Wolf Creek Angler Archives - Page 45 of 67

Blast from the Past

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I came across this pictures today while cleaning out file cabinets. I’m not sure what is going on with the helicopter out in front of the shop but for the record, it’s fine with us if you choose to travel here by helicopter, we’ve even got adequate parking for your rig!

Things definitely look a little different around here these days.

The One and Only Wolf Creek Angler – located at 515 Recreation Road in Wolf Creek

The second picture is of the arrival of the bungalows and the construction involved in making them what they are today.

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Enjoying some spring-like weather this week with temps in the low 40’s. A full house tonight as you might expect.

Lodging available for the rest of the week and guide trips available any and every day.

Full fishing report tomorrow – right now we’re MO bound.

See you on the water.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:40-06:00January 12th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Weekend Update

Winter taking hold on the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

A fair amount of activity this morning in Wolf Creek despite temperatures in the teens. With a steady stream of traffic heading to Holter Lake I would assume the ice fishing is heating up.

Last we heard there was approximately 5 inches of ice around Log Gulch and 3 inches around the dam. Perch fishing has reportedly been very good with the 10 perch limit consistently being caught.

We get a fair amount of ice fishing related calls and have had a number of guests staying with us who are fishing the hard water and we welcome the business. Unfortunately since we don’t personally ice fish we rarely have good ice intel. We encourage everyone seeking up-to-date ice fishing reports to call Shawn at The Canyon Store here in Wolf Creek (406)235-4111. They get a lot of lake traffic and usually have a pretty good sense of what’s going on out there.

A few people fishing the river this morning between Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge but you can expect to find plenty of available water today and tomorrow if you’re planning to come out. Stop by the shop if you do and enjoy a cup of Montana Maid Coffee while you stock up on pink bugs and hand warmers!

Tuesday and Wednesday look like the days to fish with plenty of sunshine and highs approaching 40. Lodging and guide trips available. Call and book your Missouri River winter fly-fishing getaway with Wolf Creek Angler today.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:40-06:00January 9th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, Holter Lake, ice fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|1 Comment

Cold Weekend Outlook

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Snowy and cold this weekend on the Missouri although not nearly as cold as what they had been calling for a few days ago. We’ll see highs in the mid 20’s tomorrow and close to 30 on Sunday with partly sunny skies….maybe not ideal conditions but certainly fishable.

Night time temps in the single digits will keep things icy. Slush will be a constant irritation. Watch that shelf ice and be on the lookout for icebergs on the move when you’re wading.

We wouldn’t recommend floating the river this weekend with wind chill values as low as -10 but if you decide to do it please use extreme caution at the ramps as they can definitely be on the sketchy side in these weather conditions. Four-Wheel drive is a must.

Things are going to warm up next week with highs near 40 on Wednesday and Thursday. If you feel a couple of sick days coming on give us a call and book yourself a cozy bungalow for a night or two. $99 gets you a room for three with a full kitchen. Don’t feel like cooking? The Oasis Bar and Grill is serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Thursday – Monday from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

Looking for a guide? $400 gets you a full day float trip on the MO with one of our expert professional guides, a hot lunch, plenty of solitude and the chance to discover what an awesome winter fishery the Missouri can be. Book it today – if you don’t like what you’re seeing weather wise come game time you are free to bail. We will be out there weather permitting – you may as well be out there with us.

Need shuttles, winter bugs, hats, gloves, hand warmers, cold weather gear or anything else for a cold day on the water? Wolf Creek Angler is your Missouri River Winter Fly-Fishing headquarters. Stay with us, shop with us, fish with us. With 99% of the winter fishing taking place between Holter Dam and Craig, Wolf Creek is the place to be, just minutes from the dam and Wolf Creek Bridge.

Pay us a visit and find out why Wolf Creek is rapidly becoming the nexus of winter fly-fishing on the Missouri River. People from around the state and beyond choose Wolf Creek when they are looking for a winter fly-fishing fix. With the only restaurant and the only gas station/convenience store between Helena and Cascade and a first-rate Missouri River fly shop with comfortable and affordable lodging just minutes from Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge, the choice is clear. Wolf Creek Angler, Uncle Joe’s Oasis Bar and Grill and The Canyon Store provide everything you need from flies to food to fuel to night life. Keep an eye on the weather and when you see a break come discover for yourself all that Wolf Creek has to offer.

