Description
Stoneflies: The All-Season Fly for Serious Anglers
Found in clean, moving waters all over the world, the stonefly is a cornerstone of a trout's diet. No matter where you're casting a line—from the freestone rivers of the American West to the pristine streams of Scandinavia or New Zealand—these insects are a constant and reliable food source.
Often called the "year-round fly," stoneflies are active throughout all four seasons. This makes them a critical food source for fish, especially when other hatches are scarce. Their presence is a sign of a healthy, clean ecosystem, and their importance to an angler cannot be overstated. Because they provide a high-calorie meal that fish of all sizes actively seek out, a realistic stonefly imitation is one of the most effective and versatile tools in your fly box.
J:son Stonefly Adult 3 Gold (#16)
The High-Vis Finesse Pattern – Yellow Sally & Isoperla Specialist The J:son Stonefly Adult 3 Gold in size #16 is a highly technical 22 mm dry fly. This smaller "Gold" version (a vibrant amber/yellow) is the ultimate match for the numerous species of Yellow Sallies and smaller Golden Stoneflies that dominate summer hatches. Its bright coloration makes it incredibly easy for the angler to track in broken water while serving as a high-attractor trigger for fish.
Why this fly delivers:
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Exceptional Visibility: Despite its smaller 22 mm profile, the golden-yellow hue stands out perfectly against dark water, foam lines, and late-evening shadows. It allows for absolute precision in drift control.
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Unsinkable Foam Technology: Built with J:son’s proprietary foam-body technology, this fly is engineered to ride high in the surface film. It stays afloat effortlessly, even when fished in the fast, oxygen-rich water where stoneflies typically hatch.
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Realistic Light Refraction: The detailed, air-trapping wings create the exact "shimmer" and footprint of a natural stonefly. This realistic surface imprint is crucial for fooling selective trout and grayling in clear, summer-low rivers.
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Incredible Durability: J:son’s materials are built to last. Unlike traditional hackled flies that become matted and sink after a fish, this foam-based imitation maintains its shape and high-floating properties take after take.
Pro Tip: This is a deadly "searching" pattern during the warmer months. Because of its visibility and realistic silhouette, it often provokes strikes even when no rising fish are visible. It is also an excellent top fly for a "Dry-Dropper" rig in smaller streams, easily supporting a micro-nymph while remaining a highly effective dry fly in its own right.