Header image
Enter a name
Lateral view of a Male Baetis (Baetidae) (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Dun from Mystery Creek #43 in New York
Blue-winged Olives
Baetis

Tiny Baetis mayflies are perhaps the most commonly encountered and imitated by anglers on all American trout streams due to their great abundance, widespread distribution, and trout-friendly emergence habits.

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.

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
Troutnut.com is copyright © 2004-2024 (email Jason). privacy policy