2017 The Year in Review

Another year and another season in the books.

As we sit through the latest round of winter weather we can’t help but think back to those warm sunny days on the water. And while winter is barely a week underway we know that spring will be here before we know it, at least we hope it will!

Looking back over posts from the year it looks as though 2017 started out much as 2018 will, in winter’s icy grasp. With any luck however it won’t be long until we see that first January warm-up and get back to fishing the MO’. In the meantime, the ice has formed and the hard water anglers have started booking rooms for the days ahead, a welcome development after a slow and quiet December.

The early months of 2017 were quiet around the shop, as they always tend to be with the biggest story of the winter being the renovations to our motel.

Unit number eight received a much needed makeover and our guests loved it. Look for a similar transformation in number 9 this year. A paint job in Cabin #2 and new flooring in Cabin #3 were also welcomed changes.

River life resumed normalcy in late February as the winter weather began to retreat. March and early April brought phenomenal fishing on the Missouri and elsewhere and things got off to an early start at WCA with many eager anglers descending on the MO’. Run off began in mid May and kept things busy as the Missouri was the only fishable water in the region for a time.

We announced our new guide lineup in April, welcoming Kelly Harrison and Jeff Jennings to our team. Both were, and continue to be a great fit and will resume work for us in 2018. Prime dates are filling quickly so don’t miss your chance to fish with Kelly or Jeff or any one of our other amazing guides.

The spring fishing was nothing short of spectacular with the hatches coming off right on schedule and plenty of healthy Missouri River bows and browns willing to play. 

The idyllic spring season soon transitioned into an equally idyllic summer and then around the 4th of July things got a little weird. On July 5th I experienced my first earth quake, a 5.8 mag centered near Lincoln which rattled much of the west central part of the state. It was Montana’s biggest quake in decades and did not go unnoticed by many.

By mid July the heat and lack of precipitation brought Hoot Owl closures to many rivers around the region and also opened the door to what ended up being one of the worse fire seasons in our history with over a million acres burned state-wide.

Smokey skies, poor air quality and evacuations were the story for the remainder of the summer. Fishing was fine but the poor air quality led to a noticeable drop in business as we awaited the cooler weather of fall and prayed for precipitation which we finally got in mid September  in the form of an early winter storm which delivered rain and snow and effectively brought the fire season to an end.

The Lookout Fire west of Wolf Creek MT Photo by Rocky Infanger

October brought with it more winter weather along with some of the best fall fishing in recent memory. We had a handful of awesome BWO days throughout the course of the fall and streamer fishing was as good as I’ve seen it since I’ve been in Montana.

The BIG news in October was that after a couple of seasons of trying to make it happen,  Wolf Creek Angler received a brand new Project Healing Waters Adipose Flow Drift Boat available to all US Military Active Duty and veterans FREE of charge.

Wolf Creek Angler has partnered with Montana Project Healing WatersAdipose Boatworks and Headhunters Fly Shop to expand this popular program which up until now had been administered exclusively through Headhunters in Craig.  Now with one boat at Wolf Creek Angler in Wolf Creek and two at Headhunters in Craig we will be able to accommodate even more vets.  If you are a vet or an active duty US Military member you qualify for a free rental boat courtesy of Project Healing Waters, Helena Chapter.

Of course the other BIG news of October in Wolf Creek MT was the much anticipated Grand Opening of Shotgun Annie’s Eatery and Tavern.

The wait was worth it and we are so pleased to be dining and drinking in this establishment again. It was the topic of conversation all summer long amongst our guests, most of whom were unable to experience Shotgun Annie’s during their 2017 visit. We’re pleased to announce that dining has returned to Wolf Creek…breakfast, lunch AND dinner.

It appeared as though it was going to shape up to be an excellent late season on the Missouri with some off-the-charts fishing action and a brand new eatery and tavern in town. We were fully stocked with cold-weather bugs and gear and ready for that coveted last gasp of the retail and lodging season but alas it was not to be.

Mother Nature had different plans and early November brought snow and arctic air, essentially bringing the 2017 season to a close. The weather improved and the fishing stayed hot through the month of November and the first half of December but aside from local traffic the river was empty.

Late November Days on the MO’

Christmas brought more winter weather which brings us back to where we are today. Two days remain in 2017 and we are in the midst of a significant winter storm. I’ve fished my last day of 2017 (over a week ago) and it looks like it will be mid week next week at the soonest before I fish the new year.

Snowpack is in great shape and the season forecast is for below average temps and above average precipitation so all is well but watching the snow pile up outside I can’t help but dream of spring.

Happy New Year from all of us at Wolf Creek Angler.  Thank you for making 2017 our best yet. I have a feeling 2018 will be even better!

The Window is Open

Brent with a streamer eating Missouri River piggy.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect window of opportunity to come out and fish the Missouri it doesn’t get much better than this!

We are currently looking at 26 degrees, overcast skies, a few snow flurries and not a breath of wind (as of 7:45 this morning). The forecast is calling for a chance of snow, and possibly some rain this afternoon with calm winds. Tomorrow looks to be almost as good with partly sunny skies, a high near 40 and winds in the 7-10 mph range. These conditions will persist through early next week though winds return on Friday. We’ll see a return to more seasonable conditions late next week.

How’s the fishing?

It doesn’t suck.

More good days than bad as of late with the prime time slot between 11 AM and 3 PM. Nymphing is good. Go PINK or go home.

Streamer fishing is definitely worth your time as well, especially on overcast days like today. Swing is King during the winter months on the MO’ but that being said, there’s absolutely NO reason you shouldn’t be bombing the banks with a SLOW strip right now. The water is definitely getting colder (currently 37.5 degrees) so you need to keep this in mind and adjust your tactics whether you’re fishing nymphs or streamers but don’t think for a second that you cant catch fish on the strip all winter long.

We hit it just right yesterday afternoon  and had one of the better hours of streamer fishing I’ve had this season bringing four nice fish to hand and moving a bunch of others. And then it was over. Just like that.

Will the window be open again today? You won’t know if you don’t go.

Conditions are abundantly adequate right now. Cloudy skies, unseasonably warm temps, CALM winds and NO traffic. What are you waiting for?

Stop by on your way to the river and stock up on Tailwater Sows, Firebead Rays,  Pill Poppers , Pink Amex’s, Polar Leeches, Kreelex,  Sparkle Minnows and anything else you think you might need but I’m here to tell you, you don’t need much else.

 

Weekend Outlook

Missouri River Winter Fare – Left to Right from the Top. Pink Soft Hackle Sow, Ninch’s Bubble Yum Scud, Ninch’s Pill Popper, Casne’s Pinkalicious, Blooms Weight Fly Pink, Pink Radiation Baetis, Cotton Candy LGM, Pink Lightning Bug, Wayno’s Cotton Candy, Pederson’s Sow, Pink UV Crush, Ninch’s Thunderbug, Pink AmEx, Firebead Rainbow Czech

We’re hoping for winter weather to arrive soon but while we wait we’re taking advantage of the current conditions and enjoying LATE fall fishing on the Missouri at its absolute best.

We’ll see temps in the low to mid 40’s and plenty of sunshine for the next seven days with relatively calm winds in the 7-10 mph range at least for the weekend.

Cancel those Christmas shopping plans, drop whatever it is you are doing and get out here NOW!

Fish the dam, fish Wolf Creek down, fish the canyon…good nymphing reports river-wide this week. Pink is coming on strong so stock up on Lightning bugs, Pill Poppers, Cotton Candy LGM’s, Wayno’s Cotton Candy, Thunder Bugs, Pink Weight Flies, Bubble Yums etc and keep those Tailwater Sows and Firebead Rays  in the mix as well.

Fish the island tail outs, the shelves, the drop offs and the winter runs….they’re settling in.

Streamers? Always worth a try in my mind but stick to the nymphs for numbers. If you do decide to try streamers keep them on the small side (Sparkle Minnows, Kreelex, Thin Mints, Polar Leeches, Dirty Hippies etc) and go with a super SLOW retrieve with plenty of pauses or swing those island tail outs.

