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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.

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.
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Stonefly Genus Hesperoperla (Golden Stones)

The important western genus Hesperoperla currently has only two species. See the species hatch pages for details.

Where & when

In 44 records from GBIF, adults of this genus have mostly been collected during July (34%), June (25%), May (20%), and April (9%).

In 16 records from GBIF, this genus has been collected at elevations ranging from 1969 to 8632 ft, with an average (median) of 6339 ft.

Genus Range

Identification

To determine whether a specimen of Perlidae belongs to Hesperoperla, use the Key to Genera of Perlidae Nymphs.

Specimens of the Stonefly Genus Hesperoperla

1 Male Adult
4 Female Adults
4 Nymphs

Start a Discussion of Hesperoperla

References

Stonefly Genus Hesperoperla (Golden Stones)

Taxonomy
Species in Hesperoperla
Hesperoperla pacificaWillowflies
9
73
Species in Hesperoperla: Hesperoperla pacifica
1 species (Hesperoperla hoquei) isn't included.
Genus Range
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