Dry FliesGrillos's Low Rider
Grillos's Low Rider is an innovative stonefly pattern designed by Anthony Grillo that sits low in the surface film with its abdomen penetrating through the water. This realistic design features a foam back and head for floatation, a sparkly Ice Dub body, barred rubber legs for lifelike movement, and a dyed elk hair wing. The orange hotspot indicator makes tracking easy while the orange and brown color scheme perfectly matches golden stoneflies and October caddis.
Summer
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases Anthony Grillo's innovative approach to stonefly imitations. The Low Rider is designed to ride with its abdomen hanging through the surface film, perfectly imitating how natural stoneflies sit on the water. The foam shell back and head provide excellent floatation while allowing the body to break through the meniscus. The barred Tarantula legs add the realistic movement that triggers strikes, while the Ice Dub body creates attractive sparkle underwater.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 200R, #8
Thread: UNI 6/0, black
Butt: Ice Dub (or Prism SLF), rusty brown
Legs/Tail: Tarantula Legs, barred orange/brown
Back: Thin Fly Foam, cinnamon (or rootbeer)
Body: Ice Dub (or Prism SLF), rusty brown
Flash: Krystal Flash, pearl
Wing: Cow Elk, dyed orange
Head: Thin Fly Foam, cinnamon (or rootbeer)
Hotspot: Razor Foam, orange
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during summer stonefly hatches, particularly golden stonefly and salmonfly emergences from June through August. Also effective during October caddis season due to the color scheme.
Presentation
Fish with a dead drift along banks and riffles where stoneflies naturally emerge. Allow the fly to land with a slight splat to imitate a stonefly landing on the water. Occasional twitches can trigger strikes from reluctant fish.
When to Use
Select this pattern during golden stonefly hatches or when fish are feeding on large stoneflies at the surface. The realistic low-riding profile fools fish that refuse standard high-floating stonefly patterns.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly the rocky riffles and runs where stoneflies emerge. Most effective along boulder-strewn banks and broken water where stonefly nymphs crawl to shore.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-foot leader tapering to 3X-4X tippet for good turnover of the larger fly. The foam construction provides excellent buoyancy for dry-dropper fishing with weighted nymphs.
Visibility & Floatation
The orange hotspot and foam indicator make the fly easy to track in choppy water. The foam back and head keep the fly floating indefinitely while allowing the body to ride in the film for a realistic profile.
