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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 Grammotaulius betteni (Limnephilidae) (Northern Caddisfly) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington
This is a striking caddis larva with an interesting color pattern on the head. Here are some characteristics I was able to see under the microscope, but could not easily expose for a picture:
- The prosternal horn is present.
- The mandible is clearly toothed, not formed into a uniform scraper blade.
- The seems to be only 2 major setae on the ventral edge of the hind femur.
- Chloride epithelia seem to be absent from the dorsal side of any abdominal segments.
Based on these characteristics and the ones more easily visible from the pictures, this seems to be Grammotaulius. The key's description of the case is spot-on: "Case cylindrical, made of longitudinally arranged sedge or similar leaves," as is the description of the markings on the head, "Dorsum of head light brownish yellow with numerous discrete, small, dark spots." The spot pattern on the head is a very good match to figure 19.312 of Merritt R.W., Cummins, K.W., and Berg, M.B. (2019). The species ID is based on Grammotaulius betteni being the only species of this genus known in Washington state.
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.


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By Troutnut on July 14th, 2017
On a hike with my in-laws to the very popular and crowded Grove of the Patriarchs in Mt. Ranier National Park, we followed the trail along the Ohanopecosh River, which is apparently a popular stop for small trout with park visitors. It was hard to pass these pools without a fly rod in hand.

Photos by Troutnut from the Ohanopecosh River in Washington

The Ohanopecosh River in Washington
The Ohanopecosh River in Washington
The Ohanopecosh River in Washington
The Ohanopecosh River in Washington

Comments / replies

Jmd123
Jmd123's profile picture
Oscoda, MI

Posts: 2474
Jmd123 on Jul 26, 2017July 26th, 2017, 10:31 am EDT
That aquamarine water, and those PNW conifers for a backdrop...

Just beautiful, Jason. Thanks for posting!

Jonathon
No matter how big the one you just caught is, there's always a bigger one out there somewhere...
Partsman
Partsman's profile picture
bancroft michigan

Posts: 321
Partsman on Jul 27, 2017July 27th, 2017, 11:32 am EDT
Yes beautiful looking water Jason, several years ago when my brother and his wife lived in Denver we went hiking in many different areas around there home. Just beautiful looking streams and even a spot where after a long uphill hike we came to a waterfall and pool loaded with trout. There is so much to see in this beautiful country that I hope see some day. But in the mean time please keep the photos coming.
Mike.

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