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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.

Dorsal view of a Grammotaulius betteni (Limnephilidae) (Northern Caddisfly) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington
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.
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.

Jaf
statecollege Pa.

Posts: 14
Jaf on Dec 14, 2012December 14th, 2012, 3:54 pm EST
I can not believe it has taken me this long to get in here and look around, the more I'm in here the better and better it gets.Excellent site, with so many knowledgeable folks. Another troutnut for the troutnut forum! Thanks for all your time and effort for the site to be here. Jack
Jesse
Jesse's profile picture
Posts: 378
Jesse on Dec 18, 2012December 18th, 2012, 6:30 pm EST
Hey there Jackaroowho! Looking forward to hearing some interesting things from you ha. Good to have you man.
Most of us fish our whole lives..not knowing its not the fish that we are after.
http://www.filingoflyfishing.com
Jaf
statecollege Pa.

Posts: 14
Jaf on Dec 20, 2012December 20th, 2012, 12:25 pm EST
Hey,thanks guys!Right now I'm heavily in stonefly mode, redoing,restocking, and trying some new ways and materials. Basically shakin up my collection. This site was a major influence with that.

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