DESCRIPTION

Join Westfeather guides for a hands-on exploration of the aquatic insects that drive river ecosystems that fuel some of the best fly fishing opportunities in Colorado. Participants will collect, identify, and sort aquatic insects from the Slate River into their respective families while learning about their life cycles and ecological importance. We will discuss how these insects fit into the broader riparian ecosystem and examine the relationships between water quality, habitat, and aquatic biodiversity. Participates will then compare the natural insects they find to artificial fly patterns used in fly fishing. Through demonstrations and discussion, participants will learn how anglers imitate different insect life stages and use specific techniques to match what fish are feeding on throughout the year. This field experience combines ecology, entomology, and fly fishing into an engaging outdoor learning opportunity.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Carpool (sign up required), Town Bus or On Your Own

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:

• Participants should be prepared for moderate outdoor activity, including: walking through uneven wetland terrain with no established trails, wading in a shallow river, standing outdoors for extended periods, and variable weather conditions.
• No prior experience needed

What to bring/What you need:

• Sturdy shoes/boots.
• Outdoor elements protection: sun, wind, rain, bugs.
• Plenty of water and snacks.
• All other equipment needed such as waders, insect collection equipment, etc. will be provided by the activity host.
• If you'd like to partake in the fly fishing portion of the activity a Colorado fishing license will be required, one can be obtained for $18.07 for a 1-day Colorado Resident and must be acquired and paid for prior to the start of the field trip.