Header image
Enter a name
Artistic view of a Male Pteronarcys californica (Pteronarcyidae) (Giant Salmonfly) Stonefly Adult from the Gallatin River in Montana
Salmonflies
Pteronarcys californica

The giant Salmonflies of the Western mountains are legendary for their proclivity to elicit consistent dry-fly action and ferocious strikes.

Lateral view of a Female Sweltsa borealis (Chloroperlidae) (Boreal Sallfly) Stonefly Adult from Harris Creek in Washington
I was not fishing, but happened to be at an unrelated social event on a hill above this tiny creek (which I never even saw) when this stonefly flew by me. I assume it came from there. Some key characteristics are tricky to follow, but process of elimination ultimately led me to Sweltsa borealis. It is reassuringly similar to this specimen posted by Bob Newell years ago. It is also so strikingly similar to this nymph from the same river system that I'm comfortable identifying that nymph from this adult. I was especially pleased with the closeup photo of four mites parasitizing this one.
27" brown trout, my largest ever. It was the sub-dominant fish in its pool. After this, I hooked the bigger one, but I couldn't land it.
Troutnut is a project started in 2003 by salmonid ecologist Jason "Troutnut" Neuswanger to help anglers and fly tyers unabashedly embrace the entomological side of the sport. Learn more about Troutnut or support the project for an enhanced experience here.

Updates from August 27, 2005

Updates from August 27, 2005

Closeup insects by Troutnut from Fall Creek in New York

Dorsal view of a Argia (Coenagrionidae) Damselfly Nymph from Fall Creek in New York
My friend Willy captured this early instar damselfly nymph and brought it to me for identification. It is more robust and stocky at this early stage than the spindly appearance of the later instars, and its appearance is less familiar.

Quick Reply

Related Discussions

Topic
Replies
Last Reply
9
Jun 28, 2007
by Troutnut
12
Jul 31, 2016
by Jmd123
Troutnut.com is copyright © 2004-2024 (email Jason). privacy policy