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3. Mayflies

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.

Fishcraze

Fishcraze,

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.