Introduction to the Metolius River
The Metolius River, located in Camp Sherman, Oregon, is a fly fishing paradise open year-round. Known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant fish populations, the river is open only below Allingham Bridge (Allingham Campground), offering unique challenges and rewards for anglers.
Techniques for Success
The Metolius River is perfect for trying various techniques:
- Euro Nymphing: This technique excels in the Metolius's clear waters, allowing you to detect subtle takes from both rainbow and bull trout.
- Dry Fly Presentations: While less common in winter, be ready for sporadic rises during warmer afternoons. You will often find fish sitting on soft foam lines. You will also frequently find them rising throughout the day in backeddies where insects often get trapped and become easy food for trout.
- Standard Indicator Nymphing: Effective for targeting deeper pools and runs similar to this image.
- Swinging for Bulls: Use streamers to entice bull trout, focusing on deeper, slower sections of the river.
Winter Hatches
Be prepared during the winter months for some sporadic hatches that can turn your day of derdging with nymphs into an unforgettable dry fly fishing memory. Hatches in the winter months can include:
- Blue Winged Olive (Mayfly)
- Little Black Stones (Winter Stones)
- Midges
- Snow Sedge (Caddis)
- Silver Stripe Sedge (Caddis)
- Fall Caddis
For subsurface action, focus on nymphs like scuds, mayfly nymphs like Hares Ears and Pheasant Tails, and small stoneflies. These insects provide excellent nymphing opportunities, especially when using euro nymphing techniques.
Understanding River Flows
The Metolius River maintains a steady flow year-round, thanks to its spring-fed source. In winter, flows are typically consistent, making it easier to plan your fishing trips. Always check the latest conditions before heading out.
There are some tributaries that flow into the Metolius that can lower visibility of the river, so it is a good idea to know this ahead of time to plan accordingly.
Targeting Rainbow and Bull Trout
Rainbow Trout: Look for them in riffles, backeddies and runs, especially where there's structure.
Bull Trout: Resident bull trout are present throughout the winter. Swing streamers in deeper pools to target these aggressive fish. In the Fall larger bull trout move from Lake Billy Chinook following the spawning migration of Kokanee (landlocked salmon).
This can be a great time of year to target Bull Trout with large streamers. We encourage 8WT rods for casting these large flies and playing bull trout quickly to land and release them healthy.
Additional Tips for Winter Fishing
- Dress warmly in layers to combat cold temperatures. Good layering beneath your waders is critical and we recommend:
- Use polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and spot fish more easily. We have every major brand of lenses for you to choose from!
- Be cautious of icy banks and slippery rocks. We think wading staffs are always a necessity, but especially in the winter season. This is not the time for falling in the river, and there ofter will be snow on the river banks which becomes very slick. We recommend the Simms Wading Staff due to its strength and reliability.
Conclusion
The Metolius River offers a challenging yet rewarding winter fly fishing experience. By mastering various techniques and understanding the river's unique characteristics, you can enjoy a successful trip targeting both rainbow and bull trout.
Call us, message us, or DM us with any questions you have before your outing and we will help get you ready for this challenging and rewarding river!