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Spring is Here!

 

Spring arrived yesterday without a whole lot of fanfare following what has been a very spring-like string of days with an abundance of sunshine and temps pushing 70 degrees daily since the weekend. The river certainly looked spring-like, particularly on Saturday with a parade of drift boats populating the river, particularly in the Dam to Craig stretch. And speaking of parades, Wolf Creek celebrated St Patrick’s Day with the 10th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday afternoon. The blue skies and warm temps brought out what appeared to be the best crowd yet for the event.

So now that spring has officially arrived, as if on cue, winter weather is on the way.

We’ll trade idyllic sunny spring days and gentle breezes for snow and cold this weekend. Status quo today with temps approaching 70 yet again but transition day is tomorrow with rain and snow throughout the day. Temps will still be in the high 50’s so tomorrow might actually the better fishing day with the absence of sunshine. Streamers anyone?

Things deteriorate on Friday with snow and a high of 40 and continue that trend on Saturday with significant snow and a high of only 32. Throw in a north wind of 6-10 mph with 20 mph gusts and possible accumulation of 1-3 inches of snow and this might be one to skip….then again maybe not. Fishing could be stellar with the absence of sun and the absence of anglers. More of the same on Sunday and things start to warm early next week to more seasonable norms with daily highs in the mid to high 40s through the end of next week.

Should you decide you want to brave winter’s return lodging is now 2/3rds open with only the motel rooms remaining to be opened. That will likely happen the first week of April or thereabouts. Give us a call and book a room, a guide, a shuttle, a drift boat rental….whatever you need, we’ve got it. Winter rates on lodging will remain in effect through the end of March. All rooms are priced at $149 (plus tax) for the winter with the exception of Cabin #3 which is the only thing we’ve got open that does NOT have a kitchen. The rate on Cabin 3 through the end of March is $99. Dogs are welcome in the cabins, NOT the bungalows.

Spring stock has been arriving daily. We’re restocking fly bins today. Hot nymphs have been Pill Poppers, Caviar Scuds, Tailwater Sows, Tungsten UV Sows, Pederson’s Sow, Fire bead Czechs, Zebra Midges, Fire bead Rays and the like. We’ve been running low on a few of these, all are being restocked today. We’ve also been running low on a few midge patterns for the dry fly guys…not to worry, we’re restocking those as well.

Streamer season is definitely underway and we’re busy rearranging the bins this week making room for all kinds of new bugs. Our streamer selection has always been the best on the MO and it’s only getting better. Everyone talks a good streamer game, we live it!

New lines and new bugs currently in the house. Soft goods and rods and reels and more inbound soon. Don’t miss our extensive lineup of WCA drinkware from YETI including our limited editions 10th Anniversary ramblers in 20 and 30 OZ sizes in hot new YETI colors King Crab Orange and Agave Teal. These cups feature out original logo from 2014 coupled with our new 10th Anniversary logo. Very limited run on these AND they’ve thus far been a pretty popular item on our online store so get one before they’re gone.

Don’t forget, Wolf Creek Angler is the home of the CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES ON THE MO! We’ve been ramping up and had a busy weekend shuttling though I couldn’t help but notice a fair number of rigs at the dam we weren’t shuttling. It was surprising to me but the only conclusion I can draw from this is that people don’t mind paying more for a shuttle. For those who do mind however, and are looking to save a buck and some time by not having to drive to Craig and back up to the dam, we’ve got you covered.

Our March shop schedule is Monday – Saturday, 8 AM – 4 PM and you can bet that if traffic warrants it we’ll be open on Sundays as well. Starting April 7th we are OPEN EVERY DAY.
Welcome to Spring Time on the Missouri. We can’t wait to see you.

By |2024-03-20T12:38:51-06:00March 20th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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Spring Approaches

Spring is on the way – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

The first day of spring is two weeks from today and it looks as though the weather will be trending accordingly.

March came in maybe not quite like a lion, but a bit on the wintery side nonetheless with snow showers and winds out of the north. The weekend snow is still hanging around but it looks like that could change soon with high temps bumping upward throughout the week, breaking into the 50’s for the weekend and nearing 60 on Monday. Friday looks like it could be on the breezy side but other than that it appears as though awesome spring weather is on the way.

