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.

Of all the pools I've fished, this one was most deserving of the colorful little brook trout it held.

From Mystery Creek # 89 in New York

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.

Mayfly Family Potamanthidae (Golden Drakes)

See the genus Anthopotamus for details. It is the only North American genus in this family. Anthopotamus distinctus is its most important species.

Many anglers still know it as Potamanthus, but that name is outdated.

Where & when

In 99 records from GBIF, adults of this family have mostly been collected during June (48%), July (34%), and August (12%).

In 34 records from GBIF, this family has been collected at elevations ranging from 618 to 5003 ft, with an average (median) of 3133 ft.

Family Range

source

Map of specific collection sites

Identification

To determine whether a specimen of Ephemeroptera belongs to Potamanthidae, use the Key to Families of Mayfly Nymphs.

Start a Discussion of Potamanthidae