(Top Right)The author with a giant from the dream mile stretch on the west branch. This monster trout ate the Stinky Pinky stone three times! Once they decide to eat big dries nothing will stop them
(Right)
A large dark colored golden stone from a pocket water stretch of the west branch. This one is about a size 6 but size 4 bugs are not uncommon
(Bottom Left)
Finished "Stinky Pinky" flies
a few more steps than my traditional guide flies but the extra effort is well warranted given the success i've had with it not only in the summer, but in the spring and fall as well.
With all of this said I think I should mention why stoneflies fish so well. According to all of my research and observations stoneflies love quick moving, well oxygenated water and an absence of sand. This often equates to what we know as pocket water.
For those of you who have visited the high peaks, you're aware that we have a lot of it.
The west branch of the Ausable alone has some of the most aggressive and beautiful pocket water most of us have ever seen and it's a haven for stonelflies. Add to that the fact that most of our small streams have the same habitat, and you have a region well suited for the species.
Take the time to tie and fish this fly and I think you'll be satisfied. Not to mention that its fun to tie, so flip the pages and spin away, and come visit the high peaks to try it out.