Fishing is a peaceful and rewarding activity enjoyed by many. One of the most exciting and bountiful times to fish is during a hex hatch.
A hex hatch is when a particular species of mayfly, known as the Hexagenia Limbata, hatches from its larvae into an adult and emerges from the water in mass quantities an event that brings out the hungry fish.
If you’re looking for guidance on how to get started fishing a hex hatch, then this blog post is for you. Here we walk through everything you need to know before heading out on your next fly-fishing trip, including tips on how to identify an upcoming hatch, what type of gear to use, and more.
With this guide in hand, you’ll be ready to take on a hex hatch like a pro!
What is a hex hatch?
A hex hatch is a mayfly that hatches in late June and into early July. The name “hex” comes from the Greek word for six, because this mayfly has six legs.
Hexes are big mayflies, about an inch long, with tan bodies and dark brown wings. They hatch in rivers all over the country, but are especially common in the Midwest.
When does a hex hatch occur?
A hex hatch occurs in the late summer and early fall when the water temperatures start to cool off. The larvae of the mayfly start to hatch and the adults emerge from their cocoons.
The hex hatch can last for several weeks and is a favorite time for fly fisherman.
Where do hex hatches occur?
Hex hatches can occur anywhere that there are hexagenia mayfly populations. These mayflies are found in ponds, lakes, and rivers across North America.
The hatch typically occurs in late June or early July and can last for several weeks.
How to fish a hex hatch
Assuming you know how to cast and are somewhat familiar with reading the water, fishing a hex hatch can be a fun and relatively easy way to catch fish. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Find a hex hatch. This can be done by looking for mayfly nymphs in the water or by asking around at your local fly shop.
- Choose the right fly. A variety of flies can imitate the hex nymph, so it is important to choose one that is similar in size and color to the natural insect.
- Fish deep. The hex nymphs spend most of their time near the bottom of the stream, so it is important to fish your fly deep in order to mimic their natural habitat.
- Use a slow retrieve. Hex nymphs are not known for being very active, so a slow retrieval is often most effective in triggering strikes from fish.
Hex hatch fly patterns
Hex hatch fly patterns are designed to mimic the insects that hatch during the Hexagenia mayfly hatch.
This hatch typically occurs in late June or early July and can last for several weeks.
The Hexagenia mayfly is a large mayfly that hatches in rivers across North America.
These flies are a favorite food source for trout, making them a popular target for fly anglers during the hatch.
There are a variety of different hex hatch fly patterns available, so it’s important to choose the right one for the conditions you’re fishing in.
For example, if you’re fishing in faster water, you’ll want to use a pattern that will help you get your fly down to the fish quickly.
In slower water, you can use a pattern that’s more heavily weighted to help it sink slowly and imitate the natural movement of the Hexagenia mayfly.
Some popular hex hatch fly patterns include:
-The Zebra Midge: This is a small, black and white midge that’s often used as an indicator fly during the hex hatch. It’s also effective as a standalone fly when fished alone or under an indicator.
-The Sparkle Dun: This is a light mayfly imitation that’s designed to float high on the water surface. It’s often used as an emerger pattern during the hex hatch when fish are rising to emerging insects.
-The Bead Head Pheasant Tail: This is a classic nymph
Fishing the hex hatch is an exciting and rewarding experience.
With a little preparation and knowledge, you can easily figure out how to fish this time of year successfully.
Remember that selecting the right fly, understanding your target species’ preferences, and adjusting your approach based on water conditions are all important aspects when it comes to fishing during a hex hatch. Now get out there and enjoy yourself!
