Streamer Fishing Archives - Page 13 of 19

This Week on the MO

Wolf Creek Angler is Your Missouri River Fall Fly Fishing Destination

Early August continues to deliver a welcome respite from the heat wave we suffered through for most of the month of July.

The fishing has been hit or miss but the weather has been gorgeous, the flows have been stable and we can’t think of any better way to spend a late summer day than floating the MO’ regardless of the fishing report.

The traffic is light though we have seen a steady trickle of folks in the shop and last minute rooms and guide trips are the norm during late summer. We’ve got plenty of rooms and guides at the ready so clear your schedule and make the call. Our Dog Days Special has been generating some interest and is definitely something you should take advantage of. Now through the end of August book a full day guide trip and a night of lodging and mention the Dog Days of Summer Special and get a second night of lodging on us.

Dry fly fishing is preferred right now though the fish are late summer spooky and wont tolerate bad cast shenanigans. Keep your distance and deliver the goods and you may be rewarded. Get too close, blow the cast or just look at the pod wrong and they’ll go down. If you’re going to play the Trico game you need to bring your A game.

Many have been opting instead to fish blind with hoppers and ants, with or without a dropper. This is a fun way to fish and while it may not produce big numbers, there’s nothing quite like the take. I’ll take a chug or two on a hopper over watching a bobber any day.

Nymphing has been a little tough as of late and weeds are definitely becoming a factor. The dam is probably going to be your best bet for nymphing as there are plenty of fish and cleaner water but you still need to be vigilant about keeping your rig clean. Weedy nymphs don’t catch fish. Check your bugs often and keep them clean. The lower you go the more weeds you will encounter so if you’re planning to nymph the lower stretches prepare to be frustrated.

The same can be said for streamer fishing right now. It’s definitely worth your time but you have to work hard at it, choosing your water carefully in an effort to minimize weedage and constantly checking your rig to make sure it is weed free. Battling the weeds can be extremely frustrating and can definitely try your patience. I suggest perhaps crushing your barbs if you’re going to throw streamers right now. If you happen to get to flailing around because the weeds are pushing you to the brink of madness you might just get a little sloppy and a little careless with your cast. Sloppy and careless and streamer hooks don’t go well together. Make it easy on yourself (and the fish) and go barbless.

My tried and true Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow moved more fish my last time out than I’ve moved on the Missouri in a LONG time, maybe more than I’ve moved EVER, but we just couldn’t get them to commit.

Being that things are on the slow side it’s the perfect opportunity to employ some different tactics out there just to see what happens and that’s exactly what we’ve been up to at WCA. Different bugs, different water, different techniques and some ultra-covert night ops in pursuit of behemoth browns of the MO’.

Stop by the shop and hear all about it.

We are your Missouri River late summer destination with lodging deals nobody can touch, the hardest working guide crew on the water and a shop full of everything you need for your day on the water. We’ve got the best gear from the top names in the industry. Loop, Ross, Smith, ARC, RIO, MFC, Umpqua, Fishpond, Simms, Redington, Nautilus and Echo just to name a few.

Open daily for everything Missouri River Fly Fishing.

The Big Muddy. Blackfoot River from Scotty Brown Bridge on May 6th. Photo by Blackfoot Angler Fly Shop

The BIG PUSH has begun. Runoff has started and with it the migration of guides from around the state to the Missouri seeking fishable water for their clients.

The MO’ is definitely where you need to be if you plan on fishing western Montana in the immediate future and while we are largely immune to the blow out conditions found on the freestones during runoff we do have some big pushes of water coming from Little Prickly Pear and the Dearborn adding cold water and color which present challenges but also opportunities. LPP is currently running at a muddy 274 CFS while the Dearborn is cranking at 800 making flows on the MO below Dearborn somewhere in the neighborhood of 8500 CFS. Above Prickly Pear the Missouri is currently flowing at 7440 CFS with a water temp of 47 degrees.

Reports from Sunday were mixed but it sounds like the rain and cooler air temps so sought after by the dry fly and streamer guys were negated by the influx of cold, muddy water from the tribs. Solid nymphing reports from the Dam, not so much from Wolf Creek on down.

Conditions will remain somewhat status quo this week as temps in the 70’s and 80’s continue to contribute to runoff. Plenty of sunshine this week as well which may not be what you want if you can’t wait to throw a dry fly but don’t rule it out, we could have some great evening activity this week. Again, blue skies and sunshine are not exactly optimal for streamer fishing either but you might be surprised. Sunshine or clouds, I know what I’ll be throwing this week and it ain’t nymphs or dry flies.

