The Metolius River was a little better this week. After my successful outing on Sunday with Ron, Chester had a good evening Monday with caddis hatching at 5, and Spinners on the water by 8… How civilized. 
I also heard from a few people who went out in the evening and saw very little going on. Timing is everything in life and in fishing, but I do believe as we move into August that we are going to see fish settling in to better rhythms in concert with improving hatches. 
Afternoon action from noon to dinner time is worthwhile, and of course our upper river goldenstone hatch is a highlight there. PMD’s, BWO’s, Yellow Sally’s, Tan & Olive Caddis (Iris Caddis, X Caddis, Henryville, Missing Link ) plus the beginning of great things to come in regard to Little Olive Stones (Hemingway with the hackle cut off the bottom) which will make a massive appearance in about a month but they are around now in smaller numbers, and don’t forget the chunky (ameletus) olive mayfly #14 that will be improving over the next few weeks as well. We have 3 flies to match this well: a Hackle Stacker Sparkle Dun, a #14 Purple Comparadun and a Moore’s Parashuck Emerger in olive #14. 
With the Fall Green Drake hatch about 5 weeks out, GD Nymphs are a good bet. Golden Stone Nymphs are always a staple. Caddis Pupa and mayfly nymphs to match the PMD’s (#16 brown) and BWO (#18-22 olive and black) will put fish in the net. Zebra Midges, Perdigons, Walts Worms and Soft Hackle PT’s are essentials for the Metolius Box. 
Overall, Bull Trout fishing is okay, some fish are being found but I am wondering if a lot of the fish we were seeing a few weeks ago have gone to spawn? If so, it’s good they are in the protected creeks where no fishing is allowed and also, we should see them return soon enough for better fishing in the near future. Plus I think the main push of lake run Bull’s are yet to come.