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Go Time

 

While we’ve been anxiously awaiting a shot of spring snow and cold to slow things down and keep us in that early-season window, it doesn’t seem like Mother Nature got the memo. Buds are popping, grass is greening, and more days than not we’re seeing sunshine and temps that feel a lot more like mid-May than early April.

What’s also popping? Bugs.

Midges are everywhere, and we’ve been hearing reports of BWO’s showing up in fishable numbers in the canyon over the past week. Dry fly opportunities are on the table most days now, and only getting better. Midges are the Spring Training of the dry fly game—reliable, consistent, and a great way to knock the rust off—but the regular season is just getting underway. Look for BWO’s and midges to carry the load over the next 4–6 weeks, with March Browns and caddis not far behind. 

Best Bets for midges…Bucky’s Midge Cluster, Black Midge, Griffith’s Gnat, Hi-Vis Midge, Grizzly Midge Cluster, Adams Midge Cluster. GO To BWO’s – Guide Winna Spinna BWO, Olive Haze, Hi Vis BWO, Pederson’s 401K Baetis, Sprout Baetis, Nyman’s DOA Cripple Baetis, Last Chance Cripple, Flash Cripple, Jake’s Hatchback Baetis…and so many more. 

Spawning is still in full swing on the MO, so please be mindful of where you’re wading. Give those fish some space and let them do their thing—the future of this fishery depends on it.

If you’re looking for numbers, nymphing remains the go-to. Double sows are still punching the ticket more often than not. Zebra Midges, Ruby Midges, Little Green Machines, Magic Flies, Caviar Scuds, Pill Poppers, Amex, Pederson’s Sow, Bubble Yums, worms, and soft hackle sows are all getting it done.

The streamer bite has been solid—even under bluebird skies—but as always, low light is your best friend. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, Swim Coaches, MoJo Minnows, Micro Dungeons, Baby Gongas, Polar Leeches, Dirty Hippies, Lil’ Kims…you know the drill. Fish what you believe in. Water temps are still hanging in the low 40’s, so no need to get wild with the strip, but fish are definitely getting more aggressive and will chase on the right days. Mix up your retrieve, build in pauses, and don’t be afraid to fish everything from the depths to the shallows and tailouts—it’s all in play right now.

There’s truly no better time of year to fish streamers on the Missouri, and with some rain, snow, and cloud cover in the forecast for Sunday and Monday, things could get downright epic.

We’re open daily at 8 AM with everything you need for your day on the water—Cheapest DAM shuttles on the MO, the biggest selection of Missouri River bugs ever assembled under one roof in Wolf Creek Montana, and all the latest gear from the best brands in the business. New rods, reels, waders, boots, lines, leaders—you name it—arriving almost daily. ’Tis the season.

Lodging is fully open and guides are standing by. Give us a call or book your trip online—we’ll see you out there.

By |2026-04-09T10:41:38-06:00April 9th, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report, Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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Finally Freezing

It has been a long time coming but we’re finally seeing some normal winter weather with single digit lows and highs in the teens and twenties for the weekend. Just what you would expect in late January.

Unfortunately, it’s just an anomaly in our FOREVER NOVEMBER as we will be back in the 40’s next week and 50’s next weekend!

This is great news if you’re getting the itch and need some time on the water to scratch it but with January nearly in the rearview and just two months remaining before the season begins to get underway, we could certainly use a bunch more winter.

The Snotel map still shows much of the region at or just slightly below 100 percent of average but a substantial portion of that green is starting to turn to yellow (70 – 89% of average) and if we don’t start to add to that snowpack soon it could mean another challenging summer in Montana. Let us hope for a snowy and cold February and March!

Things will be quiet for the weekend with the frigid temps but I would expect we will see some traffic next week.

