HEXAGENIA

The largest Mayfly!

Body size 15-24mm. Size 8-10 2XL.

My idea was brilliant! Tie some Hex patterns with glo in the dark wings. A shot of light, a cast into the night and watch the fly drift in the dark. It really worked well, and the wakes of the fleeing fish were impressive

hexagenia

Hex nymph

Hexagenia are burrower mayflies that create u-shaped tunnels where they reside. This shape allows them to draw in water to feed upon microscopic organisms

Click here for some Hex nymphs

Duns emerge in late August through early September sporadically throughout the day increasing in late afternoon and early evening.

Get some by clicking here.

Hex Dun

Spinners fall in the evening

Of the specimens I've collected male tails were twice as long as female.

The abdomen of the females appears to rip open when they lay eggs about 2 or 3 segments from the tip of the abdomen. Females die immediately after laying eggs

Patterns

Nymph

Strip Nymph, Gary Borger, http://www.garyborger.com/purchasing-gb-flies/lilver-strip-leech/

Dun

Hair Wing Dun, Gary Borger

Spinner

spinner

Parachute Spinner, Gary Borger

Tactics-fish with a swimming, twitching retrieve.

If you need some flies click here.