winter Archives - Page 6 of 6 - Wolf Creek Angler

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

Onward….

Frigid on the MO

Well the holidays are FINALLY over. The weekend is coming to a close and tomorrow things begin to get back to normal. Back to school, back to work and back to the business of everything Wolf Creek Angler! I for one am happy to get back to the grind.

The cold weather has put the fishing on hold for most at least for the time being but there is no shortage of things to do. It looks like things are going to start to warm up as soon as tomorrow but in the meantime here are some things I’ve been at least thinking about doing.

1. Organize, Organize, Organize…

When you call a great river like the Missouri home there is very little downtime, especially with the mild weather we’ve been having this winter. This being the case, we tend to just keep throwing our gear wherever it’s convenient rather than taking the time to keep things organized…at least that’s my story. Come January the endless season finds me with fly cups scattered throughout my vehicle/boat/boat bag and in those fly cups are an interesting mix of dry flies, terrestrials and nymphs and maybe even a streamer mixed in here and there. I’ve got baetis mixed with caddis mixed with pmd’s mixed with PT’s and Zebras. It’s utter chaos! A couple of actual winter-like days such as we’ve had are the perfect time to get fly boxes organized and get that pile of gear out of the back of your vehicle and put those things where they belong. Not saying I did this, but I thought about it enough to encourage others to do it and hopefully I will get to at least some of it before I hit the water again.

As long as you are taking the time to sift though flies and gear it’s a good time to clean your fly lines as well. I know many anglers who strip all of their lines off of their reels during the off-season and wrap them around a coffee can or similar item to prevent coiling but since there really is no off-season for many of us a simple cleaning will do wonders.

Just like that the cold snap will come to an end as we reach into the high thirties tomorrow afternoon and on into the 40’s by mid week. Fishing should be fine, especially now that your flies and gear are organized and your line is clean.

Just a reminder – we are doing some work on the shop and lodging and will not be open until April 1st, but we are open for business as far as guide trips go and we’d love for you to put us to work. Give us a call today at 800-800-4350 or email info@wolfcreekangler.com to book a trip at special winter rates.

See you on the water!

Jason O.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:09-06:00January 6th, 2014|Categories: Fishing Report, Montana Fly Fishing|Tags: Missouri River, montana fly shops, nymphs, running line, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Fishing Report

Latest fishing report from Wolf Creek Angler Guide Extraordinaire Eric Mondragon.

Gorgeous Missouri River Winter Bow – photo Eric Mondragon

Twas the day after Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even my spouse. The day promised forty degree weather that I couldn’t resist. I grabbed my chest pack and fly rod of choice and headed toward Wolf Creek to rejoice by catching trout.

The last few weeks have been quite cold. Cold enough that even I didn’t care to fish. I tied up a few bead headed midge and some hot bead flies and hit a few runs that I prefer in Winter. I suggest slow inside bends and drop offs that are anywhere from 3 ½ to 6’ deep. During the cold months, fish move out of the fast and moderate speed currents and move into slower, deeper, warmer water. I seek out the slow current and fish the indicator with nymphs. Orange and pink flies on top. Then I drop various midge patterns off of that.

The key to frequent hook-ups is to study the speed of the indicator. Keep in mind that you are fishing slow, moderately deep water. If the indicator even remotely slows down, set the hook. In Winter, trout will generally take flies very softly. Sometimes they eat and reject your flies and the indicator doesn’t even move. Diehard anglers say “Those who strike most, win.”

If you were lucky this Christmas, go out there and try out that new rod. While you fish it up, remember to watch that shelf ice. I like to wear ice cleats when I wade in the Winter. It is icy along the banks, even when the water is flowing. Big R Supply and Big Bear Sports sell numerous styles of ice cleats. Winter fishing can be fun if you are prepared for it. You don’t have to fish all day. Start late (after 10:00 a.m.) and fish until 2:00 p.m. On nicer days, fish until 4 p.m.

Coming soon. . . layering clothes and tackle suggestions as Winter winds on. I plan to start the new year by fishing. See you on the water.

Winter Bugs. What’s in your fly box? Photo by Eric Mondragon

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:09-06:00December 31st, 2013|Categories: Fishing Report, Montana Fly Fishing|Tags: Christmas, Fish, fly fishing, indicator, midge, Missouri River, nymphs, Outdoors, Recreation, Trout, winter, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments