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.

This is one of the many shallow, unnamed lakes in the Arctic coastal plain near the Dalton Highway.

From Dalton Highway in Alaska

Stream photos

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Coleoptera (Beetle) Insect Larva Coleoptera (Beetle) Insect Larva

Lateral view of a Coleoptera (Beetle) Insect Larva from Sears Creek in Washington

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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 Rhyacophila fenestra (Green Sedges)

Where & when

Time of year : Aprail and May in the South; late May through June in the North

This species is most important in the Ozarks and southern Appalachians.

In 37 records from GBIF, adults of this species have been collected during May (59%), June (27%), and April (14%).

In 3 records from GBIF, this species has been collected at elevations of 480, 595, and 758 ft.

Species Range

source

Map of specific collection sites

Larva & pupa biology

Environmental tolerance: Best in cold, clear water

Start a Discussion of Rhyacophila fenestra

References

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