We are your Missouri River winter fly fishing destination with the best deals around on lodging and guide trips and a shop full of everything you need for winter fishing on the MO’.  Stop in and see us for up to the minute reports and conditions, the best coffee in the canyon, shuttles, drift boat rentals and the biggest and best bug selection ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek MT.

 

 

December Beckons

November’s early winter blast pretty much shut things down on the Missouri and for whatever reason folks stayed away for most of the month despite plenty of very fishable days. Sure the wind has howled seemingly more often than not which is less than ideal but by late fall standards it really hasn’t been  bad.

If you’ve closed the book on the 2017 season it may be time to reconsider.

December has thus far brought mild temps and a lack of precipitation which is not great in the grand scheme but which should have you thinking late fall fishing on the MO’.

Traffic will remain light as many are occupied with holiday preparations and celebrations which means you could have this thing virtually to yourself for the rest of 2017.

The weather is unseasonably warm, the fishing is good, the traffic is light and the deals on lodging and guide trips are too good to pass up.

Why not treat yourself or someone you love to an early Christmas present. Two nights of lodging and a full day guide trip for just $500.  You won’t find a better deal anywhere. Nobody can touch this one!

We’ve got plenty of guides and rooms available all month long so don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Sure we’re offering this deal all winter long but sooner or later we will actually get winter weather which will challenge even the most hard core anglers.

The short term forecast looks more like October than December so what are you waiting for? Book yourself a room and a guide or just grab your gear, stock up on firebeads and everything pink and come out for the day.

We’re stocked up with the best selection of winter bugs in Wolf Creek and everything you need for your day on the water. Shuttles, Simms cold weather gear, RO and Adipose drift boat rentals (including our Project Healing Waters Adipose FREE to all vets and active duty military personnel) and plenty of great gift ideas so you can get your holiday shopping done while you are here.

Just want the guide trip without lodging?  Only $350 all winter long.

Just looking for a bed? We’ve got you covered with cozy cabins and bungalows for just $99. All of our available units have full kitchens and  private baths and sleep two to three comfortably. Cook for yourself or check out Shotgun Annie’s. The food is good, the service is friendly and we’re thrilled to have them here!

Wolf Creek is the place to be this winter on the MO’.

 

 

11 Days Left -Wolf Creek Angler Holiday Gift Guide

Time is running out!

If you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping you need to get after it. Christmas is a week from Monday so stop procrastinating and get it done. We ran this a couple of weeks ago but just in case you need some last minute ideas for the fly fishers on your list here it is again.

To assist you we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite gift ideas. If you don’t see something here that fits the bill we would LOVE to help you find that perfect gift for the anglers on your list. And don’t forget we’ve got WCA Gift Cards in any amount which can be used on anything we sell from lodging to guide trips to shuttles to merchandise.

 

Simms Cold Weather Shirt $99.95

Just because the leaves are falling and the days are shorter, it doesn’t mean the fish aren’t biting. Set out into the chill of the river in warm, plush comfort with the Simms’ men’s ColdWeather LS Shirt. The quick-drying shirt is made with a soft fleece lining ideal for winter fishing. Two oversized chest pockets offer plenty of storage for your fly boxes. The stylish flannel shirt is finished with UPF 50 sun protection.

This is my absolute favorite shirt from September through March. You won’t find a more comfortable, cozy shirt for those cold fall and winter days. Everybody should have at least one!

Stanley WCA Classic Vacuum Growler and Blackfoot River Brewing Company Beer $59.00

What’s that call echoing throughout the land, bouncing off mountains and tumbling through valleys? “Cold beer, and lots of it!” the armies of the thirsty cry out. Rising to the call for cold, fresh beer, the 64oz Classic Vacuum Growler lets you transport your favorite brew in fully functional and iconic style. Take control with a rugged handle for easy carry and one-handed pouring. The wide mouth allows for quick filling, sharing, and cleaning. That satisfying ‘pop’ you hear when you open this bad boy is a sure sign your beer is fresh and bubbly. It ain’t Grandad’s old vacuum bottle, but he’ll raise his pint in admiration. You might just have to top him off.

