The Metolius River continues to provide great opportunities for redbands, bull trout, and whitefish. This week has fairly consistent temperatures and just a bit of precipitation. It looks like it will be a bit cold for October caddis, you may see them when it warms up to 50 degrees or warmer. Blue wing olives have been consistently hatching right around noon. If you’re looking to target redbands, make sure to cover the entire baetis life cycle. Fish key into nymphs, emergers, cripples, duns, and even spinners. When there is no hatch going, nymphing is the way to go. Stoneflies fool lots of fish in the winter on the Metolius. A general mayfly pattern, like a copper john or a hares ear, can also perform well. Remember that the fish don’t often key into specific nymphs in the winter (baetis being an exception). They are typically just eating whatever the current brings to them. There are a plethora of different bugs in the Metolius, so never be afraid to experiment with new patterns.
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