Stonefly Species Pteronarcys californica (Giant Salmonfly)
Taxonomic Navigation -?-
Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
» Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
» Class Insecta (Insects)
» Order Plecoptera (Stoneflies)
» Family Pteronarcyidae (Salmonflies)
» Genus Pteronarcys (Salmonflies)
» Species californica (Giant Salmonfly)
Common Names
| Match | Common Name |
| Giant Salmonfly | |
| Salmonfly |
Like the other very large insects, its hatches are especially hit-or-miss events. When hit, they are extraordinary. The hatch progresses upriver quickly, providing good fishing on a single stretch for a few days at best.
Cloudy days improve the odds of a good Salmonfly hatch.
Where & When
Region: WestTime Of Year (?): June and July
Altitude: Below 7,000 feet
Hatching Behavior
The nymphs become especially active at dawn and dusk in the days before they crawl out to emerge, and imitations work well at those times.Egg-Laying Behavior
The egg-laying females make a great deal of commotion and imitations should be fished accordingly. Slap them down with a splat and twitch them around like you would a grasshopper pattern.Nymph Biology
Pteronarcys californica nymphs live for three years as nymphs before emerging.Recent Discussions of Pteronarcys californica
Salmonfly question for you westerners 4 Replies »
I don't have many reliable sources about this species, so it'd be great if you western fishermen could read over the article and make sure I haven't said anything stupid or omitted anything important. I'll be happy to incorporate any additions you have.
ReplyHigh Water 5 Replies »Posted by Dbar on Apr 13, 2007
Last reply on Apr 20, 2007 by Riverratben
The hatch often occurs during high water (just after peak) so you sometimes have limited visibility during the hatch. Also - I believe that they can occur above 7000 feet.
Love ths site.
ReplyLove ths site.
