If you have no preference and just want to catch fish then you should be here now. Nymphing will get it done, rain or shine and this isn’t to say that you can’t fish dries or streamers on bright sunny days. You can and you should and you will likely encounter some success no matter what your method  if you work hard enough at it.

Having trouble getting it figured out? Stop by the shop and pick our brains. We like nothing better than helping folks get dialed in on the MO’.

Best bets for this week –

Nymphs. Tailwater Sows, Tan UV Czechs, Little Green Machines, Weight Flies in gold or purple, Juju’s, Olive Psychomays, Superflash PTs,  Trina’s BWO Angelcase Emergers, Rainbow Warriors, Military Mays, San Juan Worms, Peep Shows and October Caddis nymphs.

Fish tandem nymphs with a split shot medium to long on depth shortening up and ditching the weight late in the day.

Dries – Sprout Baetis, WCA Trudes, Wilcox’s Micromay BWO, Nyman’s DOA Cripple Baetis, Flash Cripples, Olive Para Adams, Ants, October Caddis, CDC Baetis Emerger, Cripple Callibaetis, Pseudos.

Streamers – Sparkle Minnow, JJ, Late Night Wanda, Dolly Llama, Sundell’s Moss Fire, ZK’s Mercenary, Baby Gonga, Autumn Splendor, Circus Peanut, Skiddish Smolt.

Olives and naturals have been good but don’t be afraid to throw something different at them.Stop by WCA for information overload on effective streamer strategies. We are your streamer specialists on the MO’ and beyond.

Make Wolf Creek Angler your Missouri River Fall Fly Fishing Destination. More on-site lodging than anyone, a hard-working guide crew the number one priority of which  is making your time on the water a success as defined by you and an up and coming Missouri River Fly Shop fully stocked with everything you need including SIMMS sportswear and accessories and the largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

We’re the best fly shop you never even knew was here. Open daily at 7 AM. Nobody is open earlier!

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