We decided to head back to the river. I think we’ve made three trips and have been fortunate to hook and land fish each trip using dry flies. The river gods have been smiling upon us and we feel fortunate to be able to enjoy the days on our home waters, the Metolius, and get back to some zen fly fishing.

Metolius Rainbow Trout | www.johnkreft.com

The color green is definitely noticeable. Brush, grasses, and trees are growing their annual foliage since we last visited in March.

Water on Leaves | www.johnkreft.com

And speaking of color, I missed green, red, and of course black spots.

Metolius Spots | www.johnkreft.com

Mayflies were out in abundance and we found lots of Blue Wing Olives (BWO) and Pale Morning Dun (PMD) naturals.

If you look in the Archives, I’ve written about how prolific PMD hatches can be in May. Read last year’s post, PMD Hatch for a detailed description of this insect and the flies I use to imitate it.

PMD on Water | www.johnkreft.com

OK, here is a preview of one of my favorite flies to imitate a PMD, a RiverKeeper Soft Hackle Cripple. The fly is designed to imitate the wings caught in the surface film.

PMD with RK Soft Hackle Cripple | www.johnkreft.com

It certainly worked last week!

Rainbow Trout and RiverKeeper Soft Hackle Cripple | www.johnkreft.com

I was slowly getting into position to cast to rising fish and startled this Bull Trout. I was lucky he didn’t go too far and slowly returned to his favorite lie, which allowed me to stick my Olympus TG-6 underwater and snap a few shots.

And before you ask, no, I didn’t try to catch him. I don’t think the 6X tippet on the end of my leader was the right choice! I was more concerned about hooking a Rainbow Trout and providing an easy meal. It’s happened more than once where a Bull Trout has attempted to eat my trout…sometimes with success! That’s when the fun begins.

We found this mayfly dun floating down the river and was able to catch it. Not sure what it is, about a size 14 fly with creamy/tan underbody. I’ll have to pull out my copy of BugWater by Thomason or Western Mayfly Hatches by Haefle and Hughes and do a little research.

Mayfly Dun | www.johnkreft.com

And here is how a close-up image is made with my Olympus TG-6 camera.

How Close-up Photos are Made | www.johnkreft.com

It was certainly noticeable on the water and was hatching before PMD’s came out. I plan to keep my eye out for more of them. I think the fish keyed on them for a few days.

Lastly, we’ve seen a couple Green Drakes beginning to hatch. It won’t be long now.

Time for some more zen fly fishing.

Enjoy…go fish…be safe!

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2 Comments

  1. I believe your mystery bug is a another version of a PMD. The yellow in the leading edge of the wing is your clue, a common feature that all PMDs share. I remember how Rick Haefle commented how the PMD nymphs come all different colors and sizes. Same with the duns, I have noticed a lot of variation in color and sz on my local streams, creamy tan too.

  2. Hi John,
    Loved your article AND your on-the-water macro pictures are stunning. Thanks for the picture of the macro-in-progress. I guess I’m going to have to get another camera! Take care & …
    Tight Lines – Al Beatty

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