The Metolius has been fishing well. The heat wave will likely shift the timing of hatches, but the consistent temperatures and flow of the Metolius help to reduce the impact of the heat. Green drakes are done and we won’t see them again until the fall drake hatch starts up. Caddis and pale morning duns are the most consistent hatches right now. PMDs are generally size 14 - 16 and caddis are typically size 14 - 18, but some get bigger. Stoneflies are also beginning to hatch. Yellow sallies are out, golden stones are popping up and large salmon flies hatch inconsistently during the summer. Nymphing should revolve around PMD nymphs, caddis pupa and stonefly nymphs. PMD nymphs and caddis pupa should be around the same size as the dry’s. Stonefly nymphs can be as small as size 16 and as big as size 4, olive, golden and dark brown are all good colors. Be very careful in the heat, the water on the Metolius is so cold it can trick you into thinking you’re not hot. We’ve put up a blog post about how to keep yourself and the trout you catch safe during this extreme heat event.
Suggested Dries: X-Stimulator #12, Black or Tan Elk Hair Caddis #14-18, Black or Tan Foam Caddis #14-18, Purple Haze #14-18, Tilt Wing PMD #14-18, Parachute PMD #14-18, Yellow Sally #14 -16, Black Stimulator #14-16, Parachute Adams #14-18, CDC Flying Ant #14-16, Black or Cinnamon Foam Ant #14-16, Hackle Stacker Baetis #16-20, Parachute Baetis #16-20.
Suggested Nymphs: Lex’s Improved Golden Stone #8-10, Poxyback Golden Stone #8-10, Red or Black Copper John #14-18, Red or Black Lightning Bug #14-18, Red or Black Two Bit Hooker #16-20, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-18, FB Pheasant Tail #14-18, Micro Mayfly #16-20, Pearl or Red Rainbow Warrior #16-20, Copper Microstone #14-18