Speaking of nymphs though, we would definitely recommend including a worm in your offering, especially if you’re fishing low. Sow bugs are still getting the biggest nod but it’s time to start throwing the kitchen sink at them. Purple Lighting Bugs, LGM’s, Hot Belly Pheasant Tails, Hi Def, Radiation and Juju Baetis, Split Case BWO’s, Dark Peep Shows, Rainbow Warriors, 2 Bits, S & M’s…..you get the idea.

We’re pretty well booked up for lodging through mid-week but we do have openings for later in the week and through the weekend and we’ve got guides at the ready each and every day.

The shop is full of all kinds of new gear from Simms, Korkers, Fishpond, Redington and more and the fly bins are overflowing with every bug you need for the MO’ and beyond.

Stop in for shuttles, Adipose and RO Drift Boat Rentals, Realtime Missouri River updates and intel and what has frequently been referred to as the best coffee in the canyon.

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-12-08T15:43:22-07:00May 8th, 2017|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Dearborn, dry fly fishing, Fishpond, Little Prickly Pear, Missouri River, Montana, Redington, RO Drift Boats, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Are there any bugs you ask? Ummm….just a few! photo by Luke Koerten

As we close out the month of April and head into the heart of the spring season things are shaping up nicely on the Missouri with plenty of water (but not too much), plenty of bugs and plenty of hungry trout.

The fishing has been tough on some days, pretty damn good on others. Overall I would still call it “spotty” but there are stretches which are consistently fishing pretty good and some go to areas within said stretches which are holding good concentrations of fish as you would expect them to in mid to late spring.

We’ve still seen better numbers of fish being caught in the canyon but we’ve also had some fair days in the dam to Craig stretch which seems to be improving by the day.

Flows have stabilized in the 7000 cfs range but we are still seeing drops and bumps of a couple of hundred cfs on a fairly regular basis which may be contributing to the spottiness. Water temps are on the rise and are currently holding in the 45 degree range which has the trout on the move.

Streamer fishing has been inconsistent but if you hit it right you can expect plenty of chases and some aggressive takes. The same could be said for the dry fly action. There has been no shortage of bugs with gobs of midges and plenty of BWO’s in the mix but finding feeding fish has been a challenge on most days. Again, if you hit it right you could be in for some epic dry fly fishing….the best of this young season. Obviously “hitting it right” is the key and therein lies the challenge. Our advice….fish early and fish often. You may or may not hit it right but we can say with 100 percent certainty that if you aren’t on the water you aren’t going to catch fish. It’s as simple as that.

Nymphing has been less of a roll of the dice and will continue to be the best bet for numbers. With the increase in flows some of the slots you may be used to holding fish may have moved so if you come up empty fishing your usual line go back and do it again, changing your path rather than the depth of your rig, generally moving towards the bank a foot or two to find your desired water column.

We’ve found most of the fish in the top section are still concentrated in slower, deeper, winterish water which has been producing good results river-wide however we have definitely begun to see a transition to shallow, faster water in the canyon stretch. Fish the slow stuff down there and if you can’t find them then try shortening up your rig and fishing the faster shallow summer water.

Sow bugs have been our go-to as of late with the Tailwater sow leading everything else in my box. We’ve also had good luck with soft hackle sows, yum yums and Firebead sows. Caviar Scuds, Bubble Yums, Rainbow Czechs, LGM’s, Rainbow Warriors, black zebras, Pink Amex, Radiation Baetis, S & M’s , Juju’s, pink or purple Lightning Bugs and hot bead wire worms have all been good options depending on the day.

Keep your midge clusters and BWO’s at the ready as well just in case you happen upon some heads. A hi vis parachute Adams or a Purple Haze paired with a Griffiths Gnat or midge cluster is hard to beat but we’ve also had BWO rigs at the ready. Sprout Baetis, Nyman’s DOA Cripple Baetis, BWO Film Critic, Wilcox’s Micromay BWO’s , No Hackle BWO’s, Flash Cripples and Hackle Stackers are all good dry fly options you have at your disposal.

On the streamer side we haven’t seen any one bug leading the charge. It’s kind of been all over the place but greys, whites and olives have been producing in various sizes. I’ve had good luck lately with ZK’s Bunny Wailer in olive and in white and we’ve also been moving fish with brown Dirty Hippies, Sculpin and JJ Sparkle Minnows, Godzilla Sculpins, Baby Gongas in rust, tan and olive Circus Peanuts and black and olive Dolly Llamas. I say it all the time…fish what you like because you’ll fish it with confidence and if you are fishing with confidence you’ll up your odds. Give it a solid hour or more. Change colors, change patterns, vary your retrieve. Streamer fishing requires a commitment which often times leaves you blanked but when you see that chase or feel that slam you’ll definitely want more.

