Wolf Creek Angler Archives - Page 16 of 67

Late January…The River is Calling

It finally feels a little more like winter this morning with single digit temps as we close the books on January and a tumultuous start to 2021.

That being said, we’re thankfully a LONG way from the world and the tumult and we’re headed right back into a continuation of the mild weather patterns we’ve been seeing all winter long with highs in the low 40’s expected through the weekend. Awesome conditions for late January fishing on the MO…not so great for snowpack and the resulting summer stream flows.

So while you should absolutely take advantage of the situation and get out on the water let’s all hope for some winter weather soon.

Don’t get me wrong. I haven’t missed shoveling snow or white-knuckling it from Helena every day but we need the precipitation and I’d rather have it now than at winter’s end so hopefully we’ll see some winter weather soon….at least in the high country.

In the meantime business has been steadily picking up, especially in the lodging department. After all, what better way to spend the winter days than soaking up the winter sun on the Missouri and maybe even catching a trout or two.

Even with the weekend traffic there is still an abundance of solitude to be found as there simply aren’t that many people to whom winter fishing is all that appealing and that’s ok as it really opens it up for those hardcore anglers who don’t see fishing as a “season” but as just something you do any and every day of the year that you can.

Flows remain steady (and low) at right around 4000 CFS (4030 at the time of this writing) and the water temps are hovering just shy of 34 degrees. Winter water conditions for sure.

If wade fishing in January is on your radar then you likely know the program but my advice to anyone who wants it is that even if it seems like a really nice day you’re much better off overdressing than underdressing. After all, even if it’s a 42 degree day with light and variable wind, you can only stand in 34 degree water so long before the cold starts to seep in whether literally or figuratively and hopefully it’s figuratively because the last thing you want is leaky waders when plying winter water. And speaking of waders, while stocking foot waders will work, boot foot waders are what you want in the winter. Yes they’re expensive, but well worth it as far as I’m concerned. It’s a world of difference between the two.

Simms offers the best boot foot waders on the market in both the G4Z and G3 models, however they are custom order only. Please give the shop a call if you’re interested in ordering a pair.

Regardless of which type of waders you are using you’ll want to layer extensively underneath to keep the chill at bay.

WCA has you covered from head to toe with all the best layering, socks, hats and gloves from Simms.

Our lodging is full this week but we do have rooms open for the weekend and don’t forget our Winter Guide Trip and Lodging Special – Full day trip for one or two anglers and TWO nights of lodging for just $550 (plus tax)

The shop is open at 8:00 AM Tuesday – Saturday and we’re open for guide trips and lodging EVERY DAY whether the shop is open or not.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-01-26T11:32:20-07:00January 26th, 2021|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

The Winter Grind

Go To Winter Nymphs on the MO

Colder weather on tap this week and through the weekend, though definitely not January in Montana COLD.

Conditions remain prime to get out and enjoy some winter solitude while getting your trout fix.

Highs in the high 20’s and low 30’s are expected through the weekend with a slight chance for snow Thursday night and Friday. Expect cloudy skies and calm to moderate winds on Thursday and Friday with an abundance of sunshine expected on Saturday and Sunday.

Water conditions remain stable with flows currently holding at 4070 CFS and water temp slowly dropping, currently just shy of 34.5 degrees.

You really couldn’t ask for better conditions as we move towards late January. Classic winter water minus the snow and ice on the ramps. Enjoy it while it lasts. Winter is coming sooner or later (we hope).

Holter Dam to Craig is where you’ll want to concentrate your efforts, especially as the water temperatures drop. Dam to Wolf Creek makes a nice half day float if you want to get a later start while Wolf Creek Bridge to Craig is a good full day float. We’ve emerged from the afternoon darkness so you’ve got some extra light on the back end of the day but even so, Dam to Craig is maybe still a bit much unless you plan to just blow through it.

We are definitely in winter nymphing mode with all of the standards in play. Pink Amex, Bubble Yum Scud, Rainbow Czech, Pill Popper, Hot Bead Rainbow or Pink Weight Fly and the like paired with Tailwater Sows, Soft Hackle Sows, Caviar Scuds, Pederson’s Sow, Pink Lighting Bug, UV Yum Yums and zebra midges.

Swing Season also remains in full effect and the streamer set is taking advantage of the mild weather and extended light to stretch out those floats and cover as much water as possible.