Everything you need in Wolf Creek Montana

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:40-06:00January 8th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, The Oasis Bar and Grill, The Wolf Creek Canyon Store, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Mid Week Missouri River Fishing Report

Enjoying a brief January Thaw on the Missouri – Photo by Wolf Creek Angler

It’s been a nice couple of days here on the Missouri by January standards and the river has been predictably busier with people taking advantage of warmer temps, calm winds and sunshine.

Cold and snow return tomorrow. Highs in the teens and night-time lows in the single or negative digits through the weekend with an 80% chance of snow tomorrow and a good chance of snow each day through Saturday. Sunday looks to be mostly sunny and cold and it looks like things warm up heading into next week.

I couldn’t resist the pull yesterday. Having not been out for quite a while it was a great day to do the Wolf Creek to Craig float and hit all the reliable winter runs.

No big changes to report. Slow water, anything pink and firebeads! Pink Amex, firebead pink soft hackle sow and pink lightning bugs all drew a favorable response.

There were quite a few midges on the water yesterday though I only saw a couple of sporadic rises but it won’t be long before there are swarms of midges and fish keying on them so it’s never a bad idea to have your dry-fly rig at the ready.

Only one other boat out there yesterday but plenty of wade anglers around. I like to float if I have time just so I can quickly get from spot to spot. If there is someone fishing the spot I want to fish I just float on past to the next one. The drawback of course is that you are committed and even on the nicer days like we’ve been having, once that sun goes away it gets cold quickly. Even so – if I have the time I would almost always rather float than do the walk/wade thing on the Missouri. The right cold weather clothing, a thermos of coffee, a thermos of hot soup and in extreme cases a propane heater or two go a long way in making your winter float an enjoyable experience.

If you haven’t experienced winter fishing on the MO you really should. We’ve got all the cold weather gear and all the winter nymphs and streamers you need and we’re more than happy to tell you exactly where to go to find the fish.

Keep your eye on the weather and do it yourself or book a $400 full day float trip some time this winter. Dress appropriately and leave the hot soup, hot coffee and heaters to us. Better yet, book a cozy bungalow for $99 and do a day with a guide and a day or two on your own.

Our bungalows are fully equipped with kitchens so you can cook your own meals. If you prefer to eat out, The Oasis is currently serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Thursday – Monday from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

Don’t miss a great opportunity to experience winter solitude on the Missouri.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00January 6th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, nymphs, running line, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Missouri River Fishing Report 1.3.16

Based on the number of folks out on the river in the past few days I would say many of you have your priorities straight. With the high temperature in the last two days hovering somewhere between Sub-Arctic and Arctic, more towards the former, lots of anglers occupying limited stretches of open water. Despite the cold temps and sometimes unbearable wind, success has been pretty frequent. If your new years resolution is to fish more in 2016, no reason to not start now.

Lots of ice flowing, that’s right downstream. Seems to be piling up just below Lone Tree and is pretty consistent through the canyon. Sort of a downer for a few reasons. 1) To state the obvious, its hard to fish with ice flowing. 2) Generally when the wind is out of the SSW, as it has been, you can usually get a break from it in certain spots below the Dearborn. The ice pretty much nullifies that though. Combine the two previous points and what are you left with? The Dam to Lone Tree that’s what.

Not just anglers out there either. Keep an eye out for all the water fowl hunters on the river. I don’t know about you but I don’t want to start the new year with a face full of goose load.

Lots to contend with out there right now. If you do plan on hitting the water anytime soon, make sure you’re all stocked up on pretty much anything, pink, hot-headed, or midge flavored for nymphs & if you’re opting for the bugger game a little smolt, kreelex or more natural looking sculpin should do the trick. Swing by and check out the fly bins and see what strikes your fancy.

Speaking of flies, I’ll be here all winter cranking out some cool custom bugs available only at Wolf Creek Angler. Rigorously tested throughout Montana by a loosely associated group of whiskey drinking, flannel clad, bearded trout bums every fly is hand tied right here in Wolf Creek. We’ll post more on some of the patterns that’ll be hitting the bins later on in the winter.

