Fly fishing anglers need flies, bugs, terrestrials, and insects to Match the Hatch.
Years ago, I attended a White Miller hatch along the Potomac River. We camped near Williamsport where Robert E Lee and the confederate army crossed to fight at the small Pennsylvania town of Gettysburg. The river is relatively shallow and holds plenty of small mouth bass.
I had heard about the intensity of the hatch but was amazed at how many size 10-12 white mayflies emerged. The water was covered with so many bugs, it was hard to see your presentation. The scrappy smallmouths gorged themselves. This hatch still exists but the density has declined.
The same is true for many of the waters in Montana. The Salmonfly hatch is perhaps the greatest Big Bug hatch in our western rivers. These 2–3-inch long stonefilies make for more than a meal for birds, amphibians, critters, and fish.
As water quality, temperatures, and levels change so do the insect hatches. Mayflies, caddis, Baetis, and other insects seem to be on the decline. Insecticides also take their toll, which means less food for the fish. Some chemicals also make tehri way into the food chain and impact insects.
Some folks don’t like bugs, but they are an important part of the ecosystem.
The Salmonfly project.org likes bugs! This Missoula-based organization is here to help solve the problems with hatches. Their work analyzes the status, trends, and threats of aquatic insects across the Rocky Mountain region.
If you would like to get involved, become a member or volunteer at SALMONFLYPROJECT.ORG. Their website is conservation@salmonflyproject.org.
Be a Bug Advocate!
Montana Grant