We’re holding out hope for more winter weather over the next month or so, at least in the high country, as regionally, we’re still in desperate need of precipitation.

For the moment however we’re in good shape with Missouri River flows holding around 3750 CFS, having dropped on March 1st from the 4000 CFS mark. Water temps are holding just shy of 35 and generally hitting that mark at some point daily.

Look for those water temps to start to climb as we settle in to 50 plus degree highs in the coming days and weeks. And you know what that means…warming waters equals active, hungry and hot fish as spring arrives. It also means spawning rainbows so PLEASE, PLEASE watch where you walk when wade fishing taking care not to trample those redds. There all already a number of them out there so cautious wading starts now.

We’ve been getting a good number of calls from folks asking whether the spawn is on and we can only hope that intentions are to experience what can be excellent fishing DURING the spawn rather than the targeting of spawning fish. You can read all about it here in a great article on the subject from Hatch Magazine, but the bottom line is we urge everyone to avoid those spawning fish as the spawning fish are the future of the fishery. Please leave the spawning fish alone.

I have no judgments about fishing egg patterns behind spawning fish. This is simply offering the appropriate imitation as you are doing anytime you “match the hatch” but if you’re targeting fish on redds by flossing them you might take a minute to reconsider not only the ethics or lack thereof involved but also the bottom line fact that harassing these spawning fish has a substantial negative impact on the future of the fishery.

That’s my soap box for the day and while spawning is somewhat underway, things are technically in the Pre Spawn stage. Water temps in the 39 – 41 degree range typically usher in the full blown spawn. The warming water temps have moved the fish to action and they are hungry as they emerge from their winter stasis.

It’s why spring is such an amazing time to fish the Missouri as our thousands of rainbows feed with abandon, banking calories required for the upcoming spawn while the browns look to replenish caloric stockpiles depleted by winter’s trials.

Nymphing is about to get HOT. Dry fly fishing has already been solid and will steadily improve as midge activity becomes more consistent eventually paving the way for spring BWO’s but I’m getting ahead of myself. If you know me at all, you know what’s on my mind when it comes to spring fishing and that’s STREAMERS! As water temps warm our hungry browns get more aggressive and more willing to chase down a meaty streamer. A calorie-rich target becomes almost irresistible as the browns look to pack on the mass.

A slow strip and/or swing will continue to be the game with water temps still in the mid 30’s and the deeper slower water will continue to produce but keep an eye on those water temps and change your game accordingly. A sunny day, even if it’s only in the high 30’s or 40’s, will warm those shallows and attract the fish which are all on the hunt for warmer water.

If the sun is on the water fish those faster flats with both streamers and nymphs and if it’s streamers you’ll want to pick up the pace on that retrieve with plenty of pauses in between strips as more often than not they’ll attack on the pause.

Stop by the shop on your way to the river for hot nymphs, a plethora of midge patterns and the best streamer selection on the MO. New bugs arriving daily and we’re stocked up on new fly lines for any and all applications.

The new license year is underway as of last Friday so be sure to purchase your new fishing license which we can help you with if need be. Shuttle service is still a bit hit or miss with winter staffing in effect but that’s all about to change and soon won’t be an issue. Men’s and women’s Simms waders and boots are fully stocked and you need look no further than Wolf Creek Angler for a top shelf rod and reel selection from Sage, Lamson, Echo and more.

We’ll be looking to make more lodging available in the coming weeks but for the time being we’ve got our newly remodeled bungalows available at winter rates of $149/night and we’ve also got The Quarry House available for those looking for something to accommodate a larger group. The Quarry House is $400/night and sleeps 6.

And don’t forget, throughout the month of March we’re running our Spring Tune-Up special…a full day of guided fishing on the MO for one or two anglers and two nights of premium lodging at Wolf Creek Angler for just $800.

Shop schedule will switch to spring hours soon but at the moment we’re open Monday – Saturday at 8 AM.

See you soon for EPIC spring fishing on the MO.

