Fall on the Metolius

With fall weather comes color changes, Bull trout that follow the migrating run of kokanee salmon, into the Metolius, October caddis and fall bugs that keep the trout happy. September is an awesome time to go out and try the challenging Metolius River. Bull trout can be enticed by throwing huge streamers. The Bull trout can get as big as fifteen pounds and even bigger. That is a big fish! Bull Trout are predators and feast on the Kokanee and small trout that realm the met. Look for deep undercut banks or deep pools and throw big ugly streamers. The Bulls also will take nymphs. Nymphing big stones with little droppers can be deadly. Just remeber no split shot so fish heavey flies that will get you deep. If the bulls don't entice you, the trout in the Metolius are some of the healthiest fish in Central Oregon. There are not many, but the quality outweighs the quantity by a long shot. This time of year, expect to see lots of bug activity. Stock your box full of little caddis, PMD's, BWO's, fall green drakes, yellow sally's, rusty spinners, and etc.. Pay close attention to what's hatching and what the fish are keyed on. The Metolius is challenging but the rewards of what it has to offer keeps us coming back!