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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.

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 # 62

Mystery Creek # 62 in New York
This little pool in update New York is enjoyed by many tourists every day, and it still holds a few trout -- stockers mostly, but you can't complain about the setting!

From Mystery Creek # 62 in New York
Mystery Creek # 62 in New York
I took this picture in very low light and enhanced it.  This waterfall is kind of a strange meeting of two worlds: below the falls, there is a parking lot and an old millhouse at a very popular state park.  Above the little falls the park is wild and there's little trace of people.

From Mystery Creek # 62 in New York
Mystery Creek # 62 in New York
Mystery Creek # 62 in New York
Mystery Creek # 62 in New York
Many trout live in this pool, but they're very difficult to approach.  The stream is very small and the pool unusually large, so the current is very slow.  The trout have all the time in the world to inspect the fly, and they spook extremely easily.

From Mystery Creek # 62 in New York
Mystery Creek # 62 in New York

On-stream insect photos from Mystery Creek # 62

Given their home on a mossy stump in the stream bed, these light orange ants probably end up in the stream from time to time.

From Mystery Creek # 62 in New York

Closeup insects by Troutnut from Mystery Creek #62 in New York

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