A large cream hex nymph with marabou tail, aftershaft gills, turkey back, soft legs and black mono eyes.
The source index lists Hexagenia Nymph and a cream-and-rust Hex Nymph, but gives no photo-specific dressing. This page uses the separately documented Current Works hex nymph as a concrete exemplar; its materials are not attributed to either index photograph.
Work through the numbered steps in order, using the materials list and written proportions as your guide.
01
Set the tail
Start tan thread behind the eye and carry it to the bend. Bind in a small gray marabou feather so its natural tips trail about one hook shank.
02
Anchor back, rib and gills
Tie the narrow treated turkey strip, gold wire and an aftershaft feather at the rear. Leave all three free behind the bend for later wrapping.
03
Dub the abdomen
Build a slightly tapered cream rabbit body, stopping well short of the eye so a fuller thorax will fit.
04
Lay the gills and shellback
Pull the aftershaft forward across the abdomen, secure and trim it. Draw the turkey strip over the gills, then wind the wire forward in spaced turns without crushing the soft fibers.
05
Prepare thorax and eyes
Fold the remaining turkey back for the wingcase. Dub a broad front thorax and tie small black mono eyes crosswise just behind the hook eye.
06
Add the legs
Tie grizzly hen saddle by its tip at the thorax, add a little more dubbing, then wind the feather about two turns through the thorax and secure it.
07
Close the wingcase
Draw the turkey strip forward over the thorax between the eyes. Tie it off, trim the excess and whip finish with the eye clear.
Beyond the bench
On the water.
Fish the large nymph below the surface before hex activity, allowing the soft tail and gills to move during a slow lift or swing. Add underbody weight only when the presentation needs it.