Streamer Fishing Archives - Wolf Creek Angler

Eternal summer on the MO

Autumn Magic on the Missouri

Autumn continues to dwindle as we approach the middle of October, having yet to see any of those quintessential cool fall days on the water.

There’s definitely a chill in the air in the mornings and things cool down rapidly once the sun sinks below the horizon but in between it’s been an abundance of sunshine and summer-like temps climbing into the 70’s and higher most days.

When will we see those moody dark cold drizzly days? It doesn’t appear as though it will be anytime soon. We’re currently looking at sunny skies and 77 degrees with a fair amount of smoke hanging around. Tomorrow looks like a bit of a reprieve with highs only reaching into the mid 60’s with a very slight chance for rain but then it’s right back to blue bird weather for the weekend with sunshine and highs in the high 60’s and low 70’s.

Maybe, just maybe, we’ll get there towards the end of next week with forecasted highs in the 50’s and lows in the mid 30’s next Thursday and Friday. Let’s hope the trend sticks.

Missouri River flows currently holding at 3210 cfs with water temps at around 58 degrees. Still much too warm for those BWO’s everyone keeps asking about but that being said terrestrials and October caddis are still providing blind top water action and we are seeing consistent evening dry fly action on pseudos.

Enjoy the sunshine and worry not. Soon enough we’ll be craving the same as we weather winter’s cold darkness while anxiously awaiting spring.

Should those cooler, overcast autumn days ever arrive we should be in for some awesome fall fishing on dry flies and streamers alike.

We’ve been spending plenty of time thwarting convention and ripping streamers in the bright sun and while it’s not quite been anything you’d call epic – we’re getting plenty of fish to chase and a few to eat so definitely worth the time. The late day shadows do wonders so stay late if you can.

If you’re looking for the best streamer selection on the MO, a new streamer line or leader for any and all situations, perhaps a new streamer stick or intel on all things streamer fishing we are your Missouri River Streamer Authority.

Don’t miss the Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale happening NOW for the best deals of the season at WCA.

As per usual, nymphing has been the best bet for numbers with sow bugs still leading the charge. Whether it’s double sows, zebra and a sow, zirdle and a sow or techy baetis nymph and a sow you get the idea. You’d do well to always have at least one sow bug in the mix. #14 and #16 Rainbow Tailwater Sow with no bead the hottest of the hot as of late.

Most of our “Hot Fly” bins are adequately stocked. Many of our summer faves are completely gone. Just where we want to be with November on the horizon. BWO dries at the ready and streamer bins overflowing with flashy goodness.

Fall gear is here and we’re wheeling and dealing a plenty with thoughts of clearing inventory prior to the impending deep freeze. Our 10th Anniversary Season is coming to a close, get your 10th anniversary gear while you still can. 30% off all 10th Anniversary drinkware and clothing until it’s gone.

We’re on fall hours now with morning darkness growing longer by the day. We’re here from 7:30 AM – 5 PM daily and still doing our best to accommodate your shuttle requests though as our staff continues to shrink we may have days we’re unable to do shuttles so please call ahead to confirm.

Lodging will remain 100 percent open through the end of October at which time we will start to winterize most of it though we will have our bungalows open and available all winter long at winter rates of $149/night starting November 1st.

Like our staff, guides are starting to disappear but we will continue to have a few around right on through November so give us a call and we’ll see if we can’t get you set up for a day of fall fishing on the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-10-09T14:05:00-06:00October 9th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Not So Fast…

While we collectively bid an unofficial farewell to summer last weekend the current weather forecast says Not so Fast!

Sure, we’re ready to turn the page and settle in to fall fishing but it appears as though we’ve got some summer left on the calendar with highs in the 90’s and abundant sunshine at least through mid to late next week. Mornings will feel like fall with temps in the 50’s and it doesn’t take long for things to cool off when the sun goes down but mid-day conditions are still much more flip flops and shorts than waders and flannel.

Look for more of an actual autumn transition late next week with daytime highs in the 60’s and overnight lows in the 40’s. It’s coming!

Colors are changing. Daylight is shrinking and we’re on the cusp of what we’ve come to refer to as our second season with guide trips and lodging finally emerging from the Dog Day Slumber. Look for angling traffic to blow up starting next week, running through the first week of October when things again dwindle as winter looms.

