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Glossary
hatch

Golden Stone

A medium stonefly — yellow-amber body, sizes 6–12 — that follows the salmonfly hatch on Western rivers. Less spectacular but longer-lasting than its bigger cousin.

Also calledGolden Stones · Golden Stoneflies

Golden Stones hatch from late May through early August, overlapping with and following the salmonfly. The naturals are smaller (sizes 6–12), with a yellow-amber body and translucent wings. The hatch lasts longer — 4–6 weeks of catchable fish — and is more forgiving than the salmonfly.

A stimulator pattern, a Chubby Chernobyl, or a yellow Sally pattern (one size up) covers golden stone fishing. Fish them tight to banks and structure; the naturals fall in from foliage during late mornings.