Wolf Creek Angler is honored to be your Fly Shop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enter the web store.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome to February on the MO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Late January…The River is Calling



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WCA Shocks the Fly Fishing World

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

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

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

That is until now!

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

Here’s what you get


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

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




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

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

Status Quo on the MO’

Hooked Up – December Days on the MO. Photo by Matt Hargrave

More of the same this week on the MO.

You can expect steady weather and stable flows as we descend into the darkest and shortest days of the year from now through December 21st when we turn the corner and commence the march towards spring and the 2021 season.

We’ll see a high near 55 today, trending cooler for the remainder of the week but with no significant changes and no precipitation in the forecast. With Christmas just two weeks from this Friday it looks as though a white Christmas is not likely but obviously this could all change between now and then.

In the meantime, it’s pretty tough to beat these fishing conditions for early December yet things remain surprisingly quiet. A few more boats out there on the weekends and a few wade anglers out there daily but not what you’d expect.

Nevertheless, we’re enjoying the solitude and enjoying some good streamer days and it sounds as though the nymphing is picking up and there have even been the occasional sipping trout out there willing to engage a well presented dry fly on any given day.

We’re continuing to keep our lodging closed for the time being, waiting for things to improve on the Covid front. Hopefully soon!

Shop hours are 8 AM – 2 PM Tuesday – Saturday with social distancing and masking in full effect (for whatever it’s worth). If you know what you need and would rather not take your chances indoors give us a call on your way out and we’ll be happy to deliver your items curbside.

Our shuttle service remains on hiatus until spring but we are fully stocked on all of the essential winter bugs as well as a wide array of Simms gear from hats, gloves and socks to layering to waders, boots and outerwear.

And don’t forget our web store is now live so you can shop from the comfort of your home or office. We’re continuing to add new items daily so as you think about that countdown to Christmas and if you haven’t yet gotten your shopping done www.wolfcreekangler.com should perhaps be your next stop.

We hope you get out and take advantage of this amazing weather this week on the MO and hope to see you in the shop when you do.

Welcome December

There’s NO TIME like STREAMER TIME on the MO’ photo by Wolf Creek Angler

December has arrived and the weather couldn’t be better (by late fall standards) for getting in a few more days on the water in 2020. We’re currently in the midst of a very stable weather pattern with daily highs reaching into the 40’s and overnight lows in the 20’s. The forecast calls for mostly sunny skies each day right on through the weekend though we are seeing some perfect cloud cover this morning. And best of all – winds are light and variable, in the 6-11 mph range for the next several days and hopefully through the weekend.

Traffic will likely continue to be very light so not only are weather conditions favorable for late fall fishing but there is an abundance of solitude to be found on the river right now which means you can pretty much pick and choose where you want to fish and have it virtually to yourself.

The last couple of times out we saw no one. I expected a bit more activity on Black Friday – the Friday after Thanksgiving, with most everyone having the day off of work and near-perfect weather conditions and I was right. We saw two other boats between Craig and Mid…quite the traffic jam. I assume there may have been some nymphing traffic up at the Dam but all in all the Missouri is currently a Ghost Town which spells opportunity for anyone looking to get back out on the water now that hunting has wrapped up.

I’m sure the lack of available services are contributing to the absence of anglers this fall but once again, the Missouri is your best option for late-season angling state-wide.
You may have to spend some time on the road traveling to and from but there’s no reason you shouldn’t be spending these days on the water. We are continuing to keep our lodging closed for the time being due to the Covid situation and from what I can tell Annie’s remains closed but we’re just a short drive from Helena or Great Falls (or Cascade for that matter) where you’ll find plenty of lodging and dining options. With the weather being what it is camping is still an option as well though I’d personally opt for a heated trailer over a tent right now.

Regardless, fishing is good, especially if you’re into stripping, swinging or nymphing.

Flows have bumped to 3760 with water temps having recently dipped below 40, currently hanging at 39.5 degrees. If you’re nymphing this spells winter fishing protocol so dust off the pink stuff and start concentrating your efforts in the slow, deep winter water. That being said, with the air temps being relatively warm the water temps will tick up each day which is likely going to prevent those fish from totally committing to the winter slumber so don’t overlook the medium fast, shallow to medium depth water including those island tail outs.

And speaking of island tail outs – if there’s anywhere on the river you’re going to have to compete for water it’s at those tail outs and other easily accessible runs where the swingers like to camp out. Polar Leeches, buggers, Pine Squirrel Leeches, Kreelex, Fruit Rollups and the like are the preferred Swing Selections.

