Speckled Duns

The speckle winged Callibaetis genus contains on average the largest species in the Baetidae family with most western hatches ranging in size from 12 to 16 (12mm to 8mm). They reside only in very slow weedy sections of rivers or lakes and ponds.

The most important are the sub-species Callibaetis ferrugineus ferrugineus in the East and Midwest and Callibaetis ferrugineus hageni in the West. It is in the West however, where this genus achieves its densest populations and most significant hatches. Other important western species also happen to be at both sides of the size scale. The outsized Callibaetis californicus can produce excellent hatches. The diminutive Callibaetis pictus can also be locally prolific, especially at higher elevations.

The duns are recognized by their distinctive wings, a dark background overlayed with light veins. Spinners are also easy to recognize with their clear wing's leading edges marked with dark blotches -- see the pictures.