Stone Fly

The following is a step-by-step photgraphic sequence of the tying of the Stimulator fly originated by Randall Kaufmann of Portland, Oregon.


Materials for Original Pattern
  • Hook: Long Dry Fly, Size 6-16
  • Thread: Orange, 3/0 or 6/0
  • Tail: Elk
  • Abdomen: Green/Olive dubbing
  • Rib: Brown or grizzly hackle, palmered
  • Thorax: Orange/Red Dubbing
  • Hackle: Grizzly over thorax
  • Wing: Elk
    • Step #1

    The Hook securely in vise
    Step #2

    Lay down the thread base
    Step #3

    Tie in Ribbing material, in this case, brown hackle.
    Step #4

    Dub the thread with a generous amount of Olive/Green dubbing.
    Step #5

    Wind forward the dubbing and tie down at the 2/3 point.
    Step #6

    Wind forward the hackle to end of dubbed portion. Trim the hackle fairly short
    Step #7

    Tie in the Elk hair Wing and cover stubs.
    Step #8

    Tie in the grizzly hackle.
    Step #9

    Dub the thread again, this time with orange/red dubbing material and wind forward to hook eye.

    Note the steep taper.
    Step #10

    Wind forward the grizzly hackle - three wraps. Then tie off and whip finish.
    Top View
    Bottom View

    Cool looking bug from the fish perspective, eh?

    My apologies to the Candian members... I'm still working on my accent... ;-}

    Final Thoughts: I tried to do this pattern as close to the original as possible. The dubbing used was genuine Kaufmann Blend, purchased from Kaufmann's Streamborn Fly Shop in Portland, Oregon............. I actually visited the shop. I must say, it is a great place to visit. Lots of goodies and a HUGE selection of flies. Several of them Kaufmann Original Patterns. Stimulators, Stonefly Nymphs, Timberlines, etc. If you are ever in the Portland area, be sure to stop by, it's worth it!

    (I hope that Mr. Kaufmann doesn't happen across this web page and see how badly I've butchered his pattern...)

    Tight Lines Everyone.

    Dave