I keep hearing the months of September and October are the local's favorites to fish the Metolius. This time of year the bug diversity is off the charts and the option to fish for bull trout keeps anglers intrigued to fish the challenging Met! Sometimes observing what is hatching and what the fish are keying on can be a nightmare. There is the possibility to see a half a dozen different bugs hatching at the same time and only one of the dozen bugs could be what the fish are eating. This means to stock to your fly collection and to keep a keen eye on the insect activity. Fall Drakes have been pretty consistent so look out for those big mayflies. Other patterns to have are: Caddis, Golden Stones. October Caddis, Pmd's, Bwo's, Mahogany Dun's, and little olive stones.
Bull trout have been reported below bridge 99 and fishing streamers for them have been good. Get creative and throw huge streamers. Using a sink tip is never a bad idea. Nymphing as well can be awesome for the bulls. Use large triple beaded stones, or tungsten nymphs to get down deep. Your trailer fly can be small as size 16 and can produce. Get out there as the Metolius has lot to offer this time of year.
