Posts tagged ‘Hexagenia limbata’
Hex on the Wing
Think the hex madness is over, eh? Well, that depends on where in the state you live, and also on whether you fish for smallies as well as trout. In this story from the Detroit News, Dave Spratt shares his notes on fly fishing Michigan’s “other” hex hatch — the one that takes place around Metro Detroit.
Depending on where you live and fish the hex are just getting warmed-up, particularly on the Huron river, just outside Ann Arbor. The Huron is probably Michigan’s finest smallmouth river fishery, though I think that the Kalamazoo and the Chippewa are close contenders for that title, too. Years ago I fished the Huron right in Ann Arbor one night with a friend and got hooked-up with one of the largest smallies in my fishing career. It all happened just after dark in a stretch of water right out in front of the medical school, and within sight of a bridge full of cars.
Spratt notes that for Detroit anglers who target trout, there is also Paint Creek (Oakland County) and the Clinton River (Macomb County), and both get a hex hatch this time of year as well.
The smallmouth is an underrated fish on a fly rod in so many ways. In addition to being an aggressive striker, and a hard-fighting fish, it is my favorite species on which to introduce a new angler to the art of fly fishing. If the time and river are right, the smallie will hit even a poorly-presented streamer aggressively, and the white fly (ephoron) hatch, particularly on mid-Michigan and southern Michigan rivers, can be phenomenal. It will give a novice angler the best possible shot at hooking a large fish after dark.
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Buzz
Trout fishing has pretty much moved passed the Hex hatch, although there is still a sporadic showing of bugs on certain rivers on certain days in certain sections. It’s proved difficult to predict when and where, but it’s always good to see those huge mayflies flying around. In all, it was a strange hatch this year thanks to the weather. On those days when good bugs were out, we had good fishing, but now it’s on to summer trout fishing.
It's summer ... take a kid fishing.
On the Upper Manistee the Isonycia hatch has been good in the evenings. With the clouds, BWOs have been giving the fish a steady diet. Other bugs you can expect to see include: Light Cahills, Yellow Sallies, Golden Stones, and small black caddis. Tricos are just staring for those of you on the water before noon and look for the numbers to increase as warmer weather settles in for a period of time in the region.
The Boardman – Still some hex, but look for tricos to be the primary staple for fish feeding on the surface right now throughout the mornings with caddis in the afternoons and Lt. Cahills and Grey Drakes just before dark.
Both the Upper Manistee and Boardman are just coming into their “terrestrial “ season – that is, where grasshoppers are getting blown into the river and the fish grabbing them. Beatles, ants and rubber-legged foam creations can bring up some of the larger fish of the year. Experiment with size and action – some days they like dead-drift, other days twitched. Catch a trophy fish without a headlamp on! Like headlamps? Stay out after dark and throw the mouse/surface pattern.
The Lower Manistee River below Tippy Dam is still providing some good trout fishing since water temps have remained cool for this time of year. There is a mix of both trout and smallmouth bass in the river and look for the bass to continue to build in numbers with more heat and warmer water temperatures. Natural baitfish patterns ranging from 2 to 4 inches have been the most consistent producers of trout and smallies for the streamer fisherman, where wet flies and bead-head nymphs have been catching trout in the seams. Tricos should get going soon.
Regardless of where you choose to fish, the crowds are non-existent at this time of year and you can pretty much have a section of river all to yourself.
There are still some smallmouth bass in the bay with the early angler on a flat piece of water catching the fish. A carp here or there are around, but for the most part the carp fishing is done. Those who enjoy largemouth bass fishing are finding the weed beds in most lakes at the perfect height – that is providing cover, but minimal surface rafts getting in the way. Sliders, deer hair bugs and poppers are not only effective, but a fun way to catch fish – make sure your tippets are strong enough to pull a fish through the weeds.
Ted Kraimer is a professional guide and fly tier, owner of Current Works Guide Service, and field editor for True|North|Trout. His fishing reports will continue to appear in T|N|T and on his website.
