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.

We were lucky to be able to fish through this storm as it skirted around us to the north, giving us just enough clouds to prompt a BWO hatch but keeping the lighting at a safe distance.

From Slough Creek in Wyoming

Stream photos

Featured on the forum

Re: Trico emergers
In the Mayfly Genus Tricorythodes by Bwoklink (Martinlf replied)

Re: Trico Tips
In the Mayfly Genus Tricorythodes by Martinlf

Re: UV spectrum and trout
In General Discussion by Martinlf

Re: closing the gender gap in flyfishing
In General Discussion by Konchu (Smallflyguy replied)

Re: Fishing Kupa River, Slovenia
In Fishing Reports by Slocum (Fish1 replied)

Perlodidae (Springflies and Yellow Stones) Stonefly Nymph Perlodidae (Springflies and Yellow Stones) Stonefly Nymph

Artistic view of a Perlodidae (Springflies and Yellow Stones) Stonefly Nymph from the Yakima River in Washington

This one seems to lead to Couplet 35 of the Key to Genera of Perlodidae Nymphs and the genus Isoperla, but I'm skeptical that's correct based on the general look. I need to get it under the microscope to review several choices in the key, and it'll probably end up a different Perlodidae.

11 Recently Added Photos

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.

Early Brown Stoneflies

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

Stonefly Genus Strophopteryx

These are often called Early Brown Stoneflies.

Strophopteryx fasciata is the most important species of Early Brown Stoneflies.

Female Strophopteryx fasciata (Mottled Willowfly) Stonefly Adult

4 Pictures

Dorsal view of a Female Strophopteryx fasciata (Taeniopterygidae) (Mottled Willowfly) Stonefly Adult from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin

Several stoneflies of this species were the first adult insects I found in 2004 when I started this site. The hatch was sparse but lasted a good part of the day, and I noted a few good rises despite the early season cold. They ended up struggling on the water's surface fairly often.

Collected March 15, 2004 from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin

Added by Troutnut on January 25, 2006

Collected March 15, 2004 from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin and added by Troutnut on January 25, 2006

Strophopteryx fasciata (Mottled Willowfly) Stonefly Nymph

2 Pictures

Dorsal view of a Strophopteryx fasciata (Taeniopterygidae) (Mottled Willowfly) Stonefly Nymph from unknown in Wisconsin

Collected March 9, 2004 from unknown in Wisconsin

Added by Troutnut on January 19, 2006

Collected March 9, 2004 from unknown in Wisconsin and added by Troutnut on January 19, 2006

See 3 more specimens...