In the mean time we’ll be here Wednesday-Saturday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m. – Noon(ish). Give cabin fever a kick in the pants and head on over for everything you need for some winter time fishing!

~Cheers, Chewy.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00January 4th, 2016|Categories: Fishing Report, Montana Fly Fishing|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, winter fishing, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Sun Rises on 2016

Another year in the books.

Welcome 2016. We think it will be our best year yet!

Lots of exciting things happening at Wolf Creek Angler in 2016 as we continue to grow and to establish our brand. We couldn’t be more pleased with our second season compared to the first and we’re poised and ready for continued growth as we prepare for Season Three.

We’re finding our voice and settling in as we continue to be spurred on by the overwhelming encouragement we receive from our guests and customers.

Our goal is not just to get you in the door but to keep you coming back. We’re sincerely humbled by the response we’ve gotten over these first two seasons as we’ve seen a lot of new faces but also many that have become familiar. We are honored to be your Missouri River Fly Shop and we are committed to making your experience with us the best it can be.

From keeping the shop fully stocked with the products you want to constantly making improvements to the lodging to continuing to develop our guide crew…it’s all rooted in serving you. We’ve faced plenty of challenges in each of these areas and we haven’t always been successful in implementing the changes we would like to make but we’re always working on it.

One of the more frustrating challenges has been getting the products in the shop that we know you want. It’s much easier said than done but we continue to make inroads as we seek out products and brands we’re excited to get behind. Those who shop with us know that our fly and terminal tackle selection rivals that of any other shop and we will always maintain our focus on these because these are the things you are coming here to buy but we will also continue to expand our other offerings. Expect to find more of the products you want available at Wolf Creek Angler each and every season.

The challenge with lodging is that the sky is the limit where improvements are concerned but not so with the resources. Small steps…we’ll get there. Much of what we do on the lodging side you’ll probably never notice and we’re ok with that. We are committed to providing clean, affordable accommodations and that’s what you will find when you stay with us. We don’t expect you to notice new mattresses, new bedding, new towels…etc but we know you’d likely notice if we didn’t keep up with these things.

Perhaps one season you will arrive at WCA to find a brand new lodge with all the trappings but for now rest assured you will find clean, affordable lodging and a friendly staff committed to doing everything they can to make your stay with us as comfortable and as enjoyable as possible. We have the best housekeeping staff in the canyon…hands down.

The same commitment we have to customer service in the shop and the lodging carries over to our guide staff. Each and every one of our guides is expected to treat your day on the river the same way we treat your stay with us. Our goal as guides is to tailor each day to meet your individual expectations and to make your Missouri River fly-fishing experience one you won’t soon forget. We don’t push the numbers game – we provide an overall experience which certainly includes catching fish but we don’t measure the success of our days strictly by the number of fish caught, nor should you.

The Missouri is an amazing river with incredible numbers and size of fish but there is so much more to it than that. We provide you with experienced, professional guides, each of whom understands and subscribes to our commitment to our guests to provide exceptional service and to make your trip with us one you wont soon forget.

We’re excited about 2016 and we can’t wait to see you at Wolf Creek Angler.

Our sincere thanks to all of you for making 2015 such a great year and for making us your Missouri River Fly Shop.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00January 1st, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Late December on the MO

It looks like we’re going to close out the year with below average temperatures with highs in the 20’s and lows in the single digits. Not ideal conditions for fishing the MO but on the positive side we’ve had very little wind as of late which makes things a little more bearable. We may break that freezing mark on Saturday with sunny skies and a high of 33 but aside from that there’s no real warm-up in the immediate forecast.

I took a ride from Holter Dam down to Spite Hill this morning and it looks like shelf ice is definitely becoming an issue. A fair amount of slushy ice and the occasional iceberg moving through as well. It appears as though the ramps were all used yesterday but I definitely wouldn’t do it without four-wheel drive. If it looks sketchy it probably is so maybe dump your boat at the top of the ramp with rope attached and lower it down. Better to do it this way than get stuck on the ramp or worse!

