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 resembled several others of around the same size and perhaps the same species, which were pretty common in my February sample from the upper Yakima. Unfortunately, I misplaced the specimen before I could get it under a microscope for a definitive ID.
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Mottled Willowflies
Like most common names,"Mottled Willowfly" can refer to more than one taxon. They're previewed below, along with 2 specimens. For more detail click through to the scientific names.
Stonefly Species Strophopteryx fasciata
These are pretty much always called Mottled Willowflies.
Several stoneflies of this species were the first adult insects I found in 2004 when I started this site. The hatch was sparse but lasted a good part of the day, and I noted a few good rises despite the early season cold. They ended up struggling on the water's surface fairly often.
See 3 more specimens...
Stonefly Genus Strophopteryx
These are sometimes called Mottled Willowflies.
Strophopteryx fasciata is the most important species of Early Brown Stoneflies.
Several stoneflies of this species were the first adult insects I found in 2004 when I started this site. The hatch was sparse but lasted a good part of the day, and I noted a few good rises despite the early season cold. They ended up struggling on the water's surface fairly often.
See 3 more specimens...