The Metolius has been fishing well. As the transition from winter to spring continues, we should see more consistent hatches. The red-bands are spawning, making them even more finicky than usual. Keep in mind that the section above Allingham bridge is closed until May 22 to protect valuable spawning areas. Be careful not to trample on redds no matter where you’re fishing.
Midges, Blue wing olives and October caddis are still the dominant hatches right now. Dry fly fishing should be best in the afternoon, during the warmest part of the day. On warmer days be prepared for various mayfly and caddis hatches. Nymphing with a golden stone or a October caddis pupa is typically super productive out there. As always, euro techniques are super successful. Indicator fishing is useful for getting your flies into the hard to reach places. Get those nymphs down deep and put them right in front of the fish. Bull trout fishing has been decent with nymphs and streamers. Some days you may need to hike for a while to find the fish that wants to eat.
Suggested Dries: Hackle Stacker BWO #18-20, Sparkle Dun BWO #18-20, Purple Haze #16-20, Tilt Wing BWO #18-20, Olive Haze #16-18, Parachute BWO #18-20, Tilt Wing Mahogany #16-18, Black or Tan Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams #16-20
Suggested Nymphs: Lex’s Improved Golden Stone #8-10, Poxyback Golden Stone #8-10, Golden Trout Retriever #8-10, Brown Jimmy Legs #8-12, Deep October Pupa #8-10, Jigged Tungsten Hare’s Ear #14-16, Jigged CDC PT #14-16, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-18, Black Super Sinker #16-18, Copper Microstone #14-18, Red Copper John #16-18, Olive Anato-May #16-18, Olive Micro May #18-20, Black Lightning Bug #14-18, Olive or Tan Sparkle Pupa #16-18, Nitro Caddis Pupa #16-18