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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 Zapada cinctipes (Nemouridae) (Tiny Winter Black) Stonefly Nymph from the Yakima River in Washington
Nymphs of this species were fairly common in late-winter kick net samples from the upper Yakima River. Although I could not find a key to species of Zapada nymphs, a revision of the Nemouridae family by Baumann (1975) includes the following helpful sentence: "2 cervical gills on each side of midline, 1 arising inside and 1 outside of lateral cervical sclerites, usually single and elongate, sometimes constricted but with 3 or 4 branches arising beyond gill base in Zapada cinctipes." This specimen clearly has the branches and is within the range of that species.
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 April 7, 2005

Closeup insects by Bnewell from Yellow Bay Creek in Montana

Epeorus grandis (Heptageniidae) Mayfly Nymph from Yellow Bay Creek in Montana
Hydroptila (Hydroptilidae) (Varicolored Microcaddis) Caddisfly Larva from the Flathead River-Upper in Montana

Updates from March 28, 2005

Updates from March 21, 2005

Photos by Troutnut from Willowemoc Creek, the Beaverkill River, and the West Branch of the Delaware River in New York

My friend Ian throws a fine cast in a section of river that's open year-round.  From the bridge, we spotted a very nice brown nymphing, but neither of us could get it to take.

From Willowemoc Creek in New York
This is Cairn's Pool on the Beaverkill, possibly the most famous pool in all of trout fishing.

From the Beaverkill River in New York
This nice brown trout was so well-camouflaged at the bottom of the stream that he required a zoom lens, polarizing filter, and digital contrast enhancement to photograph.  My friend Ian and I watched from the bridge as this big trout fed on nymphs for several minutes, and then we took turns trying to catch it.  The selective brown practically laughed us off the river.
Willowemoc Creek in New York
A late winter sunset radiates over a Catskill ridge.  This picture is taken near a popular landing on one of the main tailwaters.

From the West Branch of the Delaware River in New York
Willowemoc Creek in New York
The Beaverkill River, Cairns Pool in New York
Willowemoc Creek in New York
I love how clear the water can be in the Catskills when it hasn't rained for a little while.  A polarizing filter (or sunglasses!) helps, too.

From Willowemoc Creek in New York
A small tributary tumbles toward a large Catskill river.

From the West Branch of the Delaware River in New York
Willowemoc Creek in New York
Willowemoc Creek in New York

On-stream insect photos by Troutnut

An early season stonefly nymph looking to hatch crawls across a snow-covered midstream boulder.
I'm not sure what the caddisflies in this tight cluster are doing, but I'd guess it has something to do with mating.  They scooted all around the rock, with some flies leaving the cluster and new ones coming all the time.

From the Beaverkill River in New York

Updates from March 20, 2005

Photos by Troutnut from the Beaverkill River in New York

Here's my first trout of 2005, a 17-inch brown, photographed underwater after release.
I won't say where this picture was taken.  I wouldn't want to give away anyone's secret little stream.

From the Beaverkill River in New York
Deep snow melts away from a storied Catskill river as spring nears.

From the Beaverkill River in New York
The Beaverkill River in New York
The Beaverkill River in New York
Evening approaches on a Catskill river.

From the Beaverkill River in New York

References

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