Manistee River in Summer
The up and down, inconsistent weather has our Hex hatch continuing a little longer than anyone would have guessed at the beginning of the season. Numerous days of cool (sometimes cold) weather put the pugs on hold while little warm-ups triggered small emergences. The heat and sun forecast for this week should get those patient nymphs out of their beds and into the air and bring an end to the hatch. Water levels and temps are good for this time of year.
The Upper Manistee River has had sporadic hex bugs and the Isonycias have been pretty solid with the fish responding well. Other bugs include: Little Yellow Sally Stones, BWOs, Light Cahills, and some big stones. Look for Tricos to start shortly in the early mornings and small terrestrial patterns turning some fish as the day goes on. Evenings are the best time to experience a hatch of the bugs detailed above. After dark, try a mouse/large surface fly that moves water and casts a silhouette.
The Lower Manistee below Tippy Dam is still fishing well for trout as the water temperatures have remained cooler than normal for this time of year. Caddis, wet flies, midge and streamers are all taking fish. The smallmouth bass in this section of river is building each day, and so look for them to be the primary target over the next six weeks.
The Boardman is still experiencing Hex duns and spinner falls and the Gray Drake spinners continue to build above riffles at dusk. Have some Little Yellow Sallies, Light Cahills, Tan Caddis (#16/18) and some terrestrials in your box.
Ode to Carp. Carp fishing in the bays is pretty much done as they have been providing action for the last six weeks. The weather has made it difficult to pattern the fish – (when and where), but with this warm-up keep your eye out as you drive along the bay – you might just find a pod to fish to. Smallmouth bass numbers are dwindling as they are moving back into some deeper water, but look for fish cruising the shallow water during mornings and evenings. With the recent full-moon, crayfish molt and become a soft-shell favorite of smallmouth.
Lake fishing is prime for small and largemouth fishing. With the weed growth, look for the largemouth bass to come on poppers, divers and sliders – a great way to spend a morning or evening. Look for the smallmouth to be on the edges of drop-offs looking to eat crayfish and baitfish patterns. Bring a hex dun pattern too if you are going to be out late – some good surface action can occur as lakes often experience a long, drawn out emergence lasting up to five weeks.
Charter Boats on Lake Michigan are reporting healthy and large salmon so far this spring and early summer. This fall’s run that begins in late August continuing into October should be a good one. If you don’t have your dates reserved for a guided trip, start your planning and be in touch to ensure a day or two in a boat on the water doing battle with fresh, strong salmon.
Ted Kraimer is a professional guide and fly tier, owner of Current Works Guide Service, and field editor for True|North|Trout. His fishing reports will continue to appear in T|N|T and on his website.
Last week’s hot spell helped kick-off the Hex hatch, but this week’s cool-down has shifted it into idle. The Upper Manistee and the Boardman rivers had respectable hatches lasting about five days, but with the cool down came fewer bugs – Hex and others. Our forecast is favorable looking forward, so look for the hatch to start up again and continue for sometime after we get the warmer weather back and some solar action.
While the hatches aren’t thick, we are still finding some bugs on the water. The cool evenings can bring spinner falls of Hex, which is almost magical; big fish that normally don’t come out in the daylight can’t help themselves when the meaty-Hex comes floating by. Make sure your flies are natural looking, your tippet a little lighter, and your presentation flawless. This can be some of the most spectacular dry fly fishing one can witness.
Other bugs
The Manistee has a smattering of bugs floating down the river right now – just not very significant numbers. Look for: Isonycias, Big Stones (both Golden and Black/Orange), Little Yellow Sallies, Epeorus/Quill Gordons, BWOs, Light Cahills and another yellow like mayfly I can’t seem to identify, but which is approximately a size 14/16.
The Boardman still has a few Brown Drakes, and the Gray Drakes should continue for a while. Caddis are popping as well as little yellow sally stones. Always have some BWO’s in your box – especially when it is cool and clouds are above the river.
