Great Start to 2018

The way to start the New Year!

I made it out Tuesday for the first float of 2018. It was a great way to kick off the season in every sense. The weather could not have been better, especially by January standards, with partly cloudy skies, calm winds and temps hovering around 50 all day. Not another boat on the water and just three wade anglers in seven miles of river…it doesn’t get much better.

Or does it? Yes it does when rods are bent for the better part of the day.

We nymphed a few rainbows up right away on the usual suspects (pink amex and various lucent pink beaded offerings). We  wouldn’t see another rainbow all day.

The plan all along was to spend most of the day streamer fishing and despite the water temps hanging in the 34 degree range I was optimistic. The day just felt right. And while it seems many on the MO’ have taken to swinging through the winter months I’ve spent enough time floating dead of winter days stripping frigid waters to know that big trout will chase down a slow moving, big meal target.

My optimism was rewarded as I connected with one of the meatier browns I’ve caught on the Missouri just a few casts in. What a way to start the year! And it didn’t end there.  A couple of hundred yards downstream after a swing and a miss by an equally impressive specimen I hooked and landed another 20″ beast and decided my day was complete…for the time being!

The action continued as we boated several more solid fish and broke off on a beast, all on the slow strip and all on variations of white. Things slowed after 3 pm and we only connected with one fish the last two miles of the float.

Every day is different but we’re finding that early afternoon 1-3 pm time slot to be the window for streamer action. Bomb the banks, let it sink and retrieve with slow, erratic strips with plenty of pauses in between. We fished relatively large patterns all day long and had action on everything we tried but it was ZK’s MK Ultra in grey which  delivered for me.

ZK’s MK Ultra

I’m due for a slow day out there but thus far this has been the best winter streamer season I’ve had on the Missouri. The strip has produced and I’ve heard plenty of successful reports from the swingers as well so it’s dealer’s choice. Polar Leeches, Kreelex, Dungeons, MK Ultras, Sparkle Minnows all finding  targets on the strip and the swing. White, grey, black, olive all  good options.

We dipped into the single digits the following day and have been there for the remainder of this week but a warm up is underway just in time for the holiday weekend and we should see high 30’s and even some 40’s for the weekend and well into next week.

Grab your sink tips and your streamers or your nymph rigs and get out here, the fishing should be good and even if it’s not, what else do you have to do?

If you really want to treat yourself why not leave the rowing to us? Remember our Winter Special, full day  Missouri River Guided float trips for one or two anglers  for $350 or two nights of lodging and a full day on the water for $500.

Either way, stop in and see us on your way to the river. Shuttles, bugs, lodging and so much more. We are your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing Destination.

 

 

 

January 8th Quick Report – This Week on the MO’

Fishing the January Thaw on the Missouri – photo by Zach King

As expected, we definitely saw a bump in river traffic this weekend though the ice guys still far outnumbered the river anglers.

Most have been opting for wade fishing but the ramps are in decent shape after a few days pushing 50 degrees. We recommend you take the time to inspect the ramps you plan to use before you launch. At the very least give us a call or stop in for a report before you go. Four Wheel Drive is great, and often-times a necessity but there have been plenty of 4 x 4’s stuck on icy winter ramps. Don’t be that guy!

Today and tomorrow look like the days to fish this week with continued temps in the 40’s and a manageable wind forecast. We’re back in the low 20’s on Wednesday, Thursday looks good with cloudy skies and 33 degrees and back into the 20’s for the weekend. We’re almost full for the weekend so whether your looking to wade or float the river or hit the ice, don’t wait too long. We will more than likely be full.

The fishing has been moderately good most days, slow on others and even approaching HOT on some. Nymphing is going to be your best bet but there have been plenty of fish being caught on the swing as well.

The cut and paste winter report holds true. Slow, deep winter water. The water temps have dropped into the 34 degree range with flows holding around 4200 cfs. The fish are in the winter water. We recommend one or two of the following fished deep under an indicator, extra weight at your discretion. POINT FLY RECOMMENDATIONS Pink Amex, Pinkalicious, Rainbow Czech, Pink Weight Fly, Rainbow Weight Fly, Bubble Yum Scud, Fish Finder Worm, Firebead Wire Worm. TRAIL WITH – soft hackle sow, tailwater sow, UV Crush, Pink Lightning Bug, Firebead Ray, Cotton Candy LGM, Firebead soft hackle sow, Rainbow Warrior etc.