The wind has been a factor as always but as we get into February and beyond look for dry fly opportunities to increase with midge activity increasing.

Remember WCA has the best winter lodging deal in the area at $99/night (plus tax) for a cozy bungalow complete with full kitchen and private bath. And just FYI we have gotten word from the 7R Guest Ranch that they are now serving dinner on the weekends so if not having a restaurant to go to has been keeping you away…problem solved.

And speaking of deals – we invite you to join us for our $550 guide trip and lodging winter special. A full day guide trip for one or two anglers with the best guides on the MO and TWO nights of lodging for the impossibly low rate of $550. Space is limited so book now. Offer runs through the end of March.

Winter Shop Hours remain 8 AM – 2 PM Tuesday through Saturday. Open EVERY DAY for lodging and guide trips. Stop by for bugs, cold weather gear, Adipose Drift Boat rentals and much more.

While you ponder your winter plans make it a point to call this week to book your spring and summer dates. Prime Time is filling quickly and it looks like it’s going to be a busy year on the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-01-19T12:50:15-07:00January 19th, 2021|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: 7R Guest Ranch, Craig MT, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Holter Dam, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

WCA Shocks the Fly Fishing World

In a move that’s sure to cause a stir on the MO, Wolf Creek Angler has defied convention by offering a winter guide trip and lodging deal the likes of which has NEVER BEFORE BEEN SEEN.

$550 (plus tax) for a full day guide trip AND two nights lodging. You read it right. A full day trip and not one, but two nights of lodging for the same price you’ll pay for just a trip alone with the competition.

While deals abound in the spring, winter guide trips have traditionally not been offered at a discount. Not surprisingly, these trips have always been somewhat of a rarity.

That is until now!

“With the mild winter we’ve been having we just saw an opportunity to get an early start to the 2021 season by offering an unbeatable deal” said Jason Orzechowski, owner and outfitter at Wolf Creek Angler. “Spring deals are great but we just figured that since we’re talking about shorter days on the water and the potential for weather that might push the comfort zone for many it only makes sense to offer winter trips at a deep discount.”

Here’s what you get

• Full Day Guide Trip for one or two anglers with the best guides on the river. These aren’t transients, these are full-time resident guides who fish the Missouri EVERY month of the year. Trip includes all flies and terminal tackle and any equipment needed as well as lunch and refreshments. The only things not included are your Montana fishing license and guide gratuity.

• Clean and Comfortable lodging in our cozy bungalows. Rooms equipped with two twin beds, a full pull out couch, private bath and complete kitchen with full sized fridge, range, microwave, coffee maker and all cookware included.

• The guaranteed BEST WINTER DEAL ON THE MISSOURI with no cancellation fees. Cancel anytime for any reason…no questions asked!

Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity to experience winter solitude and hot fishing on the Missouri all winter long. Space is limited so BOOK NOW.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-01-13T11:27:57-07:00January 13th, 2021|Categories: Local Buzz|Tags: $550 winter guide trip and lodging special, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, simms, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Waiting on Winter

The unseasonably mild weather continues. And while we’re definitely enjoying some ideal January fishing conditions we’re keeping an eye on the snowpack and hoping for some precipitation soon. Mind you we’re not in terrible shape with much of the region currently sitting at 90 – 109% of average but with the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin drainages currently sitting in the 70-89% range we could definitely use some snow so crossing our fingers and hoping for the best.

Ideally we get a few good dumps in the high country and maintain the almost spring-like conditions we’ve been enjoying here on the Missouri. The best of both worlds!

The next couple of days look prime with mostly sunny skies, highs around 40 and winds on the calm side. Next week looks like more of the same with temps climbing, nearing 50 by Wednesday.

We’re not seeing much in the forecast just yet but the assumption is that sooner or later winter is going to return so if you’re looking for your Missouri River fishing fix… now is the time.

We’ve been getting plenty of calls from folks looking for fishing reports and current lodging and/or guiding availability so I’m expecting we’ll see a few people around this weekend. We do still have lodging available though I expect we’ll be full for the weekend so if you’re considering coming out I’d suggest you make that call sooner rather than later.

We’ve decided to do something no other shop is doing this winter and that’s to offer discounted guide trips all winter long. Discounted trips have traditionally been a spring promotion but the way I see it, if there’s any time that should be being promoted with discount rates it’s winter time. The days are short and the weather conditions can often be a challenge but winter fishing, especially nymphing, can be outstanding.

