The Stimulator is a dry fly popularized by angler, fly tyer and author Randall Kaufmann to imitate large adult stoneflies.
Origin The Stimulator pattern is a derivative of earlier stonefly patterns—the Improved Sofa Pillow (1940s) and Yellow-bellied Mattress Trasher (1970s). Many anglers believe the name Stimulator was given to the pattern by Jim Slattery, a Montana angler who renamed his Fluttering Stonefly pattern. Others contend the pattern was derived from the Trude style dry flies developed in 1903. However, the pattern was clearly popularized and promoted by Randall Kaufmann, a fly shop owner, angler and author in Seattle, WA and Portland, OR in the 1980s.
Imitates Originally tied to imitate large stoneflies, the Stimulator is also useful to imitate adult caddis, grasshoppers and large mayflies.
Materials Source: Hook: 3X Long Curved Dry Fly Size 6-18 Thread: 6/0 or 140 denier matching color to pattern Tail: Elk, Deer or Moose hair Body: Dry fly dubbing matching color to pattern Ribbing: Short dry fly hackle palmered, typically grizzly or brown Wing: Deer or Elk hair Thorax: Dry fly dubbing matching color to pattern Hackle: Dry fly hackle, typically grizzly or brown
Variations As described in Fly Patterns--Tie Thousands of Flies (2008), Randall and Mary Kaufmann Crystal Stimulator (Black, Gold, Green, Orange Peacock, Pearl, Royal Cerise, Tan, Yellow) Kaufmann's Stimulator (Green, Orange, Yellow) Kaufmann's Stimulator RL (Rubber Legs), (Gray, Lime, Orange, Pearl, Royal, Tan, Yellow)
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