Golden Stoneflies (Isoperla fulva)
An often-underrated hatch in Montana, golden stones hatch more prolifically and more steadily than the famous salmonflies. Golden stone hatches kick into high gear on the rivers of Montana alongside the salmonflies.
As the heat of summer settles in, they continue to hatch in good numbers but are often undetected by anglers as they primarily emerge at night during July and August. These “nocturnal stones” are most active in the early morning hours.
Starting in late spring and hatching until late July, golden stones should account for a large number of flies in your boxes throughout the summer and even into early fall. Your best bet on timing is to start fishing this fly from late morning through late afternoon.
Golden stones range in color from bright yellow to muddy tan and everything in between. They typically range from size #6-#12 hook size and are found in high to medium gradient rivers and small tributaries.
Fish will follow nymphs in the fast, shallows through their migration to emergence, so don’t count out this as a great nymph fishing option. The golden stone is often a fly that can turn a slow day of fishing right around.
The 3 Best Montana Rivers for Golden Stones:
Top 5 Golden Stone Dries For Fly Fishing in Montana
