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Bug Fest 2026

July 25

Bug Fest

Fly Angler’s Entomology Education Event

Hosted by The Salmonfly Project

At Three Dollar Bridge, Madison River, MT

Jul 25, 2026

Awareness of aquatic insect hatches, identification, and ecology has declined as modern fly fishing trends shift away from “matching the hatch.” At the same time, aquatic insects across the Rocky Mountain West are in measurable decline—threatening the trout populations, fisheries, and economies that depend on them. Bug Fest is designed to address this issue by reconnecting the angling public with the foundation of our sport – the bugs. In this hands-on event, participants will learn from professional entomologists from The Salmonfly Project about the aquatic insects that sustain the world-class Madison River. Learning will focus on basic insect identification and on the differences in life stages and behaviors among major hatches. Ultimately, the event aims to help participants to become better anglers and stewards of their local waters. 

Event Activities:

Bug Fest will have four major educational activities, each focusing on a different aspect of the insect life cycle. Activities will run simultaneously and repeatedly for approximately 45 minutes each throughout the event, allowing participants to choose the duration and focus of their learning experience. Activities will include:

 

  1. Nymph Station: Participants will collect, sort, and identify aquatic insect nymphs while learning about their ecology, emergence timing, and behaviors that make them accessible to trout. 
  2. Drifter/Emerger Station: Participants will sample drifting nymphs and those in mid-emergence, and how drift and emergence influence trout feeding behavior.
  3. Adult Station: Participants will collect and identify adult insects and learn to read river clues to better select fly patterns and effectively match the hatch.
  4. Fly Tying Clinics: Local fishing and fly-tying legends like Craig Mathews, Rick Wollum, and Kelly Galloup will tie hatch-specific patterns to help inform anglers’ fly selection.

Partner Participation:

Brands and businesses are invited to attend the event to show commitment and solidarity toward aquatic insect conservation and education. While product display and tabling are not encouraged at Bug Fest, brands may showcase select items that are relevant to ‘matching the hatch’. 

Lead Brand Partners: Patagonia  |   Lead Flyshop Partner: Big Sky Anglers

Other Brands invited: Montana Fly Company, Hardy, Rep your Water, Skwala, 

Other Flyshops invited: The Slide Inn, Trout Hunters, Madison River Fishing Company, Yellow Dog Fly Shop, & Blue Ribbon 

Conservation Groups invited: Madison River Foundation, Lillard Flyfishing School, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, NorthWestern Energy, Trout Unlimited

Details

  • Date: July 25

Venue

  • Three Dollar Bridge, Madison River