zebra midges Archives - Wolf Creek Angler

Countdown to Christmas on the MO

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas from all of us as Wolf Creek Angler!

Winter’s Quiet has settled in on the MO. We’re still roughly two weeks out from the Winter Solstice, that shortest of the days, after which the march towards summer sun gets underway. It’ll be here before you know it.

In the meantime all is quiet on the MO. Mild temps this week have seen a slight uptick in angling traffic but Missouri River Solitude is still in great abundance even on the busiest of December days. The mild weather trend will continue through Saturday with highs in the low 50’s though you can expect breezy conditions all weekend with sustained south southwest winds in the 20 mph range gusting to 30-40 mph. Next week looks to be more of the same with no major weather events on the horizon. We’re hoping to start seeing some precipitation in the forecast but nothing much happening at this point.

River flows are definitely on the low end currently being held at around 2800 CFS with water temps holding around 40 degrees.

Reports from the river are few and far between these days but it sounds like the nymphing game is going just fine from what we’ve heard with, you guessed it, Sow Bugs still leading the charge. Tailwater Sows, Soft Hackle Sows, Poxyback Sows, Carpet Bugs, Pill Poppers, Bubble Yums, Rainbow Czechs, Amex, UV Sows, Pederson’s Sow…all fine choices from now until spring. Double them up and don’t be afraid to throw in a Zebra Midge or Rainbow Warrior for good measure. With those water temps still in the 40’s you can expect to find fish in the transitional water, medium depth, moderately fast as well as moving into the slower winter holding water.

There have been plenty of people swinging with moderate success and we’re still in the prime season for stripping as far as I’m concerned. Thin mints, polar leeches and Kreelex on the swing. Skiddish Smolt, Sparke Minnows, Swim Coach, Lil’ Kim, Dirty Hippy, Peanut Envy and Micro Dungeons all producing for the strippers. Fish that same transitional water you’re nymphing and don’t overlook the flats. Fish are everywhere! You’d also do well to dive deep and bottom out with a moderately slow strip/pause retrieve. You never know what might be lying in the deepest of the depths.

I’m not ashamed to report that some of the inventory is on the thin side right now, as it should be in December, but fear not, streamer bins are FULL and we’ve got plenty of streamer lines running the gamut from intermediate to triple density to super heavy shovel heads and everything in between. You’d also be foolish to pass up the opportunity to treat yourself to a new streamer stick for Christmas as our fall rod and reel sale runs through the end of the year.

Boat ramps were a little sketchy early this week but 60 degrees cleared most of them as of yesterday so you should be in good shape wherever you decide to float though I wouldn’t recommend the Dearborn launch right now. Best nymphing float this time of year is Holter Dam to Craig. My go to streamer stretch is Craig to Mid with Wolf Creek to Stickney a close second.

Shop hours are kind of all over the board but you will find us here at 9 AM Tuesday – Saturday for sure and shuttles are at least a possibility on most of those days though it all depends on staff availability so please call ahead. If we’re not able to do them we’re happy to refer you to someone who can.

Remember WCA Gift Cards make great stocking stuffers and can be purchased in store, over the phone or online. It’s tough to know what your fishing friends already have or need but everyone loves gift cards which are good for EVERYTHING we sell including shuttles. We’ve also got a shop full of great gifts to fit any budget and as we close out our 10th Year Anniversary we’re giving away WCA 10 Year Koozies free with any purchase while supplies last.

These tend to be lonely days for Missouri River fly shop staff. We’d love to see you if you find yourself on the MO this holiday season.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-12-05T11:30:23-07:00December 5th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: Christmas, Holter Dam, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, Montana, pill popper, running line, Streamer Fishing, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Quiet Days on the MO

Just back from a late summer jaunt to Ireland and settling back in to quiet times on the Missouri.

Angling traffic is light. Mid-week rec traffic has diminished but the next couple of weekends will continue to be busy with Labor Day and the end of the summer season rapidly approaching.

