Access is still wide open on the Metolius, and while there has been a fair amount of pressure there is room for anglers to spread out. Whether you’re looking for Rainbows or Bulls nymphing is the most effective way to find fish right now. Big Stoneflies, October Caddis, and various Mayfly nymphs are all producing fish pretty consistently. There is an opportunity to fish dries during an early afternoon BWO hatch on most days, but the strength of the hatch and number of fish looking towards the surface will vary by the day. We all love targeting the Bulls with big streamers, and while the occasional fish will take a big fly the vast majority of fish being caught have been on the same nymphs we use to target Rainbows. For those who don’t want to give up on the streamer game, try changing up fly color and very slow retrieves or dead drifts.

Suggested Dries: Hackle Stacker BWO #16-20, Sparkle Dun BWO #16-20, Parachute BWO #16-20, Olive Haze #16-20, Purple Haze #16-20, TIlt Wing Mahogany #16-18, Parachute Adams #16-18, Black or Brown Elk Hair Caddis #16-18

Suggested Nymphs: Lex’s Improved Golden Stone #8-12, Poxyback Golden #10-12, Deep October Pupa #8-10, Brown Jimmy Legs #8-12, Copper Microstone #14-18, Olive or Hare’s Ear Anato-May #14-18, Black or Red Two Bit Hooker #16-18, Olive Micro Mayfly #16-18, Black Lightning Bug #16-18, Pearl or Black Rainbow Warrior #16-20