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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.

Dorsal view of a Epeorus albertae (Heptageniidae) (Pink Lady) Mayfly Nymph from the East Fork Issaquah Creek in Washington
This specimen keys to the Epeorus albertae group of species. Of the five species in that group, the two known in Washington state are Epeorus albertae and Epeorus dulciana. Of the two, albertae has been collected in vastly more locations in Washington than dulciana, suggesting it is far more common. On that basis alone I'm tentatively putting this nymph in albertae, with the large caveat that there's no real information to rule out dulciana.
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 June 18, 2021

Photos by Troutnut from the Bois Brule River in Wisconsin

The Bois Brule River in Wisconsin
The Bois Brule River in Wisconsin
The Bois Brule River in Wisconsin

Updates from June 17, 2021

Photos by Troutnut from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin

The Namekagon River in Wisconsin

Closeup insects by Troutnut from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin

Lateral view of a Female Hexagenia limbata (Ephemeridae) (Hex) Mayfly Dun from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin
This female Hex dun emerged around 11 pm, one of relatively few on the water as I rushed back to the truck to beat an approaching thunderstorm. Her tails in reality were longer than shown in the picture, but they broke off.

Updates from June 16, 2021

Photos by Troutnut from Mystery Creek #56 in Wisconsin

Mystery Creek # 56 in Wisconsin
Mystery Creek # 56 in Wisconsin
Mystery Creek # 56 in Wisconsin
Mystery Creek # 56 in Wisconsin
Mystery Creek # 56 in Wisconsin
Mystery Creek # 56 in Wisconsin

On-stream insect photos by Troutnut from Mystery Creek #56 in Wisconsin

Spent Hex spinners on a small stream the morning after the hatch.

From Mystery Creek # 56 in Wisconsin

Updates from June 15, 2021

Photos by Troutnut from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin

The Namekagon River in Wisconsin
16 inch brown
The Namekagon River in Wisconsin

Closeup insects by Troutnut from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin

Artistic view of a Male Hexagenia limbata (Ephemeridae) (Hex) Mayfly Spinner from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin

Updates from June 14, 2021

Photos by Troutnut from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin

The Namekagon River in Wisconsin
The Namekagon River in Wisconsin
The Namekagon River in Wisconsin
The Namekagon River in Wisconsin

Closeup insects by Troutnut from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin

Female Paragnetina media (Perlidae) (Embossed Stonefly) Stonefly Adult from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin
I keyed this specimen to Paragnetina, and range maps would seem to rule out every species of that genus except for the common Paragnetina media.
Male Agnetina capitata (Perlidae) (Golden Stone) Stonefly Adult from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin
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