The fish on the Metolius take time to fool but they are well worth the time spent. Last week, the fishing was great in the rain. This week is drier but still fairly cool and wet. There are only 3 more days to fish above Allingham Bridge, that section is closed after October 31st. The blue wing olive hatches are something I look forward to all summer, not sure why, something about a blanket hatch while it’s 20 degrees out is special. Look for risers in eddies and slower runs. Have plenty of size 16 - 22 duns, emergers, and cripples. Caddis are still out here and there, on warmer days it can be worth it to toss out an X-Caddis. October caddis’ aren’t constrained by the seasons at the Metolius, whenever the temperatures are around 50 degrees and the sky is cloudy you may see them. Nymphing is great with baetis patterns and October caddis pupa. Aside from the active hatches, consider the most prominent bugs in the Metolius for your nymph patterns. Stoneflies, green drake nymphs, and a plethora of different caddis and mayfly species are in the river. Make sure your nymphs are getting down to the bottom. Bull trout fishing has been consistent with both streamers and nymphs, some days streamers work and some days nymphs work. Enjoy the Metolius this week.
Suggested Dries: 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, 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