Header image
Enter a name
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 Female Sweltsa borealis (Chloroperlidae) (Boreal Sallfly) Stonefly Adult from Harris Creek in Washington
I was not fishing, but happened to be at an unrelated social event on a hill above this tiny creek (which I never even saw) when this stonefly flew by me. I assume it came from there. Some key characteristics are tricky to follow, but process of elimination ultimately led me to Sweltsa borealis. It is reassuringly similar to this specimen posted by Bob Newell years ago. It is also so strikingly similar to this nymph from the same river system that I'm comfortable identifying that nymph from this adult. I was especially pleased with the closeup photo of four mites parasitizing this one.
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.

Caddisfly Species Psychoglypha subborealis (Snow Sedges)

Where & when

Time of year : Fall and winter

Preferred waters: Streams and stillwaters of all sizes

This species is extremely widespread, coast-to-coast and north to Alaska, and it is found in any type of water.

In 65 records from GBIF, adults of this species have mostly been collected during April (23%), May (23%), October (12%), March (9%), September (8%), June (8%), and December (6%).

In 32 records from GBIF, this species has been collected at elevations ranging from 156 to 11499 ft, with an average (median) of 6079 ft.

Species Range

Start a Discussion of Psychoglypha subborealis

References

  • LaFontaine, Gary. 1981. Caddisflies. The Lyons Press.

Caddisfly Species Psychoglypha subborealis (Snow Sedges)

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