Wolf Creek Angler Archives - Page 36 of 67

The Big Thaw

What a difference a couple of days makes! We’ve gone from “feels like” temps of -50 a couple of days a ago to highs near 40 today and tomorrow and it appears as though we’ll be above freezing all week until the next blast of cold air arrives on the weekend.

Unfortunately with the warm up we’re getting the wind. We’re under a high wind warning today with periods of 35-45 mph southwest winds with gusts as high as 65. Expect sustained winds of 20-24 mph.

I expect there may be a few folks out there today taking advantage of time off and moderate temperatures but the winds will keep many off of the water. Personally I would rather fish in below freezing temps with no wind than what we’re seeing today and tomorrow but that’s just me.

Water temps have dropped into the 35 degree range so I would definitely plan on shifting gears into winter fishing mode if you’re going out. Firebeads and/or anything pink should be coming into play and the assumption would be that the majority of the fish have made the transition to the slow deep winter water. I don’t have a recent fishing update as it’s been just too cold to fish or to do much of anything outside but we’ll likely be out later today and will post what we know as soon as we know it.

In the meantime target that winter water with a deep nymph rig, be patient and stay warm! I also wouldn’t hesitate to swing as it’s getting to be prime time for Polar Leeches and the Hot Head Kreelex!

It’s been tough trying to put together a consistent schedule in the shop with the weather being what it’s been. We had settled on regular hours of Wednesday – Saturday 8 AM – 2 PM, closed Sunday – Tuesday but then we ended up being closed most of last week because it was insanely cold. We’re here today and tomorrow because it’s warm and because we figure there may be some people around with the college crowd home from school and looking to spend some time on the MO’. We’ll be around all week if the forecast holds with limited hours on Saturday which is Christmas Eve and closed on Sunday for Christmas.

As we move past the holidays and get into the heart of winter we will try to stick to that Wednesday – Saturday schedule for the most part but once again if the weather returns to what we saw last week with treacherous temps we probably won’t be here and likewise if we have really fishy weather on the days we’re supposed to be closed we will more than likely be here, at least in the mornings. The best thing to do would be to give us a call before you come out if there is any doubt and if you’re coming out regardless of who is open when, you can see the shop from the Interstate so you’ll be able to see if we’re open or not before you hit the Wolf Creek Exit when traveling from the south.

Thank you for your patience with what has been a screwy schedule thus far this winter and remember if you happen to be out here to fish on a day we are closed we encourage you to see our friends at Headhunters in Craig for shuttles and bugs and more.

Looking at the long-term forecast for the winter months it looks like we’re still expecting below average temperatures for the most part but as we hit these periods of warmer weather keep in mind we’re offering our winter guide trip and lodging special all winter long. Two nights lodging in one of our cozy bungalows and a full day on the water with some of the fishiest, hardest working guides on the Missouri. Regardless of shop hours we are open EVERY DAY for lodging and guide trips…just give us a call. We can do it on extremely short notice but if you do choose to book ahead of time and are worried about the weather, worry no more. Rest assured there are NO CANCELLATION FEES for winter guide trips.

We hope you make Wolf Creek Angler your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing Destination.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-12-19T17:14:49-07:00December 19th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

This Week on the MO’

blog1

Cold and snowy.

There’s not much else to say other than we are happy to see next year’s water flows continuing to develop.

Expect continued cold weather for the remainder of the week with temps in the teens for the next couple of days and bitter cold returning for the weekend. We’ll see a high of -2 on Friday with a low near -20 Friday night. Saturday looks similar but we begin to warm back to the mid teens on Sunday and it looks like we may see a bit of a warm up next week with temperatures back in the high 20’s.

We’re under a winter storm watch beginning tomorrow evening and running through Thursday night for widespread snow and gusty winds, something we thankfully haven’t seen much of recently. 4-6″ of snow possible with up to 18″ expected at higher elevations. Keep it coming!

We don’t expect much in the way of traffic on the river this week but there will definitely be some anglers joining the waterfowl hunters out there next week with the warm-up and with the college crowd home for the holidays.

If the weather cooperates we will be in the shop every day next week, at least first thing in the morning and may just get out and do a little fishing ourselves as we’re already starting to exhibit symptoms of withdrawal.

If you’re looking for last-minute Christmas gifts we can help and you don’t even need to make the trek to Wolf Creek. Give us a call and let us know what you need and we’ll get it shipped out in time for Christmas.

A Wolf Creek Angler gift card makes the perfect gift for all the fly fishers on your list. You can purchase them in any amount, they never expire, and they are good for absolutely everything we sell.

You don’t need to know what weight Loop, Echo or Redington rod; which Nautilus, Ross, Loop, Echo or Redington reel; which flies; what size Simms or Kast gear; when to book the guide trip and lodging….you don’t need to know any of it, all you need to know is WCA Gift Cards cover it all!

Enjoy the snow, stay warm and start making plans for a great 2017 on the World-Class Missouri River.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-12-13T16:39:22-07:00December 13th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Weekend Warm Up

screenshot-85

Time to bust out the flip-flops and sunscreen.

Highs will reach near 30 today and tomorrow before we return to single digits on Monday.

I expect there may be a few folks out there taking advantage of the warm up though all the rigs I saw parked along the river this morning had kennels in the back so it appears as though the focus has turned to waterfowl hunting rather than fishing.

We won’t break single digits next week and from the forecasts I’m looking at it doesn’t appear as though we’ll make it above freezing for the remainder of the month so it really could be your last chance to fish the MO’ in 2016.

I’ll pass.

We’ll be here for a spell this morning wrapping up the fly count and taking care of some other year – end chores so if you’re planning on fishing today stop in for some bugs and maybe knock out the last of your Christmas shopping. We’ve got some great gift ideas for all of the fly fishers on your list and even if they don’t fly fish but love to spend time floating the river we’ve got something in mind. How about a WCA Gift Card they can use for vehicle shuttles all summer long?

Zach will be in tomorrow morning to handle the warm Sunday rush but we’re going to adjust our hours for the deep freeze conditions as there simply isn’t much of a call for us to be open when it’s this cold.

After tomorrow until further notice our normal hours will be from 8 AM – 2 PM Wednesday – Saturday. We’ll be closed on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays for certain and let’s just say that if the temps are in the single or negative digits and/or road conditions are hazardous we may or may not be here so please call before making a special trip out and as always if we are closed and you need shuttles or bugs or other shop stuff we encourage you to visit our friends in Craig who can take care of you.

It won’t be long before the lake freezes and the hard water anglers arrive so keep in mind that we’re open EVERY DAY for lodging…..just give us a call. And don’t forget our winter lodging/guide trip special if we get another heat wave. Two night’s lodging and a full day of guided fishing for one or two anglers for just $500 with no cancellation fees. It’s the best deal on the river.

Flows have been cranked up to 5500 cfs to keep things moving in the cold weather and the water temp is currently sitting at just over 40 degrees and dropping rapidly. It’s a safe bet the fish will be in full on winter mode whenever we get back out there.

We’ll keep you posted on weather conditions, zebra mussels, snow pack and more and we’ll let you know when there is ice on the lake.

At some point we’ll be back with a fishing report but for now we suggest you continue to enjoy the holiday season and maybe start making those plans for a 2017 trip to the Missouri.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-12-10T17:05:04-07:00December 10th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

December Outlook – COLD

Winter continues to tighten its grip on the MO’.

We’re currently sitting at -1 with snow on the way tonight and tomorrow and looking at the 10 day it doesn’t appear as though we’re going to make it above freezing anytime soon.

We’ll see a slight warming trend this weekend as temps reach into the high 20’s on Saturday and Sunday but the bottom drops out again on Monday with a return to single (and negative) digits and more snow on the way for next week.

Once again, we’re happy to have it. We’re building snowpack and hopefully we’re on our way to an awesome 2017 water year.

Current SNOTEL snow water equivalent (SWE) shows we are well below average at this point but not to worry, we’re just getting started and these numbers will all change over the next weeks as snowfall continues to accumulate, especially in the high country.

screenshot-84 Current “Most Probable” projections look good for the 2017 water year on the Missouri with a nice steady 4000 cfs through the winter months and a peak of around 8,000 in June followed by low 4’s for the remainder of the season. Max probable shows something closer to 5K for the winter with a peak near 12K and evening out around 6K for the remainder of the season while Minimum Probable essentially mirrors what we saw in 2016 with steady flows at 3500 – 4000 cfs and no real peak to speak of in the spring. Fingers are crossed for Max Probable!

screenshot-83

So how does all of this affect your 2017 fishing plans? Hard to say for sure but the long and short of it is that at this point is shouldn’t really have any bearing on your plans. Sure if you are a wade angler you might want to think about not coming in early June when we generally see our peak flows but we’ve got a long winter ahead of us and nobody knows for sure what that winter is going to hold in store for us. We say it every year, there will be water. How much or how little we don’t know but what we do know is that regardless of whether we see minimum or maximum or most probable flows (or none of the above for that matter) we will be fishing and we hope you will be here fishing with us.

