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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.

Dorsal view of a Grammotaulius betteni (Limnephilidae) (Northern Caddisfly) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington
This is a striking caddis larva with an interesting color pattern on the head. Here are some characteristics I was able to see under the microscope, but could not easily expose for a picture:
- The prosternal horn is present.
- The mandible is clearly toothed, not formed into a uniform scraper blade.
- The seems to be only 2 major setae on the ventral edge of the hind femur.
- Chloride epithelia seem to be absent from the dorsal side of any abdominal segments.
Based on these characteristics and the ones more easily visible from the pictures, this seems to be Grammotaulius. The key's description of the case is spot-on: "Case cylindrical, made of longitudinally arranged sedge or similar leaves," as is the description of the markings on the head, "Dorsum of head light brownish yellow with numerous discrete, small, dark spots." The spot pattern on the head is a very good match to figure 19.312 of Merritt R.W., Cummins, K.W., and Berg, M.B. (2019). The species ID is based on Grammotaulius betteni being the only species of this genus known in Washington state.
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.

Freepow has attached these 5 pictures. The message is below.
Freepow
menomonie, WI

Posts: 83
Freepow on Jun 5, 2008June 5th, 2008, 5:44 pm EDT
I browsed through the insect pictures but I am not very good at what things I am looking for that separate the different types of bugs. Can anyone tell me what this is??? Also, pics of a nice brookie and brown.
"I fish...because I suspect that men are going along this way for the last time, and I for one don't want to waste the trip..."
Quillgordon
Schuylkill County, PA.

Posts: 109
Quillgordon on Jun 5, 2008June 5th, 2008, 11:49 pm EDT
Freepow,
Nice photos...........
I would guess 'March brown'.... not being a real biologist!
Qg.
Flyfishing is a state of mind! .............. Q.g.

C/R........barbless
Wiflyfisher
Wiflyfisher's profile picture
Wisconsin

Posts: 622
Wiflyfisher on Jun 5, 2008June 5th, 2008, 11:54 pm EDT
Definitely looks like Stenonema vicarium (new name Maccaffertium vicarium) - also called March Brown. Nice photos!

http://www.troutnut.com/hatch/601/Mayfly-Maccaffertium-vicarium-March-Brown
Freepow
menomonie, WI

Posts: 83
Freepow on Jun 6, 2008June 6th, 2008, 3:15 am EDT
Definitely looks like a March Brown to me too. That was quick. Thanks guys.
"I fish...because I suspect that men are going along this way for the last time, and I for one don't want to waste the trip..."

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