tricos Archives - Wolf Creek Angler

Autumn in the Air

Summer has continued to hang around this week but autumn vibes are emerging, especially on these chilly Missouri River mornings.

Cooler, wet weather is on the way for the remainder of the week and into the early part of next week with a chance for showers each day, daytime highs in the 70’s and overnight lows dipping into the 40’s. The same system will deliver our first mountain snows of the season at elevations over 10,000 feet. We’ll see none of that but we’re excited to see fall weather shaping up as it should with fall technically still two weeks away. Bring it on!

Fall fishing is about to heat up as water temps cool. The Holter Dam to Craig run continues to see the most activity with double zebras getting it done in the grass flats. Your best bet for numbers for the next while will be nymphing that stretch but it’s obviously also where the traffic will be so if you’d prefer fewer boats and less competition don’t be afraid to work the middle and lower sections where you’ll likely end up with fewer fish but it’s a worthy trade for a bit more solitude on the water.

Best bets for nymphs right now would be your aforementioned Zebra Midges along with Frenchies, Little Green Machines, PT’s, October Caddis Nymphs, Sowbugs, Olive 2 Bits, Olive Psycho Mays and a host of other baetis nymphs.

Those looking for dry fly action have been hoping for better days with a lack of opportunities presenting themselves as of late. The waning tricos have all but wrapped up and terrestrials, while always a good fall option, haven’t been overly productive. Hoppers were hit and miss this season but will continue to play throughout September. Ants have historically been the preferred terrestrial but like the hoppers, just haven’t been overly productive this year. Keep at it with those terrestrials and start adding the October Caddis to your repertoire. September is the best month for the October Caddis on the MO…go figure.

If you’re into the tiny dry fly game you’re trico days are likely done for this season but you’ll be pleased to know that the oft despised Pseudocleoens have arrived. If fishing #22 dry flies makes you happy this is your time.

Personally, I could take or leave the Pseudos. Fall is STREAMER TIME as far as I’m concerned and weeds be damned; we’ll be ripping streamers from here on out. Our streamer bins have just been restocked with something for everyone. Whether buggers or balanced leeches or Sparkle Minnows or D & D’s or Wedge Heads and so much more, we’ve got you covered. Stop in and see why we’re known as THE BEST STREAMER SHOP ON THE MO hands down.

Need a new streamer line or maybe even a new rod and reel? We’ve got what you need with all the best sinking and intermediate options from SA, Rio and Airflo and rods and reels for every budget from Redington, Echo, Lamson and SAGE. Look for our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale COMING SOON!

We’re closing out a moderately busy guide week getting back into the swing of things while preparing for chaos next week with our busiest week of the fall by far. No guides available next week but if you’re looking to book that last minute trip things open up the following week through the end of the season.

Lodging is somewhat busy but we generally have at least a few vacancies nightly.

Our Autumn hours are now in effect, 7:30 AM – 5 PM daily. We hope you make us your first stop on your way to the river for shuttles, bugs and so much more.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-09-10T10:28:30-06:00September 10th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, green machine, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Montana, October Caddis, running line, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Missouri River Ghost Town – Late Summer Solitude

If solitude is what you seek, now is your chance to have the river virtually to yourself. The boat ramps are empty, and angling traffic has slowed to a crawl.

That being said, Saturday is Caddis Fest in Craig so we will likely see a bump in river traffic at Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge with folks finishing their floats in Craig just in time for the festivities, but I still wouldn’t worry about having to wait in line to launch your boats.

Conditions on the river are about what you’d expect for mid-August with flows holding at around 3600 CFS and temps in the 62 – 66-degree range depending on the time of day.

August is a little perplexing because the fishing is actually pretty darn good and during drought/low water years the MO is often one of the only viable options around which might lead you to believe it would be crowded but that is rarely the case.

As summer winds down people tend to want to pack in as much as they can before normal life resumes in just a couple of weeks. Per usual, there’s been no shortage of angling traffic on the Missouri or anywhere else around the state during this 2025 season and there will be plenty more as the fall season gets underway. August is a sleeper which is a great reason to make some time for one last Missouri River summer outing before the traffic resumes in September.

We have plenty of rooms available and chances are good we can get you on the water with a guide on short notice though once September hits those odds dwindle.

Trico action has been spotty as of late but with the river to yourself you ought to be able to find bugs and feeding fish SOMEWHERE!

