Stonefly Nymph Imitations For the Madison

[Jeff Hale]

I used to tie some pretty elaborate stonefly nymph patterns, similar to Kauffman's Stone, but in recent years have done equally as well on a Rubber Legs or Girdle Bug, both of which consist of lead, chenille, and rubber legs, and are a heck of a lot easier to tie and much, much faster. In addition, I use the Stone as the top fly and usually have a dropper off of it, and it seems that maybe only 1 out of every 5 trout take the Stone. Hence, I am hesitant to tie a bunch of elaborate stone nymphs that are essentially used to weight my nymph rig down, are not taken very often by trout, and are often lost on the bottom of the river when I hang up.

What has ben your experience with the Madison and stonefly nymphs? What are some of your easy to tie, quick patterns? Thanks much in advance. Jeff

[SloughCreek13]

Dude I think you pretty much answered your own question. Stick with "guide flies"--easy and fast to tie, and effective.

[Charlie Erdman]

what time of year are you going to be fishing the madison and in what area?

[Davy]

yup, as above, good ol Pat's Stone or rubber legs is all yuh need, don't forget the amber bead dropper though on the Madison

[1morecast]

The past couple of years all I have used for a stonefly nymph is a black bugger. sz 4. streamer hook weighted, and a black bead, black body,black schlapen (sp.), ribbed with copper wire, sparse orange flash in the black marabou tail, and orange and black rubber legs.

Just add the dropper of your choosing....
Frank

[Longs for Cutts]

The only stonefly nymphs I fish when trying to immitate rather than irritate are the series by Matt Minch, the Golden and Black "Brooks." Here's a link to the Black:

http://www.fedflyfishers.org/FlyOfMonth/beadbrooksstone.htm

And a pic of the Golden:
http://www.parksflyshop.com/flies.htm
Scroll down to the bottom.

I've even taken steelhead on these. They fit your "easy" requirement well, too.

[Longs for Cutts]

The only stonefly nymphs I fish when trying to immitate rather than irritate are the series by Matt Minch, the Golden and Black "Brooks." Here's a link to the Black:

http://www.fedflyfishers.org/FlyOfMonth/beadbrooksstone.htm

And a pic of the Golden:
http://www.parksflyshop.com/flies.htm
Scroll down to the bottom.

I've even taken steelhead on these. They fit your "easy" requirement well, too.