Kaufmann's Stonefly Nymph – Brown

Kaufmann’s Stonefly Nymph – Brown is a legendary subsurface pattern developed to imitate the early-stage nymphs of large stoneflies, such as the golden stone or salmonfly. Tied with a durable, heavily weighted profile and realistic features like rubber legs, segmented body, and a forked tail, this pattern is designed to reach the bottom quickly and stay in the strike zone—right where trout expect to find these protein-rich insects. The natural brown coloration is perfect for mimicking stoneflies in freestone rivers and high-gradient streams.

Best used in the spring through early summer, especially in rivers with known stonefly populations, this fly excels as the anchor fly in a two-nymph rig or on its own under an indicator. Its weight and natural profile make it ideal for high flows and pocket water where trout are holding deep.

To fish the Kaufmann’s Stonefly Nymph – Brown effectively, dead drift it through riffles, runs, and along deep seams. Add split shot or pair it with a lighter dropper to cover multiple depths. It’s a must-have pattern for Western rivers and any system where large stoneflies play a key role in the trout's diet.