Hopper Time!

The hopper/ant bite is decent and definitely worth your time though the MO has never been known for amazing hopper fishing. Still, if you commit to the hopper throughout the day and get a chug or two I’d deem that a success. What’s better than a hopper chug? Not much! It’s been a mixed bag on size and color but we’ve been erring on the smaller side (#12 – #14) and having good luck with darker shades of gray/purple but don’t count out yellow or peach or pink. Switch it up throughout the day and see if you can find one they like.

Nymphing is heating up in the grass flats in the Dam to Wolf Creek run with double zebras or the Zirdle/Zebra rig getting plenty of attention. Most of what traffic is here has generally been in the Dam to Craig stretch but might we suggest the middle and lower stretches, especially if hoppers are your game.

Just a reminder, the Holter Dam launch is a Federal Fee Required Site so don’t forget to pay your $5 daily fee if you are launching at the dam.

We’re here from 7 AM – 5 PM daily with everything you need for your day on the water including The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO and so much more.

By Jason Orzechowski|2025-08-14T09:28:22-06:00August 14th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Holter Dam, Hopper Time, Missouri River, running line, tricos, Wolf Creek, zebra midges|0 Comments

Quiet Days on the MO

Just back from a late summer jaunt to Ireland and settling back in to quiet times on the Missouri.

Angling traffic is light. Mid-week rec traffic has diminished but the next couple of weekends will continue to be busy with Labor Day and the end of the summer season rapidly approaching.

The heat wave that persisted through much of July and early August has relinquished, giving way to idyllic summer days with high temps in the 80’s and overnight lows in the 50’s. We are smoke free at the moment and a good amount of much needed rain has fallen over the past week bringing some relief to many of the rivers in the region struggling with low flows and high water temps.

Hoot Owl Restrictions have been lifted on some but remain on others. You can check out the current closures here.

Colors are starting to creep in and the choke cherries are ripe and abundant so be bear aware if you’re planning on plying the smaller waters and brushy banks. Fall is in the air.

Missouri River flows have been holding in the 4500 CFS range this week with current water temps in the 63 degree range. Weeds are an ever-present challenge as per usual during late summer on the Missouri but overall conditions really couldn’t be much better.

Tricos and caddis are still providing adequate dry fly action though many have shifted into terrestrial mode with hoppers and ants leading the charge. Target the banks and the edge of weed beds as well as mid-river riffles and breaks. The fish could be anywhere. Drop a small nymph (or don’t).

The nymph game is typical late summer fare with Zebras and sows and crays all getting plenty of attention. Most are still opting for clean waters of the Dam down but we’re getting solid reports from the canyon and lower river as well.

We’ve got plenty of lodging vacancies these next few weeks before the second season kicks in and while short notice guide trips are still tough to accommodate, this is probably the most likely time we’d be able to swing those. Give us a call if you’re interested in a late summer stay or guide trip on the Missouri.

We’re moving start times back into the 7:30 – 8 AM range with the cooler, darker mornings but the shop is still open at 7 AM daily for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs.

Fall product is starting to arrive which means summer clearance is underway. Stop in for great deals on what’s left of our summer gear.

The lull in traffic does make for some long days in the fly shop but it’ll be busy soon enough. We’ve come to really enjoy this time of year for a brief respite and a chance to decompress before we charge into the fall season.

And while we don’t want to wish the summer away, the most wonderful time of the year is soon to be upon us.

We hope you enjoy these last weeks of summer solitude on the Missouri.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-08-22T16:34:01-06:00August 22nd, 2024|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, tricos, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Autumn Magic on the Missouri

A week ago you could barely detect a pulse here on the Missouri but the life force has returned this week as we approach mid-September. I think it’s safe to say that our fall fishing season is in full swing with a major influx of angling traffic underway.

Holter Dam to Craig still holds the majority of the traffic, so much so that you may even find yourself having to endure some short waits at the boat ramp depending on your start time. Cool temps in the morning have most folks opting for later starts which is making for busy boat ramps in the 9 -10 AM window. You can avoid the crowds by layering up and getting an early start, doing the late shift, or choosing a lower stretch of river.