Per usual with winter fishing on the Missouri the bug selection is far less critical than the water you are fishing. Once you find the water and the depth you’ve solved the equation. If the fish are hungry they’ll likely eat any of the above. If they aren’t feeding it’s unlikely you will change their minds by changing bugs… but then again, you might.

Best streamers have been black polar leeches, Hot Head Kreelex, Clousers, Sparkle Minnows, buggers and various smallish selections in white. Chewy has been busy at the vise and we’ve got all kinds of new bugs in the streamer bins. Stop in and have a look. Must Try Fly —  ZK’s Rodeo Clown.

Target the same winter water with streamers but don’t overlook the island tail outs and some of the shallow, faster water you might not think of as winter water. You never know what might be lurking in the shallows in ambush mode looking to crush that bait fish or leech pattern no matter the month.

Cabin Fever has begun to set in and the countdown to spring has begun. Why not bide your time with a winter getaway to the MO’? Wolf Creek Angler is your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing Destination.

The Window is Open

Brent with a streamer eating Missouri River piggy.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect window of opportunity to come out and fish the Missouri it doesn’t get much better than this!

We are currently looking at 26 degrees, overcast skies, a few snow flurries and not a breath of wind (as of 7:45 this morning). The forecast is calling for a chance of snow, and possibly some rain this afternoon with calm winds. Tomorrow looks to be almost as good with partly sunny skies, a high near 40 and winds in the 7-10 mph range. These conditions will persist through early next week though winds return on Friday. We’ll see a return to more seasonable conditions late next week.

How’s the fishing?

It doesn’t suck.

More good days than bad as of late with the prime time slot between 11 AM and 3 PM. Nymphing is good. Go PINK or go home.

Streamer fishing is definitely worth your time as well, especially on overcast days like today. Swing is King during the winter months on the MO’ but that being said, there’s absolutely NO reason you shouldn’t be bombing the banks with a SLOW strip right now. The water is definitely getting colder (currently 37.5 degrees) so you need to keep this in mind and adjust your tactics whether you’re fishing nymphs or streamers but don’t think for a second that you cant catch fish on the strip all winter long.

We hit it just right yesterday afternoon  and had one of the better hours of streamer fishing I’ve had this season bringing four nice fish to hand and moving a bunch of others. And then it was over. Just like that.

Will the window be open again today? You won’t know if you don’t go.

Conditions are abundantly adequate right now. Cloudy skies, unseasonably warm temps, CALM winds and NO traffic. What are you waiting for?

Stop by on your way to the river and stock up on Tailwater Sows, Firebead Rays,  Pill Poppers , Pink Amex’s, Polar Leeches, Kreelex,  Sparkle Minnows and anything else you think you might need but I’m here to tell you, you don’t need much else.

 

Weekend Outlook

Missouri River Winter Fare – Left to Right from the Top. Pink Soft Hackle Sow, Ninch’s Bubble Yum Scud, Ninch’s Pill Popper, Casne’s Pinkalicious, Blooms Weight Fly Pink, Pink Radiation Baetis, Cotton Candy LGM, Pink Lightning Bug, Wayno’s Cotton Candy, Pederson’s Sow, Pink UV Crush, Ninch’s Thunderbug, Pink AmEx, Firebead Rainbow Czech

We’re hoping for winter weather to arrive soon but while we wait we’re taking advantage of the current conditions and enjoying LATE fall fishing on the Missouri at its absolute best.

We’ll see temps in the low to mid 40’s and plenty of sunshine for the next seven days with relatively calm winds in the 7-10 mph range at least for the weekend.

Cancel those Christmas shopping plans, drop whatever it is you are doing and get out here NOW!

Fish the dam, fish Wolf Creek down, fish the canyon…good nymphing reports river-wide this week. Pink is coming on strong so stock up on Lightning bugs, Pill Poppers, Cotton Candy LGM’s, Wayno’s Cotton Candy, Thunder Bugs, Pink Weight Flies, Bubble Yums etc and keep those Tailwater Sows and Firebead Rays  in the mix as well.

