Arkansas River Caddis Hatch

ARKANSAS RIVER CADDIS HATCH

Well, Springtime is the time to get ready for the famed Arkansas River Caddis Hatch! Starting in Canon City and moving upriver as the water begins to warm, millions of Caddis flies will complete their cycle of life on the Arkansas River and create a feeding frenzy for trout and anglers alike. Although commonly referred to in these parts as the “Mothers Day Hatch,” the Spring caddis hatch typically starts in early April and lasts several weeks. The actually timing of the hatch is determined by the elements of nature: water temperature, air temperature, sun and wind.

It’s quite a sight to see-millions of caddis flies emerging from the water and flying around the river. All the while, countless rainbow and brown trout are gorging themselves on the abundance. And of course, word spreads quickly among the loose-lipped angling community. So wherever the fish, the anglers won’t be far behind.

The best place to fish is either just in front of the hatch or just behind it. Thankfully caddis flies don’t bite but the sheer volume of them will keep you on your toes. If you decide to wade out into the thick of the action, dress appropriately. Before you know it, you’ll have a mouthful, eyeful, and earful of caddis. In fact, it’s not an uncommon occurrence for unprepared anglers to show up in the local emergency rooms with their ears full of caddis.

Caddis flies (Trichoptera; derived from the Greek trich-“hair” and ptera-“wing”) are an order of insect related to moths and butterflies. Going through a typical 4-stage insect lifecycle-egg, larvae, pupa, and adult-adult caddis live anywhere from several days to a few weeks and emerge from the water to lay eggs and complete their life cycle. The females then lay spent on the surface, providing an easy meal for the browns and rainbows of the Ark.

And of course the trout enjoy the caddis in various stages of their life. The set-up of choice for locals and those in the know is a two-fly rig, which will imitate either two stages of insect life or 2 different insects. Try an Elk Hair caddis on the top and a pupa below it. As you get later in the day, some of the fish realize they don’t have to go all the way to surface to slurp the spent caddis, instead opting for the sub-surface pupa.

Trips book quickly this time of year and the public access points get crowded, especially in weekends, so book a float trip or “walk and wade” one of our private water stretches to avoid the masses. Once the snow starts to melt and the water starts flowing, the river gets harder and harder to fish and anglers are forced to the banks and the slackwater. Call us today to be a part of the 2010 Caddis Hatch! 719-530-2100!
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