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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 Setvena wahkeena (Perlodidae) (Wahkeena Springfly) Stonefly Nymph from Mystery Creek #199 in Washington
As far as I can tell, this species has only previously been reported from one site in Oregon along the Columbia gorge. However, the key characteristics are fairly unmistakable in all except for one minor detail:
— 4 small yellow spots on frons visible in photos
— Narrow occipital spinule row curves forward (but doesn’t quite meet on stem of ecdysial suture, as it's supposed to in this species)
— Short spinules on anterior margin of front legs
— Short rposterior row of blunt spinules on abdominal tergae, rather than elongated spinules dorsally
I caught several of these mature nymphs in the fishless, tiny headwaters of a creek high in the Wenatchee Mountains.
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.

Updates from February 29, 2004

Updates from February 29, 2004

Videos by Troutnut from the Marengo River and Miscellaneous Wisconsin in Wisconsin

Another Hexagenia
Two Phryganeidae caddis larvae fighting over a case

Caddisfly larvae of this family can easily leave and re-enters their cases. I caught two of them playing musical chairs or something with this one... funny!

Photos by Troutnut from the Marengo River and the West Fork of the Chippewa River in Wisconsin

I had excellent luck sampling burrowing mayfly nymphs here in the headwaters of a trouty small stream.

From the Marengo River in Wisconsin
I had to really search for a while to find a sliver of opening water at this sampling site far in the headwaters of a mighty warmwater river.

From the Far Upper West Fork of the Chippewa River in Wisconsin
I had excellent luck sampling burrowing mayfly nymphs here in the headwaters of a trouty small stream.

From the Marengo River in Wisconsin

Closeup insects by Troutnut from Miscellaneous Wisconsin and the West Fork of the Chippewa River in Wisconsin

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