Studies were conducted in near-shore regions of the Clear-water River, Idaho, to determine benthic insect colonization rates. Dworshak Dam, located on the North Fork of the Clearwater River, subjects downstream shores to daily dewatering, thereby, influencing the benthic insect and algal communities. Continuously watered test and control substrates were sampled weekly to determine insect colonization rates. At least 47 days were required to establish near normal insect carrying capacity on test substrates.