The Metolius is however showing some typical signs of the July dry fly doldrums. Not terrible, not bad, just on and off a bit and very normal for this time of year. It is remarkable to see the differences in different sections of the river, and even from day to day in the same sections of the river. I often approach the Metolius as a dry fly stream, and that often works really well, but when the July doldrums start it is time to carry the nymph rod, the streamer rod, and also put some miles on the wading boots and look for better places. You’ll find them. Put in the time, and as hatches progress look for noses poking up to the surface and eating PMD’s #16, Rusty Spinners (most likely in the evening only #16-20), BWO #20-22, Yellow Sally #16 and Tan Caddis #16.
As we move towards August (it is rolling in fast now) I love that the dry fly action always improves a lot in our 8th month and even more in September and October. The best times are right around the corner.
Nymphing is great though, with really good catches all over the river on Euro Jigs and Perdigons. Everyone has their favorites, but I tend to lean towards the Copper Bead Soft Hackle PT Jig, Black Perdigon with a Red Butt (Spanish style) and Brown or Olive Perdigons that mimic size and colors of the predominate 2 mayflies (PMD and BWO) that are hatching.
The Upper River from Gorge to the Headwaters area is seeing some good golden stone hatches and also afternoon hatches of tan caddis and pale morning duns. I would also probe that water with a beetle, ant and grasshopper.
Some of the 1st Lake Run Bull Trout are coming up the river now and we have some really good days ahead for big Bulls on streamers and nymphs. There are always BT’s in the Met, but the Lake Run fish are something special and the next 4 months are the best of the year.
Remember to learn and fish the complete hatch cycles. Understand the sub aquatic stages of each hatch, how they emerge, look for emergers and cripples, don’t forget spent egg layers and catch some sweet fish!