Metolius River Fish Report for 6-7-2025
Green Drakes Remain the Main Storyline
Metolius River - Metolius Springs, OR (Jefferson County)

by The Fly Fishers Place
6-7-2025
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On the Metolius River the Green Drakes continue to be one of the main storylines to follow. I am confident we have about 3 weeks left to enjoy these giant mayflies until they finish the June emergence and before they reappear in September.
Being there myself this week, and talking to good friends who have also been consistently chasing drakes, I will say the fish are getting quite choosey about the fly, and will grade your presentation in ways that are harder than your High School Algebra 2 teacher graded your homework. It isn’t easy and that is what makes it infinitely interesting. Expect trout to provide refusals and the middle fin. Maybe we need to begin talking like Florida Keys Tarpon anglers, who count fish by “jumps” as opposed to landing them. I rose 9 on a drake the other day. Does that count? (ps- none to the net) (pss- it happens) (hahahaha)
PMD’s are usually a strong pre Drake hatch, happening from 2 to 3 PM, and often again in the evening from 6 to 8 perhaps, followed by Rusty Spinners at dusk. The fish like to eat those spinners.
I can’t emphasize enough how important a drag free drift is, and what you can do to improve yours. Learn to reach mend. Learn to parachute cast. Learn to combine these skills to dazzle the drift. Add more tippet. A longer tippet makes a difference in the overall drag free drift time a fly gets in complex currents. Doug can help you learn to cast like this. Watch Advanced Strategies for Selective Trout on You Tube and see Doug Swisher demonstrate these casts. This video was filmed in the 80’s and is as relevant now as ever to learn to present a dry fly better.
Caddis hatches are happening from noon to dusk, and anytime during the day you need to consider a #14-18 Tan or Olive Pupa, and watch for the emerging caddis to provide dry fly opportunities after dinner. I would also recommend prospecting a Caddis dry fly throughout the day.
Upper River action is good with the Euro Nymphs, Caddis dries, plus PMD’s. We are seeing some Golden Stones hatch, so both Nymphs and Adults for that.
All over the river there are a lot of Little Olive Stones and Yellow Sally’s. Fish like to eat them and will sometimes refuse all other hatches to key on these small stones.
Euro Nymphing is terrific everywhere and our top flies for doing that have been Jig Napoleon in brown or olive, Jeff’s improved bas-ass caddis, Frenchie, Purple Perdigon and Jig Rainbow Warriors. 2 Bit Hookers and Micro Mayflies to imitate PMD and BWO nymphs, plus Red or Black Zebra Midges round out the selection well and you should put fish in the net throughout the day.
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The Fly Fishers Place Reports
for Saturday, May 31st
Metolius River: The River is in Perfect Condition
Deschutes River- Lower: It's a great time with large dry flies.
Deschutes River: Middle Deschutes is in the height of dry fly season
Deschutes River- Upper: Upper Deschutes is fishing well
Crooked River: The Crooked River is great
Fall River: The Fall River is on the circuit this week
McKenzie River: Guides on the McKenzie are picking up a lot of fish
Hosmer Lake: Hosmer Lake is fabulous
Little Lava Lake: Little Lava is off to a good start
Lava Lake: Lava Lake is fishing well
Crane Prairie Reservoir: Good reports from Crane Prairie
East Lake: East Lake has been good
Paulina Lake: Paulina Lake is off to a wonderful start!
North Twin Lake: Good reports from North Twin
South Twin Lake: South Twin is perfect this week

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