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.
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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.
- 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.
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Adirman on Apr 5, 2021April 5th, 2021, 2:22 am EDT
Hey Guys,
So yesterday I had my first outing of the season, deciding to hit the Ramapo River. This was my first time ever trying this stream and so, did alot of observing; probably more than I did fishing, to be honest. Anyway, I saw alot of bugs fluttering above the surface and, after catching one, realized it was a little black stonefly. I have never fished an imitation of this species--at least, not that I recall-- so i was wondering: do Trout target the little black stones? In other words, is it worth trying to imitate them or no? And, if so, what would you use? I thought maybe a black soft hackle #16 or maybe a black ant , same size, fished wet? What do you think?
Thanks,
NC Man
So yesterday I had my first outing of the season, deciding to hit the Ramapo River. This was my first time ever trying this stream and so, did alot of observing; probably more than I did fishing, to be honest. Anyway, I saw alot of bugs fluttering above the surface and, after catching one, realized it was a little black stonefly. I have never fished an imitation of this species--at least, not that I recall-- so i was wondering: do Trout target the little black stones? In other words, is it worth trying to imitate them or no? And, if so, what would you use? I thought maybe a black soft hackle #16 or maybe a black ant , same size, fished wet? What do you think?
Thanks,
NC Man
Wbranch on Apr 5, 2021April 5th, 2021, 1:31 pm EDT
When I used to go open my cabin on the WB Delaware in mid April I used to see lots of #16 Early Black stoneflies and trout would eat them if there were enough of them and they stayed on the water long enough. Stoneflies are great fliers and never stay on the water very long.
I tie a dry on a #14 or #16 Tiemco 100. No tail, a black beaver fur abdomen, a black hackle, and a clump of white or light gray Zelon for the wing - not to exceed the length of the hook.
I tie a dry on a #14 or #16 Tiemco 100. No tail, a black beaver fur abdomen, a black hackle, and a clump of white or light gray Zelon for the wing - not to exceed the length of the hook.
Catskill fly fisher for fifty-five years.
Adirman on Apr 6, 2021April 6th, 2021, 12:30 am EDT
Thanks Matt, and what would you use in a nymph pattern? Ill bet a black #16-18 soft hackle would be decent wet , but Im not sure what kind of nymph to use- a black pheasant tail maybe?
Wbranch on Apr 6, 2021April 6th, 2021, 1:37 am EDT
I would tie a stonefly nymph. Any nymph or wet fly hook #14 - #16 standard length.
Tail - 2 Black goose biots - not very long and tied in so they flare out
Body - Black larvae lace or black "D" rib 2/3 up towards eye
Thorax - Black Hare-Tron
Wingcase - Black duck quill segment or black Zelon pulled over the thorax and tied off.
Hackle - (Optional) a few turns of black hen hackle tied through the thorax before pulling the wingcase over the top.
I often just pick out the Hare-Tron thorax so the guard hairs appear to be legs.
Tail - 2 Black goose biots - not very long and tied in so they flare out
Body - Black larvae lace or black "D" rib 2/3 up towards eye
Thorax - Black Hare-Tron
Wingcase - Black duck quill segment or black Zelon pulled over the thorax and tied off.
Hackle - (Optional) a few turns of black hen hackle tied through the thorax before pulling the wingcase over the top.
I often just pick out the Hare-Tron thorax so the guard hairs appear to be legs.
Catskill fly fisher for fifty-five years.
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