No good turn goes unpunished.

[Coach Robb]

The son of a family friend is going to Missoula Mt. with a school group this summer. They will be fishing the Rock Creek area, and because I am a moron I asked if there was anything I could do? I got the fly list and started tying. Some real basic Elk Hair caddis, Parachute Adams, PMD's, Yellow Sallys, Etc. I tied the 16, 18, and 20's until my eyes crossed, and I'm now tying the fun stuff. Stonefly in size 2,4, Salmonfly in 1/0,2,and Stimulators in 2,4. Are these sizes correct? I've never tied a Stimulator larger than an 8. Please advise. Thank you in advance for any feedback.

[Jayatwork]

Salmonflies can be up to 2 inches long. I don't tie any trout flies bigger than a 4. If it needs to be bigger I'd use a longer shanked hook or tie an extended body. That's my $.02.

[Bugsy]

Coach,

Though I can't vouch for its accuracy, I'd say this hatch chart is fairly representative of several I've seen.
http://www.flyshack.com/HatchChart.aspx?RiverID=1512

I agree with Jayatwork. For salmonflies, I'd personally go with a longer shanked hook in the more trout friendly sizes of 4 & 6. IMHO, the large gap of a 1/0 hook is just too wicked for the smaller guys that will likely be feeding on top.

By "stonefly" are you speaking of golden stones? If so, I think your size choices are a bit large for most waters.

Stimulators are great flies, and I'm sure your friend's son would appreciate having a few in 8, 10, 12. But for large attractors and salmonfly imitations, there are other alternatives that provide a better combination of bulk and durability. Of course, the Sofa Pillow was once the favored salmonfly dry, so what do I know?

Very nice of you to offer your tying services.

[Coach Robb]

The Stonefly that I have tied is the bullethead Golden Stonefly with a Yellow foam strike indicator and legs. I had the darndest time matching the body color and eventually settled on a blend of gold and olive that I blened my self. This project has really been a challenge for me and has really forced me to tackle some techniques and sizes I'm not comfortable tying. At last count I'm giving Taylor A fly box with PMD's, Parachute Adams,Elk Hair Caddis,Yellow Sally's,Stimulators, Golden Stonefly's,Salmonfly's,Bitch Creek nymphs, Montana Stones, Wooly Buggers, And then I tied some that I'm partial to using in Wisconsin. Hi vis foam beetles, Fur Ants, wooly worms,PT Nymphs, Killer Caddis, and Pink Squirrels.

[ScottP]

Maybe add some SJ worms and Chernobyls? BTW, when is the trip? Only asking because the Salmonfly hatch usually happens mid-June.

Regards,
Scott

[JZ]

i'm from around there, i like to use midges size 20, they really work. try the f-100. Also, bwo cripples have great success. try stimmys in size 8. para adams work great. tell them to go over to grizzely hackle, and buy a couple flies, or, they will probobally reacomend a fly, so tell the kids to bring a bunch of flytying material. if you need to buy materials for the flies, try the kingfisher, or the missula angler place. i will probobally be there sometime this summer, and i will be at one of my favorite spots. i will pm you the place.

JZ

[littlebrook]

Fished there with two of my sons a few years ago. They caught on Prince nymphs I'd tied. Lottsa fish. I blanked! Couple days of fishless glory! The whole trip was wonderful. Beautiful country!!!

Bill

[MarkKillam]

I also dont tie stims larger than an 8. A size 4 or larger seems a bit large for me, but they will work. For salmonflies, maybe go to a size six...for the goldenstones I would use an 8. I frequently fish a size or smaller when it comes to the bigger stoneflies anyways. Just my opinion.