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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 Sweltsa (Chloroperlidae) (Sallfly) Stonefly Nymph from the Yakima River in Washington
This species was fairly abundant in a February sample of the upper Yakima.
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.
Troutnut is a project started in 2003 by salmonid ecologist Jason "Troutnut" Neuswanger to help anglers and fly tyers unabashedly embrace the entomological side of the sport. Learn more about Troutnut or support the project for an enhanced experience here.

About "Mystery Creeks": If you recognize one of these, you already understand why I'm keeping it a secret. I'm not as strict as some anglers about hiding where I fish, mostly because I don't expect to substantially affect fishing pressure on already well-known or simply unpopular waters. But there are some gems where I don't want to add a single unfamiliar bootprint to the mix, due to the fishing, their wild character, or keeping a friend's secret. They're all "Mystery Creek" here—even the lakes.

Landscape & scenery photos from Mystery Creek # 186

Big Arctic grayling eating a Drunella doddsii mayfly dun.
Mystery Creek # 186 in Alaska
Mystery Creek # 186 in Alaska
Mystery Creek # 186 in Alaska
Mystery Creek # 186 in Alaska
Mystery Creek # 186 in Alaska
Mystery Creek # 186 in Alaska
Mystery Creek # 186 in Alaska
Mystery Creek # 186 in Alaska

On-stream insect photos from Mystery Creek # 186

Mystery Creek # 186 in Alaska

Closeup insects by Troutnut from Mystery Creek #186 in Alaska

Dorsal view of a Male Cinygmula ramaleyi (Heptageniidae) (Small Western Gordon Quill) Mayfly Spinner from Mystery Creek #186 in Alaska
This one was preserved in ethanol and partially dissected, so it doesn't have its natural wild coloration, and it's missing some appendages. I'm posting it for identification purposes.
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