The Metolius has lots of potential but it can be slightly tricky while the kokanee are dropping so many eggs. The fish will often move into the shallows and sit directly behind a group of spawning kokanee and they’ll only look at tiny egg patterns. Getting stealthy is to your advantage, the fish spook incredibly easy while they’re in the shallows. The hatches are slowing down slightly with the cooler weather. October caddis and blue wing olives are the exceptions, they’ve been very prominent out there. Some tan size 16 - 18 caddis are hatching sporadically out there as well. During the warmer periods of the day, you may run into some pale morning duns hatches. As mentioned earlier, eggs are super important for your nymph rig. A big juicy October caddis pupa is a consistently productive fly right now. Using flies that imitate baetis (BWO) nymphs is a good idea. Stoneflies are good nymphs to use through fall and winter. The Metolius has a massive menu of aquatic insects, don’t be afraid to switch things up and try out new patterns, you may just find the next hot fly. Bull trout fishing is decent with streamer and nymphing tactics.
Suggested Dries: Last Chance Green Drake #10-12, Carnage Drake #10-14, Double Decker Green Drake #10-12, X-Stimulator #8-12, Black, Tan or Olive Elk Hair Caddis #14-20, Black, Tan or Olive Foam Caddis #14-20, Purple Haze #14-18, Tilt Wing PMD #14-18, Parachute PMD #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, Split Back PMD #18, Slim Shady Baetis #18, FB Pheasant Tail #14-18, Micro Mayfly #16-20, Pearl or Red Rainbow Warrior #16-20, Copper Microstone #14-18