How to Catch Hellgrammites for Fishing Bait: A Complete Guide

Hellgrammites, also known as dobsonflies, are some of the most effective live baits for a wide variety of freshwater fish species, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and trout. These fascinating creatures are the larval stage of dobsonflies, and their large size and lively movement make them irresistible to predatory fish. If you’re looking to catch hellgramites for fishing, this guide will help you learn where to find hellgramites, the best way to catch hellgrammites, and provide you with proven techniques to ensure you catch a lot of them for your next fishing trip.

What Are Hellgrammites?

Before diving into the specifics of how to catch hellgramites, let’s briefly look at what they are. Hellgramites are aquatic larvae of the dobsonfly, which typically live in fast-moving, clean rivers and streams. These larvae are characterized by their large, segmented bodies, sharp mandibles, and six long, segmented legs. They live under rocks and debris in rivers and streams, where they feed on smaller invertebrates and detritus.

Their aggressive nature and large size make hellgramites an excellent bait choice for catching largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and trout, all of which are drawn to their energetic movements. Hellgramites can grow quite large—up to 3-4 inches—making them a particularly attractive bait for larger fish.

Where to Find Hellgrammites

Hellgramites are primarily found in clean, fast-moving streams and rivers with a good flow of water. They prefer rocky, riffle areas and can often be found clinging to the underside of rocks and submerged debris. Hellgramites thrive in cool, oxygen-rich water and are typically found in regions where the water quality is high.

Some ideal locations to search for hellgramites include:

• Rocky river bottoms with swift currents
• Riffles—shallow, fast-moving sections of rivers
• Under submerged logs, rocks, and boulders
• Areas near freshwater springs with clean water

It’s important to remember that hellgramites are sensitive to pollution and prefer pristine environments. You won’t typically find them in polluted or stagnant waters.

Best Way to Catch Hellgrammites

Catching hellgramites can be both fun and challenging. Fortunately, there are a few proven methods to increase your chances of finding and catching a lot of them. Here’s the best way to catch hellgramites, especially if you’re looking to gather them in bulk for your fishing trips.

Method 1: Setting Up a Seine Net Downriver and Flipping Rocks Upstream

One of the most efficient ways to catch a large number of hellgramites is by using a seine net in conjunction with flipping rocks upstream to let the hellgramites flow down into the net. This method is particularly effective because it allows you to cover a lot of ground and gather hellgramites without spending time flipping rocks manually in each area.

Here’s how you can do it:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Gather Your Equipment:
   • A seine net: This is a long, fine-mesh net designed for catching aquatic creatures. A 10-12-foot seine net works best for this method.
   • Waders or boots: You’ll need to be in the water to flip rocks and set up the net.
   • Gloves: To protect your hands from sharp rocks and the hellgramites’ mandibles.
   • Buckets: For storing the hellgramites once you catch them.
2. Set Up the Seine Net:
   • Position the seine net in a section of the stream or river where the water flow is moderate but not too strong.
   • Make sure the net is securely anchored on both ends, either by tying it to rocks or holding it in place with your body.
   • Ensure that the net is spread out wide enough to catch the hellgramites as they flow downriver.
3. Flip Rocks Upstream:
   • Start upstream of your net, and begin flipping rocks and large debris in the river. Hellgramites often hide under these rocks.
   • Once the rocks are flipped, the hellgramites will be dislodged and swept downstream by the current.
   • The current will carry the hellgramites directly into the seine net you’ve set up.
4. Check Your Net:
   • After a few minutes, check the net for any captured hellgramites. They are easy to spot as they are typically dark-colored and have a segmented body.
   • If you don’t catch many on the first try, continue flipping rocks and resetting the net in different sections of the river.
5. Repeat the Process:
   • Move further upstream and continue the process until you’ve gathered a sufficient amount of hellgramites. This method is efficient because it covers a large area, and the current helps funnel the hellgramites into the net.

This technique is effective because it allows you to target multiple hellgramites at once and catch them in bulk. It’s particularly useful if you need a lot of hellgramites for fishing but don’t want to spend all day flipping rocks by hand. To learn more about this method check out our video where we demonstrate the best way to catch hellgrammites: how to catch a lot of hellgrammites fast!

Method 2: Flipping Rocks by Hand

While using a seine net is great for bulk catching, sometimes you might want to catch hellgramites manually, especially if you’re in a smaller creek or stream. This is a more direct method, but it can be a bit more time-consuming.

How to Flip Rocks and Catch Hellgrammites:

1. Find Suitable Rocks: Look for rocks that are large enough to provide cover but can also be flipped easily.
2. Lift the Rock: Use your hands or a sturdy tool to lift the rock and look underneath for hellgramites. They will often cling to the underside of the rock.
3. Use a Bucket or Container: As you find hellgramites, place them in a bucket or other container to keep them alive and fresh.
4. Repeat the Process: Continue flipping rocks in various locations along the stream or river. Hellgramites tend to congregate in specific areas, so be patient.

This method is effective but can be slower and less efficient than using a seine net. However, it’s perfect for smaller streams or if you want to catch a more targeted number of hellgramites.

Why Hellgrammites Are Great Fishing Bait

Hellgramites are highly prized by anglers due to their natural movement and scent, which attract fish in both still and moving water. These larvae are especially popular for catching predatory fish like smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and trout. They are particularly effective in creeks, rivers, and streams, where these fish species thrive.

Here are a few reasons why hellgramites make excellent fishing bait:

1. High Activity: Hellgramites are active and will often wriggle around, attracting attention from predatory fish.
2. Natural Scent: Their scent is appealing to fish, especially bass and trout, which are drawn to the natural smell of the hellgramite.
3. Size: Hellgramites are large enough to attract larger fish but small enough to entice smaller species as well.
4. Ideal for River and Creek Fishing: Because hellgramites are native to rivers and creeks, they are often the perfect match for freshwater fish species that inhabit these waters.

We even put them to the test against other types of live bait to find out the best live bait for smallmouth bass & river fishing!

Tips for Catching a Lot of Hellgrammites

• Time of Day: Hellgramites are more active during certain times of the day, especially at night or during overcast conditions. It’s easier to find them when they are more active.
• Water Flow: Look for areas with moderate water flow. Hellgramites thrive in fast-moving waters but prefer spots with adequate shelter under rocks.
• Use the Right Bait: Hellgramites are most effectively used as bait for predatory fish. Ensure you have them in fresh water when you’re using them to fish for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, or trout.
• Be Gentle: Hellgramites have fragile bodies, so handle them with care to ensure they remain active when used as bait.

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Conclusion

Catching hellgramites is a rewarding experience, and these critters are fantastic bait for catching species like smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and trout. Whether you are using a seine net or flipping rocks, understanding where to find hellgramites and how to catch them is key to your success. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to catch a large quantity of hellgrammites for your fishing trip and improve your chances of landing that big catch.

So next time you’re out fishing in a creek or river, consider trying hellgramites as bait. With a bit of effort and the right technique, you’ll be on your way to an unforgettable fishing experience!