MISSOULA, MT (June 30, 2026) — Aquatic insects are the foundation of healthy trout fisheries and the core of our fly fishing heritage. The Salmonfly Project is excited to announce Bug Fest — a free educational event developed to reconnect anglers with aquatic insect hatches and their critical role in river ecosystems.
Bug Fest will take place at the Three Dollar Bridge on the Madison River on July 25, 2026, from 1:00-6:00 PM MDT. Bug Fest will feature hands-on learning sessions led by professional anglers and entomologists from The Salmonfly Project. Featuring three major educational activities focused on nymphs, emergers, and adults, participants will gain valuable insights into aquatic insect hatches, identification, and ecology, with an emphasis on what it means to be a successful angler. Additionally local fishing and fly-tying legends such as Craig Mathews, Rick Wollum, and Kelly Galloup will be at the event to tie hatch-specific patterns to help inform anglers’ fly selection.
The Salmonfly Project is a nonprofit organization based in Missoula, dedicated to conserving aquatic insects through research, monitoring, education, and effective management practices. In collaboration with anglers, birders, scientists, and conservationists, we envision a future with abundant and diverse aquatic insect communities and strong hatches that sustain birds, trout, and quality fishing.
Join The Salmonfly Project at Bug Fest to enhance your angling skills and help safeguard the future of our waterways. With the support of Patagonia, Fulling Mill, the West Yellowstone Foundation, Big Sky Anglers, Galloup’s Slide Inn, Montana Fly Company, the West Yellowstone Foundation, Map Brewing Company, the Madison River Fishing Company, and Yellow Dog Flyfishing, this event is free and open to the public.
For more information, please visit: https://salmonflyproject.org/event/bug-fest-2026/
About The Salmonfly Project: The Salmonfly Project is committed to conserving salmonflies and other aquatic insects for future generations through research, monitoring, education, and sound restoration practices. For more information about The Salmonfly Project, please visit their website and follow The Salmonfly Project on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, and YouTube.