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MAYFLY HATCHES SIGNAL SUMMER FUN
by
Steve McCadams
www.stevemccadams.com
(from June 2002)
Every year they return
about this time. There's strength in numbers and they have an army of more
than a million.
It's mayfly time on Kentucky Lake and earlier this week the shorelines
were covered with the small, brown flying insects that signal summer's
arrival. A food source for literally every fish in the lake, they double
as a buffet for birds and other critters such as turtles.
Mother Nature seems to feed her brood in many different ways but the
silent arrival of a massive mayfly hatch is always a phenomenon. One day
there's none in sight; the next day they appear from nowhere, abundant as
grains of sand on the beach.
Bluegill, bass, catfish, and just about every specie of fish feed on
the mayfly. From the larva stage to the adult fly hanging on the willow,
somewhere along the cycle the insect feeds the masses.
Anglers have long known the potential to have fast fishing action
during a mayfly hatch. The competition and aggressive behavior of the fish
makes for fast action should a bait be tossed their direction.
Perhaps the most popular technique is the use of a fly rod and popping
bugs. Like a polished musician, the veteran angler makes cast after cast
with a rhythm. Placing the artificial bug in the specific spot is a work
of art while manning the excess line in a coordinated fashion.
Many fly fishermen choose to use a slow sinking nymph tied some 12 to
18-inches behind the floating popper. A light monofilament leader allows
the double bug presentation to be a deadly combo. Some fish attack the
surface popper while others prefer the slow, sinking appeal of the nymph.
Strike after strike occurs and many feel this is fishing's finest
hour. A few casts might find several small fish but stay prepared as a
gentle giant is usually roaming in the midst. Hefty bass are known to
frequent areas, feeding on both the mayflies and the other small fish that
have come to the free dinner table.
Mayflies lay dormant in the lake bottom for months in a larva stage
only to emerge from aquatic nymphs. The adults live only a few hours or
perhaps a day.
The lake surface will be covered with the tiny brown husks, an
indication that adult flies have emerged and taken flight.
Normally the flies hatch in early summer as surface temperatures reach
the low 80's here on Kentucky Lake. Hatches will likely continue through
late July so there's some great fishing ahead.
Steve McCadams
is a professional hunting and fishing guide here in the Paris Landing
area and host of The Outdoor Channel's television series IN-PURSUIT. |
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