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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Andrew on Mar 17, 2009March 17th, 2009, 1:45 pm EDT
I am interested in any information on some good fishing on Oak Creek, i have fished it several times and seen many fish but the crowds were too much. however i have heard that this time of year there is some great fishing. So i am looking for some good information on locations so far the only fishing i have been able to access is of Hwy 89A and the water is very narrow and thin most of the time in these locations. all info would be greatly appriciated.
Avid fly tyer, fly fisherman and bird hunter with little time to do what he loves to do when he wants to do it.working hard to fullfill my outdoor loves and aspirations.
DOS on Mar 17, 2009March 17th, 2009, 3:02 pm EDT
I've driven past it, even waded in it.... but never fished it. Supposedly its one of the best trout streams in the southwest and its near Phoenix, which would explain all the company you described. If I remember correctly its rt. 89A that runs along the creek for many miles and offers the only public access. I was there two years ago about this time and I don't remember seeing many anglers so I hope you can find some solitude. This water, like you said, is quite small, but just looked incredibly fishy, offering mostly casts of about 10ft to small pocket water where due to minimal flows, trout likely spend their entire lives. Highsticking heavy nymphs, like a weighted hairsear is a great choice for this type of water. Also, I think shortly there should be grass hoppers in the thousands and that would be an excellent dry fly choice.
I think there is a western fork, I don't know anything about, which requires a hike but does have wild browns and bows, unlike the main branch which is stocked twice a month, from March to January.
Hope this helps!
I think there is a western fork, I don't know anything about, which requires a hike but does have wild browns and bows, unlike the main branch which is stocked twice a month, from March to January.
Hope this helps!
Andrew Nisbet
DOS on Mar 17, 2009March 17th, 2009, 3:07 pm EDT
http://www.myriverguide.com/scripts/four.asp?ID=19944&TYPE=FLYFISHING
and I just found this website that suggests "a good place to start is near the confluence with the West Fork of Oak Creek and work your way down through the pools and riffles".
and I just found this website that suggests "a good place to start is near the confluence with the West Fork of Oak Creek and work your way down through the pools and riffles".
Andrew Nisbet
Andrew on Mar 18, 2009March 18th, 2009, 1:17 pm EDT
Andrew,
Thanks for the site and the information too i will try the westen fork and let you know how it is. I can tell you this the hatchs. i have encountered on this creek where great but very difficult to fish. the fish get very skittish about mid season due to all the people. All though one evening last year i got into one of the best Trico hatchs i've ever seen thus far in all my fly fishing in Arizona.
Thanks for the site and the information too i will try the westen fork and let you know how it is. I can tell you this the hatchs. i have encountered on this creek where great but very difficult to fish. the fish get very skittish about mid season due to all the people. All though one evening last year i got into one of the best Trico hatchs i've ever seen thus far in all my fly fishing in Arizona.
Avid fly tyer, fly fisherman and bird hunter with little time to do what he loves to do when he wants to do it.working hard to fullfill my outdoor loves and aspirations.
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