Summer Stones

With the summer weather finally hitting NJ and water temperatures on the rise it time I give the trout a rest.  When water temperature start hitting the 70 degree mark, I start targeting warm and salt water fins.

But the warm and salt water will have to wait.  I'm going through my gear, packing and heading west, West Yellowstone that is for some cold water fin.

Here are a few photos from the beginning of the month when the stone files were busting.  The bad thing was no top water action, all down below. 

Shuck...

Adult...

4th of July visitor seeks shade on my patio umbrella.

Little Black Stone Fly

Little Black Stone

Depending on the weather February through April the Little Black Stone Fly is the first top water action of the season.  It happens quick so be prepared.  Trout do key in on these little morsels, especially the fluttering and skittering females returning to lay their eggs. With the recent cold spell and spring snow these bugs should be around well into April.

They range in size from this chunky size 14 down to 20.

A pattern I've use with great success is my CDC Little Black Stone tied in sizes 14 - 18.  It's best fished slightly upstream and skittering it across the pool.  This pattern works well as a black caddis imitation.

Stone Flies

While on the river the other day I spotted some stone flies fluttering about. Here's a female waiting for the right time to lay her eggs.  One thing I noticed was the difference in color between the  head/thorax and the abdomen.  I'm going to tie my stimulator a little more drab in the abdomen and high light the segmentation, just keeping the color to the head and thorax.

New Jersey Golden Stone and nymph shuck.

Notice the egg sac.

Close-up top view.

Close-up bottom view.

CDC Little Black Stone

Thread – 8/0 UNI Black

Hook – Dry Fly Hook

Size 14-18

Body – Black Poly Dubbing

Under Wing – Dun CDC Feathers

Over Wing – Stalcup’s Medallion Sheeting Brown

Hackle – Black

A good winter pattern, try this one on warm mid days in February and March.