As we move into mid-July, the Green Drakes on the Metolius are mostly wrapped up. You might still see the occasional stray, but for the most part, we’re into full summer mode now with PMDs, Caddis, Little Olive Stones, and Golden Stones carrying the weight. Expect consistent afternoon and evening dry fly windows, especially on the cooler, breezier days.
PMDs are showing up mid-afternoon into dusk. Fish are definitely keying in on emergers and cripples, so Film Critics, Sparkle Duns, and other similar patterns in size 16–18 should be in your box. Caddis are thick from midday on, with fish looking up in shaded runs and pocket water. Golden Stones and Olive Stones are active too, giving you reason to keep a dry-dropper setup ready.
Nymphing is steady throughout the day. Euro and indicator rigs are both in play—Jigged Frenchies, Purple Perdigons, Berry’s PCPs, Zebra Midges, Micro Mayflies, and Golden Stone nymphs are all moving fish. Bull trout are still an option if you want to swing a small weighted streamer through canyon water, though trout are definitely the more consistent target right now.
Afternoons are hot, but cool mornings and late evening sessions have been producing the best surface action. Classic summer Metolius conditions—clear water, steady bugs, technical presentations. Long leaders, clean drifts, and a mix of dry, nymph, and streamer tactics will cover your bases this week.