Yellow May

Nymphs

This nymph was found in early March, living in faster, better oxygenated water. They are clinger nymphs, which means that they are good at holding onto rocks, and less likely to be dislodged into the waiting jaws of trout.

(body length approx 1.2 cm)

These are subimagos photographed an hour or so after hatching, in early June. They typically hatch under the water's surface, and, if lucky, break through & fly away. Typically they will float along on the surface for a minute or two before actually taking to the air. They hatch sporadically in the evenings, but are easily detected by their bright yellow color. Actually, until recently, I didn't think trout were much interested in these, however seeing a nice fat rainbow jump full out of the water after one changed that opinion. Because they hatch under the water, a partridge & yellow soft hackle pattern fished just under the surface can work fairly well.

Spinners

(body length approx 1.2 cm)

This is a fully developed adult, photographed about 24 hours after hatching. (This one is missing one of its front legs...) Spinner fall happens in the evening as it gets dark (& probably after). This further justifies fishing a yellow soft hackle pattern late in the evening.

dmason@zebu.uoregon.edu