Idaho Fish Report

The Metolius River continues to be excellent for mountain whitefish, redband trout, and bull trout. Nymphing with stonefly, mayfly or caddisfly nymphs has been effective for trout and streamers are a good bet for bull trout.

Catch-and-release for trout including bull trout. Fishing is restricted to fly-fishing only upstream of Bridge 99 (Lower Bridge). Anglers are reminded that steelhead may be present in the Metolius River and must be immediately released, unharmed.

Steelhead will be marked with two green plastic tags by the dorsal fin. Also, some fish will be radio tagged, look for a long, clear antenna that looks like monofilament protruding from the fish's mouth. If caught, please keep the fish in the water as much as possible and avoid laying the fish on the bank. The fish should be handled as little as possible and the tags left intact. Please report when and where the fish were caught to either the Bend (541-388-6363) or Prineville ODFW offices (541-447-5111).

The Metolius River from Allingham Bridge upstream to the headwaters closed for the season Nov. 1 and will reopen May 22, 2025.

Artificial flies and lures permitted below Bridge 99 (Lower Bridge).