The Mother's Day Hatch You Never Heard Of

Most fly fisherman and women have heard about the infamous Mother’s Day Caddis hatch that occurs on the Arkansas River in Southwestern Colorado. Most have never heard of the hatch that can rival that of the Arkansas, which occurs on the Gunnison River just over the hill. This hatch goes uncredited given the fact that it usually occurs during high water, so it is practically unfishable. I have had some decent luck throwing large caddis nymphs during this hatch but I have even better luck on low water and low snowpack years.

                With a low snowpack year, which we have, we will see a prompt high water season. With runoff only lasting a couple weeks, we will be able to chase this caddis hatch morning and evening come mid to late May. In low water years past, we have been productively fishing this hatch by the third week in May. So, technically it’s not really a Mother’s Day hatch per say, but it’s in the neighborhood. This Hatch can last a couple weeks and progress into June if all goes well. This can be some nonstop early season dry fly action you never knew existed. Clouds of Caddis swarming the river, bushes and sky. Swallows frantically chasing flies as if they are jets in a dogfight. Trout exploding to the surface for a high protein meal. This is a spectacle and performance not to be missed. One of my favorite ways to get the most out of this hatch is to fish it from a boat.

                Anglers from all over travel to try and witness the Mother’s Day Caddis hatch but very few will go the extra couple of miles for a chance at this hatch without the crowds. So if you are planning your early season dry fly trip this year, don’t leave the Gunnison out of the question.

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