Streamer Fishing Archives - Page 18 of 19

Countdown to Christmas

Another mild weekend weather-wise here in Wolf Creek . It looks like it’s going to be nice tomorrow with partly sunny skies and temps near 40 and warmer yet on Sunday but it’s going to get windy with a WSW wind at 18-20, gusting to 30 mph. Do your fishing tomorrow and make Sunday a football day!

We will be here tomorrow as well as Monday – Wednesday for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs and last-minute Christmas gifts for the fly fishers on your list. Great deals on almost everything and we’re happy to help you find the perfect gift if you’re not sure what they want. Wolf Creek Angler gift cards available in any amount and good for everything we sell. We will be closing early on Wednesday (probably around 11) and will be closed on Christmas day.

It was a good fishing week with nymphing and streamer fishing producing respectable numbers daily. Conditions have remained fairly consistent with water temps in the high 30’s and flows steady in the 4500 range. The best nymph patterns this week were the pink lightning bugs, firebead soft hackle sows and firebead worms. Polar leeches in copper and copper and olive continue to be our go-to streamers but tan circus peanuts, sparkle minnows and sparkle sculpins and buggers have been getting some attention as well. All of these and many more available at Wolf Creek Angler.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:03-06:00December 19th, 2014|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Countdown to Christmas at Wolf Creek Angler

Well we’re halfway through December. The fish are plentiful, the anglers are not. The weather has beat expectations throughout the fall with most days being more than fishable and some days being down right unseasonable with temps in the 50’s. The trend continues this week with sunny skies and high 30’s through the weekend, climbing back into mid 40’s next week. Disappointing for those hoping for a white Christmas but an awesome gift to those lucky enough to have easy access to this incredible fishery year-round.

Christmas break has begun for the college students and they are starting to arrive in Wolf Creek. We are booked through mid-week but do have vacancies for the coming weekend. If you’re going to fish the Missouri during your break make Wolf Creek Angler your first stop for shuttles, bugs, cold weather gear, RO drift boat rentals, lodging and much more. College students receive 15% off total purchase with valid college id – now through the end of the year.

Nymphing has been the most consistent method as of late with Rainbow Czechs, Pink Lightning Bugs and all kinds of Firebeads leading the charge. Zebra midges in black and purple and tailwater sow bugs and scuds in pink and grey should not be overlooked.

Those committing to the streamer are still having respectable days on the swing or with a SLOW retrieve. Polar Leeches in Olive and Olive and Copper continue to be effective. Black buggers are reportedly also getting some attention but we prefer some flash and I think the fish do too.

There are midges around and there are fish eating them. I haven’t taken a dry fly rig along recently but it certainly wouldn’t be a bad call if that is your game.

If you are still shopping for the fly fisher on your list stop by the shop or give us a call and let us help you find the perfect gift. Maybe it’s a new fly rod or new cooler. Maybe it’s a full day guide trip. Maybe it’s a WCA gift card loaded with a year’s worth of shuttles or a loaded Missouri River fly box. Maybe it’s Wolf Creek Angler logo gear, an excellent choice for your friends around the country and around the globe. Whatever it is, we are here to help you find what you need and we will gladly do whatever we can to simplify things for you. We are happy to mail gift cards or ship merchandise anywhere in the world. Call (406)235-4350 or toll-free 1-800-800-4350.

Wolf Creek Angler Gift Cards are available in any amount, are re-loadable and can be used on EVERYTHING.

The shop is open Wednesday – Saturday from 8 am – 4 pm and if the weather is nice we are usually around on the other days as well. We are open and available for lodging and guide trips every day. Don’t forget our $395 full day guide trips while the snow flies.

See you in the shop and on the water…

~Jason O.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:03-06:00December 16th, 2014|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Christmas, dry fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The Christmas Season has arrived. Shop Wolf Creek Angler for all the fly fishers on your list.

Another month in the books as we approach the end of 2014. November dragged on a bit with some extreme cold spells which kept folks off the river but which kept us busy trying to keep the water flowing at Wolf Creek Angler.

