jtd1218 wrote...
I posted some questions here a few years back before my first trip to
the Yoop and got some helpful advice (a grateful tip of the cap to Mr.
Wolfgang) on streams around the Kenton area. Planning a return trip in
a couple weeks and I'm hoping I can score some insights on a different
topic this time: Black flies. Our last trip was in late summer/early
fall, so these pests weren't really an issue. But with the return trip
scheduled for the first week of July, I'm a little worried this time
around.
First, is it completely nuts to fish up there this time of year?
Yes, but don't let that stop you. IME (moderately extensive), a bug net such
as the OR Spring Ring (
http://tinyurl.com/ez5wj), coupled with a pair of
mesh gloves and long sleeves will keep you sane and almost bite free. And
hoping for a breeze doesn't hurt, either.....
There's some indication in archived posts on the topic that black fly
season may be over by early July. Can anyone attest to how the season
is shaping up so far this year?
I wish I could. My IR trip isn't until mid-July, so I'll look for your
report. :-)
Typically June is the worst month for bugs, but that of course can vary
tremendously depending on weather, etc.
Second, is one repellent better than another for black flies/deer
flies?
DEET works. Well. Bear in mind it's various not-so-nice effects when
applying. I prefer the REI Jungle Juice (cheapest 100% DEET (OK,
98.something) I've found). The higher DEET concentrations do not affect
repellency, just the length of time between applications. I tried Picaridin
(Cutter Advanced) last year on a moderatly skeeter/fly infested trip, but
frankly, was not all that impressed with it. I do, however tend to be quite
the bug attractor (Hey, at least something finds me attractive, huh?), so
YMMV here.
I'm sure I could get multiple answers here, but any advice based
on experience (or otherwise, I suppose) is appreciated.
Finally, are black flies more of a stream nuisance, or should we expect
to battle them around warmwater lakes as well?
IME, they're not too picky about habitat. Streams, lakes, hair, pants legs,
cooking food, privies, etc.
While I'm at it, I'll push my luck with a bonus question as well: Any
Kenton-area streams fish better than others this time of year?
Man-o-man do I wish I had an answer for that one.
Dan