Troutnut.com Fly Fishing for Trout Home
User Password
or register.
Scientific name search:

> > What Flies should I use?



AdirmanApril 5th, 2021, 6:22 am
Monticello, NY

Posts: 504
Hey Guys,

So yesterday I had my first outing of the season, deciding to hit the Ramapo River. This was my first time ever trying this stream and so, did alot of observing; probably more than I did fishing, to be honest. Anyway, I saw alot of bugs fluttering above the surface and, after catching one, realized it was a little black stonefly. I have never fished an imitation of this species--at least, not that I recall-- so i was wondering: do Trout target the little black stones? In other words, is it worth trying to imitate them or no? And, if so, what would you use? I thought maybe a black soft hackle #16 or maybe a black ant , same size, fished wet? What do you think?

Thanks,

NC Man
WbranchApril 5th, 2021, 5:31 pm
York & Starlight PA

Posts: 2733
When I used to go open my cabin on the WB Delaware in mid April I used to see lots of #16 Early Black stoneflies and trout would eat them if there were enough of them and they stayed on the water long enough. Stoneflies are great fliers and never stay on the water very long.

I tie a dry on a #14 or #16 Tiemco 100. No tail, a black beaver fur abdomen, a black hackle, and a clump of white or light gray Zelon for the wing - not to exceed the length of the hook.
Catskill fly fisher for fifty-five years.
AdirmanApril 6th, 2021, 4:30 am
Monticello, NY

Posts: 504
Thanks Matt, and what would you use in a nymph pattern? Ill bet a black #16-18 soft hackle would be decent wet , but Im not sure what kind of nymph to use- a black pheasant tail maybe?
WbranchApril 6th, 2021, 5:37 am
York & Starlight PA

Posts: 2733
I would tie a stonefly nymph. Any nymph or wet fly hook #14 - #16 standard length.

Tail - 2 Black goose biots - not very long and tied in so they flare out
Body - Black larvae lace or black "D" rib 2/3 up towards eye
Thorax - Black Hare-Tron
Wingcase - Black duck quill segment or black Zelon pulled over the thorax and tied off.
Hackle - (Optional) a few turns of black hen hackle tied through the thorax before pulling the wingcase over the top.

I often just pick out the Hare-Tron thorax so the guard hairs appear to be legs.
Catskill fly fisher for fifty-five years.

Quick Reply

You have to be logged in to post on the forum. It's this easy:
Username:          Email:

Password:    Confirm Password:

I am at least 13 years old and agree to the rules.

Related Discussions

TitleRepliesLast Reply
Re: School Art Project
In Fly Tying by FisherOfMen
4Mar 26, 2012
by Entoman
Re: What a differnce a day makes!
In Fishing Reports by Wbranch
1Dec 31, 2016
by PaulRoberts
Mosquito Adams
In Fly Tying by Mcflyangler
0
Re: imitation?
In Cheumatopsyche Caddisfly Pupa by Flytyer0423
4Oct 5, 2012
by Sayfu
Re: Early back stonefly nymphs
In Fly Tying by Zugbuggin
1Aug 20, 2010
by GONZO
Re: BWO Floating Nymph Ideas
In Fly Tying by Feathers5
7Mar 7, 2013
by PaulRoberts
Re: Early Season NE Stonefly patterns
In Fly Tying by Vtbrowns57
4Apr 3, 2019
by Crepuscular
Re: Stonefly
In the Identify This! Board by Jim584th
3Feb 22, 2010
by Jim584th
Re: granom emergers and adults
In Fly Tying by Powderfinge
10Jan 16, 2017
by Powderfinge
Re: Midging
In General Discussion by Sayfu
4Mar 30, 2013
by Sayfu
Most Recent Posts
Re: large free living caddis rhyacophila?
In the Identify This! Board by Kjfeen (Taxon replied)