GA Mayflies? In August?

[gajpb]

I live on Lake Sinclair in GA, and in the last day, just this morning actually, the boathouse and dock were overcome with mayflies. My brother-in-law (thanks, Brian!) gave me a book on insects, mainly useful  for fly fishing, and I think it is a type of Mayfly called a Leadwing Coachman. Anyhoo I was wondering if a hatch like this would effect the bass fishing in the area. I imagine it would make the topwater bite a bit better than it has been in the evening and early morning. Any thoughts on this? Should I even use this phenomenon to try and land a few large ones?

[nwgabassmaster]

In my experience, when we have a late hatch around this time of year, the bite becomes slower than it was before, because the flies that land on the water active the baitfish, and that activates the bass, etc.

However, your area might be a little different.  So, I would give it a try.  I would also try some inline spinners around where you saw the flies at.  Might catch some crappies for the table, and might tangle with a decent sized bass.

[Will]

In my experience, when we have a late hatch around this time of year, the bite becomes slower than it was before, because the flies that land on the water active the baitfish, and that activates the bass, etc.

However, your area might be a little different. So, I would give it a try. I would also try some inline spinners around where you saw the flies at. Might catch some crappies for the table, and might tangle with a decent sized bass.

I would of thought that the hatch would bring some better fishing if you would match the baitfish eating the hatch such as bluegill and crappie. Mayflies seem a little to small to consistently catch bigger fish on dinky baits trying to imitate them.