simms Archives - Page 4 of 11 - Wolf Creek Angler

Autumn Fade

As we approach the middle of October the season’s end is looming.

You wouldn’t know it, based on the weather which has been consistently pleasant. Daytime highs have been in the 60’s and low 70’s with blue skies and sunshine more often than not. Overnight lows are chilly, dipping into the high 30’s and 40’s but you really couldn’t ask for nicer weather.

Even so, every good thing must come to an end and while it may feel like September, time is marching on. Soon the 2022 campaign will be in the rearview and we’ll all be sitting back and reflecting on what went well and what could’ve gone better as we look toward the next.

Fall traffic has been fairly heavy, especially these last two weeks but this week feels like things are coming to a close. Just a handful of trips out this week and while our lodging is still fully open there aren’t quite as many folks around.

Many guides have either completed or are counting down to their last trips of the season and as is always the case, while we hate to see it come to an end, everyone is ready for a much-anticipated break in the action.

The fishing remains good with nymphing and streamer fishing continuing to make up for the majority of our trips. BWO’s have yet to make a showing but dry fly fishing is still an option if that’s where your heart lies. Terrestrials and October Caddis could still get a look and you might find success prospecting with a Purple Haze or Parachute Adams. Try trailing a CDC Caddis Emerger behind whatever it is you choose to lead with. They seem to eat it more often than what you might expect.

Stick with the sowbug program if you’re nymphing. A #14 Tungsten Tailwater Sow trailed by a #16 unbeaded Tailwater Sow has been a good go to but BWO nymphs like the Little Green Machine, Split Case BWO, BWO Magic Fly, BWO Redemption, BWO Psycho May and a plain old Pheasant Tail have all been getting noticed as well. Medium fast current, medium depth water should still be your target. The swirlies have been full of food and full of fish so maybe go deep there but otherwise 4 ish feet from bobber to first bug should suffice, with our without a spit shot.

Streamer fishing has been good, better during the low light or under cloud cover but definitely worth your time regardless of conditions. Small black buggers and Thin Mints have been consistently good but the larger, flashier offerings are finding plenty of willing players as well. Weeds are a hindrance but there’s plenty of clean water to throw to. Choose a good long stretch and push through the weedy stuff.

Flows are on the low side (currently around 3300 cfs) with temps holding in the 58 – 60 range. Traffic has finally spread out from the dam stretch with the entire river fishing well. A little more water would be nice but all in all the water and the fish are in great shape and it’s really been an idyllic fall fishing season thus far. The weather looks to hold steady for the foreseeable forecast with no sign of a winter shift on the horizon but it’s coming sooner or later so get out there and enjoy this amazing fall weather and this amazing fall fishery while you can.

We’re open at 7:30 AM Monday – Saturday and 8 AM on Sundays for all of your Missouri River fall fly fishing needs. Shuttles, bugs and so much more including awesome Simms fall flannels and hoodies and plenty of waders, boots now that wader season has returned.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-10-11T14:27:45-06:00October 11th, 2022|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Little Green Machine, Missouri River, October Caddis, Pheasant Tail, Psycho May, Redemption, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, terrestrials, thin mints, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Late September on the MO

Summer heat has returned this week with temps back in the 80’s and near 90 tomorrow. Overnight lows in the 40’s and low 50’s have made for cool mornings so despite the daytime highs being a little warmer than what we’d like right now it still definitely feels like fall. More seasonable conditions will resume on Thursday with temps dropping back into the 60’s and 70’s with cloudy skies and a daily chance for some precipitation through the weekend.

Traffic has dropped off for us a bit this week after last week’s guide trip marathon but there are a fair number of folks getting out and enjoying these summer-like afternoons and the upcoming change in conditions will likely bring out the streamer set as well as those in search of fall dry fly action. We’re not expecting much on that front just yet but it won’t be long. While you wait for the fall BWOs you can bide your time with terrestrials, October Caddis and those dreaded pseudos.

Nymphing continues to be your best bet for numbers with sows, scuds and zebras getting it done and crayfish patterns still providing some solid action on the right days.

Conventional wisdom dictates small leechy patterns on intermediate lines if you want to try your hand at the streamer game and we’ve undoubtedly been selling plenty of Buggers, Thin Mints, Balanced Leeches, Pine Squirrel Leeches, Polar Leeches etc and getting some glowing reports. However, it’s not conventional wisdom that made us THE Streamer shop on the MO so you won’t be surprised to hear that we’ve been defying convention by running big bugs and heavy lines, searching out the water that allows it and finding plenty of success (and plenty of weeds)ourselves.

