The Connecticut State Museum of Natural History (CSMNH), the Connecticut Fly Fisherman’s Association (CFFA), and the University of Connecticut’s Biodiversity Research Collections (BRC) in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology are collaborating to teach the first ever Aquatic Insects of Connecticut Fly Tying course (this course was rescheduled from a previously offered version this past April). This one-day Saturday workshop will focus on learning about and mimicking native Connecticut aquatic insects that serve as critical food sources for the popular game fish in our state rivers. Participants will learn to recognize the primary groups of insects and how to tie patterns on hooks to simulate their behaviors and ecology while fly fishing in local rivers such as the Fenton, Farmington, and Willimantic Rivers. Participants are also encouraged to utilize their skills and the lures they construct with subsequent participation in the CFFA’s educational programs of casting and advanced tying.
On Saturday, June 25th (from 9am to 4pm) you will:
- Learn about the sport of fly fishing and fly tying from experts at the Connecticut Fly Fisherman’s Association (CFFA)
- Receive an introduction to the ecology, evolution, and importance of aquatic insects from Dr. Katrina Menard (University of Connecticut, Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology)
- Tie 3 flies representing insect species eaten by Connecticut game fish
- Have the chance to visit the Biodiversity Research Collections at the University of Connecticut to see preserved insect specimens
*** Participants aged 14-17 y must be accompanied by a chaperone. This chaperone does not need to pay and register, unless they also want to tie flies during the workshop. ***
Lunch is not included in the registration fee, but you are encouraged to bring your own lunch or you can find lunch nearby (options will be provided at the workshop) during the 1-hour mid-workshop break.
If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the CSMNH at 860-486-4460 or [email protected] by 22 June 2022.