Posted by Jim E (69.92.166.54) on December 16, 2004 at 15:16:46:
What are emergers ?
To a beginning fisherman, the term “emerger” may bring a confused look. It’s not a term often used or found in any other realm. That word is not even in the dictionary !!
In last week’s tip we touched on the usefulness of learning to identify the insects that are present in the waters that we fish. Pointing out that insects have different life cycles/stages that we need to be familiar with. Well the emerger stage is the last stage before adulthood for aquatic born winged insects. Different insects will emerge from their larvae form, i.e. caddis or from their nymph form, i.e. mayflies. With each, the emergent stage works pretty much the same. When the right time comes (most feel it to be the right culmination of “degree days” over the insects life thus far) the nymph or larvae will start to gather air under its skin, usually forming a bubble like bulge on its back right behind the head. This gathering continues until the point of which the nymph/larvae begins to float to the surface. Most just ascend without any movement but some swim and/or wiggle about. Either way, they are totally at the mercy of the current during their ascent and the fish know it. And what happens next, leaves many insects even more helpless.
The insect’s ascent stops at the surface, of course. It then must do two things. First it must break through its nymphal/larval skin or shuck. Then it must break through the surface meniscus. Neither of these are an easy task for the insect with the fish again knowing it. Some insects are unable to completely break through their shuck and end up dying or drowning during the process. These are known as cripples and trout, being the picky feeders that they are known for, will at times only focus on insects just such as these. But those insects that are successful aren’t out of the woods…uhh water, yet. Some, like mayflies and midges, must float along waiting for their wings to dry enough before being able to take to flight. Others, like caddis, can fly almost the instant they break through to freedom.
Knowing these things and being to identify their happening when you’re on the water will further your ability to understand the goings on of the world that our finned friends live in. You’ll better be able to imitate their food choices and ultimately catch more fish. You might find this past Tip of the Week helpful for more about fishing emergers.
Thanks for reading and comment as you like.
Jim Enns <*;))))))))))><