The heat wave that persisted through much of July and early August has relinquished, giving way to idyllic summer days with high temps in the 80’s and overnight lows in the 50’s. We are smoke free at the moment and a good amount of much needed rain has fallen over the past week bringing some relief to many of the rivers in the region struggling with low flows and high water temps.

Hoot Owl Restrictions have been lifted on some but remain on others. You can check out the current closures here.

Colors are starting to creep in and the choke cherries are ripe and abundant so be bear aware if you’re planning on plying the smaller waters and brushy banks. Fall is in the air.

Missouri River flows have been holding in the 4500 CFS range this week with current water temps in the 63 degree range. Weeds are an ever-present challenge as per usual during late summer on the Missouri but overall conditions really couldn’t be much better.

Tricos and caddis are still providing adequate dry fly action though many have shifted into terrestrial mode with hoppers and ants leading the charge. Target the banks and the edge of weed beds as well as mid-river riffles and breaks. The fish could be anywhere. Drop a small nymph (or don’t).

The nymph game is typical late summer fare with Zebras and sows and crays all getting plenty of attention. Most are still opting for clean waters of the Dam down but we’re getting solid reports from the canyon and lower river as well.

We’ve got plenty of lodging vacancies these next few weeks before the second season kicks in and while short notice guide trips are still tough to accommodate, this is probably the most likely time we’d be able to swing those. Give us a call if you’re interested in a late summer stay or guide trip on the Missouri.

We’re moving start times back into the 7:30 – 8 AM range with the cooler, darker mornings but the shop is still open at 7 AM daily for all of your Missouri River fly fishing needs.

Fall product is starting to arrive which means summer clearance is underway. Stop in for great deals on what’s left of our summer gear.

The lull in traffic does make for some long days in the fly shop but it’ll be busy soon enough. We’ve come to really enjoy this time of year for a brief respite and a chance to decompress before we charge into the fall season.

And while we don’t want to wish the summer away, the most wonderful time of the year is soon to be upon us.

We hope you enjoy these last weeks of summer solitude on the Missouri.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-08-22T16:34:01-06:00August 22nd, 2024|Categories: Shop Life|Tags: caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, tricos, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

The Obligatory Dog Days Upon Us Blog 2024

As we close out a very busy and an extremely fishy month of July the switch has been flipped and now we will settle into the lonely Dog Days of Summer for the next few weeks before things kick back into action roughly a month from now.

The crowds have dispersed, traffic at the boat ramps has greatly diminished and the fish are no doubt enjoying this brief respite.

Mind you these are not the August Dog Days of Old where we literally went for days at a time without a guide trip or an overnight guest but after having grown accustomed to a full house and a full slate of guide trips daily for the past 8 – 10 weeks it feel eerily quiet around the fly shop once that abbreviated morning rush subsides.

This year we’ve got a decent smattering of trips and a few folks booking a night or two while they’re here but you’ll notice immediately if you’re in the area that the river is quiet and the streets of Wolf Creek and Craig have that ghost town feel.

It’s a welcome break from what has been our busiest season to date by far. Shop kids are heading back to college soon and many guides (and shop folks) are taking advantage of the lull to enjoy some mid-season R & R before the second season gets rolling.

September is shaping up to be one of the busiest we’ve seen so enjoy this lull while it lasts.

And if you do happen do connect the dots and you’re thinking this all sounds like an ideal time to enjoy some solitude on the Missouri you are correct. The slowdown in traffic opens up a world of possibilities and while there are challenges with which to contend, August truly is a great month to fish the MO.

Challenges include hot weather, smoky skies and the peak of the weeds but it’s nothing you can’t deal with. In fact we’re looking at clear skies today following yesterday’s brief cold front making its way through the region and 80’s don’t feel bad after the triple digits we saw last week. Unfortunately, record high temps return starting tomorrow and run at least through the weekend which will likely mean a bump in rec floaters on Saturday so maybe skip the weekend if you’re in search of summer solitude.

Weeds are a challenge regardless of which section you float right now but not the worst you’ve seen. Most are sticking with the Dam to Craig float for cleaner water and good numbers of fish hanging in the grass flats.