We keep the streamer bins as full as the supply chain allows so be sure to make us your first stop of the day for the best streamer selection on the MO and a variety of specialty lines and leaders to fit your preferred technique.

We’re down to the last of the summer gear but we’re fully stocked with cool weather essentials like Simms WCA Challenger hoodies and guide flannels as well as a full selection of hats, gloves and layering and of course waders and boots from Simms, Redington and Korkers. We stock Simms G3 and Freestone waders as well as Redington Sonic Pro waders and Escape wading pants.

Our fall rod and reel sale has been a huge success and is still going strong.

Our lodging is busy but not SOLD OUT on most nights. Give us a call for last minute reservations. Our guide calendar has peaked as we start to close out the 2022 campaign. We have openings throughout October and despite having had our busiest guide week of the fall last week we feel like the best fishing of the fall is still ahead of us.

It’s definitely the home stretch with the winter’s quiet looming but that being said it’s currently 80 degrees and sunny with clear blue skies above and a symphony of fall color….it’s the best of fall fly fishing in Montana. Get out there!

We’re open at 7 AM daily for all of your Missouri River fall fly fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-09-27T14:53:03-06:00September 27th, 2022|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: balanced leeches, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, pine squirrel leeches, polar leeches, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, thin mints, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Farewell August…Autumn is upon us

We enjoyed a brief respite from the heat last weekend but we’re right back in it this week with highs in the 90’s and pushing triple digits. The good news is we’re cooling WAY down overnight with temps dipping into the 40’s and 50’s. This bodes well for keeping water temps in the comfort zone and as we close out the month of August it’s certain that cooler weather will be here soon.

In the meantime start early and skip the heat of the day. 7 AM has felt like the ideal as of late with darkness starting to overtake that summertime early morning light.

River flows are holding steady at around 4,000 CFS with water temps in the 64 – 66 degree range. With an abundance of our regional waters on Hoot Owl Restrictions right now you really couldn’t ask for better water conditions that what we’re seeing right now…especially by late summer standards. Yes, weeds are an ever-present challenge but definitely not nearly as bad as they could be.

The shift in the weather seemed to trigger the autumn bite these past few days. We’ll see if that maintains through this next run of hot days which looks like it’s going to run into the middle part of next week.

Black Zebra midges getting it done, autumn style. Pair it with a purple weight fly, beaded sow or beaded Pheasant Tail or do the double zebra, medium to shallow depth on your rig with or without a bb. Pairing with a Zirdle could also be the right call but whatever nymph rig you’re running be sure to check it often and keep it clean.

The hopper bite has slowed a bit but it’s still good enough that you should be able to move at least a few fish it you put your time in. Trail with an ant or drop a zebra or green machine to up your odds or just run solo if casting proficiency is an issue. Grassy banks are the obvious target, mid-river riffles and shallow flats might surprise you.

We’re clearing out summer gear at 40 percent off….get it while it lasts. Fall gear arriving daily including killer WCA logo Simms Challenger Hoodies.

We’re fully stocked with Simms G3 and Freestone waders as well as wading pants and waders from Redington and a bunch of boot options from Korkers and Simms.

Summer fly bins are being rapidly depleted. Streamers, October Caddis and fall/winter options are in great shape.

Our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale is underway with 25 % off ALL RODS AND REELS. Lamson, Echo, Redington, Ross, Loop….all 25% off. The best deals of the season happening NOW.

We’re open at 7 AM daily with everything you need for your day on the water. Shuttles, bugs, ice, fishing licenses, sun protection, stream thermometers, anchors, nets, fly boxes in all shapes and sizes, lines, leaders…if you need it we more than likely have it. If we don’t have it you probably don’t really need it.

We are your Missouri River Fall Fly Fishing One Stop Shop.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-08-30T11:07:45-06:00August 30th, 2022|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Summer Heat

Summer heat has started to take its toll around the state with an increase in wild fire activity and Hoot Owl closures on many of our rivers. That being said, the Missouri is still flowing relatively cold and has not yet approached the water conditions which would dictate a Hoot Owl closure, that being three consecutive days with water temps reaching 73 degrees. We’re currently seeing water temps in the 65 – 67 degree range at the dam which means lower river temps are likely considerably warmer. It’s time to put that stream thermometer to work and start keeping track of water temps throughout the day. Once that water hits 67 it’s time to stop fishing!