As all of you who regularly fish the Missouri know, we are somewhat isolated from the challenges of extreme high and low flows. Regulated flows keep us fishing all year long while other waters around the state are unfishable due to high water (runoff) in the spring and low flows/high water temps resulting in Hoot Owl Closures in the summer as we’ve seen each year during the current drought conditions.

That’s not to say it can’t happen here. If we end up getting an above average amount of snowpack coupled with a wet spring then we’re obviously going to have an above average amount of water to contend with. It has to go somewhere! And while the folks in charge of managing the water do a pretty good job (and a thankless one at that) of regulating the reservoirs, if drought conditions persist and we don’t get adequate precipitation then even the Missouri will suffer from low flows and increased water temps. I’ve yet to see Hoot Owl hit the MO’ but it’s not out of the question.

All that being said, we’re looking forward to another spectacular season on the Missouri and while our fishing has been shut down by the weather for the time being we’ll gladly sacrifice December nymphing for more water in the spring. In the meantime stay inside, keep warm and think happy thoughts about summer days on the MO’…we are.

Summer Days on the Missouri

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-12-08T18:05:27-07:00December 8th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

December is upon us

wintermo

It’s hard to believe but we’ve actually reached the last month of another fantastic year on the Missouri. Year number three for Wolf Creek Angler. Our best yet by far but we’re not focusing on that. As always, we’re looking towards the future.

I tell my clients this all the time when they cast behind the boat…look to the future not the past. Downstream is where you need to focus to maximize your success. Take a look at what is coming your way and do what you need to do in order to make it happen. The world downstream is filled with possibilities, the world behind the boat has passed.

Sure you might pick up a fish or two behind the boat but when you focus on the past you tend to miss opportunities coming your way.

It is in business as it is in the boat. 2016 will soon be behind us and we had great success but now is the time to look downstream and see what’s coming in 2017.

New challenges, new opportunities, new improvements and the hope that 2017 will again go down as our best season yet.

So December is a great time to reflect on the successes and contemplate the challenges we had in 2016 as we look ahead and make necessary adjustments in order to best capitalize on the opportunities coming our way.

We hope you join us in closing out the year over these next weeks whether that is by taking advantage of the best lodging/guided fishing deal on the river (BY FAR!), by stopping in for shuttles and bugs on your next trip out, by allowing us to assist you with finding the perfect gift for the fly fishers on your list or simply by following our blog and Facebook page.

These next few days would be a great time to get your Missouri fix. The weather is still tolerable and the fishing is better than what you would expect. We’ve got plenty of lodging available and guides are standing by. Once again – $500 for two nights lodging and a full day on the river with one of our exceptional guides for one or two anglers with absolutely NO CANCELLATION FEES. You won’t find a better deal anywhere on the MO’ – Guaranteed!

The forecast is for highs near 40 through Sunday though it may be on the breezy side but not to worry, we’ve got a shop full of gear designed to remove being cold from the equation. Simms gloves and hats and socks galore as well as ColdWeather shirts and pants, waderwick layering, Kinetic Jackets, Guide jackets and more.

Arctic air arrives on Monday night and while we swear by the gear we carry and love the Simms #ForgetTheForecast hashtag there comes a point where no matter how many layers of GoreTex and Primaloft and Windstopper gear you have you are going to get cold. With a high of 9 expected on Tuesday I think we’ll have reached that point!

Make it a Missouri River weekend with Wolf Creek Angler!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-12-01T18:29:32-07:00December 1st, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, simms, Simms Guide Jacket, Simms Kinetic Jacket, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Farewell November

Closing out what can only be described as an unseasonably warm November it appears as though we will finally start to see some winter weather with the coldest temperatures of the season arriving early next week.

