I know today was a pivot point in the weather patterns that have gripped us for a while. Fishing weather has returned with temps in the 40’s and nothing but 30’s and 40’s for the forecast. Some rain coming, and some mountain snows at pass level will be happening on and off, so for our valley customers watch your roads and be safe when you come to fish. But the thaw started and there is no reason to not head to the Metolius soon.
The other rivers I am not sure what to report yet, so I will wait for intel.

Metolius River and Camp Sherman got around 30+ inches of snow from the storm. We’d gotten used to easy access and trails and roads along the river, so that has changed the approach. The road to Bridge 99 is currently snowed in. Roads are safely plowed to the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery and along the campground road from Camp Sherman Store down, and of course up to the Highway.
Access along the river will be snowy but good. Felt soles will be a drag with snow sticking, so wear rubber soles.
Things I expect to see:
1) BWO hatches being good about 1:30 to 2:30 or 3 PM. With the freezing weather I imagine a lot of bugs were waiting to hatch on a better day. Better days (for bugs) are here again. Knock Down Duns and Film Critics are top choices.
2) The 1st days of good Little Black Stone hatches will happen.
3) October Caddis will be important, but I also believe we are going to continue to see fish eating smaller amber and tan pupa (#14-16) as other smaller caddis including Snow Sedges and Silver Stripe Sedges will ramp up for the rest of winter. Pupa Pupa and Pupa with occasional adult patterns needed.
4) Not many Bull Trout have seen a fly in well over a week. Think they might be rested and relaxed? Streamers are always good, but I like a well presented nymph or leech for January and February too. Red Ice Cream Cone is a good BT Nymph in the winter.
5) Kokanee eggs take about 100 days to hatch. That puts Alevins in the drift later this month and throughout February. Gotta be a feeding opportunity there! Tie some #14 Nymph Hooks with Orange 3.5 mm Tungsten Beads with White Marabou or White Craft Fur Tails and a stand of Pearl Flash on each side. Dead drift deep and slow, they are bad swimmers!
6) I still say the top 2 flies in the Metolius in the Winter are Orange Eggs and Golden Stone Nymphs! Don’t leave home without ’em. But…
Perdigons, Walts, Zebra’s, Frenchies, 2 Bits, Blue Prince and Micro May’s should be in the box for sure.

Have you remembered to buy your 2024 Fishing License?

Fall River is snowy but the river is in good shape and fishing should be good this week and beyond. BWO’s, Midges, Eggs, Perdigons and small Streamers! I do not think access to the Tubes/Falls is possible at this time. Don’t get stuck trying.

Crooked River I am sure is still pretty locked up with ice. Can’t confirm that now, but I have a 40+ year history with the Crooked and know what it takes to get her froze up, and we just went through that.

Middle D is not worth it. Too cold.

Lower Deschutes. Haven’t heard a word on Maupin area runs yet. I also don’t know if the scouring of the deep freeze has got down through the canyons yet? Next week though, I think it’ll be on the list to fish if we keep this pattern.

See you in the shop or on the River.

Jeff
1/17/2024