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.
This small creek at the base of Storm King Mountain on the Olympic peninsula would not be noteworthy except that it's the only creek in which to catch the Crescenti Cutthroat, one of two salmonids (the other being a rainbow) endemic to Lake Crescent. Although no longer considered a separate subspecies from the Coastal Cutthroat, these fish are still slightly distinct in genetics and appearance from their cousins. In my experience, the fishing in the creek is not especially good, but it's scenic and there's a chance to catch a few of these unique trout. As far as I know, catch and release isn't legally required, but I strongly discourage anyone from taking one of these fish home for dinner.
Landscape & scenery photos from Barnes Creek
