Creative fly tyer, Mike Mercer, is generally credited with creating the
“Poxyback” style of artificial fly. Mr. Mercer will tell you, however,
that “the Poxyback style came to me from the genius of others.” In
fact, Mercer has credited three other accomplished fly anglers and
tyers, Andy Burk, Rich Henry, and Hal Janssen, with providing the
inspiration to work with epoxy on nymphs.
Mercer’s Poxyback Little Yellow Stone
is a fantastic imitation of the common and widespread Little Yellow
Stonefly (Perlodidae Isoperla) in its mature nymph life stage. Mercer
designed this fly with realism and trout-enticing movement in mind;
it’s got sparse legs, a slender copper-ribbed body, long tails and
antennae, and its cleverly epoxied wing pads offer a striking
underwater realism that feeding trout just can’t ignore!
Specifications:
- This fly pattern was developed in the late 1980s by creative fly tyer Mike Mercer
- Part of Mike Mercer’s Poxyback series of fly patterns, inspired by ideas and tying techniques of Andy Burk, Hal Janssen, and Rich Henry
- Little yellow stonefly imitation in the mature nymph life stage
- Use as either an impressionistic searching fly or as a realistic imitation when matching the hatch
- Drift the fly through different water types; faster riffles and shallower water near the banks of a river with moderate to slow currents are the most productive water types for this fly
- Little yellow stonefly nymphs are available to trout all year long in trout water throughout North America
- Most prolific hatches occur during warmer months (June – August)
- Hatches occur consistently and with long duration throughout the daylight hours
- Strikes on little yellow stoneflies are often far from subtle because trout must often be prepared to rip these strong crawlers from their rocky homes
- When approaching a shallow water environment with a stonefly nymph, be extremely careful not to spook happily feeding trout
- SIZE 16
When and Where to Fish Mercer’s Poxyback Little Yellow Stonefly
This
relatively small stonefly nymph can be fished as either an
impressionistic fly pattern when searching for trout or as a realistic
imitation when matching the hatch. When searching, fish this fly in
riffles, well defined current seams, areas below faster currents, and
near exposed rocky structure and streamside vegetation. Shallow water
near the river bank will also be productive when fishing a little
yellow stonefly hatch, so be sure to survey the scene thoroughly.
Little yellow stoneflies are available to trout all year long but are
most active during the warmer spring and summer months (June – August).
These stoneflies are active throughout the day in cool, well-oxygenated
water, and are commonly found anywhere trout thrive. These nymphs do
not possess strong swimming ability and are often swept into the main
current’s drift – look for these floating specimens in the main drift
as well as shallower, less energetic water near sheltered areas. Prior
to and during emergence, an angler will easily spot these nymphs
crawling from the rocky depths to the shallower water along the river
bank and eventually to the surface of exposed rocks and vegetation to
shed their shucks and hatch into winged adults.
How to Fish Mercer’s Poxyback Little Yellow Stonefly
Fish
this fly in a variety of water types; because of their aggressive and
migratory feeding nature, strong crawling ability, and widespread
proliferation in all kinds of trout water, just about anywhere within a
healthy aquatic ecosystem can be prime real estate for little yellow
stonefly nymphs. Despite their strength as crawling or “creeping”
nymphs, little yellow stoneflies will often be carried away by stronger
currents. These poor swimmers are unable to fight the power of the main
drift and will ride the wave until the energy decreases and they are
deposited back onto the safety of the river bottom. When these nymphs
are caught in the drift, they are quite vulnerable to feeding trout and
will quickly meet their match. A popular strategy is to fish these
patterns on a dead drift right through the main current – drifting a
little yellow stonefly nymph through faster riffles, current seams, and
the slower water just below these areas can yield excellent results.
Stonefly nymphs emerge after crawling to the safety of the shoreline
rather than shedding their nymphal shucks in the water’s surface film
like mayflies. This pre- and during-emergence behavior renders
shallower streamside water quite productive just prior to and during a
little yellow stonefly emergence and hatch. Always be sure to cast far
enough upstream to allow your little yellow stonefly nymph time to
sink; this species spends most of its life as a nymph in the lower
portions of the water column. Little yellow stoneflies, often referred
to as “Yellow Sallies,” can make themselves available throughout the
day all year long, but are most prevalent during the warmer months of
June through August. Trout prey on them hungrily and voraciously, so
don’t be surprised when you feel an aggressive take – set the hook
confidently and with care if you happen to be fishing with lighter
leaders and tippet material!
