How To Tie A Stonefly Nymph

Tying a stonefly nymph is a popular fly-tying pattern used by fly fishermen to imitate the aquatic nymph stage of stoneflies, a common insect in many freshwater ecosystems. Stonefly nymphs are a favorite food source for trout and other fish, making this fly pattern a valuable addition to your fly box. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to tie a stonefly nymph:

Materials you’ll need:

1. Hook Selection: Stonefly nymphs come in various sizes, so choose an appropriate hook size that matches the stonefly species in your area. Standard sizes range from 6 to 12, with larger sizes for more giant stoneflies.
2. Thread: Use a solid and durable thread, typically in a color that matches the stonefly’s body, such as brown, black, or dark olive. A thread in the 6/0 to 8/0 range is suitable.
3. Tailing Material: Pheasant tail fibers are a traditional choice for the tail of a stonefly nymph. You can also use other materials like goose biots or synthetic fibers. Choose a color that matches the stonefly you’re imitating.
4. Body Material: For the nymph’s body, dubbing is commonly used. Select a dubbing material in a natural stonefly color. Popular colors include brown, black, and dark olive.
5. Ribbing Material: Copper or gold wire often creates ribbing on the nymph’s body. Choose a wire size that matches the size of your hook.
6. Wing Case Material: Thin, mottled turkey feathers are a traditional choice for the wing case. However, you can also use synthetic materials like scud back, which comes in various colors and provides added durability.
7. Legs: For the legs of your stonefly nymph, you can use soft hackle feathers, hen feathers, or rubber legs. The color should match the natural stonefly.
8. Head: A bead head is optional but can add weight to your fly, helping it sink faster in the water. You can choose a bead in a size and color that complements your fly.

Now, let’s go through the step-by-step instructions in more detail:

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Secure the Hook: Secure the hook in your vise, ensuring it is held firmly.
2. Thread Base: Start your thread base by attaching the thread to the hook shank behind the eye. Wrap the thread toward the bend of the hook, creating a smooth thread base along the shank.
3. Tie in the Tail: Select a pheasant tail fiber clump or tailing material. Measure the fibers to be approximately the length of the hook shank. Tie them in at the bend of the hook, leaving a slight gap between the tail and the thread base. Trim any excess tailing material.
4. Tie in the Ribbing: Tie your ribbing material (copper or gold wire) along the shank. Leave it hanging for now; you’ll use it later.
5. Create the Body: Prepare a dubbing noodle by applying a small amount of dubbing wax to your thread. Then, apply a pinch of dubbing material to the thread and wrap it onto the hook shank. Start at the base of the tail and create a tapered body by wrapping the dubbing forward toward the hook eye. Leave some space behind the eye for finishing.
6. Rib the Body: Use the ribbing material you previously tied in. Counter-wrap it over the dubbing body, creating segmentation. Secure the ribbing with thread wraps, and trim any excess.
7. Tie in the Wing Case: Select your wing case material (turkey feather or scud back) and tie it in at the front of the body, allowing it to angle backward over the top. Ensure it covers the body, leaving some space behind it.
8. Add Legs: Attach the legs on each side of the nymph, positioning them just behind the head. You can use soft hackle fibers or rubber legs. The length of the legs can vary, but they should be about the same length as the body. Trim them to the desired length.
9. Beadhead (Optional): If you want to add a beadhead to your stonefly nymph, slide it onto the hook before tying off the head.
10. Create the Head: Build a neat thread head, securing the wing case and legs. Whip finish the thread to lock it in place. Ensure that the head is smooth and secure.
11. Trim Excess Materials: Trim any excess materials, such as thread, legs, or wing case material, to tidy up the fly.
12. Apply Cement or UV Resin: To add durability to your stonefly nymph, apply a small amount of head cement or UV resin to the thread wraps at the head. This helps prevent unraveling and strengthens the fly.

Your stonefly nymph is now complete and ready for use in fly fishing. When fishing with stonefly nymphs, remember to vary the size and color to match the specific stonefly species in your area and adapt to the preferences of your target fish. Experiment with different materials and colors to create effective variations of this pattern.