Lake Flies or Rain?

As the weather starts to warm up in Wisconsin, visitors to Devil’s Lake State Park always have about 2 weeks to share the shoreline with an unwelcome addition to their outdoor experience – the dreaded lake flies. These small, harmless insects are known for their swarming behavior and can be a nuisance for park-goers. But don’t worry, we have good news (Maybe!) – the weather forecast may just help keep these pesky flies at bay this weekend.

The lake flies are still out in full force at Devil’s Lake, but you may not have noticed with all the cool weather recently. In fact, with periods of rain forecasted for Saturday and light rain on Sunday, we can expect the lake flies to be less active and less bothersome for the next couple of days as well. While the weather may not be ideal for outdoor activities, it’s the perfect solution for keeping the lake flies under control.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to come prepared when visiting Devil’s Lake, especially during lake fly season. Wearing long sleeves and pants and avoiding lakeside trails as much as possible can help. But It’s also important to remember that lake flies are harmless and play an important role in the ecosystem of the lake. There are literally thousands of birds around the lake right now building up their energy on a diet of lake flies including a mix of warblers, swallows, and Bonaparte’s Gulls who will soon migrate further north.

In addition to keeping the lake flies at bay, the cooler weather can also be a great opportunity to enjoy the park’s beautiful scenery without the crowds. It’s a great time to take a hike on one of the park’s many trails, have a picnic with friends and family, or simply enjoy the peacefulness of the lake. Just remember to dress for mixed weather.

So don’t let the lake flies keep you from enjoying Devil’s Lake State Park. With a little preparation and some help from Mother Nature, you can still have a great time at the park while keeping the flies at bay.

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.