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Angler's Entomology Podcast


Welcome to the Angler's Entomology Podcast.  On this podcast and blog, I am documenting my re-entry into the world of entomology.   Join us as my wife and I explore the environment in which trout live and the insects and other creatures that live in and share that space.  This is not just a dry recitation of facts, I hope to bring these creatures alive - show you how they live, what makes them fascinating in their own right, and help you understand how they interact with trout in ways that will help your fishing.  So, please join us.  I hope you enjoy the program...

Links:

Selene's Blog and Page for Classic Streamers; and you can finder her interview on the podcast the Liar's Club. 

NEW QUIZ PAGES

I'm setting up a new set of Quizizz pages to help you learn about different insect groups.  I'll be honest - the best way to learn insects is to look at a lot of insects.  So, give these a whirl and don't get discouraged if you do poorly.   Just try again every so often.   The quizzes will be tiered- so they will get more detailed and complicated as we increase in levels.   The first ones are just about learning the different orders.    

This first quiz is about identifying the four major aquatic insect orders

Quiz #2 is a continuation on Mayfly, Stonefly, Dragon and Damselfly, and Caddisfly Orders. 

This Quiz includes other orders of insects that are important to anglers, but is only the adults.  

 

Episode 50: Pics and Patterns for Bibios

Aug 30, 2022

I was thinking about doing this episode having lunch outside one day, and bemoaning the fact that I didn't have any pictures of these guys that I could publish on the blog.   At that moment a bibio that landed on the table in front of me.   Of course I was too discombobulated to get a picture before it flew off - but I saw that as a good sign to do this episode.  

But that said, there are plenty of pictures of these guys on the interweb.   For example, here:  https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=any&taxon_id=56097&verifiable=any

As you can see, there is a fair bit of diversity, but note the black or black and red color, the long abdomen, the wings held flat over the body, and the dangley legs.  

In terms of patterns, one of the old ones I really like is as follows: 

Hawthorn Fly

  • Hook: Size 12 or 14 wet fly hook
  • Body: Ostrich herl (or hair from the ear of a black spaniel)
  • Wings: Pale Starling slips (or duck, this is starling, altho I've also seen pigeon)
  • Hackle: Black starling, or hen hackle

I would bet a leadwing coachman would also be a great imitation.   

Next is an imitation from New Zealand of a Blossom Fly - 

Blossom Fly

Again, pretty straightforward: 

  • Hook: 12-14 dry fly
  • Body: Peacock Herl
  • Rib: Black Cock
  • Hackle: Black Cock

And this pattern from Malcolm Greenhalgh: 

  • Hook: Dry Fly 12-14
  • Body: Black Floss
  • Rib: Peacock Herl
  • Wing: Dun hackle tips
  • Hackle: Black cock

And this one, which I like because it imitates the dangly legs:

  • Hook: 12-14 dry fly
  • Body: Black dyed pheasant herl (or goose)
  • Hackle: Black cock
  • Legs:  Black dyed pheasant herl tied back. 
  • Or you can do the Fore and Aft:
  • Hook: 12-14 dry
  • Hackle: Black cock at hook bend
  • Body: Thread
  • Hackle: Black cock at eye.

As you can see, these are all fairly straightforward flies.