Anyone Interested in a Metolius River Rendevous?

[Gettin' Birdy]

So the 28th was my and the misses 10th wedding anniversary. We spent a couple of nights at the Metolius River Lodges which is where we spent our wedding night. While I showed great restraint by not fishing (What has happened to me?!?) I began scheming about a possible future Ifisher Rendevous in February for BWO's,Red Sides, Bull trout, and Beverages. Anyone interested?

It could be the seemingly traditional camp in whatever the conditions, or, be wimps and stay in the cabins. While the cabins aren't cheap, they can sleep multiple bodies and have full kitchens, rod hangers on the walls, and stone fireplaces.

Anyways, just a thought. IMHO, the Metolius is just the place for some great winter BWO fishing. It's a great river with lots to offer, although sometimes a bit stubbornly.

-GB

[greenbuttskunk]

I could probably swing something in feb. That would be tons fo fun.

[Patrick L]

I'm interested, depending on which weekend.

[scoutfish]

I'm in if it's the 15th or later.

I've got a new rod dancing in the closet.

It,s almost bull time. :dance:

Arnie.

[gottafish]

I would be interested. Never been there. Sounds fun

[mpruet]

I am very interested...

Let's get this one set up...

[frankenfish]

I would be interested. I drove there yesterday and fished for two hors, then drove back. A bit nuts but got two nice fish. Will post them.

[3riversBob]

I'm willing! Someone pick a weekend and lets make it happen. Got a tent heater for Xmas so camping is a real possibility. Let me know when.

Bob

[AndyK]

If Frankenfish goes, I might be talked into going along (assuming I can get a "liberty pass" from the wife).

February is a great month for big Bull Trout on the Metolius.

[Two Fister]

I'd be all over a trip in February. Probably can't swing it before then.
TF

[Two Fister]

I'd be all over a trip in the second half of February. Probably can't swing it before then.
TF

[Gettin' Birdy]

Update..

How many takers for Feb. 23-26? That's thursday thru sunday.. so those who can't make the whole weekend but can spare a day during the week could possibly attend.

Second question: Everyone good on camping?

Like all of said, February is a great month for Bulls for you big game hunters out there, or, BWO's redsides for those who don't want to use 6 inch white bunny leeches. :smile:

[mpruet]

That works for me.

I'm in...

[3riversBob]

Sounds good to me, got the wifes blessing as long as it wasn't on Valentines day. Camping is ok with me, I'll probably come over on Friday night after work.

Bob

[scoutfish]

I,m in.

I've got the dry fire wood detail.

P.M. me if you need help Birdy...

Arnie.

[3riversBob]

should know tomorrow but trying to get that Friday off so I can head over in the daylight. Which camp ground are we thinking about?

Bob

[Gettin' Birdy]

Going to take a scouting trip on friday for possible campgrounds. They do close some for the winter but there should be plenty of space, not many hardy souls camping in Central Oregon in the winter.

[3riversBob]

Don't know if anyone was planning on bringing an RV but there is one camp ground that is tent camping only and if I remember correctly it has a covered gathering area. Just a thought.

Bob

[FallRiverGuy]

I'll put that date on my calendar and try to make it for the day. Sounds like a fun trip.

[greenbuttskunk]

I have that weekend open too!

[finnedwonder]

Im in and ill try and talk my dad into going, I can also bring lots oh firewood if need be! please keep me filled in on whats goin down! Fin

[3riversBob]

I think lots of firewood would be a good thing. Brrrrrr! Think it will be pretty cold.

What fly's do you guys suggest? :shrug: I've got my tier gearing up. (Ryan Pultz) What would I do without him? :tongue:

Bob

[scoutfish]

:yeahthat:

Bobs right on about the tent only camp ground,good spot to stay dry with a fire place. :twocents:

I,m in.

Arnie.

[Ryan Pultz]

I will do my best to make it for the weekend. and yes Bob your order of flies will be ready hahahaha rp

[Patrick L]

Don't know if anyone was planning on bringing an RV ...



Just waiting for the wife to get back from a trip so I can clear it with her, but if I go, its too cold to go without the camper! :grin:

[Gettin' Birdy]

Sounds like that weekend works for most if not all. Great suggestion on the campground, I'll do some research for another for those wanting to r.v. it.

If we could get another volunteer who would willing to bring some firewood (thanks FW), that would be great. And those who are Metolius River bull trout veterans, maybe you could post a few pictures of your favorite streamer patterns with some "how-to's" on tying them so people can start whipping some up.

Bigger is better for bulls IMHO. :smile:The bulls grow can grow REALLY large so think steelhead weight rods for them. And, of course, the BWO's are in full force in February so whatever your preference on your choice of trout sticks.

-GB

[3riversBob]

Ifisher: Gettin' Birdy
Subject: Re: Anyone Interested in a Metolius River Rendevous?

Going to take a scouting trip on friday for possible campgrounds. They do close some for the winter but there should be plenty of space, not many hardy souls camping in Central Oregon in the winter.




Did you make a scouting run? What did you find out? Curious minds want to know. :shrug:

Bob

[Johnny Utah]

I am pretty new to the board but I live in Redmond and would sure like to join in if possible?

