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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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Btbo32 has attached this picture to aid in identification. The message is below.
Btbo32
Posts: 13
Btbo32 on Oct 27, 2017October 27th, 2017, 7:48 am EDT
Would anyone happen to know what kind of nymph these could be?
Jersey Boy
Millcreek
Healdsburg, CA

Posts: 344
Millcreek on Oct 27, 2017October 27th, 2017, 11:26 am EDT
My guess and it's only a guess would be Maccaffertium. When were they collected, what size were they and where were they collected?
"If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?"
-Albert Einstein
Btbo32
Posts: 13
Btbo32 on Oct 27, 2017October 27th, 2017, 2:02 pm EDT
I collected these today on the Big Flatbrook in Sussex County Nj. I would say going by hook size probably 12-14. Not sure what a Maccaffertium is..sorry new at learning all these aquatic insects. Please advise if you could? Thanks for reaching out!
Jersey Boy
Btbo32
Posts: 13
Btbo32 on Oct 27, 2017October 27th, 2017, 2:42 pm EDT
I think you were correct ( Cream Cahill nymph)
Thank you!
Jersey Boy
Btbo32
Posts: 13
Btbo32 on Oct 27, 2017October 27th, 2017, 2:58 pm EDT
Anyone have an idea of a good imitation fly pattern this nymph?
Jersey Boy
Millcreek
Healdsburg, CA

Posts: 344
Millcreek on Oct 27, 2017October 27th, 2017, 2:59 pm EDT
Maccaffertium is the name of a heptageniidae (flat-headed) mayfly nymph and adult. The reason I guessed Maccaffertium is because the front leg is fairly wide at the femur and looks to be banded with brown and a whitish color and because it has the general body configuration of a flat-headed nymph. I'm going on guess work as much as anything.
"If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?"
-Albert Einstein
Wbranch
Wbranch's profile picture
York & Starlight PA

Posts: 2635
Wbranch on Oct 29, 2017October 29th, 2017, 3:36 am EDT
Maccaffertium


I thought this was the nymph of the March Brown. BTW Big Flatbrook was my "home" trout stream for about 25 years until I bought a cabin on the Delaware River.
Catskill fly fisher for fifty-five years.
Btbo32
Posts: 13
Btbo32 on Nov 4, 2017November 4th, 2017, 12:01 pm EDT
March Brown? Wow great! Thanks.
Jersey Boy

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