The break in the action gave us time to get out and do some non-fishing related things as well. I was happy to shoot a mule deer early in the month and even happier that Fred was still here at that time to come out and help me drag it! I attended my first “Brawl of the Wild” in Missoula a couple of weekends back and had a great time watching the Griz beat up on the Cats and was back there last weekend to watch Montana roll to victory in the first round of the FCS playoffs. Fun stuff!

The BWO’s we thought might show up in November didn’t but the nymphing certainly had its moments and the streamer bite was respectable depending on the day. I was only on the water a handful of days in November doing a couple of guide days and one or two days on my own. For the most part I was pretty content to enjoy the view of the river from the comfort of my warm vehicle as I drove the corridor taking pictures of winter’s beauty. It’s looking like another warm up towards the end of this week so I will make it a point to get out there and get you a first hand report of what’s happening. Judging by the bugs we’ve been selling the winter game is on. Pink is in and with the water temps now down in the 38 degree range it’s time to start working the slow deep runs and getting your bugs down to the fish. The colder that water gets the less likely the fish are to move so it is critical to put the bugs right in front of them and to check every slight stop/drop of the indicator as the strikes tend to get pretty subtle this time of year.

Thank you to everyone who came out for our Black Friday Sale. We will continue to have great deals on all kinds of gear through Christmas Eve. Sonic Pro Waders from Redington, St Croix Bank Robber and High Stick Drifter rods, cold-weather gear from Outdoor Research, Fishpond Nomad boat nets, awesome WCA SIMMS logo gear, all kinds of tools and accessories and of course, the largest fly selection ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana. We’ve got something for all of the fishy folks on your list.

Wolf Creek Angler Gift Cards are available in any amount, are re-loadable and can be used on EVERYTHING.

Can’t decide what to buy them – how about a Wolf Creek Angler gift card good for anything from merchandise to shuttles to lodging to rentals to guide trips. Our cards are available in any amount and are re-loadable. Now through Christmas Eve purchase a gift card in the amount of $100 or more and receive a second $10 gift card for yourself.

We have a couple of vacancies for the weekend warm-up so give us a call at the shop today to book your room. We are open Wednesday-Saturday 8:00 AM – 4 PM and will usually be found here any day other than Sunday that the temperature is over 30 degrees. Likewise, we might not be found here any day the temperature is below zero. Call ahead just to make sure. (406)235-4350. Don’t forget winter lodging rates of $99/night and $395 guide trips while the snow flies.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:03-06:00December 1st, 2014|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, indicator, Missouri River, running line, St Croix, Streamer Fishing, streamers, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Dog days of Fall. With Fred back in Michigan for the winter Jake has been spending a lot of time in the shop and on the water with me. He’s a great fishing partner though his rowing skills are lacking… photo by Wolf Creek Angler

The weather couldn’t be better for November fishing on the Missouri. We’re looking at cloudy skies and 40’s for the next couple of days before we drop back to colder temps early next week. It doesn’t appear as though we’re headed back into single digits for a while but this week definitely seems like the favorable weather window. Could be on the breezy side but we’ll definitely take it.

I was out Tuesday looking for fish up and doing some nymphing. No fish up – a few to hand on nymphs – not a great day but certainly nice to be on the water after spending all of last week battling frozen plumbing.

Matt was out on Monday and did pretty well on pink stuff so I ran with that and ended up having most of my hook-ups on a pink lightning bug though the tailwater sow was getting some attention as well.

Streamers would be a good call today. They’re a good call any day. Polar Leeches in olive and copper, Kreelex in brown and gold, Sculpin Sparkle Minnows, Circus Peanuts in tan, Dirty Hippies in brown…the options are limitless. Stop by the shop on your way to the water and we’ll get you set up with everything you need.

I had the Wolf Creek to Craig stretch all to myself on Tuesday but expect some traffic out there for the next few days. We’ve got a full house here for the weekend so I know of at least a few folks who will definitely be out there.

We’re open at 8:00 am for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs. Bugs, shuttles, drift boat rentals, lodging and much more and we’re right on your way! We’ll be here all day today and tomorrow and will be here to get you going on Saturday morning before we head off to Missoula for the Brawl of the Wild. The shop is closed on Sundays for the winter but we’re always open for lodging and guide trips. We will be closed on Thanksgiving but will see you bright and early on Black Friday with great deals on most everything. Wolf Creek Angler gift cards make the perfect gift and can be used for merchandise, lodging, shuttles and guide trips. Who wouldn’t want a $100 worth of shuttles? We’re happy to send gift cards anywhere in the world so while we’d love to see you in the shop you can save yourself the trip and get all your Christmas shopping done from wherever your are with a call to us at (406)235-4350.

