A green stonefly exemplar whose abdomen is built from close turns of olive vinyl rib over a weighted shank.
The source index labels brown and yellow V-Rib Stone flies but does not disclose either photograph’s recipe. This page teaches the independently documented Southland Green Stonefly Nymph, a specific vinyl-rib-bodied exemplar. Its olive color and exact construction are not attributed to either source photograph.
Work through the numbered steps in order, using the materials list and written proportions as your guide.
01
Build the weighted thorax base
Start black thread and bind about 17 turns of .015-inch lead-free wire in the thorax region, with a second short layer over the first. Cover the wire with thread and carry it to the hook bend.
02
Split the two tails
Make a tiny thread or dubbing bump at the bend. Tie one olive goose biot on each side so they diverge behind the hook.
03
Anchor the vinyl rib
Tie medium olive vinyl rib along the top of the shank from the rear edge of the weight back to the tail. Bind it tightly to keep the underbody slim.
04
Wind the abdomen
Wrap the vinyl rib forward in six or seven touching turns, making the rib itself the smooth, segmented abdomen. Secure and trim it at the back of the weighted thorax.
05
Place the side legs
Add a little olive dubbing at the front of the vinyl abdomen. Tie one olive goose biot on each side with the tips angled rearward along the abdomen.
06
Dub the thorax and finish
Dub olive Awesome Possum over the wire and around the leg bases. Build a small black thread head and whip finish with the hook eye clear.
Beyond the bench
On the water.
Fish this weighted nymph near the streambed in clean water where stonefly nymphs live. A black tungsten bead is a documented optional addition for faster or deeper water.
