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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 Setvena wahkeena (Perlodidae) (Wahkeena Springfly) Stonefly Nymph from Mystery Creek #199 in Washington
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.
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.
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Tyro
illinois

Posts: 14
Tyro on Jul 7, 2014July 7th, 2014, 3:26 pm EDT
Hi All,

Did anyone out there fish any good Richland County streams last season that they can report on?

I'll be going up to Richland Center right after labor day & would appreciate any advice regarding good fly fishing waters.

Thanks
Kschaefer3
Kschaefer3's profile picture
St. Paul, MN

Posts: 376
Kschaefer3 on Jul 21, 2014July 21st, 2014, 8:07 am EDT
Sorry a little late, I was in MT for two weeks. What type of water are you looking for? Big or small? High numbers or larger fish?
Tyro
illinois

Posts: 14
Tyro on Jul 24, 2014July 24th, 2014, 7:05 am EDT
Kschaefer3,
Thanks for getting back. I haven't fished Wisconsin before, but am eager to try streams like the headwaters of Fancy Creek. I know that early September is generally the hottest time of the season and stream fishing will be chancy at best, but I'm encouraged by reports so far from the Driftless Anglers fly shop. Have you had any experience with other streams in the area?

Thanks
Kschaefer3
Kschaefer3's profile picture
St. Paul, MN

Posts: 376
Kschaefer3 on Jul 24, 2014July 24th, 2014, 7:22 am EDT
I fish the area a bit. I fish Vernon county more, although they are relatively close together. September gets hot, but it is also hopper season! Concentrate on morning and evenings, but you can still catch fish midday (sometimes lots of them). I am not familiar with fancy creek. I'll send a PM shortly with some recommendations.

P.s. Driftless Angler, While a great shop, is overly optimistic with their reports. I'd say use it more as a guide for the stream temps than anything.
Tyro
illinois

Posts: 14
Tyro on Jul 24, 2014July 24th, 2014, 11:33 am EDT
The Wiconsin DNR has done a great job mapping trout streams by class and county. I'll be making Richland Center my base while up there and might make it into Vernon county if time allows.
Kschaefer3
Kschaefer3's profile picture
St. Paul, MN

Posts: 376
Kschaefer3 on Jul 24, 2014July 24th, 2014, 12:05 pm EDT
The Wiconsin DNR has done a great job mapping trout streams by class and county. I'll be making Richland Center my base while up there and might make it into Vernon county if time allows.

I agree. I have spent many hours researching the maps.

They have done an equally good job securing public lands and easements. I appreciate them both a great deal.

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