Euro NymphsJig Montana Sally
The Jig Montana Sally is a modern euro-style stonefly nymph designed by Cheech that effectively imitates yellow stoneflies and yellow sally nymphs. The tungsten bead and jig hook create an inverted presentation that rides hook-point up, reducing snags while maintaining excellent contact with the bottom. Its bright yellow thorax and gold accents make it highly visible to fish in faster water.
Spring, Summer
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
Designed by Cheech (of Fly Fish Food) in November 2021 as a competition-style stonefly pattern. The pattern combines traditional Montana stone elements with modern euro-nymphing materials for enhanced effectiveness. The stripped biots create a segmented tail appearance while the bright UV yellow thorax adds attraction in off-color water. The slim wire body profile sinks quickly and maintains excellent contact in technical presentations.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Hanak H 400 BL Jig Hook - #14
Thread: UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier - Black
Bead: Firehole Stones Plated Slotted Tungsten Beads - 3.0mm (1/8") - Gold
Tails: Stripped Goose Biots - Gold
Body: Semperfli Tying Wire - 0.2 - Bright Gold
Wing Case: Fino Skin - Black
Thorax: Ice Dub - UV Lt. Yellow
Legs: Krystal Flash - Black
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during spring stonefly emergences from March through May and again during summer yellow sally hatches from June through August. The pattern works year-round in freestone rivers where stoneflies are present.
Presentation
Fish using euro-nymphing techniques with a tight line and long leader setup. Cast upstream and maintain contact as the fly drifts downstream, watching for subtle strikes. The jig hook design allows the pattern to ride hook-point up, minimizing snags in rocky bottom areas while maintaining a natural presentation.
When to Use
Best during stonefly activity when trout are feeding on nymphs dislodging from the substrate. Particularly effective during spring runoff when yellow sallies and smaller stones are active. Works well in overcast conditions and during morning hours when stoneflies are most active.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly freestone streams and rivers with rocky substrates. Excellent in pocket water, riffles, and runs where stoneflies are abundant. Target deeper seams and current breaks where trout hold and wait for drifting nymphs.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 10-20 foot euro-nymphing leader with 4X-5X fluorocarbon tippet. Use as point fly in a two-fly rig with a smaller nymph or perdigon as dropper. No indicator needed for euro-nymphing presentations. Adjust weight based on water depth and current speed.
Visibility & Floatation
The 3.0mm tungsten bead provides quick sink rate to reach feeding zones in 2-4 feet of water rapidly. The bright yellow thorax offers excellent visibility to fish while the gold wire body creates subtle flash. The jig hook design ensures the fly rides inverted, keeping the hook point away from snags while maintaining natural drift characteristics.
