Trout feed on stonefly nymphs year round. This has been the best producing stonefly pattern I’ve fished. The hotspot collar along with the combination of durable materials formed in the outline of a stonefly are a proven success. It has been the #1 producing stonefly in my box for years now.

Wet Rowley Stone

The size of the naturally occurring stonefly varies depending on species. The largest stoneflies are the salmonflies (Pteronarcys) with the golden stones (Hesperoperla and Claassenia) coming in second regarding size. I typically fish the Rowley Stone in a size 6 to represent both species. I will adjust between the dark Rowley Stone and the Golden Rowley Stone depending on which of the larger stoneflies is more present in the river I am fishing. The only other adjustment I make is regarding the weight of the fly. For deep swift currents I fish this fly with a heavy tungsten bead (5/32 for a size 6). If I find myself on a small stream where large stoneflies are found to be the food source of choice I fish it with a brass bead. My box is never void of both the tungsten version, and the brass.

Golden Rowley Stone

It has been fun to experience the development of this pattern. This fly was in the R&D stages for over four years before I was finally content with the final product. Along the way it has caught many fish regardless of the version it was tied in. Creating and developing flies that become irreplaceable pieces in your fly box is just one more reason to spend time at the vice.

RECIPES:

Dark Rowley Stone
Hook: Any nymph hook size 6-8
Bead: Gold Brass or Gold Tungsten (for added weight)
Thread: Black UTC 140
Weight: Lead wire 0.02
Tail: Black goose biots
Rib: 3x Monofilament
Back: Dark Brown Net Back Foil (Link Below)
Abdomen: Bronze Peacock Dubbing
Wing case: Dark Brown Net Back Foil
Thorax: Bronze Peacock dubbing
Legs: Black Krystal Flash and Black Turkey Flats
Collar: Bighorn orange Sow-Scud dubbing

Golden Rowley Stone
Hook: Any nymph hook size 6-8
Bead: Gold Brass or Gold Tungsten (for added weight)
Thread: Camel Uni 6/0
Weight: Lead wire .020
Tail: Natural Brown goose biots
Rib: 3x Monofilament
Back: Dark Brown Net Back Foil (Link Below) Abdomen: Mercer’s Crystal Buggy Dubbing Golden Stone
Wing case: Dark Brown Net Back Foil
Thorax: Mercer’s Crystal Buggy Dubbing Golden Stone
Legs: Rootbear Krystal Flash and Natural Pheasant Tail Fibers Collar: Yellow Hare’s Ear Dubbing

LINKS - where to buy Siman Net Back Foil
www.siman.cz - manufacturer
www.flytying123.com - US Distributor
www.bluequillangler.com - US Dealer
www.flytyingspecialties.com - US Dealer
www.onstream-guide.com - UK Distributor