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The stimulator fly and some versions called the
sofa pillow are dry flies that float very well and attract
big trout. They come in various colors and all sizes from
4 to 16. These flies are used to imitate the stone fly,
but the smaller versions can pass for the caddis fly.
Color
and Sizes
In Argentina and Chile we use
the big stimulator tied in sizes 4-6 and in body colors
burnt orange or yellow. I first saw stimulator fly used
on the Limay River in Argentina in 1985 by a group of Americans
who came to fly fish, but just dry fly fishing.
This fly proved itself very well during their trip. Unfortunately,
they ran short of flies before the week was out and it was
noticeable how they missed having that fly on hand. They
had both colors mentioned above, but the burnt orange seemed
to be the one preferred by the trout.
Fishing
the Fly
Since that first appearance, we have continued to use this
fly or versions of it with very good success. It is cast
with a dry line and can be swung across big river currents
or drifted along. I like to use it on the lakes around big
cliff edges where the rock formations go right down into
the deep water. The big brown and rainbow trout have a tendency
to hold up there, especially the browns. The trout like
these places because it gives them a dark ledge to hide
under and yet they can see what is up on the surface.
As you drift or row the lake you present this big fly as
if it fell off a rock or overhanging tree. You have to be
a reasonable distance away from the rock edge or tree so
that the fish does not see the boat. Make a good presentation
when you cast and let it set on the water awhile as the
fish might be hunting this section or he might be studying
your fly getting ready to shoot up and take it.
Where
to Fish the Stimulator
I like to think that fish are in some ways like cats. They
get all wound up first, getting that big tail moving, then
lock on to the target, accelerate and your fly is gone. Another
place to use this fly is around logs that might be partly
under water. Trout can hide under these and it is known
that the stone fly nymph crawls out and up on rocks, logs,
etc. to make the change from nymph to a natural fly with
four wings. Some of them are so big that they fall in the
water at times and become easy prey for the waiting fish.
The
Rio Puelo, Argentina/Chile
On the Rio Puelo we have a very exciting caddis hatch during
the evening in summer and along with this the big stone
flies are making their way across the river. Their flight
seems difficult, with their big bodies fluttering up and
down. Occasionally, a stone fly lands on the water and is
easily engulfed by a large rainbow or brown trout.
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