The fall fishing season is a relatively short one and is very much weather dependent as we move towards October. Our lodging and guide books are full for September but at this point there’s not much going on in October. It could be that a month from now we’re still cranking or it could be that the traffic has again disappeared leaving an abundance of empty water to those who love the late fall season regardless of the weather. That’s when the swing season gets underway and we usually see the major fall BWO activity (if any) happen in October and early November.

The water is in good shape, currently flowing at 4840 CFS with water temps hanging in the 63 – 64 degree range. Cool nights are keeping those water temps in check but the continued warm weather during the daytime has thus far prevented a substantial cool down. It looks like a cooling trend will settle in mid-week next week.

While definitely coming to a close, we’re still seeing Tricos more days than not and if Pseudos are your thing this is your time. Ant and hopper fishing has continued to produce and while we haven’t heard many reports of actual bugs, October Caddis fished blind are getting eaten on occasion.

The Zebra Midge and Tailwater Sow game remains strong, especially in the Holter to Wolf Creek run but it’s time to start working the bwo nymphs into the mix. Green Machines, 2 Bits, Psycho Mays, Magic Flies, Redemptions, Split Case BWO’s, Juju’s, Rainbow Warriors and Pheasant Tails have all been getting some looks. Frenchies, Weight Flies, Tung Darts, October Caddis Nymphs and Rainbow Czechs all make for a good lead fly.

Zirdles and other crayfish patterns have been heating up and streamers are in play from here on out though weeds are going to frustrate your efforts throughout the fall fishing campaign.

It’s such an awesome time to fish the MO. We talk about fall traffic but it’s nothing like what you’ll see during prime time. The dam definitely has some traffic but if you’re willing to trade sheer numbers of fish for relative solitude with ample numbers, it’s truly one of the best times to be here.

Cold mornings, hot coffee, busy fly shops, bugling elk, rising fish, streamer madness, autumn light….what’s not to like about fall fishing season on the MO?

We are your FULL SERVICE, ONE STOP FALL FLY FISHING DESTINATION with everything you need for your Missouri River pilgrimage.

Affordable lodging, the best guides on the river, Adipose Drift Boat Rentals, SAGE rods and reels, Simms waders and boots, THE CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES ON THE MO and much more, including the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana. Prove me wrong!

Open daily at 7 AM and closer to the Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge boat launches than ANY OTHER SHOP.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-09-14T11:58:24-06:00September 14th, 2023|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: blooms weight fly, caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, frenchie, Holter Dam, juju baetis, Magic Fly, Missouri River, October Caddis, pseudos, Psycho May, rainbow warrior, Redemption, running line, simms, Split Case BWO, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, tricos, Tung Dart, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges, Zirdle|0 Comments

Sun Setting on Summer 2023

These are lonely days in the fly shop and quiet days on the river as summer continues to slip away.

We saw a small bump in river traffic over the weekend with Caddis Fest happening in Craig but for all intents and purposes, it’s a Missouri River Ghost Town.

And while it’s not great for us, it is great for you if you’re planning on coming out to fish the MO anytime soon.

What little angling traffic we’ve seen has been concentrated at the dam where a double zebra rig has been lethal more days than not. Tung Darts and Weight flies and Frenchies make a good point fly if you want to give them some variety but make sure to run at least one black zebra on those rigs…trust me.

For those more interested in hopper eats, it’s been on the slow side but it’s not due to angling pressure so keep at it. You can have seemingly MILES of river all to yourself most days which will likely be the case for the next couple of weeks as people shift gears and return to fall routines.

I prefer a single hopper, keeping things simple and tangle free but you can certainly drop a nymph or trail with an ant to boost your odds.

Donkey Kong and More or Less Hoppers in peach, tan, pink and grey have all been getting some looks and while I wouldn’t NOT fish a larger hopper (#8 or bigger) #12’s and #14’s seem to be more effective overall this year.

You might also try a chubby or Water Walker or the micro version of either to show them something different.

The canyon offers some Classic Hopper water as does the lower river but terrestrials are everywhere and can be effective anywhere and everywhere from Holter Dam to Cascade.

Some days they’re on it, some days not so much but it’s a bit like streamer fishing in that the hookups can be few and far between but when that monster brown finally smashes that hopper or simply inhales it, barely disturbing the water’s surface, it makes it all worthwhile. If you want numbers go do the double zebras at the dam. If you want the thrill of the hunt commit to the big bugs and cover some water.

