Mid Week Missouri River Fishing Report

Big Fish - Small Bug, Zebra Midge days on the MO. Photo by Rudy Malmquist

Big Fish – Small Bug, Zebra Midge days on the MO. Photo by Rudy Malmquist

Fishing is heating up as we settle into our post-summer routine here on the Missouri.

Cooler temperatures this week and good reports from all stretches including some near-epic nymphing days from the dam down and some good dry-fly action river wide.

There are still tricos to be found in the upper stretches, depending on the day and while it’s definitely worth your time to target those fish keying on the trico spinners make sure to bring your A game. These fish have seen it all this season and they won’t tolerate any angler error.

The more forgiving option on top is definitely the terrestrial route. More-or-less and Moorish hoppers in tan or pink, chubbys in purple, tan or gold, sparkle ants, parachute ants and the occasional beetle have all been getting some attention. Try trailing a hopper with an ant or beetle and see what happens. The terrestrial rigs have been a little slow the past couple of days but we’re getting plenty of eats on nymph droppers. Some prefer to stick with the indicator rig, figuring two nymphs are better than one but we would much rather watch a hopper than a bobber even when the fish are completely ignoring the hoppers. You just never know when you might put that hopper over that 2′ brown and get the eat. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Go-to nymphs for us this week have been black zebras, Rainbow Czechs, Tung Darts, Weight Flies, Peep Shows, 2 Bit Hookers in red, Rainbow Warriors, PT’s, LGM’s, Red Headed Step Child, Claws R Cray, Snapping Cray, Chocolate or Olive WD40’s and various other mayfly nymphs.

September can also be a great month for streamers on the Missouri. Cooler days and overcast skies are the ticket…..bring on the streamer weather! Circus Peanuts, Sparkle Minnows, Polar Leeches, Pine Squirrel Leeches and various buggers should all be a part of your Missouri River streamer arsenal. Stop by the shop and stock up and while you’re at it why not take a St Croix Bank Robber out for a test drive. We’d love to get you set up with everything you need for fall streamer fishing.

Lodging is filling quickly for the next six weeks of autumn awesomeness and our guides are starting to get busy again so don’t miss out on one of our favorite times of the year on the MO.

Long nights, cool mornings, the smell of autumn in the air….Montana fall Fly Fishing at its finest!

Shop open daily at 6:30 AM (earlier than ALL THE REST) for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs. Shuttles, bugs, bobbers, lines, leaders, gloves, hats, sun protection, waders, boots and much more including coffee on the house and the most laid-back and friendly atmosphere you’ll find in any shop anywhere.

 

Labor Day 2015

The best deals of the season this weekend at WCA

The best deals of the season this weekend at WCA

You asked, we delivered. The response has been so great to our Labor Day Sale that we’ve decided to extend it one more day so include a trip to Wolf Creek in your plans today for great deals on almost everything in the shop.

Sunny skies today with highs near 60. Perfect fall fishing weather on the Missouri. A nice week ahead with plenty of sunshine and temps in the low to mid 70’s.

Things are about to get really busy again so take advantage of these last days of relative solitude and enjoy some time on the water. Give us a call and book a cabin and a guide trip and experience Missouri River  fall fishing at its best.

Thanks to all of you who came out for the sale and for the Browns and Brews Craft Beer Festival. It’s been a fun weekend despite the cooler weather.

Now we bid summer a fond farewell and welcome the fall season. Make Wolf Creek Angler your one-stop on the way to the MO for everything you need for your day on the water. Shuttles, RO Drift Boat Rentals, Lodging, Guides and  a shop full of Missouri River fly fishing necessities. Open daily at 6:30 am, earlier that ALL THE REST. Open earlier and located closer to Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge than anyone else. We are proud to be your Missouri River Fly Shop.

Farewell summer….

 

 

By |2016-10-25T16:15:46-06:00September 7th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , |0 Comments

Labor Day Weekend Forecast

 

 

Spend your Labor Day Weekend at Wolf Creek Angler

Spend your Labor Day Weekend at Wolf Creek Angler

We’ll close out summer with a wet weekend and cooler temps, just what we need right now to help get the wildfire situation under control. Expect rain this afternoon and then off and on right on through Sunday night. At this point it looks like Labor Day will be pleasant with mostly sunny skies and a high near 70.

In the meantime think nymphs, streamers, huge savings on almost everything at WCA and Montana brewed beer.

Overcast skies, rain and temps south of 70 could make for some spectacular nymphing and streamer days so change those heliocentric weekend plans and get out here.

Leave summer behind and embrace the awesomeness of fall with a weekend in Wolf Creek and Craig- we’ve got plenty of lodging available with rates starting at $69.

Why not splurge and book yourself a cabin or bungalow for under $120/night plus tax. As part of our Labor Day Blow Out SALE book Friday and Saturday night and we’ll throw in Sunday night for free (Bungalows and Cabins only).

Speaking of the Labor Day Blow Out – WCA is the place for great deals on most everything this Saturday and Sunday. Take 20 percent off of all merchandise store-wide and more on select items including 30 percent off men’s and women’s Simms WCA solarflex shirts and up to 40 percent off select clearance items. The best deals of the season this weekend at Wolf Creek Angler.

The best deals of the season this weekend at WCA

The best deals of the season this weekend at WCA

You can’t afford to miss these deals!

Make sure to include the Inaugural Browns and Brews Craft Beer Festival in your plans. The event will be held under the tent in Craig on Saturday, September 5th from 4 pm – 8 pm rain or shine and will include live music, live and silent auctions and of course amazing craft beer from Katabatic, Bozeman Brewing Co., The Mighty Mo, The Front, and Bowser Brewing. $25 entry fee gets you in and also gets you a cool Derek DeYoung glass with which to sample your brews.

Bid on all sorts of cool items including what may be the coolest item of all – a WCA Hydro Flask growler and matching Hydro Flask True Pint glasses. Who knows, you may even be able to talk one of the breweries into filling it for you!

Hydro Flask WCA growler and True Pint glasses could be yours.

Hydro Flask WCA growler and True Pint glasses could be yours.

By |2016-10-25T16:15:46-06:00September 3rd, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , |0 Comments

Welcome September

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Enjoy the solitude while it lasts – the Missouri River will soon be bustling with activity again as anglers return for the fall season – our favorite time of the year.

While not quite what we see in June and July, expect to have plenty of company out there soon. You have about a week and a half or so left where you might very well have the whole river to yourself and there’s no reason, at least from a fishing standpoint, that you shouldn’t be here right now!

Very good nymphing reports from the dam in particular, but we’re hearing decent reports from every section depending on the day. Status Quo on the bug front – zebra midges, Tung Darts, WD40’s, Peep Shows, Split Case BWO’s (and PMD’s) Two-Bit Hookers, Micro Mays, LGM’s, Juju Baetis, Weight Flies, Rainbow Warriors, Czechs, S & M’s , Military Mays, Pheasant Tails and Cray Fish have all been catching fish. It’s a great time of the year to throw the whole box at them- the fish are hungry and they’re eating nymphs a plenty.

Still hit or miss on the dry flies but good fish being caught on hoppers daily. Our go-to hopper continues to be the Tan Moorish but Tan or Pink More or Less, Tan White Clouds, purple Yeti Hoppers, and chubbys in purple, gold and tan are consistently getting eats as well. Try trailing a small parachute ant or a zebra or a Pine Squirrel Leech…. the possibilities are limitless.

Tricos still providing limited opportunities but definitely coming to a close. Pseudos, Callibaetis, October Caddis and BWO’s are all on the autumn dry fly menu.

The streamer bite has been all the talk as of late. Try a Sparkle Minnow, Circus Peanut, Skiddish Smolt or just a plain old bugger and see what happens. Lots of new streamers in the bins at WCA along with great line choices from Airflo and Rio. New to the streamer game? We’d love to help you get started. Come grab a demo St Croix Bank Robber and give it a shot – it could change your fishing life forever!

Plenty of lodging available for the time being at WCA.. Two weeks from now that changes but we usually have something available so give us a call and book your fall getaway – Epic Days Ahead!

Shop open daily at 6:30 am for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs. Guides, Shuttles, RO Drift Boat rentals (including the wildly popular Tailwater Skiff), Lodging, hot and cold weather gear and of course, the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

Farewell to August

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The cold front which arrived over the weekend has cleared the skies this morning however along with the cold front came a new fire which hit very close to home. The Bray Gulch fire above Holter Lake was spotted on Sunday afternoon and at last report was burning approximately 100 acres forcing the evacuation of the Holter Lake and Log Gulch Campgrounds as well as the north side of Beartooth Road which remains closed this morning. Officials report that they believe they will be able to hold the fire at Beartooth Road.

It’s definitely feeling like fall with temps in the low 50’s this morning and fallen yellow leaves starting to dot the lawn. A little breezy today with southwest winds sustained at 14-17 and gusting to 24 – not the best weather for containing fires but the cooler temps are helpful. High near 85 tomorrow and then things really start to cool down with temps in the 50’s and 60’s later in the week and into the weekend with showers and thunderstorms likely each day starting on Thursday.

