Little Black Stoneflies - More Winter Fly Tying

My previous winter tying efforts were focused on sunny summer days, but in preparing for the warmth of summer, the realization struck that more timely patterns could be prepared in anticipation of a surprise February or March day on the water.

Someone reminded me that little black stoneflies could soon be moving from their deep water homes to the edges of the stream to begin crawling up onto the snow covered banks.

So to help fight the cabin fever, I tied up a few different small black stonefly patterns at the tying desk over the past few weeks.

The first pattern to be tied was a black pheasant tail with a tungsten beadhead.

Then, the beadhead was switched out with a brass bead and copper wire was used to rib the thorax to give a little different look.

Then, to mix it up a bit, I tied up a few black copper johns, again with a tungsten bead.

These little black stoneflies are some of the first larger insects to start moving in the late winter and early spring months.  So, if you plan to be out on the water over the next few weeks, it may be a good idea to have some patterns to imitate these little snow bugs.  And to keep an eye out for them.

Now.....I just need to find some time to hit the water.