Best bets for nymphs are Purple Weight flies, Purple Zebras, Black Zebras, Frenchies, Tung Darts, Pheasant Tails and various caddis pupae and emergers.

Tricos have been hit or miss. We had a couple of really good mornings over the last couple of weeks but this week has been sporadic at best. I expect we might have some better days ahead with warmer temps and calm winds but no guarantees.

Decent Caddis action and hoppers starting to get some looks.

The fishing is fine. The weather is quintessential Montana late summer swelter. The traffic is light. Come enjoy late summer on the Missouri and pay us a visit while you’re here. We’ve got all of your Missouri River essentials.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-07-31T16:21:51-06:00July 31st, 2024|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: caddis, Dog Days of Summer, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Montana, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Spring is Here!

Spring arrived yesterday without a whole lot of fanfare following what has been a very spring-like string of days with an abundance of sunshine and temps pushing 70 degrees daily since the weekend. The river certainly looked spring-like, particularly on Saturday with a parade of drift boats populating the river, particularly in the Dam to Craig stretch. And speaking of parades, Wolf Creek celebrated St Patrick’s Day with the 10th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday afternoon. The blue skies and warm temps brought out what appeared to be the best crowd yet for the event.

So now that spring has officially arrived, as if on cue, winter weather is on the way.

We’ll trade idyllic sunny spring days and gentle breezes for snow and cold this weekend. Status quo today with temps approaching 70 yet again but transition day is tomorrow with rain and snow throughout the day. Temps will still be in the high 50’s so tomorrow might actually the better fishing day with the absence of sunshine. Streamers anyone?

Things deteriorate on Friday with snow and a high of 40 and continue that trend on Saturday with significant snow and a high of only 32. Throw in a north wind of 6-10 mph with 20 mph gusts and possible accumulation of 1-3 inches of snow and this might be one to skip….then again maybe not. Fishing could be stellar with the absence of sun and the absence of anglers. More of the same on Sunday and things start to warm early next week to more seasonable norms with daily highs in the mid to high 40s through the end of next week.

Should you decide you want to brave winter’s return lodging is now 2/3rds open with only the motel rooms remaining to be opened. That will likely happen the first week of April or thereabouts. Give us a call and book a room, a guide, a shuttle, a drift boat rental….whatever you need, we’ve got it. Winter rates on lodging will remain in effect through the end of March. All rooms are priced at $149 (plus tax) for the winter with the exception of Cabin #3 which is the only thing we’ve got open that does NOT have a kitchen. The rate on Cabin 3 through the end of March is $99. Dogs are welcome in the cabins, NOT the bungalows.

Spring stock has been arriving daily. We’re restocking fly bins today. Hot nymphs have been Pill Poppers, Caviar Scuds, Tailwater Sows, Tungsten UV Sows, Pederson’s Sow, Fire bead Czechs, Zebra Midges, Fire bead Rays and the like. We’ve been running low on a few of these, all are being restocked today. We’ve also been running low on a few midge patterns for the dry fly guys…not to worry, we’re restocking those as well.

Streamer season is definitely underway and we’re busy rearranging the bins this week making room for all kinds of new bugs. Our streamer selection has always been the best on the MO and it’s only getting better. Everyone talks a good streamer game, we live it!

New lines and new bugs currently in the house. Soft goods and rods and reels and more inbound soon. Don’t miss our extensive lineup of WCA drinkware from YETI including our limited editions 10th Anniversary ramblers in 20 and 30 OZ sizes in hot new YETI colors King Crab Orange and Agave Teal. These cups feature out original logo from 2014 coupled with our new 10th Anniversary logo. Very limited run on these AND they’ve thus far been a pretty popular item on our online store so get one before they’re gone.

Don’t forget, Wolf Creek Angler is the home of the CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES ON THE MO! We’ve been ramping up and had a busy weekend shuttling though I couldn’t help but notice a fair number of rigs at the dam we weren’t shuttling. It was surprising to me but the only conclusion I can draw from this is that people don’t mind paying more for a shuttle. For those who do mind however, and are looking to save a buck and some time by not having to drive to Craig and back up to the dam, we’ve got you covered.

