How To Tie Bears Hex Nymph ~ future.housing.org.uk

Bears Hex Nymph is one of the most effective nymphs for fly fishing in tailwaters below dams. It is a great choice for imitating a variety of insects, and it is relatively easy to tie. The main materials you’ll need are a hook, some thread, some lead wire, and some dubbing. You’ll also need a few tools, such as a pair of pliers and a scissors.

To tie the Bears Hex Nymph, start by threading the hook with the thread. Then, wrap the lead wire around the hook shank, just behind the eye. This will help to weight the nymph and make it sink faster. Next, dub the body of the nymph. You can use any color of dubbing you like, but olive or brown is a good choice. Finally, tie off the thread and trim the excess.

The Bears Hex Nymph is a versatile fly that can be fished in a variety of ways. You can dead drift it, Swing it, or even jig it. It is a great choice for fishing in tailwaters below dams, but it can also be used in other types of water. So, if you’re looking for a fly that will help you catch more fish, the Bears Hex Nymph is a great option.

Preparing the Hook and Thread

Before embarking on the intricacies of tying the Bears Hex Nymph, meticulous preparation of the hook and thread is essential for a successful and durable fly. Here’s a detailed guide to set the stage for this entomological masterpiece:

1. Hook Selection

The Bears Hex Nymph requires a sturdy and reliable hook. Daiichi’s 1180 is a popular choice, offering a balanced combination of strength and sharpness. Size 12 is typically used for small- to medium-sized nymphs, while size 14 is preferred for smaller presentations.

2. Thread Base

6/0 or 8/0 non-waxed thread provides an excellent base for tying this nymph. The thread’s thickness and lack of wax allow for secure and precise wraps, ensuring a durable construction.

3. Thread Tying

Begin by tying the thread onto the hook shank with a series of tight overhand knots. Make approximately five to seven wraps, leaving a short tag end. Trim the tag end to about 1/8 of an inch to prevent it from interfering with the subsequent tying process.

Creating the Scud Body

The scud body is the foundation of the Bears Hex Nymph. It should be sufficiently substantial to hold the hook upright in the water while still being pliable enough to give the nymph a lifelike appearance. To create the scud body:

Wrap the tying thread around the hook shaft just behind the hook eye. This will create a small bump that will help to hold the scud body in place.
Take a small piece of dubbing and roll it between your fingers to form a thin rope. Apply a small amount of dubbing wax to the rope and wrap it around the hook shank, starting at the bump you created in step 1 and working your way towards the bend of the hook.
Once you reach the bend of the hook, wrap the dubbing rope back towards the hook eye, overlapping the first layer of dubbing. Continue wrapping until the scud body is the desired size and shape.

Whip finish the thread and trim the excess. You can now add the remaining components of the Bears Hex Nymph, such as the thorax, legs, and wing case.

Material	Quantity	Size
Dubbing	Small	Thin rope
Dubbing Wax	Small amount	–

Adding the Thorax and Wings

Once the body is complete, it’s time to add the thorax and wings. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps involved:

1. Prepare the Thorax Material

Cut a small piece of dubbing or yarn to form the thorax. Choose a color that matches the body or provides a contrasting accent.

2. Wrap the Thorax

Wrap the dubbing or yarn around the hook shank behind the bead. Secure it with several tight wraps to create a solid base.

3. Form the Wing Bud

Cut a small piece of foam or dubbing and wrap it around the base of the thorax. This will create a raised bump that will support the wings.

4. Tie on the Wings

Using fine thread or monofilament, tie a pair of natural or synthetic wings on top of the wing bud. Spread the wings slightly to give them a realistic appearance.

5. Secure and Shape the Wings

Wrap thread around the base of the wings several times to secure them. Then, use a pair of scissors or a fingernail to gently shape the wings into a slightly curved position. The wings should be slightly curved downward at the tips, giving the nymph a lifelike appearance. Refer to the table below for detailed measurements and material options for the wings:

Material	Size (mm)
Natural Deer Hair or Synthetic Fibers	4-6
Mallard Flank	3-5
Peacock Sword	2-4

Step-by-Step Tying Instructions for the Bears Hex Nymph

1. Secure the hook in a rotary vise and attach a thread base.
2. Wrap the thread down the hook shank and tie in a small bunch of fine pheasant tail fibers as the tail.
3. Wrap the thread back up the hook shank, leaving a small space between the tail and the thorax.
4. Tie in a small bunch of dark brown dubbing and wrap it forward to form the thorax.
5. Tie in a small piece of yellow floss and wrap it forward to form the head.
6. Whip finish the head and trim any excess thread or dubbing.
7. Apply a small drop of head cement to the thread wraps and allow it to dry.

Tips for Effective Fishing with the Fly

1. Choose the Right Time and Location

Hex hatches typically occur in late summer or early fall in slow-moving rivers or lakes. Look for areas with vegetation or rock formations that provide shelter for nymphs.

2. Cast to the Rise

When trout are actively feeding on hex nymphs, they will often rise to the surface to take the insects. Cast your fly slightly upstream of the rise and allow it to drift naturally with the current.

3. Use a Light Tippet

Hex nymphs are relatively large, so you can get away with using a lighter tippet than you would with smaller nymphs. This will help your fly drift more naturally and avoid spooking the fish.

4. Fish the Nymph Slowly

Hex nymphs are not known for their speed, so don’t be afraid to fish them slowly. Let the fly drift down through the water column and give the trout time to react.

5. Experiment with Different Retrievals

Once you have found the right depth and speed, experiment with different retrieval methods. You can try dead drifting the fly, twitching it gently, or even stripping it back slowly.

6. Fish Different Depths

Hex nymphs can be found at varying depths throughout the water column. Try fishing the fly at different depths to see where the fish are most active.

7. Use a Tandem Rig

If you are having trouble catching fish with a single fly, try using a tandem rig. This involves tying a smaller nymph or scud behind the Bears Hex Nymph.

8. Fish in the Evening

Hex hatches often peak in the evening, so this is an excellent time to target fish that are feeding on these nymphs.

9. Fish Undercut Banks and Vegetation

Hex nymphs often seek shelter under undercut banks, logs, and vegetation. Cast your fly to these areas to increase your chances of success.

10. Learn the Life Cycle of Hexes

Hexes have a complex life cycle that involves multiple molts and emergence stages. Understanding the different stages of their life cycle can help you predict when and where they will be most active.

Hex Stage	Appearance	Behavior
Nymph	Olive-colored body, long antennae, gills	Lives in the water, feeds on algae and detritus
Subimago	Pale-colored body, short antennae, no gills	Emerges from the water, dries its wings, and rests on vegetation
Imago	Dark-colored body, long antennae, large wings	Mates and lays eggs, dies after a few days