Salmonflies
Pteronarcys californica
The giant Salmonflies of the Western mountains are legendary for their proclivity to elicit consistent dry-fly action and ferocious strikes.
Featured on the forum
This is an interesting one. Following the keys in Merritt R.W., Cummins, K.W., and Berg, M.B. (2019) and Jacobus et al. (2014), it keys clearly to Ephemerella. Jacobus et al provide a key to species, but some of the characteristics are tricky to interpret without illustrations. If I didn't make any mistakes, this one keys to Ephemerella mucronata, which has not previously been reported any closer to here than Montana and Alberta. The main character seems to fit well: "Abdominal terga with prominent, paired, subparallel, spiculate ridges." Several illustrations or descriptions of this holarctic species from the US and Europe seem to match, including the body length, tarsal claws and denticles, labial palp, and gill shapes. These sources include including Richard Allen's original description of this species in North America under the now-defunct name E. moffatae in Allen RK (1977) and the figures in this description of the species in Italy.
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.
Wbranch on Nov 14, 2020November 14th, 2020, 4:08 am EST
I went out yesterday as the weather was forecast to be 60 degrees by 3:00. I went out on Tuesday but it was so windy I had to leave after about two hours. I need to get a stern anchor in addition to the bow anchor to keep the bow being blown up river or just spinning on the tether.
I boated seven beasts in four hours plus a big Channel catfish of 23"/24". All the bass were 18" - 21.5". In my way of thinking a 21.5" smallmouth is as rare as a 25" wild trout. They were all very strong and fought very hard, running line on a tight drag.
I boated seven beasts in four hours plus a big Channel catfish of 23"/24". All the bass were 18" - 21.5". In my way of thinking a 21.5" smallmouth is as rare as a 25" wild trout. They were all very strong and fought very hard, running line on a tight drag.
Catskill fly fisher for fifty-five years.
Troutnut on Nov 14, 2020November 14th, 2020, 5:31 am EST
I saw those on Facebook. Awesome bass! What techniques are you using to chase big smallies at this time of year?
Jason Neuswanger, Ph.D.
Troutnut and salmonid ecologist
Troutnut and salmonid ecologist
Wbranch on Nov 14, 2020November 14th, 2020, 6:31 am EST
Hi Jason,
It is another of my secrets that I will be taking to my grave with me. I used to be so paranoid someone would figure out where I was that I would fudge the entire background with an editing tool. Now I figure they might kind of figure out what bridge it is but it is a piece of water about an acre in diameter and if you don't know the lay of the bottom and where the ledges and holes are they will just be wasting time. I will PM you.
It is another of my secrets that I will be taking to my grave with me. I used to be so paranoid someone would figure out where I was that I would fudge the entire background with an editing tool. Now I figure they might kind of figure out what bridge it is but it is a piece of water about an acre in diameter and if you don't know the lay of the bottom and where the ledges and holes are they will just be wasting time. I will PM you.
Catskill fly fisher for fifty-five years.
Partsman on Nov 14, 2020November 14th, 2020, 7:38 am EST
Awesome Matt! I have not spent much time on smallmouths here in Michigan lately, I hope to remedy that next summer.
Mike.
Mike.
Martinlf on Nov 16, 2020November 16th, 2020, 8:36 am EST
Nice work, Matt.
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"
--Fred Chappell
--Fred Chappell
Wbranch on Nov 16, 2020November 16th, 2020, 12:06 pm EST
It was great to be out - I've never had the boat out after late October. Friday was forecast to warm up by 2:00 so I went out at noon. Quite windy at first but still hooking up. Seven really big bass in just four hours is pretty amazing. In my mind a 21.5" smallmouth is akin to catching a 25" trout. It is very rare.
Catskill fly fisher for fifty-five years.
Quick Reply
Related Discussions
Topic
Replies
Last Reply
Five days of warmwater flyfishing in southeastern Michigan - from Jonathon
In Fishing Reports by Jmd123
In Fishing Reports by Jmd123
0
Jul 22, 2009
by Jmd123
by Jmd123