For some reason September has become the new October as far as trips go with many opting for the safer bet of September weather over the unpredictability of the late fall season. This is by far our busiest September to date with bookings looking more like June than what we’d expect to see in the fall.

The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a legit winter in the mountain west with well above average precipitation and well below average temps. We shall see. We’re definitely in need of a good winter after a long summer of low flows and high temps around the region.

Get out this weekend and the first part of next week to enjoy a bit of solitude and then plan on plenty of company for the rest of the month.

The current fishing report is status quo with terrestrials leading the charge for dry fly fishing followed by dwindling tricos, maddening pseudos and maybe an October Caddis or two in the mix.

Best bets for nymphing still sowbugs, zebras, Frenchies, zirdles, PT’s, Green Machines, Peep Shows and the like.

Days are shorter. Water temps are cooling. Browns are soon to be on the prowl. Streamer Season is on deck. Stock up on bugs, tune up your gear and mentally prepare to do battle with the weeds as you venture out in search of your elusive quarry. For the streamer set it truly is about to be THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!

NFL is underway tonight. Oktoberfest brews are in stores now. The archery opener is Saturday. In spite of summer heat autumn is indeed underway.

Shop hours are 7 AM – 5 PM daily.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-09-05T14:00:36-06:00September 5th, 2024|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Summer is Here

Happy Summer Solstice!

Enjoy this, the longest day of the year as we turn the corner and embark, yet again, on the long descent into winter darkness.

Shorter days ahead starting tomorrow but don’t let that get you down. We are, after all, smack dab in the middle of PRIME TIME on the Missouri.

It’s been an interesting week with well below average temps and a taste of winter but it looks like we will be settling into summer weather over the next while with temps climbing back into the 80’s today and tomorrow and pushing into the mid 90’s on Sunday.

It looks like more of the same for the first part of next week with daytime highs in the high 80’s so settle in to HOT weather on the MO. We welcome the change as it’s been a cooler (and seemingly windier) than normal spring but now it’s time to make sure you’re taking steps to protect yourself from overexposure to sun.

We’re loaded up with Buffs, sun gloves, sunscreen, Straw hats, solar sombreros, sunglasses and WCA solarflex hoodies and we’re also sitting on a good selection of Simms Guide shorts and challenger flip flops. We’ve got everything you need for dealing with the summer elements on the MO.

PMD action has been consistently good and should continue with these hot, sunny days ahead. Gobs of caddis in the lower stretches and Tricos on deck.

We’re loaded up with your favorite PMD and Caddis patterns, both for top water action and sub surface endeavors. Tricos and hoppers arrived this week and we’re just getting the bins organized.

We’ve got some great new patterns for both.

The dry fly side of the bin has seen much more action as of late (which we’re thrilled to see) but there are plenty of folks nymphing as well. Hot selling bugs this week include Frenchies, Purple Weight Flies, Tailwater Sows, Split Case PMD’s, Crack Back PMD’s, Magic Flies, Nitro Caddis, PT Green Machines and Psycho Mays.

Streamer fishing is on hold for most but we are still pre-aquatic vegetation concentrations so don’t think you have to float a dry fly or chase a bobber. Low light periods are still likely to be productive. And speaking of low light…with hot days ahead it might just be time to wake a mouse under cover of darkness.

We’re open at 7 AM daily for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs including the CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES ON THE MO and so much more.

We’re pretty much full in our lodging now through mid-July though we have had a few cancellations here and there so give us a call if you’re looking for a last minute booking on the MO. The same can be said for our guide calendar which is full for the most part but you never know – sometimes things open up.

Welcome to summer on the MO!

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-06-20T14:09:23-06:00June 20th, 2024|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Mid June on the MO

It’s hard to believe but we’re already talking about mid-June on the MO as the 2024 campaign continues to fly by

This is PRIME TIME. These next several weeks comprise the most coveted dates of the season. These are the weeks that book out a year or more in advance. This is GO TIME in the Missouri River Fly Shop, lodging and guiding world. Buckle up!

