The consistent waters of the Metolius are not disappointing, and continue to provide excellent opportunity to find quality, native fish. Most of the precipitation up around Camp Sherman has been a mix of rain and snow, and there shouldn’t be too many issues with road access at this point, but of course that can change in the matter of hours this time of year. There is opportunity to approach the Metolius with dries, streamers, or an indicator rig right now with reasonable expectations of success. The Redsides have been feeding consistently subsurface on Golden Stones, October Caddis Pupa, and a variety of other Stonefly and Mayfly nymphs. Bull Trout have been taking nymphs pretty consistently as well, and big streamers on slow, deep retrieves or swings have been providing some exciting action and big fish. The cloudy days and light rain have also brought on some pretty decent BWO hatches around mid-day and through the afternoon. Be sure to watch back eddies and deep, slow tailouts for rising fish and have a good selection of Sparkle Duns, Hackle Stackers, and a Purple Haze or two. The Metolius could become more difficult to access and fish at any time, so take the opportunity to find some of the healthiest fish in the area while the action is on.
Suggested Dries: Sparkle Dun BWO #18-22, Hackle Stacker BWO #18-20, Tilt Wing BWO #18-20, Purple Haze #16-22, Parachute Adams #16-22, Tilt Wing Mahogany #16-18, Nunya’s Midge #18-22, Griffith’s Gnat #18-22
Suggested Nymphs: Lex’s Improved Golden Stone #8-12, Poxyback Golden Stone #10-12, Jigged Tungsten Hare’s Ear #14-16, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-16, Brown Jimmy Legs #8-12, Jigged CDC Pheasant Tail #14-16, Brown or Black Tung Super Sinker #16, Olive or Brown Micro Mayfly #16-20, Black Rainbow Warrior #18-20, Zika Jig #18-20, Olive Soft Hackle #16-20, BWO Emerger #18-20