Stoneflies, along with the usual midges and Baetis, will kick start the late winter/early spring feeding on the Ark. The usual early spring set-up for me is a stonefly/caddis larva or a caddis larva/baetis nymph. Some days even start with a stonefly/caddis/baetis nymph set-up. The fish will let me know what they are eating and I can remove one fly. If they continue to eat all three patterns, I keep fishing all three patterns. Make sure to use weight and get the flies down!
If you would like to make a trip down there with me, please contact Royal Gorge Anglers to set up a guide trip to show you how to fish this river in the early spring. I am really looking forward to fishing this river very soon as I think it is the most overlooked season. I'll post pictures!
