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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.

Lateral view of a Clostoeca disjuncta (Limnephilidae) (Northern Caddisfly) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington
This one was surprisingly straightforward to identify. The lack of a sclerite at the base of the lateral hump narrows the field quite a bit, and the other options followed fairly obvious characteristics to Clostoeca, which only has one species, Clostoeca disjuncta.
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 June 21, 2006

Updates from June 21, 2006

Photos by Troutnut

A small spring creek in Wisconsin. A little brook trout stream tumbles over boulders
Spring Creek in Wisconsin
Spring Creek in Wisconsin
This huge pile of stones was deposited alongside a very small brook trout stream in a huge flood about 9 months before this photo was taken.

From Spring Creek in Wisconsin
Spring Creek in Wisconsin
Spring Creek in Wisconsin
Spring Creek in Wisconsin

Underwater photos by Troutnut from Spring Creek in Wisconsin

These are glossosomatids, Jason.  They are probably Glossosoma nigrior, though it is possible that we are looking at mixed species.  The ones to the right with their aggregate of similar sized grains are classic Glossosoma, while the ones to the left with the large anchor pebbles could possibly be Agapetus.  Regardless, they're all commonly referred to as saddle case makers.

From Spring Creek in Wisconsin
The large caddisfly case (really less than 1/2 inch) is a Brachycentridae larva.  The other cases are actually the protective sheaths of black fly (Simuliidae) pupae.  The two antler-like pieces sticking out of each one are not legs, but antennal sheaths.

From Spring Creek in Wisconsin
Above and below a small brook trout stream.

From Spring Creek in Wisconsin
Spring Creek in Wisconsin
Spring Creek in Wisconsin

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