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.

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.

Favorite mayfly hatch for trout?, Page 2

Martinlf

Moderator
Palmyra PA

Posts: 3047

Martinlf on Aug 30, 2007August 30th, 2007, 1:28 pm EDT

Hey John, you catching any fish? I also hope to get up your way (Green Hills) this fall.

"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"

--Fred Chappell

Flybyknight
Milton, DE

Posts: 82

Flybyknight on Sep 13, 2007September 13th, 2007, 12:19 am EDT

All winter long I look forward to the first cast of the season.
My favorite hatch is what ever is hatching the first chance I can get out on on a stream at the start of the season.
Early March mid afternoon my early season box has Taeniopteryx, Strophopteryx, Epeorus and Apatania nymphs; along with nondescript but varying streamers.
Then after I'm chilled to the core I look forward to returning to my camper and toasting the hatch with hot buttered rum.

Dick

Lightly on the dimpling eddy fling;
the hypocritic fly's unruffled wing.
Thomas Scott

JMarcus
Bellingham, WA

Posts: 7

JMarcus on Sep 14, 2007September 14th, 2007, 5:59 pm EDT

Over here, wherever one can find a stream not inhabited by anadromous fish, usually above a dam or other barrier we get some beautiful hatches of Green Drakes, both Dodsi and Coloradensis. They run large. about 10's and 8's. If they are coming off the riffles and one has the right fly it can be heaven. If they're not and one has a large, buggy green nymph, then it's about the next best thing.

Regards,
JMarcus
http://www.flyrodjewelry.com

J Marcus
http://www.flyrodjewelry.com

Shawnny3
Moderator
Pleasant Gap, PA

Posts: 1197

Shawnny3 on Sep 16, 2007September 16th, 2007, 11:01 am EDT

"anadromous"

What a cool word. Well done, JMarcus.

-Shawn

Jewelry-Quality Artistic Salmon Flies, by Shawn Davis
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