Mayfly hatch?

[DetroitIron]

Does anybody have an estimation when the mayfly hatch will start? Isn't it usually around May 10th or so (i'm going on memory of our last trip up north - went walleye fishing May 15th, the mayfly hatch hit a few days earlier - we didn't catch a darn thing). Anyway, I imagine its probably more tied into temperature? Do we need a couple of 75+ degree temp days before they hit? I'm trying to time it to be on the water the time they hatch.

[WALLEYE MIKE]

SE Michigan area its usually around 3rd. week in June to 1st. week in July. depending on the weather.

[J9F]

I agree with Mike on the timing.

I always see people commenting about how the hatch affects fishing, but I have never seen it slow things down one bit on Erie.

Why are they called mayflies when they hatch in June??????? We also get junebugs in May down here, go figure.

[gunrod]

There are actually a ton of different mayflies that hatch. Of course us flydunkers know that.:yikes: Anyways, the hatch you are probably referring to is the Hex or Hexegania Limbata. They are the biggest of the mayflies and the most prolific hatch of the year. As fly dunkers we find that the fish are lethargic and stuffed for quite a while after the hatch. For big lake fishermen you will probably not see the same affects on the fish as they don't feed on top of the water as often or much as trout but I'm not too much of a big water fishermen so what do I know. :bonk:

[DetroitIron]

Thanks Mike