Mercer's Poxyback Little Yellow Stonefly
Creative
fly tyer, Mike Mercer, is generally credited with creating the
“Poxyback” style of artificial fly. Mr. Mercer will tell you, however,
that “the Poxyback style came to me from the genius of others.” In
fact, Mercer has credited three other accomplished fly anglers and
tyers, Andy Burk, Rich Henry, and Hal Janssen, with providing the
inspiration to work with epoxy on nymphs.
Regardless of who
gave the idea its first breath, the use of epoxy in both beaded and
non-beaded nymphs and wet fly patterns to imitate the particular dark
wetness and shine that develops along the backs and wing pads of mature
nymphs has become quite popular among the world’s fly tyers and fly
fishers in recent years.
Mercer’s Poxyback Little Yellow Stone
is a fantastic imitation of the common and widespread Little Yellow
Stonefly (Perlodidae Isoperla) in its mature nymph life stage. Mercer
designed this fly with realism and trout-enticing movement in mind;
it’s got sparse legs, a slender copper-ribbed body, long tails and
antennae, and its cleverly epoxied wing pads offer a striking
underwater realism that feeding trout just can’t ignore!
When and Where to Fish Mercer’s Poxyback Little Yellow Stonefly
This
relatively small stonefly nymph can be fished as either an
impressionistic fly pattern when searching for trout or as a realistic
imitation when matching the hatch. When searching, fish this fly in
riffles, well defined current seams, areas below faster currents, and
near exposed rocky structure and streamside vegetation. Shallow water
near the river bank will also be productive when fishing a little
yellow stonefly hatch, so be sure to survey the scene thoroughly.
Little yellow stoneflies are available to trout all year long but are
most active during the warmer spring and summer months (June – August).
These stoneflies are active throughout the day in cool, well-oxygenated
water, and are commonly found anywhere trout thrive. These nymphs do
not possess strong swimming ability and are often swept into the main
current’s drift – look for these floating specimens in the main drift
as well as shallower, less energetic water near sheltered areas. Prior
to and during emergence, an angler will easily spot these nymphs
crawling from the rocky depths to the shallower water along the river
bank and eventually to the surface of exposed rocks and vegetation to
shed their shucks and hatch into winged adults.
How to Fish Mercer’s Poxyback Little Yellow Stonefly
Fish
this fly in a variety of water types; because of their aggressive and
migratory feeding nature, strong crawling ability, and widespread
proliferation in all kinds of trout water, just about anywhere within a
healthy aquatic ecosystem can be prime real estate for little yellow
stonefly nymphs. Despite their strength as crawling or “creeping”
nymphs, little yellow stoneflies will often be carried away by stronger
currents. These poor swimmers are unable to fight the power of the main
drift and will ride the wave until the energy decreases and they are
deposited back onto the safety of the river bottom. When these nymphs
are caught in the drift, they are quite vulnerable to feeding trout and
will quickly meet their match. A popular strategy is to fish these
patterns on a dead drift right through the main current – drifting a
little yellow stonefly nymph through faster riffles, current seams, and
the slower water just below these areas can yield excellent results.
Stonefly nymphs emerge after crawling to the safety of the shoreline
rather than shedding their nymphal shucks in the water’s surface film
like mayflies. This pre- and during-emergence behavior renders
shallower streamside water quite productive just prior to and during a
little yellow stonefly emergence and hatch. Always be sure to cast far
enough upstream to allow your little yellow stonefly nymph time to
sink; this species spends most of its life as a nymph in the lower
portions of the water column. Little yellow stoneflies, often referred
to as “Yellow Sallies,” can make themselves available throughout the
day all year long, but are most prevalent during the warmer months of
June through August. Trout prey on them hungrily and voraciously, so
don’t be surprised when you feel an aggressive take – set the hook
confidently and with care if you happen to be fishing with lighter
leaders and tippet material!
