The mayfly hatch (Claret dun – Leptophlebia vespertina) at Llynnau Gamallt Lakes on the 25th May, when the water temperature was 16 ºC, was prolific and sustained throughout the day and the trout were taking full advantage of the feast. The warm weather in the preceding 2 weeks had dried up all the shallow scrapes and the banks to the point where it was possible to fish the marshy margins where it is usually extremely difficult to walk let alone fish. While the water levels were still quite good they were a foot below the full level. The rain and cool weather over the following 2 weeks leading up to the 9th June not only filled the lake and cooled the water to 11 ºC but also increased the soil moisture levels to the point where the marshy margins were unfishable again.
The cooler water, overcast skies and cool breeze had seriously put the brakes on not only the Mayfly hatch but also the insect activity in the margins and the banks. Things improved in the afternoon when a small number of caddis started to hatch, along with small numbers of mayfly surfing the surface and the odd alder fly stuck in the surface film. The presence of caddis, albeit in small numbers, stimulated the brownies to start investigating the G+H sedge flies with splashy low confidence takes. These improved as evening came on and the hook ups started. The day closed with a large brownie with the most stunning colouration, beautiful butter brown with striking red spots that put up the most impressive fight.
While the insect activity in the margins was slow the dung fly activity associated with sheep droppings had gone from none to plentiful in the 2 weeks and at times were being blown onto the water. Better ensure I have a few of these in the fly box before I next visit.
Tight Lines
Greg
