Black Fly Season at Cathedral

Any insights into when black fly season starts at Cathedral? Will I be miserable at the end of May? How long does it last? Feel free to use this thread as a condition report. Thank you !!!

It’s just beginning, and with luck (and a quick dragonfly hatch!), they’ll be manageable by early July.  

end of may, first week of June is peak. long sleaves, long pants, bug net for belaying and deet. 

They have arrived - got a few bites 2 days ago

Thanks everyone for your input ! Might try to make it next weekend if the flies aren’t too prohibitive otherwise may wait til after their peak

Mother's Day to Father's day...

Here in the 'dacks the black flies are definitely out in force earlier than other years. 

Anyone with a "condition report" for NH zones?

From http://www.neclimbs.com/

INSTANT BUG REPORT - 3 out of 5:
I've been holding back on increasing the Bug Rating but not it's finally popped! Sitting outside last night there were no bugs, but 5 minutes moving brush around in my yard this morning has changed my view. The black flys are out there in force. So please be advised that bug dope is now de rigueur! You have been warned!

I climb in pawtucks during spring so when I goto other places the bugs are minor lol 

for whatever reason? unknown to me? it  has been the mildest black fly season I have ever experienced in VT....... 

Same here in southern NH - last weekend was basically bug free at Pawtuckaway on a sunny morning with a little breeze on the hilltop. Didn't even need bug spray or a net, enjoy it while it lasts! I suspect they might rally late season and get their revenge. 

I can also confirm Nick’s statement. I’ve spent the past three weekends between the Adirondacks, Val-David Quebec and North Conway, and I don’t ever remember the black flies being this minimal in any recent years. Mosquitos seem normal though 

Black flies are usually found around fast running water, such as river rapids and waterfalls. Adults are most commonly encountered close to the water sources where they develop.

We’ve had a dry spring with May being below average for precipitation in NH. Less moving water equals less black flies.  They are most active after sunrise and before sunset on calm days.  Problem with a dry spring is elevated fire danger for the summer. I would rather deal with the flies than things burning up!

Bugs were hardly noticeable on Cathedral Saturday. 

Thanks, Monsanto! 

 black flies are usually found at all my local spots but not this year...