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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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.
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Martinlf on Feb 3, 2021February 3rd, 2021, 1:00 pm EST
I'm partial to the 10' length, but have not yet tried the 11' extension for my Drift rod. Most of the streams I fish are smaller than the San Juan, though. The extra foot may not sound like much, but it does make a difference between 9' and 10'. Ultimately these sort of things often come down to personal preference and what someone has gotten used to. Do you know someone with a 10' and an 11' rod that you might borrow for a bit to compare and see what you think?
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"
--Fred Chappell
--Fred Chappell
Martinlf on Feb 4, 2021February 4th, 2021, 2:12 am EST
A local shop may be able to let you handle and cast different rods. A guide may have different rods to try as well. Best of luck.
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"
--Fred Chappell
--Fred Chappell
Wbranch on Feb 4, 2021February 4th, 2021, 2:43 am EST
Tangina20 wrote;
A 10' rod is 11% longer and quite a significant length gain when you are high sticking or tight lining. I typically used to steelhead fish with a 9' rod. When I went to a 10' #6 I found it was so much easier to roll cast and to perform upriver mends. I don't own any Euro nymph rods but if I did I would probably stick with nothing longer than 10' 6" or lighter than a #3 line.
I feel like that isn’t too much different from my 9’ rod.
A 10' rod is 11% longer and quite a significant length gain when you are high sticking or tight lining. I typically used to steelhead fish with a 9' rod. When I went to a 10' #6 I found it was so much easier to roll cast and to perform upriver mends. I don't own any Euro nymph rods but if I did I would probably stick with nothing longer than 10' 6" or lighter than a #3 line.
Catskill fly fisher for fifty-five years.
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