Dry FliesLittle Yellow Sally
The Little Yellow Sally is a classic dry fly pattern that imitates the small yellow stoneflies (Isoperla species) found in rivers and streams across North America. Featured in Don Kirk's "Hatches and Fly Patterns of the Great Smokey Mountains," this Stimulator-style pattern floats exceptionally well and remains highly visible on the water. A proven producer whenever these diminutive stoneflies are on the menu.
Spring, Summer
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Trident Fly Fishing tutorial demonstrates a traditional Yellow Sally pattern with excellent floatation characteristics. The red tag at the rear represents the egg sac carried by female stoneflies—a subtle detail that can make a difference to observant trout. The combination of yellow dubbing, bleached deer hair wing, and ginger hackle creates a high-floating profile similar to a Stimulator but sized appropriately for these smaller stoneflies. The pattern works as both an imitative fly during Yellow Sally hatches and an effective attractor in pocket water.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Daiichi 1270, size #14–#18
Thread: Danville 6/0, yellow
Tag: Danville 4-strand floss, red
Body: Antron Bright Steelhead dubbing, bright yellow
Wing: Bleached deer hair
Hackle: Whiting dry fly cape, ginger
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective from April through August depending on elevation. Peak activity occurs May through July at most elevations, with hatches extending later at higher altitudes where water remains cold.
Presentation
Dead drift with occasional subtle twitches to mimic the naturals. Yellow Sallys often skitter across the surface when egg-laying, so an occasional twitch can trigger aggressive strikes. Fish tight to banks and structure where stoneflies congregate.
When to Use
Best during Yellow Sally emergences or when you see these small yellow stoneflies crawling on streamside rocks and vegetation. Also effective as a searching pattern in pocket water throughout summer. When fish are feeding selectively on Yellow Sallys, this pattern delivers.
Water Type
Ideal for freestone streams, mountain rivers, and any moving water with rocky substrate where stoneflies thrive. Particularly effective in riffles, runs, and pocket water where the current keeps flies moving naturally.
Rigging Suggestions
Use 9-foot leaders tapered to 4X–5X tippet. Fish as a single dry or use as a dry-dropper indicator with a small nymph below. The deer hair wing provides excellent buoyancy for supporting droppers.
Visibility & Floatation
Outstanding floatation from the deer hair wing and palmered hackle. The bright yellow body and bleached wing provide excellent visibility to the angler. Apply floatant before fishing and reapply as needed during extended sessions.