After extensive field testing by the WCA staff we have concluded that this is the best value in growlers you’ll find. A 64 oz vacuum growler for under $60 and your first fill free at Blackfoot River Brewing Company in Helena…you’d be hard pressed to find a better deal anywhere.

Korkers DarkHorse Wading Boots  $179.99

A remastered classic from the optimal traction brand; the DarkHorse is not a one trick pony. Made for the angler that can’t compromise weight and durability
for function.

Traction: OmniTrax® Interchangeable Sole System adapts your traction to any fishing condition.

Closure System: BOA® M2 lacing system for quick on/off and custom fit.

Fast Drying: Hydrophobic upper material with ultra abrasion resistance and tonal camo pattern.

Durability: Molded TPU Toe Cap for durability and toe bump protection and protected stitching for prolonged thread life.

Internal Drainage: Water flows thru internal channels then out midsole ports, removing excess water and weight.

 

Echo Ion Reel  $79.99

 

Maintenance-free disc drag with low start-up resistance
Easy Left to Right-Hand Retrieve Change
Backlash-free, instant drag reaction
Positive position click drag knob
Incoming/outgoing audible click
Durable alloy construction
Large arbor spool design for fast line pickup and low line memory
Warranty:  12 Month Limited Warranty
With a large arbor for quick retrieves and a hybrid machined/cast design, the Ion is a great choice for balancing single-hand and two-hand rods of all sizes. Designed primarily for freshwater use, they can be used in the salt with a little additional care. Six sizes make sure that there is an Ion reel to suit your fishing situation.

Our best selling reel, the Ion is an incredible value at under $80.

Simms Cold Weather Pant  $99.95

Enjoy winter weather without the sting in Simms’ Men’s Coldweather Pants. The DurapelPlus® durable water-resistant finish on 100% nylon coupled with COR3™ technology blocks water penetration and harmful sun rays with a UPF rating of 50, all while controlling odors. A textured 100% polyester microfleece lining retains valuable body heat. Slash handwarmer pockets with self-fabric abrasion panels protect hands from the bitter cold. Adjustable waist with plastic center-front snap fits comfortably for long wear. Double-layered, articulated knees for durability and ease of movement. Traditional fit.

The perfect companion to the Cold Weather Shirt, you’ll find me wearing these pants all winter long!

Smith Optics Guide’s Choice Glasses  $219.00

The Guide’s Choice has been reimagined to exceed the needs of our most demanding customers. Incorporating our most advanced eyewear technologies, this style boasts wide temples and an aggressive wrap for superior light protection. Add to that premium Italian spring hinges, megol nose and temple pads, a detachable sunglass leash, and premium 8-base ChromaPop™ and Techlite glass lenses, the Guide’s Choice is engineered for those that truly believe in the life outside walls.

Redington Path Combo $199.99

The new PATH rod is a smooth-casting, medium-fast action graphite fly rod, offering classic performance for all levels of anglers. Rods through 6 weight have a half-wells handle with a wood reel seat for a classic look and feel, and 7 weights and above feature a full-wells grip with anodized aluminum reel seat that is ready for salt or fresh water conditions.
All water, medium-fast action rod
Wooden reel seats on rods weights through 6 weight models
Durable anodized aluminum reel seat on rods 7 weight and above
Alignment dots for easy rod setup
Durable cordura rod tube with built in rod dividers
Combo includes: PATH rod, CROSSWATER reel pre-spooled with RIO Mainstream® WF fly line, and cordura rod tube
8 and 9 weight, saltwater application, available with RIO Saltwater® Floating Line
Lifetime warranty *rod only

Ready to Fish for under $200!