Bugs have been semi-cooperative most days. The wind has been about the most consistent component of our young season. The two do not go hand in hand. Mid day dry fly opportunities will avail themselves more days than not but gusty winds change the equation. It’s not only heads we’re hunting but also those coveted sheltered spots that provide a respite from the often howling onslaught. We’ll always do our best to get you to those spots where sheltered waters and bugs and rising fish converge but it’s not always the case so be prepared to overcome micro-currents with that reach cast while also managing that cast in the presence of strong head or tail winds. This has always been and will always be part of the challenge of the Missouri so come prepared.

PMD’s are your mid-day go to. We highly recommend incorporating an emerger or cripple into your offering. Sprout PMD, Hatchback PMD, Dolly Wing PMD, Helen Keller, Film Critic, CDC Case PMD Emerger, Loopwing Emerger…just a few of the techy PMD patterns available now at WCA.

Caddis are present in the canyon and lower stretches. We haven’t heard much on that front just yet as far as the fishing goes but it’ll happen sooner or later.

Nymphing continues to be solid and while I was going to post the obligatory sow bug game comment I did actually hear a couple of reports just this afternoon that just maybe they are taking a break from the sow in order to focus on tasty PMD nymphs. Try a Split Case or Crack Back, PMD Magic Fly, Redemption, Psycho May, Frenchie, Glass Bullet, Military May or the like and pair it with a Purple Weight Fly or a Tung Dart or maybe even a worm with the bump that’s coming today and tomorrow.

Tomorrow looks to be another summery day with highs near 90 before things trend cooler for the weekend and into next week when there is a winter storm watch in effect for the high country with snow returning to the mountains. We won’t likely see any of that here but do prepare for highs in the 50 on Monday and Tuesday with rain in the forecast and keep those jackets and fleeces at hand as overnight lows will be dipping into the 30’s beginning on Sunday.

We’ll see what the change in weather brings. Streamer season is certainly waning at this point but with a couple of cool, rainy days on tap that might be just the ticket.

We’re in the midst of our busiest month of the season for guide trips so expect traffic in the fly shops in the morning and if you’re trying to call in a shuttle and we don’t answer try back in a bit or better yet, stop by the shop. We’re likely busy with customers so answering the phone becomes much less of a priority. We generally start running shuttles around 9:30 am so we can accommodate early outs and we generally wrap up by 3 PM so the later shuttles aren’t usually something we’re able to do. It never hurts to check though.

The shop is open at 7 AM daily for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs. We are of course home to the CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES on the MO, Adipose drift boat rentals, ice, Sage rods and reels, Fishpond straw hats, Simms waders, boots and flip-flops, Suncloud and Smith optics and the largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-06-13T16:23:52-06:00June 13th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: Adipose, caddis, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, pmd's, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Mid May Rundown

May is already half gone as the blur of the busy season starts to overtake the rhythms of daily routine, replacing them with a steady immersion in the day to day essentials of the fly shop/guide trip/lodging/shuttle business.

With the accelerated passage of time that always ensues this time of year in the Montana fly fishing world it’s easy to let it fly by unnoticed which will likely happen at times during the season but while we’re thinking of it here’s a rundown of what’s happening.

Bugs – BWO’s have made a decent showing but are likely on the downward trend as the month of May slips past. Caddis have emerged. Good reports from the mid to lower stretches the last couple of days. PMD’s are next and generally show up late May/early June, weather dependent. The dry fly set is thrilled for the Caddis and waiting patiently for PMD days. Regardless of when those days arrive, if you’re nymphing you should be breaking out the PMD nymphs now. Baetis nymphs are getting plenty of attention so don’t abandon them just yet but do add Split Case PMD’s and the like to your repertoire sooner rather than later.

Streamer fishing has been hit or miss but with what looks to be a spell of wet, cooler weather ahead, if streamers are your game the week ahead could be good.

Creek Opener – The 2024 General Fishing Season opener is Saturday which is more of a Western District thing as much of the Central District is open all year but there are plenty of exceptions like the Dearborn and Little Prickly Pear in our neighborhood that open this weekend.

