NymphAnderson's UV Sally
Anderson's UV Sally is a modern nymph pattern that effectively imitates the golden stonefly nymph. Its UV properties allow it to stand out in a variety of water conditions and its weighted body helps it to sink quickly in swift currents. The fly's realistic appearance and movement make it highly attractive to trout.
Spring, Summer
Intermediate
Trout
Apr 2025

Overview
Anderson's UV Sally is a modern Yellow Sally stonefly imitation tied with vibrant yellow dubbing and ribbing for segmentation. The fly often features a tungsten bead for weight, a sparse synthetic wing, and a touch of UV flash to increase visibility and trigger strikes. It's a compact, high-contrast pattern ideal for fast water and tight-line nymphing setups.
Materials
Hook: Hanak Model 290, sizes 10–14
Bead: Tungsten Matte, Autumn
Thread: UTC 70, Yellow
Tail/Legs: Hareline Lifeflex, Ginger
Dubbing: Hareline Super Fine Dry Fly Dubbing
Collar Dubbing: Hends Spectra Dubbing, Salmon Light
Ribbing: UTC Wire, Small, Amber
Backing: Goose Biots, Yellow
Behavior & Presentation
Natural Behavior: Yellow sally nymphs (Isoperla species) are smaller, more active stoneflies that inhabit riffle edges and shallow runs, frequently crawling across exposed rocks during daylight emergence migrations. Unlike their larger Pteronarcys cousins, they release into moderate-flow drift more readily, wiggling their abdomens as they tumble through 1-3 foot depths toward emergence habitat.
Where Trout Eat It: Trout key on this bright yellow pattern in 3-5 foot mid-depth runs during golden stonefly activity, particularly in clear water where UV properties create high visibility. Fish target it along cobble substrates in moderate flows.
How to Fish It: Fish tight-line or under subtle indicator with jig hook riding point-up to minimize snags. High-stick through likely water or mend often for natural drift—the compact profile requires less weight than larger stonefly patterns.
Best Water: Most effective in moderate-flow riffle edges and shallow runs with exposed rocks where yellow sally nymphs crawl before emergence. The UV materials shine in overcast conditions and gin-clear water.
Strike Type: Sighter pauses, rod tip bounces, or solid weight indicate strikes—react instantly to drift anomalies.
Fishing Strategy
Rigging Suggestions: Use the UV Sally as the anchor in a nymphing rig, with a smaller nymph pattern as a dropper.
Seasonal Timing: Most productive during optimal water temperature windows and peak insect activity periods.
Pro Tips: The UV Sally is a sinking pattern, designed to be fished along the bottom. The UV properties of the fly make it highly visible in a variety of light conditions.
Entomology
Golden stonefly nymphs are robust crawlers that inhabit fast-water riffles, clinging to large cobble and boulders while foraging for organic matter. During spring emergence migrations, they crawl across exposed rocks toward shore, becoming vulnerable to opportunistic feeding by large trout. Their substantial size and high protein content make them a preferred target during the spring runoff period when nymphs are most active and visible.
- Order
- Plecoptera
- Family
- Perlidae
- Common Name
- Golden Stonefly
- Organism Type
- insect
- Life Stage
- nymph