1001 U.P. Black Fly Questions

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?
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?

Second, is one repellent better than another for black flies/deer
flies? 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?

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?

Thanks a bunch for any help.

Justin

wrote in news:1150736918.703332.76190
@h76g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:

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?
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?

Second, is one repellent better than another for black flies/deer
flies? 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?

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?

Thanks a bunch for any help.

Justin



For black flies, I tend not to count on any of the repellants. Even with
the repellents, things can get pretty darn miserable. I travel with a
headnet, just in case, and if I knew I was heading into trouble, I'd pick
up one of those bug jackets, and maybe even bring a lightweight cotton
glove or something.

--
Scott
Reverse name to reply

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

"Scott Seidman" wrote in message
.4...
wrote in news:1150736918.703332.76190
@h76g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:

For black flies, I tend not to count on any of the repellants. Even with
the repellents, things can get pretty darn miserable. I travel with a
headnet, just in case, and if I knew I was heading into trouble, I'd pick
up one of those bug jackets, and maybe even bring a lightweight cotton
glove or something.

--
Scott
Reverse name to reply

Scott,
Is that just with black flies or all flies, including mosquitoes?
Is there something about bug repellants that you know of that isn't given in
the MSDS data?
Reason for asking I'll be in Alaska the first two weeks of July.
-tom

"Tom Nakashima" wrote in
:


"Scott Seidman" wrote in message
.4...
wrote in news:1150736918.703332.76190
@h76g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:

For black flies, I tend not to count on any of the repellants. Even
with the repellents, things can get pretty darn miserable. I travel
with a headnet, just in case, and if I knew I was heading into
trouble, I'd pick up one of those bug jackets, and maybe even bring a
lightweight cotton glove or something.

--
Scott
Reverse name to reply

Scott,
Is that just with black flies or all flies, including mosquitoes?
Is there something about bug repellants that you know of that isn't
given in the MSDS data?
Reason for asking I'll be in Alaska the first two weeks of July.
-tom



Nothing really beyond the ken, but black flies seem to be able to simply
ignore repellents when they want to, and then life can get real miserable
real fast. See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2167.html and look
at the prevention section.

I know you like traveling ultra light, but if the area you're heading
into has a reputation of black fly activity in early July, you might want
to pick up a head net. If the flys are really bad, buy more than one,
and gouge your travel companions on the price! You might also do up your
travel clothes with Permethrin-- that's most conveniently done in
advance. I've had some success with treating a bandana with Permethrin
and wearing around my neck. Wrist bands might help too. One treatment
lasts about two weeks-- longer if you keep it in a plastic baggy.

--
Scott
Reverse name to reply

"Tom Nakashima" wrote in
:


"Scott Seidman" wrote in message
.4...
wrote in news:1150736918.703332.76190
@h76g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:

For black flies, I tend not to count on any of the repellants. Even
with the repellents, things can get pretty darn miserable. I travel
with a headnet, just in case, and if I knew I was heading into
trouble, I'd pick up one of those bug jackets, and maybe even bring
a lightweight cotton glove or something.

--
Scott
Reverse name to reply

Scott,
Is that just with black flies or all flies, including mosquitoes?
Is there something about bug repellants that you know of that isn't
given in the MSDS data?
Reason for asking I'll be in Alaska the first two weeks of July.
-tom




Perhaps http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=6064633275
&category=11741 will do for a mosquito glove


--
Scott
Reverse name to reply

"Scott Seidman" wrote in message
. 1.4...


"Tom Nakashima" wrote in
:


"Scott Seidman" wrote in message
.4...
wrote in news:1150736918.703332.76190
@h76g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:

For black flies, I tend not to count on any of the repellants. Even
with the repellents, things can get pretty darn miserable. I travel
with a headnet, just in case, and if I knew I was heading into
trouble, I'd pick up one of those bug jackets, and maybe even bring
a lightweight cotton glove or something.

--
Scott
Reverse name to reply

Scott,
Is that just with black flies or all flies, including mosquitoes?
Is there something about bug repellants that you know of that isn't
given in the MSDS data?
Reason for asking I'll be in Alaska the first two weeks of July.
-tom




Perhaps http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=6064633275
&category=11741 will do for a mosquito glove


--
Scott
Reverse name to reply

Great sense of humor Scott!!!
Yes I do have a bug headnet, and lightweight bug off gloves...even thought
of bringing along one of these:
http://frogs.org.au/x/bonking/mosquito_catch.gif
-tom

On 19 Jun 2006 20:42:01 GMT, Scott Seidman wrote:

I've had some success with treating a bandana with Permethrin
and wearing around my neck. Wrist bands might help too. One treatment
lasts about two weeks-- longer if you keep it in a plastic baggy.

I treat my hats, and that seems to help some as well.
--
Charlie...
http://www.chocphoto.com

On 6/19/06 1:08 PM, in article
, "
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.

Erp! The what 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.

As well you should.

I can't speak with first hand knowledge to your questions (not that it'll
stop me from answering anyhow :-) but my family who are up that way have
always discouraged me from June/early July visits. Earliest I've been up
there was the 4th of July, many years ago, and while I don't recall the
black flies, the skeeters were something fierce. "A great many of them
weigh a pound!" Uncle Bob used to say :-)

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?

Again, I'd be speaking from third hand knowledge, but I'd guess any of the
waters that were good the last time you were up there in late summer will be
good this time. I sure know where I'd be spending time if I were in the
neighborhood. Sparrow Rapids is one beautiful part of this globe we call
home and has always rewarded me with fine fishing. The Linsenmann guide
book is a good one, but I'm sure Wolfgang already pointed you to that.

Enjoy da nort' woods!

Bill

On 19 Jun 2006 17:54:41 GMT, Scott Seidman
wrote:

For black flies, I tend not to count on any of the repellants. Even with
the repellents, things can get pretty darn miserable. I travel with a
headnet, just in case, and if I knew I was heading into trouble, I'd pick
up one of those bug jackets, and maybe even bring a lightweight cotton
glove or something.

If you use a headnet, be sure it is capable of handling deet. It
will be useless without the deet, for the insects will swarm over the
net trying to get to your face. My grandson used one in Labrador,
much to our amusement. Once the boat stopped and the insects (black
flies, noseeums, and skeeters) covered his net so badly that he
couldn't see.

The net came with a warning not to use deet on it.

Dave