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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 Pycnopsyche guttifera (Limnephilidae) (Great Autumn Brown Sedge) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington
This specimen appears to be of the same species as this one collected in the same spot two months earlier. The identification of both is tentative. This one suffered some physical damage before being photographed, too, so the colors aren't totally natural. I was mostly photographing it to test out some new camera setting idea, which worked really well for a couple of closeups.
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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Great Dark Green Drakes

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

Mayfly Species Litobrancha recurvata

These are very rarely called Great Dark Green Drakes.
Litobrancha recurvata is generally reported to be the largest North American species of mayfly in angler entomologies, though this understanding is being challenged by reports of Hexagenia limbata that may exceed 40mm in some locales. Regardless, it is certainly the largest mayfly in the region of its distribution. Sometimes it appears together with species of Hexagenia or Ephemera, but in other places it creates excellent action on its own.
Female Litobrancha recurvata (Ephemeridae) (Dark Green Drake) Mayfly Dun from the Au Sable River (Mainstream) in Michigan
These photos were contributed by Spencer Vanderhoof.
Male Litobrancha recurvata (Ephemeridae) (Dark Green Drake) Mayfly Spinner from the Au Sable River (Mainstream) in Michigan
These photos were contributed by Spencer Vanderhoof.

Great Dark Green Drakes

Scientific Name
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