LOOP Cross S1  $795

The new LOOP Cross S1 fly rod series is the single most important revolution to occur in fly fishing since we introduced the large arbor reel over 20 years ago. It’s that big.
If the large arbor provided revolutionary function that made the fly reel exponentially better, you won’t believe the difference Cross S1 construction makes with fly rods. We could write an entire book on the adventure that has led to the Cross S1 series of fly rods. We could look up and write down all the available superlatives that are yet unused by other manufacturers (not many left nowadays), but the only way to truly describe what we mean is to hand one to you and let you test it for yourself. If there has ever been a time in our history of development of high-performance fly fishing gear where Loop merited a “look” and a test from the fly fishing world, it is now. Over a period of two years we have developed these fly rods where we used the new 3M™ Powerlux™ Composites. The result is amazing, the strength associated with the 3M™ Powerlux™ Composites generates a lightness and controllable elasticity that simply must be experienced.
We have carefully restricted the inherent elasticity of the Loop Cross S1 so that the rod is working evenly over a much wider range than other fly rods. We have managed to make super-strong featherweight fly rods, with an emphasis on fishing where the rod is working with minimum vibration through an entire load range – from close-in and out to even extreme distances. The design requires minimal input power where the rod does the job. It has never been so easy and taken so little effort to deliver precision loops at 10-meters or 30-meters while easily controlling the line or changing the pace of the cast.

Simms Rogue Fleece Hoodie (His and Hers) $99.00

Your right-hand, with cold-killing power under the hood For microclimates of the brisk and blustery variety, Simms’ Rogue Fleece Hoody comes equipped with weather-shielding attributes to soldier through the day, including a 100-percent polyester woven face backed with a water-shedding DWR finish. Thaw immobile hands inside fleece-backed handwarmer pockets, and duck sideways weather under the three-panel ergonomic hood. Rogues block UV rays with industry leading UPF 50 protection and include fly box compatible chest pockets, comfort-enhanced rib knit cuffs and hems, and a hardworking YKK Vislon® center front zipper.

The Simms Women’s Rogue Fleece Hoodie is designed for all-day comfort on and off the water. This hoodie is constructed of a polyester and nylon fabric blend to provide warmth and ease-of movement. Other features include a water-repellent DWR finish, UPF 50 protection, and a full, center-zip, adjustable hood.

Redington Predator Rod  $299.95

The all-new PREDATOR is the ultimate fly rod for big flies, heavy lines, and aggressive-fighting fish. It features a powerful, intuitive fast action that commands enough power to combat big gamefish and pick up and cast today’s heavy lines and massive flies. Its action is designed to perform in both freshwater and saltwater scenarios, and all components are saltwater-ready. The PREDATOR family encompasses models ranging from spooky-bonefish duty 5-weights to tarpon-ready 12 weights, including unique specialty models like a 7’10” 8-weight and dedicated PIKE and MUSKY models with extended fighting butts for boatside figure-eights.

Your new go-to streamer stick!

Rio/Fishpond Headgate Tippet Holder

RIO has teamed up with Fishpond to offer the perfect bundle to attach to your vest or bag. 5, 30-yard spools of RIO’s Powerflex tippet material (2X to 6X) are included with Fishpond’s Headgate tippet dispenser in a ready-to-hit-the-water configuration. The Headgate has a spring loaded hinge design that allows anglers to easily add or change tippet spools, and features a built in cutting blade for ultimate convenience. Powerflex tippet has a high knot and tensile strength, and is made of a clear, nylon copolymer. It is ideal for dry flies, soft hackles and nymphs.
Includes 5, 30 yard spools of RIO Powerflex Tippet: 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X and 6X
Rotatable razorblade line cutter
Holds up to 7 tippet spools
Secure, spring-loaded pull for access to change spools

Simms mid-weight and thermal socks  $29.95-$39.95

Advanced, optimized warmth without added bulk, Simms’ Midweight OTC Sock is powered by a 75-percent merino wool blend that delivers moisture management and anti-microbial protection. Midweight over the calf engineering bolsters coverage while keeping your temperature range permanently tuned. Extended high-loft toes add warmth where it counts. And Right Angle® arch support improves overall support across rugged trail and river conditions. Made in the USA

So often, it’s the marginal moments at the end of the day that deliver the magic. That’s why we made our Guide Thermal OTC Sock. Priority number one is to keep your feet warm, so you can make it to the end of the day and experience the magical moments. Pure Merino wool is naturally sweat-wicking and provides insulation so your feet stay warm and dry all day. They have just enough stretch to stay in place and are naturally odor-resistant for a long lifespan.

