The February Red stonefly
When the temperature rises for the first times above zero and the sun starts shining it means that the spring is finally here in Finland. It also means that we are going to get the first stonefly hatch of the season on our rivers. The February Red Taeniopteryx Nebulosa hatches are one of the most important for fly fishermen up North. There’s usually still plenty of ice and snow on the river banks so it’s quite unique opportunity to go fishing with a dry fly.
Because there hasn’t been much food around even the bigger fish come to the surface to feed on these stoneflies and it’s the best time of the year to catch them with a dry fly.
Remember to check out all of the photos for a look at the naturals also.
The basic tying procedure for this fly is the same as for my Caddis pattern that I shared with you on video. Only difference is the color and cutting of the medallion sheeting for the wing. To add more realism I have also colored the legs a bit differently and flattened the ends with pliers and cut them diagonally.
Hook: Short shanked wide gape #14-16
Extended Body: Black Foam
Antennae: Natural brown Nutria
Legs: Japanese Nymph Legs
Body: Blue Dun SWISSCDC cdc-dubbing
Underwing: Blue Dun SWISSCDC
Wing/Back: Grey Mottled Medallion Sheeting