See you in the shop and on the water.

~Jason O.

Wolf Creek Bridge. Cloudy November days are perfect for streamer fishing the Missouri River – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:03-06:00November 20th, 2014|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Christmas, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, nymphs, running line, Streamer Fishing, streamers, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The Missouri River is a year-round fishery – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

We’re just a couple days into a bit of a cold snap which has brought with it some much needed winter precipitation but it looks like a warm up underway for the remainder of the week. It doesn’t take long to grow tired of the cold and while we appreciate the fact that many love Montana for the winter activities it offers, we love to fish. We love to fish any and every month of the year and it just so happens that we have a year-round fishery here on the Missouri River.

We love the summer crowds and the hustle and bustle on and off the river but we also love the solitude afforded us by the colder months. Traffic on the river is minimal but the fishing can be downright spectacular depending on the day. The first time I fished the Missouri was a February day with temps in the high 30’s and lots of sunshine and we had one of the best days of winter fishing I’ve ever had anywhere.

Winter nymphing is nearly always productive on the MO and the late fall and early winter can offer some of the best streamer fishing you will have on this river. Add to this the the ever-present midge hatches offering dry fly fishing opportunities and you have everything you could want no matter what your game.

Well into the winter fishing season, we’ve entered the time of year when nymph selection is a no-brainer. Firebeads, pink anything, sowbugs, lightning bugs…you know the drill. I should spend more time trying different patterns out in the winter but since cold hands are kind of part of the deal and since one double nymph rig often works for weeks at a time, I usually leave things alone for as long as I can.

Some of our favorite winter nymph patterns. Top – purple lightning bug. 2nd row Rainbow Weight Fly with firebead. 3rd row left to right pink san juan worm, Rainbow Czech, Firebead Soft Hackle Sow Bug, Keller’s Payczech Rainbow, Hot Bead Wire Worm. 4th Row Firebead Rainbow Czech, Pink Scud, Tungsten Tailwater Sowbug. 5th row Casne’s Pinkalicious, Rainbow Warrior, Firebead Pink Ray. 6th row PInk Lightning Bug, Black Tungsten Zebra Midge, Purple Tungsten Zebra Midge. All available at Wolf Creek Angler. Photo – Wolf Creek Angler

Wolf Creek is your year-round Missouri River fishing destination – photo Wolf Creek Angler

So where to stay?

There is a common misconception that EVERYTHING shuts down in Craig and Wolf Creek once winter sets in. This is simply not the case. While things are quiet you can still find everything you need from flies to shuttles to boat rentals to lodging to dining…it’s all right here in Wolf Creek. With Shotgun Annie’s open for food and drinks, The Oasis serving up plenty of strong winter libations, the only gas station and only grocery store between Helena and Cascade (The Canyon Store) and Wolf Creek Angler, your 12-month full service fly shop, guide service and lodging operation you need go no further than Wolf Creek. And since most of the winter fishing on the Missouri River takes place between Holter Dam and Craig, by staying in Wolf Creek you are just minutes from both the dam and Wolf Creek Bridge launch sights.

Winter really is the secret season on the Missouri and while there are some hardcore anglers who will fish in single digits we prefer 30 and above. Fortunately we see a fair amount of these 30 plus degree days over the course of the winter so watch the weather and find time to come fish the Mighty Mo this winter. We typically fill our weekend lodging up by mid-week when the forecast is for nice weather so keep an eye on the 10-day and don’t wait. We understand that the weather can change quickly and we wouldn’t expect you to fish through a polar vortex so don’t worry about cancellation fees for lodging or guide trips due to cold weather. Book your trips and worry not – we get it! Take advantage of our off-season lodging rates ($99/night) and guide trips for $400 while the snow flies. Better yet, book your winter guide trip and lodging special for just $500. That’s a full day Missouri River guide trip for one or two anglers AND two night’s premium lodging for just $500. It’s the best deal on the Missouri River Hands Down. Nobody…and I mean NOBODY can touch this one.