We’re offering full day trips for $450 for one or two anglers which includes everything but your Montana fishing license and guide gratuity. All flies, terminal tackle, lunch and refreshments are included. This is hands down the best deal you’ll find on the Missouri this winter. Rates are valid through the end of March.

And as if that weren’t enough – we’re getting a jump on spring by also offering a guide trip and lodging special. $550 (plus tax) for a full day on the water with one of our exceptional guides AND two (2), that’s right, two nights of premium lodging at Wolf Creek Angler. No rushing to get here the morning of your trip. No driving home tired after hauling in trout all day. We invite you to try to find a better deal…you won’t!

And the best part – ZERO cancellation fees for winter trips so book today knowing that if the weather turns or if you just happen to change your mind, you’re off the hook – no questions asked.

Space is limited so take advantage of this mild winter and plan a getaway to Wolf Creek Angler today.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-01-07T11:57:58-07:00January 7th, 2021|Categories: Local Buzz|Tags: $450 Missouri River Winter Guide Trips, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Winter Lodging and Guide Trip Special, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Sunrise on 2021

As the sun rises on 2021 the promise of a new day gives us plenty of reason for optimism as we anticipate the coming season.

Summer bookings continue to fill the calendar, giving shape to what we hope will be another strong season as we begin year number eight. As previously stated the outdoor recreation industry was a good one to be in during a pandemic and indications are that this will continue to be the case indefinitely, even as the world starts make a return to normal. Even so, having lost our spring last year due to the shut down and having suffered through plenty of cancellations throughout the 2020 season due to travel difficulties and Covid concerns, we’ve got some ground to make up. Early indications based on our current 2021 bookings are that we’re headed in the right direction.

That’s the outlook for prime-time but what about now?

As I write I’m looking out the window at bare ground as has been the case for much of this winter thus far. The thermometer reads 32 degrees with cloudy skies and relatively calm conditions. River flows are currently around 3800 CFS with water temps holding at 35 degrees. In short, winter fishing conditions on the Missouri are prime, especially by January standards, with no big changes on the horizon.

There hasn’t been much variation in the forecast for the past several weeks. Highs around 40, overnight lows in the 20’s, a mix of clouds and sun with little precipitation. Wind has been an issue at times but all things considered, it’s been an extremely fishable winter season with very light traffic.

As previously announced we are back in the business of winter lodging so there’s really no reason to not take a couple of days off and spend some time on the Missouri. Book a guide or bring your boat (or rent one of ours) or just do the winter walk/wade. Most are settling in to winter nymphing, some are opting to swing and a few are intent on logging that first dry fly eat of the year. All are good options given the current conditions.

Nymphs – Think Pink! Pill Poppers, Bubble Yum Scuds, Amex, Yum Yums, Rainbow Czechs, Pink Weight Flies, Pederson’s Sow, Pink LB, Cotton Candy, Tailwater Sow, Pink Lucent Bead Rays, Soft Hackle Sows, Caviar Scuds…just to name a few. Slow, deep winter water fished deep with a bb or two to get you down.

Streamers – Winter Standards like Kreelex, Polar Leeches, Thin Mints, Balance Leeches, Buggers etc. but don’t be afraid to stray from the standards. Dredge the depths with a SLOW retrieve or swing the tailouts.

Dries – Griffiths Gnat, Grizzly Midge Cluster, Hi Vis Midge, Black Midge, Adams Midge, Bucky’s Midge Cluster, Black Sipper. Midges are it for the next couple of months and may or not be present, all depends on the day but it’s never a bad idea to keep a dry fly rod rigged and ready just in case.

The Winter Program

Guided Fishing – WCA Guides are the BEST on the river. Book yourself a trip today and leave the rowing and rigging to us. $450 winter rate for a full day float for one or two anglers and no risk with no cancellation fees for any reason for winter trips.

Lodging – Wolf Creek Angler is your best option and the best deal you’ll find anywhere. $99/night (plus tax) for a cozy, clean bungalow with two twin beds, a pull out couch, full kitchen and private bath just minutes from the river.

Dining – You’re pretty much on your own so all the more reason to book one of our bungalows, each with a full size fridge, range, microwave, coffee maker and all cookware provided.

Boat Rental – Adipose Flow drift boats. $100/day. You haul. $150 if you need us to haul it for you.