By |2024-03-05T12:12:37-07:00March 5th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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Late Winter Blues

Coutning down the days to Spring

By Montana standards we’ve had a very mild winter here on the MO.

After an early November arctic blast conditions have remained relatively mild and relatively stable all winter long with daily high temps averaging somewhere in the low 30’s with lows hovering in the teens.

We’re currently in the midst of a somewhat rare cold snap with highs in the single digits today and tomorrow and lows dipping into the negative double digits. A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect through Friday with wind chills as low as -35 possible. Mild weather returns this weekend with highs back in the 40’s and the winds you would expect with the warmer temps.

So yes, a mild winter for sure and a FAR cry from a couple of years ago when our average high for the entire month of February was in the single digits. But even so, as we near the end of February and creep ever closer towards spring (26 days and counting) winter has started to feel really LONG and monotonous and I’m sure I’m among many who are over it. Spring can’t get here soon enough!

I say that, but at the same time we need all of the days between now and then to complete our winter projects and to finish preparations for a busy upcoming season. Definitely a Catch 22 as winter conditions certainly add challenges to getting things done. Our parking lot has been covered in ice for the most part since November. The snow comes and goes. The ice remains and will likely do so for at least another couple of weeks until the sun finally inches its way onto our property and starts to melt the winter away.

So yes, I’m breaking my own rules regarding complaining about the weather and every year those posts I see from seemingly everyone but me from their winter fishing trips to South America, Belize, Cuba, Louisiana, Arkansas etcetera look more and more appealing. I’ve had it with whiteouts, black ice, wind chill advisories, shoveling snow, NOT fishing….bring on the spring weather!

While we wait for spring and try to focus on the bright side there are definitely reasons for optimism. Snowpack conditions look pretty good at the moment provided things stay cold in the high country. We’ll continue to build on that snowpack through much of March so by all indications it should be a good water year on the MO.

Traffic has been very light for much of the winter, save a few nice days that saw substantial fiberglass and Gore-Tex hatches but I expect that will change very soon, likely with the next warmup which looks to be happening this weekend.

We’re a ways out on the remodel but we will be looking to get some lodging opened up in the next week or two as we’ve got a number of groups scheduled for the middle of March and judging by the calls I’ve been getting lately I don’t think we’ll have any problems filling rooms once that warming trend has been established. It sounds like people are READY TO FISH! I know I am!

Give us a call to book your spring lodging and guide trips. We’re anxious to see some lodging traffic again and to see some cash flowing IN rather than OUT which is pretty much the only direction it’s been flowing this winter. Guides are HUNGRY and the fish are as well.

Wolf Creek is ready to be your Missouri River spring fishing destination with everything you need right here. Affordable lodging, the friendliest fly shop on the MO, great food and over 20 amazing beers on tap at Lazy I Beerworks which is OPEN EVERY DAY, the ONLY spot for gas and provisions between Helena and Cascade at The Canyon Store and all within a couple of miles of Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge, as close as you can get.

By |2023-02-22T11:13:12-07:00February 22nd, 2023|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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Missouri River Pre-Grind Report

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By |2021-05-05T14:20:04-06:00May 5th, 2021|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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Emerger Season

Early Spring on the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Winter made a brief return last night almost as if on cue after we decided to open up the majority of our lodging late last week. I had to do a little bit of shoveling this morning but as I write last night’s snow is rapidly disappearing with temps back in the 40’s and a few peeks of sunshine. Spring has re-emerged.

This is exactly that best case scenario we’ve been hoping for with snow continuing to accumulate in the high country while we enjoy fishy spring-like weather on the MO’. We’ll see 40’s and plenty of sunshine all week as we head into another awesome weekend with temps expected to be back in the 50’s and maybe even near 60 again on Sunday.

It will likely be another busy weekend on the water. Last weekend felt like spring with Chewy back behind the counter, a lot of traffic through the shop, a lot of fishing licenses being sold and all of our available lodging occupied.

Things emptied out yesterday which gave us a chance to prepare for the next round which started today with a big group of our friends from Freestone Fly Shop in Hamilton over for a couple of days of early spring fishing on the Missouri.

