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.

Stream photos

Featured on the forum

Re: Trico emergers
In the Mayfly Genus Tricorythodes by Bwoklink (Martinlf replied)

Re: Trico Tips
In the Mayfly Genus Tricorythodes by Martinlf

Re: UV spectrum and trout
In General Discussion by Martinlf

Re: closing the gender gap in flyfishing
In General Discussion by Konchu (Smallflyguy replied)

Re: Fishing Kupa River, Slovenia
In Fishing Reports by Slocum (Fish1 replied)

Pycnopsyche guttifera (Great Autumn Brown Sedge) Caddisfly Larva Pycnopsyche guttifera (Great Autumn Brown Sedge) Caddisfly Larva

Dorsal view of a Pycnopsyche guttifera (Limnephilidae) (Great Autumn Brown Sedge) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington

This specimen appears to be of the same species as this one collected in the same spot two months earlier. The identification of both is tentative. This one suffered some physical damage before being photographed, too, so the colors aren't totally natural. I was mostly photographing it to test out some new camera setting idea, which worked really well for a couple of closeups.

10 Recently Added Photos

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.

Lehigh River,PA

John_don04
Northeastern,PA

Posts: 3

John_don04 on Mar 7, 2007March 7th, 2007, 12:56 pm EST

First I would like to say how happy I am that I found this web site ! I am relatively new to the sport & think its a great site!! I was hiking along the Lehigh on 3/4/07 & noticed insects from 1/2" to 1 1/8 inches long crawling on the snow pack.Both were brownish black in color. And unfortunately, I don't have pictures .The smaller size had 2 tails & the latter none.Jason Neuswanger believes,by the info I provided him.That they are Early Brown or Black -Stoneflies.Any additional help would be appreciated!And I need all the help I can get!! One other question. Does anyone have any suggestions on a good Field - Pocket Guide for insect identification for PA ? JWD

JWD

Martinlf

Moderator
Palmyra PA

Posts: 3047

Martinlf on Mar 7, 2007March 7th, 2007, 1:22 pm EST

Several people recommended this book for PA bugs; I've found it to be excellent:

Ames book

"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"

--Fred Chappell

John_don04
Northeastern,PA

Posts: 3

John_don04 on Mar 14, 2007March 14th, 2007, 12:48 pm EDT

Louis ,
Thank You for the info !! I apoligize for not replying sooner . I've been away . John

JWD

Martinlf

Moderator
Palmyra PA

Posts: 3047

Martinlf on Mar 14, 2007March 14th, 2007, 1:18 pm EDT

No problem. If you get a chance let us know what you think of the book. Tight lines.

"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"

--Fred Chappell

John_don04
Northeastern,PA

Posts: 3

John_don04 on Mar 15, 2007March 15th, 2007, 1:06 pm EDT

I'll do that . Thanks !

JWD

GONZO
Site Editor
"Bear Swamp," PA

Posts: 1681

GONZO on Mar 17, 2007March 17th, 2007, 1:38 pm EDT

Hi John,

It's nice to hear from someone who hails from my old stomping grounds in NE PA. I agree with Jason that the dark flies on the snow pack were probably early black or brown stonefly species. Aside from midges and the odd winter caddisfly, these "snowflies" are the most commonly encountered winter species. The Lehigh has a wealth of stonefly species that are important throughout the season. Where were you on the Lehigh--the Gorge, or the upper river above the F.E.W.?

Best,
Gonzo