1.3K views · 28 reactions | Water boatmen and backswimmers are a lesser-known but still-important food source for trout and char in lakes. Both insects are easily identified by their beetle-like shape, and elongated pairs of hind legs that are feathered and resemble an oar. The full feature on waterboatmen and backswimmer fly-fishing strategies is available on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/U0o7FOjb2ug | Go Fish BC | Facebook

A closer look at the water boatmen, one of the insects I found on last nights backyard field trip. Water boatmen are amphibious they swim using two specially adapted legs that resemble rowboat paddles. If you catch one and observe it dive you may notice a silvery sheen on its abdomen. This is an air bubble which it carries with it underwater so it can breath. It can also fly and keeps its wings tucked under two hard shells on its back. Similar to a ladybug. Be aware that they can deliver a painf