Lateral view of a Female Hexagenia limbata (Ephemeridae) (Hex) Mayfly Dun from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin

Hex Mayflies
Hexagenia limbata

The famous nocturnal Hex hatch of the Midwest (and a few other lucky locations) stirs to the surface mythically large brown trout that only touch streamers for the rest of the year.

The Clark's Fork of the Yellowstone River in Wyoming

Stream photos

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Male Baetidae (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Dun Male Baetidae (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Dun

Lateral view of a Male Baetidae (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Dun from Mystery Creek #308 in Washington

This dun emerged from a mature nymph on my desk. Unfortunately its wings didn't perfectly dry out.

7 Recently Added Photos

27" brown trout, my largest ever. It was the sub-dominant fish in its pool. After this, I hooked the bigger one, but I couldn't land it.

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Updates from July 26, 2011

Closeup insects by Bnewell from the Touchet River in Washington

Hydropsychidae Caddisfly Adult

2 Pictures

These specimens are either Cheumatopsyche or Hydropsyche. They escaped before I could catch them.I suspect, based on size, they are Hydropsyche, they are about 1/4 inch in length. Both H. occidentalis and H. californica are common in the Touchet River.

Collected July 26, 2011 from the Touchet River in Washington

Added by Bnewell on July 29, 2011

Collected July 26, 2011 from the Touchet River in Washington and added by Bnewell on July 29, 2011

Female Acentrella turbida (Tiny Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Spinner

1 Picture

Female Acentrella turbida (Baetidae) (Tiny Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Spinner from the Touchet River in Washington

Here is the female spinner of the tiny Acentrella turbida. You can see the coloration is quite different from the male.

Collected July 26, 2011 from the Touchet River in Washington

Added by Bnewell on July 29, 2011

Collected July 26, 2011 from the Touchet River in Washington and added by Bnewell on July 29, 2011

Male Acentrella turbida (Tiny Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Spinner

3 Pictures

Male Acentrella turbida (Baetidae) (Tiny Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Spinner from the Touchet River in Washington

I would not like to have to match this hatch. These are the smallest mayflies I have ever seen. I used to think Caenis was the smallest adult mayfly in the west but these guys are about 4mm long. The male eyes are two toned, brown above and olive below. The abdomen is dark brown interspersed with light brown. The abdomen is clear for the anterior 2/3rd and the remainder is white. The tails are twice as long as the insect. There is only one pair of wings.

Collected July 26, 2011 from the Touchet River in Washington

Added by Bnewell on July 27, 2011

Collected July 26, 2011 from the Touchet River in Washington and added by Bnewell on July 27, 2011