Aquatic Entomology Classes for Fly Fishermen
An introductory stream-side field class in northern California for anglers held on beautiful and productive waters.
These classes will help you catch more fish by giving you the basic knowledge and confidence needed to ‘match the hatch’.
Classes are held outdoors, on-stream with an introductory lecture on aquatic entomology, followed by close-up observation of live bugs, then a stream side walk to practice observation of insect behavior and techniques for finding bugs and their signs in order to ‘match the hatch’. Jon will also give demonstrations on fly presentation techniques. After class, anglers may want to practice what they’ve learned by fishing the local evening hatch on their own or with Jon. Jon will also have available for purchase his custom flies, hand-tied in his studio.
What you’ll learn in this fishermen's entomology class
- How to identify the major groups of aquatic and terrestrial insects and non-insects that serve as the trout’s main diet.
- Distinguishing the bugs based on their behavior, habitat and season.
- Basic ecology, natural history and lifecycle info as it relates to catching fish.
- How to ‘match the hatch’ and presentation techniques for the preferred flies.
- Hands-on learning, with close-up observation of live and preserved bugs.
- Techniques for finding the bugs on the river for matching purposes.
- Insects common or unique to the watershed visited.
- Bonus: detailed handouts on insect hatch times, flies, presentation and identification.
Price: $125
Class size limited to 8 participants to ensure one-on-one instruction.
Time: 12-4pm (Mid-afternoon class timed so you can fish the morning or evening hatches in the local area.)
Class Instructors
Jon Baiocchi, owner-Baiocchi's Troutfitters
Jon’s been fly fishing and tying flies since 1972 and is a California Licensed fly fishing guide, published author, educator, innovative tier, and public speaker-giving fly fishing presentations to fly fishing clubs and expos across the state of California. His Dad, Bob Baiocchi, was inducted into the Federation of Fly Fishers Hall of Fame in 1999 and was a big part in helping Jon hone his fly fishing skills at an early age. In 1979 Jon began snowboarding and was one of the pioneers of the sport competing professionally, starring in major films, and involved with research and development for clothing and board manufacturers. Jon now owns and operates Baiocchi’s Troutfitters guide service tucked away in beautiful Plumas County in Northeastern California where he has a reputation as a hard working guide that’s been trained by some of fly fishing’s best known anglers. His locations for guiding include Lake Davis, the Wild & Scenic Middle Fork Feather River, Frenchman’s Reservoir, Eagle Lake, the North Fork Yuba River, Lake Almanor, and many secluded creeks in Eastern Plumas Co. Jon’s philosophy on fishing is to keep it simple, be confident in your presentation, and have fun! His favorite game is stalking and sight fishing to large trout in shallow water whether it is a lake or river.
Christine Elder, M.A.
Christine is a naturalist, educator and biological illustrator. She holds a master’s degree in biology from Humboldt State University, with special emphasis on aquatic ecology and pollination biology. She’s done field work in the Colorado Rockies and the Sierra, assisting with studies of benthic macroinvertebrates and their role in the health of the aquatic food chain and has worked on projects with the South Yuba River Citizens League, Sierra Streams Institute and the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab.
In her work as an entomological illustrator, she recently completed 100 drawings for The Bug Book: A guide to the identification of common aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates families of California and western North America published by the Friends of Deer Creek.
Christine has worked as an educator with The Nature Conservancy, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the U.S. Forest Service. She enjoys bringing the biologist’s perspective to the fine art of aquatic entomology for anglers.
