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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Jmd123 on Jan 2, 2011January 2nd, 2011, 2:20 pm EST
NIIIICE fishies there, James!! So, a "small minnow pattern", huh? Colored like a natural? I have often thought my original Killer Bass Fly would work for steelies - that is, if I actually got out and fished it more often and got it down on the bottom (using dumbell eyes instead of bead-chain). Hmmmm, you might just have inspired me for hitting the next thaw...
Just what pattern were you using? It wasn't a KBF by chance, was it? Are you willing to share details?
Jonathon
P.S. Looks like I will be finally heading up to Oscoda soon, and I will try to stay (as in forever!). If that's the case, perhaps I will pay you a visit this summer!!
Just what pattern were you using? It wasn't a KBF by chance, was it? Are you willing to share details?
Jonathon
P.S. Looks like I will be finally heading up to Oscoda soon, and I will try to stay (as in forever!). If that's the case, perhaps I will pay you a visit this summer!!
No matter how big the one you just caught is, there's always a bigger one out there somewhere...
Pryal74 on Jan 3, 2011January 3rd, 2011, 6:42 pm EST
I really like a marabou type fly that is weighted. I feel that most ride too high much like Bass flies I have used before. I like a natural looking retrieve or swing. In my opinion, most do not do what I feel is as good as possible. I made a Salmon fly myself and the first take still wasn't as heavy enough. It would take some time to explain what kind of fly it is but it's much like a marabou style minnow much like a Clouser's. The first Steelie cranked the fly before I even could raise up on her but then in a split second she took again and I hooked her. The very next cast I had the second skipper on in less than 3 seconds. John, if you do happen to swing on up here, let me know ahead of time and I'll take you up on some great water. Summer time is so much fun because you can fish for almost anything. I have a hard time choosing between Brookies, Browns and Rainbows or Smallies and Largies or even Muskies. What a life huh?
-James Pryal
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