Spring Ridge Club

What's Hatchin' with Dave McMullen

April, May, and June are a time of plenty for fly anglers, especially those who enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of encountering trout that are feeding on a hatch of aquatic insects. This springtime window of opportunity presents an ongoing array of the classic and well-known mayfly hatches, from early-season quill gordons, hendricksons, and blue quills, to the march browns, gray foxes, and sulphurs during the month of May, to the green drakes, slate drakes, and light cahills that usher in the beginning of summer.

While these larger species of mayflies often produce memorable action, knowledgeable anglers need to be aware of some of the smaller, but equally important, species of mayflies that can occur simultaneously. Dave cautions, "It is very easy to be fishing to what you think is a blue-wing olive hatch when the insects emerging are really some species of mayfly in the genus Baetis. Blue quills can also get in the mix. In fact, it is not unusual to have two different species of small mayflies hatching at the same time. Pay attention to the body color of the naturals."

Mayflies, of course, aren't the only bugs that can provoke trout into some heavy feeding activity. Many species of caddisflies produce spectacular rises of fish on occasion. While less impressive than the showy caddis hatches, crane flies will also get the attention of the trout, especially on bright spring mornings. And midges can be a factor at certain times of the day as well.

A good fly angler needs to be a trained observer, one capable of reading the sometimes subtle clues that nature and the fish display. This is never more true than during the springtime when so much can be happening at once. Keep alert and enjoy the show!