Come on by the shop and check out our much talked about amazing fly selection. We’ve got bugs you won’t find anywhere else as well as plenty you’ll find everywhere else. We pride ourselves on our extremely well-stocked fly bins and we’re confident that if you’ve never shopped our bins you’ll likely be shocked and awed by our selection and if not shocked and awed than at least pleasantly surprised. Buy your Missouri River flies where many of the best guides on the river do…Wolf Creek Angler!

We’re open daily at 7:30 am for all of you Missouri River fly fishing needs. Shuttles, Adipose and RO Drift Boat Rentals, LOOP rods and reels, Redington wading gear, Simms outerwear and accessories, clean and affordable lodging, the best guides on the water, the aforementioned biggest and best selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek MT and much more.

We’ll be looking at cloudy skies and a chance of precipitation (rain and snow) most of this week. BWO and Streamer weather to be sure. We did have a couple of cancellations for the weekend which has been booked solid for some time. If a last-minute trip to the MO sounds like something you’d be interested in give us a call and book today. It’s the final weekend to take advantage of our spring lodging and guide trip special….2 nights and a full day on the water for the ridiculous price of $500. You heard right. Don’t let this opportunity slip away. Starting Monday this same trip will cost you over $750.

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-12-08T15:45:28-07:00April 26th, 2017|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, Montana, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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 Jason Orzechowski|2017-09-21T19:04:36-06:00March 10th, 2017|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, Montana, Redington, RIO, RO Drift Boats, running line, simms, spring fishing, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

March means midge madness on the MO photo by Wolf Creek Angler

The weather is on the chilly side this weekend with a chance for some snow tonight and into tomorrow and Monday but the river is in good shape with flows holding just shy of 3500 cfs with water temps in that 35-36 degree range.

We’ll see that west wind pick up throughout the day today but we’re definitely looking at fishable conditions with highs near 30 today and tomorrow.

We saw some decent midge action earlier this week so keep an eye out for that. Look for the calm water in areas protected from the wind and have your midge rig at the ready. Some of our go-to midge patterns are Bucky’s Midge Cluster, Black Sipper midges, Adams Midge, Grizzly Midge Clusters and the tried and true Griffiths Gnat. I like a Hi Vis Parachute Adams paired with a Bucky’s Midge Cluster.

We are well-stocked with all of these patterns and many more. We are your source for midges on the MO’!

Nymphing remains your best shot at putting a bend in the rod with bug selection remaining status quo though I would definitely think about adding a black or red zebra midge into the mix. A #12 Tungsten Rainbow Czech with a gold bead trailed with a #18 black zebra could be the ticket but don’t turn your back on the pink stuff or the firebeads, it’s just been a little hit and miss as of late.

We recommend continuing to concentrate your efforts on the slow winter water but there are definitely fish being picked up in more transitional water (slightly faster, 4′ range) so don’t overlook those runs. The winter runs will produce but it’s time to start thinking outside of that box on occasion just to see.

It won’t be long before we’ll be trading in the nymph rigs for streamer rigs. Many have been sticking to swinging all winter long and while the swing is still the way to go, hitting the banks with a slow retrieve has been somewhat effective as well and will continue to improve as those water temps start to increase, hopefully soon. It is true that with the water being as cold as it is the fish will continue to be on the lethargic side but a well-placed streamer can change all that as instinct (and hunger) kick in and lethargy turns to aggression. Stick to the smaller patterns (buggers, clousers, leeches) for now and experiment with your retrieve. We like to combine the swing with a slow strip and plenty of pauses.

You’ll likely have more action with your nymph rig but you can’t beat that streamer tug.

Stop by the shop and check out what some consider to be the best streamer selection in the canyon.

We’ve got plenty of lodging available for the weekend and next week is wide open. I’m still seeing a good number of rigs headed to the lake but it seems we’re definitely on the waning side of Holter Lake ice action which means we’re anxious for the next warming trend and the business it will bring. By the looks of things it appears as though we’ll see those 40 degree temps return mid to late week next week.

Remember we’re offering the best deal on the river this winter with two nights of lodging and a full day guide trip for just $500 and NO CANCELLATION FEES. Don’t miss out. Book your trip with us today.

