Several environmental factors can influence the timing and intensity of a mayfly hatch. Water temperature is paramount: most mayfly species prefer a specific range for hatching, often between 50-65°F (10-18°C). Weather conditions can also play a part. Overcast days can extend hatching periods, while a sudden cold snap might delay or reduce hatch intensity. Being aware of these factors, along with knowledge of local hatch charts or logs, can help an angler predict when a mayfly emergence is likely to occur, enhancing the chances of a amazing day of fly fishing.

My opinion is that fly winter fly fishing is frankly better than summer. There are fewer anglers on the water, the sound of the wind and crystals of snow and ice being blown around are like a symphony.  Lastly, the local river I have is like clockwork for a morning size 22 midge hatch that is like dry fly heaven for trout.  The only downfall is that it takes a bit for you to understand how to stay warm and comfortable.  I think it was two seasons before I decided, “Enough is enough with this cold!”

I’m certainly a faux entomologist, or ecologist, but I’m a fly-fishing enthusiast, and, I can appreciate the intricate dance between aquatic insects and the world of fly fishing. Understanding these life stages is not just crucial for science but also for the angler looking to "match the hatch" and select the perfect fly. Here's a detailed and memorable summary of the four life stages of many aquatic insects, especially mayflies, which are often of interest to fly fishers:

ou might be asking, "Why Korkers?" Well, sit back and unspool that fishing line, because we've got a showdown for you. Unlike the off-brand boots that make you slip and slide like you're auditioning for "Dancing on Ice," Korkers are here to grip and stay. They have a unique build that allows you to switch your sole type so you are always capable of wading strong regardless of the problems at hand.  Additionally, you don't have to travel with multiple boots to be on various terrains or in and out of a boat. 

Let's delve into the “OSSCP” Formula and provide explanations for each characteristic tailored to fly selection. First, we can walk through the overall formula so you can understand how I visualize it systematically and as a tool. Observation and Presentation bracket and hold everything together by being the most powerful elements.  Then, in order of importance, it is Silhouette, Size, then Color to finalize your decision-making process. You’ve likely heard this phrase before, “the flies are for the angler!”  This means the real importance is the observation of what fish are eating. The next level of importance is that the fly has to look relatively similar, and as you observed and now are presenting, you must locate your drift in the right location. When I mention location, I mean the correct feeding lane and the correct position in the water column. The actual fly itself only needs to resemble the “natural” and is not required to be an exact replica. 

Caddis flies are a staple in the diet of trout and many other freshwater fish. These aquatic insects, found in streams, rivers, and lakes worldwide, offer fly anglers numerous opportunities to mimic nature and hook up with some beautiful fish. Here are pro-tips on how to fish a caddis fly effectively.

Before we get started, let’s talk about identification and identification of the hatch.  If you haven’t already, I highly suggest that you read How to Identify a Caddis and Hatch

Understanding these technical aspects and nuances of caddisfly identification and behavior, fly fishers can more effectively select and present their fly patterns, increasing their chances of a successful day on the water.
Because caddisflies are found all over the world, with over 12,000 described species! They inhabit a variety of freshwater habitats, from fast-flowing mountain streams to still lakes. Their global distribution means they're a key food source for fish in many different ecosystems. For the fly fisher, this means caddis patterns are essential in the fly box no matter where you're fishing.

How to Fish a Blue Winged Olive (BWO) Pattern One fly pattern that symbolizes the beauty and challenge of fly fishing, is the Blue Winged Olive (BWO). Revered by fly anglers across the globe, this ...

Sacrificial Zone = Landing the fly far enough in front of the fish that it is not yet within their line of vision.  You do not present far enough ahead that you line-spooke them, and a short section of the presentation can be sacrificially poor. The primary desire is to set up your fly so that it enters and exits the Sight Zone and the Feeding Zone in a perfect drift.