Skwala Stonefly Patterns

Skwala flies are an olive-colored stonefly that spends 2–3 years as a nymph before hatching. In Missoula, this hatch usually starts in mid-March and runs into early April. It’s the first major hatch of the season and marks the true start of spring fly fishing.

Some of the best dry fly fishing of the year happens during this time. Fish feed aggressively on both nymphs and adults, so it’s smart to carry a variety of Skwala fly patterns in sizes #12 to #8. The water is often clear, and trout can get picky—having the right fly matters.

The Missoulian Angler has been outfitting anglers for the Skwala hatch since the 1980s. Over the years, we’ve developed a few patterns you won’t find anywhere else—available only at our shop.

Check out our favorite Skwala Flies below.

Best Skwala Fly Patterns

Rogue Skwala

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The Rogue Stonefly combines a low floating profile with the ability to float well, a rare combination. Low floating during the Skwala hatch is important, and the Rogue Stone fits that perfectly. Our Missoula guides find this fly most effective through the hatch, and capable of floating a small dropper as well.

Fly Tying Material List

Hook: 2XL Nymph Hook Size 8-12
Thread: Dk. Olive Uni 136 D
Body: 3mm Closed Cell Olive Foam
First Underwing: Gray Web Wing glued to the Closed Cell Body
Underwing: Dyed Brown Elk Body Hair
Head: Black dyed Deer Body Hair, bullet style
Legs: Black Span flex
Indicator: Fl. Pink Antron

Olive Plan B

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The Plan B has garnered its following because it seems to work when nothing else will, hence the name. Many of our guides will cut the body hackle flush with the hook shank so the fly floats lower, and lands upright more often. The Plan B is buoyant enough to float a dropper very well, and the two tone indicators make the Plan B easily seen.

Fly Tying Material List

Hook: 3XL Size 8-12
Thread: Olive 6/0 Danville Flymaster (70D)
Tail: Orange Antron under Red Krystal Flash Under Black Krystal Flash
Egg Sac: Sparkle Dark Olive Dubbing
Body: 2mm Tan Foam, cut to shape
Rear Legs: Brown Span Flex
Rear indicator: 2mm Yellow Foam
Body Hackle: Dyed Olive Grizzly
Body: Sparkle Dark Olive Dubbing
Front Legs: Brown Span Flex
Front Indicator: 2mm Orange Foam

Peacock Speckled Double Bead Stonefly

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This fly combines the fish catching appeal of peacock with the additional weight of two beads to combine for a fish catching machine when the skwala nymphs are staging. We run this fly from size 8-12, starting with the larger flies earlier in the season and progressively getting smaller as the hatch continues.

Fly Tying Material List

Hook: 3XL Curved Shank Hook Size 8-12
Beads: 2 Gold Beads
Thread: Dark Olive 6/0 Danville
Tail: Peacock Swords
Rib: Clear V-Rib Fine
Abdomen: Peacock Herl
Gills: Tan Goose Biots
Wing Case: Mottled Turkey Tail, coated with thick UV Resin at the end
Thorax: Peacock Herl
Rubberlegs: Speckled Olive Sexi Floss
Antennae: Tan Goose Biots

Pat’s Rubberlegs

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It’s a bit counterintuitive to reach for a brown fly to match an olive insect, but the Brown Rubberlegs has proven itself spring after spring in Missoula Montana. Quick to tie, we prefer the standard Rubber Legs as it doesn’t sink as quickly as it’s Jig counterpart, which helps as the nymphs stage in the shallow water of Missoula’s Spring fishing.