It is Fishfly Season on Lake St. Clair Michigan

Fishflies as local’s call them – Mayflies to others, occurs each June on Lake St. Clair.  The fishfly season can vary and lasts a couple of weeks.

Annual New Baltimore Fishfly Festival occurs mid-June each year.

2025 was the 60th Year for this event!

Fishfly Statue downtown New Baltimore, MI

Millions of fishflies emerge from the lake, fly to nearby wooded breeding areas, then return and drop their eggs over the lake.  A fishfly lives only 24 hours!  Check out this video showing the emergence.

Swatting a fishfly is not a good idea as they have sticky feet and a smoosh of goo will end up on your clothing.  It is best to pick a fishfly off you by pulling them straight off by their wings and launching them into the air to land somewhere else to live out their 24 hour lifespan.

Fishflies love the light!  In the evening it is best to not have bright lights on as this attracts these bugs.  Not a big problem however…. within 24 hours they dry up and you may use a leaf blower to get them off your house or pavement.  Piles of these do have a distinct “fishy” smell!