The effectiveness of this steelhead stonefly nymph is not limited to our backyard, but it is deadly hot on the McKenzie, Deschutes, and Rogue. As such, I would be willing to bet a dozen Squidros to a Dozen parachute Adams that this same fly will be eaten regularly by Great lakes steelhead.
The fly shown here is one of my simplicity style nymphs that captures the essential form, size, and general color impression of stoneflies that are present in stonefly nymphs wherever they occur. And in the event that there are no stonefly nymphs in any unfortunate body of water that also contains steelhead, this fly imitates a brown stick tumbling along the bottom, an item that actual steelhead to eat from time to time.
Jay Nicholas
February 2012
Perfect Steelhead Stonefly Nymph – McKenzie Golden Stone
Hook: Daiichi 1730 #8
Thread: Lagartun 95 D Black
Tail: fine grizzly barred rubber legs
Body: Ultra Chenille – brown
Thorax: Medium Hareline Carded Chenille – Orange
Rib: Copper wire – small or brassie
Bead: Hareline Plummeting Tungsten Bead – 7/32 Gold
Legs/gills: narrow black or brown saddle or cape hackle
Very, very nice. Nice tie. Bet that would do well in a size smaller and black.