Purpose: Designed to be fished deep and fast, mimicking a large stonefly nymph tumbling along rocky river bottoms.
Design: Traditionally tied with a slim, rugged profile using materials like black goose biots for the tail/antenna and blended wool or dubbing for a tapered body.
Variations:
Rubber Legs: A popular modification that adds a lifelike “wiggle” to entice trout and steelhead.
Bead Head: Often tied with a gold or tungsten bead to help the fly sink rapidly into the feeding lane.
Standard Sizes: Most commonly available in hook sizes 6 to 16, with sizes 8 and 10 being favorites for early spring.