The Metolius has been fishing as it typically does, and is a great option for finding healthy trout and cold water during the heat of summer. Don’t expect to see big numbers of fish, but well presented flies will find fish throughout the day. There is pretty good opportunity to fish dries in the mornings, with a variety of PMDs and smaller Mayflies coming off. There are decent numbers of Caddis around throughout the day, and dedicated dry fly anglers should keep their eyes out for occasional rises, targeting fish that are actively looking towards the surface. To maximize takes throughout the day, a heavy nymph rig to get flies toward the bottom is the best option. We always like leading with a Stonefly and trailing a Mayfly nymph or Caddis Pupa. October Caddis Pupa patterns can also be a great alternative to the Stonefly pattern if it is not producing. The patterns we have in the shop have large, heavy beads, to get flies deep quickly.
Fishing for Bulls on the Met has been getting better with a number of fish moving up from the lake, and it’s a great time to get after the large, aggressive, Char with a heavy rod and the biggest streamers you can find. We’ve been finding a few fish both swinging and retrieving flies. Olive and white tend to be our best colors, and we see the best success fishing early in the mornings and late in the evenings.
Suggested Dries: Tilt Wing PMD #16-18, Sparkle Dun PMD #16-18, Parachute PMD #16-18, Parachute Adams #16-18, X Caddis #16-18, Tan Elk Hair Caddis #16-18, Outrigger Caddis #16-18, Purple Haze #16-18
Suggested Nymphs: Red or Black Two Bit Hooker #16-20, Micro Mayfly #16-20, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail #16-20, Olive Soft Hackle #16-18, CDC Jigged Pheasant Tail #14-16, Jigged Hare’s Ear #14-16, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-18, Sparkle Brown or Black Jimmy Legs #8-12, Lex’s Improved Golden Stone #8-12, BH Poxy Golden #10-12, Deep October Pupa #8-10