Our March shop schedule is Monday – Saturday, 8 AM – 4 PM and you can bet that if traffic warrants it we’ll be open on Sundays as well. Starting April 7th we are OPEN EVERY DAY.
Welcome to Spring Time on the Missouri. We can’t wait to see you.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-03-20T12:38:51-06:00March 20th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, running line, spring, spring fishing, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, Yeti, zebra midges|0 Comments

February Delivers Winter to the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

February continues to deliver some much needed winter weather.

The snow is piling up in the high country but we’ve still got a long ways to go. Snowpack is improving slowly but surely and while I’m tempted to curse the weather while I’m digging out my driveway in the pre-dawn hours, so far I’ve resisted that urge and powered through it, thankful we are getting exactly what we need.

This latest round of precipitation is being accompanied by a blast of cold arctic air which has us in the teens today with single digits on tap overnight. Friday will see an end to the snow but continued cold with a high of 20 and overnight low near 5 degrees. Things start to warm up on Saturday with a high near 37 and Sunday we’re back up near 40’s and bumping up against 50 again on Monday.

Friday fishing will be on the chilly side but the holiday weekend and into next week could be exceptional with those daytime temps in the low 40’s and an abundance of sunshine making for some ideal February conditions on the MO.

Expect plenty of top water action with winter midge madness underway. Pair a #18 Bucky’s Midge Cluster with a #18 or #20 Black Midge and feed those steady risers.

The nymphing action should be good as well with no real changes on the bug front. Pill Poppers, Bubble Yums, Rainbow Czechs, Amex, Weight Flies paired with Tailwater Sows, Soft hackle sows, Zebra midges, Pederson’s Sow, Radiation Baetis, Pink Lighting bugs or really any other of your go to winter offerings.

Target the slow, deep winter water and run as close to the bottom as practical but don’t get stuck on that. Especially on the sunny days when the sun is warming the water up a tick or two, don’t be afraid to target the moderately faster runs. Shorten up your rig accordingly and see what happens. You might be surprised.

Streamer action should be good as well, primarily working the slower tail outs and deep, slow buckets with a combination swing and super slow and long strip. But again, don’t get stuck on that. Bomb the banks, switch up your bugs, switch up your retrieve. You might find an aggressive retrieve off the bank to be effective, it all depends on the day.

The established winter techniques are a great starting point but the fish don’t always follow the script. Break those winter rules and see what happens.

The shop will be closed for the weekend as we make the trek up to Calgary for a long overdue return to a Wings/Flames game on Saturday but we do have lodging available for the holiday weekend and beyond.

We’ll be back in the shop on Monday for the big President’s Day rush which could well end up with getting out on the water ourselves for an afternoon outing.

Let’s hope the snow continues to pile up throughout the second half of February. Spring is just 33 days away and will be here before we know it.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-02-15T12:43:25-07:00February 15th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, nymphs, pill popper, running line, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

January Thaw

Spring-like conditions have taken hold this week with temperatures in the 40’s through the weekend, climbing into the 50’s and near 60 by mid-week next week. And yes, it’s a nice switch from the 30 below we saw last week but there is certainly cause for concern as we approach the end of January with regional snowpack at record lows.

Birds are singing, the sun is shining, the snow is melting, the fish are feasting…feels much more like March than January but these things are beyond our control so I guess the best thing to do is embrace it.

Traffic has increased this week and by increased I mean that we actually had a customer or two through the doors this week and even ended up running a few shuttles. A welcome change for sure!

Conditions on the water really couldn’t be better so if you’re looking for a quick Missouri River trout fix you’d do well to make your way out here in the next week or so and cure that cabin fever.

We’ve got our newly remodeled bungalows available for rent at the special winter rate of $149/night (plus tax) and I’d bet with that feel of spring in the air we could very likely find you a guide willing to spend a day on the water doing all of the work while leaving it up to you to catch all of the fish.

