The Oasis Archives - Wolf Creek Angler

Welcome Spring

Spring is beginning to show itself on the MO. Photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Spring officially arrived yesterday with sunshine and 60’s, a nearly perfect day. We were happy to soak it in yesterday, but we’re looking at another week of winter-like weather ahead and we’re happy to have it.

We’re very pleased to report that the snow pack is continuing to build and should be maintained with slightly below average daytime highs and cold nights in the high country.

Here on the Missouri we’re looking at a chance of snow showers every day this week starting tomorrow with temps in the high 30’s and low 40’s. Consequently, we’re going to hold off on opening up more lodging for the time being but we expect to have all the cabins open and available the first week of April and will likely have the motel units up and running by mid to late April, depending on the weather.

Spring lodging and guide dates are filling rapidly so don’t put it off any longer. Book your spring dates with us now. It’s an awesome time to fish the Missouri River with light to moderate traffic and great opportunities no matter what your fly fishing game. Nymphing has already started to really heat up, dry-fly opportunities are becoming more consistent and with the water temp flirting with 40 degrees, the streamer game is also starting to turn on and will only get better from here on out.

Come spend a few days with us and see why we consider spring to be one of the best times to fish the Missouri. Spend a day or two on the water with one of our expert professional guides and then spend a few more on your own either taking advantage of the abundant walk in access or perhaps renting a RO or Adipose Drift Boat to explore the 30 plus miles from Holter Dam to Cascade. Ask about our spring special. We’re offering great prices on lodging, guide trips and boat rentals through the end of April. You can’t afford to pass these deals up!

$99 gets you cozy and quiet accommodations in Wolf Creek with a full kitchen, private bath, access to barbecue grills and to THE UP and COMING Missouri River fly shop fully stocked with everything you need for your day on the water.

New gear arriving daily including LOOP, Echo, St Croix and Redington rods and reels, a bunch of cool new Simms WCA logo gear, tons of bugs added to an already impressive and expansive selection and the most laid-back, ego-free, customer service committed atmosphere you’ll find anywhere.

The Hell Razor Jacket from Kast available at Wolf Creek Angler

Don’t miss Extreme deals on Extreme Fishing Gear from KAST. The calendar may say spring but the weather will continue to say winter for a while ( we hope). Pick up a Hell Razor prima-loft jacket at 40% off and you’ll be laughing at the cold as you experience the hottest fishing of the season.

Your dining options will greatly increase this week as the legendary Izaaks in Craig opens for the season this Thursday, the 24th. We can’t wait! Izaaks will be open Tuesday-Sunday at 4 PM through April and will be open daily come May.

The Oasis in Wolf Creek will continue to be open Thursday – Monday from 8:00 – 7:00 PM serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Please support our local businesses.

The shop will be open seven days a week beginning April 4th, from 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM.

Yes the season is upon us! We hope to see you soon at Wolf Creek Angler!

Why Wolf Creek? 10 Reasons you should make Wolf Creek your Missouri River fly fishing destination

10. Location, Location, Location

Wolf Creek is located just 3 miles from the Wolf Creek Bridge and 4.5 miles from Holter Dam. Chances are if you are traveling by car to fish the Missouri from much of Western, Southwestern and Central Montana and beyond you will be passing through Wolf Creek before you reach the river. Whether you are coming from Helena, Missoula, Kalispell, Billings, Bozeman, Butte or a host of other cities Wolf Creek is your first access to the Missouri River. Since Holter Dam to Craig is the most popular section of the river to float/fish it only makes sense to exit at Wolf Creek, buy your flies and arrange your shuttles at Wolf Creek Angler and proceed to your adventure on the MO. We will shuttle your rig to Craig or wherever you choose to float and you will have saved yourself all kinds of time and substantial mileage. If you choose to bypass Wolf Creek and start your day in Craig you have already added eight miles to your trip. Not the end of the world but by the time you travel eight miles back to Holter Dam or Wolf Creek Bridge you’ve added roughly 15-20 miles to your trip and shaved 30 minutes to an hour off of your fishing time. If you come out once a week to fish you are looking at 60-80 extra miles and a loss of several hours of fishing time over the course of the month. If you fish every month of the year it could be costing you up to several hundred dollars (depending on gas prices) and up to two days of lost fishing time over the course of a year! That’s a steep price to pay and we would love to help you save your time and money.

