Is it just me or are the BWO's hatching a little bigger? I've seen more than a few stand out due to their size. My guess is the weather. Last year winter was really cold and spring was cold too and with the rain it pushed back hatches. So far this year as we all know, winter has given us more than a few good days every week to fish.

I do not know enough about entomology to be sure, but I think you may be correct. It seems logical that last year's weather combined with this winter's warmth would be the cause of some great hatches. The bug activity that I have seen this year has been spectacular at times.
Merf

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I would also concur. The BWO hatch on one Northampton County stream this year surpirsed me with how good it was. Last two years, I haven't seen as many bugs. One trip this year (early too) and the hatch was great.

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I've noticed that on a couple of streams as well. Some nice fish have been eating them too...

Here's something that goes along with this post. Some of the BWO's fluttering around are bigger than what I expect this time of year. I'm seeing size 16's and once in a while 14's.

I've only been out once so far this year. And the nice BWO hatch I fished - on a limetoner - was typical of what I see this time of year.
I used mostly a #18 - although I sometimes go to #16 just to change things up.
The spring BWO's (Baetis) are always larger than the ones you see later in the season - when they are usually matched with a #20

after reading some posts here is it possible to have some size 16 and maybe 14 mixed in with the 18's or are they generally just 18's and do BWO's even get to be 14's

Nello,

I think what everyone is saying is that they would expect this time of year to have the bwo hatch be in the #18-#20 range but are seeing some larger in the #16 range. Which was the case for us last week. Others are saying they are seeing #14's Which is huge for this time of year but not out of the question. (baetis; 2 tails)

And to your question as to whether the BWO's get to be #14, well remember bwo is a generic name for an olive colored bug with grey wings. There are several different species at different times of year. They are not the same bugs only larger....(like you...hehe)

There are some bwo's that are #14 that I've seen in may/June on local streams and at Kettle in June as well. I am not sure of the species but they do exist. (drunella, cornutta; 3 tails ). Hey Drunella.....Or is it Dru-nello?

Saw the same thing this weekend; BWO right around size 18 on average, and they were all over the place. Unfortunately high water conditions made things very difficult.