Predictably, nymphing has been the go-to as of late but winter midges are providing ample dry fly opportunities as well. Cover a short section of river on a relatively calm day and you will undoubtedly find plenty of opportunities to hone those dry fly skills. And one of the nice thing about dry fly fishing in the winter is that it’s not all that hard to fool them. Having had months of relief from the barrage of dry flies they tend to be much less wary and much more forgiving of a less-than-perfect presentation.

Black midges, midge clusters, Griffith’s gnats or a small (#18 or #20) parachute Adams should do the trick.

Best bets for nymphs are all of the broken record variety….pink anything and a sowbug! Pill Poppers, Pederson’s Sow, Bubble Yum Scud, Rainbow Czech, Amex, Naughty Bunny, Pink Weight Fly, Caviar Scud and the like trailed with a tailwater sow, pink lighting bug, pink radiation baetis, soft hackle sow, lucent bead Ray, zebra midge, rainbow warrior or a standard PT should get it done.

Following the deep freeze we’ve still not really heard any streamer reports but with the water temps back on the rise there’s no reason not to be doing the swing thing or even a measured strip/swing from the boat. Sparkle Minnows, Kreelex, Polar Leeches, Skittish Smolt, Thin Mints, Pine Squirrel Leeches, Balanced Leeches, Buggers…all good options.

As of early this week the lower river remains locked up with ice so you’ll likely want to concentrate your efforts between Holter Dam and Craig. The upper river ramps are usable and shelf ice, while a factor, is rapidly disappearing. As we mentioned last week, the dam is weeping large chunks of ice regularly so BE AWARE when you are wade fishing. One of these chunks could definitely cause you issues if you happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. In fishing, as in life, situational awareness is KEY. Have it! Heed it!

This ice chunk doesn’t look like much from afar but up close and personal it could and would cause the wading angler problems

We’re open at 8 AM Tuesday – Saturday and offering shuttles when we can. Bug bins are fully stocked and we’ve got plenty of hand warmers, gloves, hats, socks, waders, boots and whatever else you might need for your day on the water.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-01-25T14:46:45-07:00January 25th, 2024|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Holter Dam, midge, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, situational awareness, Tailwater Sow, winter, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Arctic Blast

Following last week’s arctic blast which saw temps bottom out at near -40 with wind chills of -65 we are now looking at another stretch of above average temps with highs in the low to mid 40’s starting tomorrow and running at least through late next week.

We did receive a few inches of snow with this system which is great but unfortunately there is nothing in the immediate forecast for more precipitation. We are still in desperate need of precipitation as we’re over a third of the way through our snow pack building season with most of the state sitting at 40% – 60% of normal.

Some of the infrastructure at WCA didn’t fare particularly well through this arctic blast. Leaving the faucets running thorough the arctic blast was not enough to prevent the dreaded frozen pipes so here we are again with a substantial plumbing project in the works. We have yet to get the water moving again but we’re hoping to make some progress as temperatures warm this weekend and into next week.

We will be open next week but without restroom facilities available. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Fishing has come to a standstill with the lower river choked with ice at the moment. I’d expect winter traffic to resume with the warm up. Please use caution if you’re headed out there as shelf ice could be a hazard for a while and the dam will be shedding ice as well so watch out for those chunks heading downstream. Many of them will be large enough to cause problems for you.

No official reports at this time but you’d do well to think pink if you’re headed out in the days to come. Flows are currently at 5160 CFS and water temps are cold, just shy of 33 degrees so you’ll want to target the deep and slow winter water.

Pill Poppers, Amex, Rainbow Czechs, Pederson’s Sow, Caviar Scuds, Bubble Yum Scuds etc should all be fine options trailed with tailwater sows, Rainbow Warriors, Soft hackle sows, zebra midges and the like. And don’t forget the midges for your January Dry Fly Fix.

Tomorrow looks to be a little breezy but the next few days don’t look bad. Partly sunny days with temps in the 40’s and relatively calm winds could result in some decent dry fly opportunities.

