Short-Wing Stonefly

NYMPH SIZE: 22-38 mm

NYMPH COLOR: Mottled dark brown

ADULT SIZE: 22-38 mm

ADULT COLOR: Yellow-brown to golden head and abdomen; medium brown wing.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS: Adult males have short wings--too short to fly.

Mouse-over for alternate views: Nymph    Adult

About Short-wing Stoneflies

Short-wing stoneflies are closely related to golden stoneflies. This species is unique to the northern tier of the West. Females have normal wings, but the wings of males are too small for flying. Bugs crawl around on the ground to find a mate, then gravid females crawl (not fly) onto the water to lay their eggs. They can actually walk across the surface of the water, but they're not likely to get far before attracting the attention of hungry trout.

As you might guess, most of the action is near the bank. Some anglers do well with a Madam X. They dead-drift it on the surface until it is below them, then they pull it under and retrieve in short pulls with a pause between pulls. This makes sense when the short-winged stoneflies are on the water. Because they walk, not fly, they often sink below the surface and struggle against the current.

You could also use a size 6 Stimulator or Clarks Stonefly with a tan body and skate the fly across the surface.

Activity is usually in September and early October.

STAGE

PATTERN

SIZE/
COLOR

PRESENTATION

WHERE

Nymph

A. P. Nymph, Brooks Stone, Kaufmanns Stonefly, Rubber Legs, Matts Fur

6-8/Tan, yellow-tan, dark brown

Indicator, Tight line

Riffles, moderate-fast runs; just below these

Adult

Clarks Stonefly

6-8/tan-yellow, dirty yellow

Standard dry fly

Bankwater near foilage

MacSalmon, Madam X, Sofa Pillow, Stimulator

6-8/tan-yellow, dirty yellow

Standard dry fly, Skating

Bankwater near foilage

Egg-layer

Clarks Stonefly, MacSalmon, Madam X, Sofa Pillow, Stimulator

6-8/tan-yellow, dirty yellow

Standard dry fly, Skating, Surface swing, Shallow nymph

Bankwater near foilage, riffles, moderate-fast runs, backeddies, seams