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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.

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.
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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Caenis (Angler's Curse) Mayfly Nymph Pictures

This interesting little Caenis nymph is way darker than any of the others I collected in January 2004, probably a different species. It also has shorter tails.

Caenis (Caenidae) (Angler's Curse) Mayfly Nymph from unknown in Wisconsin
Caenis (Caenidae) (Angler's Curse) Mayfly Nymph from unknown in Wisconsin
Caenis (Caenidae) (Angler's Curse) Mayfly Nymph from unknown in Wisconsin

This mayfly was collected from unknown in Wisconsin on January 31st, 2004 and added to Troutnut.com by Troutnut on January 25th, 2006.


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Caenis (Angler's Curse) Mayfly Nymph Pictures

Collection details
Location: unknown, Wisconsin
Date: January 31st, 2004
Added to site: January 25th, 2006
Author: Troutnut
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