Lake Effect Blue Stone

Some of the most effective steelhead flies are also the simplest. This pattern combines the fish-catching qualities of an egg fly with the profile and triggering characteristics of a stonefly-style nymph, creating a versatile fly that has earned a permanent place in my steelhead box.

While blue is often thought of as a winter steelhead color, I’ve had tremendous success fishing blue patterns throughout the Fall months of November and December, long before true Winter conditions arrive. It’s a color that many anglers overlook, but one that can be incredibly effective under the right conditions.

In this video, I tie my go-to version and discuss how I’ve refined the pattern over years of fishing. My “meat and potatoes” sizes are 8, 10, and 12, although the pattern can be adapted in countless ways. Change the tail material, add rubber legs, swap in goose biots, alter the body colors or experiment with different bead combinations—the possibilities are nearly endless.

When it comes to egg patterns, I always recommend carrying a full range of colors. Orange, peach, red, chartreuse, blue, apricot, butter rum, root beer, tan, and brown all have their place. As eggs age and change color in the system, those less common shades can sometimes outfish the standard colors by a wide margin.

This isn’t a revolutionary pattern. It’s my take on a style of fly that has been around for years, modified through time on the water and confidence gained from fish caught. It has become one of my most reliable steelhead patterns and I’m happy to share it with fellow steelhead anglers.

Materials:
• Hook: Daiichi 1120 size 8
• Bead: Black nickel bead 5/32”
• Tail: Black Pheasant Tail
• Body: Hareline Dubbing Krystal Flasj Chenille Steele Blue
• Rib: UTC Vinyl Rib, Nymph, Black
• Thread: UTC 70 Black

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What would be your favorite color for this pattern?
Leave a comment below and on June 15, 2026 I will pick a random winner of a dozen of these flies!