And that’s not to say there isn’t classic dry fly fishing to be had if that’s your preference. Tricos are definitely dwindling but they’re around and you can find fish eating them. The same with caddis. You’ll see a few around throughout the day and more around in the evening and if you put your time in you should be able to find a fish willing to eat your well-presented dry fly offering.

A few weeks from now the traffic will start to bump as we head into the fall “second season” so this is your chance to enjoy some Missouri River solitude while also enjoying late summer weather in Montana.

We’re open daily from 7 AM – 5 PM with everything you need for your day on the water. We’ve got plenty of rooms, plenty of rental boats and a shop full of Missouri River essentials including clearance pricing on all summer sportswear. The only thing we don’t have plenty of are guides though we encourage you to give us a try if you’re thinking a guide trip is the way to go.

We’ve lost a portion of our guides, the educator class, who are back to their real jobs as school gets underway and it’s also fairly common for those who’ve been grinding for months straight to take some time to themselves during the lull, recharging for a busy fall ahead. That being said, we’re always more than happy to do anything we can to get you on the water.

Stop in for ice, bugs, sunscreen, the CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES on the MO and so much more. How about a new pair of Simms G3 Waders or a Sage R8 or Igniter for the upcoming fall season? Look no further than Wolf Creek Angler, your Missouri River Fly Fishing Emporium.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-08-22T14:32:51-06:00August 22nd, 2023|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: brown trout, caddis, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Holter Dam, Igniter, Missouri River, running line, Sage R8, simms, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Summertime

The frantic pace of June has slowed.

Crowds have thinned a bit with a good number of our seasonal regulars having already come and gone, most of them having booked their dates for 2024 which is always a good feeling from where I sit.

Flows are still running higher than what the wade anglers would prefer, currently sitting at around 8100 CFS. Most Probable outlook from the Bureau of Reclamation has us at around 5K for July so we should start to see things drop very soon.

PMD report has been mixed but the consensus is that sporadic is an apt description of PMD activity in 2023. Are PMD’s done? Not likely, but it seems we’re trending that way. That being said, I’d encourage you to keep that PMD box close at hand with plenty of spinners (Rusty has been $$) and cripples at the ready.

Evenings have provided plenty of caddis action…so much so that some of our most ardent evening floaters have opted out choosing instead to ply the wadable waters on foot.

Cornfed Caddis has been king, always accompanied by a CDC Caddis Emerger. Missouri CDC Caddis, Iceberg Caddis and Stockingfoot all wise options as well.

Tricos are here…just getting started. The fish have yet to key on them but they’re definitely starting to take notice. Two-Wing tricos and Indicator Spinners are a couple of my favorites. We’ve got plenty of both with many more to choose from.

Still chasing bobbers? Sow bugs, Frenchies, Purple Weight Flies, Little Green Machines, Split Case PMD’s, PMD and Rusty Magic Fly, Psycho Mays, Nitro Caddis, Translucent Caddis Emerger, plain old Pheasant Tails and Zirdles all attracting plenty of attention.

Streamer season is over according to the calendar but you’re still allowed to throw them and with the higher flows weeds have yet to get a real foothold so strip to your heart’s content.

We’re a couple of weeks out from hoppers but there are some naturals around. If you’re bored with the bobber replace it with a hopper. Drop a Pheasant Tail, a sowbug or a Green Machine and see what happens. You might be surprised.

Conventional wisdom says Hot Summer nights are best for throwing the mouse. I agree with that wisdom from a comfort perspective but I don’t know that the fish care whether it’s a warm night or a cold night and I know the mice don’t care so if you’re into the nocturnal game, cool nights aside, it’s probably go time.

It’s summertime and there is a tremendous abundance of trout food out there. You are right smack dab in the midst of Prime Time so enjoy it. The march towards winter’s darkness is underway and this will all be over before you know it.

We’re open early, 6:30 AM for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-07-06T17:20:38-06:00July 6th, 2023|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, running line, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Summer Fading Fast

It’s hard to believe but August is already coming to a close. Summer 22 is about to be but a memory as we turn the page and start to look towards fall fishing.

It’s been one of the hotter summers in recent memory with the number of days above 90 degrees far outpacing the average. We’ll see 90 today but cooler temps and maybe even some rain are on the way for the remainder of this week.

