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Jaayson Neiuwkirk

How to Tie a Stonefly for Fly Fishing: Step-by-Step Guide

Stoneflies are a staple in any fly fisher's arsenal due to their realistic look and effectiveness in catching trout. Follow these detailed steps to tie your own stonefly:


Materials Needed

  • Hook (size 6-10)

  • Thread (color to match the fly)

  • Goose biots or rubber legs (for the tail)

  • Dubbing material or chenille (for the body)

  • Copper or gold wire (for ribbing)

  • Turkey quill or synthetic material (for the wing case)

  • Rubber legs or hackle fibers (for the legs)

  • Dubbing material (for the thorax)



Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Hook and Thread

  • Secure the hook in the vise.

  • Start wrapping the thread from the eye to the bend of the hook.


2. Tail

  • Tie in a pair of goose biots or rubber legs at the bend of the hook, flaring them outward to mimic the tail of a stonefly.


3. Body

  • Attach the ribbing wire at the bend.

  • Dub the thread or tie in the chenille, then wrap it forward to form the body, stopping just short of the hook eye.


4. Ribbing

  • Wrap the ribbing wire evenly along the body to create segmentation.

  • Secure it near the thorax area.


5. Wing Case

  • Tie in a strip of turkey quill or synthetic material at the base of the thorax, pointing backward over the body.


6. Thorax

  • Apply dubbing to the thread.

  • Wrap it to form a thicker thorax in front of the body.


7. Legs

  • Attach rubber legs or tie in hackle fibers on each side of the thorax, ensuring they extend outward to mimic the legs of a stonefly.


8. Wing Case

  • Pull the wing case material forward over the thorax.

  • Secure it at the hook eye to create a shellback appearance.


9. Finish

  • Whip finish the thread just behind the hook eye.

  • Trim any excess thread and apply head cement to secure the knots.


Tying a stonefly can be a rewarding and effective addition to your fly fishing techniques. With these steps, you can create a realistic and functional fly that will help you catch more fish. Happy fishing

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