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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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Al514 has attached these 3 pictures. The message is below.
Al514
Al514's profile picture
Central New York

Posts: 142
Al514 on May 12, 2014May 12th, 2014, 6:09 pm EDT
Anyone else have pictures of Brown Trout with Red spots on it's dorsal? I'm just wondering how rare it is, if it is specific to this creek, or maybe if I just haven't noticed it before?
Entoman
Entoman's profile picture
Northern CA & ID

Posts: 2604
Entoman on May 15, 2014May 15th, 2014, 3:40 pm EDT
No. It is quite common in the German influenced strains. Ive even seen 'em on the adipose fin. Your fish sure is a pretty little guy.
"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
Kschaefer3
Kschaefer3's profile picture
St. Paul, MN

Posts: 376
Kschaefer3 on May 16, 2014May 16th, 2014, 6:13 am EDT
Your fish sure is a pretty little guy.

Yes it is! I love when they get tons of red like that.

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