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.

Stream photos

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Coleoptera (Beetle) Insect Larva Coleoptera (Beetle) Insect Larva

Lateral view of a Coleoptera (Beetle) Insect Larva from Sears Creek in Washington

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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.

Salmonflies

This common name refers to only one family. Click its scientific name to learn more.

Stonefly Family Pteronarcyidae

These are often called Salmonflies.

This family contains the largest species of stoneflies in North America, with many female specimens exceeding 50mm. Unlike the large and active predaceous Perlidae Golden Stones, they are primarily detritivores that move about slowly. The most important species is Pteronarcys californica. See its hatch page for details. It takes them three years to develop to maturity, so it is useful for the angler to carry a variety of nymph sizes.

Female Pteronarcys californica (Giant Salmonfly) Stonefly Adult

11 Pictures