Golden Stoneflies are arguably the most important summer stonefly in the Western United States. This large insect hatches consistently across much of the West, and provides steady fishing with large attractors for most of the summer. In the Western United States, it is this insect that is responsible for trout finding large foam flies simply irresistible in early summer. Starting in June, we will start fishing large buoyant chubby style flies with tungsten droppers below. This technique is not only popular but could very well be the dominant summer searching rig in the Western US for the past 10+ years. On high pressured waters, and later in the summer large trout will begun to turn their nose up at your standard run of the mill Chubby Chernobyl.
This pattern provides equal buoyancy to a standard Chubby Chernobyl, but has a much more lifelike construction. A realistic segmented body protrudes past the hook bend, this section also has an additional wing pad glued to the extended body for increased buoyancy and durability. This is a pattern that I have had in active development for the past 4+ years, and it really does not get any better than this. It sheds water quickly when it gets wet, and can be retreated and float high again for countless drifts. A small hi vis spot of Fulling Mill Tactical Dry Yarn can be added for additional visibility. For increased durability and buoyancy, consider coating the body in the new Solarez Top Coat Gloss.
This pattern in its many iterations has been a staple in my box for years. It works great with a tungsten dropper tagged below it. I also love to fish this pattern with a small dry trailing. A Tactical Light Cahill Parachute, Pale Morning Dun Klinkhammer, Olsen’s Foam Front End Loader Caddis Fly, or Elk Hair Caddis: Tan makes a great trailing dry 16-18 inches behind this. For the evening PMD spinnerfall, this fly for years has served as my reference point when running virtually invisible waterlogged spent spinners as trailers. Here are some favorites: Rusty Spinner or a Hi-Vis Spinner.
-Simon
Hook- Ahrex Dry Long FW570: Size 8
Thread- Fulling Mill Black Pro Flat Thread: 70D
Body- Hareline 2mm Hi-Float Foam: Hopper Tan & Brown (NEW)
Wing- Montana Fly Co. Widow’s Web: White & Hareline Krystal Flash: Grey Ghost
Legs- Montana Fly Co. Medium Barred Sexi Floss: Yellow
Markers: Copic Pale Sepia & Copper
Additional Tools- Stonefo Detached Body Tool
Additional Glues- Brush on Loctite
UV Resin- Solarez Bone Dry
UV Torch- Loon Plasma Light
Bobbin- Smhaen Tension Bobbin
Vise- Renzetti Master & Deluxe Streamer Base
