StreamersHornberg
The Hornberg is a versatile fly that can be fished in a variety of ways. Its unique design imitates a variety of aquatic and terrestrial life forms, making it a favorite among anglers. The deer hair wing and hackle give it a lifelike action in the water and allow it to be fished as both a dry fly and a streamer.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Advanced
Trout
Apr 2025
Overview
A classic attractor wet fly tied with mallard flank wings, peacock herl body, and yellow hackle or tag. It can be dressed as a dry, swung as a wet, or stripped like a streamer. A versatile fly that dates back generations.
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 5262, sizes #08-#12
Thread: Black UNI 8/0 or Veevus 8/0
Body: Large Gold/Silver Mylar Tinsel
Underwing: Yellow Calf Tail
Overwing: Natural Mallard Flank
Eyes: Jungle Cock
Hackle: Grizzly and Brown or 2 Dark Barred Ginger Whiting High and Dry Rooster Cape
Behavior & Presentation
Natural Behavior: This pattern imitates both baitfish and large aquatic insects depending on presentation, with the profile changing as it swings or strips. The dual nature makes it effective across feeding situations.
Where Trout Eat It: Subsurface to mid-column in pools, runs, and near structure where fish feed opportunistically.
How to Fish It: Fish wet-fly swing in current or strip actively in lake to match local forage behavior.
Best Water: Seams, drop-offs, undercut banks, weed edges, and tail-outs where fish hold while scanning for food.
Strike Type: Takes vary from subtle taps to aggressive grabs depending on whether fish mistake it for insects or baitfish.
Fishing Strategy
Rigging Suggestions: The Hornberg can be fished alone or as part of a tandem rig with a nymph or emerger trailing behind.
Seasonal Timing: Effective during peak feeding periods when water temperatures and conditions support active feeding behavior.
Pro Tips: The deer hair wing and hackle help this fly stay visible and afloat when fished on the surface. When fished as a streamer, the weight of the hook and the water-soaked materials allow it to sink and imitate a swimming baitfish.
Entomology
Adult stoneflies skitter and struggle on the water surface during emergence periods, while small baitfish dart near the surface film chasing insects. This dual presentation triggers surface and subsurface strikes from opportunistic feeders that recognize both the struggling insect silhouette and the fleeing minnow profile as vulnerable prey.
- Order
- Plecoptera
- Common Name
- Stonefly
- Organism Type
- baitfish
- Life Stage
- general