The Metolius is moving into one of the better stretches of fall fishing, with cool water, stable flows, and a variety of opportunities throughout the system. Fish remain spread through pocket water, deeper runs, and softer edges around structure, while the cooler October weather continues to favor both surface and subsurface fishing.

The fall hatch mix remains broad, with BWOs, PMDs, Mahogany Duns, and caddis all worth watching for. Word is Green Drakes are still providing opportunities depending on the day, while October Caddis and Little Olive Stones remain part of the mix.

Subsurface fishing remains productive with Perdigons, soft hackles, mayfly nymphs, caddis pupa, and stonefly patterns all worth having in the rotation. Larger streamers continue to be a good option for bull trout around deeper pools and structure. With Chinook and bull trout spawning activity underway, watch carefully for redds and give spawning fish plenty of room.

Recommended Flies

• BWO Film Critic (#18–20)

• Mahogany Dun (#16)

• Green Drake (#10–12)

• Flav (#14)

• Tan X-Caddis (#16)

• October Caddis (#6–8)

• Little Olive Stone (#16–18)

• October Caddis Pupa (#8–10)

• Brown/Olive Perdigon (#16–18)

• Olive Sculpzilla (#4–6)