Fly Highlight: the Hella Stoned Fly
The Birth of the Hella Stoned Fly
How one high-water day on the Yuba led to a trout-slaying stonefly pattern
Every so often, a fly pattern isn’t just tied at the vise — it’s born on the water.
The Hella Stoned Fly came to life one cold January afternoon on the Yuba River. The water was high, the current was ripping, and the winter skwalla hatch was in full swing. Trout were keyed in, but the usual suspects in my fly box were getting ignored like a telemarketer call.
So there I was, halfway between stubbornness and inspiration, standing in water that felt like liquid glacier, thinking:
“If I’m freezing my waders off out here, these fish better at least look at what I’m throwing.”
The idea sparked right there on the stream — a heavy, durable, buggy stonefly with just enough flash to turn a trout’s head. I went home that afternoon, tied up a handful of variations, and hit the river again the very next day. Out of all the test flies, one stood out, getting more eats than the rest. And so, with the satisfaction of a good fish in the net and a name only a NorCal angler could love, the Hella Stoned Fly was born.
Want to tie your own?
Check out the full step-by-step tying video below and add this fly to your box. Trust me — it’s hella worth it.
Hella Stoned Fly
Why it Works
The Hella Stoned Fly sinks like a rock (thank you, tungsten bead + lead wire) but still has movement in the legs and a subtle flash in the body. It’s versatile enough for Euro nymphing or under an indicator, and it’s been a killer not just on the Yuba, but anywhere stoneflies are on the menu.
Material List
Hook: Umpqua UC650BL-BN
Bead: 4.0mm slotted tungsten bead – Copper
Lead Wire: 0.20
Tail: Goose biot – Brown
Ribbing: Copper wire
Body: Turkey biot – Brown & Peacock herl
Thorax: Mirage tinsel – Opal & Hare’s ear dubbing – Natural
Legs: Flexi-Floss – Brown
Pro Tips:
Fishing the Hella Stoned Fly
1. High Water Conditions
This fly was born for heavy flows. Pair it with a second, smaller nymph for a two-fly rig. The Hella Stoned will get your rig down quickly, acting as your “anchor fly” and giving lighter flies a natural drift in the feeding lane.
2. Winter Skwalla Hatch
Fish it along soft seams and slow edges where trout slide in to grab an easy meal. In cold water, keep your drifts slower and tighter to structure.
3. Euro Nymphing
The tungsten bead and slim profile make it perfect for tight-line setups. Short, controlled drifts through pocket water will make this fly shine.
4. Indicator Nymphing
Run it under a small indicator with enough weight to keep it bouncing just above the bottom. Great for bigger rivers where long drifts are key.
5. Year-Round Appeal
Even outside of stonefly hatches, trout love big, buggy meals. Fish it any time you want to show them something worth the effort.
Ready to Fish It? Let’s Go Catch Some!
If you’re feeling that tug—yeah, that one deep in your gut—you’re not alone. Whether it’s a wild trout smacking a perfectly drifted nymph or a steelhead peeling line like it owns the river, the best stories start waist-deep in moving water… and sometimes with the right fly tied on.
Book a Trip – Bring the Hella Stoned Fly to life on the water. Chase trout, steelhead, or shad with me and feel the tug for yourself.
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Because every fly you tie is a choice—and when you understand what’s on the other end of your line, it matters even more.