Winter is also swing season on the MO and I’d expect we’ll see a bump in that traffic as well this week.

The ramps are likely not in the best shape but it shouldn’t be long with those warmer temps and a little bit of sun. We’ll get you a ramp report in the next couple of days. In the meantime, be prepared for bad ramps with plenty of rope in case you aren’t able to back down the ramp. If there’s any doubt just slide your boat down the ramp. It’s a little more work but much better than getting your vehicle stuck on the ramp or worse.

Shop hours are spotty, especially with our repair projects underway, but you can expect us to be here Tuesday – Saturday from 9 AM to mid-afternoon. Shuttles available most days and winter lodging is available for $149/night plus tax.

We’re praying for snow and more winter to arrive soon but in the meantime we’ll look forward to seeing you during this January Thaw.

By Jason Orzechowski|2024-01-19T12:20:35-07:00January 19th, 2024|Categories: Local Buzz, Shop Life|Tags: dry fly fishing, fly fishing, Missouri River, Missouri River Winter Fishing, running line, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Autumn Magic on the Missouri

A week ago you could barely detect a pulse here on the Missouri but the life force has returned this week as we approach mid-September. I think it’s safe to say that our fall fishing season is in full swing with a major influx of angling traffic underway.

Holter Dam to Craig still holds the majority of the traffic, so much so that you may even find yourself having to endure some short waits at the boat ramp depending on your start time. Cool temps in the morning have most folks opting for later starts which is making for busy boat ramps in the 9 -10 AM window. You can avoid the crowds by layering up and getting an early start, doing the late shift, or choosing a lower stretch of river.

The fall fishing season is a relatively short one and is very much weather dependent as we move towards October. Our lodging and guide books are full for September but at this point there’s not much going on in October. It could be that a month from now we’re still cranking or it could be that the traffic has again disappeared leaving an abundance of empty water to those who love the late fall season regardless of the weather. That’s when the swing season gets underway and we usually see the major fall BWO activity (if any) happen in October and early November.

The water is in good shape, currently flowing at 4840 CFS with water temps hanging in the 63 – 64 degree range. Cool nights are keeping those water temps in check but the continued warm weather during the daytime has thus far prevented a substantial cool down. It looks like a cooling trend will settle in mid-week next week.

While definitely coming to a close, we’re still seeing Tricos more days than not and if Pseudos are your thing this is your time. Ant and hopper fishing has continued to produce and while we haven’t heard many reports of actual bugs, October Caddis fished blind are getting eaten on occasion.

The Zebra Midge and Tailwater Sow game remains strong, especially in the Holter to Wolf Creek run but it’s time to start working the bwo nymphs into the mix. Green Machines, 2 Bits, Psycho Mays, Magic Flies, Redemptions, Split Case BWO’s, Juju’s, Rainbow Warriors and Pheasant Tails have all been getting some looks. Frenchies, Weight Flies, Tung Darts, October Caddis Nymphs and Rainbow Czechs all make for a good lead fly.

Zirdles and other crayfish patterns have been heating up and streamers are in play from here on out though weeds are going to frustrate your efforts throughout the fall fishing campaign.

It’s such an awesome time to fish the MO. We talk about fall traffic but it’s nothing like what you’ll see during prime time. The dam definitely has some traffic but if you’re willing to trade sheer numbers of fish for relative solitude with ample numbers, it’s truly one of the best times to be here.

Cold mornings, hot coffee, busy fly shops, bugling elk, rising fish, streamer madness, autumn light….what’s not to like about fall fishing season on the MO?

We are your FULL SERVICE, ONE STOP FALL FLY FISHING DESTINATION with everything you need for your Missouri River pilgrimage.

Affordable lodging, the best guides on the river, Adipose Drift Boat Rentals, SAGE rods and reels, Simms waders and boots, THE CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES ON THE MO and much more, including the largest selection of Missouri River flies ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana. Prove me wrong!

