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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 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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Ike
MN

Posts: 14
Ike on Aug 25, 2012August 25th, 2012, 7:36 am EDT
this is my first year fly fishing and i think it would be amazing to catch some fall salmon or steelhead. I've heard of a few rivers to go to in my area that run into the great lakes. The problem is that i have no idea exactly when they run (I've heard this can only be for a week or two), and i have no idea which flies to tie for them. if anyone has any advice it would be greatly appreciated. being able to go fishing for these beasts would be a dream come true.
Kschaefer3
Kschaefer3's profile picture
St. Paul, MN

Posts: 376
Kschaefer3 on Aug 27, 2012August 27th, 2012, 10:36 am EDT
Welcome to fly fishing. Be prepared to get addicted very quickly. Especially steelhead. Hook your first and you will never want to stop. I would suggest reading a lot online. There are many great resources to give you an idea of where and how to do it. Start with this:

http://www.minnesotasteelheader.com/index.html

Also, local shops are a great place. Spend $20 on flies and they will gladly help out with plenty of info to get you started (you won't get their secrets obviously). If you are near Duluth, John at Great Lakes Fly Co. is very knowledgeable and in tune with the area.

I am not all that familiar with the north shore area, but if you have any other questions, feel free to PM me.
Sayfu
Posts: 560
Sayfu on Aug 28, 2012August 28th, 2012, 10:10 am EDT

Methods of fishing for steelhead can very greatly. Some pocket water, smaller rivers favor bobber/nymphing, and especially in cold water being the steelhead doesn't move far for an offering. When the water warms to trout like, favorable temps, swing the fly can work better, and covers more water. I prefer swinging flies on a dry line, but the temps have to be favorable.

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