Ask MidCurrent: We Need a Pocket-Sized Hatch and Fly Guide
Image by Kent Sanders
Question: Why doesn’t someone make a pocket-size hatch chart with the name and a photo of the insect along with a name and photo of the fly you should use? It would be such a help to those of us new to fly fishing.
~ Terry
Answer: A well-designed chart that includes images and names of the most effective flies for specific hatches would indeed be a valuable resource on the water. As a new fly angler, you’ve probably heard about matching the hatch. But without a solid understanding of entomology and a keen eye, it can be tough to know what bugs are hatching and what patterns to tie on. That’s where a pocket-sized hatch chart comes in handy.
The Benefits of a Pocket-Sized Hatch Chart
Imagine having a compact, lightweight reference guide that you can pull out of your vest or pack whenever you need it. Of course, most of us already have this and much more in the form of a phone. But sometimes the best fishing is found far from the reach of cellular towers. And even if you do have service, who wants to scroll through page after digital page of unvetted content trying to figure out just what the trout are slurping as they dimple the surface only a short cast away? What you need is something old-school, fool-proof, and compiled by an authority in the matter. No more guessing or relying on trial and error—you’d have the information you need right at your fingertips and hopefully printed on a water-proof paper.
Not only would a pocket-sized hatch chart be incredibly convenient, but it would also be a valuable learning tool. By studying the insects and their imitations, you’d gradually build your knowledge and become a more effective angler. Plus, you’d be able to spend more time fishing and less time rummaging through your fly box or scrolling through your phone.
Existing Pocket Guides for Fly Anglers
While there may not be a perfect all-purpose pocket-sized hatch chart on the market yet, there are several excellent pocket guides that come close. Here are a few top picks:
- Pocket Guide to Western Hatches
This comprehensive guide covers 90 common hatches found in waters west of the Mississippi River. It includes color photos, identification features, hatch timing, and fishing tips for each insect, as well as cross-references to 169 fly patterns. - Pocket Guide to Pennsylvania Hatches
Charles Meck & Paul Weamer’s guide is a must-have for anglers in Pennsylvania, featuring hatches and fly patterns specific to the state’s waters. - The Pocket Guide to Matching the Hatch
Peter Lapsley’s compact guide uses side-by-side images of natural insects and their artificial counterparts to help anglers match the hatch effectively. We’re not sure about the regional range of this one. - Pocket Guide to Upper Midwest Hatches
Anglers in the Upper Midwest will appreciate this guide, which covers hatches and fly patterns for trout streams and stillwaters in the region, complete with detailed macro images of the insects.
The DIY Approach
With the advancements in technology and the wealth of information available online at the stroke of a finger, an enterprising angler could even create their own pocket-sized hatch chart. By compiling data from trusted sources, taking photos of insects and flies, and using a template or design program, you could craft a personalized reference guide tailored to your favorite fishing spots.
A pocket-sized hatch chart may seem like a small thing, but you are absolutely right that for new fly anglers it could be a game-changer. By providing a quick and easy way to identify hatches and select the right flies, a compact reference guide would boost confidence, enhance learning, and ultimately lead to more successful days on the water.
