Breaking the Rule (Again)

I’ve been on a streak of highlighting flies that break my number one rule: always fish patterns that can imitate multiple food sources. The Silli Leg Stonefly definitely doesn’t follow that principle—it’s stonefly or bust. But when the stoneflies are active, this pattern flat-out works.

Stoneflies aren’t just a seasonal bug either. Depending on the river system, they can be present year-round. Personally, I like to have a stone on my rig during the early summer and winter months, especially here on the East Coast. But it's never a bad idea to test the water at other times, too—flip a few rocks and you’ll know pretty quick if they’re around. They’re not exactly subtle.

Why Stoneflies Work

Trout love stoneflies for one reason: the calories. The effort-to-reward ratio is massively in their favor. Why burn energy chasing a midge when there’s a steak-sized bug drifting by? Makes perfect sense to me.

The Silli Leg Stonefly is especially effective as an anchor fly. If you tie it right—compact and heavy—it’ll get down fast. In fact, sometimes it’s the only fly in my box that can reach the bottom of a deep tailout pool. That said, it’s not something I’d use to drag through a shallow riffle. It's a tool, and like all tools, it works best when used in the right scenario.

Tying Notes

This fly is designed to be functional, durable, and attention-grabbing. The oversized black tungsten bead brings weight, while the silli legs offer movement and contrast that make the fly pop in the water. I particularly like using orange and black legs for that visual punch.

Tying Recipe

Hook - Hanak H 500 BL or equivalent all round. Here a Sz 10. Jig hooks will also work in this application.

Thread - Veevus 16/0 Black

Tail - 2x turkey biot strands. Don’t be afraid to use a small piece of mono help “splay” the biots.

Ribbing - gold or copper wire

Body - any black stonefly branded or Hare’s Ear dubbing

Thorax - Same as the body

Wing Case - I like brown mottled scud skin - gives it an almost imperceptible flash

Legs - Silli legs with a color of your choosing as long as the leg material is thin ( the thinner it is the more movement you get)

Bead - Any brand tungsten bead. The best part about this anchor fly is you can oversize this tungsten bead as much as your hook will allow, as long as it’s black.

When & Where

Use this fly as an anchor in deeper water—tailouts, slots, or drop-offs. Fish it dead drift, and don’t be afraid to lose a few. If you’re not near the bottom, you’re not in the zone.