We look forward to seeing you in Wolf Creek this winter.

The Canyon Store is the only gas station/convenience store between Helena and Cascade and has an awesome Montana Microbrew selection.

Winter Solitude on the MO’

By Jason Orzechowski|2019-01-22T19:51:05-07:00November 18th, 2014|Categories: Montana Fly Fishing, Shop Life|Tags: Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, nymphs, RO Drift Boats, running line, Streamer Fishing, streamers, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM WOLF CREEK ANGLER

Halloween 2015. The weather conditions remain the same, unseasonably warm and sunny, however we are under our first winter storm watch of the season beginning Saturday night with the potential for 5-10 inches of snow at the higher elevations and 1-4 here on the Missouri. Could see rain or snow or both but the hope is that whatever weather we see it is accompanied by the BWO’s which have yet to make a real appearance. Fingers are crossed.
Fred and I traveled to Livingston Wednesday night and spent yesterday ripping streamers on the Yellowstone. Having been MO bound for the most part since April it was a great opportunity to get out and see some of the other awesome waters of the state. While I’ve fished the Yellowstone a time or two, neither of us had ever floated it. We were not disappointed! We committed to the streamer all day long and moved a ton of fish and even managed to boat a few. We will definitely be back.

Shades of brown on the Yellowstone – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Floating the Yellowstone – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Fred with a solid Yellowstone River Brown – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Best of the day – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Thanks to Matt for holding down the fort yesterday on his last “official day” in the shop. Hard to believe that the season is already over, it seems like we just opened the doors. Our inaugural season can only be described as a “blur” in the best possible way. We certainly had our hands full trying to figure this thing out and while I don’t think we’ll ever have it completely figured out we did learn a lot this season and we can’t wait to do it again. A huge THANK YOU to each and every one of our customers for allowing us to pursue our dream and to the fly fishing community in general for welcoming us into the fold. We are thrilled to be a part of this family, as dysfunctional as it sometimes seems. Special thanks to The Trout Shop, Crosscurrents, Headhunters Fly Shop and Trout Montana for doing what you do and for helping us do what we do. Thank you also to The Canyon Store, The Frenchman, The Oasis, Izaaks and the other businesses in the area as well as to all the folks in Wolf Creek and Craig who have gone out of their way to make us feel like we belong.

As always there are exciting changes coming to Wolf Creek Angler, changes which are, in large part, a result of your requests and suggestions. We are confident you will be pleased with the changes you will continue to see in Wolf Creek as we evolve and grow and continue to convert our inspired visions into reality.
A big topic of conversation amongst Fred and Sheila and myself has been what to do this winter. We’ve been contemplating everything from being fully open to fully closed for the winter months and believe we’ve found a happy medium that may or may not change depending on what kind of winter we get. As it stands now we will have cabins and bungalows available at least through the end of November and we plan to offer limited lodging through the winter months. We will have a couple of units available and will see how it goes. The shop is currently open daily from 7:30 am – 5 pm. With Fred heading back to Michigan soon for the winter we will likely be adopting a winter schedule which will probably mean 4-5 days/week. We’re still trying to figure out which days would work best but as of now we are leaning Thursday-Monday. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.

For now we will see you daily 7:30 AM – 5 PM. Lodging is booked solid for the weekend but we do have availability next week should you decide to make the trek to the Missouri in search of BWO’s and the fish that love to eat them. Winter rates are in effect with cabins and bungalows going for $99/night. Give us a call to book lodging or guide trips or stop by on your way to the river for bugs, shuttles, boats and a bunch of great cold weather gear which just arrived from Outdoor Research.

Don’t forget the big Halloween party tonight at 7 PM at Uncle Joe’s Oasis Bar and Grill, it should be a great time.

See you in the shop and on the water.

~Jason O.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:06-06:00October 31st, 2014|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Craig MT, Headhunters Fly Shop, Missouri River, Outdoor Research, running line, Streamer Fishing, Uncle Joe's Oasis Bar and Grill, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, Yellowstone River|0 Comments

Tuesday Fishing Report

stormy
A good soaker last night and this morning with more on the way for today and tomorrow. Winter weather advisory in effect above 6000 feet with 6-8 inches of slushy snow expected above 7000 feet. The current temperature here in Wolf Creek is right around 50 and it won’t get much warmer until Thursday when we move back into the 70’s. 80’s by the weekend. Currently looking at blue sky but there is more weather moving in as I write. It could be an epic streamer day – a perfect day to give the newly arrived Dirty Hippy a try. We just put them in the bin this morning and can’t wait to give em’ a go.

