In Michigan we have great aquatic insect life in our waters, and the granddaddy of them all is the Hexagenia limbata. Because of their abundance, these nymphs are a significant part of a steelhead's menu.

I believe that steelhead get used to seeing the same thing and anglers should make subtle changes to their patterns so they get more attention. Twenty years ago, Great Lakes steelhead guru Ray Schmidt added a twist to his Schmidt's Hex pattern and inspired me to experiment with some of my own patterns. The Headbanger Hex is a variation of my Bear's Hex, and its my first choice when fishing gets tough. By simply adding a "hot butt" I am able to hook fish when other Hex patterns are not producing.

Most people use indicators and deep-water nymphing techniques to present this fly deep and slow. This fly also fishes well on the swing because of the movement of the aftershaft and hen saddle feathers.

--Jeff "Bear" Andrews

Step 1. Secure the thread to the hook and tie in two strands of Micro Glo Bug yarn for the tail, a piece of mono thread or wire for the rib, and 8 to 12 pheasant-tail fibers with the lighter side down.

Step 2. Tie in a pheasant aftershaft feather by the tip and dub the abdomen 2/3 of the way up the hook.

Step 3. Pull the aftershaft feather over the dubbed body and secure it with two turns of thread. Fold the aftershaft feather back over itself toward the rear of the hook and cut it even with the beginning of the dubbed body. Hold the doubled-over aftershaft feather down with one hand, pull the pheasant-tail fibers forward with the other, and secure with thread. Wrap the rib over the aftershaft feathers and pheasant-tail fibers to separate the gills.

Step 4. Fold the pheasant-tail fibers toward the rear of the fly and secure with thread. Tie in a hen saddle feather by the tip and dub the thorax, stopping 1/8" from the hook eye.

Step 5. Palmer the saddle feather on the thorax dubbing. Secure the eyes with thread, then dub between and around the eyes to form a head.

Step 6. Fold the pheasant forward to form a wingcase and tie off at the hook eye.