Description
Stonefly Nymphs – The Year-Round Secret
Why Stonefly Nymphs are a must-have:
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Protein Power: These nymphs are large, protein-rich snacks that big trout and grayling actively hunt all year round.
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Easy Targets: Because they are poor swimmers, they often tumble along the bottom or drift downstream when searching for new habitats, making them an easy meal.
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The Crawlers: Unlike mayflies, stoneflies don't swim to the surface to hatch—they crawl to the shore. This means they spend their entire life cycle close to the riverbed.
J:son Stonefly Nymph 5 Olive Brown – Barbless (#16)
The Catch & Release Specialist – Amphinemura and Nemoura Imitator The J:son Stonefly Nymph 5 Olive Brown Barbless in size #16 is a masterfully crafted 12 mm imitation, now available with a high-quality barbless hook. This "Micro" size is designed to replicate the small, earthy-toned nymphs of the Nemouridae and Leuctridae families. It is the perfect match for the Early Brown and small Forest Stoneflies (Amphinemura sulcicollis), common in pristine, cold-water streams.
Why this fly works:
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Biological Accuracy: Small olive and brown stoneflies are often the most abundant nymphs in a river's substrate. The 12 mm profile and mottled Olive Brown coloration provide a perfect "match-the-hatch" solution for these everyday food sources.
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Barbless Advantage: Specifically designed for modern catch-and-release angling. The barbless hook ensures deeper penetration on the strike while allowing for a quick, easy, and stress-free release, protecting the fish for the future.
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Anatomical Mastery: Even at this miniature scale, J:son’s S5 design maintains perfect anatomical proportions. The segmented wing pads and ultra-fine, flexible legs create a lifelike silhouette that convinces even the most selective trophy fish.
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Stealthy Presentation: The #16 hook and slender body are ideal for low-water conditions and crystal-clear mountain streams where a larger fly might spook wary fish.
Pro Tip: This barbless version is the ultimate tool for technical "Euro Nymphing" or "Dry-Dropper" setups. Its light weight and realistic profile make it a deadly companion to a surface fly. It is especially effective for grayling in the tail-ends of pools and for wild trout in slow, technical water where gentle handling is paramount.