Early spring is one of my absolute favorite times of the year as everyone starts to emerge from the winter doldrums and slowly but surely the traffic ticks up and before you know it the spring season is in full swing.

We’ve already half committed to our normal spring schedule, removing Sunday from the CLOSED list and starting the 22nd (if not before) we’ll be open EVERY DAY from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend which unfortunately means losing an hour of sleep on Sunday morning but on the flip side it means an extra hour of daylight in the evening and the continued march towards those long summer days which will be here before we know it.

Prime Time guide trip and lodging dates (June/July) are all but gone and Spring Special bookings as well as those for fall are really starting to ramp up. It feels like it’s going to be one for the ages with our current bookings easily eclipsing anything we’ve ever seen in the past for confirmed bookings at this point in the year.

If you’re still contemplating your summer plans, time is running out! And it’s not just here on the Missouri, and it’s not just here in Montana. I spent a good part of my Sunday trying to book RV spots for a planned trip back east in August and it’s the same everywhere. Campgrounds are full, hotels, motels and resorts are full, guide calendars are rapidly filling and while we fully expect to have a shop full of gear to offer you all season long we’ve been warned that the demand for outdoor gear will continue to be unprecedented so if you’re considering a purchase (waders, boots, rods, reels etc.) don’t drag your feet.

Unlike Prime Time, we do have plenty of lodging available for the coming weekend though I do expect it will fill. $99 for a cozy cabin or bungalow, each with a full kitchen and private bath. Cook for yourself OR stop in at Shotgun Annie’s which is opening this Friday. For the time being they will be open Tuesday – Sunday 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM. We’re SUPER STOKED to have them back!

Yes, spring is taking hold and we can’t wait to see you back in Wolf Creek and back on the MO.

By |2021-03-09T14:44:59-07:00March 9th, 2021|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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In Like a Lamb

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By |2021-03-03T09:05:23-07:00March 3rd, 2021|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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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.

By |2021-02-02T11:44:33-07:00February 2nd, 2021|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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Weekend Outlook

 

Game On – Photo by Jim Murray

Mild conditions persist as January draws to a close.

River traffic remains surprisingly light and while our lodging has been extremely busy this month, the majority of those staying have been ice guys who’ve been cleaning up on the perch on Holter.

Speaking of lodging, we’re full for the remainder of this week but next week looks like continued nice weather with highs near 50 on Monday. We should see a gradual increase in river traffic from here on out so if fishing the Missouri is on your to do list then make that call today and book your lodging and/or guide trips. Weekends have been booking up generally by Monday or Tuesday.

Waiting for our spring special? The wait  is over.

Spring may be two months away but the WCA Spring Special is here! $550 for two nights lodging and a full day guide trip now through the end of April. There are other deals out there…nobody, and I mean NOBODY can touch this one! It’s the BEST DEAL on the MO hands down and the best part is you don’t have to wait until spring.  As if that weren’t enough there are NO CANCELLATION FEES for these trips. Book today, if the weather turns or if you simply change your mind you’re off the hook.

If you’re looking for a guide trip this weekend we won’t be able to do the lodging but we’ll do the trip for $400. Guides are getting HUNGRY. Book the best today.

Spring merchandise is starting to trickle in, look for great deals on winter gear soon as we make room for the new.

Good reports from the ice, decent reports from the river though the wind has been ever-present lately making things a little unpleasant out there. Expect more of that the next several days and deal with it. Nymphing has been good, definitely better on some days than others. Status quo on the bugs. Streamer fishing has not disappointed. Strip or Swing…the choice is yours. Midges in small numbers but that will ramp up soon if you’re itching for dry fly action.

Don’t forget to stop by the shop if you’re out here this weekend. We are your Missouri River Winter fly fishing one stop shop with everything you need for your day on the water. Shuttles, hand warmers, cold weather gear from Simms, the largest selection of Redington gear on the river, Adipose and RO drift boat rentals (including a brand new Project Healing Waters Adipose Flow free to all vets and active duty military) and the near legendary largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

We’ve also got a few tickets left for Tuesday’s Fly Fishing Film Tour in Helena. Get yours before they’re gone!

