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.
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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.
— 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.
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Jmd123 on Jul 25, 2019July 25th, 2019, 5:47 am EDT
Well folks, I have moved! I am now on the north side of Foote Pond, overlooking a big hill covered in beautiful forest above a cedar swamp (and some springs) that leads down to the river. Through the trees I can see across the Au Sable Valley and sometimes I feel like I'm living in the mountains! So, to celebrate and because they both needed time away from their (high-pressure) corporate jobs, my buddies Joe and Todd came north again for a visit. Not many fish taken, mostly middle-of-the-day exploration because we wanted to party on the back porch in the evenings when I would usually go fishing myself). But, some pretty country seen, and photographed for your viewing pleasure here. Not nearly as spectacular as Jason's trips, but most pleasing in their own North Woods way! Enjoy.
Jonathon
Jonathon
No matter how big the one you just caught is, there's always a bigger one out there somewhere...
Troutnut on Jul 25, 2019July 25th, 2019, 6:33 am EDT
Nice photos of the northwoods, especially that last one of the brookie stream!
Jason Neuswanger, Ph.D.
Troutnut and salmonid ecologist
Troutnut and salmonid ecologist
Jmd123 on Jul 25, 2019July 25th, 2019, 6:38 am EDT
I saved some exploration for these guys so I myself covered some new territory, like that little cold stream tumbling in from the canyon...thinking there will either be (big) brookies or possibly some (also big!) pike sitting right below that little sand fan at the mouth...
Jonathon
Jonathon
No matter how big the one you just caught is, there's always a bigger one out there somewhere...
Partsman on Jul 25, 2019July 25th, 2019, 10:44 am EDT
Beautiful, looks like you guys had a good time! So much to see in northern Michigan, my wife and I are heading up to pictured rocks hoping to do the kayak tour, and camping on the beach in a yurt. I have spent a big part of my season of fishing in the mason tract, which is another treasure! Good to hear from you, take care, Mike.
Strmanglr on Jul 26, 2019July 26th, 2019, 3:25 am EDT
Nice, thanks for posting.
Martinlf on Jul 30, 2019July 30th, 2019, 9:59 am EDT
Thanks for posting Jonathon! Nice photos.
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"
--Fred Chappell
--Fred Chappell
Jmd123 on Jul 31, 2019July 31st, 2019, 6:40 am EDT
Thanks to all! I live in a really beautiful place and it's always nice to show it off, especially since I am exploring new territory. More to come on my part!
BTW I still do have accommodations for wayward Troutnuts that find their way to my neck of the woods. I may have lost quite a bit of space but still have the foldout couches! All are invited to come and explore, loads of fish-filled waters to explore!
Jonathon
BTW I still do have accommodations for wayward Troutnuts that find their way to my neck of the woods. I may have lost quite a bit of space but still have the foldout couches! All are invited to come and explore, loads of fish-filled waters to explore!
Jonathon
No matter how big the one you just caught is, there's always a bigger one out there somewhere...
Oldredbarn on Aug 7, 2019August 7th, 2019, 9:09 am EDT
Jonathon...You are showing your age. The heron is just a Green Heron (Butorides virescens) now. ;)
Spence
Spence
"Even when my best efforts fail it's a satisfying challenge, and that, after all, is the essence of fly fishing." -Chauncy Lively
"Envy not the man who lives beside the river, but the man the river flows through." Joseph T Heywood
"Envy not the man who lives beside the river, but the man the river flows through." Joseph T Heywood
Jmd123 on Aug 8, 2019August 8th, 2019, 6:42 am EDT
Thanks for the correction Mister Nerder Birder, duly noted. For those that don't know on here, birds are the ONLY group of organisms that have official common names. As in, there is no such thing as a "seagull" or "Canadian goose". Buncha nerds...look who's talking!
;oD
Jonathon
;oD
Jonathon
No matter how big the one you just caught is, there's always a bigger one out there somewhere...
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