Yellow Sally Stonefly

Overview: The Yellow Sally Stonefly is a small, bright-yellow stonefly species commonly found in fast-moving streams and rivers. Its vibrant coloration and consistent emergence during late spring and early summer make it a favorite among fly fishers. Trout are particularly drawn to their skittering movements on the water’s surface during the hatch, making them a prime target during sunny afternoons.

Nymph Stage: Yellow Sally nymphs are slender and range from 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. Their bodies are yellowish-brown with darker thoraxes and faint banding. They cling to rocky streambeds in swift currents and are most active before emerging. Effective imitations are tied on hooks sized 14–16. A dead drift along the bottom mimics their natural behavior, but subtle twitches can also provoke strikes.

Adult Stage: Adult Yellow Sallies measure about 1/4 to 1/2 inch and feature bright yellow bodies with hints of orange on the underside. They flutter near the water’s surface, often laying eggs in the late afternoon. Dry fly patterns tied on hooks size 14–16 are ideal for imitating them. Fish these flies with short, erratic skitters on the water to mimic their natural egg-laying behavior, especially in bright sunlight.