Flylines

Around rodeo time each year, the green drake hatch on the Metolius reaches its peak. For cowboys with a fly rod a little fishing can be an excellent break from the more hectic activities of the weekend.

The green drake has always been one of my favorite hatches. Maybe it's the gorgeous setting along the river with the wild flowers in bloom. Maybe it's the insects themselves - the way they float serenely, twitching their wings occasionally, only to be gobbled by a big head that slides out of the depths of the river.

Or maybe it's the fish - those magnificent native rainbows.

There is no other time on the Metolius when you will see so many large fish up and active. This is when the river reveals itself; this when you will learn what the fuss over native fish is all about.

Green drake fishing is gentlemanly sport; there is no reason to be up early and rush to the river. The best fishing is usually found from mid-to late-afternoon. Occasionally an observant angler will catch the spinner fall in the morning as the female drakes return the river to deposit their eggs but this fishing is not nearly as consistent nor as predictable as the actual hatch later in the day.

Although there are insects throughout the river, the hatch is not nearly as strong or as consistent in the upper water - nor are the fish as large. To find the best fishing you should choose a spot in the 20 miles of river downstream from the mouth of Canyon Creek.

If I have time I like to be on the river well ahead of the hatch so I can get geared up and adjusted before anything happens. I try to get out around noon or 1 p.m. I'll nymph fish for several hours before I expect to see any insects on the surface.

Nymphing with green drake patterns is only marginally successful. Apparently the insects move fairly quickly from the bottom to the surface. There is not as much stirring in advance of the hatch as with other insects. Nonetheless, it is effective enough to be worth the effort.

The real heart of the hatch comes between 2 and 4 p.m. If I am pressured and only have time for a quick bit of fishing I try to hit the river right at four. Usually the drakes will be on the water and the fish up when I arrive.

Dry fly fishing with drake patterns is not complicated. Fish a short line fairly close in. Conditions are brushy and long cast are rarely needed. I recommend fairly short stout leaders, 7-1/2 feet tapered to 4X. Because the water is fast and turbulent the extra masking provided by a long leader is not necessary; a longer leader will only lead to tangles.

Everyone has favorite patterns for the drakes. Many will swear you have to have just that certain secret weapon. Some guys like emergers and cripples. I don't think it's that complicated - I have had success with a wide variety of patterns. If you get a good clean drift the fish are fairly foolish; they'll eat almost anything that is the right size shape and color.

When you manage to hit the green drake hatch right it is an unforgettable experience. The native fish are magnificent; the colors and spotting patterns are completely unique. It's among the most pleasant ways to catch a fish you could imagine.