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.
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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.
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Troutnut.com User Fly_Fisher (Tom)
Troutnut.com User Fly_Fisher (Tom)
Real Name
Tom
Location
Colorado
Biography & Thoughts
FLy Fishing 40 years; tying flies 36. Grew up with trout / salmon stream in backyard in Finger Lakes. Only use hand-tied leaders. Building rods for 30+ years. Have somewhere between 6 and 7 dozen fly rods. (No, I don't NEED that many, but I like having a lot even if my wife doesn't.) Dislike graphite (except for really big (10+ lb. trout / salmon). Prefer the feel of cane. Fish DT lines exclusively for trout and salmon. Would prefer to catch one trout on a dry to ten on nymphs.
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Fly Fisher