A hatch chart for fly fishing on Slate Run in north-central Pennsylvania identifyies the key insect species that emerge throughout the fishing season.
Slate Run, a tributary to Pine Creek, is a renowned trout stream, and understanding its hatches is crucial for successful fly fishing.
Below is a general hatch chart Slate Run including the best flies for each insect hatch. These patterns are tried-and-true for matching the hatches on Slate Run and will help you be more successful on the water.
Slate Run Hatch Chart
Early Spring (March – April)
- Blue-Winged Olives (Baetis)
- Size: 16-20
- Color: Olive to dark gray
- Time: Midday to afternoon, especially on overcast or drizzly days.
- Recommended Patterns:
- Parachute Adams (16-18)
- RS2 (18-20)
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (16-18)
- WD-40 (18-20)
- Quill Gordon
- Size: 12-14
- Color: Grayish body with a reddish-brown tinge
- Time: Late morning to early afternoon.
- Recommended Patterns:
- Quill Gordon Dry Fly (12-14)
- Comparadun (12-14)
- Hare’s Ear Nymph (12-14)
- Hendrickson
- Size: 12-14
- Color: Pinkish-tan body with gray wings
- Time: Midday to early afternoon.
- Recommended Patterns:
- Hendrickson Dry Fly (12-14)
- Sparkle Dun (12-14)
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (12-14)
- Early Stoneflies
- Size: 10-14
- Color: Dark brown to black
- Time: Midday.
- Recommended Patterns:
- Kaufmann’s Black Stonefly (10-12)
- Pat’s Rubber Legs (10-12)
- Stimulator (10-12)
Late Spring (May – June)
- March Brown
- Size: 10-12
- Color: Brown body with mottled wings
- Time: Midday to early afternoon.
- Recommended Patterns:
- March Brown Dry Fly (10-12)
- March Brown Soft Hackle (10-12)
- Hare’s Ear Nymph (10-12)
- Gray Fox
- Size: 12-14
- Color: Light gray body with yellowish undertones
- Time: Late morning to early afternoon.
- Recommended Patterns:
- Gray Fox Dry Fly (12-14)
- Comparadun (12-14)
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (12-14)
- Sulphurs
- Size: 16-18
- Color: Pale yellow to light green
- Time: Late afternoon to early evening.
- Recommended Patterns:
- Sulphur Parachute (16-18)
- Sparkle Dun (16-18)
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (16-18)
- Green Drake
- Size: 8-12
- Color: Olive body with yellowish wings
- Time: Evening, often around dusk.
- Recommended Patterns:
- Green Drake Dry Fly (8-12)
- Green Drake Emerger (10-12)
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (10-12)
- Caddisflies
- Size: 14-18
- Color: Tan to dark brown
- Time: Late afternoon to evening.
- Recommended Patterns:
- Elk Hair Caddis (14-16)
- X-Caddis (14-16)
- LaFontaine Sparkle Pupa (14-16)
Summer (July – August)
- Tricos
- Size: 20-24
- Color: Black body with white wings
- Time: Early morning.
- Recommended Patterns:
- Trico Spinner (20-22)
- Parachute Trico (20-22)
- Zebra Midge (20-22)
- Terrestrials (Ants, Beetles, Grasshoppers)
- Size: 12-18
- Color: Black, brown, or green
- Time: All day, especially on windy days.
- Recommended Patterns:
- Foam Ant (14-16)
- Chernobyl Ant (12-14)
- Dave’s Hopper (10-12)
- Light Cahill
- Size: 12-16
- Color: Cream to light yellow
- Time: Evening.
- Recommended Patterns:
- Light Cahill Dry Fly (12-14)
- Comparadun (12-14)
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (12-14)
- Midges
- Size: 18-24
- Color: Black, gray, or red
- Time: Morning and evening.
- Recommended Patterns:
- Griffith’s Gnat (18-20)
- Zebra Midge (18-22)
- Disco Midge (20-22)
Fall (September – October)
- Blue-Winged Olives (Baetis)
- Size: 16-20
- Color: Olive to dark gray
- Time: Midday to afternoon, especially on overcast days.
- Recommended Patterns:
- Parachute Adams (16-18)
- RS2 (18-20)
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (16-18)
- Isonychia (Slate Drake)
- Size: 10-12
- Color: Dark gray to black
- Time: Late afternoon to evening.
- Recommended Patterns:
- Isonychia Dry Fly (10-12)
- Isonychia Nymph (10-12)
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (10-12)
- Caddisflies
- Size: 14-18
- Color: Tan to dark brown
- Time: Late afternoon to evening.
- Recommended Patterns:
- Elk Hair Caddis (14-16)
- X-Caddis (14-16)
- LaFontaine Sparkle Pupa (14-16)
- October Caddis
- Size: 8-12
- Color: Orange to tan
- Time: Evening.
- Recommended Patterns:
- October Caddis Dry Fly (8-10)
- October Caddis Nymph (8-10)
- Stimulator (8-10)
General Tips for Fishing Slate Run
- Match the Hatch: Carry a variety of dry flies, nymphs, and emergers to match the insects hatching during your visit.
- Observe the Water: Look for rising fish and inspect the air/water for insect activity.
- Weather Matters: Overcast days often trigger more intense hatches, especially for Blue-Winged Olives.
- Terrestrials in Summer: Don’t overlook ants, beetles, and grasshoppers during the summer months.
- Evening Fishing: Many of the larger mayflies (e.g., Green Drakes, Isonychia) hatch in the evening, so plan accordingly.
This hatch chart with recommended fly patterns should help you prepare for a successful day on Slate Run. Tight lines!
Looking for more information on fishing Slate Run? Check out this DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Slate Run.