We may see some snow on Sunday and Monday but the big story is the cold air settling in on Monday night with lows in the single digits and highs only in the teens.

If you had plans to fish you may want to do it this week as we will continue to see temperatures near 40 with a chance for some snow showers each day through the weekend.

Traffic has been surprisingly light these past two weeks despite continued reports of excellent nymphing, solid streamer action and even some decent dry fly opportunities. Expect the arctic air to bring things to a standstill where fishing is concerned.

Two months from now it will be a different story as cabin fever really starts to take hold and folks become much more willing to brave the elements just to get out and do something but for now I think it’s safe to say that if 40 degrees and the best fall fishing in years didn’t bring people out then we likely won’t be seeing much activity with highs only in the teens.

As always there will be a few of you die-hard anglers out there and we are more than happy to provide you with lodging and flies and hand warmers and anything else you might need for your time on the water. We definitely aren’t saying you shouldn’t fish, we’re just saying that you should let us know if you’re heading out here and are in need of anything because it’s this type of weather that sometimes keeps us home.

The dark days of winter in the canyon can be challenging to say the least. It’s not that there isn’t plenty to do, there definitely is, but when the daylight is short and the air is frigidly cold and the chance of human contact is minimal it can be pretty tempting to sleep in, skip the drive and work from home.

That aside, more often than not I will opt to make the drive because it’s much easier to stay focused and productive in the shop.

We hope you make us your first stop if you’re coming out to fish the MO’. Wolf Creek is your Missouri River Winter Fly Fishing Destination with the only bar/restaurant and the only gas station/convenience store between Helena and Cascade and Wolf Creek Angler is your Missouri River Winter fly fishing headquarters with more on-site lodging than anyone, the best deals on guide trips all winter long and a shop full of everything you need for your day on the water and more.

Shop hours are Wednesday – Saturday 8-4 and Sundays 8 – noon. We are officially closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but if the weather is fishy on those days you will likely find us here anyway getting ready to hit the water ourselves.

Enjoy this last day of November and bring on the winter!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-11-29T21:00:50-07:00November 30th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Looking for that perfect gift for the fly fishers on your list?

We can help.

Something we know about fly fishing….it is definitely gear intensive…or as much so as you want it to be.

Sure there are those that go the minimalist route with one rod and a dozen all-purpose flies for any and all situations and there are those on the opposite end with piles of rods ranging from 0 – 12 weight and a reel for each and boxes crammed full of thousands of flies designed to mimic any bug in any stage in any part of the world. Most of us fall somewhere in between.

If you are shopping for fly fishers we are confident we can help, regardless of how much or how little gear they already have or want to have.

10. Redington Path Combo $189.95

How about rods and reels? We’ve got a vast array of both in all price ranges but since our emphasis here is on quality AND affordability we’ve got an abundance of options in the entry-level to mid-price range and we would love nothing better than to assist you in choosing the perfect set-up whether that angler on your list is a seasoned pro or aspiring to be one.

Are you looking to get someone interested in fly fishing? Our advice is don’t break the bank. Go with an entry-level set-up and see where it goes before you invest too much into it. You could easily spend over $1000 on a rod and reel only to find out it really isn’t their thing.

We’ve got the perfect solution in our Redington Path combos. You get the moderate-fast action rod, the reel, the fly line the backing and a rod case for under $200 and the rod has a Lifetime warranty!. This is undoubtedly our best-selling set-up for beginners.

9. Ross Colorado LT Reel $285.00

Designed around our original Colorado’s click and pawl system, the new award-winning Colorado LT retains the same ruggedness and the signature all-metal clicker of its older brother. However, that is where the similarities end as the Colorado LT is built with a new aesthetic and modern design evident in its large arbor and highly detailed porting. Adding to its elegant simplicity, the Colorado LT boasts only 15 different parts in total, all designed, machined, and assembled in Montrose, Colorado USA.

8. Simms Guide Jacket $349.95

This proven workhorse from Simms should be on every angler’s list.

The redesigned Guide™ Jacket is built-to-fish with Gore-Tex® Shell fabric that’s waterproof, breathable, lightweight, and tenacious against tears. Guide-tested features include two top-loading, fly-box compatible storage pockets with integrated retractors and Shingle Cuff™ engineering for unimpeded casting. A Tuck-Away fly patch folds out to hold sidelined bugs.

