Fly Tying Inventory
20 Incher Stonefly
Named for its ability to catch trophy trout, the 20 Incher combines a peacock herl body with a Hare's Ear thorax and partridge legs for a buggy, natural stonefly profile. The peacock herl provides natural iridescence while the spiky dubbing thorax suggests legs and movement. A proven big-fish pattern.
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Materials
2XL-3XL curved nymph hook (TMC 200R or Daiichi 1260), size 6-14
Gold or copper brass/tungsten bead, sized to hook
Lead or lead-free wire .015-.020
Black or brown 6/0 (Danville or UTC 70 Denier)
Brown goose biots, two, opposed and splayed
Copper wire, brassie or small
Peacock herl, 4-6 strands wrapped together
Mottled turkey tail feather, treated for durability
Hare's Ear Plus or natural rabbit dubbing, spiky
Hungarian partridge feather, tied as collar or swept back
How to Tie the 20 Incher Stonefly
- 1
Step 1
Slide the bead onto the hook if using. Secure the hook and add optional wire weight behind the bead. Start thread and build a smooth base to the bend.
- 2
Step 2
Tie in two brown goose biots at the bend, splayed outward for the tail.
- 3
Step 3
Tie in copper wire for the rib at the tail base.
- 4
Step 4
Tie in 4-6 strands of peacock herl at the tail. Twist the herls together with the thread for reinforcement, then wrap forward to the 60% mark on the shank.
Twisting peacock herl around the thread creates a 'herl rope' that is far more durable than individual herls.
- 5
Step 5
Counter-wrap the copper wire rib forward through the peacock herl body. Tie off and trim.
- 6
Step 6
Tie in a slip of mottled turkey tail at the thorax for the wingcase.
- 7
Step 7
Dub a generous, spiky thorax with Hare's Ear dubbing. Leave plenty of guard hairs sticking out.
- 8
Step 8
Tie in a Hungarian partridge feather and wrap 1-2 turns as a collar for legs. Sweep the fibers rearward.
- 9
Step 9
Pull the turkey wingcase forward over the thorax. Tie down behind the bead. Whip finish and cement.
Apply UV resin over the wingcase for added durability and a subtle shine.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7oELiwp4n8
Credit: Traditional / Western US