02-06-2010, 07:04 PM
Little black stones are also known as tiny black stoneflies, winter stoneflies or snow flies or snow stoneflies in some areas. They migrate to shore and hatch into adults in February through April and sometimes into May. They are active on the water laying eggs on sunny days or at sunny times of the day. You can see the adults on snow banks and ice sheets along the streams.
In northern Utah this winter stone can be found on Blacksmith Fork, South Fork of the Ogden, Weber (middle between reservoirs), the Middle Provo and Diamond Fork and I am sure other waters. In NE Utah on the Green. They are not as big as their cousins who wait to hatch in May and June, but can be lots of fun. Most of the adults are a 14 or 16 size. The nymphs are one size larger, 12 and 14. Black and very dark brown in color.
I like to use a dark deer hair caddis, black Stimulator, or Rio Grande Trude for the adults. My tie is a biot deer hair caddis/stonefly. It is simple, looks great, floats low and catches fish. Joni's suggestion for nymphs is from a master. Never discount anything she has to say!
Next comes my favorite stonefly hatch, Skwallas!!
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In northern Utah this winter stone can be found on Blacksmith Fork, South Fork of the Ogden, Weber (middle between reservoirs), the Middle Provo and Diamond Fork and I am sure other waters. In NE Utah on the Green. They are not as big as their cousins who wait to hatch in May and June, but can be lots of fun. Most of the adults are a 14 or 16 size. The nymphs are one size larger, 12 and 14. Black and very dark brown in color.
I like to use a dark deer hair caddis, black Stimulator, or Rio Grande Trude for the adults. My tie is a biot deer hair caddis/stonefly. It is simple, looks great, floats low and catches fish. Joni's suggestion for nymphs is from a master. Never discount anything she has to say!
Next comes my favorite stonefly hatch, Skwallas!!
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