Montana Stone (3)

The **Montana Stone Fly** is a popular and effective dry fly pattern designed to imitate the **stonefly nymphs** that are a major food source for many freshwater fish, especially in rivers and streams. The pattern is often used for **trout fishing**, particularly in areas where stonefly hatches occur. This fly is known for its ability to imitate both the stonefly nymph and the adult form, depending on how it's fished. It is a versatile pattern that can work in a variety of fishing conditions.

**Description**:
- **Type**: Dry fly (though some variations are tied as nymphs or emerger patterns)
- **Size**: Typically tied in sizes 6 to 12, though larger sizes (4-8) are common for adult stonefly imitations, and smaller versions are used to represent nymphs.
- **Color**: 
  - The body is usually **dark brown, olive, or yellowish-brown**, depending on the specific species of stonefly being mimicked. Some patterns may have a more reddish or orange undertone to represent certain species.
  - **Wings**: The wings of the Montana Stone Fly are typically tied with **natural or synthetic feathers**, often in shades of light brown, cream, or off-white, to represent the large, transparent wings of an adult stonefly.
  - **Hackle**: The fly often has a **dense, buggy hackle** around the body and legs, which helps give it a lifelike appearance, especially when floating in the water.
  - **Tail**: The tail is often made with natural feathers or fibers, and can mimic the stonefly’s long, distinct tail.
  
**Where to Use It**:
- **Species**: The Montana Stone Fly is primarily used for targeting **trout**, including:
  - **Brown trout**
  - **Rainbow trout**
  - **Cutthroat trout**
  - **Brook trout**
  
  However, it can also be effective for other species that prey on stoneflies, including **smallmouth bass** and **steelhead**.

- **Locations**: 
  - **Rivers and Streams**: The Montana Stone Fly excels in **fast-flowing rivers** and **streams**, especially in areas with strong current and riffles. These areas often have stonefly populations in the rocks and substrate, making them prime feeding grounds for trout.
  - **Rocky Bottoms**: Stoneflies spend a lot of time on or near the bottom in rocky, gravel-bottomed rivers. If you're fishing in rivers with rocky bottoms, such as **freestone rivers**, you're likely to find stoneflies, which makes the Montana Stone Fly an excellent choice.
  - **Water Type**: It’s effective in **medium to fast-moving waters**, where stoneflies are more active, but it can also work in slower, deeper pools where adult stoneflies may land and fish are feeding on them.

- Best Time:
  - The stonefly hatch occurs in spring or early summer, but the Montana Stone Fly can be used effectively year-round, particularly in rivers and streams where stonefly nymphs are present.
  - In **early spring** and **late fall**, when stoneflies are in their nymph form, a **nymph version** of the fly can be effective.
  - During the **adult stonefly hatch**, which typically happens in late spring to early summer, the **dry fly version** of the Montana Stone Fly is particularly effective.

Fishing Techniques
1. Dry Fly Presentation:
   - When using the Montana Stone Fly as a **dry fly**, cast it upstream and let it drift naturally with the current. The fly’s design is meant to float in the water with a realistic profile that mimics the adult stonefly. Because stoneflies are large insects, the Montana Stone Fly is often visible from a distance.
   - **Dead Drifting**: Allow the fly to float freely with the current, without interfering with its drift. Stoneflies do not typically move much once they land, so a natural, dead drift is key to enticing strikes.
   - **Casting Strategy**: Cast the fly at **45-degree angles** to the current, and let it drift downstream. Since stoneflies are often found in **riffles and slower currents**, fishing the fly through these areas can be particularly effective.
   
2. Use of Weight
   - In faster water, you might need to **add weight** (such as a bead or small shot) to help the fly sink and get into the strike zone. This can be particularly useful when fishing nymph versions or when you need to get the dry fly deeper into the water column.
   - For dry fly fishing, it’s important to ensure that the fly is floating well and visible. If necessary, use a floatant to keep the fly buoyant, especially in choppy water.

3. Nymphing with the Montana Stone Fly:
   - For nymph fishing, you can use the Montana Stone Fly as a **stonefly nymph imitation**. Cast it into faster water or close to the bank, where stonefly nymphs are often found crawling on rocks or drifting in the current.
   - **Nymphing Technique**: Use a **dead drift** technique, letting the fly sink to the bottom and drift naturally along with the current. Occasionally, a **slow strip** or **twitch** can help the fly mimic the movement of a stonefly nymph that is trying to swim or crawl.
   - When fishing nymphs, it is often helpful to fish with a **double nymph rig** or **dropper**, with a Montana Stone Fly nymph tied as the lead fly, and a smaller nymph (such as a caddis or mayfly nymph) as the second fly.

4. **Hatch Matching**:
   - If you’re fishing during a **stonefly hatch**, try to match the size and color of the fly to the particular species of stonefly hatching in the area. This requires observation of the water to see what size and type of stoneflies are emerging or floating downstream. The Montana Stone Fly is a good all-purpose imitation, but if you notice that fish are more keyed in on smaller or larger stoneflies, try adjusting the size of the fly accordingly.

5. Strike Detection:
   - When fishing the Montana Stone Fly as a dry fly, strikes can sometimes be subtle, especially if the fish are rising slowly or lazily to the fly. Watch the fly closely, and be ready to set the hook if you see any movement or a "sip" on the surface.
   - When nymphing, keep a tight line and watch for any sudden slack in the line or a slight change in tension that may indicate a fish has taken the fly.

 Conclusion
The **Montana Stone Fly** is a versatile and effective fly pattern, particularly for targeting trout during stonefly hatches. Its ability to imitate both nymphs and adults makes it a great choice for anglers looking to match the local hatch or fish year-round in areas with stonefly populations. Whether used as a dry fly during a hatch or as a nymph in fast water, the Montana Stone Fly can produce great results. By paying attention to the current, fishing techniques, and the life cycle of the stonefly, this fly can be a reliable and successful pattern in many river and stream environments.

Also available:

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