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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.
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.

Partsman
Partsman's profile picture
bancroft michigan

Posts: 321
Partsman on May 31, 2018May 31st, 2018, 10:19 am EDT
Trying to get a picture posted here, but Tuesday was a good day. Didn't start fishing till noon as I was staying till dark. Caught several fish, and then a real nice one, all fish came on 14 yellow drake. About 9:00 pm a big caddis hatch, but mine were totally ignored. I'm going to try some different caddis patterns this week. Hope everyone is getting out and enjoying themselves.

Mike.
Partsman
Partsman's profile picture
bancroft michigan

Posts: 321
Partsman on May 31, 2018May 31st, 2018, 10:47 am EDT
Wow, I .I had profile photo figured out, oh well Ill work on that to

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