winter Archives - Page 5 of 6 - Wolf Creek Angler

Weekend Report

Blue skies and sunshine in Wolf Creek today. photo by Wolf Creek Angler

The MO will be fishable through Sunday before the temps plummet to single digits and below on Sunday night and remain there through Wednesday. High 20’s today and tomorrow with light and variable winds and a chance of snow. We could see several inches of new snow beginning Saturday night and into Sunday. I drove the Holter Dam to Craig stretch this morning and didn’t see a soul. The sun has since started to shine and we’ve had a few brave souls stop in for bugs so you may not have the whole thing to yourself but I would bet crowds will not be a problem.

Nymphing is the game right now. Firebeads, pink stuff, san juan worms, zebra midges, sows and Rainbow Czechs are all producing. We’ve had our best luck in the slow deep winter water the last few times out but fish are being found elsewhere also so fish the water you like with the bugs you like and you should do fine. We haven’t done much with streamers lately but polar leeches in copper and copper/olive continue to be hot sellers, at least by winter standards.

We will definitely be in the shop tomorrow – at least for the morning but will be closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. As long as things start to warm up we will be back in the shop on Wednesday. We’re always open for lodging and guide trips so just give us a call at (406)235-4350 if you are interested in either. We’ve got some great after-Christmas deals now through New Year’s Eve and don’t forget we’re offering one free night of lodging when you book your 2015 guide trip and one night’s lodging by January 1st. Offer excludes the months of June and July. Full day guide trips for $395 while the snow flies.

See you in the shop and on the water.

White Christmas in Wolf Creek. photo by Wolf Creek Angler.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:03-06:00December 26th, 2014|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, streamers, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Weekend Report

Missouri River Winter Fishing Headquarters in Wolf Creek Montana – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

It’s feeling like spring these last couple of days with temps pushing into the 40’s and it’s supposed to continue through the coming week. Definitely worse ways to spend December days than fishing the Missouri. A little more traffic around today, though not as much as you might think considering.

As promised I did manage to get out on Thursday for a quick solo run from Wolf Creek to Craig. Aside from four wade anglers I saw not a soul. I ran a bunch of winter bugs to see if I could find anything that was RED HOT. The closest I came was the firebead wire worm which got the majority of the eats but I did coax a few into taking a pink lightning bug and also had a couple takes on the rainbow czech. Each of these and many more available now at Wolf Creek Angler.

All in all it was a pretty productive couple of hours. I spoke with the wade guys Thursday night who were staying with us and they also did well with the firebead wire worms. The wire worm craze was apparently short-lived however as the same guys fished the same water on Friday morning and didn’t get a single take on the worm. They loaded up on rainbow czechs and I didn’t see them again for what it’s worth.Bottom line – winter fishing is on. Winter bugs, winter water, winter techniques are all coming into play right now. The weather couldn’t be better.

The largest selection of flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana – photo by Stefan McLeod

We are full through Monday but will have vacancies during the week and into next weekend.Great deals on all kinds of great fly fishing gear now through Christmas Eve and don’t forget WCA gift cards good for anything we sell! Why not treat yourself to an early Christmas present and book a guide trip this week while the weather is nice. Winter special rates of $395 for a full day while the snow flies! Rooms for under a hundred bucks a night.

Now through January 1st book a guide trip and a night’s lodging for next season and we’ll throw in a second night’s lodging for free. Our normal winter hours are 8 am – 4 pm Wednesday – Saturday but if we’re seeing 40’s all week you will find us here every day but Sunday. Fishing Dam to Craig? Remember you need go no further than Wolf Creek. We’ve got you covered with winter bugs, shuttles, RO drift boat rentals, rooms and much much more.

Hope to see you around the shop and on the water this week.

Go Griz!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:03-06:00December 6th, 2014|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, RO Drift Boats, running line, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Welcome December!

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

Thursday Report

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

SECRET SEASON – Wolf Creek may be Montana’s best kept winter fishing secret…

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

Weekend Report – Fish NOW – Winter is on the Way

Frozen Boots on the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Today is the day to fish the Missouri with abundant sunshine and temps in the 50’s. Looks like rain and steady temps tomorrow but with winds at 20-30 mph and gusting to 44 it sounds like a good day to stay home and watch football. Tomorrow night the temperature plummets and the snow arrives, possibly 2-4 inches with a couple more on Monday and single digits through the week. We’re not exactly sure what our schedule is going to be for winter but it will probably be dictated in large part by the weather. The shop will be closed on Sundays through the winter but we will have lodging available.

