Giant Salmonfly (Pteronarcys californica)
Anglers around the world are familiar with this stonefly…the famous salmonfly. This is the largest species––up to 3-inches long. Flies can be as large as size #4, and often the bigger trout in the river are seen gorging on this enticing meal.
Salmonfly nymphs crawl along the bottom of rivers on cobbles while feeding on organic material for 3-4 years. They require swift, oxygenated water, so they’ll be in bouldery and riffly stretches of rivers. Fish nymphs in the soft water as they crawl to shore to emerge.
In late-May to early July, adults hatch and provide trout with a large meal. Adults are weak fliers and are easy to spot with their erratic flight making them easy pickings for trout. You’ll often seen trout slapping the water with authority to chase down these adults.
They have a bright orange or red band behind the head and dark veins on the underside of the abdomen and along their broad wings.
Hitting the salmonfly hatch just right is the highlight of the year for many anglers fly fishing in Montana. Fins and Feathers Guide Service has been chasing the big bugs around on our Montana fly fishing guide trips for over two decades. Contact us to learn more about planning a trip around this most epic of fly fishing hatches in Montana.
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Category: Hatches
Montana's Legendary Salmonfly Hatch
Post Date: 12/04/2024
The western salmonfly (Pteronarcys californica) transforms Montana's premier rivers into theaters of savage feeding activity in early summer. These robust stoneflies, reaching lengths of three inches, trigger an annual feast...
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