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.
Featured on the forum
As far as I can tell, this species has only previously been reported from one site in Oregon along the Columbia gorge. However, the key characteristics are fairly unmistakable in all except for one minor detail:
— 4 small yellow spots on frons visible in photos
— Narrow occipital spinule row curves forward (but doesn’t quite meet on stem of ecdysial suture, as it's supposed to in this species)
— Short spinules on anterior margin of front legs
— Short rposterior row of blunt spinules on abdominal tergae, rather than elongated spinules dorsally
I caught several of these mature nymphs in the fishless, tiny headwaters of a creek high in the Wenatchee Mountains.
— 4 small yellow spots on frons visible in photos
— Narrow occipital spinule row curves forward (but doesn’t quite meet on stem of ecdysial suture, as it's supposed to in this species)
— Short spinules on anterior margin of front legs
— Short rposterior row of blunt spinules on abdominal tergae, rather than elongated spinules dorsally
I caught several of these mature nymphs in the fishless, tiny headwaters of a creek high in the Wenatchee Mountains.
Troutnut is a project started in 2003 by salmonid ecologist Jason "Troutnut" Neuswanger to help anglers and
fly tyers unabashedly embrace the entomological side of the sport. Learn more about Troutnut or
support the project for an enhanced experience here.
Mdturek on Apr 19, 2009April 19th, 2009, 12:36 pm EDT
What is the best bait and methods to catch rainbows put into the local forest preserve lakes? Can you fly fish for these? What would I use? How can I find out what is currently hatching? Thanks!
GoofusBug
Posts: 31
Posts: 31
GoofusBug on Apr 19, 2009April 19th, 2009, 2:26 pm EDT
The hatchery rainbows released into the forest preserve lake will respond to bright colored salmon egg patterns. Most of the anglers around you will be fishing with corn or velveeta cheese. The fish won't likely respond to classic wild trout patterns for a while, at least until they are fully used to relying on natural food sources. You might get lucky on a light-colored woolly bugger pattern.
That's my experience, FWIW
That's my experience, FWIW
Quick Reply
Related Discussions
Topic
Replies
Last Reply
Re: Besides the Kern River, Anyone know good Spots to fly fish in Socal?
In General Discussion by Czoom
In General Discussion by Czoom
1
Dec 20, 2011
by Cutbow
by Cutbow
They're STILL eating my hoppers! Plus, a very large minnow... 
In the Photography Board by Jmd123
+ 1
In the Photography Board by Jmd123
0
Oct 23, 2016
by Jmd123
by Jmd123