Fishing at the Metolius has been great. We’re getting very close to some really productive hatches. Pale morning duns and caddis are still going to be the most prominent bugs on the water. The golden stones have mainly stuck to the upper portions of the river so far. It’s also common to see sporadic salmon flies around the river this time of year. Terrestrials can also be a great thing to try if you want to fish the big bugs. Nymphing has been consistent with mayfly nymphs and caddis pupa, both around size 14 - 18. Small olive stonefly nymphs, Golden stonefly nymphs, and larger dark stonefly nymphs are really good choices as well. Green drake nymphs should be getting more active subsurface as we move closer to September. There are a plethora of hatches in the early fall, a lot of these bugs are in the drift now and the fish will be looking for them. Bull trout are present in good numbers. The Metolius is a good place to fish during these heatwaves. It is still good practice to fight and release fish quickly, and try to keep them in the water as long as possible, especially if it’s a bull trout. Let’s hope that this is the last heatwave for a long time.

Suggested Dries:  X-Stimulator #12, Black, Tan or Olive Elk Hair Caddis #14-20, Black, Tan or Olive Foam Caddis #14-20, Purple Haze #14-18, Tilt Wing PMD #14-18, Parachute PMD #14-18, Yellow Sally #14 -16, Black Stimulator #14-16, Parachute Adams #14-18, CDC Flying Ant #14-16, Black or Cinnamon Foam Ant #14-16, Hackle Stacker Baetis #16-20, Parachute Baetis #16-20.

Suggested Nymphs: Lex’s Improved Golden Stone #8-10, Poxyback Golden Stone #8-10, 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, Split Back PMD #18, FB Pheasant Tail #14-18, Micro Mayfly #16-20, Pearl or Red Rainbow Warrior #16-20, Copper Microstone #14-18