Golden Stone
Imitates: Golden stonefly nymph (Acroneuria, Hesperoperla)
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #6-10
- Best Season
- Spring and Summer (peaks June-August)
- Best Conditions
- Western freestone rivers, fast runs, riffles, big trout water
- Water Temp
- 50-68°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 3X-4X fluorocarbon
How to Rig It
Lead fly with a smaller dropper trailing 18" behind. Tight-line nymph or under an indicator with split shot 12" up the leader.
How to Present It
Dead-drift through fast deep runs and along bank seams. Goldens migrate to the bank to emerge — fish the edges in summer. Lift the rig at the end of the drift to imitate an emerging nymph.
Why It Works
Golden stoneflies are the second-largest stonefly in the West (after salmonflies) and hatch in midsummer when fish are aggressive. The mottled gold-brown body is dead-on for the natural; the heavy bead gets it down to where stoneflies actually live.
History
Acroneuria and Hesperoperla golden stoneflies are abundant on every Western freestone river. The Golden Stone nymph pattern emerged in the 1970s alongside Kaufmann's black stone and remains a summer staple.
Pro Tip
After the salmonfly hatch ends in late June, switch your big nymph from black to golden. Goldens are still hatching for another 6 weeks, and trout target the smaller, more abundant naturals.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do golden stoneflies hatch?+
June through August on most Western rivers, immediately after the salmonfly hatch. Peaks in mid-July.
Black stonefly vs golden stone nymph?+
Black for spring (salmonfly water); golden for summer (after the salmonflies finish). Both are essential in any Western nymph box.
Not sure if Golden Stone is right today?
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