Fly fishing may seem like a sport most appropriate for people such as the rugged characters of the movie “A River Runs Through It,” but hidden within Oregon’s diverse landscape runs a river that challenges this sentiment. The Metolius River mimics the natural scenes from the aforementioned movie while providing a fly-fishing opportunity in Oregon.
The 28.6-mile Metolius River is located near Camp Sherman, just outside Black Butte Ranch. While the two-hour drive from Eugene is a bit lengthy, it is worth the distance to explore and fish at one of the largest spring-fed rivers in the United States.
Junior Aaron Brent-Fulps, the coordinator of Club Sports fly-fishing , said the Metolius provides some of the best trout fishing in Oregon.
“It’s a short, swift river, real cold and real fast,” he said. “Since it is real clear and cold, it’s a good area for trout.”
One of the river’s main draws is its pristine environment. It is a forested run in Central Oregon lined by Ponderosa Pine, Red Cedar and Lodgepole Pine trees.
“It’s one of the best fly-fishing rivers in Oregon because of the scenery,” Brent-Fulps said.
Unlike other local rivers, he said the Metolius is not heavily populated, which adds to the solitude of the sport and can improve chances of catching a decent-sized trout.
When picking a location, Brent-Fulps said it is important for people to study their destinations thoroughly.
“If you haven’t been, it’s a sport where there’s a lot you need to know … what’s hatching, what’s going to be on the water,” he said, adding that going with a more experienced fisherman is often the best option for newcomers.
His advice is especially useful at the Metolius, where the level of
difficulty is fairly high. The winter trout tend to lie down and aren’t as active in the water, creating a challenge for many anglers.
“It can be a tough river to fish. It’s not a beginning river, although it is very wadeable in spots,” said Peter Cadigan, who works at The Caddis Fly Angling Shop. “I think the fish can be pretty selective.”
Because the river isn’t stocked, the native fish are often hard to fool.
Still, the possibility for catching a nice-sized trout is feasible; Brent-Fulps caught a 16 to 17-inch fish.
The river has different kinds of trout, ranging from rainbow trout, which can vary in size from about eight to 20 inches, to the bull trout. The rainbow trout can vary in size and the bull trout are a bit larger at 12 to 30 inches.
To get outfitted for a trip to the Metolius, students lacking gear can head to a local fly shop. Purchasing gear for fly fishing can easily deplete a paycheck, but shops like The Caddis Fly Angler Shop on 168 W. Sixth Ave. rent out gear packages for a day or weekend of fishing. Students can get waders, a rod, a reel and line for $30 a day or $50 for an entire weekend.
Another essential piece of gear is the fly itself. While students can tie their own with a bit of help, Brent-Fulps said it is easier and cheaper to purchase them from a shop. For trout fishing on the Metolius, the preferred fly for February is the Blue-Winged Olive fly; as May approaches the Little Yellow May fly will be a good option.
Students will also need fishing permits, which go for about $25, and to check fishing regulations for the river to see if it is catch and release.
“I would definitely stress that catch and release is the best way to fish,” said Brent-Fulps.
In “A River Runs Through It,” Brad Pitt’s character said he’d never leave Montana. Perhaps if he had been to the Metolius River with its picturesque scenery and challenging fly fishing he would have changed his mind.

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