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 Glossosoma (Glossosomatidae) (Little Brown Short-horned Sedge) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington
I caught this tiny larva without a case, but it seems to key pretty clearly to to Glossosomatidae. From there, the lack of sclerites on the mesonotum points to either Glossosoma or Anagapetus. Although it's difficult to see in a 2D image from the microscope, it's pretty clear in the live 3D view that the pronotum is only excised about 1/3 of its length to accommodate the forecoxa, not 2/3, which points to Glossosoma at Couplet 5 of the Key to Genera of Glossosomatidae Larvae.
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 the Kenai River

Motoring up the Kenai River with Perry

From the Kenai River in Alaska
Troutnut's best dolly varden from this Kenai trip.
The Kenai River in Alaska
The Kenai River in Alaska
Even when it's not the peak of the salmon season, the Kenai is pretty crowded.

From the Kenai River in Alaska
The Kenai River in Alaska
This is one of the busiest spots on the Kenai River, the boat landing across from the mouth of the Russian River.

From the Kenai River in Alaska
The Kenai River in Alaska
Troutnut's first Dolly Varden!  Not a big one by Kenai River standards, but exciting nonetheless.
The Kenai River in Alaska
Troutnut.com is copyright © 2004-2024 (email Jason). privacy policy