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.

A trackless paradise two days deep in the Yellowstone backcountry

From Mystery Creek # 218 in Wyoming

Stream photos

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Female Sweltsa borealis (Boreal Sallfly) Stonefly Adult Female Sweltsa borealis (Boreal Sallfly) Stonefly Adult

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.

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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.

Female Rhithrogena virilis Mayfly Dun Pictures

I'm guessing this one is Rhithrogena virilis based on collection of a male spinner of similar size and body configuration during the same trip.

Lateral view of a Female Rhithrogena virilis (Heptageniidae) Mayfly Dun from the South Fork Snoqualmie River in Washington

Female Rhithrogena virilis (Heptageniidae) Mayfly Dun from the South Fork Snoqualmie River in Washington

Dorsal view of a Female Rhithrogena virilis (Heptageniidae) Mayfly Dun from the South Fork Snoqualmie River in Washington

Ventral view of a Female Rhithrogena virilis (Heptageniidae) Mayfly Dun from the South Fork Snoqualmie River in Washington

Ruler view of a Female Rhithrogena virilis (Heptageniidae) Mayfly Dun from the South Fork Snoqualmie River in Washington The smallest ruler marks are 1/16".

This mayfly was collected from the South Fork Snoqualmie River in Washington on June 16th, 2018 and added to Troutnut.com by Troutnut on June 23rd, 2018.

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