Lupine are just now beginning to bloom in the Moosehead Lake Region which is our best indicator that caddis hatches are about to begin. Unlike mayflies which can be sparse at times and not wide spread, caddis hatches arrive as a blizzard of bugs. Who knows where the signal comes from but when in happens it sets the wheels in motion and an entire river will hatch one species of caddis. It’s a sight to see.
The first to show will be a bright green body elk wing caddis. After they hatch for a few days olive body caddis begin then tan, then orange, black and many others.
This is the time of season we love most of all. When caddis hatches kick in all you need is a handfull of the right body color elk wing caddis and you are good to go, sometimes for a few days until the next species make it’s appearance.
A good way to find out which body color is hatching is shake a few alders stream side. If caddis are out they are hanging in the alders. Catch a couple and have a look. Most look the same when viewed from above.
Their wings form a roof shape over the body and light or dark modeled brown in color. Be sure to flip a caddis upside down to see which body color your fly needs to be. Once caddis hatches are in full swing you’ll likely find a couple of different body colors and the fun begins.
Our weather has been unseasonably cool so pond fish for brookies is holding up very well. Mayflies are still hatching but since trout have been feeding regular on the surface they now eat a variety of flies. Try fishing a hornberg just under the surface. Use a slow retrieve so your fly make a small wade as you move it.
Water levels are ideal everywhere for wading and with no measurable forecasted in the future nothing should change for a while.
Life is good. Enjoy your time on the water.