The Metolius has been a bright spot on the Central Oregon fishing front. I heard this week of massive mayfly hatches, mixed with BWO’s, Cinygmula’s and some straggler PMD’s, October Caddis and a few mixed smaller caddis and stones that I haven’t heard the fish being remotely interested in. On some of the days, the hatch has been tremendously strong and very few fish looking up for the dries. Other days, they have. Like any day fishing, being in the right place at the right time plays a role, especially dry fly pursuits.

Nymph action has been best. As you’d expect, heavier bead Euro Jigs and Perdigons are great, Copper Johns, Zebras, 2 Bit Hookers, McGee’s Girdle Bug, Golden Stones Nymphs and October Caddis Pupa.
I had a thought provoking exchange with my friend Phil Chi the other day, and it was regarding Bull Trout streamers that have multiple hooks. Many of us have noticed Bull Trout with hurt jaws, resulting in permanent damage to that fish. This comes from streamers with multiple hooks and mishandling fish during the un-hooking and release process. What would you all think about using streamers with a single hook? And down the road seeing if we could petition ODFW to make that a rule on the Metolius?
I think it would result in healthier fish for the future and prove to the universe that we all respect the game that we pursue.
The weather for the next few days is pleasant and then next week it looks colder, wetter and less comfortable, but I gotta say ought to be a good week for fishing.