Bring us your Bugs!

We have been steadily compiling fly pattern photos and samples of local insects but we have not taken that many photos of the living bugs. One of our site visitors asked why the Local Insects page was blank which led us to ask the same question. So we are requesting that all of you please collect samples of the insects you see out there on the stream and bring them into the shop for identification and to be photographed.

All information will be compiled on this site with the photos and accompanying text available for all to see. Never mind dredging up the river bottom, we don't want people ripping out thousands of nymphs. Rather we would ask you to take a small sample jar/container and perhaps a small aquarium net and capture any of the adult stages of our aquatic insects as well as any terrestrials you may encounter e.g. beetles, crickets, grasshoppers and so on.

One thing that is important in regards to insects that are to be photographed is that you avoid crushing them or damaging them. Use dry hands wherever possible and if you are trying to catch a dun on the waters surface without a net lift it out rather than grab at it. Place them in a dry container, film canisters are ideal as are small Nalgene bottles available from camping stores.

Please help us to help you in this regard. If we all make an effort we will quickly accumulate a huge library of knowledge available to all who log on to our site or visit our shop. We will identify them and include any other relevant information on the site including Hatch Chart details and fishing and fly pattern info. Any specimens brought in will be used and it will help to make all of us better fly fishers with a thorough database of local insects available all year round.