There’s nothing quite like a good hatch to bring a river to life. The Midwest might not get the hype of some other trout destinations, but it’s home to some of the best bug events in the country. From thick spring caddis to late-night Hex madness, these hatches draw out some serious fish. Here are five Midwest hatches every angler should have on their list.
1. Hex Hatch
The Hex Hatch is one of the most anticipated hatches in the Midwest. Occurring primarily in late June through early July, this hatch brings giant mayflies to the surface after dark, creating explosive dry fly opportunities. Rivers in Michigan, Wisconsin, and parts of Minnesota are famous for their Hex hatches, which can trigger some of the largest brown trout of the year to leave their daytime lies and feed aggressively in the dark. This hatch often starts around dusk and can last well into the night, offering anglers a rare chance to target big fish on topwater.
Fishing the Hex is all about timing and patience. Because the hatch is so concentrated, trout feed hard in short windows. Patterns like Hex dry imitations, extended body mayflies, and large emerger patterns are some of the best options. Anglers often fish from boats or wade carefully in the dark, relying on sound as much as sight. A headlamp with a red light, stealthy approach, and good line control are essential for success during this fleeting but unforgettable event.
2. Green Drake Hatch
The Green Drake hatch is another highly anticipated event in the Midwest, occurring from late May into early June. While it’s not as widespread as the Hex, rivers in Wisconsin and Michigan host healthy drake populations. These large, elegant mayflies emerge in the evenings, creating steady and visible surface activity. Because the insects are bigger than most mayflies, trout tend to key in confidently, making this hatch a prime time for serious dry fly action.
The hatch typically lasts one to three weeks, depending on conditions like water temperature and weather. A few proven fly patterns include Green Drake duns, emergers, and spinners, with sizes ranging from 8 to 12. Fishing in the late afternoon and early evening usually produces the best action, though spinner falls at dusk can be electric. Targeting slower seams, eddies, and foam lines can help you intercept rising fish during the peak of this hatch.
3. Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch
Kicking off the major Midwest hatches each year, the Mother’s Day Caddis is a classic spring highlight. Typically occurring from late April through mid-May, this hatch brings dense clouds of caddis to rivers across the Midwest. On the right day, the air is thick with bugs, and trout key in on them aggressively, often feeding in the middle of the river in riffled water.
Because this hatch can be so prolific, matching the stage of the insect matters. Elk Hair Caddis patterns work beautifully for adults, but caddis pupa or soft hackles fished just under the surface can be even more productive during heavy emergences. The hatch can last for a couple of weeks, but the best fishing is typically on sunny afternoons with mild weather. A good drift and the right size match (usually #14–16) can lead to fast paced and visual fishing.
4. Trico Hatch
The Trico hatch is one of the most technical and rewarding hatches of the Midwest summer. Typically appearing in July and lasting through September, these tiny mayflies emerge early in the morning, creating dense spinner clouds above riffles and smooth pools. On calm mornings, the water can be blanketed with spent spinners, bringing trout to the surface to sip with precision. It’s an angler’s game of accuracy and finesse.
Trico flies are small, often in the #20–24 range, so delicate presentations and light tippet are a must. Patterns like Trico spinners, parachute dries, and CDC emergers work well, especially during the spinner fall. Because trout can get picky with this hatch, paying close attention to size and drift is critical. This hatch rewards early risers, with the best fishing often wrapped up by mid-morning.
5. Blue Winged Olive Hatch
The Blue Winged Olive hatch, or BWO hatch, is one of the most reliable hatches across the Midwest. These small mayflies appear in early spring and again in the fall, providing consistent dry fly opportunities even on cooler, overcast days. Because BWOs hatch in a wide range of conditions and are abundant on many rivers, they’re a favorite of both trout and anglers. Their emergence often triggers steady, topwater action, making it a great hatch for all skill levels.
The hatch can last for several weeks, with prime activity often occurring midday. Size 16–20 parachute BWOs, emergers, and comparaduns are classic patterns that fool selective trout. Since these mayflies thrive in cooler weather, dressing appropriately and embracing less-than-perfect conditions can pay off big. Slow pools, soft seams, and foam lines are ideal lies to target feeding fish during a good BWO hatch.
