The famous nocturnal Hex hatch of the Midwest (and a few other lucky locations) stirs to the surface mythically large brown trout that only touch streamers for the rest of the year.
This one was surprisingly straightforward to identify. The lack of a sclerite at the base of the lateral hump narrows the field quite a bit, and the other options followed fairly obvious characteristics to Clostoeca, which only has one species, Clostoeca disjuncta.
Fishcraze on May 27, 2009May 27th, 2009, 6:13 am EDT
I know in North Alabama these flies usually hatch in Jun. What climate/water temperatures are required for hatching? Does it normally have to be dry/no rain for a week?
Thanks to anyone who can answer these questions. I promised my 12 year old, I was going to take him this year and I'm trying to plan my leave at the closest possible time.
Assuming that you are referring to Hexagenia hatches and not mayflies in general, the Hex hatches are typically quite lengthy--often lasting a month or more. You should not have too much trouble timing the hatch. Cooler than normal long-term weather patterns might delay the onset the hatching period a bit, and warmer than normal weather might accelerate it. Daily weather during the hatching period will influence the concentration and quality of the hatch. I find that the heaviest Hexagenia hatches usually occur on fairly hot days, but the sparser hatches on cooler, overcast days sometimes provide more time to fish. The concentrated, explosive hatches that often occur on warm evenings happen around (or after) dark and can be over in half an hour.
in june if its been "normal" weather i wait for a few hot, humid days and warm nights, then i know its time. this year with the global cooling thats been going on things are running 2-3 weeks behind.
I have seen nothing more beautiful than the sunrise on a cold stream.