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This topic is about the Insect Family Corydalidae

Hellgrammites are the vicious larvae of the Dobsonflies, some of the only trout stream insects which pose a biting threat to the angler. The pincers of the adult are even more frightening that the larva's, and they're aggressive enough to use them once in a while.

This family's life cycle does not create good dry fly opportunities, but the larvae may be eaten by trout year-round. They are a secret told only by stomach samples of well-fed trout. Read more...

Male Nigronia serricornis (Fishfly) Hellgrammite Adult Male Nigronia serricornis (Fishfly) Hellgrammite Adult (10 Pictures)
Corydalus (Dobsonflies) Hellgrammite Larva Corydalus (Dobsonflies) Hellgrammite Larva (27 Pictures)

There are 6 more specimens...

The Discussion

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BuggyApril 19th, 2009, 8:09 am
Posts: 1I am from ontario canada and i pick hellgrammites for a local bait shop owner i was just wondering when is the earliest i could start picking...last year i started in june but i hear you can start sooner when is the earliest i can do this??? thanks for your help

serious picker
GONZOApril 19th, 2009, 11:30 am
Site Editor
"Bear Swamp," PA

Posts: 1681		Buggy,

I don't know what Ontario regulations say about "picking" these larvae. However, provided that there is no prohibition against it, hellgrammites can be found year-round. The larvae spend as much as three years in the aquatic stage, so individuals of various generations (sizes) are available to you (and the fish) at any time.

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