The Hawthorn Fly is one of the UK's most recognisable terrestrial insects and marks one of the true milestones of spring. Unlike aquatic insects that hatch from the river itself, Hawthorn Flies develop on land before being blown onto the water by the wind. When this happens, trout can feed with remarkable confidence, often abandoning aquatic insects in favour of these large, easy meals.
The hatch normally begins towards the end of April and can last for around two weeks, although the exact timing varies according to weather and location. The insects are instantly recognisable by their jet-black bodies, long dangling legs and slow, clumsy flight. They are poor fliers and frequently end up stranded on the water after being blown from hedgerows and meadows bordering the river.
Warm, breezy days often produce the best Hawthorn fishing. A gentle wind blowing across banks lined with hawthorn hedges can result in dozens of insects falling onto the water. Trout quickly learn to patrol these areas, often rising confidently along the windward bank where the naturals accumulate.
Because Hawthorn Flies are terrestrial insects, presentation is slightly different to matching an upwing fly hatch. Rather than expecting perfectly drag-free drifts through the centre of the river, allow the fly to drift naturally close to the banks, beneath overhanging vegetation or along foam lines where wind-blown insects naturally collect. Occasionally allowing the fly to twitch can also imitate the struggles of a trapped natural.
Although the hatch is relatively short-lived, it can produce spectacular fishing. Trout that have spent much of early spring feeding on small aquatic insects suddenly have access to a much larger, protein-rich food source and often become noticeably less cautious.
At Peaks Fly Fishing, Hawthorn time is one of the highlights of late spring. It pays to keep a few Hawthorn patterns in your fly box throughout late April and early May, particularly if you're fishing rivers with plenty of hedgerows nearby. Even when no obvious hatch is taking place, a single wind-blown Hawthorn can be enough to tempt an opportunistic trout.
## Recommended Fly Patterns
### Adults
* Hawthorn Fly
* Foam Hawthorn
* CDC Hawthorn
### Alternatives
* Black Gnat
## Peaks Fly Fishing Tips
* Fish close to banks, hedgerows and overhanging vegetation.
* A warm, breezy day often produces the best Hawthorn fishing.
* Don't be afraid to let the fly twitch occasionally if it looks natural.
* Watch the wind direction - trout often patrol the bank where insects are collecting.
* Keep a few Hawthorn patterns in your fly box during late April and early May, even if you don't immediately see the insects.
