Stonefly Genus Pteronarcys (Salmonflies)

This genus contains the largest stoneflies, and probably the most important thanks to the species Pteronarcys californica. It is commonly called the Salmonfly, and is responsible for the famous hatches of giant stoneflies across the West in the summer. Pteronarcys princeps complements it in higher altitudes across its range.

Pteronarcys dorsata or Giant Black Stone as it is often called is an eastern species which occasionally provides angling action, but it is nocturnal and its populations cannot compare with californica.

In most angling literature, species of this genus were referred to as Salmonflies in the West and Giant Black Stoneflies/Stone Creepers in the East. Over time these regional names are going by the wayside as more and more anglers refer to all of them collectively as Salmonflies.

Read about each species for details.