Fly fishing on the Metolius and Deschutes rivers is about as fine as it gets in the United States. And come autumn, the subtle orange, yellow and red hues of larch, vine maple and willow pop against the dominant ponderosa pine forests that line these Central Oregon rivers. This is postcard magic for waterways that definitely have Norman McClean “River Runs Through It” vibes. These crystalclear, springfed waters of the Metolius originate on the flanks of Black Butte and are a constant 48 degrees year round, so enjoy the view from the banks and leave the swim shorts at home.

Follow along the rivers in this Oregon Field Guide photo essay from 2018.

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