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Lateral view of a Male Baetis (Baetidae) (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Dun from Mystery Creek #43 in New York
Blue-winged Olives
Baetis

Tiny Baetis mayflies are perhaps the most commonly encountered and imitated by anglers on all American trout streams due to their great abundance, widespread distribution, and trout-friendly emergence habits.

Dorsal view of a Epeorus albertae (Heptageniidae) (Pink Lady) Mayfly Nymph from the East Fork Issaquah Creek in Washington
This specimen keys to the Epeorus albertae group of species. Of the five species in that group, the two known in Washington state are Epeorus albertae and Epeorus dulciana. Of the two, albertae has been collected in vastly more locations in Washington than dulciana, suggesting it is far more common. On that basis alone I'm tentatively putting this nymph in albertae, with the large caveat that there's no real information to rule out dulciana.
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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Report at a Glance

General RegionSouth Platte
Conditions & HatchesMidges, and midges

Details and Discussion

Sundula
Littleton, Colorado

Posts: 35
Sundula on Feb 7, 2007February 7th, 2007, 4:08 pm EST
The last trout I caught was right before our "christmas snow storm" the month of January was bitterly cold and the snow was deep. Finally on 2/6 the temps got up into the 60's so I had to venture out. I was not the only one with the "itch" there were more anglers than I expected on the water. With the snow melt it clouded the river pretty good adding to the degree of dificulty in hooking into the still winter lying trout. I did not even get a bite at my tiny midge patterns but the goal was to get out and wade. South Platte conditions are improving though we are not out of the woods yet. It is getting close to spring. Midges were coming off pretty well for early Febuary I showed up a little late on the river and I more than likley missed the "window". This is the first year I have not laid down my rod in November and not picked it up until March, my goal was to get out and try my hand at the challenging winter conditions and Ii acheivved my goal. I did not want to loose the "feeling". I also needed to bond with my new RL Winston 9' 4wt. I purchased early December :) Spring is almost here and I can't wait to share the pictures and stories with all of you.
Trowpa
Eastern PA

Posts: 31
Trowpa on Feb 8, 2007February 8th, 2007, 6:05 am EST
I'm in the same boat - this is the first winter I have kept fishing - last time out (and my last fish) was in late January, with temps in the low 30's - I'm in the northeast, so we're in a deep freeze right now and I haven't been able to get the nerve up to try it when the temperatures struggle to hit the 20's :) But you're right - even if you don't catch anything (so far i've been averaging only 1 fish a trip in the winter) you get your "fix" in and keep the cabin fever at bay.

Due to my aversion to crowds, I'm actually not a big fan of spring fly fishing though - springtime brings a flood of spin fisherman into my back yard. What is in the summer, fall, and winter a peaceful getaway to "connect" with the stream becomes anything BUT relaxing.

No sir - with the arrival of the stocked trout season march 31st, I will begin fishing for stripers from the beach through May while I hide from the crowds. Mid May is usually when I return to the stream....

-Steve

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