The little yellow stonefly is an important hatch in the Eastern mountain trout streams. Many years I’ll see the adults on the stream from late April-mid July. During low water conditions in June & July the first two patterns listed below are very effective when using a slack line cast as it floats just like the naturals.
Murray’s Stonefly Dry, Yellow
Little Yellow Stonefly Dry
Murray’s Stonefly Dry, Dark
Shenandoah Yellow Sally
Stonefly Nymph
For more information on the hatch charts that occur in Virginia, see my book Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park. This book includes a chapter on reading the water and access to the streams located in the Park.
Often anglers overlook using a stonefly for the smallmouth fishing. We have come to rely heavily on the Bass Nymph during the summer to catch some of the largest bass. With the Tungsten Bead and tied on a size 4 hook it provides a big mouthful for the bass. Fish this deeply across the stream right below the heavy riffles.
Our Bass Nymph Fly Assortment consists of 12 nymphs in a 6 compartment fly box. These are ideal for fishing deeply across the stream bottom in the spring.
Learn to Fly Fish in our Summer Schools held on the Shenandoah River. These start with a classroom presentation then continue on the stream for a full day of learning. Fly Rod & Reels are provided for the school. We also offer Half Day Fly Fishing Lessons and guide trips throughout the summer for smallmouth bass.