Making Sense of Mayfly Nymphs (3MB)
Entomologists have defined four major groups of mayflies: clingers, crawlers, swimmers, and burrowers. Knowing how to recognize these groups eliminates the problems of trying to identify a certain species. The presentation and pattern selection of a fly are also made less difficult. (November/December 1993)
Meet the Mountain Mayflies
Entomologists have defined four major groups of mayflies: clingers, crawlers, swimmers, and burrowers. Knowing how to recognize these groups eliminates the problems of trying to identify a certain species. The presentation and pattern selection of a fly are also made less difficult. (July/August 1996)
Ameletus
Epeorus mayflies belong to the family Heptageniidae. This column focuses on Epeorus mayflies identification, behavior, life cycle and importance to fly fisherman. (September/October 1997)
The Nighttime Hex (3MB)
Hexagenia limbata is a species in the family Ephemeridae. This is one of the larger species of mayflies. This article focuses on Hexagenia limbata’s, identification, behavior, life cycle and importance to fly fishermen.(May/June 1998)
A New Look at Matching the Drift (4MB)
The Mayfly family Baetidae is found drifting in very large groups. In some areas well over a million individuals may drift past a certain point in 24 hours. These drifts of mayflies occur mainly right after sundown and prior to sunup. Even though these mayflies appear to be very drap creatures it is better to use a fly with more color that attracts attention in the low light times. (November/December 1998)
When Dry Flies Should be Wet (3.5MB)
Mayflies have two wing stages. These two stages are described as duns and spinners. With the information provided in this column fly fishers can know precisely which phase of the mayfly’s life they may be witnessing and why mayflies act the way that they do. (January/February 1999)
American Mayflies: 200-Year Quest (3.5MB)
Mayflies have been studied for hundreds of years. The first attempt at describing a mayfly from America was in 1796. This column discusses the history of British and American entomologists who studied mayflies.(July/August 1999)
Mighty Mayfly Midgets (3MB)
The majority of insects that trout eat are small. This article examines three different groups of small mayflies that are very good at snagging the big one. These include the Tricos from the genus Trycorythodes, Blue Winged Olives from the genus Baetis, and Tiny Blue-Winged Olives from the genus Baetis and Acentrella.(March/April 2000)
The Gray Drakes of Spring (4MB)
Siphlonurus mayflies belong to the family Siphlonuridae. The column focuses on Siphlonurus mayfly’s identification, behavior, life cycle and importance to fly fisherman. (May/June 2000)
Springtime Blues (3MB)
Baetis mayflies belong to the family Baetidae. The column focuses on Baetis mayfly’s identification, behavior, life cycle and importance to fly fisherman. (March/April 2003)
A March Brown by any other Name (4MB)
March Browns describe several different species depending on the geographic location. All March Browns are from the family Heptageniidae. The genus Stenonema is restricted mostly to the East and Midwestern streams. The genus Rhithrogena can be found throughout the United States. Some species like Rhithrogena morrisoni, are found only in western rivers. The article discusses the differences between Eastern March Browns and Western March Browns. (May/June 2003)
The Bugs of Summer (3.5MB)
Ephemerellidae mayflies produce some of the best hatches of the year throughout the United States. The genus Drunella dwells in many Midwest and Eastern streams. The genus Drunella and Ephemerella inhabit many western streams. Both groups and their habitat and distribution are discussed in the column. (Summer 2004)
The Rise and Fall
The spinner is considered the fourth stage of a mayfly’s lifecycle. This stage is often overlooked by many fly fishermen. This article describes many of the behaviors of spinners and why fly fishermen should try using spinners more often throughout the year. (Summer 2005)
A Bug for all Seasons (3MB)
Entomologists have defined four major groups of mayflies: clingers, crawlers, swimmers and burrowers. The clingers, which comprise a single family (Heptageniidae), will be discussed in this column. The identification, habitat and behavior of clingers will be explained. Important genera to fly fisherman include Epeorus, Heptagenia, Leucrocuta, Rhithrogena, Maccaffertium, Stenonema, and Stenocron. (Summer 2006)
Basic Bug ID, Part I: Mayflies
Quill Gordon and Friends
Quill Gordon mayflies have been important to anglers since Theodore Gordon developed his famous pattern of them in the 1800’s. This article discusses the biology, identification, and best ways to mimic these important mayflies. (May/June 2008)