Pteronarcys californication on the Gunnison River Gorge: Fly Fishing the salmon fly hatch

 
Yesterday Glenn and I trekked over the mountains to Gunnison River to fish the salmon fly hatch (Pteronarcys californica).  Every year, about the third week in June, these large stoneflies hatch en masse.  For about three weeks, the salmon flies swarm the vegetation to find a mate and then they die- many falling victim to hungry trout.  I've heard that the salmon fly represents about 70% of a Gunnison River trout's yearly diet.

The water was high, so it made dry fly fishing a little tricky.  The hatch was prolific; however, and we both managed to catch some nice brown trout on dry flies.  At one point we saw five different insect hatches at once.

Here's a little still-shot video to give you a taste of the Gunnison River on the first day of summer:

Comments

[Julie Bokhout]

What a wonderful slideshow! So pleasant to watch and listen to. Certainly no words were needed. I can see why "God does not deduct from man's life those hours spent fishing!"...as they say. (Bugs all around you not withstanding)

[Motorbike Helmets]

Lets fry the fish...