Adult Stonefly Flies
Order: Plecoptera
Alpine streams are the home of the Stonefly. These insects make
up an abundant food source for alpine and semi-alpine trout and
thus are very popular to imitate as both nymphs and adults. The
adults range from 5-60 mm long with dull grey or brown markings
making them blend into streamside vegetation. The eustheniids,
however, have bright red, orange and black markings making them
striking especially when the wings are open. Australian stoneflies
belong to four families: Eutheniidae, Austroperlidae, Gripopterygidae
and Notonemouridae. They are not very good fliers and don't venture
far from there watery birthplace.
The nymphs look similar to adults and resemble large mayfly nymphs
but with two tails and two distinct wingpads. With over 2000 species
there is enormous variations in colours and size and some fly
tiers go to great lengths to create super-realistic imitations.
Success is often had by using more general patterns that suggest
the general size and colour of local stoneflies - trout still
suck them down with gusto! Do some local research and look for
nymphs under stones in streams and make notes for correct imitation
matching. Adults on shrubs near streams are easy to catch if your
quick enough (some run and jump much better than they can fly
and sometimes they catch you!) or you use a light at night to
attract them - and you can then match a dry or drowned imitation
for that water.
As part of our range of fly fishing flies we are committed to bring
you a wide selection of
stonefly flies. Help us build our
stock of
stoneflies by requesting your favorite patterns.