Craven’s Dirty Hippy

Dry fly fishing could be tough with the weather but it’s hard to say. We continue to hear some good reports of PMD’s down low and there have been plenty of fish up eating. A size 14 Outrigger Caddis or Parachute Adams with a size 16 cdc caddis emerger trailer is a hard combination to beat this time of year and BIG stuff fished blind has reportedly been effective for some.

Nymphing has been consistently solid though there have been some perplexing days over the past week. The Red Headed Step Child and the Grey Little Green Machine have been good as have Gold Lightning bugs, purple wild things and Hot Belly PT’s in both purple and orange. Wireworms and sowbugs are still producing as well. There have been lots of different bugs getting fish, the trick has been finding where those fish are. Short leashing has had it’s moments and has also been a bust depending on the day and time of day. The moderately fast 4 – 6 foot water with a longer leash and varying amounts of weight has been more consistent. Adjust weight and length until you find them and then hone in on the bug selection. Certainly easier said than done but the fish are there somewhere.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:07-06:00June 17th, 2014|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Dirty Hippy, green machine, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Summer is back in Wolf Creek

What a difference a week makes. Last week at this time we had people cancelling weekend reservations because of high flows. By the end of the week we were under 6,000 and from what we are hearing we will be under 4,000 by the end of the day. The doom and gloom predictions of a repeat of the high water of 2011 were wrong. Hopefully the predictions of average flows in the 5,000 range for the remainder of the year will prove to be true.

The fishing has been good with nymphing still leading the charge but dry fly fishing is definitely ON with a fair amount of caddis around and some downright prolific baetis hatches over the past few days. The lower flows have the fish looking up consistently and you can definitely make a day out of dry fly fishing between targeting rising fish and blind casting a large dry with a trailing emerger.

Nymphing has been good to great with a couple of tougher days during the big volume drop. Wire worms continue to produce followed closely by sow bugs. Soft hackle and tailwater sows have been getting it done as have Little Green Machines, Purple Wild Things, Weight flies in gold and purple and Juju baetis is purple. Lots of different bugs getting eats but we’ve heard more consistency with the sows than anything else but that could change at any time.

We’ve been busy with trips and lodging and people are starting to take notice of Wolf Creek’s best fly shop. We’ve got plenty of great bugs in the bins, including Green Machines, and there are new additions arriving almost daily. Plenty of WCA Logo gear in stock and everything you would expect to find in a first rate Missouri River Fly Shop, including friendly faces and a committment to great customer service. Follow our new signs off the Interstate and find out what the buzz is about!

Eloise Peter rachele colman

New signs bring you right to our door

Wolf Creek MT’s fly fishing destination

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:08-06:00June 12th, 2014|Categories: Fishing Report, Montana Fly Fishing|Tags: fly fishing, green machine, juju baetis, Missouri River, Montana, nymphs, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Stormy weather on tap for this weekend. Streamer fishing anyone?

Showers and thunderstorms on tap for this weekend. Missouri River flow currently at 11,100 cfs. Anglers from around the state have descended upon Wolf Creek and Craig in search of fishable water and we’re happy to report that we have plenty of it. Fishing has been good all week but has slowed a bit with the bump in flows yesterday and today. Nymphing is still the way to go with Hotbead Wire Worms and Sow Bugs leading the charge – especially with the bigger flows. A couple of bb’s and a 6′ – 8′ leash from indy to lead should get you started. Fish the spots you know and adjust accordingly. Other bugs of choice this week have been Green Machines (Back in Stock at Wolf Creek Angler), Bubbleback emergers, dark Peep Shows, Rainbow Czechs, soft hackle sows, Tungsten tailwater sows, Tung Darts, Weight Flies in Gold and Purple and the Blue Faerie Circus in #18. It could be a worm game for a while with the higher flows. We’ve got plenty of worms in the bins though we’ve all but sold out of the hotbead wireworms. More on the way. Streamer fishing could be the way to go this weekend with cloudy skies and rain. We haven’t heard an abundance of reports on this front but we did manage to steal away for a few hours yesterday afternoon to give it a go in the canyon and it was surprisingly productive considering the blue skies and bright sun we had all day. Nothing much to report as far as dry fly action as of yet. Evenings have offered the best opportunities but for the time being it’s still primarily a sub-surface game.

