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Trout Fly Patterns

Simple Sparkle Stone Fly 
by Craig Dennison
   
 

Hook:    Tiempco 220R sizes 4 through 8
Thread:    Black 6/0
Weight:    Lead wire bound on either side of shank to create wider body.  Sizes .035 down to .015.
Body:    Black Flashabou dubbing or black dubbing kicker.
Legs:    Large black rubber, three sets.
Tail:    Medium black rubber, splayed outward.
Head:    Lite bright dark bead head.

 

Tying Sequence

  1. Mash down barb of hook and slip on bead head.

  2. Lay a base of thread starting behind bead head and eventually covering hook shank.

  3. Tie in lead wire in equal sections on either side of shank to form a more flattened body.  If possible, work the tag ends of the lead into the larger bead head opening to prevent it from moving around.

  4. Cover lead with a base of thread and cement.   Then wind back so that thread is hanging above the barb.

  5. Tie in medium black rubber legs for tails.   Tails should splay outward and be evenly split.  Trim to length.

  6. Tightly dub black flashabou up body creating a deliberate tapered abdomen and a wider, thicker thorax.  The entire abdomen should be covered, while the throat should be approximately 3/4 of it's final size.

  7. Tie in three sets of large black rubber legs, each set tied underneath the body.  The first set is tied in at the start of the thorax, pointing back toward the tail.  The second and third sets are tied mid to upper thorax position pointing directly outward at a 90 degree angle.  I prefer not to trim my legs at this point, so that I have longer sections to work around and hold on to if needed.

  8.   Dub back over the thorax covering where the legs were tied in and securing their position.  This second dubbing round should ensure that the abdomen is distinct and well proportioned.

  9. Whip finish and cut thread behind the bead head.  Add a drop of cement if desired on thread wraps.

  10.   Remove fly from vice and trim any errant fibers.  Fly should appear somewhat shaggy with smaller fibers poking out here and there.

Harry Hall photo, Sparkle Stone tied by Craig Dennison

The Simple Sparkle Stone is a glittery imitation which has a knack for catching wild trout, especially in cooler water.  I designed it during a tie-in on the South Toe River one cold Winter morning, in the company of friends.   Fish it deep on a dead drift in deeper holes.  It is quick to tie and holds up for fish after fish.

Craig Dennison  Asheville NC 

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