Looking Forward

We’re close to our favorite time of the year, when the annual Hexagenia hatch begins on Back Lake, but we’re not quite there yet. According to one of my more credible sources, there were a couple of hex sightings yesterday evening on the lake, but that was the extent of the action, and with our upcoming weather pattern, the hatch might be a little delayed this year.

Why the delay? Hexagenia seem to really come off in abundance when it’s hot and humid, and while many other parts of the country are currently sweltering, we are not and our temperatures are due to be cooling off this weekend. Highs in the low to mid-50’s supposedly both days this weekend, so those are hardly the type of temperatures associated with a robust hexagenia hatch. We’ll see how it all plays out, but if I had money on it, I’d bet that the hatch will get off the ground when it warms up later on next week …

Upper Connecticut River

The fishing continues to be strong in the Trophy Stretch, while some of the other stretches have been a bit hit or miss. Flows are great for the fish and for wading anglers throughout the system however, and mayfly and caddis hatches in particular have been pretty good lately. There has also been a lot of traffic on the river, so either getting out early or late, and certainly moving around on the river might be your best bet to avoid other anglers.

As is usually the case, nymphs are producing best, but dries and streamers have also been yielding good results at certain times and in certain places. Observe what’s going on before blundering in to the water, as the fish might be close by …

Androscoggin River

There are also reports confirming that the fabled “Alder Fly Hatch” has begun on the Andro. Whether or not the fish have recognized this remains another matter, but it shouldn’t take long for the fish to start keying in on them and strap on the feed bag. The Androscoggin is a challenging river, whether wading or drifting, but its beauty makes it all worth it. Bring along plenty of Henryville Specials and caddis patterns if you’re heading over to the Androscoggin in the next ten to fourteen days.

Be safe out there and have a great Father’s Day Weekend!