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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 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.
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Little Gray Sedges

Like most common names,"Little Gray Sedge" can refer to more than one taxon. They're previewed below, along with 2 specimens. For more detail click through to the scientific names.

Caddisfly Genus Goera

These are often called Little Gray Sedges.

Caddisfly Genus Lepidostoma

These are very rarely called Little Gray Sedges.
This genus is important for trout anglers. Many species of Lepidostoma produce excellent hatches, especially in the West. Lepidostoma can be very prolific in spring creek environments or smaller runoff streams with springs. Lepidostoma togatum is the most important species of this genus in the East and Midwest. The West has several species that are important.
Female Lepidostoma podagrum (Lepidostomatidae) (Little Brown Sedge) Caddisfly Adult from the Fall River in California
These specimens are still alive, just very cold, so the colors are accurate. I put them in the freezer for a bit to settle them down and overdid it a little:)
Lepidostoma podagrum (Lepidostomatidae) (Little Brown Sedge) Caddisfly Larva from the Fall River in California
The photo of the specimen cased is alive. The photo of the uncased larva is the same specimen taken after it was preserved in its case. Unfortunately, there was a lot of pigment transfer making the specimen look olivaceous. In life it was grayish white as shown in the first photo.

Little Gray Sedges

Scientific Names
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