Massive hatches, no hatches and more flyfishing water
Hatches and rises are increasing all across southern Norway, but expect fewer catches if you forget your box of heavy nymphs ...
– It was a rainy day, during the most intense shower. A massive hatch of Baetis rhodani on the Kvennan Fly Fishing zone in Glomma. The kind of hatch that makes the river look furry, for lack of a better word …
Eirik Sætren drifts off slightly (quite understandably) while reporting on recent conditions on Glomma and tributaries.
You snooze, you lose
This was at Kvennan Fly Fishing during a hefty shower end of last week. Some unfortunate anglers had retreated to their cabins and missed the entire show.
– We see it again and again, especially early in the season when the baetis species are the dominant mayfly on the water. If you snooze, you lose. You have to risk getting wet and cold to experience som of the best hatches of the season.
Eirik caught several respectable grayling, and lost a big trout. So even the big ones will rise on small bugs at Kvennan, when the hatches are intense enough.
Colder means deeper
He later reports that conditions in Grimsa on June 14th were fishable, river clear enough for sight fishing and water temperature at 7,5C. No rises but fish cruising for nymphs on the bottom is pretty normal this time of year. When water temperatures are that low, either the hatches have to extemely dense or the water almost still, for fish to rise In fast flowing mountain draining rivers like Grimsa.
– Don't leave that box of bottom huggers behind. Present a nymph at the right depth for a feeding fish, and you will usually induce a take.
The cold weather that has dominated the first half of June has been a blessing for those who care most about the weeks to come. Hatches have been mostly sparse and seem to be stretched out in time. (Aforementioned Baetis rhodani as the exception that proves the rule.) Sometimes air temperature has dropped below water temperature, putting a break on everything for a few days, until the lethargic Norwegian summer catches up.
More water, fewer football-fans?
In other news, the fly fishing zone in Alvdal has grown. 2-3 kms more double bank fly only fishing awaits on Glomma. We will get back to you with the specifices in a later update.
Also, there might be a decrease in anglers in a few rivers now, especially after late night football-matches (and beer?)
If you don't care much for football (or just care more for fly fishing) get out there. There's not many others just yet, especially before noon ;-)