Nymphing will be your best bet for numbers next week with sow bug variations being the go-to all winter long. Pill Poppers, Tailwater Sows, Pederson’s Sow, Soft Hackle Sow, Poxyback Sow…you get the idea. Rainbow Czechs, Amex and Bubble Yums also in the mix right now along with Rainbow Warriors, Caviar Scuds and Zebras.

The warmer days will likely be accompanied by breezy conditions but if you can find those quiet spots, sheltered from the wind, midge fishing is only going to get better from here on out if winter dry fly fishing is your jam. We are fully stocked on all kinds of midge and midge cluster patterns so stop by and stock those midge boxes on your way to the river.

Streamer fishing has been meh with the swingers having more luck than the strippers on most days. Water temps, while not exceedingly cold, are cold enough that the fish are hunkered down in the slow winter depths and not overly eager to give chase. Try swinging a Kreelex, a Polar Leech, a Thin Mint or other leechy offering or even just a soft hackle if you are so inclined.

For those who just cannot quit the strip (me included), Sparkle Minnows and Skiddish Smolt have been moving the occasional fish but it has definitely been slow going. Regardless, keep at it. You never know what might happen when you dredge the depths with a SLOW strip and a bunch of pauses. Those behemoth browns are down there; you just need to work until you find one willing to move just enough to grab that high calorie offering. A lot of rowing, a ton of casting and stripping and a little luck…the recipe for winter streamer success on the MO.

We are open at 8:30 AM Tuesday – Saturday and as the weather dictates we’re doing what we can to have shuttle service available though that will continue to be hit or miss for another month or so. A call ahead, especially a day ahead, helps tremendously so give us a heads up if you can and we will do our best to take care of your shuttles.

We are stocked up on winter flies and while the Annual Rod and Reel Sale has come to a close we’ve certainly been known to wheel and deal as we clear space for newly arriving inventory. There is no time like the present to upgrade that rod or those waders and boots or whatever it is you need.

We are your Missouri River One Stop shop covering everything you need for your trip to the Missouri. All the gear, all the flies, the best guide crew on the river and a place to lay your head. It’s all here at Wolf Creek Angler!

By |2026-01-23T11:26:27-07:00January 23rd, 2026|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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Farewell October

The fall fishing season has nearly passed us by with weeks of great weather and decent fishing and more of the same on tap for the foreseeable future as we bid farewell to October.

River flows continue to limp along in the 2500 CFS range with water temps still holding in the 50’s. These are not exactly prime conditions for fall fishing, especially considering the abundance of bright sunny days but things could certainly be worse. With a few modifications to your approach there’s good fishing to be had even in the low and clear.

Save a few rainy/snowy overcast days earlier in the month dry fly fishing has been marginal but not to worry, November often delivers those coveted BWO events on the MO. The same could be said for the streamer game though there have been a handful of really good days especially considering the blue sky October we’ve had.

Nymphing has been the ticket and while action from the dam down is always a safe bet, the middle and lower stretches are worth your time. Sow bugs, Zebras, Worms and your favorite baetis patterns (Little Green Machines, BWO Magic Fly, Radiation Baetis etc) are all good bets. The water is still relatively warm so there is no need to switch to winter water/winter tactics but cold weather favorites like the Pill Popper and Pederson’s Sow have been effective as of late.

It looks like a nice weekend ahead with mostly sunny skies and temps in the low 50’s tomorrow. Saturday looks more like September than the first day of November with highs near 70 but we will return to more normal conditions on Sunday. Monday looks like the best conditions for the next while with cloudy skies, a high of 46 and winds SW at 5-10 mph. Expect mad streamer action and a good chance for dry fly activity….or not. The mornings have been cold with temps in the 30’s so no need to rush out though with the time change happening this weekend a later start is going to make for a short day on the water.

We’ve switched to late fall hours, opening at 8 AM daily and will continue to adjust as traffic dictates. We’ve closed the motel rooms for the winter with the cabins soon to follow but as always, we will have our bungalows open all winter long.

Check out our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale next time you’re through – the best deals of the year as we close out the season. 

