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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.

Dorsal view of a Epeorus albertae (Heptageniidae) (Pink Lady) Mayfly Nymph from the East Fork Issaquah Creek in Washington
This specimen keys to the Epeorus albertae group of species. Of the five species in that group, the two known in Washington state are Epeorus albertae and Epeorus dulciana. Of the two, albertae has been collected in vastly more locations in Washington than dulciana, suggesting it is far more common. On that basis alone I'm tentatively putting this nymph in albertae, with the large caveat that there's no real information to rule out dulciana.
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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Rhyacophila brunnea (Green Sedge) Caddisfly Larva Pictures

This caddisfly was collected from unknown in Wisconsin on February 7th, 2004 and added to Troutnut.com by Troutnut on January 25th, 2006.

Discussions of this Larva

Could be Himalopsyche?
1 replies
Posted by Litobrancha on Sep 5, 2006
Last reply on Sep 5, 2006 by Troutnut
Wow! Looks like Himalopsyche, a Rhyacophilid we don't get down here. World checklist has one Nearctic species, H. phryganea. Quick note, Himalopsyche fifth instars are huge and supposed to have thoracic branched gills too. Not sure what other Rhyacophila larvae have abdominal gills, in the SE USA only R. brunnea does and i've never seen it. Great photo!

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Rhyacophila brunnea (Green Sedge) Caddisfly Larva Pictures

Collection details
Location: unknown, Wisconsin
Date: February 7th, 2004
Added to site: January 25th, 2006
Author: Troutnut
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