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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Softhackle on Oct 22, 2008October 22nd, 2008, 3:35 pm EDT
Hi all,
It has always been my belief that the hooks we tie on greatly affect our flies. Here's an example of a very old pattern tied on a newer hook that I really like. Of course the fly is a wingless wet and one of my favorites.
The original Tups was a dry fly first before Skues developed it into a nymph. Much has been speculated about the appearance of the dubbing, not in contents, but basic appearance. I think this one is pretty close.
Any thoughts on tying old patterns on new hooks?
Mark
It has always been my belief that the hooks we tie on greatly affect our flies. Here's an example of a very old pattern tied on a newer hook that I really like. Of course the fly is a wingless wet and one of my favorites.
The original Tups was a dry fly first before Skues developed it into a nymph. Much has been speculated about the appearance of the dubbing, not in contents, but basic appearance. I think this one is pretty close.
Any thoughts on tying old patterns on new hooks?
Mark
"I have the highest respect for the skilled wet-fly fisherman, as he has mastered an art of very great difficulty." Edward R. Hewitt
Flymphs, Soft-hackles and Spiders: http://www.troutnut.com/libstudio/FS&S/index.html
Flymphs, Soft-hackles and Spiders: http://www.troutnut.com/libstudio/FS&S/index.html
LittleJ on Oct 23, 2008October 23rd, 2008, 9:24 am EDT
great fly, looks like it would make a good sulpher. Is that ice dub or did you blend it yourself. I also have been eyeing those hooks, up until now I haven't seen anything tied on them, I may have to pull the trigger and get some.
jeff
jeff
Softhackle on Oct 23, 2008October 23rd, 2008, 9:29 am EDT
Hi Jeff,
The dubbing is a mix of half red seal, half yellow seal, then about 1/3 as much tan hare's mask. The mix should look like it does in the photo-a kind of pale orangy pink from a distance.
Mark
The dubbing is a mix of half red seal, half yellow seal, then about 1/3 as much tan hare's mask. The mix should look like it does in the photo-a kind of pale orangy pink from a distance.
Mark
"I have the highest respect for the skilled wet-fly fisherman, as he has mastered an art of very great difficulty." Edward R. Hewitt
Flymphs, Soft-hackles and Spiders: http://www.troutnut.com/libstudio/FS&S/index.html
Flymphs, Soft-hackles and Spiders: http://www.troutnut.com/libstudio/FS&S/index.html
CaseyP on Oct 23, 2008October 23rd, 2008, 1:08 pm EDT
what a gorgeous hook--no barb squishing! what is it?
"You can observe a lot by watching." Yogi Berra
Softhackle on Oct 23, 2008October 23rd, 2008, 3:42 pm EDT
Hi Casey,
Grip #14723BL # 12. These hooks are beautiful, but sold mostly in Europe. They are made in S. Africa. They have other models. I know of only one dealer in the US at present, and they are not even on the shelves, yet. I got mine from the distributor to test them out. If you are interested in ordering some, let me know via PM and I'll put you in touch with the dealer.
Mark
Grip #14723BL # 12. These hooks are beautiful, but sold mostly in Europe. They are made in S. Africa. They have other models. I know of only one dealer in the US at present, and they are not even on the shelves, yet. I got mine from the distributor to test them out. If you are interested in ordering some, let me know via PM and I'll put you in touch with the dealer.
Mark
"I have the highest respect for the skilled wet-fly fisherman, as he has mastered an art of very great difficulty." Edward R. Hewitt
Flymphs, Soft-hackles and Spiders: http://www.troutnut.com/libstudio/FS&S/index.html
Flymphs, Soft-hackles and Spiders: http://www.troutnut.com/libstudio/FS&S/index.html
Martinlf on Oct 24, 2008October 24th, 2008, 1:06 am EDT
I've been using some of the new barbless Tiemco SP, Gamakatsu, Partridge, and Knapek hooks and love them. I've lost fewer fish, and they are so easy to remove.
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"
--Fred Chappell
--Fred Chappell
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