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.

Cedar sweepers line the fertile spring creek headwaters of a famous trout stream.

From the Bois Brule River in Wisconsin

Stream photos

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Pycnopsyche guttifera (Great Autumn Brown Sedge) Caddisfly Larva Pycnopsyche guttifera (Great Autumn Brown Sedge) Caddisfly Larva

Dorsal view of a Pycnopsyche guttifera (Limnephilidae) (Great Autumn Brown Sedge) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington

This specimen appears to be of the same species as this one collected in the same spot two months earlier. The identification of both is tentative. This one suffered some physical damage before being photographed, too, so the colors aren't totally natural. I was mostly photographing it to test out some new camera setting idea, which worked really well for a couple of closeups.

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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.

Bug permits

Quietone
Posts: 2

Quietone on Aug 27, 2013August 27th, 2013, 8:04 pm EDT

I was wondering if anyone here has heard of a permit to collect insects in general for personal use as a hobby? Here in Illinois doesnt seem like there is one to collect insects at all, and i cant seem to find anyone that knows about it.

Crepuscular

Boiling Springs, PA

Posts: 920

Crepuscular on Aug 28, 2013August 28th, 2013, 3:57 am EDT

Hello Quietone. I have no idea about Illinois. But here in PA the state Fish and Boat Commission (the agency that issues fishing licenses and boat registrations) requires a permit for collection of aquatic organisms, reptiles, amphibians and electrofishing. So I would start with the analogous agency in Illinois. Or you could contact a university biology department faculty member who works in aquatics and see if they have direction for you.

Good Luck

Quietone
Posts: 2

Quietone on Aug 28, 2013August 28th, 2013, 7:47 pm EDT

Thanks for the response! I will look into it.