Dearborn Shuttles – And speaking of the Dearborn…flows are currently around 480 CFS, leveling off after peaking at around 540. It’s hard to say what will happen with these flows but it is floatable at the moment and we’ve done a few shuttles up there already and have gotten a number of inquiries about shuttles this weekend. Please call at least a day in advance to get on the list for Dearborn shuttles as we’ll be limiting them to just a couple of runs/day. We’ve got reservations on the books for both Saturday and Sunday and we have room to do a couple more each day but please do call ahead. We won’t be able to do them on a same day/walk in basis.

Guiding for the Future Featured Fly Shop of the Month – We are honored to be the first G4F Fly Shop of the Month in Montana. Guiding For The Future is part of a new continuing education program developed by the Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana to inspire dedicated stewardship of aquatic ecosystems while increasing knowledge, professionalism, and ethics of fishing guides, outfitters, and the fly-fishing industry. I had the pleasure of attending the first Guiding for the Future program in 2019 and since that time nearly half of our guide staff has been through the program and those individuals are now acting Guiding for the Future Ambassadors. Please consider rounding up your next purchase at Wolf Creek Angler to donate to the annual program which is provided free of charge to guides and outfitters in Montana and is funded by monies raised by FOAM as well as by private and corporate donations. G4F is the future of guiding in Montana and beyond. Donations can also be made directly to G4F at https://donations.guidingforthefuture.org/…

You’ll notice the G4F flag and sign out in front of the shop for the remainder of this month and hopefully our fly shop associates will ask you if you’d like to round up your purchase as a donation. We’ve gotten overwhelmingly positive responses when we’ve been asking customers if they’d like to round up though not everyone wants to support the program. If it’s busy when you’re here we’ll likely not go into the whole spiel but as a G4F Ambassador I can tell you that it is a program worthy of your support. G4F has thus far graduated 80 Montana Guiding for the Future Ambassadors, all of whom have chosen to go above and beyond by seeking continuing education designed enhance their already superior guiding skills with a deep understanding of ethics and professionalism in the industry. Thus far the average “roundup” seems to be right around .30 – .45, a small sacrifice to fund an amazing program that is provided free of charge to participants.

Guiding for the Future operates on a $50k annual budget which is completely funded by a portion of FOAM Memberships and donations from outside individuals and businesses. If you are feeling particularly moved by our mission we are also accepting Sponsorships at the following levels…

$2500 – Silver Level Sponsorship (Annual Per Student Cost)
$5000 – Gold Level Sponsorship (Half of Annual Practicum Cost)
$50,000 – Platinum Sponsorship (Covers entire annual budget of G4F)

Every little bit helps. Please consider making a donation in any amount today and if you’d like to hear more about the program we love talking about Guiding for the Future.
G4F is delivered through FOAM’s separate non-profit organization, the Montana Fishing Outfitters Conservation Fund. The Conservation Fund is an exempt organization as described in Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 81-0523165. No goods or services were provided in exchange for this contribution.

Shop Hours – Currently 7:30 AM – 5 PM Daily. 7 AM Daily Open coming soon.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-05-16T14:43:04-06:00May 16th, 2024|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, Dearborn, Dearborn Shuttles, dry fly fishing, Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana, fly fishing, Guiding for the Future, Little Prickly Pear, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

It’s been a cold and wet start to May this week on the MO with everything from high winds to winter storms but change is on the way.

We awoke to several inches of wet, heavy snow yesterday in Helena and saw snow and rain showers come and go throughout the day. Temps in the low 40’s and north winds resulted in a few cancelled trips yesterday but plenty braved the elements and were rewarded with a decent (though cold) day of fishing.

The fun continued after fishing as the power went out in Wolf Creek and Craig shutting down dinner plans and leaving a lot of chilled anglers in the dark waiting for power to be restored which it was by 8:30 PM. Just another spring day in Montana.

Temps are considerably warmer today, in the high 50’s and the morning rains have pretty well subsided and it’s only going to get better (and likely busier) as the weekend arrives.

We’ll see temps near 70 tomorrow and will see 80’s on Saturday and Sunday with plenty of sunshine right on through Monday. A chance for rain again starting on Tuesday but it looks like winter weather may be behind us. That being said, while yesterday’s weather did present some challenges all the way around we were thrilled to get some desperately needed precipitation. The snowpack map is looking much better today for the entire region and with the moisture we got yesterday and today and temps warming, things should really start to green up this weekend.

