Salmonflies
Pteronarcys californica
The giant Salmonflies of the Western mountains are legendary for their proclivity to elicit consistent dry-fly action and ferocious strikes.
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This dun emerged from a mature nymph on my desk. Unfortunately its wings didn't perfectly dry out.
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Backswimmers
Like most common names,"Backswimmer" can refer to more than one taxon. They're previewed below, along with 1 specimen. For more detail click through to the scientific names.
True Bug Family Notonectidae
These are pretty much always called Backswimmers.
Backswimmers are often important to trout, especially in ponds. They're one of the insects which usually doesn't factor into a fly angler's decisions at all, but it pays to be aware of them because in just-so situations the trout eat nothing else.
Be careful handling them--they have a painful bite.
Be careful handling them--they have a painful bite.
See 1 more specimen...
Backswimmer Species Notonecta indica
These are very rarely called Backswimmers.