Salmonfly

Best flies for salmonfly on this river

When adults are out

Orange is peak. Green is active.

Life cycle

1. 1
   EggSummer

   Females drop egg masses on the water. They sink into the cobble.
2. 2
   Nymph2–4 yrs

   Lives under rocks and molts many times, so trout see it all year.

   Fish it: Pat's Rubber Legs #6–10
3. 3
   MigrationMay

   Mature nymphs crawl along the bottom toward the bank.

   Fish it: Stonefly nymph tight to shore
4. 4
   EmergenceLate May–June

   Nymphs climb onto rocks and alders and split their skins. Look for empty husks.

   Fish it: Big orange dry against the grass
5. 5
   Adult1–2 weeks

   Mate in the bankside brush, then fly out to lay eggs.

   Fish it: Egg-layer dries mid-afternoon

How to fish it

Size

1.5–3 in adults

Order

Plecoptera (stoneflies)

Water

Cold, well-oxygenated, rocky riffles

Look for

Empty nymph husks on rocks and alder branches