Water temps are holding just shy of 34 with flows currently at 3180. Again, maybe not the best fishing conditions but we’re happy to have it and we’re hoping winter continues at least for a while. It’s way too early to make any kind of predictions for spring but we’re certainly liking what we see right now from a snowpack perspective. Stay tuned for updates.

As we close out the year at Wolf Creek Angler we’re busy with bookings for 2016. Give us a call today and let us help you plan your Missouri River fly fishing dream vacation. Keep in mind you needn’t wait until spring to experience one of the finest trout fisheries in the country – we fish all year-long! Keep an eye on the 10-day and plan to pay us a visit as soon as you see that warming trend which is bound to come sooner or later. $99 lodging and $400 full day Missouri River Guide trips all winter long.

Our cozy bungalows all feature full kitchens should you choose to do your own cooking. If not, The Oasis Grill is open Thursday – Monday 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

Just out for the day? Stop in for shuttles, cold weather gear, hot coffee, always friendly service and of course, the largest selection of Missouri River winter flies and streamers ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00December 30th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Holter Dam, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Uncle Joe's Oasis Bar and Grill, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

A Look Back…

2015 was a busy and great year for us at Wolf Creek Angler with a lot of progress and a few growing pains but all in all a spectacular second season and a great spring-board for season number three.

www.wolfcreekangler.com

We started the year off with the excitement of the launch of our new website which received rave reviews all season long. The web site continues to grow and evolve and we anticipate some major changes in the seasons to come which will eventually allow you to shop WCA from the comfort of home through an on-line store. These things can be a fairly major undertaking so we may start small but expect to at least be able to shop WCA logo gear via the web site at some point this season.

Unseasonably warm temperatures started to prevail in late January and kick-started the 2015 season. We had plenty of guests all winter long from around the state taking advantage of a very mild winter and coming out to fish the Missouri. An abundance sunshine and blue skies and temps hovering in the 50’s for weeks at a time kept us busy in the shop and we even ended up opening additional lodging in March to accommodate the influx.

March 13th was a big day for Wolf Creek Angler as we were featured in The Drake Magazine Online “Fly Shop Friday” feature.

http://www.drakemag.com/featured-content/flyshop-friday/1378-wolf-creek-angler-fly-shop-on-the-missouri-river.html

Later in March we announced our partnership with KAST Extreme Fishing Gear as we became the Exclusive Full Line Kast dealer on the Missouri River. It’s been a great partnership so far and we’ve enjoyed introducing folks to some awesome technical fishing gear. From the extremely popular Steelhead Gloves which put Kast on the map to summer guide wear to extreme outerwear, Kast is rapidly becoming an industry favorite and we are proud to offer these awesome products.

We received another honor in mid May when we were featured in the Helena Independent Record as well as The Billings Gazette and The Missoulian.

http://helenair.com/news/local/angling-for-wolf-creek-montana-fly-shop-owners-are-living/article_d3adcf18-769e-5ac7-be1c-06676703b8a2.html

We hit a bump in the road on Labor Day Weekend when we were forced to cancel our Inaugural WCA Soiree due to spring downpours. We put a lot of work into getting the shop ready for this event which was to feature a barbecue and a band but alas Mother nature had different plans and you won’t ever hear us complaining about much-needed precipitation. Will there be another Soiree? Time will tell.

As the blur of the prime season commenced we enjoyed some great fishing all summer long while enjoying the company of our guests and continuing to work behind the scenes to improve the lodging experience and to make Wolf Creek Angler everything you expect your Missouri River fly shop to be and more. It was a tough summer for much of Montana with drought conditions and Hoot Owl Closures most everywhere but not on the MO.

Mid August brought the bears and the wild fires. The drought like conditions made for a poor Choke Cherry year which brought an abundance of black bears to Wolf Creek where the banks along Little Prickly Pear Creek offered some of the few concentrations of choke cherries to be found in the area. Dry conditions also brought wild fires, one of which struck very close to home near Holter Lake causing the evacuation of the campgrounds and the closure of Beartooth Road. We had a few days of sharing the river with the helicopters and planes scooping water to pour on the fires but a soaking rain helped get things under control and things soon returned to normal with access to The Bull Pasture restored.

