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 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.
- 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.
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Trevorh1989 has attached this picture. The message is below.
Trevorh1989 on May 12, 2010May 12th, 2010, 1:45 am EDT
Hey guys first post big fan of the site but how big do you think this fish is i dont think i really did it justice in the pictures .
Martinlf on May 12, 2010May 12th, 2010, 4:12 am EDT
Nice fish. It's hard to tell from a photo. You might measure some reference points on your rod, such as hook keeper, first stripping guide, etc. then you'd be able to estimate. Whatever the exact size, it's a big brown, and an accomplishment in any flyfisher's book.
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"
--Fred Chappell
--Fred Chappell
Oldredbarn on May 12, 2010May 12th, 2010, 7:59 am EDT
Trevor,
That is a nice fish, but where did you catch it? It's an unusual strain compared to Michigan Browns. Our fish are sprinkled with some red dots on them and seem darker. Some of the first stocking of Browns in the States were here in Michigan with the so-called German Brown trout.
Interesting.
Spence
That is a nice fish, but where did you catch it? It's an unusual strain compared to Michigan Browns. Our fish are sprinkled with some red dots on them and seem darker. Some of the first stocking of Browns in the States were here in Michigan with the so-called German Brown trout.
Interesting.
Spence
"Even when my best efforts fail it's a satisfying challenge, and that, after all, is the essence of fly fishing." -Chauncy Lively
"Envy not the man who lives beside the river, but the man the river flows through." Joseph T Heywood
"Envy not the man who lives beside the river, but the man the river flows through." Joseph T Heywood
Wbranch on May 12, 2010May 12th, 2010, 9:33 am EDT
I'd say 19" maybe a tad more but doubt if it is 20" - it is a good fish in good condition.
Catskill fly fisher for fifty-five years.
Lastchance on May 12, 2010May 12th, 2010, 10:43 am EDT
Great fish!
Trevorh1989 on May 13, 2010May 13th, 2010, 1:08 am EDT
Oh i caught in a smaller River in North Carolina the Mitchell. thanks
TNEAL on May 13, 2010May 13th, 2010, 2:30 am EDT
Looks like a Loch Leven strain to me..
Browns were first planted in the U.S. on April 11, 1884 in the Baldwin River, a tributary to the Pere Marquette..
Your fish appears to be in the 20" range..
Browns were first planted in the U.S. on April 11, 1884 in the Baldwin River, a tributary to the Pere Marquette..
Your fish appears to be in the 20" range..
Jesse on May 20, 2010May 20th, 2010, 4:00 pm EDT
well trev whats the answer?
Most of us fish our whole lives..not knowing its not the fish that we are after.
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Keystoner on Dec 25, 2010December 25th, 2010, 1:29 pm EST
14" to 16" is what I'd say. What is the answer??
"Out into the cool of the evening, strolls the Pretender. He knows that all his hopes and dreams, begin and end there." -JB
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