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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.

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.
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.
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Carmen
Pennsylvania

Posts: 1
Carmen on Mar 23, 2011March 23rd, 2011, 3:59 am EDT
Will be fishing Spring Creek and Cedar Run as well as the Little J in the middle of April. Looking for advice on fly selection. Anyone out there have knowledge of these waterways? Thanks.
Wbranch
Wbranch's profile picture
York & Starlight PA

Posts: 2635
Wbranch on Mar 23, 2011March 23rd, 2011, 2:02 pm EDT
Spring Creek - Walt's worm, small bead head nymphs like Copper John, Hare's Ear, Prince, #16 - #18. For dry flies #16 - #20 BWO's and various caddis. Other's here know more about the Little J but I've heard it has a great Grannom hatch. Also if you Google TCO fly shops that web site has an overview of Spring Creek, Spruce Creek, Little Juniata, and others with suggested flies.
Catskill fly fisher for fifty-five years.
CaseyP
CaseyP's profile picture
Arlington, VA/ Mercersburg, PA

Posts: 653
CaseyP on Mar 24, 2011March 24th, 2011, 9:25 am EDT
these folks also have a lot of good info

http://www.flyfishersparadise.com/
"You can observe a lot by watching." Yogi Berra

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