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.
This specimen resembled several others of around the same size and perhaps the same species, which were pretty common in my February sample from the upper Yakima. Unfortunately, I misplaced the specimen before I could get it under a microscope for a definitive ID.
Martinlf on Feb 22, 2013February 22nd, 2013, 1:24 pm EST
What a gorgeous mayfly. I'm amazed at the detail captured, down to the branches in the gills. After I see Spence's list, I'll want to supplement it with anything he forgets.
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"
Entoman on Feb 22, 2013February 22nd, 2013, 1:24 pm EST
Beautiful nymphs, aren't they... Some papers call them Painted Minnow Mays some Comb-mouthed Minnow Mays. I like the former.
Any idea as to species, Eric? The literature is devoid of updated descriptions/keys for eastern nymphs, at least that I can find. Zloty did a few for western species, but they aren't much help for you guys.
"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
Oldredbarn on Feb 22, 2013February 22nd, 2013, 6:25 pm EST
Beautiful nymphs, aren't they...
Yes they are...It is incredible how nature can go to such lengths to make something blend in. Then have it look so interesting...Like the topside of a Brook trout for example.
Looks like marble or some such.
"Even when my best efforts fail it's a satisfying challenge, and that, after all, is the essence of fly fishing." -Chauncy Lively
"Envy not the man who lives beside the river, but the man the river flows through." Joseph T Heywood
Entoman on Feb 23, 2013February 23rd, 2013, 2:45 pm EST
Yeah, gun to the head is right. You've got at least 5 species back there and there's not a lot of reliable info on them. At least that I'm aware of.
"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