[frankenfish]

I could make it the 23rd, 24th and till 2 PM on the 25th, then I would have to head home. I'll check with Andy K and see if he can make it.

[3riversBob]

Johnny Utah..........come on over. It's all about meeting and fishing with other ifishers.

Bob

[EugeneFisher]

I will try to attend the entire weekend, and will probably drag along a buddy. I'm bringing propane heaters!

[mandinga]

I put it on the calendar....I'd love to go....looks good now, but I never know my schedule this far in advance...

I'm dying to get a bull trout for the first time.
isaac

[Johnny Utah]

Thanks 3riversBob. I'll be there.

[scoutfish]

YA What Bob said Mr.Utah

I,ll be there all weekend.

Remember I gone the fire wood.

Arnie. :wave:

[3riversBob]

As all this rain is falling and our local rivers breaching their banks, my mind keeps wandering over the hill to the Metolius. Does the Metolius ever get blown out like the rivers do here? Can't wait for this trip, I just love getting out and it sounds like we'll have a good turn out for this one. Meeting a bunch of dedicated ifishers is always fun. I've got a couple of big tarps I'll bring along so if the weather is nasty we can at least have a dry spot to do a bit of BSing. Ok a LOT of BSing.

Bob

[greenbuttskunk]

so are we on for feb 23-26th? Looks like that is the date we are talking about. Should be a ton of fun. I have extra gear if anyone needs stuff.

[Patrick L]

I've got clearance from the wife :flowered: I'm in and will probably leave early Friday morning. Did anyone pick a campsite yet? If there is no room for my small camper, I'll bring the tent. Also, since I've never been there, how do I get there? And I'm guessing that this river is not a good river for toons?

[overfitty]

I think I'm gonna try and make this one! Sounds like a blast! I've been reading all your guys' posts for a while now...this will be a good chance to meet some of you. Looking forward to it!!

[AndyK]

I located a map of the Metolius River.

Metolius River Map (http://karamanos.us/Fishing/Maps/metoliusriver.jpg)

Which campground are we thinking about using?

[Patrick L]

Are we fishing in the part of the river that doesn't allow attached weights?
I may need to tie up some weighted egg patterns :grin:

[3riversBob]

I was thinking Allen Springs might be a good choice to camp. Both tent and rv camping. Not too far either direction if you want to drive up or down stream to fish. Or just stay close to camp. Don't forget Roger at Camp Sherman Store has those fu-fu coffee drinks too. :tongue:

Bob

[Abalone]

I'd like to go but I hear it's going to be crowded !

[Steve L.]

I have a truck and camper. What's the word on a Rv site ?

[3riversBob]

Allen Springs has both RV and tent sites and I believe a group site.

Abalone........it's never too crowded......COME ON OVER.

Bob

[mandinga]

rv sites huh...does that mean full hook ups!!!??? :angel:

If so, I'll be the warm guy baking fresh cookies watching college basketball inside the 5th wheel....while you guys freeze your butts off! :dance: :yeahthat:

[mpruet]

This is awesome.

I am so looking forward to this trip.

[Airborne]

I would love to make this trip, but I leave about 10 Feb for bigger trout waters in Afghanistan, if any of you want I can reserve a spot for you after we stop off at the local recruiters office..... you know to pick up the flys (grenades)and gear. I will keep in touch as much as possible while I'm gone Fishing. Have fun and tell as many storys(lies)about me as you can, try to include a fish or woman.

[Steve L.]

Airborne - Keep your eyes open, weapon operational,your ass down and come home SAFE, Man ! We've never met, but will sometime so I'll hoist a drink and tell a good lie..er story about you :wink:

BTW while you're there if you meet a Corporal Garret Anderson USMC give him my best, an old friend on duty there

[AndyK]

I would love to make this trip, but I leave about 10 Feb for bigger trout waters in Afghanistan, if any of you want I can reserve a spot for you after we stop off at the local recruiters office..... you know to pick up the flys (grenades)and gear. I will keep in touch as much as possible while I'm gone Fishing. Have fun and tell as many storys(lies)about me as you can, try to include a fish or woman.



I've volunteered to go, but they keep telling me I'm too old, too salty and too senior; they want workers! If you get Internet access, keep us in the loop and we'll send you photos of the fish we're catching.

[3riversBob]

chrome mandinga.........I don't think we're talking full hook ups. Unless you have a generator. The fresh baked cookied do sound good though. :smile:

Airborne.........I'll be thinking about you and you will be in my prayers. Thanks for your service. :cheers: Be safe and come home to another rendevou.

Bob

[Gettin' Birdy]

Been away for a bit but here's the update: Feb 23-26 are the dates.

Just for those with concerns about the weather's effect on the river, the Metolius is basically a spring river (fed by underground springs at it's inception but there are many small feeder creeks as well), so with the exception of a catastrophic mud slide, it's always fishable. Generally the river is about 48 to 50 degrees year round so fleece under waders is a must.

I have a call into the Forest Service to double check on campgrounds. I want to make sure there aren't to be any surprise winter closures which I have encountered before.

