report from Portland John…

A Western River report from Portland John… (thanks John)

Fall is in high gear and winter is upon us. The rains have come and the salmon are pushing in from the sea.

Check out the amazing Metolius River in on the edge of the Cascades in Central Oregon near the quaint town of Sisters. The Metolius or "Met" is widely regarded as one of Oregon's most scenic, most unique, and most challenging rivers. At the Head of the Metolius, the river literally bubbles out of the ground at the base of Black Butte, a 3,00 foot prehistoric cinder cone. The Metolius picks up speed and volume quickly: within 15 miles of the Head, she is a gushing beast with frothing rapids and deep pockets cutting through the arid ponderosa forest.

Because the river is spring fed, it has several unique characteristics. For one, the water is crystal clear (or as the locals say "gin clear") making it ideal for sight fishing, but also requiring a high level of stealth. The river also maintains a relatively constant 45 degree temperature and flow. This climate consistency provides quality, year-round trout fishing based an overwhelming, constant abundance of insect life. Dozens of species inhabit the water providing year round dry fly fishing including Blue Wing Olive, Caddis, Green Drake, Pale Morning Dun, Golden Stone, and Salmonfly. It is not uncommon to have two, three, or four hatches simultaneously, making it difficult for fisherman to figure out which pattern the fish have keyed in on. The old "match the hatch" routine becomes "match the RIGHT hatch" on the Metolius.

The river supports a healthy population of native rainbow and bull trout, in addition to Konakee salmon, whitefish and brown trout. Open year round, the first ten miles of the river are catch and release on artificial, barb-less flies only. Additional restrictions prohibit adding split shot or additional weight to the line--making for challenging to nymphing in deep pools. The permanence of the fish and abundance of insects leave little room for error in presentation. When fishing for rainbows, 6X tippet for dries and 5X for nymphs are standard along with impeccable drift. Bull trout are less leader-shy and are known to grab big bunny leeches in deep pools and tail-outs. They have even been known to attach smaller rainbows being brought in by fishermen.

This month the Konakee salmon are spawning in grave beds and egg patterns drifted below can be productive. Pale Morning Duns, Mahogany Duns, Green Drake, and Blue Wing Olive, both dry and emergers patterns, are a must in any box. The biggest fish I've caught on the river was on a #20 BWO. Don't be afraid to go small!

Together, the unique feeding patterns, crystal clear water, flawless presentation, and unbelievable beautiful scenery make the Metolius the most wonderfully frustrating and terribly rewarding angling waters in Oregon. I hope everyone gets the opportunity to try their luck at this amazing place.

Tight lines,
Portland John