Daytime highs in the 90’s all this week will exacerbate the situation but hopefully the relatively cool nighttime lows will keep us in good shape until things cool down. We’ve been starting our guide trips early (6 – 6:30 AM ) and will continue to do so until conditions improve. Traffic has thinned to the point where we’re not as concerned about the pressure on the fish but you can expect your guide to check water temps frequently and as stated above, once that temp hits 68 degrees, it’s time to quit fishing and sit back and enjoy the summer scenery.

The bite has slowed a bit but hopper fishing has been good enough and Tricos are providing daily opportunities for those who can get it done. Nymphing has been hit or miss and has been increasingly challenging with a fair amount of weeds now in the system. Warm water, hot sun, weeds….it’s August on the MO but don’t let that scare you. There are plenty of fish to be caught out there, it’s just a matter of modifying your techniques to fit the conditions and perhaps adjusting your expectations.

The crowds are gone and the bugs are here. Get on early. Get off early and leave the heat of the day to the rec floaters.

The shop is still opening at 6:30 AM Monday – Saturday. Closing time has been somewhat random as we’ve been known to cut out early when it’s blazing hot out there. We’ve officially changed our Sunday hours to 7 AM – 2 PM to accommodate staff changes as our summer crew is soon to be cut in half as Phil returns to school next week.

Should you decide to add a visit to the MO to your late summer agenda we’ve got all kinds of lodging available and could likely even come up with a guide for you.

Great end of summer deals on Simms summer gear and much more at Wolf Creek Angler.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-08-09T11:50:25-06:00August 9th, 2022|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, Hoot Owl Closures, Hoppers, Missouri River, Montana, running line, simms, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

An Epic Spring Season Rolls On

We are in the midst of what has been one of the best spring seasons on the MO in years.

Dry fly fishing has been exceptionally good since mid-February with consistent midge action daily and plenty of BWO’s around these last few weeks. Rumor has it March Browns are also now in the mix, albeit sporadically.

Nymphing has been reliably good more days than not with the usual suspects performing as you’d expect. Sows, scuds, assorted baetis nymphs and even some worm action in the mudline for a day or two following runoff bumps on the Little Prickly Pear and Dearborn.

The streamer action has been good with swingers and strippers both proclaiming plenty of success and the big browns are on the prowl as evidenced by a plethora of above average size browns making an appearance on social media as of late.

She truly seems to be firing on all cylinders this season and of course this is the year my ability to fish has been drastically curtailed by various limiting circumstances of my own choosing.

And so this this year, which is perhaps the best spring season in WCA history, I am relegated to living vicariously through all of you and your fish stories. I’m missing my time on the water but this too shall pass and with any luck I’ll be back out there

In the meantime we’re loaded up at the shop with everything you need and more. We’re loving the new rods from Waterworks Lamson and we’re stocked up in all weights with plenty of options for reels at any price point. Come on in and take a Lamson Velocity and Cobalt rods for a test drive, we think you’ll love them and at $399 they won’t break the bank.

We’re also stocked up on your favorite Echo rods including Carbon XL, Trout, Indicator, Streamer X, Boost and Boost Blue which, like the Lamson Cobalt, is a salt offering that doubles as a phenomenal streamer stick.

Simms sun wear has arrived and we’re fully stocked with buffs, Fishpond Eddy River and Lowcountry sun hats, Simms flip flops, Smith and Suncloud eyewear and plenty of sunscreen and more. The weather doesn’t quite feel like it but summer is on the way.

As you’d expect we are the FIRST shop open with FREE coffee on at 7:30 AM daily. No need to wait until the others open, stop in for your shuttles and bugs, hit On The Fly Coffee next to the Canyon Store for breakfast burritos and be on the water before anyone is stirring in Craiglandia.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-05-10T16:44:08-06:00May 10th, 2022|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: Boost, Boost Blue, brown trout, Carbon XL, Cobalt, dry fly fishing, Echo, Fishpond, fly fishing, indicator, Missouri River, On The Fly Coffee, running line, simms, Streamer X, Velocity, Waterworks Lamson, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

What a difference a month has made

So far so good. Three days in and the cool weather trend we’ve seen so far this spring continues. The month of April worked wonders for the snow pack which has bumped in much of the region up from a somewhat bleak outlook in the 70s and 80’s percent of average to a much more optimistic outlook in the 90s and 100 Plus percent range.

