 Metolius River
The Metolius River is one of the most beautiful rivers in the northwest and a must see body of water. A visit to the headwaters of the Metolius is a not soon forgotten trip. The river is spring-fed and flows out of the ground at the base of Black Butte. Being spring-fed, the river flows at a constant rate and temperature of 48 degrees. The Metolius is noted for year round insect hatches and difficult fly fishing. Midges hatch year round and Blue-winged Olives and small caddis can be seen in the depth of winter. A hatch of March Browns appears from mid-February to April and the Green Drake hatch from late May to July will bring large redband rainbows to the surface. An angler needs to spend hours learning the unique aspects of fishing the river, but every minute spent on the river is a minute remembered. In 1996 the stocking of rainbow trout was stopped and the river is now managed as wild fish only. The Metolius River is designated fly fishing only and all fish must be released. Portions of the river are open year round for fishing. Large resident bull trout can be teased to take a large articulated leach, sculpin flies and large streamers. In some cases the bull trout may also take the 10” native whitefish you are battling to bring to hand. Bull trout range up to 15 pounds, and 4 to 6 pound bull trout are common. In September the kokanee enter the river from Lake Billy Chinook for their annual spawning run. The mountain white fish is abundant throughout the river and a few brown and brook trout are taken each year. Portions of the river are open year for fishing
No commercial guiding is allowed on the Metolius River. Often times you will see Fly and Field Outfitter guides and store staff on the Metolius River because it is just a good place to be on your day off. If you have any questions about the Metolius River just give us a call, we always love to talk about our precious METOLIUS.
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