A few hatches

With the warm weather, no doubt many are on the water this weekend and into next week. The tiny winter black stones are out (#16 to 20), so too are the late winter black stones (#12 - 14) which are considerably larger. Starting soon on some waters will be early brown stones (#12) which are a little thicker through the thorax than the late winter black stones. In another week or two, you'll begin to hear about the annual emergence of the first of our larger stoneflies, the skwala (#8). Some will say that golden stones are hatching but it's really a skwala. Simultaneous to the stones, we have midges and a smattering of blue winged olive mayflies. I hope that helps clarify what's on the water currently. And if you're wondering what fly patterns, keep it simple - a black trude in #12 to 18; Adams #16 to 18; and Griffith's Gnat #14 to 20. The Fly Shops will sell you other patterns that are fashionable as well, but the old stand-bys are worth a go if you approach and present well.
Happy times.