A few vacancies for tonight and Sunday but for the most part the Inn is Full! Monday things open up but we’re rapidly filling up starting Tuesday and running through the remainder of the week. If you’re thinking of coming to Wolf Creek this week and you’re planning on having a place to stay we suggest you call sooner rather than later. Stop by the shop for bugs and shuttles and anything else you might need for your day on the water. RO Drift boats available for rent for $150. At 11,000 cfs we suggest you fish from a boat and we’d love to help you out with that. As long as you’re going to fish from a boat you may as well hire us to take you fishing. Expert guides standing by – ready to work.

Have a great Missouri River weekend. See you in the shop and on the water. ~ Jason O.

Missouri River Rainbow
photo courtesy of Ryan Casne

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:08-06:00May 30th, 2014|Categories: Fishing Report, Montana Fly Fishing|Tags: Craig MT, fly fishing, green machine, Montana, nymphs, RO Drift Boats, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Friday Gear Review – St Croix Bank Robber

We are proud to be the only Authorized St Croix rod dealer in the canyon. Check out this review from Feather and Fin of the Bank Robber and stop by the shop to see and cast one for yourself. Streamer fishing has been hit or miss as of late but should improve as the water warms. Why not treat yourself to a new streamer rod this season from Wolf Creek Angler?

Gear Review: St Croix Bank Robber Fly Rod

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Spencer Knibbe

St Croix Bank Robber Review

A high performance fly rod that does exactly what was designed to do.

October fly fishing is all about throwing meaty streamers to aggressive brown trout. Unlike the spring where fly fishing is at its classical apex of brimmed hats, pipes, and noble dry fly presentations to sipping trout, fishing during this time of year is a street brawl with fat nasty fish that smash a swinging fly like a crazed linebacker.

I cannot think of a better rig to battle ornery fall browns with than my 6WT St Croix Bank Robber Fly Rod. One of the first truly niche rods to hit the market, the St Croix Bank Robber is specifically designed for streamer fishing…hence the name derived from the term “bank robbing,” or casting streamer flies to undercut river banks where the biggest nastiest fish lie. Made from high modulus/high strain graphite blanks, the Bank Robber is equipped with a fighting butt, anodized aluminum reel seat, and stout lower section that tapers into a sensitive tip. The rod is perfectly suited for making big booming casts, covering a lot of water, and fighting big fish caught on naughty streamer patterns. I’ve used it while fishing for trout, smallmouth/largemouth bass, and schoolie stripers…basically any species for which fishing streamer patterns is the preferred method.

As previously mentioned, I am a purist in matching gear that is appropriate to the task and have outfitted my St Croix Bank Robber with a Lamson Litespeed 2 Reel that is spooled Scientific Anglers Mastery Series Wet Express Sinking Tip fly line. I’ve found this setup to be best pairing and that it really enables me to take advantage of the rod’s power, accuracy, and get my flies down deep to where the big naughties are.

On the versatility front, the Bank Robber was made for one application and one application only. One is guaranteed to find yourself frustrated if you try to tie on anything but a streamer…but like hunting woodcock with a 10 GA shotgun, why would you even want to try? A slight miss that I have to pick with this rod is that it does not have a hook rest which is annoying. I’m told that the reel seat is designed serve this purpose, but it is a miss nonetheless. Bottom line…if you are not into this type of fly fishing, move on, this is not the rod for you.

I always have my 6WT St Croix Bank Robber with me when I’m targeting large trout in big water and would highly recommend this rod over its more expensive competition. Hit your local fly shop or eBay (see article) and check out a Bank Robber for yourself!

Product Page from St Croix

http://stcroixrods.com/products/fly-fishing/bank-robber

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:08-06:00April 18th, 2014|Categories: Product Review|Tags: running line, St Croix, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

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