Description
The Stimulator was created by Randall Kaufmann in the 1980s as a buoyant, highly visible fly designed to imitate large adult stoneflies. Kaufmann built the fly to fish the Salmonfly hatch on Western rivers, but its profile, versatility, and rugged construction led to widespread adoption for other big bugs—such as caddisflies, grasshoppers, and even October caddis. Its buggy silhouette and dry-fly hackling make it a favorite for fast water, and it serves well as a high-floating dry in hopper-dropper setups or during big-water hatches.
Pro Tip
In choppy pocket water, dead-drift it tight to the bank, then twitch slightly at the seam breaks. The combination of movement and profile can draw explosive strikes.
Reviews
4.7
3 Ratings
0 Reviews
Recipe
Hook: 3X-long dry fly hook, e.g., Tiemco 200R or Daiichi 1270
Thread: 6/0 or 140 denier (color to match body)
Tail: Elk hair or golden stone colored synthetic fiber
Body: Dry fly dubbing or fur blend
Rib: Fine gold wire
Hackle: Dry fly-grade hackle, palmered through body
Thorax: Brighter dubbing or contrast color
Wing: Elk hair, flared and clipped short over body
Front Hackle: One or two wraps of dry fly-grade hackle at thorax
Video
From: Umpqua Feather Merchants