Summary
- This fly pattern was developed in the late 1980s by creative fly tyer Mike Mercer
-
Part of Mike Mercer’s Poxyback series of fly patterns, inspired by
ideas and tying techniques of Andy Burk, Hal Janssen, and Rich Henry
- Little yellow stonefly imitation in the mature nymph life stage
- Use as either an impressionistic searching fly or as a realistic imitation when matching the hatch
-
Drift the fly through different water types; faster riffles and
shallower water near the banks of a river with moderate to slow
currents are the most productive water types for this fly
- Little yellow stonefly nymphs are available to trout all year long in trout water throughout North America
- Most prolific hatches occur during warmer months (June – August)
- Hatches occur consistently and with long duration throughout the daylight hours
-
Strikes on little yellow stoneflies are often far from subtle because
trout must often be prepared to rip these strong crawlers from their
rocky homes
- When approaching a shallow water environment with a stonefly nymph, be extremely careful not to spook happily feeding trout
Little Yellow Stonefly
Little
yellow stoneflies (or “Yellow Sallies”) are relatively small stoneflies
that occur with great regularity and in large numbers in trout waters
throughout North America. These pale yellow to light brown crawling
nymphs are widely distributed throughout rivers and streams, and this
broad distribution makes the species and important staple of any North
American trout’s seasonal diet. During the larval stage, which commonly
lasts about 1 year, little yellow stoneflies spend the balance of their
time using their slender, but strong legs, and low center of gravity to
crawl or “creep” about the rocky bottoms of small to large rivers and
spring creeks with moderate to fast flow rates. As nymphs, little
yellow stoneflies display long and slender tails and antennae and can
sometimes display complex patterns along their pale yellow to brown
backs. As winged adults, these insects take on a creamy yellow or milky
straw color and boast the flat wings common to all adult stoneflies.
The little yellow stonefly follows the life stages of a typical
stonefly life cycle and hatches across North America with great
availability throughout the year with more prolific hatches occurring
during the warmer months of June through August.
Little Yellow Stonefly Nymph Life Stage
During
its nymph life stage, these crawlers are most commonly found in the
medium to fast water of riffles and higher energy current seams. Prior
to and during a hatch, these relatively small and slender nymphs can
also be found in low energy backwaters, eddys, and other shallow
streamside environments, especially as emergence approaches. Little
yellow stonefly nymphs thrive among the cool, well-oxygenated water of
rocky riffles and these nymphs are most vulnerable to trout when they
are either swept up by strong currents or when they leave their rocky
homes to hatch into winged adults from the safety of the shoreline.
Their swimming ability is quite weak and these nymphs expose themselves
by making adventurous crawling trips away from safety just before
emergence and subsequent on-land hatching. Little yellow stoneflies are
an important hatch on many rivers in North America. These easily
distinguishable nymphs can become available to trout throughout the
waters of North America on a year-round basis and commonly hatch from
morning to evening hours.
About the Tyer: Mike Mercer
Mike
Mercer is a self-proclaimed “hopeless fly fishing junkie with an
incurable addiction to the vise.” Such honest and direct words are not
surprising from Mr. Mercer, a fly angler and tyer known for his
innovative uses of fly tying materials and creative fly designs. In
fact, it wouldn’t be off the mark to say his fly patterns actually
reflect both his honesty and directness.
Mercer has been fishing
all his life, but catching his first smallmouth bass on a fly rod blew
open the proverbial gates, sending him deep into the fly fishing world.
With the help of his grandfather’s old pickup truck, Mercer explored
the fantastic trout water of California’s rich wilderness areas. With
his youthful enthusiasm for traveling with a fly rod, he actually
opened a fly shop of his own. At Mike Mercer’s Rod and Fly (doubling as
the basement of his parents’ house) a fly fisher could find a selection
of custom fly rods, fly fishing and fly tying magazines, and Mike
himself, behind the vise, whipping up box loads of custom flies.