Fish the island tail outs, the shelves, the drop offs and the winter runs….they’re settling in.

Streamers? Always worth a try in my mind but stick to the nymphs for numbers. If you do decide to try streamers keep them on the small side (Sparkle Minnows, Kreelex, Thin Mints, Polar Leeches, Dirty Hippies etc) and go with a super SLOW retrieve with plenty of pauses or swing those island tail outs.

We are your Missouri River winter fly fishing destination with the best deals around on lodging and guide trips and a shop full of everything you need for winter fishing on the MO’.  Stop in and see us for up to the minute reports and conditions, the best coffee in the canyon, shuttles, drift boat rentals and the biggest and best bug selection ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek MT.

 

 

Late November Missouri River Fishing Report

November on the Missouri

We’ll close out the month of November with another week of ideal late fall fishing conditions. Overcast skies with the occasional peeks of sunshine, temperatures in the low to mid 40’s and a chance for some snow today and Wednesday.

It’s currently calm but they are calling for west southwest winds of 11-16 mph today with gusts as high as 30 mph. Tomorrow looks ideal with partly sunny skies, a high near 45 and south wind at 11-13 mph.

We’ll return to more seasonable temps for the weekend with highs in the 30’s and a chance for some snow on Saturday and Sunday.
Thanksgiving is behind us and Christmas is rapidly approaching (just four Mondays away)! This is the perfect week to take advantage of the mild weather and get your Missouri River fly fishing fix before the holiday grind goes into full effect.

Traffic has remained very light despite the nice weather though we expect to see a  bump in activity with the general hunting season having come to a close yesterday.

Reports from the holiday weekend were mostly positive. Nymphing is definitely your best bet right now but streamers are in the mix as well. The swingers are finding success on Kreelex, Think Mints and smallish buggers. Trout Spey  season is definitely a go but a deep slow strip will move them as well so don’t give up on single hand bank bombing from the boat just yet. Sparkle Minnows, Dirty Hippies, MK Ultras, Mini Dungeons, ZK’s Inflated Egos and various flavors or polar leeches have all been getting noticed and are good bets from here on out. Go deep with a slow to moderate strip and don’t be afraid to let it swing. It’s not lights out but if you put your time in you should be able to find some willing players. The water temps are continuing to fall and are hovering right around that 40 degree mark so the fish are definitely slowing down and transitioning to slow deep winter water but if you deliver the goods right to them and they don’t have to work too hard for it they definitely aren’t going to pass up a big meal.

Focus on transition type water with your nymphs as well. Not too fast…not too slow. Not super shallow and not too deep. They’re definitely moving towards those winter lies but we’re continuing to have the best luck in the medium depth/medium fast water in close proximity to slow winter water. Rig up with a #12 pink Amex, Bubble Yum Scud, Rainbow Czech or Pinkalicious  and trail with your favorite winter bug.  #16 or #18 tailwater sows,  firebead soft hackle sows, pink lighting bugs, firebead Rays, Pill Poppers, Pederson’s Sows, Wayno’s Cotton Candys, UV Crush, Cotton Candy LGMs are just a few of our favorites but the options are truly limitless.

With the shorter days  many opt for wade fishing this time of year but floating gives you more options. Don’t forget we’ve got Adipose and RO Drift Boats available for rent all winter long and if you’re a vet we’ve got a Project Healing Waters Adipose Flow available to you FREE OF CHARGE anytime. We don’t do a huge rental business during the winter months so we generally have boats available but calling ahead is never a bad idea for any of our boats and is a MUST for the PHW boat.

Plenty of lodging and guides available all winter long so don’t hesitate to give us a call and book yours today. Don’t forget the best deal on the MO – two night’s lodging and a full day guide trip for just $500!  Only interested in a room? Just $99/night (plus tax). Don’t need the room but want the guide?  Guide trips just $350 while the snow flies. Looking for a better deal? You won’t find one ANYWHERE.

We’re in the shop Wednesday – Sunday at 8:00 am and occasionally on Mondays and Tuesdays as well but you should definitely call first before coming out on those days. We’re open for lodging and guide trips every day.

