WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Lake flies typically become visible in mid-May, and this year was no exception. It’s a natural part of Lake Winnebago according to residents who live along the lake.
Houses along the lake are covered in their annual mess.
“I’m awfully used to it,” said resident Anthony Capener.
Capener tells FOX 11 the last few years have been a mild hatch, and as a longtime resident he’s used to it.
They’ve only been around for a few days. They started in full force on Mother’s Day and they’re here to stick around for the next couple weeks.
Lake resident Dan Rayer says the concentration of flies depends on the day and which way the wind is blowing.
“They usually last about two weeks, and in the meantime, you just wait for the wind to blow them towards Fond du Lac.”
Because of the wind, residents along the east side of Lake Winnebago are getting the worst of it so far
“If the wind changes west they’re all going to be on the west side of the lake,” said Capener.
They’re a feast for sturgeon in the spring, but once they hatch, they’re a headache for people along Lake Winnebago.
I’m a sturgeon spearer,” said Capener. “I’m happy to see them. Basically, that means the sturgeon still have their habitat.”
But there’s good news to look forward to.
All the short-lived insects will likely be gone by Memorial Day.
