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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 Holocentropus (Polycentropodidae) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington
This one seems to tentatively key to Holocentropus, although I can't make out the anal spines in Couplet 7 of the Key to Genera of Polycentropodidae Larvae nor the dark bands in Couplet 4 of the Key to Genera of Polycentropodidae Larvae, making me wonder if I went wrong somewhere in keying it out. I don't see where that could have happened, though. It might also be that it's a very immature larva and doesn't possess all the identifying characteristics in the key yet. If Holocentropus is correct, then Holocentropus flavus and Holocentropus interruptus are the two likely possibilities based on range, but I was not able to find a description of their 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.
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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
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