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.

A beautiful braided reach of the Sag River, with the Philip Smith Mountains in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in the background.

From the Sagavanirktok River in Alaska

Stream photos

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Female Sweltsa borealis (Boreal Sallfly) Stonefly Adult Female Sweltsa borealis (Boreal Sallfly) Stonefly Adult

Lateral view of a Female Sweltsa borealis (Chloroperlidae) (Boreal Sallfly) Stonefly Adult from Harris Creek in Washington

I was not fishing, but happened to be at an unrelated social event on a hill above this tiny creek (which I never even saw) when this stonefly flew by me. I assume it came from there. Some key characteristics are tricky to follow, but process of elimination ultimately led me to Sweltsa borealis. It is reassuringly similar to this specimen posted by Bob Newell years ago. It is also so strikingly similar to this nymph from the same river system that I'm comfortable identifying that nymph from this adult. I was especially pleased with the closeup photo of four mites parasitizing this one.

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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.

Time for a Magnifier Lamp?

John888
Posts: 2

John888 on Nov 7, 2015November 7th, 2015, 9:24 am EST

Hi
this is my first post here. Been a long time "lurker", but thought it was time to join in the fun and add to the excellent forums. I need a little advice from those that have already invested in a magnifying lamp.
Eyesight isn't what it used to be, so it's time to get a bit of help with the close ups :)

Are there any brands/features that I need to be looking out for when I get my wallet out? Would love to hear!

Roguerat

Posts: 456

Roguerat on Nov 7, 2015November 7th, 2015, 10:58 am EST

John- welcome, and ditto on this being a most excellent forum, and fun!

This was one of the first tying accessories I acquired, a fluorescent magnifying lamp from Hobby Lobby. It took a while to get used to the change in depth perception (kind of freaky, at first) but I wouldn't do without it now. Myopia is not that cool...I have enough trouble squinting at sz 20 flies and 6x tippet as it is!

I also use an additional task light set at 90-degrees to the magnifier, no shadows behind my fingers then.

anyway, the magnifier ran about $ 50 or $ 60 some years ago, well worth it.

Roguerat

'Less is more...'

Ludwig Mies Vande Rohe

RleeP
NW PA - Pennsylvania's Glacial Pothole Wonderland

Posts: 398

RleeP on Nov 8, 2015November 8th, 2015, 3:24 am EST

I'm cheap and usually buy the lowest price thing that is functional and reliable. Given that, I have been tying with the low end Cabela's magnifier lamp ever since my eyes got to the point where I needed the help (about 12 yeas ago..). Its usually $29.95, but I see it is currently on sale for $19.95. It works with a clamp, so your tying area/table has to be able to accommodate that. It uses a 60 watt incandescent bulb and the bulb space is too tight for a CFL. However, the lower actual wattage halogen incandescent substitutes fit and work fine.

I've been pretty happy with the lamp. But like I say, I'm cheap. Worth a look, anyway...

Here's the url: http://www.cabelas.com/product/clamp-on-magnifying-lamp/1439363.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dmagnifier%252Blamp%26x%3D10%26y%3D6%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%252BProducts&Ntt=magnifier+lamp

Roguerat

Posts: 456

Roguerat on Nov 8, 2015November 8th, 2015, 5:06 am EST

Lee-

I need to check this one out, since the color-rendering ability of the ring-fluorescent I've got is questionable...the Reveal line of incandescent bulbs is engineered to be as close to natural light as possible and would (should) work in the fixture you've noted. Thanks for the tip,

Roguerat

John888
Posts: 2

John888 on Nov 8, 2015November 8th, 2015, 10:58 am EST

Thanks for the answers, guys!

Turns out that there's all kinds of things to consider when buying lighted magnification. I got confused and had to do some research on the different types. This blogpost on selecting a good fly tying lamp was helpful.

I am going to get one with a fluorscent bulb. It's going to need a clamp base, too.