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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This one seems to tentatively key to Holocentropus, although I can't make out the anal spines in Couplet 7 of the Key to Genera of Polycentropodidae Larvae nor the dark bands in Couplet 4 of the Key to Genera of Polycentropodidae Larvae, making me wonder if I went wrong somewhere in keying it out. I don't see where that could have happened, though. It might also be that it's a very immature larva and doesn't possess all the identifying characteristics in the key yet. If Holocentropus is correct, then Holocentropus flavus and Holocentropus interruptus are the two likely possibilities based on range, but I was not able to find a description of their larvae.
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Report at a Glance
| General Region | Northern Virginia |
| Specific Location | our favorite urban outfall below a certain decorative lake |
| Dates Fished | March 26 |
| Time of Day | 2:16-6:00 pm |
| Fish Caught | 8 hold-over trout and a carp, and at least that many sunfish |
| Conditions & Hatches | air: 70 water: around 50 weather: amazing some midges were hatching but not enough to merit matching |
Details and Discussion
CaseyP on Mar 26, 2008March 26th, 2008, 1:31 pm EDT
this stream has been "improved" with a cycle trail running the length of it. the trail crosses the stream 5 times in a mile and a half, with cement fords and stepping stones. when this was put in, we feared the worst as far as our fishing went because all the urban jungly bits were destroyed and some of our best pools disappeared. well, it is a bit like fishing in a park, but most of the dogwalkers and strollers don't notice the anglers, and their presence means the homeless and illegals can't camp there any more. this makes it better for solo lady anglers. the good access means that the October stocking truck can get to more of the stream as well.
this was an epic day because i've never caught this many fish all on my own. i guess you all have been telling me the right things and today the fly choices, casting, and sneakiness all came together. nope, no photos because i left the net in the car. someone suggested holding one's breath as one lifts the fish out of the water to help get the hook out fast. it works, but the fish don't stick around for the papparazzi treatment afterwards.
BTW, the carp acted just like the trout in that pool--peeking caddis fooled both of them!
this was an epic day because i've never caught this many fish all on my own. i guess you all have been telling me the right things and today the fly choices, casting, and sneakiness all came together. nope, no photos because i left the net in the car. someone suggested holding one's breath as one lifts the fish out of the water to help get the hook out fast. it works, but the fish don't stick around for the papparazzi treatment afterwards.
BTW, the carp acted just like the trout in that pool--peeking caddis fooled both of them!
"You can observe a lot by watching." Yogi Berra
Martinlf on Mar 27, 2008March 27th, 2008, 12:24 am EDT
Great story Casey. It's all about the memories and the satisfaction that comes from a convergence of the right ideas and the right moment. You know, some anglers pursue carp with all the passion of a rabid bonefish angler. What luck to find one while fishing for a lesser species.
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"
--Fred Chappell
--Fred Chappell
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