Along with Opening Day, Ice-Out and the fall landlocked salmon run, the "Hexagenia" hatch is one of the most anticipated annual events in the Maine angling community. Often mislabeled by anglers as Green Drakes or Yellow Drakes, or generically referred to as drakes or mayflies, the Hexagenia is the largest mayfly to be found in Maine and for that matter, all of North America. Attaining a size that can only be matched effectively with a pattern tied on a #4-8 hook, the "Great Leadwinged Drake" makes all other mayflies look small.

Starting in late June to early July and peaking in early to mid July, Hexagenia will hatch sporadically throughout the summer and into early September. Differentiated from Green Drake duns by their size (4-6 vs. 6-8), wing color (clear vs. mottled), and tail (2 vs. 3), Hexagenia range from pale to bright yellow, and sometimes even a light olive or almost tan. Additionally, the wings range from yellow to light gray and while broken up by fine lines are for the most part clear. Another consistent trait is that the back is always darker than the belly and usually brownish.

Classified as a "Burrower", the Hexagenia nymph spends much of its life in the muddy bottom of rivers and ponds. Leaving its burrow periodically to molt, the nymphs spend upwards of three years before hatching. These long gilled nymphs are grayish yellow in color, have three tails (unlike the adults) and are extremely adept swimmers. As such, the angler fishing Hexagenia nymphs should employ a retrieve that utilizes short and fast strips. While Hexagenia nymphs can be effective at any time, they are best fished just before or during the hatch.

Starting just before dark, Hexagenia nymphs begin to emerge and waste little time between leaving their burrows and discarding their casings. As such, the serious Hex fisherman should plan on arriving late and staying until well after dark. The best plan of attack is to start with a slow sinking (ideally a Type II) line and a large Hex nymph and probe the areas where you have seen adults in the past (usually over a muddy bottom). As duns start appearing, I switch to a dry line but maintain my nymph (or a wiggle-nymph) for fishing on, or just below the surface.

As the hatch develops and duns appear en masse, I move to a low-profile pattern such as a comparadun, parachute, or down-wing style fly such as a "Bugmeister", etc. Some of my best luck has come with a comparadun style pattern with yellow rubber legs, and a foam extended body pattern with caddis style Elk Hair wing that we sell. When the visibility drops and the duns litter the surface, I shorten my leader (to prevent wind knots) and switch to a large Catskill style pattern such as a yellow Wulff or "Troutsman Hex".

While cripples and duns may litter the surface, I have rarely seen a spinner fall and when I have, it has been first thing in the morning and most likely a result of late night activity. As such, for those who want to have some fun (and that didn't stay up until 11:00pm fishing the hatch!), try hitting the water at first light and use a large spinner pattern. All-in-all, while early spring Hendrickson's are exciting and late fall BWO's are challenging, the "Hex" hatch is a phenomenal event that should be enjoyed by all fly fishermen - this is clearly worth leaving the river for!