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.

Mount Deborah and Hess Mountains. Two of the greatest peaks of the Alaska Range rise behind the braided, glacial Susitna River. These massive mountains are 35 miles north of where I took this picture.

From the Susitna River in Alaska

Stream photos

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Sweltsa (Sallfly) Stonefly Nymph Sweltsa (Sallfly) Stonefly Nymph

Dorsal view of a Sweltsa (Chloroperlidae) (Sallfly) Stonefly Nymph from the Yakima River in Washington

This species was fairly abundant in a February sample of the upper Yakima.

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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.

Darth Vader???

Freepow has attached this picture to aid in identification. The message is below.

Freepow
menomonie, WI

Posts: 83

Freepow on Jun 11, 2008June 11th, 2008, 3:25 pm EDT

I described this little black mayfly to a kind gentleman on the river and he replied..."ah yes, the Darth Vader." I researched that term for mayflies and came up with Serretella Deficiens. Does this look right? The picture is a little blurry because the thing was so small but I think I can get some input based on color alone. Thanks all.

"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..."

GONZO
Site Editor
"Bear Swamp," PA

Posts: 1681

GONZO on Jun 11, 2008June 11th, 2008, 5:27 pm EDT

Despite the blurry photo, Jason, I'll second the ID. Serratella deficiens is a fairly distinctive little mayfly, and the timing is right.

Troutnut

Administrator
Bellevue, WA

Posts: 2758

Troutnut on Jun 12, 2008June 12th, 2008, 10:31 am EDT

For what it's worth, I'll third it. :)

Neat little hatch, isn't it? I ran into it a couple times on the Namekagon and the fish seemed especially keen on those mayflies, maybe because their dark color makes them easier to see and identify.

Jason Neuswanger, Ph.D.
Troutnut and salmonid ecologist

Shawnny3
Moderator
Pleasant Gap, PA

Posts: 1197

Shawnny3 on Jun 12, 2008June 12th, 2008, 12:14 pm EDT

What the heck, I'll fourth it. My first definitive insect ID - I'm quite pleased with myself.

-Shawn

Jewelry-Quality Artistic Salmon Flies, by Shawn Davis
www.davisflydesigns.com