Overview

Designed by Umpqua signature tyer Garrison Doctor, the Flexy Stone borrows a translucent tubing material from saltwater crab flies and puts it to work on a freshwater stonefly.

The tubing gives a realistic profile and a well-defined wing case that sets it apart from classic chenille stoneflies. Because it is translucent, the bead segments in the abdomen show through, which looks a lot like the segmented body of a real nymph. Long legs add movement, and Doctor describes it as very durable. It belongs in any water where big stoneflies crawl along the bottom.

How to Fish It

• Lead fly: fish it first in an indicator rig with enough weight to reach the bottom, and trail a smaller nymph behind it.
• Pocket water: work it through boulders and fast runs where stoneflies live.
• Pre-hatch: before salmonflies and golden stones emerge, nymphs move toward the banks, so fish the edges.
• Tippet: 3X or 4X fluorocarbon.

Choosing Color and Size

Black matches salmonfly and other dark stonefly nymphs and shows well in stained water. Gold Brown matches golden stoneflies.

Size 4 is the largest profile for big salmonfly water. Sizes 6 and 8 match golden stones and smaller stoneflies.