I hope to have the information by tomorrow (friday)and will post the specifics over the weekend. Sounds like a good many are interested.

That's all for now,

-GB

[overfitty]

GB...thanks for ALL your prep work on putting this together!!!

[3riversBob]

Wow! I'm counting about 14-17 people that say they are going. This could be the flyfishing event of the year. Don't miss out. I don't think the cold should be a deterant. With this group there should be enough hot air to melt all the snow and keep everyone warm. I'll have to make up a few new stories (lies) for those that I've already met. Those that I've yet to meet will have to get by with my old stories (lies). :wink:

Still some guys we haven't heard from here. Riverkeeper? Mark Vickers? LNF? Where you guys at? And what about Stew? If I can do it Stew, so can you. :smirk: I need someone closer to my old age to help keep these youngun's in line over there. :pray:

Bob

[Navigator]

Great idea Gett'n Birdy!

At present, my plan would be to come over Thursday afternoon on 2/23 at fish Friday. Saturday may be an option for me as well - still juggling one other committment. (Andy - I will leave the dark side for this trip).

Perhaps we can start a couple new threads

1) Roster of who's going on what dates

2) A tech's thread - suggested patterns, lines, etc.

Meskel - Perhaps a Metolius pattern for the February tyathon!

Anyone looking into sharing a cabin? I could be interested - don't want to take initiative tho'. Post shared cost, etc. I just remember the 'camping' trip we had on the Crooked River in November of '04 :bigshock:. Not sure I am up for that again.

I am a terrible dry fly fisher person and a virgin when it comes to Bull Trout. Looking forward to tying in with you experts!

[Steve L.]

Thanks Bob ! it's been probably 30 years since anyone called me a young gun. I'm feeling more spry already :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[mpruet]

Well, my roommate isn't able to make it over.

Anyone up for splitting a room at the Met River Lodges?

I'm not much for the cold outdoor camping thing.

[AndyK]

I need someone closer to my old age to help keep these youngun's in line over there.



I plan on being there, and I'm older then Stew and Gizmo!

Of course, the problem is that I may need you youngun's to keep me "in line" :jester:!

[Stew]

Well I had an offer of a nice cozy and warm bed near Camp Sherman but the person that offered it has some work related thing to go to :shrug:
I would really like to go and may make it down for the day.

[scoutfish]

:noway: :noway: :noway: :noway: :noway: :noway:
:noway: :noway: :noway: :noway: :noway: :noway:
I so @%$!!&*$%^#@^%$^& OFF.

Arnie.

[Patrick L]

Since I have never fished this river, I went and looked up the regs. I posted them below. Since it looks like we will be staying at Allen Springs campground and will be fishing the Fly Angling Only water, no attached weights. Also, for the definition of Fly Angling, does it mean that you can only use 1 fly (no dropper)??

Metolius River (Jefferson Co.):

1. Mainstem, including Spring Creek
• Open entire year.
• Catch and release for all fish, including bull trout.
• All bull trout must be released unharmed.
• Restricted to artificial flies and lures downstream from Bridge 99.
• Restricted to fly angling only with barbless hooks upstream from Bridge 99 (see fly angling
definition, p. 11).
• Closed in mainstem upstream from Allingham Bridge and also in Spring Creek Jan.1-May 27 and
Nov.1-Dec. 31.
• Closed within 100 feet of Camp Sherman Bridge.
• No angling from a floating device.

2. Tributaries, except Lake and Spring creeks
• Closed.

Fly Angling: Angling with a fly rod, fly reel, (no spinning or fixed spool reel(s)), floating or sinking fly line, leader, any type of backing line, and an
artificial fly. In waters restricted to “Fly Angling Only”, no additional weights or attractors shall be attached to the hook, leader, or line,
and no metal core lines may be used.

[AndyK]

Also, for the definition of Fly Angling, does it mean that you can only use 1 fly (no dropper)??



I believe you can use up to three flies.

[mpruet]

Patrick,

As I understand it, the entire Metolius river and tributaries is now designated as Fly Fishing only and has been catch and release as long as I can remember.

As for the weighted dropper you can definitely rig up that way, you just can't add any split shot to your line.

Hope this helps.

[Ryan Pultz]

Ok so I am 3riversbob's customer fly tyer what flies should I tie up for him i know I need to make some big streamers for bull trout but what else should I tie. rp

[Mark Vickers]

Still some guys we haven't heard from here. Mark Vickers?


While you guys are freezing your fingers off, I'll be on the back of a boat in Kona reeling in a marlin.

[Gettin' Birdy]

That's just mean!!! :smile:

[3riversBob]

Good luck Mark! I agree though that IS mean. :cool:

Bob

[lilnorthfork]

Roland - you leaving that soon? Let's get out first... I have an idea where there might be some fish. :wink:

Sounds like fun... count me in (if the schedule allows it). I have wanted to do a fish/ski trip over there for years. Anybody else up for taking part in the 10th River Division (in Airborne's honor)... skiing along the river with flyrods strapped to our backs... drop to one knee... take aim... a solitary cast... release fish and ski silently to the next riffle...

[mandinga]

suicidal. :smile: