Wolf Creek Bridge Archives - Wolf Creek Angler

Late Winter Blues

Coutning down the days to Spring

By Montana standards we’ve had a very mild winter here on the MO.

After an early November arctic blast conditions have remained relatively mild and relatively stable all winter long with daily high temps averaging somewhere in the low 30’s with lows hovering in the teens.

We’re currently in the midst of a somewhat rare cold snap with highs in the single digits today and tomorrow and lows dipping into the negative double digits. A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect through Friday with wind chills as low as -35 possible. Mild weather returns this weekend with highs back in the 40’s and the winds you would expect with the warmer temps.

So yes, a mild winter for sure and a FAR cry from a couple of years ago when our average high for the entire month of February was in the single digits. But even so, as we near the end of February and creep ever closer towards spring (26 days and counting) winter has started to feel really LONG and monotonous and I’m sure I’m among many who are over it. Spring can’t get here soon enough!

I say that, but at the same time we need all of the days between now and then to complete our winter projects and to finish preparations for a busy upcoming season. Definitely a Catch 22 as winter conditions certainly add challenges to getting things done. Our parking lot has been covered in ice for the most part since November. The snow comes and goes. The ice remains and will likely do so for at least another couple of weeks until the sun finally inches its way onto our property and starts to melt the winter away.

So yes, I’m breaking my own rules regarding complaining about the weather and every year those posts I see from seemingly everyone but me from their winter fishing trips to South America, Belize, Cuba, Louisiana, Arkansas etcetera look more and more appealing. I’ve had it with whiteouts, black ice, wind chill advisories, shoveling snow, NOT fishing….bring on the spring weather!

While we wait for spring and try to focus on the bright side there are definitely reasons for optimism. Snowpack conditions look pretty good at the moment provided things stay cold in the high country. We’ll continue to build on that snowpack through much of March so by all indications it should be a good water year on the MO.

Traffic has been very light for much of the winter, save a few nice days that saw substantial fiberglass and Gore-Tex hatches but I expect that will change very soon, likely with the next warmup which looks to be happening this weekend.

We’re a ways out on the remodel but we will be looking to get some lodging opened up in the next week or two as we’ve got a number of groups scheduled for the middle of March and judging by the calls I’ve been getting lately I don’t think we’ll have any problems filling rooms once that warming trend has been established. It sounds like people are READY TO FISH! I know I am!

Give us a call to book your spring lodging and guide trips. We’re anxious to see some lodging traffic again and to see some cash flowing IN rather than OUT which is pretty much the only direction it’s been flowing this winter. Guides are HUNGRY and the fish are as well.

Wolf Creek is ready to be your Missouri River spring fishing destination with everything you need right here. Affordable lodging, the friendliest fly shop on the MO, great food and over 20 amazing beers on tap at Lazy I Beerworks which is OPEN EVERY DAY, the ONLY spot for gas and provisions between Helena and Cascade at The Canyon Store and all within a couple of miles of Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge, as close as you can get.

Training Days

The weather hasn’t felt much like winter as of late so while worrying about lack of precipitation definitely has its place, I’ve opted to forego the handwringing for the time being and instead to take advantage of the situation. With plenty of sunshine, mild temps and not much wind, conditions have been ideal several days to put the boat in the water and begin the process of hopefully building a boat dog.

So far Zeke doesn’t quite know what to make of the boat or the water. He did dip a tow and most of the rest of him in the water one day last week and didn’t seem overly impressed. With water temps still holding in that 34 degree range we’ll likely look towards warmer days to get him acclimated to the water. As of yet he has not given any indication that he’s apt to launch himself out of the boat but I fear that day is coming.

We started slow with a couple of days rowing around at the dam last week but graduated to a short float yesterday afternoon with a quick run from the dam to Wolf Creek Bridge. Last week was just about letting the pup explore the boat. Yesterday I actually brought along a fly rod, thinking that perhaps we might encounter a rising fish or two. I rigged up my Lamson Velocity #5 (available now at Wolf Creek Angler) in double midge fashion hoping for the best. It was not a disappointing first fishing outing for 2022!

There was no shortage of rising fish and none of them could seem to resist a Griffiths gnat placed anywhere in their general vicinity. By far the best day of dry fly fishing in February I’ve ever had and that was keeping it short as to keep the pup engaged.

Next we’ll tackle a Wolf Creek to Craig run and maybe even get a second body in the boat so we can concentrate more on actually fishing while also getting pup and owner both accustomed to this scenario.

We’re in the midst of a couple of dreary days with some rain and snow falling and we’re not complaining. Things clear up beginning Thursday and look good through the weekend though it may be on the breezy side.

Nymphing has been off the charts more days than not, streamer fishing is beginning to pick up steam and now we can officially proclaim epic midge fishing is underway….or at least it was yesterday. The fish are definitely looking up and while there are a fair amount of juveniles feasting on the midge train it’s always worthwhile to take some time and observe the rise forms around you. There are usually a few larger fish seated at the table and maybe even a beast somewhere in the mix. Throwing to every rising fish (and hooking many of them) is fun as hell but what’s even more fun is sitting back and watching what’s happening all around you and then targeting the alpha. It doesn’t get any better!

We’re all booked up for weekend lodging with things clearing out on Sunday but it looks like winter could very well be making a comeback with snow in the forecast for Sunday and much colder temps on the way.

Keep an eye on the forecast and make the call if you see the window open. Guides are starting to get hungry and the fishing has been as good as winter fishing gets on more than a couple of days. Take advantage of our Winter Lodging and Guide Trip Special all winter long. Two nights lodging and a full day on the water for one or two anglers for just $550 (plus tax). You won’t find a better deal ANYWHERE!