Prime Fishing Days Ahead

While last week’s winter storm essentially shut things down on the MO’ the forecast looks encouraging.

What a change from last year when the first weeks of November were abuzz with activity. I’m pretty sure we talked about early November being the new October after a couple of mild autumns that saw summerlike temps well into October and prime fall conditions in early November, but not so this year!

It’s amazing what a few days of single digit temps and a substantial blanket of snow will do to take the mind off of fishing. As quiet as it’s been around the shop I had all but settled on closing more lodging for the winter this week  but then the forecast changed, the phone started to ring and just like that, it’s back on….at least for the time being.

It’s going to remain on the cold side today but the warm up is underway and we should see 30’s tomorrow, 40’s through the weekend and possibly near 50 on Monday. It’s the perfect opportunity for one more trip to the MO’ this season and with our winter lodging and guide trip special in effect you can’t afford to pass this up.

We’re offering a full day guide trip for one or two anglers and two nights of premium lodging for the unbelievable price of $500 (plus tax). You won’t find a better deal ANYWHERE! Don’t need the lodging? Full Day Guide Trips are $350 (plus tax) for one or two anglers ALL WINTER LONG. Don’t need a guide? That’s ok too. Winter lodging rates are just $99/night plus tax for a cozy cabin or bungalow with a private bath and a full kitchen.

Sound too good to be true? Wait….there’s more! Not only are we offering the best deal on the river….hands down, we’re also giving you an out with NO CANCELLATION FEES for lodging or guide trips. Winter weather can be unpredictable and as we approach the holidays things start to get really busy for everyone. Book your trip today and if the weather changes or your plans change or you simply change your mind you’re off the hook…no questions asked!

Give us a call today to book your late fall/early winter escape to the Missouri. We’re expecting some traffic this weekend with the break in the weather but you can still plan on an abundance of solitude as increased  traffic by late fall standards bears little resemblance to anything you would experience during the prime.

Nymphing and streamer fishing will continue to be your methods of choice from here on out though you may stumble upon some dry fly opportunities as well, especially on Thursday and Friday with overcast skies and rain and snow in the mix.

Stop by the shop for the latest reports on the what, where when and how. You’ll find everything you need for late season fishing on the Missouri and beyond. We’re loaded up with Simms cold weather gear (including cold weather shirts and cold weather pants, both Montana winter staples) and we’re fully stocked with waders and boots from Redington and Korkers. We’ve got fly lines, leaders and tippet from Rio and ARC; eye wear from Smith; packs, bags and accessories from Simms and Fishpond; rods and reels from LOOP, Echo, Redington, Nautilus and Ross and as always, the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Come enjoy what could be the last gasp of autumn this weekend on the Missouri.

 

Mid October

We’ll see a bit of an Indian Summer this week as temps return to the 60’s and 70’s but expect plenty of wind to go along with the warm temps. We’re under a high wind watch for Tuesday afternoon and evening with southwest winds 25-40 mph and gusts as high as 65 mph.

This week’s weather may not be optimal as wind and sun don’t necessarily make for the best fishing conditions but we would never say you shouldn’t fish. The dry fly opportunities could be limited but you never know. It’s been the best dry-fly fall I’ve experienced on the Missouri and there’s no reason it shouldn’t continue to be great for the next several weeks.

Nymphing will be just fine so if you’ve got someone on the sticks who can hold a line you can expect to do well out there this week. If not, then hire us. We’ll take care of the rowing, we’ll take care of the where to go, the what to use, the netting the releasing…..even the lunch. All you need to do is fish and if you’re having any issues in that department we can take care of that too.

It’s been fall status quo on the nymph rigs with Tailwater Sows, Yum Yums and Pill Poppers leading all fly sales. Rainbow Czechs, UV Czechs, LGM’s and Zebras have been following close behind. Fish the medium depth (3-5′), medium fast water with about a 6-7′ double nymph rig and a single bb to start and adjust accordingly. Some have been sticking with the same rig all day and doing fine. Others are shortening up, losing the weight and plying the shallows later in the day with the palsa rigs and finding plenty of action.

