Back Lake Fishing Update: 6/16

That was a small mayfly that landed on the brim of Karen’s cowboy hat last night while we were on the lake. Unfortunately, this was one of the few mayflies that we actually saw last night on the lake, and Mr. Hex was nowhere to be found … yet.

Rising fish were sporadic at times and frequent at others, but we had a hard time figuring out exactly what the fish were taking. We did see lots of black caddis coming off, and they were a featured food for some of the fish for sure, but there were many rising whose diets remain a mystery to us.

What actually worked last night? For me it was a Sparrow, on sink tip line, stripping at various speeds. A Woodduck Heron also probably would have worked, and both of these flies are representative of a hex emerger. In addition to more than a few bass that we caught, this nice rainbow gave a spirited fight when I caught him cruising for his next meal.

As far as the Hexagenia Limbata is concerned, the traditional start date for the hatch is right around June 20, so we’re still on schedule to see the massive mayflies very soon. A couple things are contributing to the delay (compared to the last few summers): a colder than normal spring, and recent chilly weather (it was 39 degrees in Pittsburg early yesterday morning) that has kept the lake water temperature on the cool side.

Yesterday was gorgeous and we have another beautiful day today, so that may help things get started.

Yes, we love the hex hatch like a fat kid loves chocolate cake.