Open daily at 7 AM and closer to the Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge boat launches than ANY OTHER SHOP.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-09-14T11:58:24-06:00September 14th, 2023|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: blooms weight fly, caddis, dry fly fishing, fly fishing, frenchie, Holter Dam, juju baetis, Magic Fly, Missouri River, October Caddis, pseudos, Psycho May, rainbow warrior, Redemption, running line, simms, Split Case BWO, Streamer Fishing, Tailwater Sow, tricos, Tung Dart, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges, Zirdle|0 Comments

Fall on the Mighty Missouri

We’re already a week into September and although we’ve yet to emerge from the late summer lull, the clock is steadily ticking on what’s left of the season.

Things continue to be quiet around these parts though traffic has started to increase, ever so slightly.

A few more rooms filled each week, a few more guide trips out each day and a slow but steady trickle of folks through the shop.

The fall fishing season will ramp up over the next week or two, peaking in early to mid-October but fall busy is not summer busy so don’t despair. It’s a laid back time to fish the MO with moderate traffic, often times gorgeous autumn weather and excellent fishing opportunities as the water temps drop with the abbreviated daylight hours.

Many turn their interests elsewhere this time of year, trading the fly rod for the bow or shotgun. The summer tourist migration has reversed course making fall one of THE BEST TIMES to fly fish the Missouri River and Montana in general.

September is, for the most part, a terrestrial fishery on the MO though there are Pseudos around and we’re still seeing the occasional Trico event as well as the start of October Caddis.

More or Less Hoppers, Donkey Kong Hoppers, Stealth Ants, Water Walkers, Beetles and October Caddis all great dry fly options right now.

Trail your meaty hopper with a snack size ant and see what happens or drop a zebra or Psycho May or Green Machine and ply the banks and mid-river riffles. Common knowledge says fish close to the bank as those terrestrials do in fact heavily inhabit those riparian zones and do in fact fall in the water. That’s a good method but as the season goes on those fish are seeing a billion foamy hoppers off the banks and they may in fact get a little wary and a bit more selective about what they’re going to eat which could result in some slower days if you limit your fishing to the banks.

What also happens frequently is those flying terrestrials catch a gust and get carried out and over the water. They could end up anywhere but as you’ve no doubt experienced when throwing a caddis blind, those trout love to hang out in the shallow riffles and pick off whatever happens to come their way. It’s no different with the terrestrials. They do end up out there and they do get eaten. So by all means beat the banks, but don’t overlook the mid-river stuff. The largest trout I’ve landed on the MO ate a #10 More or Less Hopper presented randomly ahead of the boat in non-descript, non fishy water essentially during casting practice. You never know!

If you want to stick strictly to nymphing the dam is the place to be with plenty of Zebra Midges on hand. We’ve been having good luck with a purple or gold weight fly, a Tung Dart or an Olive Psycho May as a lead fly but double zebras with a split will get it done as well.

Cool mornings and autumn cloud cover have many thinking fall streamers and rightly so. Our resident browns are gearing up for the autumn spawn and will soon be overtaken by aggression which is what the streamer junkies are eagerly awaiting.

Weeds are going to challenge you, increasingly so as you move down to the lower stretches, but they are not the worst they’ve ever been. Just something you need to factor in and deal with. It’s not a surprise to those who know but if you’re just getting into the streamer game you’ll want to mentally prepare for the challenges (and rewards) of fall streamer fishing.

We’re on the cusp, not there yet but there’s no time like the present. Fish live by the changes in their environments, not by a calendar. Shorter daylight hours, long nights and cooler water tell the fish what time it is. These triggers roughly coincide with dates on the calendar but don’t get hung up on dates – just start throwing and see what happens.

We’re stocked up on all the best streamer patterns big and small as well as streamer lines for any and all situations/water types, and plenty of great options if you’re in the market for a new streamer stick including my personal go to, the Sage Igniter #7. It’s the best streamer stick I’ve fished and I’ve fished a bunch of them.

