**Stonefly Species Pteronarcys californica (Giant Salmonfly)**

Mayflies

Caddisflies

Stoneflies

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

This is the West's most legendary hatch. Anglers race to the streams to catch large trout surface feeding on large insects, a mania like that for Hexagenia limbata mayflies in the Midwest. This is the very largest species of all mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies, up to 2.5 inches long.

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: West
Time 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 »

Posted by Troutnut on Jul 30, 2006

Last reply on Apr 25, 2008 by Aaron7_8

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.

Reply High 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.

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