TFF Education Committee is thrilled to announce a Guided Streamside Clinic with entomologist Dr. Matt Green of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Biological Assessment Branch (BAB).
Dr. (Matt) Green is a PhD trained aquatic entomologist who became a specialist of caddisflies at Clemson University under the training of Dr. John Morse. He also holds a master’s degree in biology from Appalachian State where he studied the effects of the nuisance algae didymo on aquatic insects in the South Holston tailwater.
The goal of this TFF Education Committee Clinic will be to expand member knowledge of freshwater aquatic insects including but not limited to understanding where these insects live, how they move (locomotion), what they look like (size and color), and how to identity them. The ultimate goal of this clinic will be to apply the information learned about these insects to improve fishing success and increase catch rates.
Generally, attendees will focus on collection of aquatic insect larvae. We will use different gears/tools (kick seines, d-framed nets, leaf pack samplers) to collect aquatic insect larvae residing in different microhabitats. The objective of multi-habitat collecting is to provide proper context for where and how to fish certain insects. Larvae from each microhabitat will be identified using custom field guides and viewed streamside in white trays to observe behavior and locomotion. Although larval aquatic insects will be the primary focus of this clinic, aerial nets will be provided for collecting winged or adult stages of these animals weather permitting. Attendees will leave with a small insect collection to be used as reference material for fly tying.
This clinic will take place on the Eno River at the Pleasant Green Rd. Access (36.04727, -79.01157) downstream of Eno River State Park. If flow conditions do not permit collection at this location, we will reschedule.
All collection materials including nets, forceps for handling insects, collection vials, etc. will be provided by the organizers. A towel, large garden pad, or camping chair is useful for viewing insects comfortably while sitting streamside. Those with difficulty seeing small insects may require use of a loupe or magnifying glass. Waders and boots are not required but are recommended to help participate in collection activities.
The clinic is open to 8 registrants at a cost of $80 each.
