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.

Here Oksrukuyik Creek flows away from the Dalton Highway toward the pipeline. It eventually grows into one of the major rivers of the North Slope, and the main drainage to the west of the Sag, but where it crosses the road it's just a small grayling stream.

From Oksrukuyik Creek in Alaska

Stream photos

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Female Sweltsa borealis (Boreal Sallfly) Stonefly Adult Female Sweltsa borealis (Boreal Sallfly) Stonefly Adult

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.

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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.

Ton's question about behavioral drift

Martinlf

Moderator
Palmyra PA

Posts: 3047

Martinlf on Sep 11, 2007September 11th, 2007, 10:26 am EDT

I notice that Ton recently posted a question elsewhere about caddis larvae's mode of drifting--clothed or in the buff? (that is with or without case)

I believe they do both, depending on the species, but await correction from Taxon or Konchu on this if I'm mistaken. Or more detail.

"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"

--Fred Chappell

Taxon

Site Editor
Plano, TX

Posts: 1311

Taxon on Sep 11, 2007September 11th, 2007, 10:55 am EDT

Louis-

I would agree with your belief. I didn't respond to Ton's question, as it appeared to be directed to Jason.

Best regards,
Roger Rohrbeck
www.FlyfishingEntomology.com

Konchu

Site Editor
Indiana

Posts: 498

Konchu on Sep 11, 2007September 11th, 2007, 12:40 pm EDT

ditto

Ton
Posts: 4

Ton on Sep 14, 2007September 14th, 2007, 5:56 am EDT

Thanks guys for your responses to my post. You know, I've heard of patterns that actually impale sand particles (via a glue base) all around a dubbed base of a fly for extreme realistic drifting case patterns. I'll stop short of doing that.

Drifting away now,
ton

Mcjames
Cortland Manor, NY

Posts: 139

Mcjames on Sep 14, 2007September 14th, 2007, 7:12 am EDT

I "evicted" a caddis larva from its casing a few seasons ago and glued the case over a caddis larva pattern. But I haven't tried it yet-- feels almost like I'd be cheating. I keep it in my "experimental" fly box. One of these days I'll give it a shot. I've read that cased caddis constitute a substantial portion of the trout's winter diet.

http://www.troutnut.com/topic/857#4316

I am haunted by waters