The streamer bite has been hit or miss but we’re not telling you anything you don’t already know. If streamers are your game you’re going to throw them and you’re likely going to throw them all day long (or at least until you find heads to throw to). It may not yield the numbers nymphing does but a chase will elevate your heart rate more than bobber drop any day and a chase and a grab? One or two in a day spell success in the streamer vernacular.

Choose your offering in accordance with the light conditions and what’s been working according to the experts but don’t be afraid to think outside of the box and throw something completely off the wall just because you like the way it looks or you’ve had good luck with it in the past. If you like and have confidence in what you are throwing it can make all the difference in the world.

Lodging has really opened up this week and we should be able to accommodate those last minute travel plans from here on out. The current plan is to shut down the motel portion of our lodging at the end of the month but we will have cabins and bungalows available for the remainder of the fall season and will have bungalows available all winter long at discounted rates. We are your all seasons Missouri River fly fishing destination, open year round with everything you need from lodging to guides to boat rentals  to bugs and everything in between.

We will be opening at 7:30 am starting this week as there hasn’t been much going on from 7 am – 7:30. Give us a call before you come out for the latest Missouri River reports and conditions.

 

 

Late September on the Missouri

Rod enjoying the fall colors on the MO!

It’s hard to believe but we’re just a few days out from October. Where has this month gone?

The hot dry weather of early September gave way to rain and snow and below average temps these past two weeks ushering in what has honestly been some of the best fishing we’ve seen all year.

Fire season is now all but over and we’re enjoying the crisp fall air and fall fishing at its finest.

If you haven’t fished the Missouri lately you are missing out.

Nymphing has been on fire and dry fly fishing has been inconsistent but outstanding if you hit it right.  That sun feels great on these cold fall mornings but is definitely a hindrance to the dry fly action.

Black Zebras and Tailwater sows are still at the top of the nymph list  but we’ve also been picking them up on a bunch of mayfly stuff like Little Green Machines, Split Case BWO’s, Psycho Mays and Peep Shows as well as Pill Poppers, Rays and Rainbow Warriors. Try a Rainbow Czech, Tungsten Tailwater Sow, Fishfinder Worm, Wire Worm or Crayfish as a point fly. Firebeads would not be a bad call at this point either though I have yet to go there.

The dry fly hatch matcher continues to be the tiny pseudo but an olive Para Adams with a CDC caddis emerger will get eaten at some point and a dry/dropper rig with a chubby or October Caddis trailed with an LGM or something similar  could offer a welcome alternative to bobber lobbing.

The streamer action is heating up but you should expect a challenge with the weeds and if you throw streamers year round like we do you’ll find that it’s time to  share the water again. I was surprised yesterday to see multiple boats downstream and upstream of me, doing the same thing. The upstream I don’t mind, the downstream can make for a slow day. It may be time to think about earlier starts and/or different stretches but not to worry. With 30 some miles of river there’s plenty of water to fish.

We’re moving fish on white and have also done well with olives and naturals in low light conditions. Best bets for brighter days have been  JJ  or Sculpin Sparkle Minnows, Rainbow Dirty Hippies and Mini Dungeons in natural.

We’re loaded up on bugs and have plenty of Simms cold weather gear to help you contend with that morning  and evening chill. Daytime temps are climbing back towards the low 70’s this week but overnight lows in the high 30’s and low 40’s require layering. We’ve been starting our trips a little later to ward off the chill but if you want that prime streamer bank you might want to get an early start.

Either way, we’re here for you. The shop is open daily at 7 am for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs. Call today for current river conditions, drift boat rentals, up to the minute fishing reports or to book lodging and/or guides for your fall fly fishing adventure on the Missouri or Blackfoot.

Fall Fishing is Heating Up

Fall Fishing is heating up

We’re still a couple of days out from the Autumnal Equinox and the official start of fall but the weather has run ahead, leaving summer behind and bringing on the cooler temps, the rain and even some snow.

It couldn’t have come at a better time with much of the west choking on smoke from the multitude of wildfires. Late last week we saw a beautiful soaking rain on Thursday followed by a winter storm over the weekend which brought a considerable amount of snow to the high country and a wintery mix at the lower elevations.