We’ll see highs in the high 70’s and low 80’s all week with a good chance for rain showers and possible thunderstorms starting tomorrow and running through Friday. Overnight lows will continue to dip into the low 50’s which should provide some relief to our stressed waters around the region. Fingers crossed that we get some precipitation and hopefully avoid any serious fire activity.

We anticipate solid fishing this week with the change in conditions, especially on the days with cloud cover which we should see starting tomorrow. The hopper bite continues to be strong on the right days with the hopper/ant rig outperforming the hopper/dropper rig but both have been effective. A single hopper or ant also gets it done for those who are working to improve their casting proficiency but perhaps aren’t quite there yet.

We’ve had better luck on smaller hoppers in the #12 – #14 range but don’t be afraid to mix it up and try the #8’s and #10’s. Tan Donkey Kong and Morrish and More or Less hoppers in Tan, Peach and Yellow have been money. Trail with a Stealth Ant and work the banks as well as the mid-river riffles.

Tricos have been hit or miss but there have definitely been some stellar days. Those opportunities should persist into early September.

Sow bugs, Green Machines, PT’s, black or olive zebra midges, weight flies in purple or gold, Peep Shows, Frenchies and Zirdles have all been good nymphing options though weeds are making things challenging so be mentally prepared for that.

The river remains quiet for the time being. Most traffic is concentrated at the dam as you might expect with most opting for the coldest and cleanest water but as those water temps hopefully start to drop a bit this week it might be worth your while exploring lower river options.

Rec traffic has been heavy, especially on the weekends but that’s all about to change as the world shifts out of summer mode and back to the grind.

Angling traffic will increase next month. It’s one of our busier Septembers as far as guide trips go with folks looking to get the jump on fall fishing. We’ve got several large groups coming in for annual trips starting the second week of the month so last minute bookings in September will be tough to fill but October is pretty wide open at this point if you’re looking to make plans for a fall pilgrimage to the MO.

With the days getting shorter and things hopefully cooling down soon we’re going back to opening at 7 AM this week. End of Summer Sale happening now with 40% OFF ALL SUMMER GEAR including cool T’s from Yakoda and all WCA summer logo wear. Annual Fall Rod and Reel SALE coming SOON.

Enjoy these late summer days on the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-08-22T10:08:40-06:00August 22nd, 2022|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Hoppers, Missouri River, running line, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, Yakoda, zebra midges|0 Comments

Summer Heat

Summer heat has started to take its toll around the state with an increase in wild fire activity and Hoot Owl closures on many of our rivers. That being said, the Missouri is still flowing relatively cold and has not yet approached the water conditions which would dictate a Hoot Owl closure, that being three consecutive days with water temps reaching 73 degrees. We’re currently seeing water temps in the 65 – 67 degree range at the dam which means lower river temps are likely considerably warmer. It’s time to put that stream thermometer to work and start keeping track of water temps throughout the day. Once that water hits 67 it’s time to stop fishing!

Daytime highs in the 90’s all this week will exacerbate the situation but hopefully the relatively cool nighttime lows will keep us in good shape until things cool down. We’ve been starting our guide trips early (6 – 6:30 AM ) and will continue to do so until conditions improve. Traffic has thinned to the point where we’re not as concerned about the pressure on the fish but you can expect your guide to check water temps frequently and as stated above, once that temp hits 68 degrees, it’s time to quit fishing and sit back and enjoy the summer scenery.

The bite has slowed a bit but hopper fishing has been good enough and Tricos are providing daily opportunities for those who can get it done. Nymphing has been hit or miss and has been increasingly challenging with a fair amount of weeds now in the system. Warm water, hot sun, weeds….it’s August on the MO but don’t let that scare you. There are plenty of fish to be caught out there, it’s just a matter of modifying your techniques to fit the conditions and perhaps adjusting your expectations.

The crowds are gone and the bugs are here. Get on early. Get off early and leave the heat of the day to the rec floaters.

The shop is still opening at 6:30 AM Monday – Saturday. Closing time has been somewhat random as we’ve been known to cut out early when it’s blazing hot out there. We’ve officially changed our Sunday hours to 7 AM – 2 PM to accommodate staff changes as our summer crew is soon to be cut in half as Phil returns to school next week.

Should you decide to add a visit to the MO to your late summer agenda we’ve got all kinds of lodging available and could likely even come up with a guide for you.