By Jason Orzechowski|2017-09-21T19:01:45-06:00February 25th, 2017|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, nymphs, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Chewy’s Winter Welfare Check & Fishing Report 1.17.17

If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been largely absent for some time now. Considering its been colder than Shackleton’s ass on the sunniest of days for the past several weeks, not much has been going on at the shop, on the river or in general for that matter. Cold, abject misery has been the status quo in the canyon. With winter storm after winter storm rolling through, the unrelenting wind, my motivation to drop the thread bobbin and wader up has been practically non existent. Has being the imperative statement. Up until yesterday morning, my days consisted of sleeping in as long as humanly possible, strong coffee, hot soup and tying as many flies as my yeti-esque hands allow.

Weather improved enough to actually do more than drive the frontage road, dreaming of spring. How was the fishing? Awesome. Typical winter fare in the nymph department, pinks, hot heads, Zebras & San Juans. Bobber-lobbing definitely the most productive means at this point. Don”t
underestimate the streamer bite though. Swinging brought a few to the net today before a 5 man crew crowded me out of an otherwise, wide open river. White was the color of choice by a long shot. Slow swings over deeper water with a sink tip to get it down, the only way to go. We’ve got all the standards in stock along with some WCA exclusives tied up by yours truly.

If you plan on floating in the next few days be advised: RAMPS ARE SKETCHY! Even at the Dam today a truck struggled but succeeded to get off. Be smart choosing your float, Wolf Creek Bridge is a definitely a no go, along with Mtn. Palace, Stickney Creek & the Dearborn. Few buddies floated Craig to Spite today and did fine. Just be sure to check conditions before you commit and come prepared, even if its just to lend a hand to your fellow floater!

From the looks of it, we’ve got another few days of warmer weather before things get cold again. We’ll be at the shop for the rest of the week with anything and everything you need to stay dry, warm, caffeinated and fishy on your way to winter trout nirvana. The best outerwear and warmest layers from SIMMS, kick ass water resistant gloves from Kast Extreme Fishing Gear, the largest selection of flies in all of Wolf Creek and of course, the best free coffee in the canyon. What else do ya’ need?

Oh, lodging? Got that too. Booked solid for the night but the rest of the week is wide open. Clean rooms for $99 just minutes from the MO.

~Cheers, Chewy.

By Zach King|2017-01-17T23:55:31-07:00January 17th, 2017|Categories: Fishing Report, Montana Fly Fishing|Tags: fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Weather (and Winter Rate Guide Trips) On The Way

Winter pic

Enjoy the sunshine and warm weather this weekend. It sounds like we’re finally going to see some more seasonable conditions by the middle of next week with clouds and rain and snow and highs in the 30’s and 40’s and lows in the 20’s. This is what we’ve been waiting for!

Get your cold weather gear together, get your streamer rigs ready and keep that dry fly rod rigged. With any luck you may just get your fall BWO fix after all though many of us have moved past that possibility and are concentrating our efforts on winter nymphing and Streamers!

Some are stripping, some are swinging. Both methods are producing and are a great way to spend a day on the water. Our streamer bins are fully stocked with the best bugs in the canyon including many ZK Exclusives you won’t find in any other shop.

Need a new streamer rig? We’ve got great options from Loop, Echo and Redington and a full range of streamer specialty lines from Rio and Airflo. Stay tuned for our Winter Rod Sale happening soon.

If nymphing is your game stick with the sow bugs and scuds and it may be time to start working in some pink and some firebeads as well. Pink Weight flies, Casne’s Pinkalicious, Ninch’s Thunderbug, Pink Lightning bugs, Pink AmEx…..they’re all winter staples and while we aren’t there quite yet it won’t be long.

Water temps are dropping and the fish are on the move making the transition away from the fast (ish) shallows to the slower, deeper winter water.

If you’re going to play the streamer game then I would suggest you still spend plenty of time bombing the banks but don’t overlook the slower, deeper runs where you’ll want to slow that retrieve way down or just let it swing.

Look for a slight increase in traffic out there on the weekends but expect to have it pretty much to yourself during the week, especially when that colder weather rolls in.

Daylight is becoming scarce so you’ll want to keep your floats on the short side from here on out. Wolf Creek to Craig (or something in that 5-6 mile range) is perfect. Late starts and short floats are the winter program so a couple of nights at Wolf Creek Angler make perfect sense. We’ve got plenty of rooms available and at just $99/night plus tax you’ll have more than enough left over for Christmas shopping which, depending on who is on your list, you may be able to take care of while you’re here.

