It is an aphid. These were all about a size #16-14 and I have seen them for the last couple of years during the winter and early spring. Don’t know what has changed, because early on we didn’t think the fish would eat them, supposing they tasted bad or were even maybe poisonous to the fish. You could watch one drift along for as far as you could see it and yet, there would be no takers. But, as with all things related to fishing, nothing is consistent. For this year, many of them have been devoured.
First off, like I said earlier, they are terrestrials. Meaning, they are not water born. Many aphids live in the trees and are found all over the south. I even have them on my property and you probably do too, unless you’re a big city apartment dweller. There might have been times when you’ve walked up to your car and noticed little specs all over it that look like tiny rain drops. But, touching one of the drops leaves you thinking that it is just tree sap, since it is sticky. Well, guess what ? It was (in all likely hood) from aphids that are in nearby or overhead trees. And it wasn’t sap, but…uh…well…their excrement. I know that there are times when I find it all over my vehicles and, luckily, it washes off easily.
Back to fishing. When it is windy these bugs often get blown out of the trees and fall where they may, with several invarably ending up on the water. They are very clumsy and do not “sit” on the water. They squirm and move while on their side, with at least one wing stuck in the film, rendering them totally helpless. The photos don’t show the aphids colors very well but, their bodies are short and stubby being mostly olive in color and their wings are a dark translucent black color. Sound familiar ? Think, blue-winged olive mayfly. Now, true BWO’s are not that big. A size #16 is the max for the naturals. Yes, you can find and often see bigger BWO imitations tied, but……at least they can be used to resemble this aphid terrestrial.
My past couple trips to the LMF have seen a big decline in the number of the “BWO aphids”. But, started to notice thousands of smaller ones that where around a #22. These guys have the same short, stubby body but it is gray. Their wings are just about totally clear. I’m sure I have seen them before but mistook them to be midges. It wasn’t until I noticed how many of the little gray “midges” weren’t sitting on the water but were stuck in the film. I collected a few (sorry, no pics of them) and sure enough they were miniature aphids !! Still alive and squirming but clumsy, just like the bigger ones.
So why is this important to the fly fisherman ? Well, since they are terrestrials, all the other stages of their life cycle mean nothing to the fish. So, trying to fish a midge pupa or larva would probably be fruitless when fish are taking the hapless aphids. I’m sure I’ve done this before in the past. Just more of the frustrations from midge fishing or aphid fishing or…..whatever I should call it. ? Other than that, match the “hatch” and fish your chosen best imitation of these terrestrials, just like you would any other dry fly. Although, I’m convinced the fish will key in on the ones that are squirming, at times. Dunno what to do about that ?
There is a whole other world out there with the aphid family of insects. Several months ago there was a discussion here on the message board about tiny flying fuzz balls being found around the river. Some saw them being eaten when they fell to the water. As best as I could find they were wooly alder aphids.
Do an internet search for “aphids” and see for yourself. I was amazed at how many different ones there are and where all they are found !!