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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 Limnephilidae (Giant Sedges) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington
This specimen resembled several others of around the same size and perhaps the same species, which were pretty common in my February sample from the upper Yakima. Unfortunately, I misplaced the specimen before I could get it under a microscope for a definitive ID.
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.

By Troutnut on August 3rd, 2020
Continuing my exploration of some remote parts of central Idaho, I hiked into a little alpine lake called Green Lake above the Copper Basin and caught a 5-inch rainbow. There seems to be a naturally reproducing population of tiny rainbows there (I saw fry), but I saw no sign of big ones. Back at the trailhead, I collected some interesting bugs at the lake outlet.

Then I drove north quite a ways, touring some very remote roads. I collected some bugs from tiny creeks along the way, without stopping to fish.

Photos by Troutnut from Green Lake Outlet, Green Lake, and Squaw Creek in Idaho

Green Lake Outlet in Idaho
Green Lake Outlet in Idaho
Green Lake Outlet in Idaho
Green Lake in Idaho
Green Lake in Idaho
Green Lake in Idaho
Green Lake in Idaho
Green Lake in Idaho
Squaw Creek in Idaho

Closeup insects by Troutnut from Trealtor Creek and Green Lake Outlet in Idaho

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Ameletus (Brown Dun) Mayfly Nymph
Dorsal view of a Ameletus (Ameletidae) (Brown Dun) Mayfly Nymph from Green Lake Outlet in Idaho
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Baetis bicaudatus (BWO) Mayfly Nymph
The J-shaped light mark on the first femur and L-shaped marks on the next two are telltale signs of Baetis bicaudatus according to the original species description.

Dorsal view of a Baetis bicaudatus (Baetidae) (BWO) Mayfly Nymph from Green Lake Outlet in Idaho

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