Dry FliesYellow Sally Stimulator

The Yellow Sally Stimulator is an excellent dry fly pattern that imitates the Yellow Sally Stonefly. Its high-floating design and vibrant color make it effective during stonefly hatches.

Season
Summer
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout
Yellow Sally Stimulator - Image source: The Feather Bender
Image source: The Feather Bender

Overview

A dry fly version of the Stimulator tied in yellow or pale yellow to imitate the Yellow Sally stonefly. Features a segmented body (dubbing or floss), palmered hackle, elk or deer hair tail and wing. Great for summer pocket water.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout
Moving Water
Summer
Imitates: Yellow Sally Stonefly
Variant of: Stimulator

Materials

Hook: 3X-long natural-bend hook (e.g. Dai-Riki 270), size 14

Thread: Olive, 6/0
Egg sac: Bright orange rabbit-fur dubbing
Rib: Fine gold wire
Abdomen: Bright yellow rabbit-fur dubbing
Rear hackle: Yellow hackle
Wing: Bleached elk hair, cleaned and stacked
Front hackle: Cree or grizzly hackle
Thorax: Bright yellow rabbit-fur dubbing

Fishing Tips

Season

Summer

Presentation

Dead drift

When to Use

During a Yellow Sally Stonefly hatch

Water Type

Most effective in moving water

Rigging Suggestions

Can be used as a single dry fly or as the top fly in a dry-dropper setup

Visibility & Floatation

The vibrant yellow body and high-floating design make this fly highly visible on the water's surface.

Additional Videos