I started using this stonefly pattern a lot more last season. I am sure it has evolved from an old pattern called the “girdle bug” that actually used the elastic band-like pieces of women’s undergarments before the availability of more modern rubber-legged materials. It is a simple fly but it’s very effective in the late stages of runoff and throughout summer because of the Bow’s heavy golden stone fly hatches the last few years.
The dark color chenille (coffee/tan) that we currently have at the shop works really well, but I’ve also had success on the orange/brown chenille. These flies disappeared from the fly bins at the shop in record time last July.
I tie them on the Daiichi 1730. It’s a good strong hook and has a nice kink which adds a certain bugginess to the fly when finished. You can also add a brass or tungsten bead for weight if you like to fish real heavy.
Rubberleg Chenille Stonefly
Materials
Hook: Daiichi 1730 #4-10
Weight: .025 lead wire or non toxic equivalent
Legs: tan or brown flex floss
Body: coffee/tan chenille
