It’s been a warm few days around Central Oregon and for the most part fishing has been pretty good on the Metolius. There is still a lot of snow from last weekends snow storm, and we anticipate a LOT more coming in on Monday and Tuesday. So, get up and get out there this weekend if you can.
Access below the Hatchery to Bridge 99 is sketchy. People have made it, but I’d urge caution there.
Caddis fishing is happening, with Tan #14-16 adults making a few fish look up to the surface, but pupa patterns have been the best. There are also a lot of October Caddis, so mostly fish the pupa for them, but an Orange Stimulator is a good searching pattern and occasionally gets smacked. Hard.
Smaller Silver Stripe Sedge and Snow Sedge are in the Caddis mix and will be for another 2 months.
BWO hatches have been hatching around 1:30 PM and on most days in soft pools and eddies you should see some risers to emerging baetis and duns, and don’t forget the cripples too.
Most of the fish are coming on Stonefly Nymphs, Caddis Pupa, small Mayfly Nymphs (olive and black 2 Bit Hooker and Olive Micro Mayfly) and Perdigons.
Some Bull Trout are coming on streamers, but this last couple of weeks stonefly nymphs, eggs, larger perdigons and even those same tan caddis pupa for rainbows have taken quite a few bulls.
Snow does make for some challenging parking and walking along the trails.
After Sunday there are mixed reports on how much snow is coming for Camp Sherman. If it’s what the Weather Channel says, no big deal and we keep fishing and accessing the river all week. But one model says the Sherm might be getting a significant amount of snow early next week.
A friendly reminder the Metolius is closed to fishing from the Headwaters to Allingham Bridge until May 22. This protect spawning grounds so it is important to respect the closures.

The Middle Deschutes is getting some better days of Little Black Stones. Usually we rely on this hatch for about 2 weeks around Presidents Day. Fish the edges with a little Float-n Fool and a Black Elk Hair Caddis #16.
Water is high so keep your wits and don’t be crazy.
Stonefly Nymphs and Perdigons to get down quickly in higher winter flows will do the trick when it’s time to nymph.

The Lower Deschutes near Maupin is pretty good. I had some friends come down from Washington earlier in the week with the intention of hitting the Crooked. Nope. So they went to Maupin and had good nymph fishing.
Stonefly nymphs, Green Rock Worms, Copper John, Perdigons, Walt’s Worms, Flashback PT and 2 Bit Hookers should be in your box for the next 2 months on the Lower D.

The Fall River is fishing well, and is certainly a spot where we can get the best opportunities for dry fly fishing this time of year. Look for #18-20 BWO’s, #22 Black Midges, #16-18 Little Black Stones and maybe a few Amber Caddis on warmer days.
Little Tungsten Euro Streamers and Eggs and a myriad of small Euro nymphs have been great. Add some 2 Bit Hookers and Zebra Midges and you’ll have what you need for the day.

The Crooked River remains high flowing from the Dam and is not recommended at this water level.

Private Lake access at Justesen Ranch opened today. Amanda texted and said the ice is off. Fishing should be quite good after ice out! $150 per day. Give us a call at (541)549-3474 and we can get you booked.

Ochocco Reservoir, Haystack Reservoir and the Deschutes Arm of Lake Billy Chinook are all waking up. March holds good prospects on these waters. I’ve heard a few whispers on 2 of the 3 already and fish have been caught.

I’ve been working with Brittany at Savage Sky Design for the last 2 months and if you haven’t dug around on the Fly Fisher’s Place website please do! It’s nit 100% yet, but by this time next week it will be. A few things to add, and a few things to clean up but I am so happy with the new content and updates.

On March 8 and 9 I will be at the Albany, OR Fly Tying and Fly Fishing Expo. on Friday I do a presentation on one of my favorite subjects….. Fly Fishing Lakes. Then teach a clinic on Euro Nymph tying around Lunch.
On Saturday I do a presentation on Fishing the Metolius that I will emphasize Dry Fly Techniques as I cover all aspects of how to approach our favorite Oregon Spring Creek.
Hope to see you in Albany, or on the water soon!

Be well,

Jeff