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.

Of all the pools I've fished, this one was most deserving of the colorful little brook trout it held.

From Mystery Creek # 89 in New York

Stream photos

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Perlodidae (Springflies and Yellow Stones) Stonefly Nymph Perlodidae (Springflies and Yellow Stones) Stonefly Nymph

Artistic view of a Perlodidae (Springflies and Yellow Stones) Stonefly Nymph from the Yakima River in Washington

This one seems to lead to Couplet 35 of the Key to Genera of Perlodidae Nymphs and the genus Isoperla, but I'm skeptical that's correct based on the general look. I need to get it under the microscope to review several choices in the key, and it'll probably end up a different Perlodidae.

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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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Help with Mayfly identification

MItroutbum
Posts: 3

MItroutbum on Jun 13, 2008June 13th, 2008, 3:44 am EDT

Hey guys, I am new to the forum, and as of this past October, a new resident to the state of Michigan. I have fished extensively in the SE and learned alot of the insects down there, but now that I am up here I have been seriously confused my the naming of many of the larger mayflies (I am mostly a rookie with insects if you cant tell!)

So......
The one thing thats confusing are what people up here refer to as Iso's. I have seen some reference to these as Slate Drakes and they appear slate gray, where others refer to them as Mahogony Duns and they are a dark brown color. Can anyone explain?? What size and color are the Iso's that I should tie up for the upcoming hatches??

Quillgordon
Schuylkill County, PA.

Posts: 109

Quillgordon on Jun 13, 2008June 13th, 2008, 4:15 am EDT

From this website...... if you missed it!
http://www.troutnut.com/hatch/93/Mayfly-Isonychiidae-Slate-Drakes

Patterns ...........
http://flyfishingconnection.com/patterns/flies/51/Isonychia+nymph
http://flyfishingconnection.com/patterns/flies/295/Isonychia+CDC+Emerger
Cheers....

Flyfishing is a state of mind! .............. Q.g.

C/R........barbless

Freepow
menomonie, WI

Posts: 83

Freepow on Jun 13, 2008June 13th, 2008, 4:17 am EDT

What part of Michigan are you in?

"I fish...because I suspect that men are going along this way for the last time, and I for one don't want to waste the trip..."

MItroutbum
Posts: 3

MItroutbum on Jun 13, 2008June 13th, 2008, 5:44 am EDT

Hmmmm, so the Iso body is a Mahogony type color with slate or dark dun colored wings??

I am living in Grand Rapids and loving it so far, we just got back from the UP and had a great time catching lots of beautiful fish.

Rich

Freepow
menomonie, WI

Posts: 83

Freepow on Jun 13, 2008June 13th, 2008, 8:59 am EDT

Both beautiful parts of Michigan. I grew up in the UP and spent quite a bit of time in Grand Rapids. I never got to fish downstate but I sure enjoy fishing in the UP.

"I fish...because I suspect that men are going along this way for the last time, and I for one don't want to waste the trip..."

Wiflyfisher