Little Black Stonefly
Capnia spp., Taeniopteryx spp.
Description
Little Black Stoneflies (Capnia and Taeniopteryx) are the first reliable dry fly hatch of the year. Often emerging while snow is still on the banks (hence "Snowflies"), these small stones provide excellent surface action on sunny winter and early spring days. They mimic black ants in size and silhouette.
Life Cycle Stages
Nymph
Recommended Fly Patterns
Emergence
Adult
Recommended Fly Patterns
Habitat
They inhabit medium to large freestone rivers with cobblestone bottoms. Unlike many insects that go dormant in winter, these nymphs remain active in the icy water, crawling along the bottom structure in riffles and runs.
Behavior
Availability depends on the sun. On warm winter afternoons, adults become active and females return to the water to lay eggs. They run across the surface film rather than flying gracefully, triggering aggressive strikes from winter-weary trout.
Fishing Information
Seasonality February through April.
Tactics
- Nymphing: Fish small black stonefly nymphs in the deep slow runs near riffles.
- Dries: Look for fish rising in the afternoon warming trend. Skitter a small black dry fly.
Conservation Status
Stable populations. They require well-oxygenated, cold water but are widely distributed.
