In this week’s “How to Tie†video feature, Brownsylvania ties a stonefly pattern that should be a staple pattern in every anglers fly box, the Stoned Pheasant Stonefly Nymph.
Difficulty: Easy
As we approach Spring, subsurface movement is inevitable. Warming waters will trigger more hatches, which in turn also make trout more active. Stoneflies are a top food item for trout year round, and when they begin to hatch you know you are in for a superb day on the water. The Stoned Pheasant Stonefly Nymph will imitate these nymphs incredibly, while also sinking quickly to get into that strike zone.
This is a fly that tyers of any skill level can master almost immediately. When it comes to simplicity and effectiveness, these jig style nymphs have been on the forefront. Only using a handful of materials, the Stoned Pheasant Stonefly Nymph can be tied many times in several sizes without the mess of fumbling through your tying station. Using a dubbing loop in this fly makes a simple style extremely buggy and creates the stonefly profile.
Regardless of the season, the Stoned Pheasant Stonefly Nymph will produce fish. This will become a staple in your nymph rigs, and in larger sizes could serve as a fantastic point fly. Smaller sizes would also imitate mayflies, which the traditional pheasant tail nymph was originally tied for. The opportunities that the Stoned Pheasant Stonefly Nymph has are endless and will undoubtedly lead to more trout in your net.
Ingredients:
- Hook: size 10 Orientsun 5240
- Bead: 3.8mm copper slotted tungsten
- Thread: Superfly 6/0 brown or Veevus 8/0
- Tail: natural pheasant tail fibers
- Body: natural pheasant tail fibers
- Rib: Ultra wire small copper
- Collar: Hare’s Ear Plus Dubbin reddish brown
Now you know how to tie the Stoned Pheasant Stonefly Nymph!
Video and ingredients courtesy of Brownsylvania.