Fishing will continue to be good though you may want to start looking at early or later starts to avoid some of the traffic that is bound to be here throughout the weekend and into next week. Spring bookings are about to be at their height for both guide trips and lodging now through Memorial Day with summer’s PRIME on deck.

Larger sow bugs and worms have been productive on the rainy days and will continue to produce with flows having bumped and the tribs adding a bit of color and volume. We saw a spike to 5600 CFS this morning but that’s been dialed back to 4600 cfs as of this writing. Water temps are right around 46 degrees and will continue to climb. The water conditions are ideal for hungry and happy trout…truly a perfect time to fish the MO.

Getting back to the bugs, baetis nymphs are consistently producing with Green Machines, Crack Backs, Psycho Mays, Radiation Baetis, Mosasons and plain old Pheasant Tails getting it done. Maybe start mixing in some PMD stuff as well, Magic Flies, Split Case, Redemptions…all on deck.

Dry fly action continues to please with ample BWO and midge opportunities to be had and streamer fishing will continue to be productive, especially on the overcast days. Skiddish Smolt continues to rule the 2024 streamer season but don’t limit yourself to what everyone else is throwing. Show them something they haven’t seen.

Even with the wet weather mornings have been extremely busy in the shop so we’re expecting the weekend to be even busier and we’ll be staffed up accordingly. We hope you make Wolf Creek Angler your one stop shop on the way to the river for The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO, the biggest and best bug selection ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana, Adipose drift boat rentals, Mending Waters Drift Boats FREE FOR ALL ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY AND VETS, Sage rods, Simms waders and boots, SA and Rio lines and leaders, tons of WCA 10th Anniversary Logo gear and so much more.

Shop Hours are 7:30 AM – 5 PM Daily.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-05-09T15:00:35-06:00May 9th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Sage, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Cold Weather, Hot Fishing. Welcome to May on the Missouri

The snow is falling on the MO this second day of May and while we’re collectively yearning for warmer weather to arrive, you’ll not hear much in the way of complaining from anyone lucky enough to be on the water this week.

A cool, wet spring is apparently just what we needed to usher in one of the better spring seasons in recent memory. Nymphing has been insanely good more days than not and with plenty of midges, BWO’s and a handful of March Browns in the mix, spring dry fly fishing has really been living up to its billing.

You couldn’t ask for better streamer fishing conditions. You could ask for better streamer fishing! This has been the one lowlight of the 2024 spring fishing campaign but plenty of time remains.

The upper river has seemingly been the better reach for those hucking the meat while the canyon, which has traditionally been the better streamer water, has been lackluster to say the least.

Not to fear – things can only get better. Keep an eye on the weather and keep after it. Conventional wisdom holds that overcast is where it’s at and we’ll stick with that assertion but don’t let the sunny days shut down your streamer game. Some of the better days have actually been on the sunny side with flashy copper with olive and/or yellow getting some attention. The Skiddish Smolt has still been ruling most days and Sparkle Minnows in all sizes and flavors are always a good go to but don’t be afraid to switch it up early and often and throw everything in your arsenal at them.

As we’ve mentioned on more than one occasion Wolf Creek Angler is your Streamer Authority on the MO and we’ve got, hands down, THE BEST STREAMER SELECTION ON THE MISSOURI. Don’t believe me? Shop around and let us know who has a better big bug selection….go ahead…we’ll wait!

Nymphing has been equal parts Sow/Scud and Baetis nymphs – typically with the sow stuff working better during the early part of the day. Switch out in the afternoon and add a Little Green Machine, Psycho May, Redemption, Magic Fly, Mosason or the like and don’t rule out the worm, plenty of eats happening on the worm in conjunction with either a sowbug or baetis nymph.

Dry fly opportunities are happening throughout the day though the last part of the day has been money both on midges and BWO’s. Our midge rigs have consisted of a Bucky’s midge cluster or Grizzly Midge Cluster paired with a Black Sipper or a Black Midge. A GWS BWO or Olive Haze paired with a BWO Film Critic or Last Chance Cripple is a good start should you find yourself in the midst of a BWO event. March Browns? We do have a couple of decent patterns in the bins but a larger Adams or Purple Haze would probably work just fine.