The late August-early September ghost town was replaced by a very busy fall as traffic returned to the river in droves. Not coincidentally we welcomed Zach King to the WCA staff in mid-October just in time for the rush. We’re super-stoked to have Zach on board.

Wolf Creek Angler 2015 Guide Crew. Pictured Left to Right Brock Long, Matt Mortenson, Luke Koerten, Matt Hargrave, Jason Orzechowski, Russ Dobrzynski, Jim Murray, Darrel DeLeon, Eric Mondragon

We celebrated another great Wolf Creek Angler season at the end of October and spent the first half of November enjoying solitude and great fishing on the Missouri.

The last weeks of the year have been quiet as expected but looking back on the season as a whole we have definitely exceeded our expectations from a business standpoint with steady growth in lodging and retail and a huge uptick in guide trips, an area we were very focused on in 2015 and one which we will continue to grow.

We’re looking forward to an awesome 2016. We’ve had a great start with bookings and we’re excited about new products soon to arrive at WCA. We are so thankful to you, our customers for allowing us to realize this dream and we remain firmly committed to doing everything we can to earn your business and to become your Missouri River Fly Shop of choice.

We can’t wait to see you in 2016. Cheers!!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00December 28th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Dub C A Soiree, fly fishing, Kast Gear, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Weekend Report

Cold Mountain - photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Cold Mountain (Palace) – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Back in the shop this morning after a couple of great days spent celebrating and relaxing with family and friends. It’s a beautiful blue sky late December day and despite the fact it’s a mere 20 degrees we’ve been surprisingly busy.

We tend to take things for granted with the river just a couple of miles down the road and I for one have narrowed down the window of winter conditions under which I will fish. I’ve been content to stay inside and wait for warmer days but if you are here now and only have a week or maybe even a day or two to fish the Missouri you don’t have much choice other than to get out there and have at it.

The reports I’ve heard from the past few days have been pretty good. Same story – status quo winter nymphing. Slow, deep winter water and pink stuff. That’s all you need to know. Big movers lately have been the pink Amex, Casne’s Pinkalicious, pink lightning bugs, Rainbow Czechs, Firebead Soft Hackle Sows, Pink Soft Hackle Scuds…..notice a trend here?

A few folks swinging and stripping as well though nymphing is always your best bet for numbers this time of year.

Brown Polar Leeches, hot-head Kreelex and Skiddish Smolts in assorted flavors have all been getting some attention.

The roads are clear, the ramps are in good shape though there is some ice to contend with so please be careful out there. Water temps have dipped below 34 and flows are holding just shy of 3200. We will continue to see below average temps for the week ahead with lows in the single digits expected Monday and Tuesday night so things will continue to ice up for the next while. It’s going to be a chilly week out there with the next warming trend arriving on New Year’s Day. Will you fish again in 2015? I’m thinking the next fish I catch will be in 2016 but you never know.

The shop will be open tomorrow from 8 AM – 12 noon. Stop in and see us if you’re in the area.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00December 26th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Winter Solstice Edition

The countdown to the 2016 season has begun – it will be here before you know it

Today is the first day of winter. The solstice occurred at 11:48 pm last night so technically it occurred on the 21st (yesterday) but since it happened last night, just before midnight, we’re going to go with the 22nd being the first official day of winter.

This is a big day for us here as it marks the unofficial countdown to spring. This is the shortest day of the year. Tomorrow we start to see more daylight and less darkness each day and while we’ve got a long ways to go it won’t be long before we’re soaking up the spring sunshine.

With that in mind we encourage you to take this opportunity to get your plans together for the 2016 season. Prime dates are filling quickly both for lodging and guide trips so don’t delay. June and July are already nearly full but don’t let that deter you. Give us a call today and we’ll figure something out. The longer you put it off, the less likely you will be able to get the dates you want.

We’re open today and tomorrow for last-minute Christmas shopping or if you happen to be one of the few who are actually out here fishing the MO. $99 lodging and $400 guide trips all winter long!

Happy Solstice! Bring on the Vernal Equinox, just 89 days away.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:41-06:00December 22nd, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: Christmas, Missouri River, Montana, running line, winter solstice, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments