Wolf Creek Archives - Page 53 of 60

Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th – will this be your lucky day on the MO? photo – Wolf Creek Angler

What’s in store for you on the Missouri River this Friday the 13th? You won’t know until you get here but a couple of things are guaranteed.
The first is that it is going to be a ridiculously nice Mid-March day with sunny skies and highs near 70. The second is that there is no better way (in our humble opinion) to spend your day than floating or wading the Missouri. Whether watching the bank go by from the confines of a boat or watching the river and the boats go by from your favorite wade spot – there is nothing better than a day on the water, especially this water.
I speak for myself but I’m sure many of you would agree that few things in life provide the level of mental therapy of a day on the water with a fly rod in your hand connecting with the environment and the experience and hopefully with a trout or two.
Not that there aren’t frustrating moments and even frustrating days on this river but in the grand scheme of things regardless of your hook-up rate your success rate should always be 100 percent as measured by doing something you love and reaping the rewards of that activity. Whether it is solitude you seek or a time of camaraderie – our sport provides it and while the Missouri River is our go-to, it’s not the particular river that makes the experience but the simple act of our interaction with the water and the surroundings – wherever it may be.
Anglers in general and guides in particular tend to be on the superstitious side. We all have our routines, our lucky articles of clothing, our lucky spots on the river etc. and we make a habit of these things because we believe they contribute to our success. I’ve never been too concerned with Friday the 13th but some are – this is what Wikipedia says about that;

The number 13 is considered an unlucky number in some countries.

[7] The end of the Mayan calendar’s 13th Baktun was superstitiously feared as a harbinger of the apocalyptic 2012 phenomenon.[8] Fear of the number 13 has a specifically recognized phobia, Triskaidekaphobia, a word coined in 1911. The superstitious sufferers of triskaidekaphobia try to avoid bad luck by keeping away from anything numbered or labelled thirteen. As a result, companies and manufacturers use another way of numbering or labeling to avoid the number, with hotels and tall buildings being conspicuous examples (thirteenth floor).[9] It’s also considered unlucky to have thirteen guests at a table. Friday the 13th has been considered the unluckiest day of the month.

So should you avoid the Missouri River on Friday the 13th? Absolutely not. I count my blessings no matter the date and to be here in Wolf Creek Montana where I am able to fish the amazing Missouri River anytime I want, to be able to pursue this dream of co-owning a fly shop and being an outfitter and guide and to be able to do it all with the enthusiastic support of my amazing wife and our family…I don’t know that I could feel much luckier on this day.

See you in the shop and on the water. Lodging and guide trips available for the weekend and in honor of this day buy a dozen flies and get the 13th for free. And don’t forget – $300 spring special guide trips start one week from today!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:59-06:00March 13th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: $300 Missouri River Guide Trips, fly fishing, Friday the 13th, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Mid Week Missouri River Fishing Report 3/12/15

Traffic on the river this week has been surprisingly light considering the amazing spring weather we’ve been having but it’s a safe bet the crowds will return this weekend with temperatures predicted to be near 70 on Saturday.
We’ve heard mixed reports over the past few days but the consensus has been that the fishing could definitely be better.
There have been a few going down low to try the streamer game with predictable early March results…hit or miss. Streamer fishing on the Missour is never a numbers game but it can be pretty spotty this time of year and can make for a very long day. That being said, those who know and love this game can typically endure long stretches of time and water with little to no action knowing that the next cast could be the one that entices that behemoth brown of a lifetime.
We’ve been anxious to devote a day to the streamer rod but we will wait until the water warms a tick or two – hopefully soon.
Nymphing? Still the best bet but less than spectacular on those bright and sunny days. Our last outing was definitely a case of quality over quantity with a couple of well-above average rainbows and a handful of cookie cutter fish. We caught fish on firebead soft hackle sows, Pinkalicious and black zebra midges and tried a little bit of everything before returning to the winter staples having concluded that despite the air temps feeling like June the water temps are still very March-Like hovering in the mid 30’s and the fish are behaving accordingly.
Lots of midges on the water – didn’t see much for rising fish but didn’t look that hard for them. I’m sure they were there.
What’s in store for the weekend? Some beautiful weather for sure with abundant sunshine which may not make for the best fishing but will definitely bring the crowds out to enjoy our early spring on the Missouri. Daytime temps in the 60’s and nightime temps only dropping into the high 30’s and low 40’s should keep that water temp inching upward.
Plenty of lodging available and lots of new stuff arriving at the shop daily. Why not make the Missouri River and Wolf Creek Angler your fly fishing destination this weekend.

Best of the Day – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:59-06:00March 12th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Spring Fishing this week on the Missouri

Spring is on the way – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

Looking at the 10-Day forecast it looks like daytime highs in the 60s all this week and right on through next weekend. Is winter over? It’s hard to say. Do we have enough snowpack? Time and weather conditions over the next couple of months will tell.
What we do know is that the sun is shining, the water is warming and there is no place we’d rather be than floating the Missouri on days like this.
The fish have been up on midges, mostly in the early afternoon, in most of the spots you would expect and we’re hearing some solid streamer reports from down stream way. Nymphing is producing the numbers and should continue to improve as we move towards spring. Firebead soft hackle sows in pink,pink Lightning Bugs, Pinkalicious (notice a trend here?) and black zebra midges have all been effective.

A couple of ticks up on that water temp and the streamer fishing could blow up so there is definitely something for everyone right now.
Lodging available this week though the weekend is starting to fill. Things get serious next week with lodging coinciding with the start of our $300 Spring Special Guide Trips on March 20th. We will be opening up more lodging this week to accommodate.
Take advantage of the nice weather and the off-season lodging rates and come out and enjoy the river before the crowds arrive. We love this time of year due in large part to the relative solitude, especially during the week. Crowds are not an issue and the fishing just keeps getting better from here on out.
Book your cheap guide trips and rooms now. Both the spring special and the winter lodging rates run through the end of April.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:59-06:00March 9th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: $300 Missouri River Guide Trips, fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Weekend Report 3/8/15

Missouri River Necessities always available at Wolf Creek Angler

As you would expect it’s a busy weekend on the Missouri, at least by early March standards. Our lodging is full and we had all of our rental boats on the water yesterday. A lot of guys in from Bozeman and Missoula and Kalispell gearing up on their way through. We sold more flies yesterday than we have in a while with winter nymphs still leading the charge. The cloudy conditions had a lot of people thinking streamers as well and we moved a fair amount of Polar Leeches, Kreelex and Sparkle Minnows. That’s an itch I’ve been needing to scratch lately and it looks like I’ll be able to get a fix on Tuesday – full report to come.
The reports I heard from the last few days were a bit of a mixed bag but it sounds like continued success on Pink and firebead stuff and some strong midge action depending on the day. What I’ve heard on the streamer side is that it’s been a little slow but we wouldn’t really expect much with the water being as cold as it is. We should start to see that water warm up a bit with the change in the weather and sometimes it doesn’t take much to flip the switch on the streamer bite so keep at it! I’m psycyhed to get out and give it a try.
The weather looks incredible for the coming week – into the 60’s every day. We are anticipating a busy week at the shop and I expect the lodging will fill quickly for next weekend so don’t wait too long to make your plans…we had to turn away severl people this weekend. We will look to open more lodging this week so hopefully we will have a few more units available by the weekend.
The shop is open daily for all of your Missouri River Fly Fishing needs. Shuttles, bugs, boats, bobbers, lodging, licenses, WCA logo gear and much, much more. Make Wolf Creek Angler your one stop on your way to the MO.

Crazy Spring Weather on the way

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:59-06:00March 8th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: $300 Missouri River Guide Trips, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, nymphs, RIO, running line, Streamer Fishing, streamers, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

WCA Spring Special Starts March 20th

WCA Client Lynn Perkins at it again with guide Eric Mondragon

March 20th marks the Vernal Equinox, the day when the sun crosses directly over the Earths’ equator ( at precisely 6:45 pm EDT) resulting in day and night being about equal in length all over the world. This happens just twice a year, the other date being September 22nd or 23rd which in our hemisphere is the autumnal equinox. These moments owe their significance to the 23.4 degree tilt of the Earth’s axis. If the Earth rotated on an axis perpendicular to the plane of the Earth’s orbit around the sun there would be no variation in day lengths or temperatures throughout the year, and we would have no seasons.
In other words, March 20th is the first day of spring and more importantly it’s the first day of Wolf Creek Angler’s 2015 $300 Spring Guide Special which runs through the end of April. $300 gets you a full day guided trip on the Missouri for two with one of our expert guides and includes lunch, refreshments, all the flies you need, any equipment you may need and transportation to and from the river. It’s too good of a deal to pass up at a fraction of the price of our regular season rates.
Sound too good to be true? Wait – it get’s better! Winter lodging rates at Wolf Creek Angler also run through the end of April so you can get a guide trip for $300 and a cabin or bungalow for just $99/night + tax. Each room is equipped with a full kitchen and bath and sleeps three comfortably and can accommodate up to four.
Call to book your trip and lodging today. (406)235-4350 or Toll Free 1-800-800-4350. Don’t miss this opportunity!

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:59-06:00March 6th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: $300 Missouri River Guide Trips, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Missouri River Fishing Report 3/4/15

The Icy Solitude will soon be gone as spring weather arrives – photo Wolf Creek Angler

Fishing traffic has been essentially non existent for the past week but all that’s about to change with spring-like weather in the forecast for the weekend. Not that the fishing hasn’t been good – I’ve seen plenty of fish up each day I’ve gone out to scout the river but there is no amount of Stanley’s Ice Off Paste that can overcome the almost immedieate freeze-up that happens with temperatures in the teens and low 20’s where they’ve been camped for the last little while. Not to mention the ever-present flirtation with frostbite that occurs when fishing in these conditions. A sunny day with little wind certainly makes things tolerable (for a while) but we are anxious to leave the handwarmers and balaclavas behind and get back to some serious fishing rather than the two cast-pop ice out of guides-warm hands repeat routine we’ve been doing.
Looks like partly sunny skies with a high of 50 tomorrow, cloudy and 52 on Saturday and sunny and 55 on Sunday. It looks like we may see 60 on Monday and Tuesday! We’ve still got one vacancy for Friday and Saturday night and a couple for tonight. We will be full this weekend so don’t hesitate, make the call right now and claim your spot at Wolf Creek Angler. We will definitely be opening more lodging soon weather permitting.
The fishing should be good out there as the water warms back up a tick or two. It dropped back below 34 yesterday with the subzero nighttime temps. Flows remain steady at right around 4900. My go-to nymphing rig remains the Pinkalicious trailed by either a soft hackle FB sow, a pink or purple lighting bug, a black zebra midge, a tailwater sowbug, a Rainbow Keller’s Payczech or any number of similar options. Other good options for a point fly if the Pinkalicious for some reason isn’t working would be a Tungsten Tailwater Sow, A Rainbow or Purple Weight Fly or a Hotbead Wire Worm. I simply don’t change my bugs much this time of year, especially if it’s below freezing. Any and all of the above usually work if you find the right depth though I have seen a few patterns really heat up and really shut down depending on the day.
My recommendation would be to have your dry fly rod rigged up and ready with a buzzball or griffiths gnat or midge cluster etc. and be on the lookout for rising fish. It’s also never a bad idea in my opinion to throw a streamer and while you may not want to commit your entire day to it just yet, you never know when the streamer bite is going to turn on.
We’re anticipating a busy weekend at the shop. Call ahead for lodging and guide trips. Stop in for shuttles, drift boat rentals, hats and gloves, leaders and tippet, hot coffee, great buys on clearance items and of course, the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:59-06:00March 5th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Missouri River Fishing Forecast for 2015

March seems to be the time of year when people start getting serious about the coming fishing season. We did see plenty of anglers around during late January and early February but it is early March, as winter’s grasp begins to loosen everywhere, that those who have already planned their trip to the Missouri or are in the process of doing so really begin to go to work. It’s the time of year to assemble and evaluate gear and to purchase new gear if need be….we can help you out with that. It’s also the time to inventory your fly boxes and replenish your supply. We can definitely help you out with this as well. This is the time of year when we start to get a lot of calls about what will be hatching when and while we can’t give you specific dates and we can’t guarantee anything – the following will give you some idea of what’s happening when.

Have you booked your guided fishing trip on the Missouri yet? Wolf Creek Angler is Outfitter Owned and Operated and ready to book you and guide you on the trip of a lifetime.

