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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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Dobsonflies

Dobsonflies and their predatory larvae, the hellgrammites, are among the largest trout stream insects. They are best known as a good excuse for the rigid imitationist to fish a wooly bugger.


Like most common names,"Dobsonfly" can refer to more than one taxon. They're previewed below, along with 1 specimen. For more detail click through to the scientific names.

Hellgrammite Genus Corydalus

These are pretty much always called Dobsonflies.
The largest and most well-known hellgrammites belong to this genus, although in my collecting experiences the fishflies of Nigronia seem to be more common in trout streams.
Large hellgrammite (dobsonfly larva). This nearly two inch long larva from the genus Corydalus is a fearsome predator

Dorsal view of a Corydalus (Corydalidae) (Dobsonfly) Hellgrammite Larva from Paradise Creek in Pennsylvania

Hellgrammite Species Corydalus cornutus

These are very rarely called Dobsonflies.

Dobsonflies

Scientific Names
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