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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.

Landscape & scenery photos from Clearwater Mountains

Panorama near the pass

From Clearwater Mountains in Alaska
Second lake down Alpine Creek

From Clearwater Mountains in Alaska
Clearwater Mountains in Alaska
Dwarf buttercup (Ranunculus pygmaeus)

From Clearwater Mountains in Alaska
Little creek below the final pass

From Clearwater Mountains in Alaska
Caribou highway

From Clearwater Mountains in Alaska
Clearwater Mountains in Alaska
Bear flower (Boykinia richardsonii)

From Clearwater Mountains in Alaska
Clearwater Mountains in Alaska
Wooly Lousewort (Pedicularis kanei)

From Clearwater Mountains in Alaska
Lena at the top of the first pass we climbed through.

From Clearwater Mountains in Alaska
Mountain avens (Dryas octopetala)

From Clearwater Mountains in Alaska
Clearwater Mountains in Alaska
Rain on its way.

From Clearwater Mountains in Alaska
Clearwater Mountains in Alaska
Rays of sun in the Susitna Valley

From Clearwater Mountains in Alaska
Steep descent from the second pass

From Clearwater Mountains in Alaska
Clearwater Mountains in Alaska

References

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