The Lake Flies Are Hatching!

It’s that time of year! We were out walking along the shoreline of Devil’s Lake this morning (April 12, 2021) and discovered that the annual hatching of the lake flies has begun. We can expect to see them near the lake for the next few weeks.

Each spring the shoreline of Devil’s Lake is invaded for 3 to 4 weeks by great clouds of lake flies (Chironimidae), also known as a non-biting midge. No, they don’t bite, but they do get into your clothing, face & hair if you happen to be out walking along the lake driving along the South Shore Rd., with an open window, can soon have your car filling with flying midges.

The hiking trails most affected are those around the lake, which means both north and south beach areas, Tumbled Rocks Trail, the sidewalk along the lake’s south shore, and the railroad tracks (Which we know you wouldn’t be on anyway, right??). Boaters can mostly avoid the lake flies, by staying away from the shoreline as much as possible.

The annual life-cycle event is hard to predict, but coincides with early season warm weather each year, usually in April or early May and they will remain for 2-4 weeks.  Learn More.

Derrick Mayoleth

For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.