• Hook: TMC 2006, sz 6-8
• Thread: Rusty Orange 6/0, Fire Orange UTC 70
• Underbody and Egg Sack: 2mm black foam
• Rib: Brown hackle, clipped
• Abdomen: Orange DMC embroidery yarn
• Wing: Elk mane
• Thorax: Grizzly-dyed-orange hackle, clipped underneath 

     I have to be honest and acknowledge that the Salmon-ator is nothing more than a rebuild of Randall Kaufman's famous Stimulator --hence the name. However, it's the elements that make up this rebuild --the foam egg sack, low riding profile, thicker, longer wing, and small head-that give the fly its success. The Salmon-ator was designed to imitate the large Pteronarcys californica stonefly found on rivers throughout the Rocky Mountains , the Salmonfly or Giant Black Stone. Salmonflies are big, clumsy insects that cause quite a commotion when they hit the water. Also, due to their mass, these insects ride very low, unlike most of the heavily hackled flies used to imitate them. The Salmon-ator will ride close to the water due to its clipped hackle and heavy wing yet refuses to sink because of the foam underbody, making it the perfect fly for both heavy riffles and calmer pools. Stick a few Salmon-ators in your box in preparation for summer. Even if you never encounter a hatch, at least it will give you a respite from tying size 24 midges!

Directions

1. Cut a piece of black 2mm foam 2” long and 3/16” wide.
2. Start your thread at the 1/3 point on the hook shank.
3. Secure the foam on top of the shank and wrap to the hook point in an open spiral.
   
   
   
4. Fold the foam over, leaving a “tag” end about 3/16” long, forming the egg sack.
   
   
   
5. Spiral your thread back to the starting point, securing the foam along the way to ensure a smooth, even underbody.
6. Spiral your thread back to the rear of the fly and tie in the brown hackle and orange yarn.
7. Spiral your thread forward to where the foam ends, keeping the underbody even and neat.
8. Wrap the yarn forward and tie off.
9. Wrap the hackle forward and tie off.
   
   
   
10. Whip finish or half-hitch the thread twice.
11. Trim the brown hackle to around 1/8 of an inch.
12. Select a clump of elk mane and clip, cutting close to the hide.
13. Hold the majority of the hair about ¼” from the tips and use a comb to pull out and discard the short hairs.
14. Repeat step 13 until you have enough hair needed to tie in the wing.
15. Stack the hair, making sure to pound the stacker with enough force to even the tips.
16. Measure the wing so that it extends 1/4” to 1/2” past the end of the body.
17. Secure the hair to the top of the shank with a series of wraps, beginning with 1-2 loose wraps and gradually tightening until the wing is secure
18. Select two grizzly-dyed-orange hackle feathers and tie them in at the rear of the thorax, just ahead of the wing.
19. Whip finish the Rusty Orange thread, start the Fire Orange thread, and cover the entire thorax area with the Fire Orange thread.
20. Wrap the thread forward to within 1 eye-width of the front of the hook.
21. Wrap both hackle feathers forward and tie off.
22. Form a small head with the Fire Orange thread, whip finish, and cement.
23. Clip the grizzly dyed orange hackle flat on bottom, "thorax-dry" style so the fly sits flush on the water

Tying Notes

    The abdomen is DMC brand embroidery yarn found at almost any craft or sewing store. The thread does not have an official color name, but it can be found by its number (#946) located on the tag. If you cannot find this particular brand, look for a dark/rusty orange yarn or use a brown Prismacolor marker to darken a lighter orange yarn and you will have a suitable substitute.

    Also, the only fly shop I know of that stocks elk mane on a regular basis is Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone, Montana. Since I live only 20 minutes from Blue Ribbon I have the luxury of going in and being able to hand pick the best pieces, but they will be more than happy to take your order over the phone and select pieces for you. If you choose to order by phone, tell them you want a patch with minimal broken tips and a nice rusty-brown color. You should also be able to order an elk mane patch from your local fly shop if they don't carry the material.