Shuttle Service – Headhunters remains the only game in town at this point but we’re currently mulling over options based on the persistent mild weather. Stay tuned!

Shop Hours – Officially still Tuesday – Saturday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM but it’s a safe assumption we’ll be here on Mondays if it’s nice (at least long enough to get our boats hooked up and hit the river) and if winter ever returns we likely won’t be here on days it doesn’t make sense to make the trip out. Regardless, we’re open for lodging and guide trips EVERY day.

We’re excited for the New Year and the coming new season and we hope to see you soon at Wolf Creek Angler.

By Jason Orzechowski|2021-01-04T11:32:17-07:00January 4th, 2021|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: $450 Winter Rate guide trips, 2021, Adipose, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Shop Closed next week as we bid farewell to 2020

Wolf Creek Angler will be closed tomorrow, December 27th – Wednesday December 30thas we escape for some year’s end R and R. Normal winter hours resume on New Year’s Eve. Winter Hours are Tuesday – Saturday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

We are pleased to announce that winter lodging will return starting the week of January 3rd. $99/night (plus tax) for a cozy bungalow, complete with full kitchen and private bath. Bungalows sleep three with two twin beds and a full size pull out couch.

We hope you make us your Missouri River winter destination in 2021. There doesn’t appear to be much change in the weather happening anytime soon so stick with that New Year’s resolution to spend more time fishing and log some time on the MO’.

We’re excited for the New Year to get underway and while we don’t expect 2021 to be without challenges we’re optimistic that the pendulum is going to start to swing back towards normalcy soon.

Thank you all again for supporting us through this Freak Show of a year. We can’t wait to see you all again in 21.

Cheers!

By Jason Orzechowski|2020-12-26T10:16:31-07:00December 26th, 2020|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Winter Solstice

You wouldn’t know it by looking at the weather but winter has arrived, on this, the shortest and darkest day of the year.

Today we turn the corner. Days get longer starting tomorrow and before you know it we’ll be back into long, hot summer days on the MO’.

Turning the corner towards summer days on the Missouri

For now we’ll see temps topping out in the low 50’s today followed by some snow tomorrow and then right back into the same weather we’ve had for what seems like a month now. Partly sunny skies, highs in the low 40’s with no weather events on the horizon.

The WCA guide and shop crew will be enjoying the solstice en masse, spending the day on the water as you would expect.

We’ll be back in the shop tomorrow with regular hours Tuesday and Wednesday and 8 – noon (ish) on Christmas Eve. We will be closed on Christmas, but back in the shop Saturday before taking a few days off next week for some end of the year R and R.

We hope you get out and enjoy this Christmas week on the MO.

Tight Lines and Happy Solstice!

By Jason Orzechowski|2020-12-21T09:36:21-07:00December 21st, 2020|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, winter, winter solstice, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Mid December on the MO’

All remains quiet on the Missouri as we close out these last two weeks of 2020 and look with eager anticipation towards the promise and potential of a new year.

Conditions remain favorable by December standards with more of the same on tap as far as weather is concerned and water conditions holding steady with flows at a low but constant 3690 CFS and water temps hanging right around 37 degrees, give or take.

We’ll see partly sunny skies with temps in the low to mid 40’s all week long though it looks to be breezy this weekend with a high wind watch in effect for Friday night.

Nymphing will be the method of choice over these next couple of months as the fish are settling in to their winter habitat though swinging or stripping streamers will continue to keep many of us occupied all winter long. Dry fly fishing? Not much happening on that front at the moment though midges are a winter staple and will provide some dry fly action throughout the winter months.

Dredging nymphs under a bobber is your best bet for success right now so break out your winter boxes and pick apart that frog water. Pink is in play and will be a staple from here on out. An ideal rig would be #12 pink or rainbow weight fly, pink AmEx, Pinkalicious, Rainbow Czech, Pill Popper, Bubble Yum etc., trailed with a #16 or #18 soft hackle sow, Tailwater Sow, Caviar Scud, Zebra Midge, poxyback sow, Ray Charles, Rainbow Warrior, pink lighting bug, cotton candy etc. If it’s pink and has a pink or hot bead you can’t go wrong. You just need to find the depth and the lane and you’ll be in business. We’re fully stocked with all of the above as well as countless other options.

Keep the streamers on the small side (or not). Buggers, Pine Squirrel Leeches, Fruit Rollups, Polar Leeches, Kreelex etc. have all been effective though the bigger stuff will work as well. Whichever route you decide to go you’ll want to achieve substantial depth and keep your retrieve SLOW with plenty of pauses in between strips. Try the occasional swing or jig action as well. Winter is obviously becoming swing season on the Missouri with the two handers seemingly taking over but don’t feel like you can’t fish single handed utilizing old school streamer methods. I’m here to tell you, it still works!

And the beauty of it this time of year is that whatever methods you prefer, there is no shortage of water on which to ply your trade.

As has been the case for most of the fall, traffic is not an issue. There are always a few wader anglers around and maybe a boat or two depending on the weather and the day of the week but there is a daily abundance of solitude to be found which will likely be the case for at least the next few weeks until cabin fever starts to drive some traffic our way.

Our lodging continues to be on hold until things settle down with Covid cases which it seems might be happening now, at least by the daily state wide numbers which have been trending downwards for the last couple of weeks. If these trends continue we’ll likely make lodging available again in January, just in time for the aforementioned cabin fever traffic.

We’ve gotten a few calls inquiring about the ice on Holter….there is none! We’ll keep you posted.

As we approach Christmas which is ONE WEEK FROM FRIDAY, and as we gather to celebrate the holidays, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all again for your patronage over the years and especially during this crazy Covid year. I don’t know that we’re quite out of the woods just yet but I’m confident 2021 is going to be a year of leaps and bounds towards normalcy and I for one can’t wait.

By Jason Orzechowski|2020-12-16T10:33:45-07:00December 16th, 2020|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Christmas Shopping Made Easy at WCA

.

Still wondering what to get for those fly fishing freaks on your list?

Wonder no more.

You can have your shopping done in just a couple of clicks.

Wolf Creek Angler gift cards are good for anything and everything we sell. From lodging and guide trips to shuttles and drift boat rentals to our always well-stocked shop full of fly fishing essentials…WCA gift cards cover it all!

Available in our web store in amounts of $25, $50, $100 or a stand alone category of a guide trip or feel free to stop in or give us a call to purchase a card in ANY amount you like.

We’ve made Christmas shopping so easy you don’t even need to leave the house.

And don’t forget to check out our highly coveted WCA logo gear while you’re at it.

By Jason Orzechowski|2020-12-11T07:40:50-07:00December 11th, 2020|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: Christmas shopping, fly fishing, running line, wca gift cards, wca logo gear, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Status Quo on the MO’

Hooked Up – December Days on the MO. Photo by Matt Hargrave

More of the same this week on the MO.

You can expect steady weather and stable flows as we descend into the darkest and shortest days of the year from now through December 21st when we turn the corner and commence the march towards spring and the 2021 season.

We’ll see a high near 55 today, trending cooler for the remainder of the week but with no significant changes and no precipitation in the forecast. With Christmas just two weeks from this Friday it looks as though a white Christmas is not likely but obviously this could all change between now and then.

In the meantime, it’s pretty tough to beat these fishing conditions for early December yet things remain surprisingly quiet. A few more boats out there on the weekends and a few wade anglers out there daily but not what you’d expect.

Nevertheless, we’re enjoying the solitude and enjoying some good streamer days and it sounds as though the nymphing is picking up and there have even been the occasional sipping trout out there willing to engage a well presented dry fly on any given day.

We’re continuing to keep our lodging closed for the time being, waiting for things to improve on the Covid front. Hopefully soon!

Shop hours are 8 AM – 2 PM Tuesday – Saturday with social distancing and masking in full effect (for whatever it’s worth). If you know what you need and would rather not take your chances indoors give us a call on your way out and we’ll be happy to deliver your items curbside.

Our shuttle service remains on hiatus until spring but we are fully stocked on all of the essential winter bugs as well as a wide array of Simms gear from hats, gloves and socks to layering to waders, boots and outerwear.

And don’t forget our web store is now live so you can shop from the comfort of your home or office. We’re continuing to add new items daily so as you think about that countdown to Christmas and if you haven’t yet gotten your shopping done www.wolfcreekangler.com should perhaps be your next stop.

We hope you get out and take advantage of this amazing weather this week on the MO and hope to see you in the shop when you do.

By Jason Orzechowski|2020-12-08T10:10:08-07:00December 8th, 2020|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Christmas, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T), Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, simms, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments