What the heck were these?

[Billy]

Incredible hatch last night had crappie and bass going absolutely bonkers. I've never experienced anything like it on the bass pond:

 

[Yard Sale]

Hexagenia. Giant Mayfly. They get bigger than that even. We get them off the Columbia here.

Hexagenia limbata - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Billy]

Hexagenia. Giant Mayfly. They get bigger than that even. We get them off the Columbia here.

Hexagenia limbata - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I knew they were Hex but wasn't sure if there was a specific type for central WA? I don't think I've ever came across them before.

 

[Tom Butler]

They were hatching in the snake the other day, but I wasn't prepared to do anything specific.

 

[Grayone]

Hexagenia. Giant Mayfly. They get bigger than that even. We get them off the Columbia here.

Hexagenia limbata - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Spot on. A dream hatch for trout.

 

[Taxon]

Incredible hatch last night had crappie and bass going absolutely bonkers. I've never experienced anything like it on the bass pond: View attachment 79300View attachment 79301

Hi Billy-

I also believe this female imago to be Hexagenia limbata.

At one time, taxonomists believed there were numerous separate species, which included:
Hexagenia affiliata McDunnough, 1927
Hexagenia californica Upholt, 1937
Hexagenia carolina Traver, 1931
Hexagenia elegans Traver, 1931
Hexagenia kanuga Traver, 1937
Hexagenia marilandica Traver, 1931
Hexagenia mingo Traver, 1931
Hexagenia munda Eaton, 1883
Hexagenia occulta (Walker, 1853)
Hexagenia pallens Traver, 1935
Hexagenia rosacea Traver, 1931
Hexagenia variabilis Eaton, 1883
Hexagenia venusta Eaton, 1883
Hexagenia viridescens (Walker, 1853)
Hexagenia weewa Traver, 1931

However, all of the above are now considered synonyms of Hexagenia limbata.

 

[Westfly Refugee]

Mayflies are usually synonymous with clean water.
Aside from its size what I find interesting about Hex is that it is found in some waters whose water quality is pretty compromised.

 

[Flymph]

Mayflies are usually synonymous with clean water.
Aside from its size what I find interesting about Hex is that it is found in some waters whose water quality is pretty compromised.

You are spot on! They have disappeared form many of the lakes that used to boast huge hatches!

 

[Long_Rod_Silvers]

Incredible hatch last night had crappie and bass going absolutely bonkers. I've never experienced anything like it on the bass pond: View attachment 79300View attachment 79301

Hmmmmm, gives me an idea. Hex popper......