West Fork Jason Guide Service

These two patterns are intended to be swung with a small switch or one-handed rod.  I’ll be using them on the South Shore of Lake Superior tributaries when the season starts up soon.  I like this fly as it’s super easy to tie, and I don’t sweat about losing a few on the bottom.

First, make a chassis for the fly.  This is the same configuration for both the stonefly and the bushy prince nymph pictured above with the exception of the bead.  On this fly is a Hareline Plummeting Tungsten Bead, they are noticeably denser than others.  I use a standard long shank streamer hook for in the vice.  It doesn’t have to be anything special or expensive as the hook bend and point is removed with a wire cutter at the last step.  The business end hook is a 02408 Gamakatsu Octopus, I use size 2 and 4.  After looping through the hook eye, run Senyo’s Thin Intruder Trailer Wire up the hook shank towards the eye and secure with thread and Zap-a-Gap, let dry, then run back down the shank and secure again.  Trim off the excess wire.

Next tie in 2 or 3 pieces of Dyed Pearl Flashabou Accent and then cover with maribou.

Tie in brass wire and 1/8″ Dark Olive Scud Back

Make a dubbing loop of Dave Whitlock Dark Stone Nymph and wrap about 2/3 of the shank towards the eye.  Tie off the dubbing loop and then fold over scud back and wrap with brass wire.

Tie on the MFC Soft-Shell Stone Dark Medium and secure bead in the center of the soft plastic stonefly body.  Whip finish and add little Zap-a-Gap, then snip off the bend of the streamer hook and you’re done!  Some traditionalists might think this last step with soft plastics is cheating a bit, but hey…I’ll be out fishing and won’t give a shit about any of that nonsense!

These wild stream dwellers are often overlooked by most fly fisherman when they travel to Arkansas, as they’re focused on the more famous tail water trout fisheries in the “natural” state.  At low water the limestone and sandstone streams clear up so much I’d liken it to fishing in an aquarium.

Small Mouth Bass

Bluegill

Green Sunfish

Longeared Sunfish

My wife, then fiance, was less than impressed with me when I decided to inquire about going out for a half day fishing trip on our way to Eureka Springs.  Walleye, yet another overlooked (and delicious!) Ozark fish

But yes, they do have Brown Trout in Arkansas, if that is your thing!