Fishing at the Metolius River has been good. The fish are definitely a bit sluggish in the mornings. We’ve got snow and cold temperatures on the way. Access past Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery may get tricky soon. The blue wing olive hatches have been hit and miss as of late. I’d reckon that the first days of the cold will bring out some good hatches. Make sure to have a good selection of duns and emergers/cripples, size 16 - 20 is a good range. If you have the right size dun and the fish aren’t biting try out an emerger/cripple pattern. Sometimes an emerging insect is more enticing because it’s an easy meal that won’t fly away. Covering the entire life cycle is important for success, make sure to stock up on the baetis nymphs as well. There are tons of other potential nymphs to use out there. Stonefly nymphs, green drake nymphs, hare’s ears, and caddis larva patterns are all great things to try out. During a sample for an aquatic insect course, I found a ton of scuds near Bridge 99. I’ve never used a scud out there nor do I know anyone that uses scuds out there, but they’re in the river so do what you will with that information. Thanks for reading our fishing reports this year, we’ll be back with more in 2022. All of us at Fly and Field hope you have a happy holiday!
Suggested Dries: Purple Haze #14-18, Hackle Stacker Baetis #18-20, Parachute Baetis #16-20.
Suggested Nymphs: Lex’s Improved Golden Stone #8-10, Poxyback Golden Stone #8-10, Green Drake Nymph #12-14, Deep October Caddis Pupa #10-12, Red or Black Copper John #14-18, Red or Black Lightning Bug #14-18, Red or Black Two Bit Hooker #16-20, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-18, Slim Shady Olive #18-20, FB Pheasant Tail #14-18, Micro Mayfly #16-20, Pearl or Red Rainbow Warrior #16-20, Copper Microstone #14-18