Description
Stonefly Nymphs – The Year-Round Secret
Why Stonefly Nymphs are a must-have:
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Protein Power: These nutrient-rich nymphs are a primary food source for trout and grayling all year long.
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Easy Targets: As poor swimmers, they often lose their grip and drift downstream, becoming an effortless "snack" for waiting fish.
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Bottom Dwellers: Unlike many insects, they don't swim to the surface to hatch; they crawl to the shore. This keeps them in the "strike zone" near the riverbed for their entire life cycle.
J:son Tungsten Stonefly Nymph 4 Yellow – Barbless (#12)
The Small Golden Specialist – Isoperla (Yellow Sally) Specialist The J:son Tungsten Stonefly Nymph 4 Yellow Barbless in size #12 is a bright, high-visibility 16 mm imitation. Equipped with a heavy tungsten core and a premium barbless hook, this fly is designed to mimic the smaller yellow stonefly species that are common in many clear-running streams and mountain rivers.
Why this fly works:
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The "Yellow Sally" Match: Size #12 is the perfect anatomical match for the juvenile stages of the Yellow Sally (Isoperla). The vibrant yellow/gold color stands out against dark riverbeds, providing a visual trigger for trout and grayling.
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Compact Depth: The tungsten weight is incredibly effective on a fly this small. It allows the 16 mm nymph to "punch" through the surface tension and stay deep in the water column where these nymphs live, without the need for additional split shot.
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Conservation Focused: Like the rest of the barbless range, this fly is built for ethical angling. The hook offers a secure grip during the fight but allows for a nearly instant, damage-free release—essential for protecting wild fish stocks.
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Hyper-Realistic Movement: Even at this miniature scale, the fly features J:son’s signature flexible legs. These legs create a "fluttering" motion in the current, mimicking a live nymph trying to swim back to the safety of the rocks.
Pro Tip: This is a fantastic "change-up" fly. If fish are ignoring dark nymphs, the bright yellow profile often triggers a curiosity strike. It is exceptionally effective in the early summer months during the peak of Yellow Sally activity. Fish it as the bottom nymph in a duo-rig to ensure your flies are reaching the zone where the fish are actively feeding.