9. Food, Gas and Lodging

Looking to have access to amenities during your trip to the Missouri any time of the year? Wolf Creek is your destination. With two bar/restaurants and the ONLY gas station/convenience store and the ONLY US Post Office between Helena and Cascade, Wolf Creek is your first choice. Need lodging? Wolf Creek Angler has you covered with affordable lodging options year round. We’ve got units with full kitchens and full baths which sleep up to four comfortably and during the warmer months we’ve got no-frills motel rooms for under $70/night. We are dog friendly, we offer guide discounts and all of our units are clean and comfortable and right next door to a first-rate Missouri River fly shop.

8. A River Runs Through It

Much of Norman Maclean’s novel A River Runs Through It takes place in and around Wolf Creek. Wolf Creek is mentioned in the story many times – other Missouri River fishing destinations are not.

7. Little Prickly Pear/Wolf Creek Canyon

Postcard view of Little Prickly Pear Canyon

Our awe-inspiring canyon goes by both names. Whatever you choose to call it it’s an amazing place. Please keep your eyes on the road as you wind your way through the canyon along Little Prickly Pear Creek. More than a billion years ago,during the Precambrian Era, an ancient inland seaway deposited these shales and sands, which over time,became these vibrant red and green mudstones called“Spokane Shale”. Many of our guests enjoy relaxing times on the porch gazing at the rugged hillside across from the shop where we often see mule deer and big horn sheep and the occasional black bear.

6. The Oasis

Located within walking distance of Wolf Creek Angler, The Oasis offers dining during the season and is a great place to unwind anytime of the year with a game of pool or just watching the game and relaxing in the bar.

5. Welcome to Wolf Creek MT

Wolf Creek is made up of an eclectic mix of residents, some with deep Montana roots spanning generations, others who’ve arrived here from anywhere and elsewhere and have fallen in love with all that Wolf Creek has to offer. It might get a little weird around Wolf Creek sometimes but that’s part of what we love about it. Come discover for yourself the charm of Wolf Creek MT.

4. Wolf Creek Bridge

To call the Wolf Creek Bridge iconic is an understatement. Everyone who has fished the Missouri knows the bridge. It is probably our most photographed local landmark and images of our bridge often appear on the blogs and facebook pages of local fly shops and outfitters. We love our bridge so much we made it a part of our logo and while we love to see pictures of our bridge on social media, Wolf Creek Angler is the only shop with a rightful claim to the Wolf Creek Bridge.

3. Shotgun Annie’s

A Wolf Creek institution, Shotgun Annie’s (formerly The Frenchman and Me) is the only year-round restaurant between Helena and Cascade. It is a classic small town Montana saloon and is a favorite amongst our guests. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner and Shotgun Annie’s. They serve up great steaks, ribs, burgers and more.

2. Montana Microbrews at The Canyon Store

Rivaling the Montana-Made beer selection of large grocery stores in the bigger cities, The Canyon Store has fully embraced the Montana Microbrew craze. Check out their great selections from Lewis and Clark, Bitterroot Brewing, Bayern, Mighty Mo, Bozone and more.

1. Wolf Creek Angler

On the move and at your service since April of 2014, we are here for the long haul and fully intend to do our part to put Wolf Creek back on the map as a Missouri River fly fishing destination. We are your full service Missouri River fly shop offering lodging, guided fly fishing, drift boat and equipment rentals, shuttle service and a first-rate shop with an ever-growing inventory of everything you need for success on the Missouri River including the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

This season make Wolf Creek your Missouri River fly fishing destination!