Mayfly Hatches This Winter ?

[Herman Jooste]

In the latest issue of one of the f/f mags there is a pic of " A typical winter Mayfly hatch on the Vaal". I have fished a lot this winter and have yet to see such a massive hatch.
Have I been in the wrong place at the wrong time?
What have been your experiences this winter thus far as far as mayfly hatches are concerned?

[Scythe]

Huge hatches except on certain days ... at times the water has been literally blanketed with BWO and PMD variants and ofcourse all manner of TAN/Natural HE/Black MF and even Tricos on occasion.

[chris williams]

I havn't fished the Vaal in winter so far this year (Ag, shame...) but from my old records, various Baetidae adults in a wide range of muted colours in as Scythe says usually hatch in the warmer part of the day, especially when there is a breeze to assist their 'take-off'. PTN nymphs tied using pheasant tails dyed dark yellow (you can buy them this colour from the shops), emergers and adults in the size 12/16 bracket should do the job. Imitate the adults' colour to match what's on the water. Also bloodworm, midge pupae imitations (check the naturals' colour - usually small black, olive or claret this time of year, artificials also 12/16) and a simple Griffiths Gnat to imitate the adult midge clusters should work as well. These are the two predominant Vaal insect families in winter before the caddis wake up again.

[poppernel]

HI Flybum,

Good informative posting, well done. I'm sure new ff targeting yellows will enjoy this info.

Dave

[Michael]

Only one problem...there are many newcomers and novices that read these pages, and while they (the posts) are very informative, I doubt the guys know what "BWO" and "PMD" hatches are. I would refrain from all the abbreviations guys...just as a courtesy to the FF (oops...fly fishers) that don't know what you mean.

Just a thought...

Mike

[Herman Jooste]

After checking for patterns for the Blue Wing Olive and the Pale Morning Dun, I noticed that apart from from colour the difference between the 2 is very subtle.

Question: How important is the wing on these flies ? Do the fish actually see the wing above the water, or do they only see what's lying on the water?

[andrewbuch]

Only one problem...there are many newcomers and novices that read these pages, and while they (the posts) are very informative, I doubt the guys know what "BWO" and "PMD" hatches are. I would refrain from all the abbreviations guys...just as a courtesy to the FF (oops...fly fishers) that don't know what you mean.

Just a thought...

Mike

mIKE i second your idea.. i am new.. and see all these abreviations and have no idea what they mean..

andrew

[Buzzers]

Have a look at http://www.westfly.com/entomology/entomology.shtml

[Nymph+O-]

I have been know to be very slow at times so please excuse me for making this useless comment but aren't the hackle supposed aid in 1.the fly riding on the surface? - 2. add to the silhouette (legs, wing touching water). Post in bright yarn/foam seems like the best option as it will aid in seeing the fly clearly, especially the size we are talking here.
Just a thought