How to Tie a Busted Stone

Producer: Richard Strolis

Rich Strolis demonstrates how to tie his Busted Stone pattern, which he notes will work just about anywhere fish feed on stoneflies.

Hook: TMC 2302, Size 10-4
Thread: UTC 140 Color to Match
Underbody: Hare-Tron Dub
Over-Body: 2mm Foam
Underwing: Z-Lon, Poly Yarn, or Any Synthetic.
Over-Wing: Deer Hair
Legs: Medium Round Rubber
Head: Foam

“The busted stone came to fruition as a result of a recent trip to Montana where the fish were looking up for larger stoneflies. I wanted a flush-riding fly that could do dual-purpose as a fluttering stone or one that had gotten knocked off the edges into the water, but it needed to ride flush and float for long periods of time, even in heavy chop. The other prerequisite was that it could be tied in less than 5 minutes. This is what I came up with after researching dozens of patterns and it has not only proven itself out West but also up here in the Northeast on various rivers and streams. In a pinch it can be used as a quick hopper imitation as well.”