Damsels in April???

[cje04]

I was fishing a stillwater this weekend and had something very unusual happen. There were damsels everywhere in the surface film. I didn't see any climbing onto my pontoon to hatch and I didn't see any adults (although I really didn't look near shore) but there were many nymphs at the surface wiggling around. Has anyone else seen the damsels out this early? Is there another reason other than hatching that might drive the nymphs to the surface?

[Jason]

Did you see adults? Most likely you saw the nymphs migrating towards shore in preparation for hatching. Where were you fishing....or shoot me an email if you don't want to post it here.

[cardiac]

Yes, spill you guts to me too. You have my addy.

[ARW]

The nymphs are 'chasing' optimum water temps and/or oxygen levels. It is not that uncommon for a period of time after the ice comes off as the lake turns. Remember a lake does not always 'turn' all at once, this process could take weeks.

[Jason]

Allen, good point. It's probably a little early for the damsel migration. I guess if the water was warm enough the damsels could be getting more active but I guess we'll never know for sure unless we know what water we're talking about.

[cje04]

Sorry for the late reply. You have mail.