Old School Strippers are covering vast stretches of water and still finding fish everywhere you’d expect and in some places you wouldn’t. Big Streamers, Small streamers, black streamers, Yellow streamers, flashy streamers, natural streamers…it’s been all over the board with plenty of willing players both of the Bruiser Brown and Rainbow Trout varieties. Get after it!

Once again, store hours are 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Tuesday – Saturday and while we’re unfortunately not currently doing lodging or shuttles we do have a shop full of things you need for your day on the water or perhaps to occupy space under your tree for your favorite fly anglers.

Simms waders, boots, sportswear and accessories; Fishpond packs and accessories; Rods and Reels a plenty (ON SALE NOW) from Echo, Redington, Ross, Loop, Lamson and more; lots of WCA logo gear and of course, the BIGGEST and BEST selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Sheltering in Place? No problem. Shop wolfcreekangler.com from the comfort of your home. We are adding items daily. ALWAYS FREE SHIPPING on orders over $50. Check out our online store today.

We appreciate your patience as we continue to navigate these times. We can’t wait for things to get back to normal and we are so thankful and proud to be your Missouri River Fly Fishing Headquarters.

10 20 20

Fall Fading Fast in Wolf Creek

All is quiet on the Missouri as we cruise through October with the end of the 2020 season in sight.

Traffic has slowed to a crawl and will likely stay that way with more winter weather on the way. A very pleasant autumn day today with highs nearing 50 but that’s all about to change as we’ll see a cold front arrive tonight.

Tomorrow looks like it could be that Baetis day we’ve been waiting for with rain and snow in the morning changing to all snow in the afternoon with a high of 38. We may see up to four inches of accumulation tomorrow night as lows drop into the teens and it will be more of the same for the remainder of the week with a chance for snow each day and highs in the 20’s with overnight lows plummeting into the single digits.

Things warm up starting the first part of next week but the forecast is extreme enough through the weekend that we’ll be closing/winterizing our motel rooms tomorrow. We’ll have cabins available at least through the end of the month and the bungalows are open all winter long.

Fall is never as busy as you might expect but it’s particularly quiet this year which should be music to your ears if you don’t mind a little cold weather and you’re looking to extend your 2020 season. Fishing is worth your while on all fronts with solid nymphing, the potential for silly dry fly fishing any day now and streamer fishing good enough and only getting better from here on out.

All of this AND you can have it virtually to yourself.

We are running our last guide trips on the books this week but expect they’ll trickle in as we close out the season. Give us a call today and book your fall guided fishing trip on the Missouri or if DIY is more your style we’ve got plenty of lodging available and the shop is fully stocked with everything you need for fall fishing. Cold Weather gear, shuttles, bugs, Adipose drift boat rentals, Simms waders and boots and a bunch of cool new logo gear just in time for holiday shopping either in store or very soon to be online with our web store which is currently under construction and expected to be live in the coming days.

We are your streamer specialists on the MO with a full assortment of specialty lines for any and all sub-surface scenarios and the expertise to get you dialed in with the perfect streamer set up. We’ve also got what has been proclaimed by many to be the best streamer selection on the river so look no further than WCA.

Nymphing or dry fly fishing? We’ve got you covered too with fully stocked baetis bins and the best selection of Missouri River nymphs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

We are your Missouri River full service fall fishing one stop shop ready to serve you.

Fall shop hours 7:30 – 5:00 PM Monday – Saturday and 7:30 – 4:00 PM Sunday.

Early October on the MO’

Fall fishing at its finest. Mom with the assist, netting this Missouri River beast hooked and fought solo by Emma Lawrance. Way to go! Photo by Matthew Lawrance


A couple of weeks into autumn and we’re still waiting for some hint of fall weather.

We’ve had an abundance of sunny, cloudless days with temps holding in the 70’s which is not exactly what you would expect for the first week of October. It definitely feels like fall in the mornings but we’ve yet to have a day where you need a jacket past 10 am.

Water temps are dropping slowly but still hanging in that 58 – 59 degree range and flows are as low as I’ve seen them, currently just shy of 3300 CFS, well below what we normally see this time of year which is somewhere in the 4000 CFS range. Last year at this time we were seeing flows of 4500 CFS with water temps at 54 degrees and dropping. It’s definitely a different year in more ways than one, not the least of which is low water on the MO.

Not to despair though as fishing should do nothing but improve from here on out.

We’ll see a cool down starting Sunday with highs only in the low 50’s and overnight lows dipping into the high 30’s. There’s a chance for some rain and snow showers as well so keep your fingers crossed, we could see BWO’s next week. In the meantime keep those nymphing rigs at the ready or suck it up and commit to throwing the big stuff, weeds be damned.

