Meet the Salmonfly Project: The Grassroots Effort to Protect Fly Fishing's Future

Aquatic insect hatches are the heartbeat of fly fishing. From mayflies and caddis to giant stoneflies, these seasonal events drive trout behavior, shape river ecosystems, and define some of the most memorable days on the water. But what happens when those hatches begin to change—or disappear? In this film, we explore the world of aquatic insects in Western rivers, and why their health matters to anglers. Through the work of the Salmonfly Project, scientists and volunteers are studying insect populations, tracking long-term trends, and uncovering the environmental pressures affecting the bugs trout depend on most. From the surface explosions of a dry-fly eat to the unseen “Serengeti” beneath your boots, healthy insect populations are what make fly fishing possible.