Rubber Legs

HOOK: 5263, sizes 2-8; heavily weighted THREAD: Black ANTENNAE: Black rubber TAIL: Black rubber ABDOMEN: Black chenille

Uses

Imitates the salmonfly nymph. This fly is less realistic than the Kaufmanns Stone, but it is much easier to tie (but not cheaper to buy; go figure).

 
Like all the big stonefly nymphs, this fly must be fished on the bottom. So weight it heavily under the body, then flatten the weight with pliers. For extra weight, put on a beadhead.

Variations

Some tyers use white rubber for the legs. This works in some rivers, but not in others. In my experience, the white rubber is a definite turn-off to trout in the Deschutes River. Some tyers finish the head with red floss or sparkle chenile. I find that can work well in the spring, but doesn't seem as effective later in the season.

How to Fish

Dead drift on the bottom with an indicator or tight line presentation. The best areas are bouldery sections, riffles, and just below riffles.