Blue-winged Olives
Baetis
Tiny Baetis mayflies are perhaps the most commonly encountered and imitated by anglers on all American trout streams due to their great abundance, widespread distribution, and trout-friendly emergence habits.
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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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Report at a Glance
| General Region | Western MD |
| Dates Fished | 7/13/08 |
| Time of Day | Morning |
| Fish Caught | Brook/Brown |
| Conditions & Hatches | Caddis, Crane Flies, Midges |
Details and Discussion
Grannom on Jul 13, 2008July 13th, 2008, 1:03 pm EDT
I fished for a few hours this morning to wrap up a visit to the DC area(used to be home). I am now back in PA, but my thoughts remain at Big Hunting Creek in MD. I approached the first pool from downstream and immediatly began casting to holding fish. This was my first time on the small, clear stream, and little did I know, these Native fish are spooky. I was amazed at the numbers of fish here, 30-40 fish in this particular pool. Needless to say, I blew it after missing 3 strikes and putting down the entire pool of fish. I hopped in the car and headed upstream. Here I found a nice pool and hooked one fish on a big #10 Adams. I said they're spooky, I never said they were picky.
After a few more casts, this pool was done. I then decide that I have been gone long enough from the first pool for the fish to be working again. I head back to the pool with a new plan. I walk along the path about 100 yrds. downstream of the pool and cross. I then walk until I am at the tail of the pool. Here I crouch behind a big boulder and watch the fish. After a minute I notice that most of the fish are woking the left bank feeding under an overhanging bush. These fish are taking beetles and ants. I wait for the fish to get going and lay down a few casts to the middle, with the intentions of moving each cast an inch or two further left than the last. I get hung up in a tree behind me a few times, but eventually it all comes together. I manage a few nice Brook Trout on the #10 Adams.
The action tapers off as these Native fish begin to catch on. On my way out, I hit up a deep plung pool where I raise a nice Brown Trout to my Adams
I can't think of a better way to leave town. My first trip on Big Hunting was both humbling and rewarding.
After a few more casts, this pool was done. I then decide that I have been gone long enough from the first pool for the fish to be working again. I head back to the pool with a new plan. I walk along the path about 100 yrds. downstream of the pool and cross. I then walk until I am at the tail of the pool. Here I crouch behind a big boulder and watch the fish. After a minute I notice that most of the fish are woking the left bank feeding under an overhanging bush. These fish are taking beetles and ants. I wait for the fish to get going and lay down a few casts to the middle, with the intentions of moving each cast an inch or two further left than the last. I get hung up in a tree behind me a few times, but eventually it all comes together. I manage a few nice Brook Trout on the #10 Adams.
The action tapers off as these Native fish begin to catch on. On my way out, I hit up a deep plung pool where I raise a nice Brown Trout to my Adams
I can't think of a better way to leave town. My first trip on Big Hunting was both humbling and rewarding.
"Be calm - you're there..." "...Tell yourself there's no rush, even if there is."
-John Gierach
-John Gierach
CaseyP on Jul 13, 2008July 13th, 2008, 1:31 pm EDT
thanks for a wonderful report. someone totally misinformed us about what lived there a couple of years ago, so we never even saw a fish! now we will able to plan better. Gorgeous fish, BTW.
"You can observe a lot by watching." Yogi Berra
Grannom on Jul 13, 2008July 13th, 2008, 1:37 pm EDT
Send me a PM if you ever consider going there. You guys have some incredible trout fishing in your area.
"Be calm - you're there..." "...Tell yourself there's no rush, even if there is."
-John Gierach
-John Gierach
Shawnny3 on Jul 14, 2008July 14th, 2008, 1:33 am EDT
Gorgeous fish. Congratulations on your success!
-Shawn
-Shawn
Jewelry-Quality Artistic Salmon Flies, by Shawn Davis
www.davisflydesigns.com
www.davisflydesigns.com
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