Everything from carp to cod are feeding on the locusts. This carp was taken on a fly that looks like the intended meal.

As the living mass of locusts rolls on seemingly endless, there are few that are not affected in some small manner by the winged invasion that sweeps across our land. Motor vehicles display the aftermath where tissue meats glass and radiators pile high with the endless remnants of a flying army that seemingly has no end. On the road itself, all manner of bird feast to the brim on an unlimited supply of easy prey. And while this mass of flying bugs no doubt comes with negative impact, nature it seems has laid out a smorgasbord where many animals including fish will grow fat on its bounty. In fishing terms a hatch as it is best described, provides the angler the knowledge on where, when and what fish are most likely to be feeding on. Its most commonly associated with fly fishing as the name might imply as most forms of hatch are used to describe insects of some manner. A hatch of flying termites in the warmth of summer can turn glass calm waters to a rage of swirling boils as trout feast upon the heaven sent harvest. To angler and fish alike, it is a time of plenty as both take advantage of the hatch and what it provides. It was not that long ago that the large flying ghost moths had Murray cod feeding from the surface as they hatched with the autumn rains. This provided an optimum window where many nice cod were landed on lures that exhibited similar action to that of a moth frantically flapping on top of the water. Once again, a bountiful time for fish and angler alike that might be rekindled with the current aeronautical feed that is finding its way onto the water. Carp have already begun to cash in on the easy feed, slurping down these struggling insects at will. Golden perch too will take advantage of the top water meal and have already started to feed higher in the water column. And you can bet if other predators are making the most of this good fortune then Mr Murray cod won’t be far behind. A local and keen Mildura angler Jamie Robinson landed several large carp on fly in the middle of the day as they went about their business feeding on downed locusts. Jamie said they were easy to catch and great fun on the light fly rod. Similar might be said of our native fishes as they move from cover during periods of low light with evening a prime time to have a go at these fish on or near the top of the water. While there is not much we can do about these insects around the home or on the road, those of us that fish can use their presence to our advantage. Matching the hatch is sure to put a bend in the rod and for the next few weeks at least, locusts look set to be a fishy dish.