May, the color green is exploding everywhere you look.  The chance of snow, almost none. Geese are on their nest, letting you know with no uncertainty that you’re too close. Goldfinch and Baltimore Orioles compete with the other birds at the feeders. Possums and raccoons now add to the road kill numbers. Sunshine and warmth come to the valleys, and the trout are happy, so are those who pursue them. 

It is and has always been my favorite time to fish for trout. Streamside banks are still easy to navigate. Gnats and mosquitoes have yet to appear. Wild parsnip is not a concern, and the Red-winged Blackbirds are still at peace with the angler. What I like most about the month of May is that on any given day, I know that all forms of fishing with flies can produce. Nymphs, streamers, wet flies, and dries all have a time to shine, often within the same day. 

Weather and expected hatches usually dictate how I fish in May. Keeping things simple I carry just one medium size fly box but during this month that box is as diversified as it will be at any time of the season.  Here is the breakdown for the streams I fish. 

All of May: Subsurface:

Black and Olive Leeches

Scuds

Deep Caddis Pupa, Olive

Bead Head Soft Hackle Pheasant Tails

Black Beetles ( for those moments, I just want to smack something down along the edges)

Early to Mid-May: Surface:

#18 Blue Wing Olives

#18 Dark Caddis ( American Grannoms)

#16 Tan Caddis/Apple green body (Mother’s Day Caddis)

Mid-May into June: Surface:

#16 Hendricksons

#18 Pale Evening Duns and Spinners

#14/#16 Sulphurs

So there it is. The month of May offers plenty. Be observant, things can change rapidly, just like our Spring weather. For the most part, stream temps have the fish feeding throughout the day and by the end of the month right into darkness. These are the days and evenings to take advantage of. 

Is it the best month? A matter of opinion I guess but it’s definitely one of the most active. 

Now, get after it.