Looking for a great deal on a guided trip? Beginning November 15th and running through March 15th we’re offering full day Missouri River float trips for one or two anglers at the obscenely reasonable rate of $350. Sound too good to be true? Wait, there’s more! We assume you’ll need lodging as long as you’re coming over to fish so we’re offering a guided fishing/lodging package. Two nights lodging and a full day of guided fishing for one or two anglers for $500 + tax! You won’t find a better deal ANYWHERE!

We are well aware that winter can be a sketchy time to book a float trip due to changing weather conditions so for that reason we’re charging NO CANCELLATION FEES for winter lodging and guide trips.

We hope to see you soon at Wolf Creek Angler, your Missouri River late season fly fishing destination.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-11-12T18:58:37-07:00November 12th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: $350 Missouri River Guide Trips, Christmas, Craig MT, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, RIO, running line, Streamer Fishing, streamers, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Sunday Update

Plenty of traffic out there this weekend despite some breezy conditions on the water.

A mixed bag of reports from yesterday with that sow bug bite reportedly dropping off a bit. Mayfly nymphs coming on strong.

It’s on the quiet side here today but still a few folks willing to brave the 30 mph gusts in their quest for Missouri River fall Trout Nirvana.

Rooms turning over as we welcome the next bunch of guests primed for their week of fly fishing the MO’. It looks like it’s going to be a good one weather wise with winds diminishing and temps holing in the 50’s all week under partly cloudy skies and a chance of showers each of the next several days.

Nymphing and streamers will be preferred for the next while as we wait patiently for the bigger bugs but keep the dry fly rigs at the ready because you never know when it might happen. Start late – end late, evenings have been worth sticking around for.

The transition is underway in Wolf Creek and Craig as we move towards the off-season. The Oasis is currently open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on Thursday – Monday and last we heard Izaaks will be open Wednesday – Sunday for the remainder of the month. We will keep you posted on the food situation as it changes but as of right now Tuesdays are food free in Wolf Creek and Craig save breakfast and lunch from The Trout Shop deli through the end of October. Just something to keep in mind as you make your plans for late season fishing on the Missouri.

Another thing to keep in mind is that we offer rooms with full kitchens and access to gas grills so that whole no place to eat thing actually doesn’t have to be a problem at all, just bring your own food and dine in.

We are your year-round Missouri River fly fishing destination with more on-site lodging than anyone. We are outfitter owned and operated and able to get you on the water most anytime so hit us with those last minute plans….we would love to have you as our guest. Vehicle shuttles, Adipose and RO Drift Boat rentals, cold weather gear from Simms, Kast and Redington, Loop Rods and Reels and of course, the largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Open daily at 7 AM. Nobody is open earlier!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:31-06:00October 16th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Montana, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

October Skies over the MO’

As expected, this week of cool, cloudy, wet weather was just what we needed to get things going. By most accounts the fishing these past couple of days has been off the charts. Not only are we seeing the best fishing of the fall thus far, we’re seeing what has so far turned out to be the best fall fishing season we’ve had in several years.

I heard not one, but three different reports on two different days from folks who proclaimed they had experienced as good a fishing as they have ever had on the Missouri. These were all nymphing/streamer reports but it sounds like the dry-fly fishing hasn’t been too shabby either. Definitely still a Pseudo game for the most part but some bigger baetis starting to show as well.

This is the time of year you can fish any way you like and more than likely do pretty well. We’re rolling with streamer rods, nymphing rigs and dry fly rigs all at the ready.

The dam has remained a little quiet with most concentrating their efforts in the canyon or in the Wolf Creek – Spite stretches but there are fish everywhere and you should make it a point to explore some different water rather than sticking to the same two or three spots time and again. We’ve seen it a few times this past week where folks who fish the Bull Pasture etc religiously aren’t having great days and they have no idea where else to go. There are miles and miles of fish-filled water. Get out there and find your new favorite water!

Best bets for nymphing haven’t changed much. Sows, zebras, czechs, San Juan Worms, slender profile mayfly nymphs (Green Machines, Magic Flies, Juju Baetis etc) and a few starting to find some success on the firebeads and pink stuff as well.

Once again, the dry fly action is primarily a pseudo game but a #12 or #14 parachute Adams paired with an actual pseudo pattern or a smaller Adams or some variety of BWO might do the trick. I like an Olive Adams paired with a CDC Caddis Emerger, the fish do too. Have your favorite BWO emergers and cripples on deck as well, they may be seeing some playing time soon.