By |2025-10-30T15:06:24-06:00October 30th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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Autumn in the Air

Summer has continued to hang around this week but autumn vibes are emerging, especially on these chilly Missouri River mornings.

Cooler, wet weather is on the way for the remainder of the week and into the early part of next week with a chance for showers each day, daytime highs in the 70’s and overnight lows dipping into the 40’s. The same system will deliver our first mountain snows of the season at elevations over 10,000 feet. We’ll see none of that but we’re excited to see fall weather shaping up as it should with fall technically still two weeks away. Bring it on!

Fall fishing is about to heat up as water temps cool. The Holter Dam to Craig run continues to see the most activity with double zebras getting it done in the grass flats. Your best bet for numbers for the next while will be nymphing that stretch but it’s obviously also where the traffic will be so if you’d prefer fewer boats and less competition don’t be afraid to work the middle and lower sections where you’ll likely end up with fewer fish but it’s a worthy trade for a bit more solitude on the water.

Best bets for nymphs right now would be your aforementioned Zebra Midges along with Frenchies, Little Green Machines, PT’s, October Caddis Nymphs, Sowbugs, Olive 2 Bits, Olive Psycho Mays and a host of other baetis nymphs.

Those looking for dry fly action have been hoping for better days with a lack of opportunities presenting themselves as of late. The waning tricos have all but wrapped up and terrestrials, while always a good fall option, haven’t been overly productive. Hoppers were hit and miss this season but will continue to play throughout September. Ants have historically been the preferred terrestrial but like the hoppers, just haven’t been overly productive this year. Keep at it with those terrestrials and start adding the October Caddis to your repertoire. September is the best month for the October Caddis on the MO…go figure.

If you’re into the tiny dry fly game you’re trico days are likely done for this season but you’ll be pleased to know that the oft despised Pseudocleoens have arrived. If fishing #22 dry flies makes you happy this is your time.

Personally, I could take or leave the Pseudos. Fall is STREAMER TIME as far as I’m concerned and weeds be damned; we’ll be ripping streamers from here on out. Our streamer bins have just been restocked with something for everyone. Whether buggers or balanced leeches or Sparkle Minnows or D & D’s or Wedge Heads and so much more, we’ve got you covered. Stop in and see why we’re known as THE BEST STREAMER SHOP ON THE MO hands down.

Need a new streamer line or maybe even a new rod and reel? We’ve got what you need with all the best sinking and intermediate options from SA, Rio and Airflo and rods and reels for every budget from Redington, Echo, Lamson and SAGE. Look for our Annual Fall Rod and Reel Sale COMING SOON! 

We’re closing out a moderately busy guide week getting back into the swing of things while preparing for chaos next week with our busiest week of the fall by far. No guides available next week but if you’re looking to book that last minute trip things open up the following week through the end of the season.

Lodging is somewhat busy but we generally have at least a few vacancies nightly.

Our Autumn hours are now in effect, 7:30 AM – 5 PM daily. We hope you make us your first stop on your way to the river for shuttles, bugs and so much more.

By |2025-09-10T10:28:30-06:00September 10th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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That’s a Wrap – Summer Season Comes to a Close

Autumn Magic on the Missouri

Lonely days on the MO persist as the summer season slips away somewhat unceremoniously.

As much as we all covet summertime in Montana and summer fishing in particular, Autumn always seems to come at just the right time, ushering in our second season in conjunction with all the things that make fall so special.

Daylight has already begun to dwindle, and soon enough cooler temps will prevail. The transition from summer greens to autumn color is already well underway and it’s starting to smell like fall.

College football gets underway this weekend with the NFL season kicking off a week from yesterday. Baseball’s pennant race is taking shape and hockey and basketball aren’t far off. For those of us who take comfort in the rhythms of the various competitive sports seasons, order is about to be restored to the world.

