Early Black Stone Nymph
In late winter, early black stonefly nymphs become highly active as they migrate to shallower water in preparation for hatching. Fish can be taken consistently on this small, slim nymph in just a few inches of water along gravel bars and current edges. Dead-drift it close to the bottom on fine tippet. One of the best early-season subsurface patterns in the Northeast.
- Type
- nymph (Stonefly)
- Hook sizes
- #14–16
- Target species
- trout
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Best seasons
- spring
Materials
- hook: Nymph hook #14–16
- thread: Black 10/0
- tail: Two dark brown goose biots, short
- body: Black dubbing, slim
- ribbing: Fine silver wire
- wingcase: Black foam or dark turkey tail
Tying steps
- Mount a size 14–16 nymph hook; start black 10/0 thread at bend.
- Tie in two short dark brown goose biots as forked tails.
- Tie in fine silver wire for ribbing.
- Dub a slim, smooth black body from bend to the 2/3 mark.
- Wind silver wire in 5 tight spirals; tie off.
- Tie in a small strip of black foam or dark turkey tail as wing case.
- Dub a slightly darker black thorax; fold wing case over and tie down.
- Build a small head, whip finish, and cement.