As stated, nymphing has been the go-to for numbers with most of the traffic concentrated between Holter Dam and Craig. Best bugs have been black or purple Zebra midges, Red 2 Bit Hookers, Brown S & M’s, Little Green Machines, BWO Redemption, Jujus, Tailwater Sows, Frenchies, Pill Poppers and Rainbow Czechs. The crayfish bite seems to have come to an end though I wouldn’t necessarily rule it out completely. Always worth at least a try.

We’ve had a lot of inquiries about dry fly fishing the last week or so and even had a few trips out who were pretty intent on hunting heads. Unfortunately that’s really not a thing right now. That’s not to say there aren’t some opportunities out there if you really work at it and put your time and your miles in but we are definitely languishing in the in between as we await the more fall-like weather and hopefully the bugs that accompany it.

The warm temps and lack of a freeze mean there are still plenty of hoppers around so we are still encouraging folks to blind fish hoppers and ants and October Caddis are a good call as well. Drop a nymph, trail a smaller terrestrial or fish it solo. It’s certainly not as productive as straight up bobber fishing but it’s hard to beat that take on a big dry.

The streamer bins have been getting a lot of attention this past week and it sounds like things are improving daily out there. Like I said, if you’re going to fish streamers you ought to commit to doing it all day long. Like the dry/dropper, it’s a low-percentage method but the return is well worth the investment. The weeds are frustrating to be sure but once you work though all of that and find the right water and the right bugs it’s game on! A few chases, a few takes and you’ll be hooked. Or maybe not, but most of the streamer crowd with whom we run are fully committed (or in some cases should be committed) and passionately addicted and live for fall streamer fishing. I don’t think I know anyone who merely dabbles in the streamer game. You’re either all in or you’re out.

Stop in and check out our streamer selection. Some have proclaimed it to be the best on the MO’. And while you’re at it, if you are in the market for a new streamer stick we’re wheeling and dealing during our annual fall rod and reel sale with 25% off all rods and reel…now until they’re gone.

New shop hours are in effect this week. 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM Monday – Saturday and 7:30 – 4:00 PM Sundays. We are your one stop destination shop on the Missouri River. The hardest working, most professional guides on the river, clean and affordable lodging, Adipose drift boat rentals, shuttles, bugs, Simms boots, waders and accessories and much much more.

Closing Out A Busy September

Autumn Days on the Missouri – Photo by Nancy Thouvenell


Another month in the books which ended up being surprisingly busy for September. And now on to the heart of fall fishing in Montana. October really is the most wonderful time of the year!

Aside from some Labor Day snow showers September turned out to be a very pleasant month weather wise and while the fishing could have been better, it also could’ve been much worse.

Terrestrial fishing was on the slow side, a bit below average I’d say, but nymphing was solid throughout the month and the crayfish bite, while perhaps not the shoo-in of some Septembers past, was good enough to keep things interesting.

Streamer fishing is just getting started and while we did have some decent days in September throwing the big stuff, now is the time. Weeds have been, and will continue to be an issue throughout the fall but from here on out the potential payoff makes the struggle worth the while.

We had one of our busiest months of guide trips in September, due in large part to the annual Schultz Outfitters group which kept us busy on the MO as well as the Blackfoot and Clark Fork Rivers. It’s always nice to have Michigan folks around and it’s been awesome hosting this group these past two seasons. We can’t wait to have them back next fall. A huge shout out to Mike Schultz and James Hughes for working so hard on putting this thing together and for trusting us to provide your clients with an exceptional Montana fly fishing experience.

Good Times with the Schultz Outfitters crew on the Blackfoot – photo by Brad Turner

It also just so happened that the Schultz group coincided with a first-time visit from our friend Tommy Lynch (aka The Fish Whisperer) so it was indeed a Michigan invasion in and around Wolf Creek last week.

Boat full of Michigan on the Stone with Dan White, Jeff Jennings and Tommy Lynch.

I love hosting new visitors to the Missouri River and it’s especially gratifying when they’re friends and colleagues from back home making the trip to check out Wolf Creek Angler and to see what I’ve been up to here in Montana. I feel incredibly blessed to be here and while it sounds extremely cliché it isn’t lost on me that I really am living the dream, doing what I love in this amazingly stunning place I’m so blessed to now call home.

While this season has been a gut punch in so many ways, it’s also been a season filled with visits from friends, some of whom had never been to Montana. So in spite of the Covid Shit Show that has defined 2020 it’s been an awesome summer of connecting with friends and sharing our amazing state with them.

Looking ahead to October we’ve got a busy couple of weeks ahead and then things really open up. This is a change from the usual as we’re typically fairly slow through September, picking up in October and into the first part of November.