 

By |2018-01-24T20:21:13-07:00January 24th, 2018|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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Welcome Spring

Springtime on the Missouri – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

The long, cold winter has finally come to an end.

Spring arrived yesterday in a seasonably average fashion with temps in the 40’s and a mix of sun and clouds.

Traffic on the river was virtually non-existent following what was definitely the busiest weekend we’ve seen in 2017. It remains on the quiet side today though there are a few west-siders around seeking respite from their own raging waters.

It looks like it’s going to be a nice week to fish the Missouri with temps in the 50’s and 60’s throughout the week with plenty of sunshine and the ever-present, though minimal chance for rain and snow most every day.

Spring is an awesome time to fish the MO’ as the water temps rise and the fish get active and go to work stockpiling calories in preparation for the rigors of spawning happening now and in the immediate future. More on this to come but PLEASE mind your steps when wading out there taking care not to trample the redds.

So how’s the fishing? It’s definitely been a mixed bag of reports over these past few days but overall I would say it’s leaning towards being on the slow end of things. That being said, what could you possibly rather be doing than shaking off the winter with a trip to the MO’, regardless of the fishing conditions?

Firebeads, pink scuds and sows, Rainbow Warriors, Rainbow Czechs, Pink Amex, Casne’s Pinkalicious, LGM’s, Lightning Bugs, Tailwater sows, Bubble Yums, soft hackle sows, zebra midges….they’re all worth a try. How about a San Juan Worm fished in the dirty water? The currently gauge-less Little Prickly Pear is pumping some mud as is the Dearborn so don’t overlook the worms and definitely don’t shy away from throwing streamers. The water remains on the cold side,  still in that 37 – 38 degree range but it’s world’s away from the sub 35 degree temps of the past few months and it’s only going to get warmer so expect things to improve dramatically very soon.

And as if the possibility of good to great nymphing and streamer action weren’t enough we have had some solid dry fly action as well depending on the day with good midge hatches and hungry fish eager to rise to a well-presented midge cluster. We’re stocked up on midge patterns with plenty to choose from but having your dry fly rod rigged up and ready with a Hi-Vis Parachute Adams and a Griffiths gnat or Bucky’s Midge Cluster is about as close to a sure-thing as you’re going to find should you be lucky enough to encounter those sipping trout.

Wolf Creek and Craig are still in winter mode where services are concerned but that’s all about to change as Izaak’s returns this Friday evening. The bar opens at 4 pm and they will be serving dinner from 5 pm – 9 pm six night’s a week. They will be closed on Mondays. It sounds like John and his crew have been hard at work this winter making improvements to their already awesome space. We can’t wait to see (and taste) what’s new.

Should you find yourself here on Monday in need of dinner make your way to The Oasis  in Wolf Creek. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served Thursday – Monday. We’ll have yet another dining/drinking option here in Wolf Creek this season with Shotgun Annie’s, formerly The Frenchman and Me. They were hoping for an April 1st opening day but that has been pushed out to June 1st. We can’t wait!

The shop is open daily  from here on out with hours changing as the season progresses but for the time being you’ll find us here at 8 AM every day anxious to help you out in whatever we can on the Missouri and beyond.

Piles of new gear arriving daily. A full reel case, a full rod rack, more clothing items than we know what to do with, waders and boots piled high and bins overflowing with all the bugs you need, no matter where you’re fishing.

Lodging options are about to double as we open the remaining cabins today and tomorrow and we’re aiming to have EVERYTHING open by the first week of April, including the completely renovated and soon to be much coveted room #8.

Don’t forget our Spring Lodging and Guide Trip special running through the end of April. $500 for two night’s lodging and a full day on the water with one of our expert guides. You won’t find a better deal ANYWHERE! There are other deals out there….NOBODY can touch this one.

 

 

 

By |2017-09-21T19:02:09-06:00March 21st, 2017|Categories: Fishing Report, Local Buzz|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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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.

 

By |2017-09-21T19:04:36-06:00March 10th, 2017|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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