Entomology

Entomology Classes

The Tri-Valley Fly Fishers offers Entomology Classes for beginners and intermediates as taught by an experienced group of TVFF fly fishers and utilizing materials from the renowned biologist “The Bug Guy” Robert Younghanz, Ralph Cutter and other well-known resources. The four-part course consists of three evening classroom sessions and a morning of on-stream practical experience on a nearby stream. Classes are held from 7-9:30pm at the Livermore Rod and Gun Club, 4000 Dagnino Road, Livermore. 

The goals of the entomology class are:

• To equip you with the knowledge and depth to become more successful with fly fishing
• Provide a detailed understanding of aquatic “bug” types and characteristics
• Applying aquatic learning to practical fly fishing and enhancing success
• Provide aquatic collection techniques and recommended tools
• Conduct an on stream practical collection/identification example with follow up fishing
• Suggest other sources for reference and expanded learning

Class agenda:

• Introduction to Entomology
• Entomology reference sources and guides
• Water quality, habitat and biological classification
• Metamorphosis, generations, and Taxonomy
• Mayflies (Emphemeroptera), Stoneflies (Plecoptera) • Midges (Diptera), and Caddis (Tricoptera)
• Other orders and terrestrials
• Clingers, swimmers, burrowers, and crawlers in the aquatic world
• Behavioral drift and the importance to fly fishers
• Understanding and imitating sub surface bugs
• Explanation and use of hatch charts (Truckee, Hat Creek, McCloud rivers, etc.)
• Explaining on the stream collection tools and techniques
• Collection tray examinations and identification (stoneflies, mayflies, midges, caddis, others)
• How to arrange your fly box

Signups

Our next Entomology class starts July 9th, 2025! Please sign up here.