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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.

Dorsal view of a Ephemerella mucronata (Ephemerellidae) Mayfly Nymph from the Yakima River in Washington
This is an interesting one. Following the keys in Merritt R.W., Cummins, K.W., and Berg, M.B. (2019) and Jacobus et al. (2014), it keys clearly to Ephemerella. Jacobus et al provide a key to species, but some of the characteristics are tricky to interpret without illustrations. If I didn't make any mistakes, this one keys to Ephemerella mucronata, which has not previously been reported any closer to here than Montana and Alberta. The main character seems to fit well: "Abdominal terga with prominent, paired, subparallel, spiculate ridges." Several illustrations or descriptions of this holarctic species from the US and Europe seem to match, including the body length, tarsal claws and denticles, labial palp, and gill shapes. These sources include including Richard Allen's original description of this species in North America under the now-defunct name E. moffatae in Allen RK (1977) and the figures in this description of the species in Italy.
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.
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Troutnut.com User Gary (Gary Steinmiller)

Troutnut.com User Gary (Gary Steinmiller)

Real Name
Gary Steinmiller
Location
Wethersfield Ct.
Biography & Thoughts
I began flyfishing for trout when I was 16. I am now 51 and still carry the passion for the sport as I did as a youngster. I try to share this passion with anyone that wants to learn about flyfishing for trout.
I have been the Education Chairman for the Connecticut Fly Fisherman's Association www.ctflyfish.org since 1990. I love your website and I refer all my students to it whether they take our fly tying or our fly fishing class. I have used many of your photos in our beginning fly fishing school since you gave me permission a few years ago. Keep up the great work it is very helpful to many flyfishers. Gary
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The sound of a trout stream is music to my ears. www.ctflyfish.org

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