Fishing was hit or miss yesterday but if you’re willing to work for them you’ll do ok. Not much in the way of fish up but some have been doing fair throwing streamers and nymphing continues to yield the best return. Rainbow Czechs and Tailwater Sows were getting it done for us yesterday and it sounds like Green Machines and San Juan Worms are continuing to produce fish.

See you in the shop and on the water.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:05-06:00November 8th, 2014|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: green machine, Missouri River, nymphs, running line, streamers, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Bliss

Sunset over the famed Blackfoot River near Ovando MT – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Bliss is the theme of today’s photo 101 challenge but Bliss is also what we experience here in Montana almost daily. Surrounded by rivers and mountains and incredible skies we are spoiled with blissful sights everywhere we look. The photo above was taken in late summer at River Junction campground where the North Fork meets the main stem of the Blackfoot River. Montana sunrises and sunsets never cease to amaze.

So what’s happening at Wolf Creek Angler outside of the Photo 101 challenge? We continue to experience above average temperatures and abundant sunshine but it looks like it may all be coming to an end with snow moving in on Sunday night and a high of 30 Monday and lows possibly dipping into the single digits Monday night. 50’s on tap for the weekend may make this the weekend you should come and fish the Missouri. We’ve got a couple of cabins left so give us a call and book your spot today.

Fishing remains good though we have yet to hear any reports of substantial bwo activity so bring your nymphing rigs and streamer rods and enjoy fall’s last gasp before the cold sets in.

We will be open from 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM through the weekend and will most likely implement winter hours next week. We’ll keep you posted.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:06-06:00November 7th, 2014|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: Missouri River, Montana, photo 101, running line, winter, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Cabin Fever Angling – Guest Blog by Wolf Creek Angler Guide Eric Mondragon

A nice 19” fish caught by friend and fly fishing guru, David McClain

Fishing was out of the question for the duration of our recent Arctic weather. Instead, I caught up on some remodeling projects on the home front by installing acacia walnut flooring in four rooms, textured and painted walls in my office and guest room, and then finished all the trim around windows, doors and floors. All in all, it took about two and a half weeks, which worked out well. With an average day time high of minus ten degrees it was too darn cold to be outside for long.

When it warmed a little, I had cabin fever and was itching to get out. Last Sunday, I floated the Missouri from Craig to Stickney with my buddy, David McClain. Trout Dog, my golden retriever came along for the ride. From about 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., fishing was sporadically good.

We had some luck on the slow to medium speed water where it was three to four feet deep. Because of the long cold snap, fishing was better six to eight feet down in really slow frog water. We were surprised by the size of the fish staged in deep areas. We managed to land maybe a dozen fish that were eighteen to nineteen inches. When it is cold, deep fishing seems to be the ticket because water is warmer down there.

Hot bead flies, rojo, green machine and zebra midges are getting a few bumps. As Winter winds down and early Spring starts to take hold, more and more midge will start to stir. Fish will pay more attention to flies drifting by and strike harder. Right now, you pretty much have to hit the fish on the nose and strikes will be very subtle. They key to successful Winter nymphing is to find fish and stay on them. That old adage is true: “Don’t leave fish to find fish”. Take your time and work a specific piece of water well. It’s a Winter thing, so fish it up.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:09-06:00February 28th, 2014|Categories: Fishing Report, Montana Fly Fishing|Tags: Craig MT, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Recreation, running line, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Weekend Report

riverjake

Fished yesterday with limited success where hook-ups are concerned but it was January 17th and 50 degrees and sunny with very little wind and I was floating down the Missouri – just me and the dog – soaking up the sun and stopping every once in a while to wet a line. I don’t know how much more successful the day could have been , though perhaps a few more trout and a few less whiteys would have been nice. There were plenty of midges on the water and a few fish eating but I rarely partake in that game this time of year. I stopped to nymph a few spots and did ok but yesterday was more about unwinding on the river than anything else.

January on the MO?

Though I essentially had the water to myself (relatively speaking) I did talk to a few anglers and got mixed reports. I ran into seasonal fixture Hal Hawkins at one of his “secret” spots and he was tearing them up. The guys I talked to at the take out had had a tough day, only landing a couple but we all agreed that the weather more than made up for the lackluster bite.

No big changes as far as what’s working. The usual suspects – firebeads, pink anything, rainbow Czechs, zebras, etc. Work the slow water and the deeper troughs– they are there, it’s just a matter of whether or not they want to eat. It looks like it’s going to be great fishing weather all week with highs in the high 40’s, light winds and an abundance of sunshine. We are hoping for snow at some point but be that as it may…we are loving winter in Wolf Creek Montana.

