Bugs on Willard

[GDale]

So I don't get the boat up here in the North often. I am wondering about taking the boat out and sleeping on the reservoir. Will mosquitos and may fly's carry us away?
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[Wpahole]

Iv never spent the night on the lake but I know I couldn't get my boat loaded fast enough last night. It really wasn't too bad out in the middle of the lake. They seem to get worse as you get closer to the dike/marina. Good luck!
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[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]As mentioned, the mosquitoes are worse around the shoreline than out in the lake. Although on a calm night they will come out to check you out if you leave a light on for them.

No "may fly" problems...on Willard or anywhere. May flies do not have mouth parts. However, there are occasional large hatches of midges that swarm all over you and get in your mouth and eyes. A head net takes care of that. And the midges typically hatch more in the early mornings than at night.

Over the years I have done a lot of night fishing at Willard. Once you are out of the marina...or at least a ways away from the shoreline...there really aren't many bugs. Still, it is always a good idea to carry some high concentration DEET repellent in case they take a fancy to you.

Willard is surrounded by canals and marshes. These are breeding grounds for the bloodsuckers. A lot of times they are most active right at daybreak and again around dusk. Seldom much of a problem during hot days...but they can be pesky after dark during the summer.
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[Fishin_dad]

We were at Willard yesterday and we had previously thought about maybe in the future camping in one of those campgrounds there....and then the sun went down and changed our mind. We were the other boat out there trying to load it as fast as possible. Today all of my kids are having a "who has the most mosquito bites contest." If you are going to do it...just go very prepared. Head nets and all.
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[dwayneb]

a month or so ago I was evening fishing the island for eyes and ended up staying out there after dark. The island is a good mile or so off the shore and all I can say is that trip made me promise to get off the lake about 30 mins prior to dark from now on. Since I had the nav lights on they completely covered my gauges, sonar screens, and clothing...Ive never seen anything like it and will never stay out on Willard after dark unless the temps are such to create cool enough air so the bugs are not out at all...
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[GDale]

Thanks for the responses, I am thinking I am going to just go up in the morning. Get there at first light and go out. So thanks again everyone.
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