Identify this pond bug

[jburge]

So, I'm once again getting skunked on a local stillwater, but notice something swimming a few inches below the surface, with an action that can only be described as crazy wiggling. I toss this out to the experts... anybody know what this is?





Maybe knowing what's in and around this water will help me get rid of my goose eggs for the year. Thanks!

John

[Troutstalker55B]

Damsel nymph, I've never seen one so neon though. J Fair wiggle tail in the same size and color on a floating line should do.

JB

[David Lee]

Damsel Nymph , fresh-shed . They get that Chartruse/bright Green color when they have 'new' shells . Shoot him on the back of your finger next time so we can use the fingernail for scale , please !

Take the water temp - I am willing to bet that if that critter was swimming around within a few inches of the surface , it was around 62 degrees .

Great photos !!

D.~

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Damsel flies are in lots of ponds, lakes and streams but Davis Lake in Nor Cal and Crane Prairie Reservoir in Central Oregon have to two most famous Damsel emergences I know of.

They come in many sizes and colors.

**We were at Crane Prairie in the summer of 1976 with our Cortland Line Company Rep Joe Patterson at the Rock Creek access in float tubes. The vegetation was at the right level on the surface and the Damsels where hatching by the thousands.

Mike Monroe, owner of the Fly Hutch in Sacramento, had tied up some blue adult Damsels for Joe Patterson and this was the year we all got to see unbelievable top water Damsel fly action there.

Lake fishing for trout has really evolved in the last 30 years.

[Scott V]

I saw some damsel nymphs crusing around Cameron Park pond on Saturday.

[jburge]

Thanks, guys! I knew I'd get some good info.

Troutstalker, right on. I tried both an olive and multi-colored wiggle tail, but no luck. The sizes were a bit big though.

David, good idea about taking the water temp. I didn't think of that. Plus, I like the thought of taking the pic on my thumbnail. Gotta remember that for next time. Call it geeky, but I remembered that my measure-net holes are 3/16 in diameter, so I knew I could figure out size.

Bill, great memories. Thanks!

Scott, I wasn't too far down the road

John

[mike N]

Here is an effective style of tie for the damsel hatch. Play with the colors to match local conditions.

MN

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Hi Mike

I think that pattern is illegal in 7 western states?

Just kidden'...........very nice.

[Ed Wahl]

Mike, do you normally catch 12 trout at a time?

Do you hook one and let him swim around trolling 'til your rigs full, or do they all attack en masse?

Just how big is your landing net anyway?

Ed, who just couldn't resist.

[mike N]

Don't knock em til you try em.

MN