The Golden Stonefly is a large, yellow-and-brown stonefly with intricate dorsal patterning, common along rocky eastern streams in summer. Its nymphs are important clean-water indicators — abundant in unpolluted, well-oxygenated streams and absent from polluted ones. Fly fishers use stonefly patterns as some of the most effective artificial lures for trout.
Habitat
Fast, clean, rocky streams and rivers
Diet
Nymphs: aquatic invertebrates and insect larvae. Adults: algae and little else
How common
Common
Recent Golden Stonefly sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Golden Stonefly? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free