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 specimen appears to be of the same species as this one collected in the same spot two months earlier. The identification of both is tentative. This one suffered some physical damage before being photographed, too, so the colors aren't totally natural. I was mostly photographing it to test out some new camera setting idea, which worked really well for a couple of closeups.
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 November 29, 1999
Photos by Bnewell and Troutnut
Underwater photos by Bnewell
On-stream insect photos by Troutnut
Closeup insects by Bnewell from the Big Thompson River and the Grande Rhonde River in Montana and Washington
A photo showing the minor details on the nymph of this rarely collected mayfly
Fly fishermen refer to this stonefly as one of "golden stones".