March means midge madness on the MO photo by Wolf Creek Angler

March – It’s the month for midges if you are seeking a late winter dry-fly experience. The past couple of weeks have provided some awesome midge days out there and while it’s sometimes tough to find the fish eating them with any regularity if you know where to look and you are patient you will find that opportunities will present themselves. Griffiths Gnats, Buzzballs and various midge clusters are a good call and if you’re having a tough time seeing the fly try a Hi-vis parachute Adams as your point fly and trail your midge pattern off of it. Nymphing is good and will continue to get better. We’re still sticking with the pink stuff and the FB’s but we’ve heard of success on some small baetis nymphs. Black zebra midges both with and without beads have been effective as well, especially around the dam. March 20th marks the start of our $300 Spring Special Full Day Missouri River Guide Trips which runs through the end of April. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity for a guided day on the Missouri at a fraction of the regular season price.

April – The dry-fly game in April continues to be about midges but BWO’s typically also enter the equation at this time. Nymphing heats up with mayfly nymphs replacing the colorful winter fare. A double zebra rig can also be very effective in the spring. Streamer action also starts to heat up in April. With many of the rainbows in the tribs spawning, the browns are on the move gorging on nymphs and dries and chasing down streamers.

May is BWO time on the MO

May – BWO’s are the May staple with midges still on the menu and larger March Browns (up to #14) and, depending on the location, Caddis also making an appearance. May also tends to be the most popular month for streamer fishing and the nymphing is always strong. It’s an awesome time to fish the Missouri with things greening up and the ability to do it all in one day. Longer days mean longer floats ripping streamers or nymphing – while always on the lookout for bugs on the water and pods of fish eating them.

Mid to late June brings the PMD’s

June – Caddis gaining strength, nymphing strong and by late June PMD’s! Streamer fishing still an option but coming into the true dry-fly season on the Missouri.

July – By far the most popular (and crowded) month on the Missouri. It’s a dry-fly Nirvana with PMD’s, Caddis and Tricos as well as terrestrials like hoppers and ants and beetles all coming into the mix.

August – More of the same but less crowded, a fair amount of weeds to deal with and more emphasis on the hopper fishing. Last season we saw little in the way of crowds in August and had spectacular days of Trico fishing throughout the month with the river to ourselves.

Are you ready for the 2015 season on the Missouri? Much of June and July are already booked solid as you might expect with rooms and guides very difficult to come by. That being said, part of the advantage to being an Outfitter Owned and Operated Shop is that we have a deep guide roster which includes your humble owners. Fred and I try to keep our summer schedules somewhat open to accommodate last-minute requests so if you haven’t yet booked your prime dates and you think it’s too late – give us a call – we may just be able to help you out. (406)235-4350 or Toll-Free 1-800-800-4350.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:59-06:00March 4th, 2015|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: $300 Missouri River Guide Trips, brown trout, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, nymphs, rainbow trout, running line, Streamer Fishing, tricos, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

State of the Missouri

The annual State of the Missouri program was presented in Helena on February 10th by FWP Fisheries Biologist Jason Mullen.
It turns out the Missouri River was the number one fishery in Montana last year as measured by user days and if the numbers are to be believed that makes the MO a $50 million fishery based on reported trip related expenses. FWP reported 170,850 user days on the Missouri for 2014, 37,000 angler days greater than the previous high on any water in the state and 47,000 greater than the previous high on the Missouri. The methodology of gathering this data may not yield the most accurate numbers but any way you look at it there were a pile of anglers fishing the MO in 2014 which just so happened to be the inaugural season at Wolf Creek Angler….coincidence? We don’t think so!
Fish numbers were down slightly in 2014 with 4,783 rainbows and 592 browns per mile in the Craig section, still well above the historical average for rainbows of 3,284 and slightly above the 577 average for brown trout. With over 5,000 fish per mile it’s no surprise that the Missouri is such an incredibly popular destination.
Many people who come to fish the Missouri for the first time know about the numbers, that’s why they come here, but it’s the average size of the fish that shocks so many. In 2014 we saw an incredible average size of 17″-18″ for both rainbows and browns and while that size class may be on a slight decline for now it’s all cyclical and they will be back.
Overall the river is in great shape and we intend for it to stay that way. There are so many ways we can all do our part to insure the health of the river and to maintain this awesome fishery. Join one or all of the groups dedicated to taking care of the river. Pat Barnes Missouri River Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Missouri River Flyfishers and the Upper Missouri Watershed Alliance are all dedicated to this mission and they could all use your help and support. At the very least treat the resource with respect. Be courteous and respectful towards the river and to all of those enjoying it and of course to the landowners who grant us so much awesome access. Handle fish responsibly. Pick up and pack out your own trash and any trash you find. These are easy things to do and they go a long way in promoting harmony on the river.

