We are still having some awesome days on the Metolius, with the cold clear days expect most of the feeding to take place subsurface. Standard Metolius nymph rigs comprised of a big Stonefly nymph and little Mayfly pattern are producing most of our fish right now, and will likely be the most productive way to target those Redsides through the winter. There are a few BWOs around but surface action will be sporadic at best until we get some cloudy days to move those bugs around. Dedicated dry fly anglers can pick off the opportunistic fish here and there but expect to do a lot of hiking and looking to find a fish that is willing to come to the surface. Fishing for the Bulls has been good, and while we like to target them with a heavy rod and big streamers those in search of trout may find more than they bargained for as those big Bulls are more than willing to gulp a nymph if they’re in the right mood. Big white streamers are tough to beat when targeting the bulls, just make sure those flies are deep and to have appropriate gear to get these fish in and released quickly. An 8wt and 12-15lb test are pretty standard, those big fish are heavy pull awful hard!
Suggested Dries: Sparkle Dun BWO #16-20, Hackle Stacker BWO #16-20, Tilt Wing BWO #16-18, Carlson’s Olive Haze #16-18, Purple Haze #16-20, BWO Cripple #16-20, Tilt Wing Mahogany #14-18, CDC Thorax PMD #16-20
Suggested Nymphs: Brown or Black Jimmy Legs #8-12, Lex’s Improved Golden Stone #8-12, Poxyback Golden Stone #8-12, Deep October Pupa #8-10, Jigged Tungsten Hare’s Ear #14-16, Jigged CDC Pheasant Tail #14-16, Jigged Prince Nymph #14-16, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-18, Black or Red Two Bit Hooker #16-20, Olive Soft Hackle #16-20, Soft Hackle PT #16-20