Header image
Enter a name
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.

Lateral view of a Female Sweltsa borealis (Chloroperlidae) (Boreal Sallfly) Stonefly Adult from Harris Creek in Washington
I was not fishing, but happened to be at an unrelated social event on a hill above this tiny creek (which I never even saw) when this stonefly flew by me. I assume it came from there. Some key characteristics are tricky to follow, but process of elimination ultimately led me to Sweltsa borealis. It is reassuringly similar to this specimen posted by Bob Newell years ago. It is also so strikingly similar to this nymph from the same river system that I'm comfortable identifying that nymph from this adult. I was especially pleased with the closeup photo of four mites parasitizing this one.
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 July 20, 2005

Updates from July 20, 2005

Photos by Troutnut from the Rush River in Wisconsin

The Rush River in Wisconsin
This flat on a slow, fertile spring creek held hundreds of trout.

From the Rush River at Little Whiskey in Wisconsin
The Rush River at Little Whiskey in Wisconsin
The Rush River at Little Whiskey in Wisconsin
The Rush River at Little Whiskey in Wisconsin

On-stream insect photos by Troutnut from the Rush River in Wisconsin

Spider webs are nature's hatch charts.  They often tell you what's been hatching recently.  This one reveals a Trico hatch.

From the Rush River in Wisconsin

Closeup insects by Bnewell from the Flathead River in Montana

Lepidoptera (Moth) Insect Adult from the Flathead River-lower in Montana
I have been told this is the only western aquatic moth, Petrophila confusalis, see here on milkweed blossoms.

Quick Reply

Related Discussions

Topic
Replies
Last Reply
9
Jun 28, 2007
by Troutnut
12
Jul 31, 2016
by Jmd123
Troutnut.com is copyright © 2004-2024 (email Jason). privacy policy