http://www.patbarnestu.org/

http://missouririverflyfishers.com/home/home-page/

http://www.umowa.org/

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:15:59-06:00March 3rd, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: brown trout, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, State of the Missouri 2015, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Spring is on the way! 3/1/2015

This first day of March finds winter hanging on but it won’t be long before we’re on the river enjoying the warm spring sun and watching the Missouri come alive. In fact it may just be sooner than you think. We’re looking at 30’s today and tomorrow and a cold blast on Tuesday with a high around 11 but as we get towards the end of next week it’s back to 50’s and possibly even 60’s by the weekend.

Should that trend stabilize we will definitely be opening up more lodging at WCA. We are already nearly full for next weekend so don’t wait any longer to make your plans – give us a call today and snatch up those remaining spots – they won’t last long. $99 + tax gets you a bungalow or cabin with full kitchen and bath through the end of April. Each unit sleeps three very comfortably and can accommodate up to four. We are dog friendly so don’t leave your pet behind.
March 20th marks the spring equinox and the start of our $300 Spring Special Missouri River Guide Trips. $300 gets you a full day on the MO with all the trimmings through the end of April. Don’t miss out on this amazing deal.
The shop will be closed today and likely Monday and Tuesday but we will be here Wednesday preparing for the warm weather and the crowds that will come with it. Expect us here every day once the weather turns. 40 degrees and above means the doors will be open at WCA.
We are stocked up with the flies you will need as well as the ones you won’t need but should have anyways and we’re always happy to help you out with fly selection, rigging, location or any other questions you may have. Remember there are no stupid questions. We may occasionally give you a stupid answer but we will always do our best to help you in any way we can.
Make Wolf Creek Angler your one stop shop on the way to the river. We’ve got you covered with guides, shuttles, bugs, bobbers, licenses, cold-weather gear, drift boat rentals, lodging and everything you need for fly fishing the Missouri and we are closer to Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge than ANYONE.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:00-06:00March 1st, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: $300 Missouri River Guide Trips, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments

Wolf Creek Angler Spring Calendar

Looking forward to another great season on the Missouri – photo Wolf Creek Angler

Things are starting to get busy as the season draws closer. Take a look at what’s happening over the next couple of months.

March 14th – FOAM Annual Membership Meeting, Magnusson Grand City Center Hotel – Bozeman

March 14th – Missouri River Flyfishers IF4 Event, Hilton Garden Inn, Great Falls at 7:30 PM.

March 20th – Hank Patterson’s Reel Montana Adventure – hosted by Hank Patterson himself. 8:00 PM at the Grandstreet Theatre in Helena. Brought to you by Pat Barnes Missouri River Trout Unlimited. Pre-party at 5:00 PM at Crosscurrents Fly Shop. Tickets available at Wolf Creek Angler. Details here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hank-pattersons-reel-montana-adventure-helena-mt-tickets-15736965688

March 20th – Vernal Equinox and start of WCA’s Spring Special Guide Trips running through the end of April. Full day guide trips $300. Discounted lodging also runs through the end of April with cabins and bungalows for $99/night.

March 23rd – Community Pint Night at the Blackfoot River Brewing Company in Helena benefitting Pat Barnes Missouri River Trout Unlimited.

April 1st – Izaak’s in Craig open for business.

April 25th – Pat Barnes Missouri River Trout Unlimited Annual Banquet – Gateway Center in Helena.

May 16th – 9th Annual Craig Caddis Festival – Craig MT. Wolf Creek Angler will again be participating in the BBQ Cook-Off. Come out and support your favorite Missouri River Fly Shop and help raise money for the Craig Volunteer Fire Department.

May 16th – Opening Day of the 2015 Montana General Fishing Season.

Wolf Creek Angler – Missouri River Soiree– Date to be determined. Food, Live Music and Fun at Wolf Creek Angler. Join us in celebrating the start of another great season on the MO.

By Jason Orzechowski|2016-10-25T16:16:00-06:00February 28th, 2015|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: $300 Missouri River Guide Trips, Craig MT, Missouri River, Missouri River Spring Special Guide Rates, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler|0 Comments