Two Bit Sally Fly Yellow Sally

Overview

The Two Bit Sally is Charlie Craven's accurate and heavy imitation of the Yellow Sally stonefly nymph. Craven, Umpqua's Southern Rockies signature tyer, built it on his Two Bit design with two tungsten beads and a flashback wing case.

Yellow Sallies are small stoneflies that hatch in late spring and summer on many western and eastern rivers, and the nymphs crawl toward the banks in big numbers before they emerge. The double tungsten beads get this fly down quickly in the riffles where the nymphs live, and the flashback adds a touch of attraction. Craven calls it a great summertime dropper or lead fly.

Euro Specs

• Bead: Two tungsten beads.
• Role: Both; lead (anchor) fly or dropper.

How to Fish It

• Lead fly: fish it as the heavy fly on a two-nymph rig with a small mayfly or midge trailing.
• Dry-dropper: hang it below a Yellow Sally dry or a foam attractor in summer.
• Euro rig: its weight works on the point in moderate riffles.
• Timing: late spring through summer, especially in the weeks before and during the Yellow Sally hatch.

Choosing Color and Size

This listing is size 14, a good match for Yellow Sally nymphs and heavy enough to lead a rig in moderate water.