Streamers could be your ticket to your biggest fish of the season but keep your expectations reasonable and be prepared to work for them. Fish the bugs you believe in. Big or small, it’s up to you. Make America great again and fish one of each, they could be Stronger Together. Whatever you do make Wolf Creek Angler your first stop on your way to the MO. We are your streamer specialists with bins full of bugs you won’t find anywhere else, bugs which not only catch fish but which also transcend the stereotypes of size, style and color giving you the edge over those using the same old streamers the fish have been seeing for years. Not that those tried and true patterns don’t work, they do. Sometimes it’s just cool to break away from what you know and try something new.

It’s been a busy week in the shop with a big run on rain gear, waders, hand warmers, gloves and hats in addition to the usual bug and shuttle purchases.

We’ve got a full house right now and will for most of the remainder of the season though it does taper off the last week in October. That’s when the real hard-core fall anglers start to show. The porches have been abuzz with activity each night as our guests return from the river (or from watching the ball game) and recount the events of the day while staving off the chill in the air with a cocktail or two….it’s great to have all of these people around as we anticipate the quiet winter months ahead.

Look for one more day of clouds tomorrow before things brighten up this weekend. Sunshine returns with highs back in the 60’s for the weekend and at this point it looks like plenty of sunshine on tap for next week.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:31-06:00October 6th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Rainy days on the MO’

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Weather got you down?

It shouldn’t! This is what we think of when we think of fall fishing on the Missouri. Cold, wet, cloudy…..what’s not to like?

This is BWO weather and it’s also the kind of weather the streamer junkies dream of. With a chance for showers (both the rain and snow varieties) all week long and temps hanging south of 50 you can expect plenty of traffic out there and while we make no guarantees we think the fishing could be off the charts.

It’s a great time to fish the Missouri provided you have the right gear but there are few things more miserable as being stuck in a drift boat on a rainy 40 degree day , soaked to the core. Hypothermia tends to really detract from the experience.

We’ve all got our favorite pieces of essential gear for this type of weather but at the very least this is what we would recommend for ultimate comfort.

Redington SonicDry base layers. These pants and crew shirts are the perfect next to skin layer. SonicDry™ baselayer is powered by 37.5™ Permanent Technology and dries 2X faster than the competition, making your outdoor experience warmer, drier and more comfortable. This product is the answer for any outdoor adventure.

SIMMS Wading Socks. Use these premium Merino Wool Socks in conjunction with Simms liner socks to wick away moisture and keep your feet warm and dry all day.

Simms ColdWeather Pants. These micro-fleece lined pants are the best thing since sliced bread! If it gets really cold you can wear them over a base layer but I wear them by themselves until the temps drop into sub-zero conditions. They feature an adjustable waist and the Velcro closures on the cuffs prevent them from bunching up making them the perfect under-wader pants. You won’t believe how comfortable these pants are. It’s the best $100 you’ll spend this fall! coldweather

Simms ColdWeather Shirt. Equally as cozy and comfortable, these brushed flannel shirts feature waffle fleece lining and are the perfect insulating layer over your base. We love them for fishing of course but we wear them on and off the water. Quite possibly THE perfect fall and winter shirt. 20314-furyorangeplaid-l

Redington Sonic Pro Waders. At just under $300 you won’t find a more economical choice. These ultra-durable 4-layer waders feature Ultra-Sonic welded construction, articulated seams for ease of mobility and a reinforced lower leg for increased durability. You can spend a lot of money on waders and you generally get what you pay for but we sell a pile of Sonic Pros because they have many of the same features as some of the higher end waders at a fraction of the cost. sonic

Simms Guide Jacket – The Guide™ Jacket is a proven work horse that is built-to-fish with Gore-Tex® Shell fabric that’s waterproof, breathable, lightweight, and tenacious against tears.

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Kast Steelhead Gloves. We talk about these gloves a lot and we sell a bunch of them. There are all kinds of gloves to choose from out there but we know of none other quite like these. Patented OutDry technology makes them 100% waterproof/submersible, windproof, and breathable. Plus the warm fleece lining, and durable stretch shell give you the snug fit and uncompromising feel that you need in the fingertips, and an extended cuff for valuable additional coverage at the wrist.

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Block out the wind and the rain and you’re good. You’ll be surprised just how nasty of weather you can tolerate as long as you are dry. We’ve got all of the listed items above (and many more) in stock now at Wolf Creek Angler, your Missouri River fall fly fishing one stop.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:31-06:00October 3rd, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Redington, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

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