We’re open daily at 7 AM for all of your Missouri River (and surrounding waters) Fall fly fishing needs. The greatest selection of bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana, the Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO, Adipose Flow drift boat rentals, Simms waders and cold weather gear, a fresh shipment of Richardson WCA logo hats, Bad Ass Korkers River Ops wading boots, SA, Rio and Airflo lines, Fishpond Nomad nets and much more.

It’s Second Season Time on the MO!

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-09-07T13:14:26-06:00September 7th, 2023|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: Adipose Flow, Airflo, brown trout, caddis, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, Fishpond Nomad, fly fishing, green machine, Missouri River, Montana, RIO, SA, Sage Ignitor, simms, streamers, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

Goodbye Summer, Autumn is upon us

As we close out August on the MO the anticipation is underway.

Sure it still feels like summer out there (and will for a while) but there’s definitely an autumn vibe in the air with chilly misty mornings, shorter daylight hours, bear poop up and down the Recreation Road, fish stacked at the grass flats below Holter and green leaves transforming to yellows and reds. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year (or one of them anyway).

We’re still in Dog Days mode and things will likely remain quiet for the next couple of weeks before the fall season really gets underway.

In the meantime we’ve got plenty of lodging and the guide calendar has a few openings for the next little while. Weekends will continue to be busy with rec traffic as long as the weather stays nice, particularly the upcoming holiday weekend – the unofficial END of SUMMER. Temps are expected to be in the 80’s with abundant sunshine so don’t expect to have it to yourself if you’d planned on fishing over the Labor Day weekend.

The weekdays will be the time to get out there over these next couple weeks if you’re looking to avoid the crowds but now is the time as it’ll be back to bumper boats before you know it.

Should the weekends be your only option we’d recommend getting an early start. If you shoot for that 10 – 11 AM window thinking you’ll roll in behind the angling traffic you’re likely correct, but you’ll also be smack dab in the middle of the rec floaters.

And while the dam to Wolf Creek has been the go to due to the number of fish currently hanging out in the grass flats and the relatively weed-free water, the lower stretches are also fishing fine and will provide a respite from the traffic. Double zebras or a Zebra and a weight fly or Frenchie has been the ticket in the dam stretch. Nymphing hasn’t been AS good below Wolf Creek Bridge but they’re there as well, you just have to work a little harder for them.

Hoppers and ants will continue to be in play for the next month and while it hasn’t exactly been one for the record books, we’ve had some pretty damn good terrestrial days river-wide. September is also the month for October Caddis so don’t be afraid to work that into the mix.

Tricos are still going fairly strong though definitely waning and caddis should still be a staple in your fly box, especially later in the day. We’ve already started to get calls asking about BWO’s. We’ll likely see them sometime in October but the weather needs to change drastically before we even start thinking about such things.

A lot of folks (myself included) think streamers when they think of fall fishing. Fall is the time for big browns on streamers and there will be plenty of them caught here on the MO but if you’re going to play that game you need to know that you’ll be dealing with weeds from now until the snow flies (and for a while after that). The weeds do not disappear with a turn of the calendar page so know before you go that you’ll be dealing with them. It’s not the end of the world, you just need to choose your spots and work through the challenges, keeping in mind that those super weedy spots you’re avoiding may in fact hold the trophy of a lifetime.

We’re open from 7 AM – 5 PM daily for all of your Montana fall fly fishing needs. The fly bins are loaded up with fall bugs including the best streamer selection on the MO and we’re also fully stocked on lines, leaders and tippet from SA and Rio and we can’t think of a better time to treat yourself to a new Sage R8 or Igniter.

New fall gear arriving daily including Cozy Simms WCA hoodies and a full restock on Simms waders and boots and hats and gloves and much more. And don’t forget, we are the home of the CHEAPEST DAM SHUTTLES ON THE MO!

We are your Missouri River fall fly fishing destination.

By Jason Orzechowski|2023-08-30T14:12:18-06:00August 30th, 2023|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: brown trout, caddis, cheapest dam shuttles on the mo, dry fly fishing, Holter Dam, Missouri River, running line, simms, streamers, Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek Angler, zebra midges|0 Comments

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