All of us relish fishing over an active bug hatch. Watching big fish taking insects on the surface is what fly fishing is all about. Hatches like mayflies, caddis, stoneflies and midges come to mind.These hatches are predictable, identifiable and matched (sometimes easier said than done). But there's another heavy hatch that's not always easy to see. There are no fish rising, or little visualclues to see what's happening. But rest assured, it's happening, and more frequently than wemight imagine. It's the egg hatch, and it's importance shouldn't be overlooked by fly fishermen. Infact, it could possibly be the most important subsurface fly that you tie on your line. Trout, steelhea and salmon are all susceptible to a properly presented egg imitation.

Why do fish find eggs so appealing?

1. They’re a great nutritional food source, full of much needed protein.
2.  They’re an easy food to acquire, not requiring the fish to expend excess energy when feeding. 3- They are most available when other food sources are depleted.
3. They are readily taken by all species of salmonoids. While trout and whitefish take them as a
   food source, anadromous fish like salmon and steelhead take them, too. Why? While biologists
   say they don't feed after entering fresh water (that's debatable), it's thought that by reflex action
   they inhale drifting eggs and crush them, thus giving their offspring a better survival chance. Whatever the reason, they are attracted to egg patterns.

While most knowledgeable anglers are aware of egg patterns, they are not aware to the extend they can and should be used. It's a mistake I've made too many times.Every specie of fish in our rivers and lakes needs to spawn for its survival. We all know about salmon, steelhead and trout, but have you ever thought about the eggs from the other fishes thatinhabit that system? Whitefish, suckers, chubs, squawfish and other minnows are species that come to mind. They all add their eggs to the food chain.

Most species spawn in the fall, winter and spring. At a time when insect activity is at its lowest, egg laying is at its highest. While I believe you can catch fish year around on an egg pattern, it's most effective when there is natural activity taking place and the angler is properly matching this food source.

Most species spawn over a longer time frame than most anglers think. Rainbows, for example, can be found pairing up in February, and some can still be found on the redds in June. Spreading the spawn over an extended time is nature’s way of ensuring survival if a catastrophic event (flood, mud slide, etc.) should occur.

To be better fishermen we all need to know and understand this hidden hatch. Eggs are available more often and in different sizes, colors and locations than most anglers realize.

Part 2 next month -- When, Where and How Do the Different Species Spawn?