We are in for a short warm spell over the next few days with temps climbing into the low 70’s tomorrow and near 80 on Thursday before we cool down again for the weekend and into next week with highs back in the 40’s and 50’s and overnight lows in the high 20’s and low 30’s. Just the weather we need to preserve that late spring snowpack.

The fishing continues to be consistently good with weather conditions generally conducive to good BWO activity. We’ve been seeing better action below Craig on that front with plenty of midge activity still occurring river-wide.

Nymphing remains strong with baetis nymphs really starting to come on. Stock up on Little Green Machines, Psycho Mays, BWO Magic Fly, BWO Redemption, Spanish Bullets, Split Case BWO’s, Olive Lightning Bugs and various PT’s all in the mix. That being said, don’t abandon the sow bugs and scuds just yet. Pill Poppers, Tailwater Sows, UV sows, Bubble Yums, Pederson’s Sow, Caviar Scud, Rainbow Czech, Amex all still very much in play.

Fish the medium depth (2’ – 4’), fast ish water with or without a split shot starting with a mid-range rig with your indicator 4’-5’ from your point fly. Some are going longer, some are short leashing, both with varying degrees of success but the medium rig is always a good place to start.

We’re loaded up with all the aforementioned bugs as well as AirLock strike indicators in all sizes and colors. Like most everyone else we’re SOLD OUT of Oros indicators but hope to see some product back in stock later this month.

What we do have plenty of are Fishpond and Rising nets in all sizes and colors, SA, Rio and Airflo fly lines for every application, Yakoda caps and fly boxes, rods and reels from Lamson, Redington, Loop and Echo, Redington waders and wading pants, boots from Simms and Korkers and FINALLY the new Simms G3 waders are starting to trickle in.

Lodging is busy from here on out. There are some openings here and there throughout the month of May but overall we seem to have arrived at PRIME TIME for lodging on the MO. Similar case with guide trips. We’ve got a pile of them out this week, next week tapers off a bit for us but overall guide season has fired up on the MO.

It doesn’t hurt to check availability for either as we have been known to have some success with last-minute trips. Sometimes we’re sneaky good that way. A better option would be to up your odds of success by booking those fall dates very soon. Spots are filling quickly and it’s a safe bet it’s going to be a busy fall on the Missouri.

Spring shop hours are Monday – Saturday 7:30 AM – 5:00 pm and 7:30 AM – 2 PM on Sundays.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-05-03T13:02:46-06:00May 3rd, 2022|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: bubble yum, BWO Magic Fly, BWO Redemption, Caviar Scud, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Lamson, Missouri River, Pederson's Sow, pill popper, Psycho Mays, Rainbow Czech, running line, simms, Split Case BWO, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, Yakoda|0 Comments

Arctic Blast on the MO.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spring Fishing Arrives Early on the MO

Just a week into February and it feels like spring is upon us….hopefully winter will return.

For the time being we’re seeing unseasonably warm temps with daily highs in the 40’s and low 50’s and overnight lows just barely below freezing. Not great news at this point for the long term water prognosis as we look towards the summer season but it’s only February so we remain optimistic. There’s a lot of winter yet to go and some late season snow coupled with a wet spring would go a long way in setting us up for more favorable water conditions.

We’ve been getting a lot of calls recently regarding snowpack and the outlook for the season and while we’re always hopeful, the simple fact is that drought conditions continue to persist in much of the region. Consequently, as always, the bottom line is that we will have water, how much is unclear but whatever the case may be, we will take it as it comes and react accordingly.

All that being said, current conditions are optimal for getting out and enjoying some outstanding mid-Winter fishing on the Missouri. We’ve seen quite an uptick in business this week with a busy week of lodging and retail starting to regain a pulse.

Air temps are extremely moderate, winds have been tolerable and the fishing has been good to great more days than not. A consistent emergence of midges has resulted in good dry fly fishing opportunities, nymphing has been predictably solid and swingers and strippers alike are finding plenty of willing players as our resident wild trout react to spring weather conditions by doing what they do as they emerge from winter’s grip, which is EAT.

Water temps are still cold which will keep the bulk of the fish concentrated in the slow winter depths but bugs on top tend to attract attention as do baitfish exposing themselves to predation by hungry trout looking for maximum caloric intake.

