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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.

Ventral view of a Hydropsyche (Hydropsychidae) (Spotted Sedge) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington
With a bit of help from the microscope, this specimen keys clearly and unsurprisingly to Hydropsyche.
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.

Hexagenia limbata (Hex) Mayfly Nymph Pictures

Ruler view of a Hexagenia limbata (Ephemeridae) (Hex) Mayfly Nymph from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin The smallest ruler marks are 1/16".
Hexagenia limbata (Ephemeridae) (Hex) Mayfly Nymph from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin
Hexagenia limbata (Ephemeridae) (Hex) Mayfly Nymph from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin
Dorsal view of a Hexagenia limbata (Ephemeridae) (Hex) Mayfly Nymph from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin
Ventral view of a Hexagenia limbata (Ephemeridae) (Hex) Mayfly Nymph from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin
Hexagenia limbata (Ephemeridae) (Hex) Mayfly Nymph from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin
Hexagenia limbata (Ephemeridae) (Hex) Mayfly Nymph from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin
Hexagenia limbata (Ephemeridae) (Hex) Mayfly Nymph from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin
Hexagenia limbata (Ephemeridae) (Hex) Mayfly Nymph from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin

This mayfly was collected from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin on June 8th, 2005 and added to Troutnut.com by Troutnut on May 26th, 2006.

Discussions of this Nymph

mayfly nymph tied fly
1 replies
Posted by Dwrbfrear on Jan 24, 2012
Last reply on Jan 24, 2012 by Wbranch
I use several baits(spawn/bags) for spring steelhead fishing and would like to tie my own flies. What are the materials/hook sizes needed? Thanks

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Hexagenia limbata (Hex) Mayfly Nymph Pictures

Collection details
Location: Namekagon River, Wisconsin
Date: June 8th, 2005
Added to site: May 26th, 2006
Author: Troutnut
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