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
It's only barely visible in one of my pictures, but I confirmed under the microscope that this one has a prosternal horn and the antennae are mid-way between the eyes and front of the head capsule.
I'm calling this one Pycnopsyche, but it's a bit perplexing. It seems to key definitively to at least Couplet 8 of the Key to Genera of Limnephilidae Larvae. That narrows it down to three genera, and the case seems wrong for the other two. The case looks right for Pycnopsyche, and it fits one of the key characteristics: "Abdominal sternum II without chloride epithelium and abdominal segment IX with only single seta on each side of dorsal sclerite." However, the characteristic "metanotal sa1 sclerites not fused, although often contiguous" does not seem to fit well. Those sclerites sure look fused to me, although I can make out a thin groove in the touching halves in the anterior half under the microscope. Perhaps this is a regional variation.
The only species of Pycnopsyche documented in Washington state is Pycnopsyche guttifera, and the colors and markings around the head of this specimen seem to match very well a specimen of that species from Massachusetts on Bugguide. So I am placing it in that species for now.
Whatever species this is, I photographed another specimen of seemingly the same species from the same spot a couple months later.
I'm calling this one Pycnopsyche, but it's a bit perplexing. It seems to key definitively to at least Couplet 8 of the Key to Genera of Limnephilidae Larvae. That narrows it down to three genera, and the case seems wrong for the other two. The case looks right for Pycnopsyche, and it fits one of the key characteristics: "Abdominal sternum II without chloride epithelium and abdominal segment IX with only single seta on each side of dorsal sclerite." However, the characteristic "metanotal sa1 sclerites not fused, although often contiguous" does not seem to fit well. Those sclerites sure look fused to me, although I can make out a thin groove in the touching halves in the anterior half under the microscope. Perhaps this is a regional variation.
The only species of Pycnopsyche documented in Washington state is Pycnopsyche guttifera, and the colors and markings around the head of this specimen seem to match very well a specimen of that species from Massachusetts on Bugguide. So I am placing it in that species for now.
Whatever species this is, I photographed another specimen of seemingly the same species from the same spot a couple months later.
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.
Firemedic on Jun 2, 2009June 2nd, 2009, 8:03 am EDT
I was wondering if anyone had any info on the South platte waterton canyon area? I'm going to be in Denver for a wedding the 18th-22nd of June and would like to get at least 1 day of fishing in. I remember reading about The south platte and I can't remember where I read it so can someone help??????
Martinlf on Jun 3, 2009June 3rd, 2009, 10:13 am EDT
If you can get access to old issues of FlyFisherman Magazine, here are some references from my indexes. I'm sure there are some guidebooks to Colorado, and perhaps to the South Platte. Check Amazon. Some libraries can get things on interlibrary loan, including photocopies of old magazine articles. Try an academic library if your local one can't.
Cheesman (CO) FF 9/05
S Platte Chesman (CO) FF 9/05
S Platte Drm Strm (CO) FF 5/07
S Platte Elevnmile (CO)FF 2/07
FF just means FlyFisherman, then the month and year of the issues. Hope this helps.
Cheesman (CO) FF 9/05
S Platte Chesman (CO) FF 9/05
S Platte Drm Strm (CO) FF 5/07
S Platte Elevnmile (CO)FF 2/07
FF just means FlyFisherman, then the month and year of the issues. Hope this helps.
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"
--Fred Chappell
--Fred Chappell
Creno on Jun 3, 2009June 3rd, 2009, 11:08 am EDT
Google "fishing shops Denver" and check with them. There are alot of choices and they all should know about Waterton. My personal experience is limited since they built Strontia Springs dam. Before the dam there was a good Pteronarcys emergence about now and lots of mayflies. Now there is often little water in the stream and it can be just midge fishing. Check - http://www.dwr.state.co.us/surfacewater/watertalk.aspx or the shops for flows. I suspect there is other access to the gages. Waterton is a narrow canyon and as the flows go up the access gets tougher. Stand on a rock and cast. The catch and release section is at the top of the canyon so expect a walk (or a bike - no cars) but it is pretty flat and a nice road. I think 3 miles to the start of C&R and then another 3 to Strontia Springs dam. And bighorn sheep often on/near the road - and snakes (a native) and poison ivy (real rare before the dam). Another area that may be OK depending on the flows is the area downstream from the Kassler Bridge. Just wander downstream from the Kassler/Waterton Parking area instead of up. No sheep, never seen a snake but alot of poison ivy. Fish can move up from Chatfield Reservoir and I have seen some nice browm and holdover bows.
Have fun!
Creno
Have fun!
Creno
Aaron7_8 on Jun 5, 2009June 5th, 2009, 11:56 am EDT
Try rockymtnfly.com forum there is a large contigency of fly fishermen from that area of colorado on that froum.
Martinlf on Jun 10, 2009June 10th, 2009, 3:10 pm EDT
Hey Firemedic, Let us know how it worked out, OK?
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"
--Fred Chappell
--Fred Chappell
Martinlf on Sep 6, 2017September 6th, 2017, 12:41 pm EDT
Here's some info on the South Platte. Google "San Juan" for more Troutnut info on it.
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"
--Fred Chappell
--Fred Chappell
Quick Reply
Related Discussions
Topic
Replies
Last Reply
1
May 17, 2016
by Bnorikane
by Bnorikane
3
May 27, 2010
by Shawnny3
by Shawnny3
6
Dec 19, 2006
by DeRidder
by DeRidder