Baetidae in sleet and fresh snow
The warmth in Fishspotland was quickly replaced by cold and snow down to 1000 meters above sea level, while small dark mayflies brightened the days for patient anglers.
And if you missed the blanket hatches that occurred in some places during the bad weather, you can take comfort in the fact that the cold and rain have now been positive for the rest of the season.
For many, vacation is a hope for warm and dry weather, but not for us who roam rivers and lakes in search of rising and nymphing trout, char, and grayling. Both the fish and the insects thrive better with a classic Norwegian summer with sun, rain, a bit of sleet and snow, and normal Norwegian summer temperatures.
Therefore, many of us were a bit concerned at the beginning of June. Early, high, and stable warmth rarely bodes well for river fishing throughout the summer and autumn. However, 10 days later, the concern was greatly reduced. Several rivers and streams in the lowlands received the necessary replenishment of water, temperatures plummeted both in the air and water, while the melting of ice and snow at higher elevations took a pause.
Those who were out in the worst of the bad weather experienced a lot of poor fishing, rising rivers, and temperatures close to the freezing point. But the patient ones who were in the right place at the right time reported blanket hatches of small Baetis mayflies (hook size 18-20) in sleet and rain showers. Apparently, a few trout were also caught by our field staff.
Now, the forecast is for variable weather favorable for mayfly hatches from Snåsa in Trøndelag to mountain lakes in Fyresdal in Telemark, while the vulgata is hatching across large parts of Eastern Norway. For now, rivers and streams are clearing up and temperatures are rising again. Water levels and temperature conditions in Fishspotland could become very favorable in the next couple of weeks – and hopefully remain so for a long time to come.
In addition to lakes and ponds with the large mayfly Ephemera vulgata, Rena, Glomma, and Trysilelva are clear recommendations these days. Water levels and temperatures in the upper parts of Gudbrandsdalslågen have fluctuated a lot, but in a week or two, the river will likely offer patient anglers many great experiences between the gusts of wind.
Keep casting 😉
Published 14. june 2024
