Salmonflies
Pteronarcys californica
The giant Salmonflies of the Western mountains are legendary for their proclivity to elicit consistent dry-fly action and ferocious strikes.
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As far as I can tell, this species has only previously been reported from one site in Oregon along the Columbia gorge. However, the key characteristics are fairly unmistakable in all except for one minor detail:
— 4 small yellow spots on frons visible in photos
— Narrow occipital spinule row curves forward (but doesn’t quite meet on stem of ecdysial suture, as it's supposed to in this species)
— Short spinules on anterior margin of front legs
— Short rposterior row of blunt spinules on abdominal tergae, rather than elongated spinules dorsally
I caught several of these mature nymphs in the fishless, tiny headwaters of a creek high in the Wenatchee Mountains.
— 4 small yellow spots on frons visible in photos
— Narrow occipital spinule row curves forward (but doesn’t quite meet on stem of ecdysial suture, as it's supposed to in this species)
— Short spinules on anterior margin of front legs
— Short rposterior row of blunt spinules on abdominal tergae, rather than elongated spinules dorsally
I caught several of these mature nymphs in the fishless, tiny headwaters of a creek high in the Wenatchee Mountains.
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Martinlf on Nov 26, 2020November 26th, 2020, 5:05 am EST
Hi Troutnuts, wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving. I'm thankful for the recent news that the Pebble Creek Mine has been shut down by the Army Corps of Engineers, that a vaccine is on the way so I should be good to fly to Montana this summer, and that our streams and fish will again have the protection of the EPA in the coming four years. Hoping all of you are well and that your fishing prospects are looking good.
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"
--Fred Chappell
--Fred Chappell
Red_green_h on Nov 26, 2020November 26th, 2020, 9:45 am EST
Likewise, there is always a lot to be thanful for. Family, fish, health. Hopefully be heading up to the Jemez Mts next Wednesday or Thursday to find some Rio Grande cutthroat. I'll be sure to share success or failures. Either way it will be beautiful and cold.
Partsman on Nov 26, 2020November 26th, 2020, 10:17 am EST
Same to everyone here!
Mike.
Mike.