Kaufmann's Stonefly
Kaufmann's Stonefly Nymph closely imitates the large, dark nymphs of Pteronarcys that live 2–3 years in the streambed before hatching. Even when no hatch is occurring, trout actively feed on these big, meaty nymphs. Weight the leader and fish it deep — on the bottom — using a dead-drift with occasional repositioning lifts. This is a must-carry fly for big-fish water in the West.
- Type
- nymph (Stonefly)
- Hook sizes
- #4–8
- Target species
- trout
- Difficulty
- intermediate
- Best seasons
- spring, summer, fall, winter
Materials
- hook: 4X long nymph hook #4–8
- thread: Black 6/0
- tail: Two goose biots, dyed black or brown, spread wide
- body: Black, brown, or dark olive dubbing
- ribbing: Copper wire
- wingcase: Three sections of turkey tail or black latex
Tying steps
- Mount a size 4–8 4XL nymph hook; wrap the shank with heavy lead wire for significant weight.
- Start black thread over the lead; tie in two goose biots at the bend as forked tails.
- Tie in fine copper wire at the bend for ribbing.
- Dub a dark black-brown body from bend to the 2/3 mark.
- Wind copper wire in 5–6 tight spirals over the body; tie off.
- Tie in three overlapping sections of turkey tail as the wing case.
- Dub a dense black thorax ahead of the body.
- Fold the first wing case section forward and tie down; add more thorax; fold second wing case; add thorax; fold third wing case and tie down at the eye.
- Sweep rubber legs back on each side; tie in goose biot antennae.
- Build a head and whip finish with a coat of lacquer.