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Lateral view of a Female Hexagenia limbata (Ephemeridae) (Hex) Mayfly Dun from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin
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.

Dorsal view of a Ephemerella mucronata (Ephemerellidae) Mayfly Nymph from the Yakima River in Washington
This is an interesting one. Following the keys in Merritt R.W., Cummins, K.W., and Berg, M.B. (2019) and Jacobus et al. (2014), it keys clearly to Ephemerella. Jacobus et al provide a key to species, but some of the characteristics are tricky to interpret without illustrations. If I didn't make any mistakes, this one keys to Ephemerella mucronata, which has not previously been reported any closer to here than Montana and Alberta. The main character seems to fit well: "Abdominal terga with prominent, paired, subparallel, spiculate ridges." Several illustrations or descriptions of this holarctic species from the US and Europe seem to match, including the body length, tarsal claws and denticles, labial palp, and gill shapes. These sources include including Richard Allen's original description of this species in North America under the now-defunct name E. moffatae in Allen RK (1977) and the figures in this description of the species in Italy.
27" brown trout, my largest ever. It was the sub-dominant fish in its pool. After this, I hooked the bigger one, but I couldn't land it.
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Lastchance
Portage, PA

Posts: 437
Lastchance on Oct 24, 2009October 24th, 2009, 1:29 am EDT
My interests have returned to midge fishing again for the late fall and winter. Anybody care to share any of their favorite pupa or larva patterns? I've tied flies from the Midge Magic book by Koch and Holbrook and have had success with several of their patterns.
Bruce
RedQuill27
Wisconsin

Posts: 13
RedQuill27 on Nov 15, 2009November 15th, 2009, 2:26 am EST
I like to use a pattern that I invented a couple of seasons ago. I call it Pete's Paradise Pupae
Hook: Curved Caddis Hook Size 18-22
Thread: Black 8/0 Uni-Thread
Rib: One strand Pearl Krystal flash
Body: Black tying thread
Wing: Clear Antron yarn tied in like spinner wings and clipped very short
Thorax: Peacock herl
Head: Silver bead optional
Fishing is like sex, when its good its great, and when its bad its still pretty good.
MTWFF
Montana

Posts: 1
MTWFF on Jan 2, 2011January 2nd, 2011, 4:33 am EST
Theres my 2 favorites!



Wayne's SRP
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57003849@N06/5312540039/
(Copy Link to address box to see)
Hook: Hvy Scud 14
Bead: MFC 5/32 Brass Gold Finish
Body: Blk 6/0
Rib: Red Ultra Wire Fine
Segmented over wrap Clr Stretchy Beading Cord
Thorax: UV Peacock Ice Dubbing



Black UV BH Midge
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57003849@N06/5288647325/
(Copy Link to address box to see)
Hook: Hvy Scud 18
Bead: Blk 7/32 plastic
Body: Blk 6/0 Ultra Thread
Rib: Red Ultra Wire Fine
Thorax: Blk UV Ice Dubbing
I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will fall frozen dead from a bough without having felt sorry for itself.
Falsifly
Falsifly's profile picture
Hayward, WI.

Posts: 660
Falsifly on Jan 2, 2011January 2nd, 2011, 6:48 am EST






Falsifly
When asked what I just caught that monster on I showed him. He put on his magnifiers and said, "I can't believe they can see that."
Wbranch
Wbranch's profile picture
York & Starlight PA

Posts: 2635
Wbranch on Jan 2, 2011January 2nd, 2011, 8:35 am EST
Palomino midge in black or olive, Zebra midge, and Disco midge.
Catskill fly fisher for fifty-five years.
Sayfu
Posts: 560
Sayfu on Aug 21, 2011August 21st, 2011, 5:49 am EDT

White, metal bead head works best for me overall with varying abdomens, and thorax.

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