TWO MAYS WORTH MENTIONING May 15, 2009 - With higher water plaguing many of our major watersheds throughout the week, fly anglers limited their opportunities to smaller streams. Without a substantial rain event the Millers, Deerfield and Westfield river systems should be in great form within a few days. For dry fly zealots the Hendrickson (14)/Red Quill (16) hatch is still in evidence throughout central Mass and is still providing the bulk of surface action. In the event that this prolific hatch does not grace your local water, try a Blue Winged Olive (18-20) or smaller caddis (16-18) artificial to bring fish to the surface. Two predominant central NE hatches loom in the not to distant future, Light Cahill (14) and March Brown (12). Look for Cahills to be evident sometime around the third week of May and continue until the month expires and even into the first few weeks of June. This mayfly is certainly the largest of our "light" mayflies and usually emerges during late afternoon periods and on into dusk. Many years ago when light conditions limited my vision I can recall utilizing a #14 White Wulff to mimic this hatch on my home water the Ware River. This fly was often masticated with the vigor of a natural, bringing stellar rises from surface feeders long after the sun had set. The nymphal stage of the insect is hardly worth fishing during pre-hatch periods since the adult offers an easy and clumsy target while emerging. The March Brown is without question our 2nd largest proportioned mayfly next to Hexagenia. This species usually emerges sometime around the end of the month and I have actually witness them as late as June 20th on the Ware. Oftentimes it would emerge after the sun had set and continue its emergence well into the evening, usually an hour or two in duration. An admirable imitation of this insect in its adult stage would be a more traditional Catskill pattern with the hackle trimmed even with the hook point allowing for a more realistic appearance. The adult in emergence will often dawdle in the surface film for lengthy periods to allow it's generously proportioned wings to dry in preparation for flight. Both hatches are an absolute joy to witness and are present along the entire east branch of the Ware River in Rutland State Park (particularly in the riffle-pool-riffle areas). Believe me you will be without company and fall subject to one of the pleasures in all of fly-fishing. Good fishing and safe
wading, |
