modern Michigan dry fly · mid-1970s or 1980s
Rockwood's Para Hex
Unverified origin Rockwood is documented, but only the Michigan Dry Flies archive ties him to this fly, its date and recipe.
History
Al Rockwood of Muskegon is credited with this parachute imitation of the Hex dun. It pairs an extended elk-hair body with a white post that is easy to follow on dark water. The Hex (Hexagenia limbata) is the largest mayfly on Michigan trout streams, and it hatches mostly after dark from late June into early July.
The same fly can serve during the spinner fall: clip the post down to a short stub and the fly rides lower, like a spent drake.
Materials
| Hook | Dry, sizes 6 to 8 |
|---|---|
| Tail | Moose hair |
| Body | Elk hair dyed yellow, tied as an extended body |
| Rib | Brown thread wound in a crisscross |
| Post | White calf tail |
| Hackle | Brown, wound heavy around the post |
Sources
- Deschaine, T. "Ephoron." Fly of the Week, Fly Anglers Online, January 27, 2014.
- "Mayfly Species Hexagenia limbata (Hexes)." Troutnut.
- Deschaine, T. Michigan Dry Flies archive.
Know more about this fly's history, or spot a mistake? Send a correction.
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.