More importantly, at least for this audience, changes are underway on the waters surrounding us as the cycles of the season trigger a transition in trout behavior from a focus on aquatic bug life and consumption of the same to a focus on spawning for brown trout and on an increase in caloric intake and a decrease in energy expenditure for rainbow populations preparing for the winter ahead.

What does this mean in terms of fall fishing? It means predatory behavior amongst the brown trout populations and a focus on larger meals for rainbows. Terrestrials and crayfish are on the menu for rainbows but they’ll still eat a #20 Zebra Midge or a sow bug and will not turn down a well-presented dry fly. The appeal is in the options!

For the streamer junkie, things are about to get real where the aforementioned predatory behavior is concerned. Streamer season is rapidly approaching and while the MO is still choked with aquatic vegetation, and will be throughout the fall, those in the know will work around that challenge with the knowledge that aggression is about to overtake the brains of pre-spawn browns and the chances of enticing a predatory strike from a mammoth brown trout don’t get any better.

That’s what’s coming. But we’re not there yet. In fact, fishing has been on the slow side with many reporting significant challenges over these past two weeks. Unsurprisingly, Holter Dam to Wolf Creek Bridge has been the productive water with Zirdles and double zebras consistently producing. Beyond the grass flats things have been challenging for more days than not.

Even so, the river has been void of anglers which isn’t a horrible trade. Slow fishing and solitude….could be much worse!

August hours are in effect through Labor Day, 7 AM – 4 PM daily. Fall hours will go into effect on Tuesday, September 2nd. We will be open from 7:30 AM – 5 PM daily.

We’ve got another two weeks of quiet time with plenty of rooms available and we’ve generally been able to come up with guides with at least a couple of day notice but once we hit the middle of September that will change. Mid-September through mid-October are going to be very busy with guide trips and lodging as well though we do have availability where lodging is concerned.

Enjoy the end of the summer season this long weekend and we’ll see you soon for fall fishing on the MO.

By |2025-08-29T10:20:01-06:00August 29th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: , , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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August Exodus

Autumn Creeping In

The Ghost Town persists here on the MO with angling traffic all but absent as the minutes tick away on what’s left of the summer.

The hot and hazy late summer days seem better suited for splash and giggle floats than any serious angling pursuits though you could do much worse than spending the day in a drift boat seeking a random hopper take or two.

It’s nothing new, it’s just that time of year when angling pressure drops dramatically as folks opt for squeezing every last bit out of summer before getting back to the grind.

Meanwhile, our trout are enjoying a well-deserved break from the pressure and while flows remain on the low side at 3700 CFS, water temps are well in the safe zone in the 62-65 degree range. For those few who are taking advantage of the late summer lull and enjoying summer solitude on the MO the early part of the day has been best with things generally shutting down by early afternoon.

The Missouri has never been known for the hopper bite but that is what most folks are doing these days, either pairing that hopper with an ant or maybe dropping a small nymph like a Little Green Machine or Pheasant Tail but it’s fine to fish a solo hopper as well. Nothing quite like brown trout hopper eats!

Nymphers are fighting the weed mass and finding success in the shallow fast runs with Zebra Midges, Frenchies, LGM’s and crayfish patterns. The dam down has been the best bet for the bobber crowd with the grass flats coming into early fall form. You can’t go wrong with double zebras or a zebra and a zirdle.

Things are quiet on the streets of Wolf Creek and Craig. These are lonely days in the fly shop, save the occasional abbreviated morning rush. You’ll likely see more boats in our parking lot than you will on the water for the next little while, at least until the fall season gets underway in another couple of weeks.

And speaking of that…autumn is definitely creeping in. The choke cherries are ripe, leaves are starting to change color, daylight is shrinking and those evening and early morning temps certainly feel like fall. Enjoy these last weeks of summer while you still can.

Considering the current conditions we’re modifying our hours through the end of August and will be closing at 4 PM but still opening every day at 7. With the cooler mornings we’ve been pushing trip start times to 7:30-8 AM but if you’d like to start earlier we’re more than happy to do so.

