Yep, it's already time to start thinking about Skwala's. Woven bodied flies have generally gone the way of the typewriter. The old Grant and Pott style of weaving flies was difficult and time consuming but it produced beautiful and durable results. The technique used to weave the body of this fly is very easy to do and it also produces beautiful and durable results. Plus, you can lie and tell your friends it took you years to learn.
The basis for this fly was developed by George Anderson who has run the Yellowstone Angler in Livingston, Montana for many years. The original pattern for "George's Rubber Leg Brown Stone" can be found in the book "Tying Flies with Jack Dennis and Friends." That original pattern uses rubber legs for the tail, has only 2 sets of legs, has no wing case, and no antennae. I added some new features for fun. I have used the original pattern in different sizes and colors all over Montana and have found it to be incredibly effective.
Hook: Size 6-10 (for Skwala) nymph hook
Thread: Brown 6/0 thread
Weight: .025 lead or imitation lead wire
Tail: Brown goose biots
Body: Standard yarn in tan and light brown
Legs: Sili Legs - crawdad pumkin flake
Thorax: Hand blend rabbit dubbing - brown, black, tan
Wing Case: Turkey tail feather
Antennae: Brown goose biots
Step 1:
Tie in the tail and wrap some lead weight.
Step 2:
Take two 8 inch lengths of yarn, one dark , one light, and separate out two strands of yarn material. There is usually 3-4 strands in yarn. For smaller stoneflies, you only want two strands or the body will be too bulky.
Step 3:
Tie the strands of yarn to each side of the hook and create a tapered under-body with the thread. This makes the finished body look nice and tapered. Then, whip finish and cut the thread.
Step 4:
Turn your vice so that it is facing towards you.
Step 5:
Tie an overhand knot (like step 1 in tying your shoes), making sure that the color you want on the top of the fly is on top. Repeat this 7-10 times making sure that every time, the same color is on top, until you have a body that looks like this:
Top view:
Bottom View:
Isn't that awesome?! I just love it! Once the body is formed, re-start your thread, tie off the yarn, and cut the tags.
Step 6:
Tie in the bit of turkey feather with the nice side down and tie in 3 sets of rubber legs like you'd do for any fly.
Step 7:
Dub a nice thick thorax around the legs.
Step 8:
Wrap the turkey feather forward and tie down, then tie in the antennae. Your done! Super-easy. Now you've got a durable, effective fly that was easy to tie (even though it doesn't look like it). March Madness is not something that happens on TV! You watch your basketball, I'll be on the river for some of the best fishing of the year.
