Header image
Enter a name
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.

About "Mystery Creeks": If you recognize one of these, you already understand why I'm keeping it a secret. I'm not as strict as some anglers about hiding where I fish, mostly because I don't expect to substantially affect fishing pressure on already well-known or simply unpopular waters. But there are some gems where I don't want to add a single unfamiliar bootprint to the mix, due to the fishing, their wild character, or keeping a friend's secret. They're all "Mystery Creek" here—even the lakes.

Landscape & scenery photos from Mystery Creek # 274

The Mystery Creek # 274 in Wyoming
My first Bonneville Cutthroat (17 in)
15.5 inch brown
The Mystery Creek # 274 in Wyoming
The Mystery Creek # 274 in Wyoming
The Mystery Creek # 274 in Wyoming
Pretty pastel colors on the side of this little Bonneville Cutthroat that still has its parr marks.
The Mystery Creek # 274 in Wyoming
The Mystery Creek # 274 in Wyoming
14.5 inch Bonneville Cutt. This surprise fish came from low, skinny water where most of the pools seemed devoid of fish, and most of the fish were 8" or less.
The Mystery Creek # 274 in Wyoming
The Mystery Creek # 274 in Wyoming
Troutnut.com is copyright © 2004-2024 (email Jason). privacy policy