Golden Stonefly

Overview: The Golden Stonefly is a mid-sized stonefly species known for its vibrant golden-yellow to amber coloration. Found in clean, fast-moving rivers with rocky substrates, this stonefly is an important food source for trout during late spring and summer. Its hatch often overlaps with other significant aquatic insects, creating exciting opportunities for anglers. Trout aggressively target both the nymphs and the adults, making it a favorite among fly fishers.

Nymph Stage: Golden Stonefly nymphs are robust and measure 1 to 1 1/4 inches in length. Their bodies are golden-brown to yellow with darker, segmented abdomens and well-developed legs for clinging to rocks in turbulent waters. Nymph imitations are tied on hook sizes 6 to 10, with size 8 being a versatile choice. Drift these patterns along the bottom using weight or under an indicator to mimic their crawling movement near riffles and runs.

Adult Stage: Adult Golden Stoneflies are 1 to 1 1/2 inches long, with rich golden-yellow bodies, darker heads, and semi-transparent wings with light veining. Dry fly imitations tied on hook sizes 8 to 12, typically size 10, work well. Adults flutter near the water’s surface or rest on nearby vegetation to lay eggs. Fish dry patterns close to riverbanks or along seams, using subtle skittering or dead-drift techniques to imitate their behavior during egg-laying periods, often in the early evening.