It looks like this weather is going to hold at least through the early part of next week. We encourage you to take advantage of the situation while you can as hopefully we will soon see winter’s return.

There’s no better time than NOW to take advantage of our Annual Winter Guide Trip and Lodging Special. That’s 2 nights of lodging and a full day guide trip for one or two anglers for the ridiculously low rate of $550. We challenge you to find a better deal ANYWHERE….you won’t!

We’re open at 8 AM every day but Sunday for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs. We’re loaded up on winter/spring bugs, including an impressive midge selection, all the hottest winter nymphs and THE best streamer selection on the MO…hands down.

We’ve got a great selection of cold weather gear and waders and boots from Simms Fishing Products and a great selection of fly lines, leaders, tippet and accessories for any and all situations from Rio and Airflo.

And don’t miss this opportunity to pick up a pair of Simms G3 waders at 50% OFF!! G3’s were redesigned for 2022 so we’re looking to move our remaining stock. Currently we have Medium, Large 12-13 and Large King in Cinder and Medium and Large 9-11 in Shadow Green. You’ll never see a better deal on G3 waders.

Spring gear trickling in…the new product flood gates open March 1st.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-02-09T12:51:36-07:00February 9th, 2022|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

A Different Season

25 days into 2022 and I have yet to wet a line.

It’s a different season than what I’ve become accustomed to.

Puppy parenthood has altered my existence in ways I really hadn’t anticipated….and I’m not complaining. Zeke is a blessing but he’s also a bit of an albatross at this point. I realize I’m far outside the norm in being able to bring him to work with me every day and for this I’m thankful. I’m lucky to have all of this time to bond with him. Unfortunately it will be a few more weeks before he’ll be fully immunized and ready to interact with the outside world and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t counting the days.

His world is small right now. Our house and yard, my vehicle and the shop and shop property. That’s it. These are the places he can go and consequently, for the past seven weeks these are now the places to which I am limited as well.

It’s been an adjustment for sure. Adding to the fun of 2022 I got a breakthrough case of Covid last week which has shrunk my world even more, removing going to work form the equation and keeping Zeke and I cooped up in the house for days on end.

That has now run its course and it’s nice to be back in Wolf Creek this sunny day. Now I’ll be biding my time, dreaming of hot summer days (and nights) on the water while making preparations for the coming season. And very soon Zeke will be introduced to the MO. I’ve had him in the boat a few times in the garage getting him used to the confines of a drift boat but I can’t wait to actually get him out on the water.

Fishing has been good from what I’ve heard and the weather has been moderate to say the least, at least by January standards. Sure it tends to be breezy more often than not but temps are tolerable and traffic is minimal, ideal conditions for winter fishing on the MO.

It’s usually around this time of year I start thinking about winter dry fly fishing and from what I understand there have already been some decent days out there. Let’s hope it turns out to be a phenomenal midge season which, if everything goes according to plan, should be prime about the time I start getting Zeke on the water.

Lodging has been moderately busy but all in all things have been pretty quiet. We’re expecting an uptick in traffic as we close out January should the mild weather persist which it appears it’s going to. Highs in the high 30’s and low to mid 40’s expected through the weekend and into the first part of next week.

Flows are holding steady at 2900 CFS and water temps are hanging right in that 34 degree range.

If you’re starting to suffer from cabin fever I know all about it and I know a trip to the MO will cure what ails you. Nymphing, swinging, stripping and maybe even some dry fly fishing to be had if you’re lucky.

Winter rates are $99/night (plus tax) for a cozy bungalow with a full kitchen and private bath. Bungalows sleep three comfortably with two twin beds and a full size pull out couch. Treat yourself to a winter guide trip on the MO. We’ve got the best deal you’ll find anywhere….Two nights of lodging and a full day guided trip for one or two anglers for just $550 with NO CANCELLATION FEES FOR ANY REASON.

Our bins are freshly stocked with all the hottest Missouri River winter bugs and we’ve got all the cold weather gear you need as well as blow out pricing on all remaining Simms G3 waders and boots.

These next few weeks are PRIME TIME for winter fishing with an abundance of hungry trout and winter solitude. Before you know it that solitude will start to be in short supply so get it while you can.

The shop is open at 8:30 AM every day but Sunday for all of your Missouri River winter fly fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-01-25T10:59:46-07:00January 25th, 2022|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, simms, Simms G3 Waders, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Winter Solitude on the MO’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lodging and guide trips available ALL WINTER LONG.

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

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