It’s been a warm few days around Central Oregon and for the most part fishing has been pretty good on the Metolius. There is still a lot of snow from last weekends snow storm, and we anticipate a LOT more coming in on Monday and Tuesday. So, get up and get out there this weekend if you can.
Access below the Hatchery to Bridge 99 is sketchy. People have made it, but I’d urge caution there.
Caddis fishing is happening, with Tan #14-16 adults making a few fish look up to the surface, but pupa patterns have been the best. There are also a lot of October Caddis, so mostly fish the pupa for them, but an Orange Stimulator is a good searching pattern and occasionally gets smacked. Hard.
Smaller Silver Stripe Sedge and Snow Sedge are in the Caddis mix and will be for another 2 months.
BWO hatches have been hatching around 1:30 PM and on most days in soft pools and eddies you should see some risers to emerging baetis and duns, and don’t forget the cripples too.
Most of the fish are coming on Stonefly Nymphs, Caddis Pupa, small Mayfly Nymphs (olive and black 2 Bit Hooker and Olive Micro Mayfly) and Perdigons.
Some Bull Trout are coming on streamers, but this last couple of weeks stonefly nymphs, eggs, larger perdigons and even those same tan caddis pupa for rainbows have taken quite a few bulls.
Snow does make for some challenging parking and walking along the trails.
After Sunday there are mixed reports on how much snow is coming for Camp Sherman. If it’s what the Weather Channel says, no big deal and we keep fishing and accessing the river all week. But one model says the Sherm might be getting a significant amount of snow early next week.
A friendly reminder the Metolius is closed to fishing from the Headwaters to Allingham Bridge until May 22. This protect spawning grounds so it is important to respect the closures.