It looks like we’ll see similar conditions throughout the week with cloudy skies, a chance of rain every day and highs in the 50’s with lows dipping into the low to mid 30’s each night.

It definitely feels like fall out there and we’re starting to see the colors to go along with the weather. It feels so much like fall that I’m actually thinking about getting out to do some bow hunting this week.

And speaking of hunting…it’s time to start hunting big, colored up fall browns. Yes weeds are still a part of the deal but for those who enjoy the streamer game it’s time to get over it and start chucking the big stuff. Fall is our favorite time of the year for streamer fishing and we’ve already begun to have some good days out there. Sparkle Minnows, Dirty Hippies, Dolly Llamas, Circus Peanuts, Mini Dungeons, Inflated Egos, MK Ultras…..and many more.

Dry Fly fishing has been the talk this week but I think that has more to do with the increase in traffic (and subsequent increase in DFO’s) than it does with bug activity on the river. Pseudos,  the occasional caddis and plenty of terrestrial action still to be had. BWO’s on the way. Tiny Pseudos, Buzzballs, CDC Caddis Emergers, Cinnamon Ants, Hoppers, October Caddis and the like could get you some action.

Nymphing has continued to be good and remains somewhat status quo with Crayfish, Czechs and black zebra midges leading the charge though tailwater sows have come on strong as of late as have some baetis nymphs like LGM’s, 2 bits, Split Case BWO’s, Peep Shows and BWO Magic Flies. Come check out our ever expanding fly selection.

It’s a busy week at WCA with a full house and a bunch of Missouri and Blackfoot trips out daily. We’re full through Sunday but things open up a bit next week. Give us a call and book yourself a couple of nights and a day on the water. Perfect autumn weather and hot fall fishing, what more could you want.

Looking Towards Autumn

Autumn is a magical time on the Missouri – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Cool mornings, shorter days, hungry browns, back to school specials, preseason football and the first of the Oktoberfest beers hitting the shelves has us thinking autumn. Have you booked your dates yet for fall fishing on the Missouri?

The leaves are beginning to change and while we’re still experiencing summer weather with abundant sunshine and highs in the 80s and 90’s it won’t be long before cooler temps will prevail.

It’s hard to pick a favorite season on the Missouri but if I had to choose, autumn definitely ranks right up there and is considered by many to be the most wonderful time of the year.

It’s been a great summer but we’re ready for the change.

The fishing has remained solid this past week with good nymphing, especially in the top section, and plenty of hopper and ant eats to keep things interesting.

There are a lot of bugs you could be using right now and catching fish but I’ve found no reason to stray from the black zebra midge/crayfish combo. Other good options would be Peep Shows, Pheasant Tails, Green Machines, Weight Flies, PsychoMays, S & M’s, Two Bits, Tailwater Sows, Fishfinder Worms, Wire Worms, UV Czechs, Lightning Bugs and Rainbow Warriors. Claws R Cray and Snapping Craws have been effective on the Crayfish front.

Moorish Hoppers in pink, peach  or yellow have been effective as have Cinnamon Ants, Black Parachute Ants and Blooms Stealth Ant in purple. Chernobyl Ants, purple or gold chubbys and spruce moths have also been getting noticed.

There are still tricos to be found and you might find fish on them but we’ve pretty much abandoned that game and committed to the terrestrials.

Streamer fishing is heating up and will only improve from here on out. The weeds are definitely an issue but if you can work through it and maintain your composure you could have some outstanding streamer action.

October lodging is filling rapidly and we’re starting to book a good number of guide trips as well. We know the end of summer is a busy time for everyone but we urge you to take a few minutes and book your Missouri River fall fly fishing trip of a lifetime with Wolf Creek Angler soon.

We are your Missouri River fall fly fishing destination with everything you need for your visit. Clean and affordable lodging; the hardest working guides on the river; RO and Adipose drift boat rentals; shuttles; Simms outerwear, sportswear and accessories; lines, leaders and tipped from Rio, ARC and Trout Hunter; rods and reels from LOOP, Redington, Echo, Ross and Nautilus; Smith optics; piles of WCA hats and logo gear; tools and accessories from Loon and Fishpond and the near legendary largest and best selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Stop in and check out the best Missouri River fly shop you never knew was here.

 

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