The fishing has been fairly consistent and should only improve as we move into September. Not many folks around these days which has afforded us plenty of time to work on various projects around the shop as well as to spend a little time at the archery range preparing for the upcoming hunting season.

Should you bother coming out to fish the Missouri right now? Absolutely you should. Lack of traffic does not mean lack of fish – and while it may not be STUPID GOOD right now we’ve had some very respectable days out there. Couple that with having miles of water to yourself and why wouldn’t you come fish the Missouri right now?

We’ve got plenty of lodging available and though some of our guides are enjoying the downtime before the fall season kicks into gear they would rather be working so give us a call and book a trip today. Nymphs, hoppers, streamers….we’re throwing them all right now.

Make Wolf Creek Angler your one stop on the way to the river for shuttles, bugs, cold weather gear, sun protection, Fishpond Nomad Nets,  Montana Maid Coffee, ice, Rio and Trout Hunter leaders and tippet, all kinds of tools and accessories, friendly honest advice and much more all in the most laid back, non-intimidating atmosphere you’ll likely find in any shop.

Don’t forget our Labor Day Blow Out Sale happening this Saturday and Sunday with great deals on almost everything we sell.

See you soon at WCA. Shop open daily at 6:30 AM.

 

 

Fishing Report 8/26/15

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Good fishing to be had out there right now river-wide. We’ve had some downright spectacular days up at the dam and pieced together some decent days below Craig as well.  The Wolf Creek Bridge to Craig section has not been all that lately but that being said, there are plenty of fish in that section. Get out there and get them figured out!

Double Zebras, Tung Darts, Red Two Bit Hookers, Little Green Machines, Tailwater Sows, Split Case PMD’s, BWO Magic Flies and various Crayfish patterns are getting it done below the surface and the hopper/terrestrial bite has been good enough to keep things interesting if you choose to make a day of hoppers and ants. If you’re not getting eats on the terrestrials try dropping  a Pine Squirrel Leech or a #16 purple or gold weight fly or the aforementioned Zebra Midge – they may change your luck.

The smoke is hanging heavy right now and will continue to do so throughout the week but the silver lining is that the smoke is blocking out the sun and keeping things from getting as hot as they could which is allowing the fire crews to make substantial progress on many of the fires burning around the area.

Hoot Owl Restrictions have begun to be lifted as we move towards cooler days. See below for the latest comprehensive list of Restrictions and Closures from FWP.

Traffic is still very light out there but it wont be this way much longer. Lodging is beginning to fill again as people begin to work fall fishing on the Missouri into their plans. Give us a call today for lodging and /or guide trips. Mid September through early November is one of our absolute favorite times to fish the Missouri. Sunny days with a chill in the air, colored up trees, colored up fish – does it get any better? Traffic will definitely pick up as we move into September but people tend to spread out more in the fall so it never seems to feel overly crowded unless you get stuck doing row-arounds at the dam.

Make Wolf Creek Angler your destination for fall fishing on the Missouri. We’ve got everything you need from top notch Missouri River Fly Fishing Guides to clean, functional and affordable lodging and a first-rate fly shop fully stocked with everything Missouri River Fly Fishing including an ever-increasing selection of bugs rivaling that of any shop in the area. Open daily at 6 AM, earlier than all the rest,  for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs and just minutes from Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge – nobody is closer!

Bugs, shuttles, Rio and Trout Hunter leaders and tippet, ice, fishing licenses, sun protection, cold-weather gear, hot weather gear, Fishpond Nomad Nets, Smith sunglasses, all kinds of tools and accessories and  more.  Don’t see what you want? We are always more than happy to call around and see if we can find it at one of the other shops for you.

Stop by Wolf Creek Angler and see what the buzz is about.

Following is the up-to-date list of Restrictions and Closures from FWP.