We have an abundance of rooms available through the end of the month and we’d love to be your late summer Missouri River destination. Fall is booking up though we still have plenty of openings in October and early November for guide trips and lodging. Book you Missouri River fall getaway today!

 

By |2025-08-21T08:35:41-06:00August 21st, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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Missouri River Ghost Town – Late Summer Solitude

 

If solitude is what you seek, now is your chance to have the river virtually to yourself. The boat ramps are empty, and angling traffic has slowed to a crawl.

That being said, Saturday is Caddis Fest in Craig so we will likely see a bump in river traffic at Holter Dam and Wolf Creek Bridge with folks finishing their floats in Craig just in time for the festivities, but I still wouldn’t worry about having to wait in line to launch your boats.

Conditions on the river are about what you’d expect for mid-August with flows holding at around 3600 CFS and temps in the 62 – 66-degree range depending on the time of day.

August is a little perplexing because the fishing is actually pretty darn good and during drought/low water years the MO is often one of the only viable options around which might lead you to believe it would be crowded but that is rarely the case.

As summer winds down people tend to want to pack in as much as they can before normal life resumes in just a couple of weeks. Per usual, there’s been no shortage of angling traffic on the Missouri or anywhere else around the state during this 2025 season and there will be plenty more as the fall season gets underway. August is a sleeper which is a great reason to make some time for one last Missouri River summer outing before the traffic resumes in September.

We have plenty of rooms available and chances are good we can get you on the water with a guide on short notice though once September hits those odds dwindle.

Trico action has been spotty as of late but with the river to yourself you ought to be able to find bugs and feeding fish SOMEWHERE!

Hopper Time!

The hopper/ant bite is decent and definitely worth your time though the MO has never been known for amazing hopper fishing. Still, if you commit to the hopper throughout the day and get a chug or two I’d deem that a success. What’s better than a hopper chug? Not much! It’s been a mixed bag on size and color but we’ve been erring on the smaller side (#12 – #14) and having good luck with darker shades of gray/purple but don’t count out yellow or peach or pink. Switch it up throughout the day and see if you can find one they like.

Nymphing is heating up in the grass flats in the Dam to Wolf Creek run with double zebras or the Zirdle/Zebra rig getting plenty of attention. Most of what traffic is here has generally been in the Dam to Craig stretch but might we suggest the middle and lower stretches, especially if hoppers are your game.

Just a reminder, the Holter Dam launch is a Federal Fee Required Site so don’t forget to pay your $5 daily fee if you are launching at the dam.

We’re here from 7 AM – 5 PM daily with everything you need for your day on the water including The Cheapest Dam Shuttles on the MO and so much more.

By |2025-08-14T09:28:22-06:00August 14th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report, Shop Life|Tags: , , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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More Early Spring this Weekend on the MO

It seems as though winter may have loosed its grip on us for good as we’ll see another spring-like weekend ahead with temperatures back in the 50’s, possibly hitting 60 on Sunday.

Winds looks manageable for the weekend out of the south/southwest at 9 -16 mph with some higher gusts to 25 mph. You’ve fished in much worse!

The trend continues through the first part of next week before temperatures normalize with high 30’s and low 40’s starting on Thursday.

Reports from this past weekend were a bit of a mixed bag but overall the consensus seemed to be that fishing was on the slow side but slow or not, you could do much worse than spending an early March day soaking up the sun while floating down the Missouri River.

It’s been quiet this week despite consistently mild weather and as is generally the case in the early season we’re not sure what to expect heading into the weekend, but we’ll be here regardless. Shop hours this weekend are 9 AM -2 PM, Sunday included, and we’re running shuttles daily.

We’ve got lodging available at winter rates of $149/night (plus tax) and our Adipose drift boat rentals are a great deal at $150/day (you haul the boat). We haven’t had much call for it yet but if you’re looking for a guided day on the river we can accommodate.

