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Mayfly Species Heptagenia elegantula (Pale Evening Dun)

Pictures Below
The spinner falls of this elegant species can be quite important to anglers across the West. Recent revisions have synonymized the Midwestern species Heptagenia diabasia that may be of some local importance.  

Where & When


Region: West

Time Of Year (?): June and Juuly

Preferred Waters: Large rivers

Altitude: Below 6,000 feet
The hatch dates given for Heptagenia elegantula in Selective Trout are August 5th to September 25th. This conflicts with the June and July dates claimed by two other authors.

Hatching Behavior


Time Of Day (?): Late morning for less than an hour

Water Temperature: Above 50°F
According to Fred Arbona in Mayflies, the Angler, and the Trout, the duns of this species emerge and fly off the water so quickly that they aren't important to imitate.

Spinner Behavior


Spinner falls give the best fishing offered by elegantla. They follow the typical Heptagenia spinner behavior.

Nymph Biology


Current Speed: Slow to moderate

Substrate: Fine gravel, maybe sand or silt



Pictures of 1 Mayfly Specimen in the Species Heptagenia elegantula:


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