Stonefly

The Stonefly – Ancient, Hardy, and Always Present

Stoneflies (Latin: Plecoptera) are among the oldest insect orders on Earth. They spend their entire lives in and around water, making them a natural target for fish like brown trout, rainbow trout, and char.

They are also among the first large insects to hatch each season—often appearing in early spring.

Habitat and Behavior

Stoneflies thrive in moving water:

• Rivers

• Creeks

• Occasionally in lakes, where currents or wave action create movement

They require clean, oxygen-rich water and are typically found close to shore, both as nymphs and adults.

Life Cycle – Three Key Stages

Stoneflies follow a simple life cycle:

1. Egg

2. Nymph (most important stage for fly fishing)

3. Adult stonefly

J:son Match’n’Catch – Stonefly Strategy

In most regions, adult stoneflies are only occasionally targeted by fish. However, in places like the northwestern USA, large adult stoneflies can trigger aggressive strikes.

For most anglers, the focus should be on nymph imitations, which are:

• Active year-round

• Effective even outside hatch periods

• Excellent as attractor flies

→ Often referred to as the “year-round fly” for good reason.

Colors and Patterns

Most stoneflies—both nymphs and adults—fall within a few key color ranges:

• Brown / Rust

• Dark brown

• Black

• Yellow

These colors should guide your fly selection, especially when building a versatile box for early-season fishing.