During the month of March we’re offering a full day trip, lunch included, at a half-day rate of $550 for one or two anglers. We’re also offering a lodging/guide trip special for $700 (plus tax) for two nights of premium lodging and a day of guided fishing. As is usual with March trips the weather can always be a factor so there’s no penalty for cancellation should winter return. This offer is for the month of March only, normal prices resume on April 1st. Book your trip today and leave the rowing to us.

If you’re sticking to the DIY program it’s status quo this time of year with sow bugs leading the charge. Tailwater Sows, Soft Hackle Sows, Pederson’s Sow, Carpet Bugs, Poxyback Sows, Pill Poppers, Firebead or Pink Lucent Bead Ray Charles, Bubble Yum Scuds, Rainbow Czechs, Amex and Zebra Midges are all go-to bugs for early spring.

Dry fly fishing is an option with plenty of midges in the mix and streamer fishing (swinging or stripping) should be just on the verge of really heating up.

The most commonly asked question we get is when is the best time to fish the Missouri and my stock answer is whenever you’re able to be here because the consistency on the MO is unmatched but if you really want to know you’d be hard pressed to find a better time and place to fish than springtime on the Missouri.

We invite you start your day on the MO with us, especially if you’re coming from the south. We’ll get you set up with FISHING LICENSES, shuttles, all the best bugs from all the best vendors, and anything else you might need for your day on the water. Simms waders and boots, Sage and Lamson rods and reels, fresh new fly lines from SA, Rio and Airflo and piles of tools and accessories from the best brands in the business. And it’s all right on your way. No need to drive another 10 minutes down the road to get the same stuff and then turn around and drive right back up to the dam or Wolf Creek Bridge! We are closer to the Holter Dam to Craig section launches than ANY OTHER SHOP.

See you soon for spring fishing on the MO.

By |2025-03-06T10:18:58-07:00March 6th, 2025|Categories: Shop Life, Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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A Taste of Spring this Weekend on the MO

Idyllic February Float on the MO – photo by Wolf Creek Angler

It’s been less than a week since we were in the icy grip of winter with sub-zero temperatures and a thick blanket of snow covering the landscape.

When I did a boat ramp tour last Friday all ramps and parking lots from Holter Dam to Stickney were buried but after several days of temps nearing 50 degrees nearly all of the snow has vanished, and the ramps and parking lots are clear.

The phones have been ringing non-stop since Monday with folks eyeing up a gorgeous weekend ahead and just like that our winter lodging is full for the weekend, which is something we haven’t seen in months.

I wouldn’t say we’re BUSY but there has certainly been an uptick in traffic in the shop and on the river this week and I’d expect it will feel busy this weekend with a lot of folks from all around the state headed to the MO for a late-winter fix.

As expected with the warmer weather it’s been breezy this week and will be again tomorrow with gusts up to 30 mph expected but Friday we settle into sunshine, temps near 60 and light winds out of the south at 5-10 mph. It doesn’t get much better than that…not this time of year.

Monday will see a return to the 40’s with a chance of rain and snow but above average temps still expected through next week.

The spring-like weather is nice, especially after a couple of weeks of arctic air but we are hoping this is just a brief respite and that we’ve got plenty of more winter on the way.

For now though, we’re here and we’re ready for business. Our lodging may be full but we’re ready to go with shuttles, Adipose rental boats, cold weather gear, sunscreen, bugs a plenty and don’t forget your 2025 Fishing License starting on Saturday, March 1st.

Looking to buy online? You may do so here but if not we’re happy to sell you a fishing license.

Pill Poppers, Pink Soft Hackle Sows, Pederson’s Sow, Tailwater Sow in Rainbow or Pink, Firebead Rays, Rainbow Czechs, Bubble Yum Scuds…you get the picture. Think Pink and don’t forget the Zebra Midges. All available now at WCA.

