Fishing on the Metolius over the last few weeks has been fair. With highs this next week in the mid to upper 60s, now is a great time to get out on the water. Remember that the upper river remains closed above the Allingham bridge until May 22 to protect spawning grounds. The warmer weather we are seeing will likely get some bugs more active. Most of the trout are finishing up their spawn and should be starting to move downriver and feed more actively. Nymphing will likely still be the most productive technique, with indicator and euro methods both producing fish. Although nymphing remains the most consistent, keep your eye out for bugs hatching and fish rising. As we begin spring, we will be seeing more of this. As far as dries go, yellow/tan bodied mayflies and a variety of caddis (yellow/tan/brown/grey) should be hatching sporadically over the next few weeks. For nymphing, it is hard to go wrong with a golden stone followed by 12-18” of tippet and a small nymph (Caddis, Perdigon, Red CJ, Hares ear). Swinging or fishing streamers under an indicator can be an effective way to trick a Bull trout. Fishing should only continue to improve as we transition from winter to spring, and it’s tough to beat a spring day on the Met.
Suggested Dries: Purple Haze #14-18, Hackle Stacker Baetis #18-20, Parachute Baetis #16-20, Tiltwing #18-20, Comparadun #16-22,
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