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March Browns

Scientific Names

Like most common names, "March Brown" can refer to more than one taxon. They're previewed below, along with 6 specimens. For more detail click through to the scientific names.

Mayfly Species Maccaffertium vicarium

These are pretty much always called March Browns.
In the East and Midwest this is one of the most important hatches of the Spring. They are large flies which emerge sporadically, making for long days of good fishing.

This species contains the two classic Eastern hatches formerly known as Stenonema vicarium and Stenonema fuscom, the "March Brown" and "Gray Fox." Entomologists have discovered that these mayflies belong to the same species, but they still display differences in appearance which the trout notice easily. Anglers should be prepared to imitate both types.
Maccaffertium vicarium (March Brown) Mayfly NymphMaccaffertium vicarium (March Brown) Mayfly NymphView 5 Pictures
Region: Catskills
Collected Apr 19, 2006
Added Apr 21, 2006
Male Maccaffertium vicarium (March Brown) Mayfly DunMale Maccaffertium vicarium (March Brown) Mayfly DunView 10 PicturesI collected this mayfly on the same trip as a female of the same species. After these photos it molted into a spinner. This is the form of Maccaffertium vicarium which anglers call the "Gray Fox."
Region: Upper Midwest
Collected May 28, 2005
Added May 24, 2006
Female Maccaffertium vicarium (March Brown) Mayfly SpinnerFemale Maccaffertium vicarium (March Brown) Mayfly SpinnerView 7 PicturesI collected this mayfly on the same trip as a male of the same species. They are Maccaffertium vicarium mayflies of the type formerly known as Stenonema fuscom, the "Gray Fox."
Region: Upper Midwest
Collected May 28, 2005
Added May 24, 2006

Mayfly Species Ephemera simulans

These are sometimes called March Browns.
The Brown Drakes are a favorite hatch of many in the Midwest, and they make a good showing on localized waters across the country. They are usually the first in a series of big drakes which bring large trout to the surface at twilight and into the early hours of the night.
Ephemera simulans (Brown Drake) Mayfly NymphEphemera simulans (Brown Drake) Mayfly NymphView 7 Pictures
Region: Upper Midwest
Collected Jun 5, 2005
Added May 25, 2006
Male Ephemera simulans (Brown Drake) Mayfly SpinnerMale Ephemera simulans (Brown Drake) Mayfly SpinnerView 7 Pictures
Region: Upper Midwest
Collected Jun 2, 2005
Added May 25, 2006

Mayfly Species Heptagenia pulla

These are very rarely called March Browns.
This elegant species may produce fishable hatches.
Heptagenia pulla (Golden Dun) Mayfly NymphHeptagenia pulla (Golden Dun) Mayfly NymphView 5 PicturesI used a microscope to positively identify this nymph as Heptagenia pulla.
Region: Upper Midwest
Collected Jun 5, 2005
Added May 25, 2006
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Last update July 19th, 2007.
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