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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.

Dorsal view of a Epeorus albertae (Heptageniidae) (Pink Lady) Mayfly Nymph from the East Fork Issaquah Creek in Washington
This specimen keys to the Epeorus albertae group of species. Of the five species in that group, the two known in Washington state are Epeorus albertae and Epeorus dulciana. Of the two, albertae has been collected in vastly more locations in Washington than dulciana, suggesting it is far more common. On that basis alone I'm tentatively putting this nymph in albertae, with the large caveat that there's no real information to rule out dulciana.
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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Steelnuts
ohio

Posts: 1
Steelnuts on Jun 10, 2008June 10th, 2008, 1:30 am EDT
Wow...new to this great site! I am a novice heading to the Shenandoah NP next week and was hoping someone could share any experiences. There appears to be ample opportunities to fish some small mountain streams. Can anyone suggest some patterns/techniques to try? Any help would be appreciated. Thx

Steelnuts
Steelnuts
CaseyP
CaseyP's profile picture
Arlington, VA/ Mercersburg, PA

Posts: 653
CaseyP on Jun 10, 2008June 10th, 2008, 2:48 am EDT
Royal Wulff, anything from Harry Murray's shop, and hide in the bushes.
"You can observe a lot by watching." Yogi Berra
CamWolf1313
Andover, MA/ Andover NH

Posts: 18
CamWolf1313 on Jun 14, 2008June 14th, 2008, 4:37 pm EDT
I would also suggest the Royal Wulff. I have even had luck with small midge patterns in small mountain streams in New Hampshire. I not positive that the midges will work because the river seemed like the fish would eat anything. But try the Royal Wulff first then work in some different patterns. P.S. In most mountain streams the fish are very jumpy so be quiet and fish behind cover.
"Clear your mind of everything but the fish and the fly and you will be in the right mind frame to land it"
Billy Berger.
Grannom
Northwest PA

Posts: 87
Grannom on Jun 15, 2008June 15th, 2008, 9:07 am EDT
Don't walk in the water

Just "dap" your fly in the water (hold the rod tip up keeping much of the leader off of the water with just the fly on the water and drift it through)

Stimulators, Humpys, Wulffs, If the water is large enough tie on a beadhead nymph(hare's ear, PT...etc.) as a dropper

Stop in the fly shop and ask questions

Post a report with pics when you get back

Mike
"Be calm - you're there..." "...Tell yourself there's no rush, even if there is."

-John Gierach

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