They're back! Shad Flies make their return to North Bay
They’re only here for a couple of weeks, but shad flies have returned and are in full force.
Travelling through the city’s downtown or near the waterfront, you’re almost guaranteed to step on a fly or have one -- or several -- land on you.
The Boat, located at the Waterfront in North Bay, is very familiar with shad flies.
Restaurant owner Stephen Bitoni told CTV News his staff gets trained for shad fly season.
“My brother is in there every morning at 7 a.m. during shad fly season power washing them off the walls, off the surfaces and then the staff comes in and wipes everything down,” said Bitoni.
“It’s something that we have down pat. Tables have to get wiped down and cleaned, windows have to get wiped down and ready to go, etc., etc.”
One business owner in the downtown said shad flies are iconic in North Bay.
Katie Bevan owns a shop called The Farm where shad fly pins are sold.
“It’s just one of those things we kind of wanted to memorialize,” said Bevan. “If you’ve been to North Bay you’re going to want a shad fly pin.”
“Usually you find out if they love them or hate them, but usually it’s people buying the pin for someone who hates them,” she added.
Help keep lakes healthy
The flies have quite the smell and can cause quite annoying. But Tourism North Bay is reminding people shad flies mean the lakes in the area are healthy.
“They keep the lake vital and healthy,” said Steve Dreany from Tourism North Bay.
“Fishing is an important part of our tourism and for the local culture, as well. Everyone loves to go down to the government dock or Callander Bay and cast a line and catch some fish so it is very, very good for us.”
The shad flies are most commonly found in the city’s downtown, but this year they’re being spotted in many areas of town.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.