On most small streams the knowledge of aquatic insects and at what time are the hatches going to happen is not a necessity. These streams may have a small caddis hatch, a sulphur or stonefly hatch, but generally these streams are not water based insect factories.
The wild trout that live in these streams will feed on anything that looks to be edible and then sometimes even if its not. They rely heavily on land based insects to provide food. These include ants, moths, bees, and many types of beetles.
I have observed brook trout jumping to a leaf hanging near the water to eat a beetle from that leaf.
I have high hopes for this one.
The next time you find yourself looking at the stream in this way, observe the trout rising to the bugs. Or walk upstream a bit and shake the ferns and see what falls into the water.
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