With the wet, cooler weather looking like it’s going to persist for the time being you might want to up your wader game with a new pair of the World’s Best Wader the Simms G3. We also stock the Guide Classic Wader and men’s and women’s Freestone waders as well as Freestone Wading Pants. We’re fully stocked on boots from Simms and Korkers with a model to fit everyone’s needs. Try the Simms Flyweight for an extremely light hiker style boot or the Korkers River Ops BOA for a Heavy Duty boot. We’ve also got Simms Guide Classic wading jackets and Waypoints rain jackets and rain pants if rain gear suits you better.

Shop hours are 7:30 – 5 PM daily. We’re easing into our busy time when rooms are hard to come by but we’ve got a fair number of vacancies for the next week or two if a last minute trip is in your plans.

Make us your first and only stop on the way to the river for The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO, all the bugs you need for your day on the water, fishing licenses, ice, cold weather gear, sun protection, loads of WCA 10th Anniversary Logo gear and so much more.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-05-03T10:06:25-06:00May 3rd, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Springtime in the Rockies

As predicted we got our first taste of summer weather last weekend with highs in the high 70’s and as you would expect it was a busy couple of days on the MO.

Back to reality on Monday with Tax Day and a big change in the weather as a cold front moved in took us right back to winter with snow showers yesterday and highs struggling to break 40. More of the same today with overnight lows plummeting into the teens but it looks like we’re due for a return to seasonal norms this weekend with daytime highs back to the 60’s and 70’s and lows a bit more reasonable in the 30’s.

Through it all, fishing has been solid with the nymph show at the dam in full swing. Traffic is slowly building and will officially reach “busy” status next week as the guide trips start to pile up.
There have been multiple reports of BWO’s this week so be prepared for both midges and Blue Wings on the dry fly front. Low light is your friend so target those cloudier days or fish last light for consistent action.

We’ve been working on our bugs a lot this winter and have a bunch of new midge and BWO dries that should find a place in your boxes.

Best bets for midge dries….Grizzly Midge Cluster, Bucky’s Midge Cluster, Adams Midge Cluster, Hi Vis Griffiths Gnat, Black Sipper, Black Midge, Hi Vis Midge, Adams Midge. BWO’s just getting started so we haven’t sold a ton of them just yet but try a Pederson’s 401K Baetis, Jake’s Hatchback BWO, Brooks Sprout Baetis, Last Chance Cripple BWO, Nyman’s DOA Baetis Cripple, BWO Flash Cripple, Carlson’s Olive Haze, Guide Winna Spinna BWO. Cripples and Emergers though often overlooked, should play a major role in your BWO game.

Nymphing is transitioning from winter fare at the moment but you still can’t go wrong with a Pill Popper, Caviar Scud, Firebead Ray or the like trailed by a tailwater sow in rainbow or pink, a soft hackle sow or a Zebra Midge. We’ve expanded our Zebra and our Sowbug selections and are loaded up with an array of offerings in any color you need. That being said, it is time to start working those Baetis nymphs in as well and we’ve got piles of techy new patterns that are sure to produce. Go with a tried and true Little Green Machine, S & M, Redemption, Psycho May, Magic Fly or Split Case BWO or try something new like a Stocker’s Mosason Baetis, Two Hot Baetis or Radiation Baetis.

Spring is PRIME TIME for Streamer fishing on the Missouri as well and we didn’t stop with nymphs and dries when expanding our bug selection. We are currently loaded up with piles of new bugs including a bunch of new Galloup Micro Dungeons. Come in and check out our streamer bins and see why we are the Missouri River Streamer Fishing Authority. Nobody has a better bug selection.

We’re also sitting on a bunch of new streamer lines from SA, Airflo and Rio…something for any and all situations. And if you’re looking for a new Streamer stick try a Sage Igniter or Payload, an Echo Streamer X or Boost Blue, a Lamson Cobalt or a Redington Predator. All fine streamer sticks with plenty of Sage and Lamson reels to complete the combo.

The shop is bursting at the seams with new products including WCA 10 Year Anniversary gear and plenty of waders and boots for all from Simms and Korkers.

