The Metolius has not been as good this September as usual. I hate to say that, because September has always been a magical cornucopia of hatches and amazing fishing. Both seem a touch off. Not that the fishing is bad, it’s just fine. It is just not as red hot as I’ve seen in the 9th month over several years of caring about it.

Drakes and Flav’s are still a big deal. Flav’s, not as many, but Drakes march on and should remain important to early October. PMD’s and BWO’s and Mahogany Duns are all very important Fall hatches on the Metolius so make sure you’re stocked up on emergers, cripples, duns (and if you fish until dusk, spinners too).

Caddis will be back strong this week as temps go back to the high 70’s and even low 80’s. Pupa’s and Adults for several species of caddis hatches will be important. Iris, CDC, Cornfed and X Caddis in #14-18 Tan and Olive will cover most of the hatches you’ll this week. The Micro Caddis that were so prevalent before seem to be done for the summer. October Caddis are hatching more frequently and will be important from now until May.

We’ve now seen the 1st of the Kokanee run coming up river from Lake Billy Chinook. In the coming weeks there will be tens of thousands of this small salmon in the Metolius. Hmmm, I am thinking Egg Patterns for trout are going to be pretty effective and White or Black/White Streamers are going to attract a fair share of Bull Trout now.

Expect a mix of stoneflies for a while, with Golden Stones and Little Olives being 2 that the fish will be most likely to eat as Adults. Golden Stone Nymphs are a year round staple on the Metolius.

Lots of good fishing to be had on the Metolius, and who knows, maybe you’ll be there when the Magic Happens!