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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.

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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Golden Drakes

This name usually refers to the species Anthopotamus distinctus.


This common name refers to only one family. Click its scientific name to learn more.

Mayfly Family Potamanthidae

These are pretty much always called Golden Drakes.
See the genus Anthopotamus for details. It is the only North American genus in this family. Anthopotamus distinctus is its most important species.

Many anglers still know it as Potamanthus, but that name is outdated.

Golden Drakes

Scientific Name
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