Backyard Hatches is a video and blog series will focus on the entomology of various insects that lie at the root of the sport of fly fishing and evaluate the relationship that the emergence of these insects has on trout behavior.
Each post will focus on a particular insect – anything ranging from various mayflies such as the Hendrickson and Green Drake, ranging to various caddis fly and stonefly species as well. The Backyard Hatches series will be looking at the entire bug life-cycle; not just what is hatching on the surface.
Slate Drake Dun (Isonychia, bicolor subimago)
Naturally, we’ll go into dry fly tactics, but also take a look at imitating the nymphs and emergers that are arguably even more important to the populations of trout we are chasing. Additionally, we’ll evaluate how the natural behavior of the insect can help us to strategize our approach – should we nymph, should we swing wets, should we blindly throw dries? These are all questions we hope to answer.
Caddis Swarm
Every insect is different and behaves differently depending on which part of their lifecycle they are in. Each post will look at the lifecycle stages of the nymph, the emerger, the dun, and the spinner and discuss the importance of the hatch by each stage. In looking at each insect, we’ll focus on the time of year that they are most active. For the majority, that will be in the spring, for others, the fall, and even some in the winter months!
Stonefly Nymph
Often times we try to rationalize why certain patterns work, especially when it comes to matching a hatch, but at the end of the day all we’re trying to do is catch some fish. In my opinion though, just understanding the natural process and dynamics of a hatch adds to the enjoyment of fly fishing and maybe, just maybe, might help you fool that mature trout.
Rusty Spinners
Aquatic insects are fascinating! So if this is something that is of interest to you, follow along through this series as we explore the various hatches in our own backyard and beyond.
May the hatches always be heavy,
Doug
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