Stonefly Madness on the Copper River

The stonefly hatch is in full swing on our local Copper River this week.  Towards the end of June the stoneflies begin to migrate from the bottom of the river towards the banks to hatch as adults.  These big bugs provide some of the most exciting dry fly fishing of the season.  

Madam X dry fly and a nice rainbow

Some of our guests will try to time this hatch during their stay at Rainbow River Lodge.  But year to year this hatch will vary from the middle of June to the first week in July.  Typically the water temps will dictate when the stoneflies begin to hatch into adults.  Having warmer water temps in the lower river the hatch will start low and work its way upstream.  The stonefly hatch is short lived, maybe stretching over a 10-12 day period.  

Stonefly shuck

The stones in the Copper River range from a size 8-10.  They have a brownish hue and are very clumsy on the water.  While fishing these big bugs the only thing you need to focus on is getting your fly on the water.  You can dead drift, skate, fish it drowned, or even add a slight twitch during your drift to trigger these big rainbow trout to explode on you imitation.

Female stonefly with egg sack

We are very fortunate to have the Copper River out our back door.  The Copper is a unique fishery with a very healthy insect population.  Caddis, mayflies, midges, and stoneflies all help sustain these rainbows throughout the summer months.   A quick jet boat across the lake and within minutes you are on
Alaska's first designated fly fishing only stream filled with wild rainbow trout.

Adult Stonefly

Stonefly Nymph

 Simulator Chew Toy dry fly

Hummer Skawla dry fly