In early February hatches such as midges, baetis and Early Black Stoneflies* do occur.. Snowflies become apparent after 2pm.
We also suggest large patterns that “move” water especially if the stream becomes discolored
Try Al's Rats, Griffiths Gnats, shrimp Craneflies, Bivisibles, Pheasant Tails Ants, Blue Winged Olive patterns, Globugs, Sucker Spawn, Honeybug Inchworms, Early Black Stoneflies #18, Honeybugs, Adams. and, Sculpins
*Early Black Stonefly - Capnia vernalisTraditionalists expect these guys to show up in March but we often see our first Early Black Stoneflies in early February. They hatch in the mornings and afternoons, emerge by crawling on to land, rocks and foliage. This little guy is 9mm long, the wing protrudes 4mm past abdomen. I tie them as follows:
use a size 18, Mustad 94840 hook.Start to wrap black 12/0 thread three hook eye lengths from the eye & wrap to the bend.Dub black mole sparsely, wrap tightly to where you began the thread. Cover 1 hook eye length. In front of body w/ thread. Tie in Black rooster hackle It can be a bit longer than normal, make 2 winds of hackle, tie off & trim top and & bottom. Cover the hook eye in front of the hackle with thread. as base for the wing... take a black hen hackle & tie it wonder wing style. The tip of the wing should Extend the length of the hook gap behind the abdomen. Lacquer the head and wing.
I believe these little guys are more important to the angler than they are to the fish.
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