By |2017-12-14T15:57:41-07:00December 1st, 2017|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: , , , , , , , |0 Comments

Farewell to November

Late November Days on the MO’

We’re looking at partly cloudy skies today and tomorrow with a respite from the howling winds which have made for tough fishing conditions this last week of November.

The fishing has been fair if you can find those spots that provide some shelter from the wind. We prefer to float to gain access to as many of these spots as possible  but wade fishing makes sense. Why not spend your time fishing rather than battling the wind.

Tailwater sows, Pill Poppers, Pink Lightning Bugs and Firebead Rays have all been effective this week. I’ve been running a  #12 Tungsten Rainbow Czech and a #16 Tailwater Sow with a bb and haven’t seen much reason to change. There are plenty of fish holding in medium depth (4 – 6 feet), moderately fast  water. Target island tail outs and gradual drop offs and work from the inside out making sure to cover that water right in front of you that seems too close….often times it’s not.

Don’t forget, today is the last day to book for 2018 at 2017 rates.

As of tomorrow new pricing goes into effect for 2018 bookings.

We’ve got some PRIME dates available in June and July, so do yourself a favor and book now. Prime dates, Prime Guides and big savings….what’s not to like?

Can’t wait until 2018? There’s no time like the present.

We’ve booked a few winter special trips for the upcoming weekend but still have lodging and guides available. We’ve got the best deal around at just $500 for two nights of premium lodging and a full day trip.

 

Late November Missouri River Fishing Report

November on the Missouri

We’ll close out the month of November with another week of ideal late fall fishing conditions. Overcast skies with the occasional peeks of sunshine, temperatures in the low to mid 40’s and a chance for some snow today and Wednesday.

It’s currently calm but they are calling for west southwest winds of 11-16 mph today with gusts as high as 30 mph. Tomorrow looks ideal with partly sunny skies, a high near 45 and south wind at 11-13 mph.

We’ll return to more seasonable temps for the weekend with highs in the 30’s and a chance for some snow on Saturday and Sunday.
Thanksgiving is behind us and Christmas is rapidly approaching (just four Mondays away)! This is the perfect week to take advantage of the mild weather and get your Missouri River fly fishing fix before the holiday grind goes into full effect.

Traffic has remained very light despite the nice weather though we expect to see a  bump in activity with the general hunting season having come to a close yesterday.

Reports from the holiday weekend were mostly positive. Nymphing is definitely your best bet right now but streamers are in the mix as well. The swingers are finding success on Kreelex, Think Mints and smallish buggers. Trout Spey  season is definitely a go but a deep slow strip will move them as well so don’t give up on single hand bank bombing from the boat just yet. Sparkle Minnows, Dirty Hippies, MK Ultras, Mini Dungeons, ZK’s Inflated Egos and various flavors or polar leeches have all been getting noticed and are good bets from here on out. Go deep with a slow to moderate strip and don’t be afraid to let it swing. It’s not lights out but if you put your time in you should be able to find some willing players. The water temps are continuing to fall and are hovering right around that 40 degree mark so the fish are definitely slowing down and transitioning to slow deep winter water but if you deliver the goods right to them and they don’t have to work too hard for it they definitely aren’t going to pass up a big meal.

Focus on transition type water with your nymphs as well. Not too fast…not too slow. Not super shallow and not too deep. They’re definitely moving towards those winter lies but we’re continuing to have the best luck in the medium depth/medium fast water in close proximity to slow winter water. Rig up with a #12 pink Amex, Bubble Yum Scud, Rainbow Czech or Pinkalicious  and trail with your favorite winter bug.  #16 or #18 tailwater sows,  firebead soft hackle sows, pink lighting bugs, firebead Rays, Pill Poppers, Pederson’s Sows, Wayno’s Cotton Candys, UV Crush, Cotton Candy LGMs are just a few of our favorites but the options are truly limitless.

With the shorter days  many opt for wade fishing this time of year but floating gives you more options. Don’t forget we’ve got Adipose and RO Drift Boats available for rent all winter long and if you’re a vet we’ve got a Project Healing Waters Adipose Flow available to you FREE OF CHARGE anytime. We don’t do a huge rental business during the winter months so we generally have boats available but calling ahead is never a bad idea for any of our boats and is a MUST for the PHW boat.