Once the heat comes back to our local waters, look for terrestrial activity to build and be sure to keep things small. Tricos typically are here the first week of July but look for things them to be late, like most of the bugs have been this year.
The Lower Manistee below Tippy is fishing alright. Midges, fry patterns and caddis are your best bet right now. There are just a couple of Skamania Steelhead in the river right now, as they are every year at this time. Look for the smallmouth bass to get going once the weather warms up again and anglers shift from trout fishing to smallmouth for the rest of the summer.
The carp and smallmouth fishing on Grand Traverse Bay continues, but when it’s cool and cloudy, the fish simply aren’t easy to see, let alone to find. Scout and cover lots of water. This is when wind can make the difference since most of the carp are done with their spawning. Crayfish, hexes, Clousers and leeches/woolly buggers are working on both species.
Weed growth in the local lakes has begun and this can be a great time to target largemouth bass with top water flies. Don’t hesitate going sub-surface on the edges of the weeds and drops-offs for some pike.
Be safe this 4th of July weekend and be thankful for our opportunities to fish – we are truly lucky.
Ted Kraimer is a professional guide and fly tier, owner of Current Works Guide Service, and field editor for True|North|Trout. His fishing reports will continue to appear in T|N|T and on his website.
Two-Hearted and Hex
Finally after a cool spring, summer just came, and so did the hot weather. This week’s pressure-cooker and sunlight were just what we needed to get the bugs going on local rivers.
The Manistee has hex bugs, but it’s just the first couple of nights, and the numbers are decent, and it will only build over the next week or so. The heat has an effect on the bugs – they are emerging at odd times as well as traditional hours. The hatch can be short-lived and sporadic and even isolated; if you don’t find bugs, go around the corner and you might find some. In addition to the hexes, there are still some brown drakes around and Isonycias. Some more of the big stoneflies can be seen bouncing on the water and that can be a great way to get a fish to leave their lair while waiting for the night’s mayflies. Look for the smallmouth bass to continue improve on the Lower Manistee.
The Boardman, too, has Hex in some sections. A lot of the bugs are coming from the ponds, and there can be prolific spinner falls as well as emergences. Make sure you have some brown drakes in your box and also be stocked up on gray drakes – a must for this time of year on the Boardman.
Grand Traverse Bay is still fishing well for carp and smallmouth bass. The recent heat has pushed many of the fish beyond the spawn and they are looking to eat some flies after their spawning ritual. Hex nymphs, gobies and leeches are best. There seem to be fewer crayfish around for some reason and therefore crayfish patterns haven’t been as effective as in past years, but if you see some bouncing around, tie one on. The Smallmouth are continuing to build in numbers, too, cruising in the shallow water looking to eat. They can move fast so be on them quickly, with a good presentation, and hold on as they jump a few times during the fight.
Ted Kraimer is a professional guide and fly tier, owner of Current Works Guide Service, and field editor for True|North|Trout. His fishing reports will continue to appear in T|N|T and on his website.
Ann R. Miller
Fishing at night is much different than fishing during daylight. Sounds seem magnified in the dark, with howls, crashes, and screeches from the woods or surprise splashes from the river causing near cardiac arrest. Wading is uncertain, with each precarious step an adventure, especially when a fallen log or deep pool is suddenly encountered (and they always are). The focus of the evening is on fish, of course, but the streambed at this time is becoming quite active with invertebrates intent on finding a new home. As darkness falls, many invertebrates that have been content living on the undersides of rocks, sticks, and other substrates, will attempt to move to a new location. This may happen by crawling off the substrate or letting go and drifting with the current. The phenomenon of drift is fascinating and understanding it can improve angling skills.