Here’s what else is happening – the weather is beautiful and we’ve had a lot of inquiries about lodging. It’s a little early for spring fever but with temps holding steady in the high 40’s and the sun shining why wouldn’t you come fish the Missouri? We aren’t going to be able to do it this winter but we are seriously contemplating keeping several of our cabins and the shop open year-round starting this season. Please share your thoughts on this.

The Upper Missouri Watershed Alliance met last Sunday in Wolf Creek and things are starting to take shape. We are awaiting 501c3 Status and are starting to put together a plan for the future. It looks like you will be able to join for a membership fee of $25 and you will be able to do this at any of the fly shops in the area. If you have questions about the the group or would like to join please check out the Upper Missouri Watershed Alliance on Facebook.

The 2014 Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) will kick off in Helena MT on Tuesday, January 21st at 6:30 pm with an independent event at the Grandstreet Theatre hosted by the Pat Barnes Missouri River Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Please come out and support the chapter while enjoying some great films and great beer. As if that weren’t enough to get you there – we will be there handing out our highly coveted Wolf Creek Angler stickers which look great on ANY vehicle.

We are busy ordering merchandise, building fly bins, taking reservations for lodging and fishing, working on the web site and getting ready to start doing some work in the shop. April is coming soon and we can’t wait to see all of you at Wolf Creek Angler. We think you will be pleased with what you find come April.

Before

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:09-06:00January 19th, 2014|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T), Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, montana fly shops, nymphs, running line, Upper Missouri Watershed Alliance, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Winter Fishing Tips

Some thoughts on winter fishing from Wolf Creek Angler Guide Eric Mondragon. Call today 800-800-4350 and book a winter guide trip.

Winter fishing can be effective with the right gear and the right techniques.

In my last piece, I discussed a passion for winter fishing. Perhaps it is an obsession. Either way it is my life and I love it. My wife says I’m crazy, but she knows that I know and embrace it. After all, it is better to know you are crazy than to be oblivious when everyone around you knows it.

My obsession to fish the fly twelve months a year taught me a few things about winter fishing. For tackle, I learned that faster action rods didn’t work for me as well as softer medium action rods do. The number one reason is that I often fish lighter tippet (5x-6x, even 7x) on the Mo’. Fishing slower water in winter conditions warrants smaller tippet. The fish have a longer look at the flies because they are not floating toward them very fast. However, a fast action rod seems to break thin tippet on hook-ups. That is why I prefer the softer rod tips – the tippet doesn’t break as much.

Some of my favorite winter rods: Scott G-2, Sage SP, Powell LTT and some of the pre-boron Winstons. These have medium stiff butt sections, but soft tips. I also love a reel with a silky smooth drag. In winter, fish don’t fight as hard as they do in late spring and summer months.

Some of the biggest fish I ever landed were in the winter. Hailing from Colorado, I’ve been on some of the best tail waters. The Taylor, the Frying Pan and the Blue have a reputation for producing fish that are ten pounds or more. I caught some dandies there using small tippet, medium to slow action rods and great reels with smooth drags. I brought that theory here to Montana and have had the same success.

As for apparel, I like to multi-layer in the winter. I like Patagonia R-4 regulator series clothes because they are expedition weight (not bulky). I wear expedition weight capilene next to my body. It is breathable and wicks away moisture. Then, I wear expedition weight fleece pants and jacket to help trap body heat. If I need another layer, goose down is the warmest option I’ve found. Patagonia offers 450-600 fill options. Mountain Hardware and North Face also offer good jackets.

Angling is exercise. I’m telling you, if you sweat while you are out in winter elements, your body core temperature will begin to shoot down and you will get cold. Whatever layers you choose should follow a system that wicks moisture or perspiration away from your body, but not give up your body heat.

Layering applies to your feet as well. I wear a capilene sock with a merino wool expedition weight sock over that. Don’t wear boots that are too tight. You should be able to move your toes easily but your heel should not move much in the boot.

Bring multiple pairs of gloves and switch if necessary to keep your hands as dry and warm as possible. If you prefer a cap with a bill, layer a warm stocking cap or beanie over it. You’d be surprised how much heat escapes from your head.

It is also very important to stay hydrated when you are out in the cold. I’ve learned something about winter fishing and am happy to share my suggestions. Winter fishing is awesome, but you need to be safe while you enjoy it. Bundle up and fish it up. See you out there.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:09-06:00January 13th, 2014|Categories: Montana Fly Fishing, Uncategorized|Tags: Fish, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, montana fly shops, Powell LTT, running line, Sage SP, Scott G-2, winter, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments