Baetis hatches usually end in early evening, say 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., but there can be so many flies that fail to emerge properly that dead duns mixed with midges, and perhaps some Baetis spinners, can keep some trout rising til dark. This situation will be best on tailwater rivers and spring creeks, whose slower low-gradient flows and rich waters favor profuse daily hatches of these smaller flies. Freestone rivers will have Baetis , too, and sometimes in impressive numbers. One stretch may show more bugs and rising fish than another, so it s best to cover some ground and look for bugs and risers. Swift, bouldered rivers will show less steady-rising fish activity.
Hatches come and go more quickly and don t tend to last as long.
Bugs don t linger in the flows as long as they do on slower-paced rivers, where trout can sip them at leisure. Swift rivers often fish better in spring with nymphs. Nymphs Baetis nymphs are numerous in most rivers and can be quite active, swimming about frequently in search of food and cover. Trout have plenty of opportunities to eat them, and do so. Baetis nymphs are numerous, active, and available to trout through much of the season.