Stonefly Observations

This spring and early summer on the Middle Fork Feather River provided 5 different stoneflies that were out and about. Each one was very prolific, and I'm starting to think a low water year is beneficial to all aquatic insects as they are less likely to be swept away down to Lake Oroville. I do not have a degree in entomology, or biology, in fact I barely made it out of high school; Snowboarding and trout came first. So here is a quick run down on my observations and please feel free to chime in.

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/...toneadult2.jpg

The easiest of all stoners to identify, the giant Golden Stone. I have taken my biggest trout on the MFFR with an adult pattern in June just before dark in the deeper pools.

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/...ddleFork45.jpg

Isoperla, also known as the Yellow Sally ranges in size from 7-16mm. There is another stoner from the same family that is a bit bigger 19-22mm and lime green in color. I did not get a picture of one this year. I just call this one "the little green stone". What's most amazing about this particular sub species is that it hatches in the drift just like a mayfly; It does not hatch out on rocks. There is so much more I want to learn about this stoner.

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/...rAlloperla.jpg

Alloperla range in size from 7-12mm and are a neon bright yellow/chartreuse color. There are two sizes out right now on the MFFR, one in a size 18, and the other in a size 16. Find a willow and shake the branches and the air will be filled with these stoners fluttering about.

Jon.

Ya know, when I squint just a bit, those stoners look just like the ones I used to see in the evening on the K Street Mall.... :lol:

Actually, I really like the photo's. Especially the photo of the Alloperla. Good looking bug!!! Hope you'll keep those photo's coming. 8)

"Ya know, when I squint just a bit, those stoners look just like the ones I used to see in the evening on the K Street Mall".

LOL! No doubt!