June was a great month on the Metolius. The annual Drake emergence seemed to have been lengthened substantially by the cool weather we’ve had, and there were plenty of cloudy and wet afternoons to bring the bugs out in big numbers. The Drakes are pretty much done at this point, but there are plenty of PMDs and Caddis around to keep fish looking towards the surface. It can be a little inconsistent, but there are few better ways to spend a warm afternoon than walking the banks of the Metolius looking for rising fish. In the right areas there can be sensational sight fishing opportunities, in which the angler gets to watch the entire process as the fish moves to the fly and eats. The standard Metolius nymph rig is the way to go for those looking for a little more consistent action. We’ve been having a lot of fun swinging soft hackles and Caddis Pupa, which will also catch fish on a good dead drift. There are many months of great dry fly opportunity to look forward to on the Metolius, it’s a great time to be up there!
Suggested Dries: X Caddis #14-18, Tan Foam Bodied Caddis #14-18, Tan Cutter’s Caddis #14-18, Tan Henry’s Fork Caddis #14-18, Hackle Stacker PMD #14-18, Tilt Wing PMD #14-18, Parachute PMD #14-18, Tilt Wing Mahogany #14-16
Suggested Nymphs: Lex’s Improved Golden Stone #8-12, Poxyback Golden Stone #8-12, Deep October Pupa #8-10, Jigged CDC Pheasant Tail #14-16, Jigged Tungsten Hare’s Ear #14-16, Duracell Jig #14-16, Bullet Quill Jig #14-18, Frenchie #14-16, Perdigon #14-16, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-18, Micro Mayfly #16-20, Red or Black Two Bit Hooker #16-20, Red or Black Copper John #14-18, Olive Soft Hackle #14-16, Soft Hackle Hare’s Ear #14-16, Sparkle Pupa #14-16