Little Brown Stonefly Nymphs:
As with the little yellow stoneflies, the little brown stoneflies are an important source of food for the trout. The little brown stoneflies hatch during the same times as the mayflies and caddis flies hatch. As a result most anglers may prefer to use dry flies; however, there are times especially during the late spring and summer months when the stonefly nymphs will be your best opportunity to catch trout.
You may have difficulty in identifying the little brown stonefly hatch since there are several different species of these stoneflies, and they may hatch anytime from late winter to the middle of summer. So the best way to identify the little brown stonefly hatch is to observe the stream side vegetation and rocks looking for the adult stoneflies. The adult of the little brown stonefly will always be less than five eights long blackish, or dark brownish or brownish red. As with all stoneflies nymphs, the best time to imitate these nymphs is just prior to the time a hatch starts.
The little brown stonefly like all other stoneflies, crawl out of the water to hatch. The migration route takes them from their home between or under the rocks on the floor of the stream to the banks where they will hatch. This action allows the trout to eat them as they crawl. If they remain in or under rocks they are safe from the trout unless they become dislodged in some way and drift downstream
Little Brown Stonefly Presentation:
Walk along the bank going downstream, being careful not to spook the trout. Remember they can hear you through their lateral line. Keep as far away from the bank as possible to avoid spooking the trout. Also remember the trout will take the nymphs all the way to the bank even in very shallow waters. Cast up and across the current allowing the current to drag the nymph imitation along the bottom and toward the bank. Occasionally, lift the rod tip and lower it so the fly will drift a few inches more toward the bank with each lifting of the rod tip. Early morning or late in the afternoon will offer the best opportunity to catch trout on the little brown stonefly nymph. Remember these nymphs can live for several days presenting a good window for action.
To summarize, carefully check out the banks of the streams early In the day and lat in the day looking for stoneflies to hatch and if it is cold you may find the adults crawling on the banks. On the cooler days you may even find them on the blacktop pavement trying to warm up.
See the new double sided fly boxes.