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.
Softhackle on Mar 8, 2012March 8th, 2012, 2:34 pm EST
I have shared this with some friends already, and thought I'd share here. These were gifts from some good friends of mine that know I love fishing wingless wet flies.
The Rod is a custom made S Glass 3 piece 9 ft 2 inches. The reel is classic Hardy Cacapedia III with Hardy fly line. The box is leather fleece lined, loaded with wingless wets.
Mark
The Rod is a custom made S Glass 3 piece 9 ft 2 inches. The reel is classic Hardy Cacapedia III with Hardy fly line. The box is leather fleece lined, loaded with wingless wets.
Mark
"I have the highest respect for the skilled wet-fly fisherman, as he has mastered an art of very great difficulty." Edward R. Hewitt
Flymphs, Soft-hackles and Spiders: http://www.troutnut.com/libstudio/FS&S/index.html
Flymphs, Soft-hackles and Spiders: http://www.troutnut.com/libstudio/FS&S/index.html
Entoman on Mar 8, 2012March 8th, 2012, 6:06 pm EST
Gorgeous equipment, Mark. Your friends have excellent taste. I noticed they included a Carrie Stevens streamer as a capper... Very nice. I bet you can't wait for spring!...
"It's not that I find fishing so important, it's just that I find all other endeavors of Man equally unimportant... And not nearly as much fun!" Robert Traver, Anatomy of a Fisherman
FisherOfMen on Mar 9, 2012March 9th, 2012, 11:24 am EST
Isn't that a Gray Ghost? Or is it the same thing...?
Very cool stuff BTW!
Very cool stuff BTW!
"Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught." -Author Unknown
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. -Edmund Burke
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. -Edmund Burke
Entoman on Mar 9, 2012March 9th, 2012, 11:48 am EST
Hi Nick,
You are right about it being a "Ghost." The difference is the Gray Ghost (which is the 'type' for the style) is tied with a hard to find golden orange silk floss body and medium dun wings. At first glance I thought this was Percy Gardner's Brown Ghost, but it looks to have maroon wings and a black body. The color variations of this classic pattern are legion, though. Perhaps Mark can supply you with this one's name, but I think it was a gift.
You are right about it being a "Ghost." The difference is the Gray Ghost (which is the 'type' for the style) is tied with a hard to find golden orange silk floss body and medium dun wings. At first glance I thought this was Percy Gardner's Brown Ghost, but it looks to have maroon wings and a black body. The color variations of this classic pattern are legion, though. Perhaps Mark can supply you with this one's name, but I think it was a gift.
"It's not that I find fishing so important, it's just that I find all other endeavors of Man equally unimportant... And not nearly as much fun!" Robert Traver, Anatomy of a Fisherman
Softhackle on Mar 9, 2012March 9th, 2012, 2:21 pm EST
Hey, I'll see if I can get a closer photo of the fly and post it.
Mark
Here we go--
Mark
Here we go--
"I have the highest respect for the skilled wet-fly fisherman, as he has mastered an art of very great difficulty." Edward R. Hewitt
Flymphs, Soft-hackles and Spiders: http://www.troutnut.com/libstudio/FS&S/index.html
Flymphs, Soft-hackles and Spiders: http://www.troutnut.com/libstudio/FS&S/index.html
Entoman on Mar 9, 2012March 9th, 2012, 4:41 pm EST
Well, it's definitely tied in the Rangeley style, though it lacks the peacock underwing. This is more than likely a private pattern, and from a good tier's vise. I've scoured my library and can't find any examples of established patterns in the Grey Ghost (Stevens) style with a black body or maroon wings.
"It's not that I find fishing so important, it's just that I find all other endeavors of Man equally unimportant... And not nearly as much fun!" Robert Traver, Anatomy of a Fisherman
FisherOfMen on Mar 10, 2012March 10th, 2012, 10:42 am EST
It does look like a very good pattern. You totally lost me with all the jargon and everything, though. All in good time...
I can't wait to get my fly boxes looking like that one! I was scouting an unnamed mountain stream while hunting today, and it's getting me all the more enthusiastic with my tying! Who would've thought wrapping some feathers and fur around a hook could be so much fun?!
I can't wait to get my fly boxes looking like that one! I was scouting an unnamed mountain stream while hunting today, and it's getting me all the more enthusiastic with my tying! Who would've thought wrapping some feathers and fur around a hook could be so much fun?!
"Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught." -Author Unknown
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. -Edmund Burke
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. -Edmund Burke
Quick Reply
Related Discussions
Topic
Replies
Last Reply
7
Jan 29, 2009
by Shawnny3
by Shawnny3
6
Nov 4, 2011
by Dinerobyn
by Dinerobyn
2
Jul 3, 2013
by Feathers5
by Feathers5