The Metolius River continues to be well worth the effort no matter your pursuits. For trout and whitefish the nymphing action is by far the best. It seems like most of the best fishing for trout so far is below the hatchery and around Bridge 99. I don’t think that is uncommon for this part of the season, as the upper river is a spawning sanctuary and perhaps many of the fish in the Allingham to Gorge section have been up above Lake Creek doin’ their thing. That’s why that area remains closed until May 22nd. I would still recommend the Allingham to Gorge section and fish it well, but the reports are the bet catches are downriver.
Caddis Pupa in Tan #14-16, Orange #8-12, Olive #16, Orange Tungsten Eggs, Soft Hackle PT #14-18, CDC Guide Hares Ear with the Tungsten Bead #18, Zebra Midges and any kind of brown or olive nymphs that suggest mayflies, including Frenchie’s, Perdigons, Micro Mayflies and 2 Bit Hookers in #16-20. You’ll also be prepared for the river with Golden Stone Nymphs and Green Drake Nymphs in #8-10’s.
Hatches have been good enough and some days the fish are cooperative and look up and sip on emergers and adults. And other days you better have that nymph rod ready.
When the hatch comes off pay attention because now that mayfly hatch can be a mix of BWO, PMD and Conygmula all within minutes of each other. The fish usually won’t be indiscriminate, so you need the right fly and on the Met that is often a Sparkle Dun, Film Critic or KD Dun tied on my leader 1st. With such a cool week ahead I don’t think it’s going to be a hot cycle for caddis dries, but having an Iris #16 and Corn Fed #14-16 and Henryville #16-18 is a good idea just in case. And a few Griffiths Gnats.
A lot of nice bulls have been around and are eating well. 4 standout flies would be a White Dolly Llama, Sparkle Minnow Articulated Sculpin, Sir Mix a Lot Jig and our Tri-Color Articulated Streamer that is a mix of black/blue/purple. We’ve been out of the Milkshake but I know they came back in stock a few days ago, and our milkshakes bring all the bulls to the yard, so maybe add a 5th fly your box this week.