In talking with other outfitters and shops around the area it appears as though we’re all in for a different October with the lodging and guide calendar clearing about the time things should start really getting good. We’re hoping for a continuation of the last minute bookings which have become the norm this season but as we start pushing up against the season’s end and the imminent change in the weather conditions our current plan is to start shutting lodging down around the third week of October. Mind you we will once again have limited lodging available all winter long but if we don’t see a huge influx of bookings in the next few days we will be closing the majority of rooms down before the end of October.

Keeping in mind that the BWO’s should be happening around the middle of October and that streamer fishing could be lights out into November, it would behoove you to book your fall dates today to insure we have guides and beds available for you.

It’s been a surreal year for everyone, guides included, and while we’re all very grateful for the days we were able to salvage this season there is a general sense of doneness which has been creeping in and I wouldn’t be surprised if many of the guides began to migrate for the winter, perhaps a few weeks earlier than normal.

That’s not to say we won’t have guides available…some of us aren’t going anywhere. But as we close rooms and guides depart the MO it will become more of a challenge to accommodate your plans so book those dates now and get them locked in.

Fall Shop Hours will go into effect on Monday, October 5th. We’ll be open from 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM Monday – Saturday and 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM on Sundays.
Stop in for shuttles, bugs, Simms waders and boots and much more and don’t miss our annual fall rod and reel sale happening NOW.

Feeling Fallish on the MO’

Fall on the Mighty Missouri



A shot of winter weather over the Labor Day weekend and a couple of frosty mornings to start the short week are the perfect transition as we say goodbye to summer 2020 and welcome fall fishing on the MO’.

A warm up is underway with temps climbing back into the 80’s for the weekend but chilly,  longer nights and cold mornings will remind you that fall is officially on the way.

No need for early starts as we transition into autumn. Mid-morning until dark makes for the perfect day.

Things have started to pick up again though we get the sense that it might be a quiet fall compared to what we’re used to. Local traffic has slowed as many have switched their efforts to chasing game rather than hunting heads and Covid continues to thwart travel for many which spells opportunity for those able to do a spur of the moment trip.

Fishing has been good enough and should only improve from here on out with nymphing being the go-to for numbers but plenty of opportunities for dry fly fishing as well. Fall is also the time to break out the streamer rods and the swing set will arrive in due time.

It’s been a Sow Bug/Zebra Midge nymph game as of late with a fairly consistent crayfish bite as well.

Best bets sub-surface;

#18 Tungsten Black Zebra Midge (silver bead)
#16 Tailwater Sow Bug
#16 Soft Hackle Sow
#18 S & M (Brown or Olive)
#18 LGM (PT)
#18 Split Case BWO
#16 Weight Fly (Purple)
#16 Frenchie
#18 Lightning Bug (Purple, Olive, Pearl)
#8 Zirdle (Natural or Olive)
#8 Claws R Cray
#8 Snapping Cray

Dry Fly Essentials for September

#20 Hi Vis Trico Spinner
#20 Indicator Spinner
#18 Two Wing Trico Spinner
#10 – #8 October Caddis
#12 – #10 More or Less Hoppers (gold/peach/grey/pink/purple)
#16-#14 Ants (Cinnamon/Black/Sparkle/Purple)
#16 – #14 Beetles
#16 Bloom’s Para Caddis
#16 Cornfed Caddis
#16 CDC Caddis Emerger
#16 Stockingfoot Caddis
#16 Outrigger Caddis

Streamer fishing both on the swing and the strip will continue to frustrate with the amount of weeds in the river but prepare yourself mentally, seek out clean water and fish hard. Best bets on the swing or strip include Pine Squirrel Leeches, Buggers, Fruit Rollups, JJ’s, Autumn Splendor, Lil’ Kim, Sparkle Minnow (JJ/Brownie) Dirty Hippy (Brown/Black), Mini Dungeons (Olive), ZK’s Inflated Ego (Olive) and anything else you might like.

Expect hit and miss action with the streamer fishing keeping in mind it’s only going to get better as we move into the heart of autumn fishing. Mammoth browns will soon be on the prowl looking to attack so be ready for the tug or the slam.

All of these bugs and many, many more available now at Wolf Creek Angler. We’ve got the largest selection of Missouri River bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana as well as anything and everything else you might need for your day on the water.

Shop hours remain 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily. Cold weather gear has arrived and Simms waders and boots are in stock and back in style with water and air temps soon dropping.

Lodging is busy but we’ve got some availability and more often than not we can get you a guide with a day or two notice.

We hope to see you soon for fall fishing on the MO’.

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