Metolius River
Camp Sherman · Spring Creek System
Central Oregon, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Rainbow, Brown, and Bull Trout.
Stream gauge: 14076500. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
Flows at 533 cfs — unusually low for the Metolius' typical 1,200+ cfs range, creating more concentrated feeding lanes and technical presentations. Water temp at 56.3°F has crossed the key threshold for PMD emergence, which should be peak midday (~11am-2pm) when air temps climb into the 60s. Caddis are also active with water well above their 50°F trigger. No recent shop intel — outlook based on current conditions and the approaching cooler, wetter pattern that could improve surface activity.
- Flow: 533 cfs — significantly below typical 1,200+ range. Concentrated fish, technical water, long leaders mandatory.
- Hatches: PMDs peak midday when air warms. Caddis active throughout. Focus #16-18 Comparaduns, X-Caddis.
- Water Temp: 56.3°F — perfect for PMD emergence, well above caddis threshold. Stable spring creek temps year-round.
- Best Window: 11am-2pm for PMD hatches. Evening caddis activity likely, especially Friday's cooler overcast conditions.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Spring Creek
- Best months: Apr–Oct, peak May–June (Green Drake)
The Metolius River in central Oregon springs full-formed from the base of Black Butte and runs cold and crystal-clear through old-growth ponderosa pine country. The water is famously beautiful — dense aquatic vegetation, gravel runs, and the kind of clarity that exposes every angler's mistake. Native bull trout and redband trout are the wild residents, supplemented by stocked rainbows in some reaches. The river is fly-only above Bridge 99 and demands long leaders, fine tippets, and patient stalking. Hatches are subtle and continuous: midges, BWO, golden stones, and the famous Green Drake emergence in late spring.
The Metolius emerges from the ground at over 50,000 gallons per minute — one of the largest single-source springs in the United States — creating a river that runs at 48°F year-round regardless of air temperature or season.
January Outlook
The Metolius is one of the few rivers that is genuinely fishable in January — its constant 46–50°F spring-fed temperature never fluctuates. Midges and Baetis nymphs produce fish even in the coldest Oregon winters.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Baetis Nymph
- Soft Hackle Midge
Tips
Winter on the Metolius is quiet and beautiful. The Camp Sherman area stays accessible. Midge pupa fishing in the slower pools between the campgrounds. The river looks the same in January as August — remarkable consistency.
Water Notes
Constant 1,200–1,600 cfs. Water 46–50°F year-round. Never freezes. The most thermally stable river in Oregon.
February Outlook
February midges and early Baetis on the Metolius. The spring-fed constant temperature keeps fish active through the winter.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Baetis Sparkle Dun
- RS2
- Soft Hackle Emerger
Tips
February on the Metolius is excellent for the dedicated angler willing to brave cold air temps. The water stays 46–50°F regardless. Focus on the flat sections near Camp Sherman for midge activity on sunny afternoons.
Water Notes
Constant 1,200–1,600 cfs. Water 46–50°F. Air temps cold but water never changes. One of Oregon's finest winter fisheries.
March Outlook
March on the Metolius brings the first significant surface activity. Early Baetis and midge hatches produce rising fish on warm afternoons in this unique spring-fed Oregon river.
Productive Patterns
- Baetis Sparkle Dun
- Midge Dry
- RS2
- Soft Hackle
Tips
March is when the Metolius begins showing its spring creek character. The first consistent afternoon rises of the year. Fish the Camp Sherman flats in the afternoon when Baetis begin hatching. The fish here see everything — leaders to 12 feet and 6X tippet minimum.
Water Notes
Constant 1,200–1,600 cfs. Water 46–50°F. Spring creek precision required year-round.
April Outlook
The Metolius is a unique spring-fed river that emerges from the base of Black Butte fully formed. Cold, clear, and full of large, educated redband rainbows.
Productive Patterns
- Callibaetis Sparkle Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Midge Pupa
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The Metolius requires patience. The fish are notoriously selective — spring creek-level presentations in a spring-fed river environment. The Camp Sherman area is the most accessible.
Water Notes
Constant spring-fed flows 1,200–1,600 cfs. Water a constant 46–50°F year-round. Never subject to runoff or drought.
May Outlook
PMD and Caddis hatches join the Metolius program in May. One of Oregon's most technical rivers coming into peak season.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Pale Evening Dun
- Soft Hackle Emerger
Tips
May is the Metolius transition from early-season midges to the full PMD and caddis program. The river sees more anglers now — arrive early for the best pools near Camp Sherman. Evening caddis produce rising fish from 6–9pm.
