Pale Morning Duns: Trout Fishing with Frogwater Productions
Featuring : Frogwater Productions
Although not quite as popular as Salmonflies or Green Drakes, the Pale Morning Dun offers some of the most consistent and dependable nymph and dry fly fishing every summer. Western rivers with strong PMD hatches typically have trout that key in on these bugs for several weeks or even months.
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From: Frogwater Productions
What is a Pale Moring Dun?:
Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) refer to a specific type of mayfly that is found in certain rivers in the west during mid-summer. These mayflies are known for their pale, yellowish coloration, and are highly anticipated in the world of fly fishing because they hatch in large numbers, attracting a lot of attention from the trout.
Here's a more detailed description of Pale Morning Duns (PMDs):
Scientific Classification:
Order: Ephemeroptera
Family: Heptageniidae
Genus: Ephemerella
Physical Characteristics:
Size: Pale Morning Duns typically have a size range of about 8 to 14 millimeters in length.
Coloration: The name "Pale Morning Dun" is derived from their pale, yellowish to light olive color. The body is often light tan or cream, and the wings can have a translucent quality.
Body Structure: PMDs have slender bodies with three distinct body segments - head, thorax, and abdomen. The body is typically lightly colored, and they have long antennae.
Life Cycle:
Egg Stage: PMDs begin their life cycle as eggs, which are laid by adult mayflies on the surface of the water or on overhanging vegetation.
Nymph Stage: Once hatched, PMDs enter the nymph stage, living in freshwater. They are aquatic during this phase and can stay in this stage for a variable period, depending on the species.
Emergence: The nymphs then undergo emergence, rising to the water's surface. This is a critical phase in the life cycle when PMDs transform into winged adults.
Adult Stage: As adults, Pale Morning Duns have two pairs of membranous wings, large eyes, and relatively long tails. They are known for their delicate appearance.
Habitat and Distribution:
PMDs are commonly found in freshwater habitats, especially in rivers and streams.
They have a widespread distribution, and different species can be found in various regions across North America and other parts of the world.
Ecological Importance:
PMDs play a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems as a food source for fish, birds, and other aquatic organisms.
Fly fishermen value PMD hatches because they attract trout and other fish species, making them a popular target for anglers.