Petite
For starters, I chose a dry fly hook with a light wire gauge. Second, I kept the foam deck a little on the slender side, knowing that it would support the light wire hook.
Gentle but fierce
The front and rear hackles make this fly very light and easy to cast in conjunction with the foam deck, making it ideal for accurate shots along grassy banks or near overhanging branches.
Impressionistic yet based in reality
There are three different types of flies—realistic flies that are so accurate, you might think they are the natural insect but are better for an art display, not on the end of your tippet. Then, semi-realistic fly patterns take a realistic art quality fly but make it a fishable version. Lastly, there are Impressionistic flies which are described as "buggy." These capture the essence or spirit of an insect. I'd classify RIO's Emma's Stone in between Impressionistic and semi-realistic. The tails, wing, and two-tone body colors are somewhat realistic, but the feathers, flash, and legs give the impression of movement and life.
Fun to be around
Let's face it if we're out on the water throwing stonefly dries; we're having a good time.