Hip Waders vs. Chest Waders: The Pros & Cons
Hip Waders or Chest Waders? Choosing the right gear for fly fishing can make all the difference in…
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Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Midday | #18-#24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith's Gnat |
| Winter Stoneflies | Midday | #14-#18 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| February | Midges | Midday | #18-#24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith's Gnat |
| Winter Stoneflies | Midday | #14-#18 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| March | Blue Winged Olive | Midday | #18-#20 | BWO Dry Fly, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| Little Black Caddis | Late Afternoon | #18-#20 | Elk Hair Caddis (Black) | |
| April | Blue Winged Olive | Midday | #16-#18 | BWO Dry Fly |
| Little Black Caddis | Late Afternoon | #16-#18 | Elk Hair Caddis (Black) | |
| May | Sulphurs | Evening | #16-#18 | Sulphur Dry Fly |
| Caddis | Late Afternoon | #14-#16 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| June | Light Cahills | Evening | #14-#16 | Light Cahill Dry Fly |
| Caddis | Late Afternoon | #14-#16 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| July | Terrestrials | All Day | #10-#16 | Ants, Beetles, Grasshoppers |
| Tricos | Early Morning | #20-#24 | Trico Spinner | |
| August | Terrestrials | All Day | #10-#16 | Ants, Beetles, Grasshoppers |
| Tricos | Early Morning | #20-#24 | Trico Spinner | |
| September | Blue Winged Olive | Midday-Evening | #18-#20 | BWO Dry Fly |
| Terrestrials | All Day | #10-#16 | Ants, Beetles, Grasshoppers | |
| October | Blue Winged Olive | Midday-Evening | #18-#20 | BWO Dry Fly |
| October Caddis | Late Afternoon-Evening | #8-#12 | October Caddis Dry Fly | |
| November | Blue Winged Olive | Midday | #18-#20 | BWO Dry Fly |
| Midges | Midday | #20-#24 | Zebra Midge | |
| December | Midges | Midday | #20-#24 | Zebra Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Midday | #14-#18 | Black Stonefly Nymph |
While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out.
The Pike River in Racine is packed with great spots for fly fishing, ideal for both novice and experienced anglers:
Also known as King Salmon, these species are the largest in size and most popular among anglers. They are great fighters and present a real challenge for fly fishing.
A smaller cousin of the Chinook but equally aggressive making them a fun and challenging species for fly fishing.
A migratory form of Rainbow trout, they can be found in the Pike River in both spring and fall. They can provide a hard-fought battle with a fly rod.
These trout species are a favorite among fly fishers due to their tenacity in the water and beauty on the hook.
Found in abundance in the river, they are coveted for their sly nature. They can prove challenging to catch making victory all the sweeter.
Native to Wisconsin, these smaller species of trout are wily and require a delicate approach when fly fishing.
Although typically associated with conventional fishing, avid fly fishers also target this species for their size and fight.
These are aggressive fighters and a blast to catch on the fly. They can offer a heavyweight challenge in shallow water.
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