Hexagenia questions

[strike proof]

I stepped into my driveway on the night of July 4th to enjoy some fireworks out over the next hill and saw this giant, strikingly yellow mayfly clinging to our American flag. I know there is nothing in the picture for scale, but it was easily 6cm long, including the tails. I took a few pics hoping to post it here (done) and ask a few questions (doing that now).



I did some basic research and figured out that it is a Hexagenia. I have only seen a few green drakes, but to my eye, it was similar in size. The color was pretty dramatic, even at night. The tails, as you can see, are about as long as the body with antennae.

These are apparently pretty common mayflies throughout North America, but it seems like we don't talk about them very much in this area. Are they spread too thin around here for meaningful hatches? It would seem like most trout would go out of their way to chase a meal that big. Is it because they hatch in July, when the water has already warmed too much for trout fishing? I'm hoping someone can fill in the blanks for me. Also, I live a mile uphill from the nearest stream, though I do have a tiny pond across the street. Is it normal for a Hex to range this far from moving water? I didn't see any others, and I have not seen one since.

Full disclosure: I plucked it off the flag and fed it to my favorite toad, who hangs out under one of my garage lights at night.

 

[trico mike]

They are mostly a still water bug,but they do appear in rivers also. I was working in York pa one night and saw thousands of them crawling across the parking lot of my job. Codorus creek was nearby so I assume that's where they came from. The breeches vets a good hatch of them . I fished it once. Didn't see any duns but towards evening many spinners came back and started swarming. I thought the fishing was about to get good but then they went back to the trees. I hear this is typical of the hatch but guys told me when the spinners do hit the water the fishing is amazing. It is mostly a after dark thing though,well into the night.

 

[Thursthouse]

My buddy literally sent me a picture of one a few days ago saying that he found them all over a gas station. He's not a fly fisherman (yet - working on it) but thought I might be interested. Similarly to your situation Strike Proof, I asked where the nearest river was (all excited he just found a potentially great fishing spot near my new location) and he instead told me there is a small stream (which I'll be checking out regardless) but there's a big pond in the park which is a decent ways from the gas station. After reading trico mike's post, I assume they came from the pond. If they're still around when I get back from Europe, I'll let you know if I find any in/around that small stream.

 

[moosekid]

Pretty sure the Hexes need mucky/silty bottomed bodies of water. They are prolific in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota where the wading is trash and there are a lot of muddy spring creeks...

 

[lightenup]

http://www.troutnut.com/hatch/30/Mayfly-Hexagenia

http://www.troutnut.com/hatch/32/Mayfly-Hexagenia-limbata-Hex

Here is pretty much anything you need to know....

 

[jack1266]

they hatch on the lakes and ponds in the Adirondacks. We fished on Lake Placid on July 3rd one year and the rainbows were rising for them. It's an evening hatch. There are some cool articulated patterns for them as well as the extended body types.

 

[strike proof]

Yes, thanks, I found the troutnut info, too. It definitely explains a lot. It's still funny to find that crazy looking bug at my house. The pond across the street is about the size of a kiddie pool -- pond might be an exaggeration -- but it just might be the muddy source. Wonder why I don't see more of them. I do have two fly-fishing neighbors. I'll have to check with them.

 

[Thursthouse]

they hatch on the lakes and ponds in the Adirondacks. We fished on Lake Placid on July 3rd one year and the rainbows were rising for them. It's an evening hatch. There are some cool articulated patterns for them as well as the extended body types.

I assume the articulated patterns you are referring to are nymphs? If not, please share. Articulated dry fly? Sounds pretty awesome, I may need to sit at the vise and tie some up

 

[FIN-ITE 34]

I assume the articulated patterns you are referring to are nymphs? If not, please share. Articulated dry fly? Sounds pretty awesome, I may need to sit at the vise and tie some up

Thouse, there are a couple out there, here is one.
Hex Dry Fly Pattern / FREE STANDARD US SHIPPING / Hise's Articulated Hexagenia Dry (Orvis Tied)
Looks simple enough.

 

[Thursthouse]

Thouse, there are a couple out there, here is one.
Hex Dry Fly Pattern / FREE STANDARD US SHIPPING / Hise's Articulated Hexagenia Dry (Orvis Tied)
Looks simple enough.

Don't know why I never thought of tying an articulated dry before. pretty excited to try some out