Plenty of lodging and guides available all winter long so don’t hesitate to give us a call and book yours today. Don’t forget the best deal on the MO – two night’s lodging and a full day guide trip for just $500!  Only interested in a room? Just $99/night (plus tax). Don’t need the room but want the guide?  Guide trips just $350 while the snow flies. Looking for a better deal? You won’t find one ANYWHERE.

We’re in the shop Wednesday – Sunday at 8:00 am and occasionally on Mondays and Tuesdays as well but you should definitely call first before coming out on those days. We’re open for lodging and guide trips every day.

Prime Fishing Days Ahead

While last week’s winter storm essentially shut things down on the MO’ the forecast looks encouraging.

What a change from last year when the first weeks of November were abuzz with activity. I’m pretty sure we talked about early November being the new October after a couple of mild autumns that saw summerlike temps well into October and prime fall conditions in early November, but not so this year!

It’s amazing what a few days of single digit temps and a substantial blanket of snow will do to take the mind off of fishing. As quiet as it’s been around the shop I had all but settled on closing more lodging for the winter this week  but then the forecast changed, the phone started to ring and just like that, it’s back on….at least for the time being.

It’s going to remain on the cold side today but the warm up is underway and we should see 30’s tomorrow, 40’s through the weekend and possibly near 50 on Monday. It’s the perfect opportunity for one more trip to the MO’ this season and with our winter lodging and guide trip special in effect you can’t afford to pass this up.

We’re offering a full day guide trip for one or two anglers and two nights of premium lodging for the unbelievable price of $500 (plus tax). You won’t find a better deal ANYWHERE! Don’t need the lodging? Full Day Guide Trips are $350 (plus tax) for one or two anglers ALL WINTER LONG. Don’t need a guide? That’s ok too. Winter lodging rates are just $99/night plus tax for a cozy cabin or bungalow with a private bath and a full kitchen.

Sound too good to be true? Wait….there’s more! Not only are we offering the best deal on the river….hands down, we’re also giving you an out with NO CANCELLATION FEES for lodging or guide trips. Winter weather can be unpredictable and as we approach the holidays things start to get really busy for everyone. Book your trip today and if the weather changes or your plans change or you simply change your mind you’re off the hook…no questions asked!

Give us a call today to book your late fall/early winter escape to the Missouri. We’re expecting some traffic this weekend with the break in the weather but you can still plan on an abundance of solitude as increased  traffic by late fall standards bears little resemblance to anything you would experience during the prime.

Nymphing and streamer fishing will continue to be your methods of choice from here on out though you may stumble upon some dry fly opportunities as well, especially on Thursday and Friday with overcast skies and rain and snow in the mix.

Stop by the shop for the latest reports on the what, where when and how. You’ll find everything you need for late season fishing on the Missouri and beyond. We’re loaded up with Simms cold weather gear (including cold weather shirts and cold weather pants, both Montana winter staples) and we’re fully stocked with waders and boots from Redington and Korkers. We’ve got fly lines, leaders and tippet from Rio and ARC; eye wear from Smith; packs, bags and accessories from Simms and Fishpond; rods and reels from LOOP, Echo, Redington, Nautilus and Ross and as always, the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Come enjoy what could be the last gasp of autumn this weekend on the Missouri.

 

Book Now and Save

It’s the perfect time to book your 2018  fishing and lodging dates with Wolf Creek Angler. Prices are going up but if you book your 2018 dates by November 30th we will hold 2017 pricing.

We’re also excited to announce our Winter Guide Trip and Lodging Special which starts next week and runs through March.

Beginning Thursday, November 9th we are offering full day Missouri River Guided float trips for one or two anglers  for $350 or two nights of lodging and a full day on the water for $500. That’s over a $250 savings!

Mind you we’re starting trips later in the morning this time of year and with the dwindling hours of daylight you’re getting a shorter trip but you won’t find a better deal anywhere. Some aren’t offering winter trips at all, others are offering them at full price. We’re offering two nights of lodging and a full day on the water for one or two anglers for less than what you’ll pay just for your guide trip elsewhere.

