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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.

BobbyHead
Tampa, Florida

Posts: 7
BobbyHead on Jul 25, 2018July 25th, 2018, 12:33 am EDT
Newbie here. I'm glad to have found this great online fly fishing community. I joined up in the hopes of learning a thing or two from the more experienced members here. Whenever I'm taking a break from this particular interest, I'm usually found at home, watching my Pomeranian relax in one of his dog beds and watching TV with the wife and kids. Such a simple, yet, happy life. Cheers, fellas!
Flyguide1
Flyguide1's profile picture
East Tn

Posts: 15
Flyguide1 on Jul 25, 2018July 25th, 2018, 3:37 am EDT
I am also new here but hello from east tn!
Jmd123
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Oscoda, MI

Posts: 2474
Jmd123 on Jul 25, 2018July 25th, 2018, 3:44 am EDT
Greetings to all "newbies", welcome! We like fish pics, as you can see from some of the latest posts. Feel free to show off your fishing exploits to us, especially if it involves travel. And tight lines!

Jonathon
No matter how big the one you just caught is, there's always a bigger one out there somewhere...
Wbranch
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York & Starlight PA

Posts: 2635
Wbranch on Jul 25, 2018July 25th, 2018, 12:54 pm EDT
Hello Bobby,

Welcome to Troutnut.com there are some very learned formal entomologists who frequent this forum. Besides the real bug guys there are a bunch of not so formal bug guys who probably have enough fly fishing knowledge to get you very well informed. I have been fly fishing for fifty-five (55) years and am still learning various nuances of the game. I'm quite sure all of the formal bug guys also enjoy fly fishing too.

So if you have any questions you can just post them publicly or shoot me a PM and I'll do my best to answer it.

Matt
Catskill fly fisher for fifty-five years.
Martinlf
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Moderator
Palmyra PA

Posts: 3047
Martinlf on Jul 27, 2018July 27th, 2018, 7:42 am EDT
Welcome!
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"

--Fred Chappell
BobbyHead
Tampa, Florida

Posts: 7
BobbyHead on Jul 29, 2018July 29th, 2018, 10:46 pm EDT
Thank you very much, everyone! Thank you all for the warm welcome!

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