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.

Lone tree on a rock in the middle of Big Lake. Fittingly, Big Lake is the largest of several short wide spots in the upper Brule River.

From the Bois Brule River in Wisconsin

Stream photos

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Limnephilus (Summer Flier Sedge) Caddisfly Larva Limnephilus (Summer Flier Sedge) Caddisfly Larva

Case view of a Limnephilus (Limnephilidae) (Summer Flier Sedge) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River 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.

Mayfly Family Potamanthidae (Golden Drakes)

See the genus Anthopotamus for details. It is the only North American genus in this family. Anthopotamus distinctus is its most important species.

Many anglers still know it as Potamanthus, but that name is outdated.

Where & when

In 99 records from GBIF, adults of this family have mostly been collected during June (48%), July (34%), and August (12%).

In 34 records from GBIF, this family has been collected at elevations ranging from 618 to 5003 ft, with an average (median) of 3133 ft.

Family Range

source

Map of specific collection sites

Identification

To determine whether a specimen of Ephemeroptera belongs to Potamanthidae, use the Key to Families of Mayfly Nymphs.

Start a Discussion of Potamanthidae