It was a tough decision - the Salmon fly hatch is starting to roll on the Lower D, but the river has been running high and crowds are not my thing. However, if you hit it right, the hatch will put a smile on your face that will last for weeks.

But, did we want endure the high water and massive crowds?

Kevin and I opted for a more relaxed day, and hit the Metolius. Rumor had it that the green drakes were close, and quite honestly a day spent throwing the 4 weight around sounded perfect.



We rolled into Camp Sherman late morning, grabbed few green drake emergers from the Camp Sherman store, and headed down river. While there were a fair number of people around, most seemed to be hiking the river or preparing for a wild weekend at the Sisters Rodeo. We had the river to ourselves for the majority of the day.





We picked our way downriver, throwing dries and small nymphs through seams and along the brushy, undercut banks. It all looked fishy, but despite several takes neither of us managed a trout to hand.





We gradually worked our way down to Wizard Falls, where we finally encountered a few other anglers camped around the Dolly Hole for last light. Despite a few green drakes out and about, the hatch never really materialized and the fish were definitely not keying on them.

Just gives me an excuse to get back over here...



scott