7. Fishpond Nomad Boat Net 229.95

Nomad Nets are constructed with carbon fiber/fiberglass composite material. The result is a very lightweight and durable net. Nomad Nets are built for the conditions that prevail where great fishing exists; they are waterproof, UV protected, and float like a cork. All Nomad Nets come standard with a rubber bag.

The now legendary Nomad Net needed a bigger basket for the boaters. The Nomad Boat delivers it, as well as extra-long handle for extra-wily fish.

6. Redington Sonic Pro Waders $299.95

Four layer breathable fabric and SonicWeld seams for under $300!

The all new Sonic-Pro wader uses 4-layer waterproof-breathable fabric and SonicWeld seams to create a simple wader with superior durability for uncompromising performance on the water. We designed this wader with minimal pockets and a clean silhouette to provide anglers a durable wader that simply performs in all conditions, from deep steelhead wading to hot summer trout runs.

5. Simms ColdWeather Shirt $99.95

Our absolute favorite winter shirt….hands down.

Quick dry warmth featuring micro fleece waffle-lining.
Simms takes this hardworking mainstay into the 21st, with the boosted warmth of waffle-lined micro-fleece internals. ColdWeather LS features include quick-dry performance, potent UPF50 sun protection, and chafe-free, off-shoulder seaming for added comfort. Stash gear in two super-sized, top-close chest pockets. And stay effortlessly stylish in these ultrawarm, brushed-flannel performance plaids.

4. Simms ColdWeather Pants $99.95

If you like the ColdWeather shirt wait until you try the pants.

Pants equipped for deep-freeze conditions
Subzero mornings? No sweat. Simms’ Coldweather Pants combat the conditions thanks to micro fleece-lined internals and hand-warmer pockets. Angler-appreciated extras include COR3™ fabric technology; an adjustable waist with a corrosion-fighting center-front snap; and articulated knees for bolstered durability and massive mobility.

3. Yeti Drinkware $24.99-$39.99

Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. 10 OZ Lowball, 30 OZ Ramblers and the stainless steel koozie you thought you’d never need the Colster.

2. Stanley Wolf Creek Angler 64 OZ Growler $59.00

As always, your first fill-up at Blackfoot River Brewing Company in Helena http://blackfootriverbrewing.com/is on us.

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. An audible ‘pop’ when you open this bad boy is a sure sign your beer is still carbonated. It ain’t Grandad’s old vacuum bottle, but he’ll raise his pint in admiration.

Wolf Creek Angler Logo Wear $20.00-$99.99

Hats, T – Shirts, Guide Shirts, ColdWeather Shirts, Fleeces, hoodies….all adorned with the logo of your favorite fly shop.

Can’t decide or not sure what they want? A Wolf Creek Angler gift card makes the perfect gift for all the Missouri River Fly Fishers on your list. The cards can be purchased in any amount, they never expire, and they can be used for absolutely anything we sell. Shuttles, Guide Trips, Drift Boat Rentals, Lodging, Merchandise…..Anything!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-11-26T17:27:40-07:00November 27th, 2016|Categories: Product Review, Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, Fishpond, fly fishing, Holiday Gift Guide, Missouri River, Montana, running line, simms, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Thanksgiving Week on the MO’

Good fishing to be had out there right now and you can have it virtually all to yourself.

It’s the quiet time of year for the quiet sport.

Winter continues to elude us this week with partly to mostly sunny skies and daytime temps in the mid to high 40’s. It’s not exactly what you picture when you think of late fall on the Missouri but it’s what we’ve got so you may as well make the best of it and extend your fall fishing season with a trip to the MO’.

Our winter guide trip/lodging package continues to draw attention and if the weather stays like this we may just be in for a very busy winter season.

Just $500 for two nights of lodging and a full day on the water with NO CANCELLATION FEES?

You heard right. Don’t wait any longer. Book your trip today.

We’ll be open regular hours tomorrow (Wednesday) from 8:00 – 5:00 and will be closed on Thursday for Thanksgiving. We’ll be back in the shop bright and early on Black Friday. You can knock out your Christmas shopping AND fish on Friday with a visit to Wolf Creek Angler.

