#136 - Horny Stoneroller

Tied by: Darren MacEachern
Originated by: Darren MacEachern

Hook: 3907b #2
Thread: White
Tail: Orange then brown hackle fibers
Body: Gold Axxel flash
Belly: White bucktail
Throat: Orange hackle fiber
Wing: 2 olive hackles flanked by brown hackles
Shoulder: Copper pheasant (or ringneck substitute)
Eyes: Jungle cock
Head: Black

Notes: I first got interested in the idea of designing this pattern when I found the central stoneroller minnow (Campostoma anomalum) listed in Don Wilson's "Northeastern Baitfish ...and their fly patterns". The stoneroller is also known as the horny head and so I chose the name based both on the names the minnow is known for and the fact the fly was tied using spawning colors. Copper pheasant was used in the shoulder, but a similar feather from ringneck pheasants may be found used. I used photographs as reference for their spawning colors. While there are some local populations in nearby rivers, I'm more optimistic with the streamer being trolled.

If you are looking for a copy of Don's book, you can contact Christine Wilson - Adventures in Angling
Attn: Christine D. Wilson 84 Main Street
Newfields, NH 03856-0322
Phone: 603-772-5009
Fax: 603-772-7028
Email: cmdwilson@comcast.net