Water Boatman: These bugs are one of the most important food sources through the entire fall fishing season. These are the primary differences between Water Boatman and Backswimmers:
Water Boatman - swims “right side up”; size #14 to #18; tan/green/light brown are primary colors; primarily eats vegetation; most important in the Bow River
Backswimmer - swims upside down on its back hence the name; larger size #10 to #12; black/brown/tan primary colors; eats other bugs; can bite you; more important in lakes than the Bow
Since the water boatman are vegetarian there are swarms of them in the weeds on the Bow. They constantly have to swim to the surface to breathe and grab a bubble of air to hold onto while swimming. This means they get swept into the current and are eaten by the trout all the time. In the fall they are airborne to mate and migrate, and can be found anywhere between the banks of the Bow upon returning to lay their eggs.
Flies: Waglers Water boatmen, Black Copper John, Prince Nymph, Peacock Boatman, Water Floatman, Justin’s Foam Boatman