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MAYFLY
HATCHES.FISHING'S FINEST HOUR
by
Steve McCadams
www.stevemccadams.com
They ought to change the
name from Mayfly to Junefly or Julyfly. Around the lakes of Tennessee the
peak of the hatches occur long after the month of May has come and gone.
Welcome to fishing's finest hour. Millions of tiny mayflies appear from
out of the blue and literally every specie of fish benefits from this
natural buffet. From bluegill to bass, everyone seems to belly up to the
bar and partake of these abundant morsels that fall from the overhanging
trees and bushes.
Kentucky Lake has long been a great place for experiencing the joys of a
feeding frenzy when mayflies hatch. There are a lot of lakes across
Tennessee that share the same high.
Perhaps no method or technique is more enjoyable than that of the fly rod.
Like an artist at work, each cast commands the skill and attention, as
does that of the painter's brush. Make a bad stroke and you're in trouble.
It's either a snag of no fish. Either way, it's unproductive.
Seeing bluegill and bass erupt to strike a popping bug that has gently
arrived beneath the shade of a willow is a sight for sore eyes. Just the
finesse of working the long line and making a deposit with the artificial
bug is a display of talent and skill.
Most anglers choose to use not only a floating popping bug on a long
monofilament leader but also tie a slow, sinking nymph some 12 to 18
inches behind. With the popper up ring and a submerged bug behind, the
combo is deadly.
Fly rod enthusiasts will find the action about as fast as they want it to
be. It's easy to catch more fish than you care to clean. It's a prime time
for catch and release.
Mayfly hatches have already been underway on Kentucky Lake and should
continue throughout July and into early August.
Adult flies cling to any overhanging trees and after a day or so begin
falling off into the water. Birds of all kinds also join in to feed off
these natural phenomena and in the process shake the limbs and send flies
spilling into the lake.
Fish have the birds and windy days to thank for helping send the flies to
the lake surface where it's a now-you-see-it, now-you-don't, scenario.
He who hesitates is lost. That's why the bluegill strike the fly as soon
as it touches the water. Competition is stiff so they waste no time in
gobbling up the morsel.
From the lake bottom comes the larva stage of the mayfly. Triggered by the
warmer weather, rising surface temperatures and other factors known only
to Mother Nature, the larva wiggle from the substrate and emerge, leaving
a floating husk on the lake surface.
The adult takes to the air for a short life span that may last only a day
or two. Once in flight the adults mate and eggs are dropped into the water
where they may lay dormant for long period of time.
Meanwhile, other anglers have learned to take advantage of the summer
seasonal patterns where currents wash flies or larva against banks or
submerged sandbars, It is here where hefty largemouth or illusive
smallmouth can be found.
Catfish and crappie feed off the larva too. And, sometimes the crappie are
tough to catch for sport fishermen using a single hook and minnow rig.
It's tough competition when nature sends a million baits in which to feed
her fish and you're sitting out on the lake with one in hand hoping to get
a strike.
Perhaps it's the panfish that benefit most, namely bluegill. While a lot
of long eared sunfish, pumpkinseed and others are on hand, some hefty
bluegill can be taken.
Other popular techniques, such as casting ultra-light and light spinning
tackle work great. Tossing lures like a small rooster tail, mepps spinner
or a beetle spin can be deadly. Back to back success is the ticket. Fish
after fish will jump on the little lures and send you a thrill.
Not to be forgotten is the use of crickets on small bobbers or tightlined.
It's a deadly bait but expect to use a lot as these finicky panfish are
masters of deception, stealing bait after bait before getting the hook.
Look for some great action in the weeks ahead as the main river islands
and steep banks on the main lake shoreline offer the best bets for
success. Early morning and late afternoon seem to see increased mayfly
activity.
If you've never witnessed a feeding frenzy beneath the spell of a mayfly
hatch then grab a youngster and head out. It's a great way to introduce
someone to the sport while keeping even the veteran anglers amused as
well. After all, catching fish stills brings out the kind in all of us and
there's no better way or time than during the summer season and mayfly
madness.
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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