Beaver Creek Full Angling Closure starting 09/01/2015
Mandatory Waterbody Closure
Beaver Creek, in Hill County, for its entire length below the outlet of Beaver Creek Reservoir. (8/24/2015)
View Water Body Report

Belmont Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary to the Blackfoot River. (7/29/2015)
View Water Body Report
Big Hole River Madatory Drought Closure starting 8/19/2015.
Mandatory Drought Closure –

[24 hour] River sections of the Big Hole River: Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to North Fork Big Hole River. (8/18/2015)
View Water Body Report
Madatory Drought Closure starting 8/19/2015.
Mandatory Drought Closure – [24 hour] Big Hole River from the Notch Bottom FAS to the confluence with the Beaverhead River. (8/18/2015)
View Water Body Report
Copper Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary to Landers Fork. (7/29/2015)
View Water Body Report

Cottonwood Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary to the Blackfoot River. (7/29/2015)
View Water Body Report

Gold Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary of the Blackfoot River. (7/29/2015)
View Water Body Report

Landers Fork Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary to the Blackfoot River. (7/29/2015)
View Water Body Report
Monture Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary to Blackfoot River. (7/29/2015)
View Water Body Report

Morrell Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
Tributary to Clearwater River. (7/29/2015)
View Water Body Report
Murphy Lake Emergency Closure on Murphy Lake
Fire Related Closure
Murphy Lake located in Lincoln County. (8/24/2015)
View Water Body Report

North Fork Blackfoot River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction starting 07/30/2015
Mandatory Drought Closure – 2 PM to Midnight
North Fork Falls to the confluence with the Blackfoot River. (7/29/2015)
View Water Body Report

Reopened Waterbodies
Big Hole River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 8/21/2015.
Closure Lifted
Big Hole River: Maiden Rock FAS up to the Notch Bottom FAS. (8/21/2015)
View Water Body Report
Bitterroot River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 8/19/2015.
Closure Lifted
Bitterroot River from its origin at the confluence of the East and West Forks of the Bitterroot River to its mouth. (8/19/2015)
View Water Body Report
Blackfoot River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 8/19/2015.
Closure Lifted
Blackfoot River from its headwaters to its confluence with the Clark Fork River. (8/19/2015)
View Water Body Report
Clark Fork River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 8/19/2015.
Closure Lifted
Clark Fork River from Rock Creek downstream to its confluence with the Flathead River. (8/19/2015)
View Water Body Report
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 8/22/2015.
Closure Lifted
Clark Fork River from its headwaters downstream to Rock Creek. (8/22/2015)
View Water Body Report
East Gallatin River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 08/24/2015
Closure Lifted
Entire East Gallatin River from its origin at the confluence of Rocky and Sourdough Creeks to its confluence with the West Gallatin River. (8/24/2015)
View Water Body Report
Flint Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 8/22/2015.
Closure Lifted
From the Highway 1 Bridge near milepost 53 to the mouth. (8/22/2015)
View Water Body Report
Gallatin River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 08/24/2015
Closure Lifted
Lower Gallatin River from Sheds Bridge (Hwy 84) near Four Corners, MT, downstream to its confluence with the Madison River at Three Forks. (8/24/2015)
View Water Body Report
Jefferson River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 08/24/2015
Closure Lifted
Entire Jefferson River. (8/24/2015)
View Water Body Report
Madison River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 08/24/2015
Closure Lifted
Lower Madison River from Ennis Dam to the Missouri River Headwaters. (8/24/2015)
View Water Body Report
Ruby River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 08/24/2015
Closure Lifted
Portions of the Ruby River from Duncan District Road to its confluence with the Beaverhead River. (8/24/2015)
View Water Body Report
Shields River Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 08/24/2015
Closure Lifted
Most of the Shields River from its confluence with Smith Creek downstream to its confluence with the Yellowstone River. (8/24/2015)
View Water Body Report
Silver Bow Creek Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction Lifted starting 8/22/2015.
Closure Lifted
From Blacktail Creek to the mouth where it joins with Warm Springs Creek. (8/22/2015)
View Water Body Report

Summer Fading Fast

 

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As we enter the last full week of August the shorter days and cooler nights have us eagerly anticipating fall and the second season on the Missouri. Summer is winding down, the kids are going back to school this week and while it still feels like summer out there the chilly mornings we’ve had as of late are a welcome sign of things to come. The breather that comes with the August Lull has been nice but we’re ready to get back to the business of making your Missouri River fly fishing experience all that it can be.

The fishing has been decent most days with the nymphers having the most success but if you commit to the terrestrials you should get at least a fish or two to move and their have been some absolute piggy browns being caught on hoppers, chubbies and ants so don’t give up!

Summer and smoke will return this week  with highs in the 90’s each day.