Consider, for example, one of the hatches that fly anglers chase in the summer: Hexagenia limbata or the Michigan mayfly. When fishing the dun stage of the hatch, we position ourselves downstream in silty waters, waiting well into the night for bugs to pop. However, the spinner “hatch” takes place further upstream, with fertile adults gathering above gravelly riffles. Year after year, the Hexagenia larvae make their way from upstream riffles to downstream silt, often a distance of a kilometer or more. Countless other invertebrates drift downstream as well; in fact, nearly all aquatic insects begin life in shallow headwaters, emerging well downstream a year or more later as an adult. This movement is not happenstance, but an established pattern that is repeated each year.
A landmark study in the 1950’s by Karl Muller documented several patterns in stream drift. Seasonal patterns were noted (drift was found to be higher in the summer than in the winter), but more interestingly, higher densities of invertebrates were found in the water column immediately after sunset and again before sunrise. The density of some species varied dramatically, often peaking ten-fold at dusk with a smaller increase at dawn. This double peak or ‘diel periodicity’ has since been documented in streams around the world. Also noteworthy, it was found that in streams without fish, drift occurred both day and night; thus, the downstream migration occurs at dark when predation pressures are the least. Perhaps the most perplexing issue regarding stream drift is this: if insects and other invertebrates drift downstream, why don’t the headwaters become depleted?
Study after study has attempted to resolve the drift paradox, and truthfully the debate is ongoing. One of the first and foremost arguments was that progeny return upstream to recolonize once adults mature, recharging depleted headwaters. This argument seems plausible for many invertebrates, including many mayflies (especially Baetis) and caddisflies. Scuds, prominent in high numbers in the drift, have been reported swimming upstream while some winter stoneflies have even been observed walking upstream along streambanks. While this idea of drift compensation seemed like a neat and compact answer, studies showed that invertebrate populations were never severely depleted enough to require an upstream dispersal.
Nevertheless, drift happens, and in very high numbers. What causes drift? While there are no easy answers, obviously some invertebrates naturally become dislodged from substrates by predators (fish, ducks, other microfauna) or by physical disturbances (anglers, deer). Abiotic factors, including current velocity, discharge from dams, or spates also affect drift. On an ongoing basis though, it is thought that local density is most responsible for drift. As individuals grow, local resources become limited, necessitating a move to greener pastures. Thus, entering the drift is thought to be adaptive for an individual, and thereby an evolutionary stable strategy. Still, the question remains: why don’t upstream waters become exhausted?
Some scientists believe that the biomass of invertebrates in upstream riffles is so high, that it effectively “forces” invertebrates to drift, but because there are such high densities to begin with, local populations don’t become depleted. In essence, production exceeds carrying capacity. A significant number of individuals can be lost through drift, but an ample population upstream still remains. This theory again seemed neat and compact: newly hatched larvae have plenty of resources until they start to grow. Crowding becomes an issue, and drift a solution. Still, this doesn’t really answer the paradox; if it did, we would find Hexagenia adults hatching along the entire streambed.
Other studies have proposed additional models to explain drift; one recent analysis suggested that individuals should exactly compensate for drift by upstream dispersal and that overall there should be a mean net movement of zero from birth to reproduction. The critical argument here is that from an evolutionary point of view, movement needs to be analyzed from an individual perspective rather than from the population as a whole. Additional studies are sure to counter, but until then, the drift paradox remains.
From an angling point of view, things are much simpler. So often when fishing at dusk, there is a marked stop in rising fish, and everything becomes very quiet. This is when fish, especially brown trout, focus on the sudden flurry of critters drifting up from the streambed. A switch to nymphing, or better yet, to a parachute with a dropper is a great technique to pick up fish at twilight – certainly a great end to any day.
Ann has been writing a natural history column for Midwest Fly Fishing for more than 10 years. Before that she was the editor of the Great Lakes Leader for 5 years. She has contributed to many Michigan periodicals. Her essay “Under the Weather” was published in Michigan Seasons: Classic Tales of Life Outdoors in 1997. She is currently working on a hatch guide for the Midwest.
