Hexes!

The annual Hexegenia hatch is on at Ray Roberts. Everything that swims in that lake (with the possible exception of sand bass) is up cruising the shorelines for an easy meal. Every willow within 30 feet of shore will have dozens, if not hundreds, of the large mayflies on it. Shake a branch and they'll flush, scattering in the breeze. If any land in the water, a nearby bluegill or bass will gladly take the offering.

Bart Larmouth (from Tailwaters Flyfishing in Dallas) was at the lake yesterday and shot some video of the hexes. Check it out here.

The carp will feed on top as well. If you can find one that looks like it's surface-feeding, it probably is. Put a #8 Hex dry right in front of it on a long 3-4X leader and see what happens!

(photo by Bart Larmouth)

Fishing Update - 6/23

Great fishing at Ray Roberts this past weekend. The lake is only about 2" high now and still dropping (100+ temps this week will help) and clarity is near optimal. The weather difference between Sat. and Sun. created two completely different angling experiences.

I fished with Roger Crandall (top photo) Saturday and he ended up with 6 carp and a catfish. It was a typical June day on the flats - windy, partly cloudy, and warm. The fish were on the move and beginning to chase Hex nymphs that were moving in the flats. This includes the cats which were tailing large carp just like jacks on a ray. Roger put a fly right on the money in front of one BIG carp and a 2 pound catfish raced forward and nailed it before it sank 4 inches. Impressive.

Sunday was a different story. The high pressure system that was centered over central Louisiana had moved to north Texas bringing with it the first day of bright sunshine in three weeks. The fish were spooky and wanted everything "just right." I fished with Eric Burnett that day and we had to WORK for every fish. Eric has a great little Scott Warmwater 6 wt. that could straighten a leader at close range and still throw a couple of "Hail Mary's" to bass at the edges. We also saw 4 HUGE grass carp trailing across one of the flats. It's a little unnerving to see well over 100 pounds of fish swimming in two feet of water. Alas, no takers yet on the grassies!