Updated spring hours start Monday, April 22nd. 7:30 AM – 5 PM Monday – Saturday and 8 AM – 2PM on Sundays. Stop in for shuttles, bugs, fishing licenses and so much more at your Missouri River one stop shop.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-04-18T13:54:05-06:00April 18th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: dry fly fishing, Echo, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The State of the Missouri (Spring 2024)

Summer weather on tap for this weekend with highs in the mid 70’s tomorrow and Saturday and pushing 80 on Sunday before we return to rain and more seasonable 60’s on Monday and back to winter starting Tuesday with snow and highs only in the 40’s. Welcome to springtime in the Rockies!

We’re expecting a busy weekend on the river with the weather being what it is and we’re ready for you with piles of new inventory on hand and a good number of open rooms if you’re looking to spend the weekend on the MO. We could probably even get you on the river with one of our exceptional guides if you call us today.

Fishing has been solid all week, especially the nymphing which is producing big numbers daily, but late afternoon/early evening dry fly fishing has also been good with plenty of midges on hand and the streamer crowd is also loving life on the Missouri at the moment. It’s all happening NOW and the best is yet to come.

The glum snowpack/water forecast has really turned around over these past few weeks to the point where what was looking like a substantially low water year is now predicted to be in the normal range, at least what we’ve come to know as normal in recent times. Canyon Ferry is currently sitting at 83.5% full and is expected to fill completely which is great news for the MO.

Flow predictions have improved substantially and while we could still definitely use more precipitation current most probable forecast has us at around 4,000 CFS right on through the season with a peak of around 4500 CFS in May. Minimum probable modeling shows flows kind of where we’ve been seeing them at for the winter months at just shy of 3,000 CFS and Max Probable would have us at around 5,000 CFS for the season with a peak of 9K in May.

As is always the case, Mother Nature will have the final say but confidence is high that flows will be in good shape on the Missouri in 2024. Obviously we’re lacking the flushing flows of 15K + that seem to have such a positive effect on the fishery but compared to what we were looking at 6 weeks ago we feel like we’re in great shape.

Currently flows are 3660 CFS with afternoon water temps pushing 42 degrees. Look for that temp to continue to tick upwards with these warm sunny days making for hot spring fish.

And speaking of spring fish….rainbows are spawning both up the tribs and on the river so if you’re wade fishing the MO PLEASE be mindful of where you are walking taking care not to trample those redds.

You’ll also be happy to hear that fish counts in the Craig stretch are as healthy as ever with over 8,000 fish over 10” per mile. With a ton of both browns and bows in the 15” – 17” range we should see a bunch of big fish this season.

All that being said, we are in draught stage and while things have improved considerably over the past few weeks, the overall picture for Montana waters is less than ideal. Without substantial precipitation this spring low flows and high water temps and high fire risk are all legitimate concerns so keep praying for that precip.

We are now open every day at 8 AM with the Cheapest Shuttles on the MO, the best lodging on the MO, legendary guides and a shop packed FULL of EVERYTHING you need for your day on the water and likely some things you don’t.

We are your EXCLUSIVE Simms dealer in Wolf Creek and the oldest dealer on the MO with plenty of waders and boots for men and women as well as sportswear and accessories. We are also your exclusive Sage dealer in Wolf Creek and we’re loaded up with all the best rods money can buy. Swing in for that new R8, Sonic or Igniter and a Spectrum series reel to match. We also feature rods and reels from Lamson, Echo, Redington and Loop.

If it’s flies you’re looking for then look no further. Our selection rivals that of any shop on the MO and with the new shipments continuing to come in we’ve got so many bugs we’re running out of bins in which to put them. We’ve got all of your Missouri River standards and much more.

WCA is also your Streamer Authority on the MO and while we’ve always had the biggest and best streamer selection around we’ve outdone ourselves this spring with an expanded selection of all of your favorites and likely some you haven’t seen before.

We’re also loaded up on Streamer lines from SA, Rio and Airflo…something for everyone.

It’s Go Time on the MO.

See you soon at Wolf Creek Angler

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-04-11T15:00:45-06:00April 11th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: brown trout, dry fly fishing, Echo, fly fishing, Igniter, Loop, midge, Missouri River, Montana, R8, running line, Sage, simms, Sonic, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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 Jason Orzechowski|2024-03-20T12:38:51-06:00March 20th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, running line, spring, spring fishing, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, Yeti, zebra midges|0 Comments

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