February Red

Taeniopteryx nebulosa    [ Home ] [ Up ]

Typical February Red fishing
February Red a.k.a. Taeniopteryx nebulosa. Prefers slow water with muddy bottoms and reedy edges.
In Finnish: Sumukorento, hankikorri
Hatches in Finland from early March until May, in Central Finland most insect emerge late March/early April.
Fishing can be fabulous or non-existent depending on the weather. Only about one year out of five has good fishing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February Red dunTaeniopteryx Dun
Hook: 12-10, 2X long (TMC 2302)
Thread: Red nylon 8/0
Rib:   Fine gold wire
Body:   Orange dubbing (Ligas Sparkle Rusty Amber)
Hackle:   Dark blue (or rusty or iron blue) dun, clipped on top to accommodate low wing
Wing: 1-2 gray mottled CDC feathers
Thorax/head: Dark black/orange dubbing (Scintilla Peacockle)
Collar: As body hackle, a few turns over the thorax area

 

Notes:

Yes, I know that stoneflies don't have a dun stage as mayflies do. However, freshly hatched adults do have several characteristics that are quite similar to newborn mayflies. They have different color both in wings and body and they are not very good at flying.

This is often the most productive imitation as newly hatched insects get easily blown into water or they just fall off from the edge of the ice.

The following pictures open to max 130 KB.

 

February Red nymph on snow Nymphs like this crawl to dry land or ice to hatch. Note the well developed wing buds.
February Red hatching on a reed Reeds are typical hatching surfaces. This is laborious process that can last several minutes.
February Red dun - note abnormal wings Just emerged insect showing typical deep amber color. Crimped wings are not that rare as flying is not necessary for breeding
February Red adult on snow A full adult after a few minutes from hatching marching towards the closest trees to feed.