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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 Grammotaulius betteni (Limnephilidae) (Northern Caddisfly) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington
This is a striking caddis larva with an interesting color pattern on the head. Here are some characteristics I was able to see under the microscope, but could not easily expose for a picture:
- The prosternal horn is present.
- The mandible is clearly toothed, not formed into a uniform scraper blade.
- The seems to be only 2 major setae on the ventral edge of the hind femur.
- Chloride epithelia seem to be absent from the dorsal side of any abdominal segments.
Based on these characteristics and the ones more easily visible from the pictures, this seems to be Grammotaulius. The key's description of the case is spot-on: "Case cylindrical, made of longitudinally arranged sedge or similar leaves," as is the description of the markings on the head, "Dorsum of head light brownish yellow with numerous discrete, small, dark spots." The spot pattern on the head is a very good match to figure 19.312 of Merritt R.W., Cummins, K.W., and Berg, M.B. (2019). The species ID is based on Grammotaulius betteni being the only species of this genus known in Washington state.
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 Baetisca laurentina (Armored Mayfly) Mayfly Spinner Pictures

Female Baetisca laurentina (Baetiscidae) (Armored Mayfly) Mayfly Spinner from the Bois Brule River in Wisconsin
Female Baetisca laurentina (Baetiscidae) (Armored Mayfly) Mayfly Spinner from the Bois Brule River in Wisconsin
Lateral view of a Female Baetisca laurentina (Baetiscidae) (Armored Mayfly) Mayfly Spinner from the Bois Brule River in Wisconsin
Ventral view of a Female Baetisca laurentina (Baetiscidae) (Armored Mayfly) Mayfly Spinner from the Bois Brule River in Wisconsin
Female Baetisca laurentina (Baetiscidae) (Armored Mayfly) Mayfly Spinner from the Bois Brule River in Wisconsin
Female Baetisca laurentina (Baetiscidae) (Armored Mayfly) Mayfly Spinner from the Bois Brule River in Wisconsin
Female Baetisca laurentina (Baetiscidae) (Armored Mayfly) Mayfly Spinner from the Bois Brule River in Wisconsin
Female Baetisca laurentina (Baetiscidae) (Armored Mayfly) Mayfly Spinner from the Bois Brule River in Wisconsin
Female Baetisca laurentina (Baetiscidae) (Armored Mayfly) Mayfly Spinner from the Bois Brule River in Wisconsin
Female Baetisca laurentina (Baetiscidae) (Armored Mayfly) Mayfly Spinner from the Bois Brule River in Wisconsin
Female Baetisca laurentina (Baetiscidae) (Armored Mayfly) Mayfly Spinner from the Bois Brule River in Wisconsin
Female Baetisca laurentina (Baetiscidae) (Armored Mayfly) Mayfly Spinner from the Bois Brule River in Wisconsin
Female Baetisca laurentina (Baetiscidae) (Armored Mayfly) Mayfly Spinner from the Bois Brule River in Wisconsin

This mayfly was collected from the Bois Brule River in Wisconsin on June 1st, 2005 and added to Troutnut.com by Troutnut on May 24th, 2006.

Discussions of this Spinner

hooks
5 replies
Posted by Flytyer0423 on Aug 20, 2009
Last reply on Oct 1, 2009 by Flyguy212
Jason-

i was wondering if you know about what sized hook these go ono've been tring to make a realistic mayfly for all the mayflies you have on here and i cant find any patterns for this fly so i have nothing to go off of

Thanks-
NatureBoy

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Female Baetisca laurentina (Armored Mayfly) Mayfly Spinner Pictures

Collection details
Location: Bois Brule River, Wisconsin
Date: June 1st, 2005
Added to site: May 24th, 2006
Author: Troutnut
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