Every summer, Lake Erie unleashes one of the strangest natural events in Ontario.
Millions of harmless little bugs emerge from the lake, lose their minds over bright lights, cover random buildings like insect confetti, and collectively make everyone question reality for about two weeks.
Welcome to Fish Fly Season.
If you’re visiting Kingsville or Colchester between late June and mid-August, there’s a decent chance you’ll hear locals talking about fish flies, mayflies, lake flies, or “those little motherf*ckers.” Around here, we simply call it summer.
Whether you’re staying at The Grove Hotel in Kingsville or The Grove Motel in Colchester, Fish Fly Season is part of the Lake Erie summer experience.
First Things First: What ARE Fish Flies?
Fish flies (also called mayflies) are harmless insects that hatch near Lake Erie during the warmer months.
Here’s the important part:
- They do NOT bite
- They do NOT sting
- They do NOT carry disease
- They are basically just confused little lake bugs with terrible decision-making skills
They’re strongly attracted to light, which means they occasionally gather in dramatic swarms around buildings, parking lots, patios, and anywhere that looks remotely bright and exciting.
Some nights you won’t see any.
Other nights? It can look slightly apocalyptic (especially when “someone” leaves the lights on).
Thankfully, their lifespan is incredibly short, and the whole thing usually passes quickly.
Still weird though.
The Grove Motel’s Red Light Era
Over the years, we’ve learned a few survival tricks.
One of the biggest? RED LIGHTS.
Bright white lights are basically fish fly nightclubs, so during peak Fish Fly Season, The Grove Motel shifts into what we lovingly call our Red Light Era.
The property glows red at night to help reduce bug activity around guest rooms and outdoor spaces.
Honestly? It’s practical, works better than nothing… but also kind of a vibe.
Somewhere between retro motel energy and “slightly suspicious roadside sci-fi movie.”
No, we are not secretly operating a nightclub.
No, you are not entering a crime scene.
Yes, the photos are real.
Yes. The Photos Are Real.
People always think we’re exaggerating until they see the photos.
We are not exaggerating.
That video above? That was an evening during peak season, pre-red lights (again when another “someone” left the lights on).
Not edited. Not AI-generated. Not the apocalypse. Just Lake Erie doing Lake Erie things.
The good news is that fish flies are mostly active around exterior lighting at night. During the daytime, things are usually so much calmer, and our team works hard each morning to stay ahead of cleanup around the property.
You may notice us out early with blowers and cleanup equipment doing a little fish fly wrangling before the day gets rolling. We apologize in advance for any minor disruption this may cause and always try to be as respectful of your sleep schedule as possible, but if we don’t stay ahead of them early… these little weirdos tend to take over as the day goes on.
So… Should You Cancel Your Trip?
Absolutely not.
In fact, Fish Fly Season has become one of those weird little Lake Erie traditions that locals secretly love talking about.
It’s part chaos.
Part comedy.
Part lakeside folklore.
And honestly, once you experience it, you’ll probably end up telling the story for years.
“Remember that motel with the red lights and the biblical insect swarm?”
Exactly.
Besides:
- the sunsets are still incredible
- the wineries are still pouring
- the patios are still vibing
- and summer on Lake Erie is still one of the best places to be in Ontario
Fish flies are temporary. Good memories are forever.
Pro Tips for Fish Fly Season
If you want to blend in with the locals, here are a few tips:
- Keep room doors closed at night
- Don’t panic if you see them near lights
- Wear darker clothing outside in the evening if possible
- Trust us when we say they’re harmless
- Resist the urge to dramatically scream and run through the parking lot
Or don’t. Honestly, we’ve seen it happen.
Final Thoughts From The Cool Kids
Fish Fly Season is weird. There’s no denying that.
But it’s also uniquely Lake Erie, strangely nostalgic, and part of what makes summers along the water feel unforgettable. At The Grove, we’ve decided to embrace the chaos, glow red, laugh about it, and make the best of nature’s annual group project. And if nothing else, you’ll leave with some truly unbelievable photos.
xoxo, THE COOL KIDS at The Grove
Ready to experience Fish Fly Season for yourself?
Book your stay at The Grove Hotel in Kingsville or The Grove Motel in Colchester and see what all the buzz is about.
