In this week’s “How to Tie†video feature, Cheech from Fly Fish Food ties a simple yet effective stonefly that should be in every nymph fly box, the Rope-a-Dope Stone.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Easy
There is no denying that trout love stoneflies. These insects offer some of the most exciting trout fishing experiences and create memories that last a lifetime. In the west, the salmonfly hatch is notorious for being one of the most incredible an angler can witness, but the majority of all trouts diet on stoneflies are found subsurface. Regardless the area of the country, if stoneflies are in the water, then you should always carry the Rope-a-Dope Stone in your nymph box.
Stoneflies are often between the easy to intermediate in tying difficulty, but this specific one falls on the easier side. Arranging the legs might be the most difficult part of this pattern, which should be reassuring for newer tyers. When it is time to apply resin, take your time as this step with one false slip could ruin a good fly. The Rope-a-Dope Stone is the perfect stonefly pattern for beginners to tie and bring with confidence to the river.
Fishing this as an anchor fly in a nymph rig will be effective, whether in a double nymph rig under an indicator or in a euro rig. The size of stoneflies in your area or targeted waters should be a good place to determine hook size. No matter the season, stoneflies are on the menu and can provide some of the best opportunities for trout anglers. When it comes to trout fishing, no angler should be going to a river with a stonefly population without the Rope-a-Dope Stone.
Ingredients:
- Hook: Umpqua XC400BL-BN – 12
- Hook (alt): Hanak H 400 BL Jig Hook – 12
- Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed Thread – 8/0 – Dark Mocha Brown
- Bead: Hareline Slotted Tungsten Beads – Classic Colors – 5/32″ (3.8mm) – Gold
- Legs: Grizzly Micro Legs – Rootbeer
- Body: Rabbit Dreads – Light Hare’s Ear
- Rib: Midge Stretch Rib – Olive Brown
- Thorax: Ice Dub – Golden Brown
- Wing Case: Solarez Colored UV Resin – Black (11)
- Coating: Solarez UV Cure Resin – Thin Hard 1/2 oz
Now you know how to tie the Rope-a-Dope Stone!
Video and ingredients courtesy of Fly Fish Food.
