Entomology

Chironomids            

Chironomids are commonly called midges, and  are the most abundant year round food source available to feeding trout. They range in size from 2-25mm in length. They have long skinny segmented bodies and are worm-like. As chironomid larva starts its transition into the pupal stage they develop an eye-spot, wing casing and have noticeable white gills near the head. The most common colors include yellow, green, brown and red in the larval stage and black, brown and green in the pupa and adult stages.

Chironomid larva are bottom dwellers and can live in depths of 70 meters. They typically live in tubes in the mud or sand. Although chironomid larva are available year round they are usually more active as water temperatures rise. It is during the pupal ascent to the the surface that chironomids are most heavily preyed upon. Chironomids fill an air sack within their skin and wriggle to the surface, but are often suspended between the lake bottom and surface. The pupa can be found at any depth but trout will feed most heavily along the shoals and drop offs.

Dragonfly                                                                                                                             Darner Nymph    

The dragonflies are available year round but are most actively sought by trout in the nymphs as they migrate to the shoreline vegetation in the spring as they emerge as adults. When we talk of dragonfly nymphs we must distinguish between the Darners and the Gomphus. The Darner nymph is long and slender in shape and is usually found under logs, rocks or attached to submerged vegetation, It is an active swimmer and found in a large variety of lake types.

The Gomphus nymph is shorter and stubby in shape and has long spider-like legs. It's entire body is often covered in hair-like projections which acts as a base for algae to grow from. These nymphs are more sedentary in nature and are usually found well hidden in submerged vegetation.

Dragonfly nymphs have large bulbous eyes and have thick cigar shaped bodies with pronounced legs. They range in size and can be as large as 40mm. The most common colors are olive green and shades of black, although dark green, grays and reddish browns may be found. Dragonfly nymphs generally crawl along the lake bottoms and weeds. They also have internal gills which they can suck water into their bodies and expel with great force to provide rapid movement through the water.

      Gomphus Nymph

The Leech

The leech

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