Fishing Reports

August Fishing Report: Midge Hatches, Leeches & Mid-Summer Moves

August Fishing Report: Midge Hatches, Leeches & Mid-Summer Moves

Midge worms on the mud, leeches on structure, and fish sliding to deeper breaks: here’s what changed on the water through August.

var(--variable-IadEfi414)

August brought midge bug and leech hatches, along with the mid-summer patterns that move fish off the weeds and onto deeper structure.

Early to Mid-August: Midge Hatches

Most aquatic midge species lay their eggs on the water’s surface. Those eggs sink to the mud bottom and hatch into worms. As the worms rise back toward the surface and eventually become midge flies, walleye and other fish key in on them—especially close to the bottom.

Midge worm and midge fly observed during the August hatch

Late August: Leeches & Deeper Water

By late August, I noticed walleye with multiple leeches in their mouths. Adult leeches attach their egg cocoons to underwater rocks, plants, and logs, and fish throughout the food chain adjust to those areas. At the same time, warm summer water pushed many fish away from weed edges and onto steep breaks, mid-lake rock, and mud humps.

Walleye with leeches in its mouth during late August

Want this kind of day on the water?

Use the report, story, or trip notes as a starting point — then call Hendo to dial in the best window for your own guided trip.

Back to Fishing News

Trusted gear

Four partners, picked fresh each visit.

Recon Boats logo

Recon Boats

Minn Kota logo

Minn Kota

Lake X Lures logo

Lake X Lures

Pandemonium Tackle logo

Pandemonium Tackle

Google verified

Straight from anglers who’ve been in the boat.

Prepared trips, local water, and a veteran-owned standard show up in the details people remember.

Read Google Reviews