Lateral view of a Female Hexagenia limbata (Ephemeridae) (Hex) Mayfly Dun from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin

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.

Firehole River Sunset

From the Firehole River in Wyoming

Stream photos

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Zapada cinctipes (Tiny Winter Black) Stonefly Nymph Zapada cinctipes (Tiny Winter Black) Stonefly Nymph

Dorsal view of a Zapada cinctipes (Nemouridae) (Tiny Winter Black) Stonefly Nymph from the Yakima River in Washington

Nymphs of this species were fairly common in late-winter kick net samples from the upper Yakima River. Although I could not find a key to species of Zapada nymphs, a revision of the Nemouridae family by Baumann (1975) includes the following helpful sentence: "2 cervical gills on each side of midline, 1 arising inside and 1 outside of lateral cervical sclerites, usually single and elongate, sometimes constricted but with 3 or 4 branches arising beyond gill base in Zapada cinctipes." This specimen clearly has the branches and is within the range of that species.

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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.

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.

wisconsin salmon

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

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.