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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.
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Pryal74
Pryal74's profile picture
Escanaba, MI

Posts: 168
Pryal74 on Oct 19, 2012October 19th, 2012, 5:25 pm EDT
Fly fishing highlight video of Lake Run Brown Trout in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Filmed by James Pryal of Into The Wild Fly Fishing Guide Service. All of these fish were caught over a few hour span, all on streamers. The biggest fish was 34 inches, Over 20 pounds. All fish were released.



Adirman
Adirman's profile picture
Monticello, NY

Posts: 479
Adirman on Oct 20, 2012October 20th, 2012, 2:27 am EDT
Wow, that brown is HUGE! What streamer did you get him on, do you remember? Congrats to you on an obviously great season and awesome video!
Lastchance
Portage, PA

Posts: 437
Lastchance on Oct 20, 2012October 20th, 2012, 5:29 am EDT
Awesome video and fish. Thanks for posting it. Is that James McMurtry on vocals?
Bruce
Pryal74
Pryal74's profile picture
Escanaba, MI

Posts: 168
Pryal74 on Oct 22, 2012October 22nd, 2012, 3:21 pm EDT
@Adirman, I caught him on a cream colored bunny streamer. It's similar to a little rascal, has a larger cone head. Thanks.

@Bruce, Eddie Vedder actually.

For anyone concerned... in this video you will notice a fish on the bank for a few photos. I took extra care in each fish caught (like I do for any of the ones I catch) so please don't alarmed. I was quite excited in catching a 34 inch Brown Trout... as this will maybe never happen to me again.
*DISCLAIMER* No fish were harmed in the making of this film. Haha!

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