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
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.
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.
Report at a Glance
| General Region | 15 min form my driveway (including driving and walking) |
| Dates Fished | 10/19/06 |
| Time of Day | 4:30p - 6:00p |
| Fish Caught | 13" Brown and 17" Brown |
| Conditions & Hatches | Flow was right around 100cfs, clarity was good, midges were the only thing happening. |
Details and Discussion
Sundula on Oct 19, 2006October 19th, 2006, 6:26 pm EDT
It has really been fishing well lately, I have been having success with #20 - #22 Mercury Black Beauties, #20 - #22 Mercury RS2s, #20 - #22 RS2s, #22 - #24 Griffith's Gnats. Midge patterns will be the standard here soon, with the occasional BWO hatch.
I was fishing a nice little pool rying to fool some small rainbows when all of a sudden I noticed this guy rising to emerging midge pupae. I took a double take when I saw it because I was just messing around with the little guys, then all of a sudden i noticed a "Buick" in the "compact car parking lot". It was getting dark, and the tempeture was dropping, but I was not leaving without a picture of that fish. Taking Gonzo's advise I came up with a plan in landing the fish. I decided where I wanted it to go and how to get there. It worked out well, if I do say so, and I do. It ried to run to the fast water but I stayed below it, it had to have been funny to see. Me running down stream trying to stay below the thing, I ended up about a hundred yards down stream in some nice calm water. Right where I wanted it, the perfect spot to land, photo, and release. The picture is not great but Oh well, it was getting dark and the flash on the camera is relfecting bad on the scales. I got my pictue though, I really can't complain when I have neighbors like this guy :)
I was fishing a nice little pool rying to fool some small rainbows when all of a sudden I noticed this guy rising to emerging midge pupae. I took a double take when I saw it because I was just messing around with the little guys, then all of a sudden i noticed a "Buick" in the "compact car parking lot". It was getting dark, and the tempeture was dropping, but I was not leaving without a picture of that fish. Taking Gonzo's advise I came up with a plan in landing the fish. I decided where I wanted it to go and how to get there. It worked out well, if I do say so, and I do. It ried to run to the fast water but I stayed below it, it had to have been funny to see. Me running down stream trying to stay below the thing, I ended up about a hundred yards down stream in some nice calm water. Right where I wanted it, the perfect spot to land, photo, and release. The picture is not great but Oh well, it was getting dark and the flash on the camera is relfecting bad on the scales. I got my pictue though, I really can't complain when I have neighbors like this guy :)
GONZO on Oct 19, 2006October 19th, 2006, 6:35 pm EDT
I think the 2nd picture is gorgeous--a perfect brown beauty. Way to go! Keep up the good work.
Quick Reply
Related Discussions
Topic
Replies
Last Reply
6
Dec 19, 2006
by DeRidder
by DeRidder
1
May 17, 2016
by Bnorikane
by Bnorikane
13
Sep 23, 2017
by Martinlf
by Martinlf