The Metolius is fishing mostly very well, but we can certainly expect some slow times during a hot July. The trends are good with hatches coming a little later in the day, mostly about 3 or 4 and going to dusk. During that time you’ll see PMD’s, Blue Wing Olives and Caddis. Golden Stones, so far just in the very upper stretches.

Spinners near dark or perhaps early in the morning too. Spinners should be #16 and #18 Rusty, and a #20 Olive spent wing. Rene Harrops Biot Body Parachutes are my go to, and my own “Jeff’s Sunset Spinner” are good flies to either start or end the day with on the Metolius.

Clarks Stones and Norm Woods are the flies getting the best looks up river for the Golden Hatch. These will be good until October sometime, and by then the hatch spreads its way around the middle and lower river too, with September usually offering the best hatches of EVERYTHING, including larger stones.

Our crew of shop guys including Brad, Tonn and Adam found some nice Bull Trout in the River this week! It seems as the big lake run fish came up early, so now is a time to get your 8 weight and some big streamers going.

I fished the Metolius 5 days in a row around the 4th of July. It was on and off. 2 of the 5 sessions had way more action, and 3 of them were slow. Between the heat, the occasional July Doldrums & the changes on hatch times it is a game of patience, and understanding that not every day will be as rewarding as some of the other days. But don’t forget the reward doesn’t just come with numbers of fish to the net, but to being on the river and sometimes the reward of one wild Metolius redside is good enough. It is for me. (PS- I just hate being skunked) (PSS- and that happens occasionally too) (PSSS- Damn)