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modern Michigan nymph · date unknown

Feenstra's Australian Possum Hex

Also called Aussie Possum Hex, Feenstra's Hex

Likely origin Feenstra's own pattern sheet plus Trident's catalog credit; no date.

History

Feenstra's Hex nymph is an articulated burrowing-mayfly imitation built on two small hooks joined with mono, with clumps of Australian possum fur for a moving tail and gills. He posts it among the most-requested patterns on his guide-service site.

It is fished for steelhead and trout on the Muskegon in late winter and spring, when Hex nymphs are a common food, and it is sold commercially as Feenstra's Aussie Possum Hex.

Materials

Materials for the Feenstra's Australian Possum Hex
HookTwo hooks joined with 20 lb mono: size 10 4XL straight-eye streamer (rear) and size 6 egg hook (front)
ThreadYellow
Tail and gillsClumps of Australian possum fur along the rear hook
AbdomenDirty-yellow sparkle dubbing between the possum clumps
Connection20 lb mono, crimped or glued to the front hook
EyesBlack craft or mono eyes
ShellbackBrown Antron yarn
LegsWebby brown hen hackle, pulled over the eyes
ThoraxYellow dubbing

Sources

  1. Feenstra, K. "Australian Possum Hex" (pattern sheet). Feenstra Guide Service.
  2. "Feenstra's Aussie Possum Hex Fly." Trident Fly Fishing (product page).

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No photo yet. Every photo on michfly is of a fly tied for the site, so they're added a few at a time.

Original recipe cards for many Michigan patterns are kept at the Michigan Dry Flies archive, built by the late Tom Deschaine.