The Hex Hatch Has Begun

John Crotty, Almanor Fishing Association

The “Hex Hatch” has officially started with large quantities of bugs hatching all along the west shore this past week. Bass, Rainbows, Browns and Salmon are keying in on the larvae and mayfly as they hatch at dusk. If you are a fly fisherman and have never witnessed the Hex Hatch on Almanor it is worth your time just to witness these bugs emerge . Geese, ducks, bats and all varieties of fish & birds gorge on these delicious bugs. The Hex larvae takes 8-10 hours to emerge from the muddy bottom and slowly navigate its way to the surface where it typically hatches at dusk into a beautiful protein filled snack. Slow fish a nymph early in the evening in water to 25 feet deep and have the dry fly ready at dusk to target rising fish. If you see a fish sucking in the mayflies on the surface, anticipate their next move and place your imitation in its path.

Mark at Sierra Fly & Tackle at Hamilton Branch has all the flies, information and equipment you will need. Most fly fishermen are using float tubes, casting a sinking line and slowly back peddling leaving their fly in the targeted zone.

Canyon Dam boat ramp remains the only public boat ramp on Almanor and I still have no official word on when our public campgrounds will open.