Salmonflies
Pteronarcys californica
The giant Salmonflies of the Western mountains are legendary for their proclivity to elicit consistent dry-fly action and ferocious strikes.
Featured on the forum
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.
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.
Bvcg1 on Mar 31, 2014March 31st, 2014, 8:12 am EDT
Hello all. Been a while since I've done any serious fly fishing. I'm taking my 75 year old father to Northern new Mexico for a father/son trip and am looking for recommendations. I've been looking at the Rio Chama, downstream of El Vado Lake. Any thoughts or recommendations?
Entoman on Mar 31, 2014March 31st, 2014, 2:43 pm EDT
Welcome to the forum, Bvgd. Check out the lakes in the Jicorilla Indian Reservation. The Flyfishing is awesome and they are easier to fish for an elderly gentleman unless he's in pretty good shape.
"It's not that I find fishing so important, it's just that I find all other endeavors of Man equally unimportant... And not nearly as much fun!" Robert Traver, Anatomy of a Fisherman
Falsifly on Apr 1, 2014April 1st, 2014, 7:11 am EDT
Not sure what type of water and accommodations you are looking for but I have spent a considerable amount of time on the San Juan. The town of Navaho Dam offers all types of camping, motel accommodations, with or without kitchen facilities, dining and grocery items. There are a few fly shops and guide services for both wading and drift boating. Any other needs can be found not too far away in Aztec or Farmington. The water types are all there, quiet, braided, riffle, deep runs, pocket, fast, etc.etc, an excellent tail water. Access can be found from extremely easy to a bit challenging. Wading can be as easy as following the bank or risking your life. My experience has been from late February to the middle of April, the draw backs can be water flow, damn windy at times and crowds on week ends. The chance of hefty Browns, Rainbows and high number days is very good but be forewarned, being skunked is not out of the question. But we as fly fishers already know that.
Falsifly
When asked what I just caught that monster on I showed him. He put on his magnifiers and said, "I can't believe they can see that."
When asked what I just caught that monster on I showed him. He put on his magnifiers and said, "I can't believe they can see that."
Quick Reply
Related Discussions
Topic
Replies
Last Reply
5
Jan 29, 2013
by Falsifly
by Falsifly