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 5 Black (#20)
The Ultra-Micro Finesse – Small Needle Fly & Winter Stone Specialist The J:son Stonefly Adult 5 Black in size #20 is the most delicate and technical 13 mm dry fly in the range. This ultra-micro profile is specifically engineered to fool the most selective fish feeding on the smallest stonefly species. When the water is crystal clear and trout are rising to tiny, dark specks that traditional flies can't match, this size #20 is your ultimate solution.
Why this fly delivers:
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Ultimate Finesse Profile: At only 13 mm, this fly perfectly replicates the tiny "Needle Flies" and early spring "Winter Stones" that are often the only surface activity during cold-weather hatches.
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Unsinkable Foam Technology: Despite its microscopic size, it utilizes J:son’s proprietary foam technology. It stays high in the surface film and remains buoyant, eliminating the frustration of small flies sinking after just one drift.
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Sharp Silhouette Contrast: The deep black color provides a crisp outline against the sky. Even in a size #20, this contrast makes it easy for fish to pinpoint the fly in technical glides or between foam bubbles.
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Precision Realism: The scaled-down wings and micro-legs create a realistic surface footprint. This subtle light refraction is essential for bypassing the "rejection phase" of large, wary trout and grayling in heavily pressured waters.
Pro Tip: Precision is key with this fly. Use a very fine 6X or 7X fluorocarbon or copolymer tippet to ensure a perfectly natural, drag-free drift. This is an exceptional pattern to fish during the transition from winter to spring, targeting fish that are keyed into the very first insects of the season.