Updated October 15, 2026
    Access point

    Metolius Springs / Headwaters (Camp Sherman)on Metolius River

    The iconic headwaters and fly-only sections — prime sight-fishing for large wild trout in gin-clear water.
    Metolius River reportDirections44.5130°N, 121.6440°W

    Conditions right now

    No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.

    Weather now
    78°F
    Clear Sky, wind 2 mph W
    Bite report · week of Oct 4

    The Metolius River maintains its clear

    1. 01The Metolius River maintains its clear, cold flows under mild fall conditions (61°F, Clear Sky).
    2. 02No USGS flow data available; however, spring-fed nature ensures stable water levels.
    3. 03Key fall hatches include Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) and the substantial October Caddis.
    4. 04Kokanee Salmon are active, making egg patterns highly effective for opportunistic Rainbow Trout.
    5. 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.

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    Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun

    #18#20#22

    Fall BWO hatches are common, and this low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults in the Metolius's clear spring creek conditions.

    Buy at Amazon
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    Blood Dot Egg

    #10#12#14

    With Kokanee Salmon actively spawning in October, egg patterns are highly effective for opportunistic Rainbow Trout and Kokanee feeding on dislodged eggs.

    Buy at Amazon
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    Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph

    #14#16#18

    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.

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    Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun

    #18#20#22

    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 Amazon
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    Zebra Midge

    #18#20#22#24

    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.

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    Tungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs

    #4#6#8#10

    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.

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    Mother's Day Caddis

    #14#16#18

    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.

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    Soft Hackle Wet (Partridge & Orange)

    #12#14#16

    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 Amazon
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    Jujubaetis

    #18#20#22

    Baetis nymphs are a year-round staple in spring creeks like the Metolius, and are particularly active subsurface during spring BWO emergence periods.

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    Oregon 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.

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