Back Lake Hex Hatch Update: 7/1

We are half way through 2020 (thankfully), and most of the way through the annual hexagenia hatch at Back Lake. It’s been a good hatch overall, with some quality trout finding the landing net and a lot of smallmouth bass also. The weather has been mostly cooperative until Sunday night, when severe storms came through.

Last night we were finally able to get out there, as the unsettled weather of the previous two days had forced a retreat for us anglers. As usual, the hatching activity started out on the light side, as we only noticed a few hexes coming off prior to 8 PM.

After 8 PM, more hexes started making their life’s journey, with a few escaping to freedom and many more becoming dinner for fish or birds. We watched one unfortunate hex escape the water from predatory fish only to be intercepted probably twenty feet in the air by a swallow. End of story for that one.

We tried several patterns last night, but the best were either emerger patterns fished below the surface (Sparrow – one fat rainbow trout), or cripple patterns fished on top – the dreaded Flutterglow Hex, and another cripple pattern tied by TTL guest Henry Longmire. This is typically Henry’s time of year, as he is a fixture at the lodge and usually in my boat during the hex hatch.

Not this year. As with so many other people, Henry has had to change his plans this year due to the pandemic, but we all hope to have more normalcy next year, and to see Henry at TTL again. He sent me several copies of his cripple pattern to try in absentia, so last night was the maiden voyage and it didn’t disappoint. Two nice rainbows landed, as well as a bunch of bass and fish “long distance released”. Nearly every cast there was a response from the fish, so it undoubtedly was something they liked.

It looks like the weather will improve somewhat over the next few days, so the tail end of the hatch should be good. We’ll see how long its lasts in to July. Have a great Independence Day weekend everyone, and be well …