Don’t miss our Labor Day Sale September 5th and 6th. Great deals on almost everything in the shop including  Simms Solarflex WCA logo wear and KAST summer Guide Wear. We’ve got plenty of lodging available for the big Labor Day weekend so why not make Wolf Creek and the Missouri River your Labor Day Getaway this year. Browns and Brews Beer Fest happening in Craig on Saturday, September 5th from 4 to 8 PM with live music and plenty of great Montana Made Beer from Bozeman Brewing Company, Bowser Brewing Company, Katabatic Brewing Company, The Front Brewing Co. and Mighty Mo Brewing Company. This brewfest will have live and silent auctions, to raise money for the betterment or improvement of Craig. Don’t miss you chance to bid on some great auction items including Wolf Creek Angler gear and a guide trip/lodging package.

Enjoy late summer on the Missouri and make WCA your one stop before you hit the river for shuttles, guide trips, lodging, Montana Maid Coffee, fishing licenses, ice, Fishpond Nomad nets, Yeti Ramblers, Colsters and Hoppers, Rio and Trout Hunter leaders and tippet, Sun Protection from Buff, Simms and  Outdoor Research, friendly honest info and advice,  and of course, the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

 

 

August on the Missouri

Cray Days on the MO

Cray Days on the MO

Guest Blog from WCA Guide Jim Murray

We’ve officially reached the Dog Days of summer. Few fisherman, fewer boats and A LOT of smoke signal that the middle of August has arrived. While it has been smoky the last few days, it hasn’t stopped a few of us from getting out on the river and having some fun. The few of us who have been on the river this week have been rewarded with some pretty good fishing. In the last week, I’ve fished the entire river from the Dam to Cascade, and it is all fishing well.

Hoppers, chubby, ants, leaches, pheasant tails, caddis nymphs, and the good old Cray Daddy have all produced. In addition to catching a large number of healthy rainbows, it seems the Big Browns have come out to play. A large number of piggy browns have been brought to the net recently, both on nymphs and dries. Big Browns = happy anglers.

Big fish, a lot of them, and few to no other anglers on the river…what are you waiting for? While we all wish the fires will subside and the smoke will clear, it is a good time to be fishing the Missouri, and it only figures to improve as August turns to September and we receive some relief from the heat. Grab your box of big flies and terrestrials, your six weight rod, and hit the river. Or better yet, book a guide trip and leave all the work to us! Either way, if you like the river to yourself, and the chance to catch a big brown, it’s time to get on the Missouri.

The fish are feasting on Crayfish until they puke! photo by Jim Murray

The fish are feasting on Crayfish until they puke! photo by Jim Murray

Bear Watch

 

We’ve had the pleasure of being visited by a number of black bears over the past week or two so bear watching has become the official pastime of the August Lull at Wolf Creek Angler.

FYI – these bears are after chokecherries so if you are planning on picking chokecherries along Recreation Road in and around Wolf Creek be advised that you have some competition. We’ve seen bears at all hours of the day so bear spray would not be a bad call if you are fishing Little Prickly Pear or looking for chokecherries.

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By |2016-10-25T16:15:47-06:00August 14th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , |0 Comments

Missouri River Friday

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Late Summer Skies on the Missouri

It’s been a busy week at Wolf Creek Angler despite the drop off in traffic and while it would definitely be a stretch to say the fishing is great on the Missouri right now, our expert crew of guides have been piecing together some very respectable days this week.

Nymphing has been consistently good from Holter Dam to Wolf Creek and has been decent in the stretches below as well depending on the day. Go-to nymphs at the dam have been zebra midges in red or black, split-case PMD’s, split-case BWO’s, weight flies, light peep shows, Little Green Machines, S & M’s and more.

Some are finding decent trico action, again, depending on the day but the fish are very picky when it comes to the tricos so be prepared to deliver or to be frustrated.

Our preference as of late has been the hopper/ant combo below Wolf Creek Bridge and beyond. Some days the hopper gets the eats – other days it’s the ant, some days it’s neither but it’s always a fun way to fish. Bugs of choice have been the White Cloud hopper in tan, Moorish hopper in tan or yellow, More or Less Hopper in tan or purple and any old parachute ant. Change up your hoppers often and if the ant fails to produce try dropping a small mayfly nymph or maybe even a small leech off of the hopper.

We’ve been moving some crayfish patterns this week though we have yet to hear of much going on with the crays so far. Any day now…

Lots of new arrivals in the shop including a bunch of Simms logo gear and a full restock on Fishpond Nomad hand nets and boat nets. Shop open at 6 AM daily – we are your Missouri River One Stop with everything you need for your day on the water. Guide Trips, shuttles, fishing licenses, ice, lodging, RO Drift Boat rentals and the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana just to name a few.

Things can be a little tough out there right now, why not take the guess-work out of it and book a guide for the day – you’ll be glad you did.

See you in the shop and on the water…

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