Header image
Enter a name
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 Grammotaulius betteni (Limnephilidae) (Northern Caddisfly) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington
This is a striking caddis larva with an interesting color pattern on the head. Here are some characteristics I was able to see under the microscope, but could not easily expose for a picture:
- The prosternal horn is present.
- The mandible is clearly toothed, not formed into a uniform scraper blade.
- The seems to be only 2 major setae on the ventral edge of the hind femur.
- Chloride epithelia seem to be absent from the dorsal side of any abdominal segments.
Based on these characteristics and the ones more easily visible from the pictures, this seems to be Grammotaulius. The key's description of the case is spot-on: "Case cylindrical, made of longitudinally arranged sedge or similar leaves," as is the description of the markings on the head, "Dorsum of head light brownish yellow with numerous discrete, small, dark spots." The spot pattern on the head is a very good match to figure 19.312 of Merritt R.W., Cummins, K.W., and Berg, M.B. (2019). The species ID is based on Grammotaulius betteni being the only species of this genus known in Washington state.
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.

Fishing is more about stuff than we admit. Here we figure out once and for all which stuff is best. Yeah, right.
Topic
Replies
Last Reply
Short Stuff
Jun 9, 2019 by Baron
5
Jun 10, 2019
by Baron
5
Jun 9, 2019
by Wbranch
10
Jun 9, 2019
by Adirman
3
May 16, 2019
by Iasgair
6
Mar 18, 2019
by Jmd123
6
Mar 8, 2019
by Gt2003
8
Mar 6, 2019
by Wbranch
Trout Knives
Apr 8, 2013 by Mr1911
15
Feb 26, 2019
by Gt2003
1
Feb 20, 2019
by Wbranch
4
Feb 11, 2019
by Jawyellowba
3
Feb 6, 2019
by Jmd123
4
Jan 14, 2019
by Wbranch
3
Dec 8, 2018
by Flamey
4
Dec 3, 2018
by Serengeti
2
Nov 21, 2018
by Partsman
10
Nov 11, 2018
by JeffreyHoll
Rod Vault
Oct 6, 2018 by BoulderJR
6
Oct 17, 2018
by Iasgair
2
Sep 21, 2018
by Lltdeer
trout-weight spey rods? [Page: 1, 2]
Nov 3, 2016 by Roguerat
21
Aug 2, 2018
by Jmd123
Rod failure? [Page: 1, 2]
Jun 15, 2018 by Adirman
21
Jul 20, 2018
by Wbranch
Furled leaders
Jul 11, 2018 by Adirman
11
Jul 13, 2018
by Adirman
2
Jun 28, 2018
by Iasgair
Fluorocarbon vs. Nylon [Page: 1, 2]
Jun 2, 2018 by Wbranch
23
Jun 27, 2018
by Jmd123
Boots
May 26, 2018 by Brianbf
1
May 26, 2018
by Jmd123
0
6
Apr 11, 2018
by Wygnar
15
Apr 9, 2018
by Jmd123
12
Apr 4, 2018
by Jmd123
4
Apr 2, 2018
by Strmanglr
4
Mar 27, 2018
by Martinlf
Sage rod
Feb 16, 2018 by Rtturnings
7
Feb 21, 2018
by Rtturnings
Leader "grease" [Page: 1, 2]
Jul 13, 2011 by Adirman
32
Jan 20, 2018
by Bobbyp
Troutnut.com is copyright © 2004-2024 (email Jason). privacy policy