The Metolius has been a strong and consistent river for local anglers throughout the Winter, and should only fish better as we transition into Spring. We are still mainly using our cold month-flies right now, and seeing most of our fish on the small Baetis patterns. Leading with a large Golden Stone or October Caddis Pupa is good for getting flies deep and will inevitably produce a chance or two at fish on any given day. We’ll start to see a little more variety in available food sources as the weather continues to warm. Caddis, various Mayfly species, and Golden Stones will all be on the menu before we know it, so make sure to fill any holes in the fly box before we get into the meat of the Spring and early Summer hatches that grace Central Oregon’s trout waters. The Bull Trout fishing has been consistent as well, we have seen some real bruisers coming on both streamers and nymphs.
Suggested Dries: Hackle Stacker BWO #18-20, Sparkle Dun BWO #18-20, Purple Haze #16-20, Tilt Wing BWO #18-20, Olive Haze #16-18, Parachute BWO #18-20, Tilt Wing Mahogany #16-18, Black or Tan Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams #16-20
Suggested Nymphs: Lex’s Improved Golden Stone #8-10, Poxyback Golden Stone #8-10, Golden Trout Retriever #8-10, Brown Jimmy Legs #8-12, Deep October Pupa #8-10, Jigged Tungsten Hare’s Ear #14-16, Jigged CDC PT #14-16, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-18, Black Super Sinker #16-18, Copper Microstone #14-18, Red Copper John #16-18, Olive Anato-May #16-18, Olive Micro May #18-20, Black Lightning Bug #14-18, Olive or Tan Sparkle Pupa #16-18, Nitro Caddis Pupa #16-18