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
As far as I can tell, this species has only previously been reported from one site in Oregon along the Columbia gorge. However, the key characteristics are fairly unmistakable in all except for one minor detail:
— 4 small yellow spots on frons visible in photos
— Narrow occipital spinule row curves forward (but doesn’t quite meet on stem of ecdysial suture, as it's supposed to in this species)
— Short spinules on anterior margin of front legs
— Short rposterior row of blunt spinules on abdominal tergae, rather than elongated spinules dorsally
I caught several of these mature nymphs in the fishless, tiny headwaters of a creek high in the Wenatchee Mountains.
— 4 small yellow spots on frons visible in photos
— Narrow occipital spinule row curves forward (but doesn’t quite meet on stem of ecdysial suture, as it's supposed to in this species)
— Short spinules on anterior margin of front legs
— Short rposterior row of blunt spinules on abdominal tergae, rather than elongated spinules dorsally
I caught several of these mature nymphs in the fishless, tiny headwaters of a creek high in the Wenatchee Mountains.
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.
Gutcutter on Feb 17, 2013February 17th, 2013, 12:06 pm EST
One reason I chose the box is that I do wade very deep sometimes, and have often propped a box open on the back windshield deck of my car to dry flies out.
When wading deep for extended periods, the seals will leak. The boxes are more or less waterproof, but try to keep them from becoming "submerged" for long periods of time. They do float, and when under sustained water pressure (trapped in a vest pocket) the external water pressure against the internal air pressure will cause the seals to fail.
I have four of them, and unfortunately I know this is true. I only wish I remembered that each and every time I'm trying to inch my way out to the big riser just out of range. Just a few feet further...
All men who fish may in turn be divided into two parts: those who fish for trout and those who don't. Trout fishermen are a race apart: they are a dedicated crew- indolent, improvident, and quietly mad.
-Robert Traver, Trout Madness
-Robert Traver, Trout Madness
Martinlf on Feb 17, 2013February 17th, 2013, 6:26 pm EST
Kurt, I don't know, but it has the slot for the insert. Hmmm.
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"
--Fred Chappell
--Fred Chappell
Lastchance on Feb 18, 2013February 18th, 2013, 10:18 am EST
Not the first time. :)
But, Bruce, if you mean the C&F boxes leaked, this is the first one for me, so I was propping up my old boxes to dry them out. My standard box is a homemade job made from pill boxes, with removable inserts. 28 compartments and very customizable. But not so great for bigger flies. I think I'm going to like the C&F, and the capacity can be increased by alternating the way you face the flies. With size 18 emergers I can use every slot in the row.
Just kidding, Louis, I'm sure you'll love it.
Bruce
Entoman on Feb 18, 2013February 18th, 2013, 10:55 am EST
...but it has the slot for the insert...
I thought you'd notice that. Here's a couple of photos that show what goes in it. One is my streamer and big nymph stillwater box. The other is an empty spare to give you a better look. Unlike the small boxes where the leaves take up too much space for dry flies, these leaves close flush with the very top of the bottom of the box, leaving plenty of room for dry fly wings and hackle. The only bummer is they are one sided but that is because the lid is so shallow:
"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
Risenfly on Aug 6, 2013August 6th, 2013, 9:58 am EDT
The one really important thing you need to remember about waterproof boxes is that not only do they keep water out of your boxes, but they also keep water in. When using one throughout the day and putting wet flies back in, be sure to open up your box and let them dry out after ever trip. If not, you'll have a whole box full of rusty hooks.
www.risenfly.com
Fly reels, lines, boxes and accessories. Rods coming in 2014!
Fly reels, lines, boxes and accessories. Rods coming in 2014!
Quick Reply
Related Discussions
Topic
Replies
Last Reply
2
Feb 15, 2013
by Troutnut
by Troutnut