During February as the snow came down in this most unusual Pandemic year, people would stop in the shop, all of us bundled up and wearing masks. We all had one thing on our mind- spring. We looked forward to long days and beautiful evenings casting a dry fly. In April there would be Hendricksons, Blue Quills and Grannom Caddis. May would bring March Browns and Sulphurs and on magical nights in June, the remnant of the Sulphurs would be joined by Light Cahills and Slate Drakes known locally by their latin name, Isonychia or Iso's. This activity always starts first south and a little west of us in Pennsylvania, envelopes New Jersey then heads up to the Poconos and the Catskills. The rivers would come alive and once again we would affirm old friendships and build angling memories.
In fact, much of what we wished for has transpired. Trout fishing has been very good. We've had a warm, dry spell or two but rains and cooler temperatures have allowed the trout to recover. Next week we will have some hot weather but the following weeks' forecast are at least for now quite favorable. Although the Hendrickson hatch was spotty in many areas, the Sulphur hatch, although it arrived late, continues to be excellent. In addition, the caddis hatches have also been stronger. We are seeing more anglers like last year but unlike last year, people seem to be enjoying it a little more and trying fly fishing for the first time. We welcome all of those new to our sport or considering it. Many veteran anglers are trying new techniques such as Euro- Nymphing or Trout Spey. All of this vitality is good for our sport. Our guides have been busy keeping up with the demands of our customers.
For many people, hatches are mysterious events. They ask: "When do they start? What fly or flies should I fish?" It all depends on the hatch and are you on the water when the hatch begins to occur. A hatch is interesting in that by the time you begin to see large numbers of mayflies or caddis in the air, the event is half over. A hatch actually begins on the bottom of the stream a couple of hours often before the insects are visible on the surface or in the air. This early phase is when a tandem rig of the appropriate nymph and emerger can be very effective. Caddis and Blue Wing Olives generally hatch in the morning this time of year. I like to start out early in the morning with a couple of nymphs but usually by 8:30-9 am a few bugs will appear. That observation will prompt me to switch the trailing nymph for an emerger either a caddis pupa or for the BWO an RS2 or WD40. Some folks have been doing very well with soft hackle wet flies fished across and downstream at this time either early or late in the day depending which hatches are occurring on the water. This same approach can be used for mayfly hatches later in the day. Give it a try and you'll be fishing hatches longer and landing more fish.
June Hatches:
Morning 8:00-11:30 am Note: BWO's may hatch into early afternoon.
Blue Wing Olive Drunella D. attenuata, lata, D. cornuta, D. cornutella Pheasant Tail nymph #14-18, BWO #14-18, RS2 #16-18
American Iron Blue Quill or Summer Blue Quill Paraleptophlebia mollis Adams #18-20, Blue Quill #18-20
Afternoon 2pm- 6pm
Eastern Brown Quill Siphlonurus quebcensis Blue dun #12
Evening 7pm-Dark
Grey Fox Maccaffertium vicarium Grey Fox #14
Greywinged Yellow Quill also known as the "Pink Lady" for the pinkish-red eggs to be found in the female's abdomen Epeorus vitreus Sulphur #14
Light Cahill Stenacron interpunctatum, S. ithaca, Light Cahill #14, Fox Squirrel Nymph, Light Cahill Wet #14-16
Here are two Tim's always helpful and informative videos:
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