Keep in mind also that while the lodging tax is always in effect, the resort tax is about to go on hiatus until April so that’s an additional 3% savings on EVERYTHING beginning November 15th. Lodging, Guide Trips, Shuttles, Flies, Simms sportswear and accessories, Drift Boat Rentals…..EVERYTHING!

And the best part of the deal? No cancellation fees! When you book a trip during the season you are locked in and under most circumstances you will end up losing your 50% deposit if you cancel. That’s not the case now. Winter can be a challenging time to book a trip because the weather can change without  notice and while we don’t mind being on the water in sub-zero conditions we realize that this isn’t for everyone.

Not to worry. Book your trip and rest assured that if the weather turns or if you simply change your mind you’re off the hook. No fees. No questions asked!

Winter fishing on the Missouri can be downright fantastic. It can also be slow. It’s fishing! We’re concentrating primarily on nymphing and streamer fishing right now though there are occasional dry fly opportunities as well. As we move into December and into the heart of winter fishing those dry fly opportunities will dwindle but will return in the late winter as midge fishing becomes a viable option.

Winter fishing is not for everyone but once that cabin fever begins to set in a day on the Missouri might be just what the doctor ordered. Things are quiet in Wolf Creek and Craig for the winter months but we do have Shotgun Annie’s for dining and night life; The Canyon Store for gas, groceries and a great Montana Microbrew selection and of course Wolf Creek Angler for all of your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing Needs.

We’ve got more on-site lodging than anyone, the best winter bug selection around and all the cold weather gear you’ll need to eliminate being cold from the equation.

Don’t forget our lodging units are all furnished with a full kitchen and access to barbecue grills so bring your own food with you and you won’t have to go anywhere!

We hope to see you soon for HOT fishing on COLD days with Wolf Creek Angler.

Fall Wandering

October Woods

Just back from my annual autumn wandering weekend in the Flathead feeling well rested, refreshed and ready to finish this season out strong.

Fall is an awesome time for road trips. It’s the season of the harvest offering great fishing and hunting opportunities as well as a spectacular display of nature’s bounty. The radiance of autumn leaves contrasted with bright blue skies or high country snow or brooding grey clouds….it doesn’t get any better does it?

Fall has always been my favorite season and for whatever reason I have a lifetime of memories (good and bad) which burn brighter than most against the backdrops of fall. The smell of burning leaves on crisp October nights or heavenly mesquite or apple wood smoke billowing from the smoker on cold rainy mornings after the hunt. The crunch of frosty ground underfoot while navigating the dark deer woods. October baseball, November steelhead, lazy football Sundays, apple orchards, pumpkin patches, venison, campfires and road trips through the autumn landscapes. These are a few of my favorite things!

I often mourn the exit of summer during those first weeks of fall but as October arrives the sadness goes away and I embrace the awesomeness of autumn. For as long as I can remember we’ve celebrated fall with a road trip. The U.P., Mackinac Island, Traverse City, Bannack, Glacier and Yellowstone…they all go great with autumn.

The sun is shining on the Missouri today and it seems the wind has gone away for the time being. Great weather for fall fishing this week with plenty of sunshine and highs in the 60’s. The next chance for any weather looks to be Thursday with a slight chance of rain or snow in the morning but aside from that it’s looking like blue bird days right on through the weekend.

It could be the perfect opportunity for you to do some fall wandering of your own and if you’re going to do it why not wander to the Missouri where you can not only get your fall fix but you can also get in on some of the best fishing we’ve had all year. It’s definitely been a fall to remember where the fishing is concerned and it should remain great well into November.

We’ve got plenty of lodging available and guides are at the ready, having reached the end of their busy season and wanting to do whatever they can to prepare for the long winter ahead. The shop is fully stocked with cold weather gear from Simms and Redington, hand warmers, streamer lines (and streamer sticks), the largest selection of Missouri River fall flies ever gathered under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana, Adipose and RO drift boat rentals (including a brand new Project Healing Waters Adipose boat available free of charge to all active duty and vets of the US Armed Services), Wading gear from Redington and Korkers and much more.

Wolf Creek Angler is your Missouri River fall fly fishing destination.

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