Stick Fly (simple, suggestive, don’t over think it)

Stick Fly~3

I first read about this from a past Westfly contributor and excellent flyfisher/flytier, Jeff Morgan. He wrote about the Stick Fly. At the time, I thought..’Geeez, must be hard up for something to write about’ A Stick Fly? Well, I am here to tell you that it shines in streams and rivers, cast along the seams of slow and faster waters. I have tied it in several variations. Stick Fly 2 was based upon a Peeking Caddis (at the bend and not so easy to make out). It has worked ok, but the protruding larva needs to be more pronounced/contrasting. The Stick Fly 1 has been good in streams and lakes. I have only experimented with it in a size 12. The ostrich at the front and rear adds just enough movement regardless of direction to give it life. Stick Fly 3 is a newer variation that I am experimenting with as a Midge Emerger. Simple to tie for the beginner and suggestive of life, top to bottom. The fore and aft ostrich and the small extensions beyond the bend and eye are even more complex than the simple dubbed shank that I have seen. I believe it is worth tying up a half dozen in tan, black and green to see what happens.