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.

Firehole River Sunset

From the Firehole River in Wyoming

Stream photos

Featured on the forum

Re: Trico emergers
In the Mayfly Genus Tricorythodes by Bwoklink (Martinlf replied)

Re: Trico Tips
In the Mayfly Genus Tricorythodes by Martinlf

Re: UV spectrum and trout
In General Discussion by Martinlf

Re: closing the gender gap in flyfishing
In General Discussion by Konchu (Smallflyguy replied)

Re: Fishing Kupa River, Slovenia
In Fishing Reports by Slocum (Fish1 replied)

Female Sweltsa borealis (Boreal Sallfly) Stonefly Adult Female Sweltsa borealis (Boreal Sallfly) Stonefly Adult

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.

15 Recently Added Photos

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.

Serendipity

BGrnFlyfish
Wisconsin

Posts: 37

BGrnFlyfish on Feb 18, 2008February 18th, 2008, 1:04 pm EST

To anyone out there; the Serendipity-kinda of a dumb question but i've been told a dumb question is a question unasked. What does this imitate and what colors do you recommend? Red, Green, Tan?

Seth-Big Green River, WI

Troutnut

Administrator
Bellevue, WA

Posts: 2758

Troutnut on Feb 18, 2008February 18th, 2008, 4:05 pm EST

I haven't used that pattern so I'm not very familiar with it, but based on googling it, it seems to be intended to imitate a caddis pupa, or sometimes a midge pupa. Therefore the colors and size that work best would depend on what's hatching at the time. I would guess olive is a good overall bet.

Jason Neuswanger, Ph.D.
Troutnut and salmonid ecologist

CaseyP

Arlington, VA/ Mercersburg, PA

Posts: 653

CaseyP on Feb 19, 2008February 19th, 2008, 3:51 am EST

the one day i used it, it was red, maybe 18 or 20, and worked a treat. it was April on the Little J.

"You can observe a lot by watching." Yogi Berra

BGrnFlyfish
Wisconsin

Posts: 37

BGrnFlyfish on Feb 19, 2008February 19th, 2008, 4:12 am EST

Thanks guys!

Seth-Big Green River, WI

SlateDrake9
Potter County, PA

Posts: 144

SlateDrake9 on Feb 23, 2008February 23rd, 2008, 2:54 pm EST

I've never seen one that wasn't an olive brown color.

I always assumed they were midge pattern, but I guess they could be a small caddis. I've only fished them in 18-22 sizes.

Fishing with bait is like swearing in church.
-- Slate Drake