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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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Male Rhithrogena robusta Mayfly Spinner Pictures

Male Rhithrogena robusta (Heptageniidae) Mayfly Spinner from the Touchet River in Washington
Ventral view of a Male Rhithrogena robusta (Heptageniidae) Mayfly Spinner from the Touchet River in Washington

This mayfly was collected from the Touchet River in Washington on July 15th, 2011 and added to Troutnut.com by Bnewell on July 15th, 2011.

Discussions of this Spinner

Rhithrogena robusta habitat.
Posted by Bnewell on Jul 15, 2011
Last reply on Jul 15, 2011 by Bnewell
East Branch of the North Fork of the Touchet River, habitat for Rhithrogena robusta collected as spinners on July 15, 2011.

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Male Rhithrogena robusta Mayfly Spinner Pictures

Collection details
Location: Touchet River, Washington
Date: July 15th, 2011
Added to site: July 15th, 2011
Author: Bnewell
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