We Called It “Bug Week”

Once more, Memorial Day seems to arrive too soon. I have watched from this cold, rainy fitful spring mostly from my window, so that certainly creates much of my mood, but I was raised before such important holidays were pushed around the calendar to create long weekends.

There were many years when Bug Week was truly spectacular! The stars were the Eastern Green Drake, those big, beautiful yet temperamental mayflies that thrilled both trout and anglers. I recall watching the water from the seat of Captain Patrick Schuler’s drift boat, homing in on one of those great winged paragons drifting along the placid surface, tingling to see one of those explosive fountains erupt around it. That day, I truly experienced just how an event Nature provided to crown the angler’s season!

For nearly twenty years I followed the Cult of the Green Drake, spending a fortnight, when I could arrange it centered on the last week of May and the first one of June, here deep in the cradle of the Catskills. I am fortunate to spend all of my days here now, though the event has dimmed through the passage of time.

There are still flies, at least on most years, but the great abundance that Nature spread upon her table seems shall not return. Floods played their part, water manipulations by men not interested in flies, fish and fauna, droughts, pesticides… too many things to ponder, too many causes to point fingers of blame. Man has found new ways to defeat Nature, though they cannot win, in essence they simply defeat other men who love her.

I am told that the chill and the rain will draw back, finishing this Memorial Day in sunshine and warmth. I shall step forth to take my place in Nature’s current display, her Bug Week festivities, whether grand or modest, and I will greet her with a glad heart, for I have known of the lack of her graces too long as this season progresses.

Angling bestows Nature’s magic to those who bow their heads and receive it. There are wages paid, in patience, time, understanding and skill. Wonder is free.