Winter Fare at Wolf Creek Angler

Conditions might just be right for some stellar dry fly action this weekend as well as March Midge Madness commences. Keep those Griffiths Gnats and other midge cluster patterns at the ready. We’ve got a plethora to choose from.

Swingers are out and having good luck with Polar leeches, Thin Mints, Kreelex, Fruit Rollups and other leechy offerings.

It might feel crowded out there this weekend after months of desolation so please dust off that river etiquette if you’re hitting the water giving a WIDE BERTH to those wade anglers and paying mind to the rhythm of the row arounds, doing your best to maintain the beat.

Official shop hours are still 9 – 4 Tuesday – Saturday at least for another couple of weeks but we’ll likely be here by 8 most days for those getting an early start.

Spring has sprung for the moment…enjoy it while it lasts.

By |2025-02-26T14:01:30-07:00February 26th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |1 Comment
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The Window is Open

For those looking to thwart that cabin fever, this is a good time to fish the MO but the window is about to close as winter regroups and returns this weekend.

We’ll see highs near 40 tomorrow through Saturday before the bottom drops out Saturday night and we plunge back into single digits and snow next week. 

Expect breezy conditions each day with winds SSW at 10 – 20 mph…could be worse!

Nymphing has been solid with sow bugs leading the charge and pink definitely in play. Pill Poppers, Tailwater Sows, Amex, Rainbow Czech, Soft Hackle Sows, Pink Lightning Bugs, Cotton Candy, Pink Rays, Pederson’s Sow, Bubble Yum Scud….all fine choices. You might also try a black zebra as there has been no shortage of midges around.

Slow winter depths are your target water but don’t be afraid to shorten up and give the faster shallows and flats a try, especially on the sunny days when the sun hits the water and the temps tick up. It doesn’t take much of a bump to draw the fish into the warmer shallows. 

Calm, cloudy days, though few and far between, have provided plenty of dry fly action, especially late afternoon when the sun drops below the horizon. Midge clusters and Griffiths Gnats have been money when conditions are right.

Swingers are finding some willing players in the go-to spots depending on the day with Kreelex and Polar Leeches and Thin Mints all producing. Haven’t heard much from the strippers lately but there’s no reason a Sparkle Minnow or Skittish Smolt stripped deep and SLOW won’t produce. On the MO, stripping is best done from a boat no matter the time of year. Leave the standing in cold water to the swingers!

I’m almost always using a heavy sinking line, working rapidly through the shallows so as not to hang up on the bottom and then free falling off the drops and ledges with a twitch or two before a SLOW ascent.

It’s definitely not a numbers game so patience is everything. Fish a bug you believe in and switch up the retrieve until you find what works, incorporating plenty of pauses and keeping in mind that the pauses are for the fish, not for you. Be ready for the grab on the pause. It happens all the time and missing those grabs is a more common occurrence than it should be. 

My mantra for streamer fishing is generally to go big with your float and cover as many miles as you can but that’s not the best plan during the winter months as it tends to get cold no matter how many layers you’re wearing. No matter if you’re hunting heads, nymphing or streamer fishing it’s best to keep your floats short during the winter if you’re fishing from the boat.

Best nymphing runs – Holter Dam to Wolf or Wolf to Craig. Best Dry Fly fishing – Holter Dam to Wolf. Best Streamers Craig to Stick. That being said, you’ll find every stretch has its great spots for whatever you are doing and the fish are EVERYWHERE so don’t think you’re limited to any particular stretch for whichever discipline you happen to be employing for the day.

Shuttles at WCA are hit and miss while we await a steady stream of traffic. Please call ahead if you’re counting on us being able to move you. We will be here tomorrow (Wednesday) and likely able to help you. We’re fishing Thursday but will be back in on Friday and Saturday. I wouldn’t expect we’ll be around much next week. Weather will be the determining factor but it looks like the window is about to close.

By |2025-01-28T10:50:41-07:00January 28th, 2025|Categories: Fishing Report|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments
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