A sparse, delicate dry fly imitating the little yellow stonefly (Isoperla spp.). One of the most reliable summer dry-fly hatches on Appalachian freestone streams.
1. Thread base — Attach yellow thread behind the eye and lay a base to the bend.
2. Body — Dub a slim, evenly tapered yellow body from the bend to the 3/4 point.
3. Wing — Stack a small bunch of elk hair to align the tips. Tie in at the 3/4 point, angling the hair back flat and low over the body. Tips should extend just past the hook bend. Trim butts.
4. Hackle — Tie in a ginger hackle directly behind the wing tie-in point. Wind two to three close turns around the shank. Tie off and trim.
5. Head — Build a small head covering the wing butts. Whip finish and apply head cement. Trim any hackle fibers from directly below the hook to aid flotation.
Seasons
Water conditions
hook
thread
body
wing
hackle
Isoperla spp.
