Hatch Guide · Plecoptera (Capniidae / Taeniopterygidae)

Early Black Stonefly

The Early Black Stonefly emerges on warm winter days in February and March, one of the first surface-feeding opportunities of the year.

Peak months: FebruaryMarch

Top fly patterns

No specific patterns listed for this hatch yet.

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Month-by-month activity

Number of rivers where the Early Black Stonefly hatch is active each month.

Jan
·
Feb
2 rivers
Mar
5 rivers
Apr
·
May
·
Jun
·
Jul ●
·
Aug
·
Sep
·
Oct
·
Nov
·
Dec
·

Rivers where Early Black Stonefly hatches

How to fish the Early Black Stonefly

Fish the afternoons on warm winter days. A small dark dry or soft-hackle wet. The window is short, 1 to 3pm on the warmest days.

Frequently asked

When does the Early Black Stonefly hatch?

Peak emergence: February, March. Timing varies by elevation, latitude, and water temperature.

What flies match the Early Black Stonefly hatch?

Match the specific stage: nymph, emerger, dun, and spinner all produce fish at different points in the hatch.

What rivers have a good Early Black Stonefly hatch?

Early Black Stonefly hatches are documented on 5 rivers including: Farmington River, Housatonic River, Deerfield River, Battenkill River, Beaverkill River.

How do I fish the Early Black Stonefly hatch?

Fish the afternoons on warm winter days. A small dark dry or soft-hackle wet. The window is short, 1 to 3pm on the warmest days.

What is the Early Black Stonefly?

The Early Black Stonefly emerges on warm winter days in February and March, one of the first surface-feeding opportunities of the year. Family: Plecoptera (Capniidae / Taeniopterygidae).

Related

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