If you are planning on fishing Thursday and are in need of shuttles or flies or other shop stuff please visit our friends at Headhunters in Craig. They will be open from 8 – 1. We will be watching football and eating turkey.

Our Black Friday Fly Rod Sale officially runs Friday – Sunday but if you want to get a jump on things come on by tomorrow and we’ll be sure to give you a great deal on rods from Loop, Echo, Redington and St Croix. We’ll also be offering combo deals with reels from Loop, Ross, Redington and Echo.

We’ve also got a shop full of great gift ideas including sportswear and outerwear from SIMMS and KAST, packs, nets and accessories from FISHPOND, custom fly boxes handmade in Helena Montana by Al Swanson, WCA Logo Gear and much more.

Not sure what they want? We’ve got the perfect solution – Wolf Creek Angler Gift Cards in any amount good for EVERYTHING we sell!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-11-22T19:25:22-07:00November 22nd, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Winter Special Getting Noticed

fullsizerender-23

A few days ago we posted our winter special and the response has been huge.

Just to clarify – we are offering full day Missouri River Guided float trips for one or two anglers all winter long 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 on hiatus until April so that’s an additional 3% savings on EVERYTHING. 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. 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 have been 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 The Oasis 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 this winter for HOT fishing on COLD days with Wolf Creek Angler.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-11-20T17:44:47-07:00November 20th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Weather (and Winter Rate Guide Trips) On The Way

Winter pic

Enjoy the sunshine and warm weather this weekend. It sounds like we’re finally going to see some more seasonable conditions by the middle of next week with clouds and rain and snow and highs in the 30’s and 40’s and lows in the 20’s. This is what we’ve been waiting for!

Get your cold weather gear together, get your streamer rigs ready and keep that dry fly rod rigged. With any luck you may just get your fall BWO fix after all though many of us have moved past that possibility and are concentrating our efforts on winter nymphing and Streamers!

Some are stripping, some are swinging. Both methods are producing and are a great way to spend a day on the water. Our streamer bins are fully stocked with the best bugs in the canyon including many ZK Exclusives you won’t find in any other shop.

Need a new streamer rig? We’ve got great options from Loop, Echo and Redington and a full range of streamer specialty lines from Rio and Airflo. Stay tuned for our Winter Rod Sale happening soon.

If nymphing is your game stick with the sow bugs and scuds and it may be time to start working in some pink and some firebeads as well. Pink Weight flies, Casne’s Pinkalicious, Ninch’s Thunderbug, Pink Lightning bugs, Pink AmEx…..they’re all winter staples and while we aren’t there quite yet it won’t be long.

Water temps are dropping and the fish are on the move making the transition away from the fast (ish) shallows to the slower, deeper winter water.

If you’re going to play the streamer game then I would suggest you still spend plenty of time bombing the banks but don’t overlook the slower, deeper runs where you’ll want to slow that retrieve way down or just let it swing.

Look for a slight increase in traffic out there on the weekends but expect to have it pretty much to yourself during the week, especially when that colder weather rolls in.

Daylight is becoming scarce so you’ll want to keep your floats on the short side from here on out. Wolf Creek to Craig (or something in that 5-6 mile range) is perfect. Late starts and short floats are the winter program so a couple of nights at Wolf Creek Angler make perfect sense. We’ve got plenty of rooms available and at just $99/night plus tax you’ll have more than enough left over for Christmas shopping which, depending on who is on your list, you may be able to take care of while you’re here.

Looking for a great deal on a guided trip? Beginning November 15th and running through March 15th we’re offering full day Missouri River float trips for one or two anglers at the obscenely reasonable rate of $350. Sound too good to be true? Wait, there’s more! We assume you’ll need lodging as long as you’re coming over to fish so we’re offering a guided fishing/lodging package. Two nights lodging and a full day of guided fishing for one or two anglers for $500 + tax! You won’t find a better deal ANYWHERE!

We are well aware that winter can be a sketchy time to book a float trip due to changing weather conditions so for that reason we’re charging NO CANCELLATION FEES for winter lodging and guide trips.

We hope to see you soon at Wolf Creek Angler, your Missouri River late season fly fishing destination.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-11-12T18:58:37-07:00November 12th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: $350 Missouri River Guide Trips, Christmas, Craig MT, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, RIO, running line, Streamer Fishing, streamers, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Previous 353637 Next