Iron Sally
Imitates: Yellow Sally / Little Yellow Stonefly nymph
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #12-16
- Best Season
- Summer (June through August)
- Best Conditions
- Western freestone rivers, Yellow Sally hatches, post-runoff
- Water Temp
- 55-65°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 4X-5X fluorocarbon
How to Rig It
Lead nymph under an indicator with a smaller dropper 18" below. Or anchor fly on a Euro-nymph rig.
How to Present It
Dead-drift through riffles and pocket water during a Yellow Sally emergence. The yellow body and rubber legs trigger strikes that plain nymphs miss.
Why It Works
Yellow Sallies (Isoperla) emerge on every Western river in summer. The yellow dubbing matches the natural color exactly; the rubber legs and gold flash imitate the wiggling, struggling nymph swimming to shore to emerge.
History
Mike Mercer of California developed Iron Sally for the Lower Sacramento and Trinity rivers, then it spread across the West as anglers realized Yellow Sally hatches were under-fished.
Pro Tip
When you see small yellow stoneflies fluttering above riffles in July or August, tie on a #14 Iron Sally as your lead fly. Drop a #18 BWO emerger off the back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Iron Sally imitate?+
A Yellow Sally / Little Yellow Stonefly nymph. Yellow Sallies are a major summer food source on every Western trout river.
When is the Yellow Sally hatch?+
June through August on most Western rivers, peaking in July. Look for tiny yellow stoneflies fluttering above riffles in the afternoon.
Not sure if Iron Sally is right today?
Get a fly recommendation based on live water temp, flow, sky, and time of day for any river in the US.
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