Hex Hatch - WHAT Patterns do I Need????

[garyk]

I've made myself a promise to get in on the Hex hatch this year.

The last time I fished Hex's was eons ago in northern Maine, and we just tossed out a dry fly they called a "Devil Bug". Here, we'd call it a variation of a tied-down caddis.

I've got time to pull a few patterns together .... what do I need to be prepared for the Oregon and S.Washington Lakes that have the Hex hatch ... any pics or links to pics would be great, THANKS!

[sothereiwas]

In my experience fishing Merrill you can skip adult dries. The fish tend to roll on them in an attempt to drown them and then pick them up subsurface. You best bet to maximize hook-ups is to fish cripples if you want surface activity or nymphs. As far as specific patterns they dont tend to be that particular.

[steelheadslayer]

If you want a model to tie up your own, stop at Anglers Workshop. Their hex flies seem to get bit when other variations don't.

[Doryfisher]

Originally Posted by sothereiwas

In my experience fishing Merrill you can skip adult dries. The fish tend to roll on them in an attempt to drown them and then pick them up subsurface. You best bet to maximize hook-ups is to fish cripples if you want surface activity or nymphs. As far as specific patterns they dont tend to be that particular.

Great insight. Thanks

[garyk]

Originally Posted by steelheadslayer

If you want a model to tie up your own, stop at Anglers Workshop. Their hex flies seem to get bit when other variations don't.

Great tip .... I love that place! But never paid attention to their flies!

[Dom C]

I only fish cripples as well.... I tie mine on a curved hook so the flies rides low in the water. I don't think materials matter much, as long as the size and silhouette match the naturals.

[garyk]

For Merrill specifically, what dates does the Hex hatch typically ocurr between? Does it last a couple weeks? Longer, or less? I want to put some reminders on the calendar!

[steelheadslayer]

Gary,
It's been a few years since I fished up there but I think the hatch occurs when it starts warming up and basically isn't limited to a time frame. I may have my facts a little off but I remember the warmer temps and crazy action right before dark. Sometimes, the after dark fishing can be better too. A great mayfly? hatch around 11 can be lights out also.

[AndyK]

Originally Posted by garyk

For Merrill specifically, what dates does the Hex hatch typically ocurr between? Does it last a couple weeks? Longer, or less? I want to put some reminders on the calendar!

I fished Merrill twice last year during the Hex hatch. Both trips were in July and I caught trout both times. I was definitely more successful with Hex emergers rather that with dries.

The hatch was right at dusk. Two hour period from one hour before dark to one hour after dark.

[Breck]

I've had great success over the past few summers with adult dries on Merrill. Like AndyK said, the hatch is usually that 2 hr span. Late July through August, and sometimes even into September seemed to be the best months.

I always go to The Greased Line Fly Shoppe in Vancouver to get my flies. They have some dynamite patterns. The one I've had the best success with is a parachute variety with a yellow foam body.

I even like to camp at the Kalama Horse Camp and do a couple nights in the summer. Nice campground and very close to the lake.

Another cool thing about Merrill is a big bald eagle that waits in a tree and tries to swoop down and steal hooked fish. No fear. The bird will almost fly right into your boat.

Good luck & we'll see you out there.

[topcd098]

My recommedation is to go in July after a solid week of hot weather. Lots of guys row out a couple hours before dusk. I like to fish hex nymphs of the bottom starting about 4. As the Hex get more active start fishing higher in the water column. I use an intermediate line and then have a rod ready with floating line. I definitely agree with the swirl comment on the drys. Cripples work best. If the fish are swirling let the fish turn down before setting the hook. Great place for the Hex hatch.

Another great place is the Williamson mid June. There are some HUGE fish that come up for the Hex. One other tip, if you are fishing drys or cripples twitch the fly and let it sit for about 15 secs before twitching again. Fish will take the fly will it is sitting. It is like fishing for bass with a popper, or as John Gierech wrote...getting an old cat to play with a string of yarn. A kitten (or small fish) will pounce the string no matter how twitch the string around. The old cat (big fish) requires you to illicit the strike with just enough movement, but not too much.

I posted some Williamson pics on the Diamond Lake thread above yours,

[jaxflyfish]

Originally Posted by Breck

I've had great success over the past few summers with adult dries on Merrill. Like AndyK said, the hatch is usually that 2 hr span. Late July through August, and sometimes even into September seemed to be the best months.

I always go to The Greased Line Fly Shoppe in Vancouver to get my flies. They have some dynamite patterns. The one I've had the best success with is a parachute variety with a yellow foam body.

I even like to camp at the Kalama Horse Camp and do a couple nights in the summer. Nice campground and very close to the lake.

Another cool thing about Merrill is a big bald eagle that waits in a tree and tries to swoop down and steal hooked fish. No fear. The bird will almost fly right into your boat.

Good luck & we'll see you out there.

I agree completely, I have great success on the adults as well. Someone mentioned them being drowned and then coming back....that is true as well if you get hit...but no hookup just wait.....

also, foam extended bodies are the way to go..the wrapped deer hair bodies don't fold up the way a real fly does...i think the fish literally bump them right off the water cause they hit them so hard....and they expect them to fold up...