What do you do when....

[Rick G]

What do you guys do when there is a major bug hatch taking place and the cats just won't bite? The last four times I have been out on the river we have had a big may fly invasion take place. For about an hour after dark the bugs are so thick it looks like it's snowing and quite a few of the bodies end up on the surface of the water. With my bow lights we can see catfish as well as other game and rough fish taking advantage of the easy meal... I have tried just about everything I can think of with a 0% success rate . Is there something I'm missing?

[Shack]

I am sure they eat the bugs also but I would say they are more in the area because they are feeding on the bait fish which are feeding on the bugs also. Thus making them full or more or less on another feeding pattern which does not include looking for cut bait on the bottom.

Possibly matching the hatch and/or float fishing may be more of an option?

The ultimate is just make a move and find an area which holds fish feeding in a normal fashion.

[jentz]

Match the hatch with the flyrod

[Rick G]

I am sure they eat the bugs also but I would say they are more in the area because they are feeding on the bait fish which are feeding on the bugs also. Thus making them full or more or less on another feeding pattern which does not include looking for cut bait on the bottom.

Possibly matching the hatch and/or float fishing may be more of an option?

The ultimate is just make a move and find an area which holds fish feeding in a normal fashion.

Tried all sorts of live and dead minnows, worms and even waxworms on bottom, with floats and power drifting along the current edges. The hatch has been happening 15-20 miles in either direction, so that makes moving to a new spot tough

I could always fish for bass and walleyes, but what fun is that

[DTro]

You round up a bunch of guys/gals find a nice sandbar, build a big fire, and hang out and tell stories.