As
a fly fishing guide, writer, travel consultant, and creative fly tyer,
Mercer has been able to form a unique perspective on the sport and
share it with other fly anglers across the world. His fly designs have
appeared in magazine, in books, and with the help of Umpqua Feather
Merchants, anglers across the globe have been able to fish a Mike
Mercer creation hard and with great success in waters near and far.
Mercer’s
designs often hinge on an idea that “seems obvious” but from a design
perspective, these are often the very best kinds of ideas. Mercer
continues to create great flies and is a tremendous resource to the fly
fishing and fly tying community.
Leland on Umpqua
In
1972 a man named Dennis Black and his fly tying skills found themselves
in high demand. Mr. Black, then a professional production fly tyer, was
famous in the industry for his unsurpassed skill and speed with
whipping up tremendously beautiful and precisely constructed flies. It
wasn’t long until this young fly tying superstar realized that he ought
to take his consistent approach to quality to the next level. Shortly
after this realization, a small army of fly tyers had banded together
to support Mr. Black’s vision. With the likes of Dave Whitlock, Jack
Dennis, and Andy Puyans, Mr. Black was officially in business.
Dennis
Black’s new company Umpqua Feather Merchants quickly extended its reach
and fly production capabilities with expansion into India, Sri Lanka,
and Thailand, where the world’s first and full blown “fly tying
factories” were built. Since those early days, only the highest
standard of excellence has marked Umpqua and this commitment to quality
and efficiency continues to spur the company forward. Dennis Black’s
innovative vision for “fly production” has truly revolutionized how the
fly industry operates and has ultimately made the majority of
production flies better. From the first “royalty system” for rewarding
the most creative professional fly tyers to streamlining production
systems and offering a range of other products, Umpqua Feather
Merchants just seems to “do it all.”
Today, Umpqua Feather
Merchants is without a doubt the world’s best and most prolific
supplier of hand tied fly fishing flies as well as fly tying hooks and
materials, and they recently got better! Umpqua’s brand new, state of
the art headquarters in Louisville, Colorado marks another paradigm
shift in the way fly tying business is done. From its vast warehouse to
its specially designed inventory management and tracking system, Umpqua
is poised to continue its energetic trajectory and lead the way for the
next generation of flies and fly tyers.
Umpqua on Umpqua
"As
you may or may not know, we're the largest producer of quality
hand-tied flies in the world. We also make available through your local
fly shop a wide array of the finest fly-tying hackle and Tiemco hooks.
At
Umpqua we offer everything the angler needs to a have a first class
fishing experience. (Everything that is, but the water and the fish.)"
Umpqua on Dennis Black and the “Obvious Quest”
“The
idea first took shape in the hands of our founder, Dennis Black, back
in 1972. As a fast and facile professional fly tyer, Dennis was known
for his skill and speed at producing hundreds of dozens of flies each
year for the larger mail order houses. But he was also quick to realize
how fast the demand for excellent flies would outstrip the abilities of
cottage industry types like him.
The Obvious Quest: To create
excellent flies in sufficient supply – without sinking his standards.
In response, Dennis developed (with characteristic care) a methodical
plan: First, he enlisted the tying expertise of the likes of Dave
Whitlock, Jack Dennis, Andy Puyans and others, to help him set the
standard of excellence for Umpqua flies.
Next, Dennis
established the first of what would eventually be five separate
fly-tying “factories,” first in India, then in Sri Lanka, and finally
in Thailand. The primary focus at each of these factories was on
producing the very best fishing flies possible, constructed of the very
best materials available. From the beginning, the quantity of flies
produced was secondary to the quality and excellence of each fly
pattern. These high standards were assured by the personal involvement
of the fly designers themselves, and by the ever-increasing skill,
imagination and creativity of the Umpqua production fly tiers. Today,
you will find no flies more skillfully tied than those available from
Umpqua Feather Merchants.
Finally, Dennis created a system of
royalty payments, to reward professional tyers like Whitlock, Lefty
Kreh, Randall Kaufman, Larry Dahlberg, and Bob Popovics for uniquely
good patterns.
The Result: Today, Umpqua produces umpteen
thousand dozen flies, from micro-scopic midge imitations to the huge
patterns favored by marlin and sailfish. And the "Umpquality" – you’ll
see for yourself.”