Water Notes
Constant 1,200–1,600 cfs. Water 46–50°F constant. Spring hatch season building.
June Outlook
The Metolius in June with Pale Evening Dun hatches and Caddis. The evening hatches draw large redbands to the surface.
Productive Patterns
- Pale Evening Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD Cripple
- Soft Hackle Emerger
Tips
The Metolius is a sanctuary for technical fly fishers. Fish are large, educated, and in constant, stable current. Long leaders and precise presentations are mandatory.
Water Notes
Constant 1,200–1,600 cfs. Water 46–50°F constant. One of the coldest summer rivers in Oregon.
July Outlook
Excellent summer fishing on the Metolius. The constant 48°F temperature makes it a thermal refuge for trout in the summer heat.
Productive Patterns
- Callibaetis
- PMD Cripple
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Ant
Tips
The Metolius is at its most valuable in summer — a cold, clear spring river in the middle of hot, dry Oregon. Fish the flat sections between the campgrounds for the most consistent action.
Water Notes
Constant 1,200–1,600 cfs. Temperature an incredible 46–50°F even in August. A genuine cold-water refuge.
August Outlook
The Metolius in August is the best tailwater refuge in central Oregon when surrounding freestone rivers bake. Callibaetis and Caddis hatches continue on the cold spring-fed water.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Callibaetis Sparkle Dun
- Ant
- Soft Hackle
Tips
Escape the summer heat at the Metolius — the camp sites fill on weekends but the fishing pressure is spread across miles of river. Fish the sections between the campgrounds for the most consistent action. Evening caddis is excellent.
Water Notes
Constant 1,200–1,600 cfs. Water 46–50°F — remarkable in August. The Metolius is Oregon's top summer heat refuge for trout.
September Outlook
Fall Baetis hatches on the Metolius. The river fishes consistently through all seasons.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD Cripple
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The fall BWO hatch is reliable on the Metolius. Fish the Camp Sherman area or the lower section near the confluence with the Deschutes.
Water Notes
Constant flows and temps. Water 46–50°F year-round. Excellent fall conditions.
October Outlook
October BWO hatches on the Metolius. The crowds thin considerably and the fall fishing is exceptional in this unique constant-temperature spring river.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Mahogany Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Soft Hackle
Tips
October is the Metolius at its least pressured and most productive. Reliable BWO hatches on overcast afternoons. The redband rainbows are in peak condition. Camp Sherman in fall is a special experience.
Water Notes
Constant 1,200–1,600 cfs. Water 46–50°F year-round. Fall foliage around the Cascade camp area is beautiful.
November Outlook
November returns the Metolius to solitary fishing. Midges and late Baetis produce fish year-round in this remarkable spring-fed Oregon river.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Blue Winged Olive
- RS2
- Soft Hackle Midge
Tips
The Metolius in November is quiet and productive. The constant temperature means fish never go dormant. Midge fishing in the pools and Baetis hatches on mild afternoons. Camp Sherman is peaceful and mostly empty.
Water Notes
Constant 1,200–1,600 cfs. Water 46–50°F. The spring-fed river looks identical to summer. One of the most consistent winter fisheries in the Pacific Northwest.
December Outlook
December winter fishing on the Metolius is genuinely productive — the constant spring-fed temperature keeps fish active all year. Midges and midge pupa are the primary patterns.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Midge Pupa
- WD-40
Tips
The Metolius is one of the only rivers where December fishing is indistinguishable from June in terms of river conditions. The cold air is offset by the never-changing water. A bucket-list winter trip for dedicated technical fly fishers.
Water Notes
Constant 1,200–1,600 cfs. Water 46–50°F year-round. December is exceptional — conditions identical to summer.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Apr, Oct | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella infrequens |
Jun, Jul | Jun, Jul, Aug | #16–18 |
|
| Caddis Rhyacophila spp. |
Jun, Jul | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #14–18 |
|
Access & Approach
Camp Sherman, OR is the primary base. Wade access at numerous Forest Service bridges and campgrounds. Oregon fishing license required. Fly-only and catch-and-release regulations apply on most reaches; bull trout are protected throughout. Lake Creek campground area is popular.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Fly Fisher's Place
- Deschutes Angler
- Deschutes Camp
- Fly & Field Outfitters
- Oregon Fly Fishing Blog
- The Hook Fly Shop
Regulations & License
Fishing in Oregon requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Oregon fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Metolius River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Metolius River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
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