Description

The B.h Poxyback Golden Stone represents an innovative evolution in stonefly nymph design, featuring a unique combination of a bead head and epoxy-coated back that creates a highly effective golden stonefly imitation. This specialized pattern, refined by Mike Mercer, incorporates turkey biots for a more realistic abdomen representation and includes wire legs for enhanced stability. The pattern has become a standard-bearer in nymph fishing, consistently producing results in demanding situations.

Design Features and Materials

• Premium 2X-long nymph hook (sizes 8-14)
• Brass or tungsten beadhead
• Turkey biots for realistic segmentation
• Epoxy-coated back for durability and flash
• Wire legs for stability and movement
• Golden-brown dubbing
• Realistic profile and proportions
• Enhanced movement characteristics
• Modern tying techniques
• Natural appearance and trigger points

Fishing Applications?Primary Uses:

• Fast-water nymphing
• Deep runs and pocket water
• Boulder-strewn streams
• Tailwaters
• Spring creeks
• Mountain streams
• Year-round effectiveness
• Search pattern capabilities
• Technical water situations
• Multiple species targeting

Presentation Methods:

• Dead drift with indicator
• Short-line nymphing
• Euro nymphing techniques
• Deep nymph rigs
• Double nymph setups
• Swing and drift combinations
• Structure targeting
• Seam fishing
• Pocket water presentation
• Depth control strategies

Seasonal Effectiveness?Spring:

• High water periods
• Pre-runoff fishing
• Early season success
• Post-winter feeding
• Natural stonefly activity
• Temperature transitions
• Migration patterns
• Spawning periods
• Weather changes
• Light condition adaptation

Summer:

• Early morning fishing
• Evening activity periods
• Deep pool targeting
• Fast water fishing
• Temperature considerations
• Oxygen level adaptation
• Light penetration factors
• Current seam fishing
• Structure targeting
• Pattern rotation

Fall:

• Pre-winter feeding
• Temperature drops
• Changed light conditions
• Migration patterns
• Aggressive takes
• Pattern visibility
• Location targeting
• Depth adjustments
• Feeding windows
• Weather adaptation

Winter:

• Deep water presentation
• Slow methodical drifts
• Temperature considerations
• Limited feeding windows
• Pattern visibility
• Holding water focus
• Oxygen rich areas
• Light penetration
• Cold water techniques
• Pattern size adaptation

Target Species and Behavior?Primary Species:

• Brown Trout
• Rainbow Trout
• Cutthroat Trout
• Brook Trout
• Steelhead
• Grayling
• Whitefish
• Opportunistic feeders

Behavioral Triggers:

• Natural feeding response
• Territorial reaction
• Competitive behavior
• Opportunistic strikes
• Pattern recognition
• Size selection
• Color response
• Movement triggers
• Depth preferences
• Seasonal patterns

Rigging and Presentation?Leader Setup:

• 9′ leaders for indicator fishing
• 3X-5X tippet selection
• Fluorocarbon options
• Loop-to-loop connections
• Euro nymphing leaders
• Competition setups
• Indicator systems
• Split shot placement
• Knot considerations
• Breaking strength factors

Presentation Techniques:

• Dead drift control
• Depth management
• Strike detection
• Drift angles
• Current reading
• Structure approach
• Pattern tracking
• Recovery methods
• Speed control
• Line management

Water Types and Conditions?Optimal Environments:

• Freestone rivers
• Tailwaters
• Mountain streams
• Spring creeks
• Boulder pockets
• Deep runs
• Fast riffles
• Current seams
• Drop-offs
• Structure areas

Water Conditions:

• Clear water
• Stained water
• High water
• Normal flows
• Low water
• Cold water
• Warm water
• Oxygenated areas
• Temperature variations
• Light conditions

Advanced Tactics and Specialized Techniques?High-Pressure Situations:

• Downsizing pattern in clear water
• Using lighter tippet presentations
• Implementing longer leaders
• Maintaining natural drifts
• Minimizing surface disturbance
• Reading micro-currents
• Targeting shadowed areas
• Timing presentations
• Adapting to fish behavior
• Managing line control

Challenging Conditions:

• High water adaptations
• Low water presentations
• Heavy current techniques
• Limited visibility tactics
• Wind-resistant casting
• Complex drift management
• Structure navigation
• Depth control in varying flows
• Pattern size adjustment
• Color variation selectionTechnical Approaches:
  • Micro-drag elimination techniques
  • Fine-tuned mending strategies
  • Leader design optimization
  • Precise weight balancing
  • Advanced indicator positioning
  • Strategic pattern spacing in multi-fly rigs
  • Critical strike detection refinement
  • Specialized retrieve variations

Professional Applications?Guide Usage:

• Client-friendly pattern
• Proven success rates
• Multiple techniques
• Teaching applications
• Confidence pattern
• Durability factors
• Hook-up ratio
• Pattern rotation
• Size selection
• Presentation options

Competition Use:

• Technical water success
• Pressure adaptation
• Quick changes
• Consistent performance
• Pattern variation
• Size options
• Color selection
• Depth control
• Presentation choices
• Result tracking

Care and Maintenance?Post-Fishing Care:

• Thorough drying
• Material inspection
• Hook point checking
• Epoxy examination
• Leg straightening
• Storage preparation
• Shape verification
• Performance testing
• Movement checking
• Replacement evaluation

Storage Requirements:

• Dry environment
• UV protection
• Compartment organization
• Regular inspection
• Moisture prevention
• Temperature control
• Light protection
• Ventilation
• Box management
• Inventory tracking