Insect Order Trichoptera (Caddisflies)

I'm not sure what the caddisflies in this tight cluster are doing, but I'd guess it has something to do with mating. They scooted all around the rock, with some flies leaving the cluster and new ones coming all the time.

In this picture: Insect Order Trichoptera (Caddisflies).

I'm not sure what these clusters of grannoms are doing lying dead and mostly upside down in clusters on the rocks. Anyone have an explanation?

In this picture: Caddisfly Genus Brachycentrus (Grannoms).

I saw something strange flying around near the streambank, fluttering on and off the water's surface, so I went to check it out. I didn't recognize the wing profile in flight, and it's no surprise! These two caddisflies were joined mating, and they were very reluctant to let go.

In this picture: Caddisfly Family Hydropsychidae.

Always keep an eye on your waders for sign of caddisflies, both live adults and fresh eggs. Both are a sign that the adults are diving to lay their eggs on underwater objects (like your leg), and that means a diving caddis pattern (I like LaFontaine's) is probably the best fly to use.

In this picture: Insect Order Trichoptera (Caddisflies).