Metolius Springs / Headwaters (Camp Sherman)on Metolius River
The Metolius River maintains its clear
- 01The Metolius River maintains its clear, cold flows under mild fall conditions (61°F, Clear Sky).
- 02No USGS flow data available; however, spring-fed nature ensures stable water levels.
- 03Key fall hatches include Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) and the substantial October Caddis.
- 04Kokanee Salmon are active, making egg patterns highly effective for opportunistic Rainbow Trout.
- 05Stealth and precise presentation with long leaders (9-12ft) and light tippet (5x-6x) are crucial due to crystal-clear water.
What to tie on at Metolius Springs / Headwaters (Camp Sherman)
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph
A versatile searching nymph, mimicking various active mayfly nymphs that are present year-round and particularly as BWOs begin to emerge in colder fall flows.
Travis Hi-Vis BWO Para Emerger
BWO emergers are crucial during fall hatches, especially in clear, cold water, targeting selective trout keying on vulnerable insects in the film.
Soft Hackle Wet (Partridge & Orange)
Caddis are prolific year-round on the Metolius, and this wet fly effectively imitates caddis pupae and emergers, which are active subsurface in fall.
Buy at AmazonBlood Dot Egg
With Kokanee Salmon actively spawning in October, egg patterns are highly effective for opportunistic Rainbow Trout and Kokanee feeding on dislodged eggs.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
A winter staple on the Metolius. Black or red versions in sizes 20-22 are essential for imitating the prolific midge larvae in the slow-moving spring creek sections.
Buy at AmazonTungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
The Metolius has a massive population of golden stoneflies and salmonflies. A heavy, weighted version is the perfect 'anchor' fly to get your midge droppers into the strike zone in the fast, deep slots.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
Spring Blue-Winged Olive hatches are actively emerging, and this low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout keying on adults in the film.
Buy at AmazonMother's Day Caddis
The prolific Mother's Day Caddis hatch is expected in late April through May, making this dry fly a perfect imitation for adult caddis on the Metolius River.
Soft Hackle Wet (Partridge & Orange)
Caddis pupae and emergers are active subsurface during spring caddis hatches, and this wet fly is highly effective when swung through the current.
Buy at AmazonOregon season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.