Great end of summer deals on Simms summer gear and much more at Wolf Creek Angler.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-08-09T11:50:25-06:00August 9th, 2022|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, Hoot Owl Closures, Hoppers, Missouri River, Montana, running line, simms, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Dog Days of Summer

The Dog Days of Summer have officially arrived.

It’s the time of the summer season when angling traffic slows to a crawl and most of those on the water are there to keep cool while enjoying the summer sun. If you find yourself fishing on the weekend you will likely be outnumbered by at least 3:1, rec floaters to drift boats.

With daytime highs in the 90’s and nearing 100 over the weekend I’d expect this trend to continue.

Fishing has remained good though it’s been markedly slower as of late with the added challenge of weeds now a part of the equation. They aren’t terrible. We’ve seen them much worse but you’d be wise to prepare yourself mentally for the challenge.

Tricos have been consistent with an abundance of bugs daily. Fish up have not been as consistent but if you put in the time you’ll find some willing players. Evening caddis action has been the better option, particularly at last light and into the darkness.

Small hoppers, Chubbys, Micro Chubbys and various ants have all provided decent mid-day action with or without a nymph dropper and blind fishing a Caddis throughout the day will get some looks as well.

And speaking of nymphs…if you opt for the bobber game Tailwater Sows, Frenchies, S & M’s, Green Machines, Purple Weight Flies, Tung Darts, Peep Shows, PT’s, Black or Olive Zebra midges, Olive or Purple lightning bugs and Nitro Caddis are all good options.

We even tried some night ops this week with the fur balls but were thwarted by the after-dark caddis smorgasbord and later by a howling north wind.

The traffic has been primarily in the Wolf Creek to Stickney section so maybe opt for the canyon or below if you’re looking to minimize contact with other humans. What the lower river lacks in ease of access it often makes up for in solitude and the occasional hopper hunting big brown but be prepared to deal with a fair amount of weed mass.

We’re continuing to open at 6:30 AM for the time being but will likely adjust accordingly as traffic and daylight dictate.

End of Summer Sale on now with 25% off most summer gear as we make room for fall arrivals.

Lodging is plentiful and guide trips are more or less available for the next few weeks as we close out the summer season and shift our focus towards fall. Take advantage of the solitude while you can as it looks to be a busy September/October on the MO. And if fall fishing is your plan we’d advise you book those dates sooner rather than later as we’re filling up fast.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-07-28T08:08:37-06:00July 28th, 2022|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, running line, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Summer Solitude

Deep in the heart of summer here on the MO and all is well in our world.

The hatches have been consistent. The flows are near perfect when they’re not getting bounced around. The weather, while a little unstable, has been pleasant with cool evenings and mornings and just enough heat in the day to remind you it’s our hottest month of the year. The fish are happy and hungry and the crowds have thinned to the point where there is plenty of solitude to be found on the water which isn’t great for us but which should make you drop what you’re doing and head to the MO for one of the better dry fly seasons we’ve had in recent memory.

A good number of inflatables out there on the weekends so maybe skip those days or just get a super early start and be off the water before they get there. Or just fish in the midst of them and be happy that everyone is out there enjoying the resource.

We’ve been starting our trips early (6:30 – 7), leaving the heat of the day to the rec crowd. The heat of summer has started to have an effect on some of our regional waters with the Sun, the Smith and the Madison all on Hoot Owl restrictions. Hopefully with these steady flows in the 4K range, plenty of water in Canyon Ferry and these cool overnight temps we’ll steer clear of the Hoot Owl here on the Missouri.

Tricos are your early morning and daytime target with caddis providing some near-dark evening action. Hoppers and ants should also be in the mix with or without a nymph dropper.

Those choosing to chase the bobber are getting the numbers with sow bugs, Green Machines, Zebra midges, Frenchies, Purple or Gold Weight flies, Nitro Caddis, S & M’s and pheasant tails.

Plenty of lodging available right now and maybe even a guide or two available though that’s definitely been hit or miss.

Rental boats are finally available again after a busy three weeks.

It’s really the perfect time to sneak away to the MO where the fishing has been epic, the weather and water conditions couldn’t be any better and you might just have it to yourself. Whatever you do, don’t tell anybody!!

We’re open at 6:30 AM daily for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs.

By Jason Orzechowski|2022-07-19T13:15:20-06:00July 19th, 2022|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, running line, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

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