Mayfly 09 Part 2

Following on from part 1 of our mayfly 09 season, this second and last part reviews the hatch for us this year.

So right now we are at the end of another main mayfly season, and what fishing it has brought with it! I believe Gordon Mackie summed mayfly season up perfectly in the June 09 issue of Fly Fishing & Fly Tying saying "The Mayfly interlude has been called the ultimate hunting experience".

I have often been rather disenchanted with mayfly, for several seasons catching more fish on tiny midge patterns than mayfly imitations. However I have to say that while many large fish caught and lost this year have been taking flies other than mayfly, it's the creamy slabs of butter that bring the big fish to the surface in the first place. Without a doubt I have seen more large river trout during the 09 mayfly period than any other year I have been fly fishing.

We landed several fish over 2lbs, 2 fish over 3lbs and several others have been lost, including 2 I estimated at well over 4lbs. If you are wondering which magical river this is, it's not any one single water. It is the result of me being on the water everyday, locating and observing the habits of these big fish, so clients can then have a shot at something very special. It's my job and I love it! I also managed a couple of rather nice fish too.

Lake wise bushyleaze had a pretty big hatch and Loynton while not having an explosive hatch, produced a steady hatch over several weeks, which at the moment of writing continues. The fish have at times actively sought out the nymphs and provided some thrilling takes to emmergers.

No doubt a few mayfly will continue to trickle off over the next 2-3 weeks, however in most cases fish have had their fill of them. The game changes again and now it's time for the small fly to rule once more!

Tight Lines

Steve