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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.
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.


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By Troutnut on July 14th, 2017
On a hike with my in-laws to the very popular and crowded Grove of the Patriarchs in Mt. Ranier National Park, we followed the trail along the Ohanopecosh River, which is apparently a popular stop for small trout with park visitors. It was hard to pass these pools without a fly rod in hand.

Photos by Troutnut from the Ohanopecosh River in Washington

The Ohanopecosh River in Washington
The Ohanopecosh River in Washington
The Ohanopecosh River in Washington
The Ohanopecosh River in Washington

Comments / replies

Jmd123
Jmd123's profile picture
Oscoda, MI

Posts: 2474
Jmd123 on Jul 26, 2017July 26th, 2017, 10:31 am EDT
That aquamarine water, and those PNW conifers for a backdrop...

Just beautiful, Jason. Thanks for posting!

Jonathon
No matter how big the one you just caught is, there's always a bigger one out there somewhere...
Partsman
Partsman's profile picture
bancroft michigan

Posts: 321
Partsman on Jul 27, 2017July 27th, 2017, 11:32 am EDT
Yes beautiful looking water Jason, several years ago when my brother and his wife lived in Denver we went hiking in many different areas around there home. Just beautiful looking streams and even a spot where after a long uphill hike we came to a waterfall and pool loaded with trout. There is so much to see in this beautiful country that I hope see some day. But in the mean time please keep the photos coming.
Mike.

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