Best Green Drake Fly Patterns

Green Drake Cripple

This low floating cripple has an active marabou body that simulates the size of the Green Drake perfectly. Only apply floatant to the hackle and wing for the best results. Because the Green Drake has such a strange emergence, there are a lot of cripples. This fly mimics that phase very well.

Fly Tying Material List

  • Hook: Standard Dry Fly Hook Size 10-12
  • Thread:  Olive 70D Danville Flymaster
  • Tail:  Olive Marabou  Fibers
  • Abdomen:  Olive Marabou Fibers Twisted and Wrapped as a body
  • Thorax:  Olive Dubbing
  • Wingcase/Wing: Natural Elk Body Hair
  • Hackle:  Olive Dyed Grizzly

Green Drake Hairwing

This high floating fly is a favorite on the Blackfoot River and Rock Creek. It’s easy to see and floats in the bouncy water. When tying this fly, more hair is better than less, for the buoyancy. This fly also benefits from Hareline’s Watershed, or Fly-Agra used at the fly tying bench. Pre-dipping a fly in liquid floatant and allowing it to dry really improves the floatability of that fly.

Fly Tying Material List

  • Hook;  Standard Dry Fly Size 10-12
  • Thread: 136D Uni Thread Olive
  • Tail:  Moose Body hair, split
  • Rib:  Brown Floss
  • Body:  Pale Green Dubbing
  • Wing:  Natural Deer Body Hair

Carnage Green Drake

The extended body on the Carnage Green Drake gives a realistic imitation of this big mayfly. The foam body and bulky wing provide excellent flotation for this fly, while the Krystal Flash legs give a large profile with minimal bulk. This fly works everywhere from flat water to moderately heavy.

Fly Tying Material List

  • Hook:  2XS Dry Fly Hook size 12-14
  • Thread: Olive 70D Danville Flymaster
  • Tail:  Moose Body Hair
  • Body: .5mm White Foam wrapped and colored with Olive Magic Marker
  • Wing Post:  Mixed Brown and Gray Widow’s Web
  • Legs: 3 Strands Black Krystal Flash
  • Thorax:   Mixed Olive and Brown Dubbing
  • Hackle:  Grizzly dyed Olive

Prince Nymph

It’s been said the Prince is the nymphal form of the Royal Wulff, but it’s also a great Green Drake nymph. The chunky peacock herl body is a great silhouette for the larger dark body, while the White Wings are like a beacon to the trout. This fly has been working for a long time- it still does today.

Fly Tying Material List

  • Hook:  Standard 1XL Nymph Hook Size 8-10
  • Bead:  Gold Bead to match hook size
  • Thread:  Black 6/0 Danville Fly Master (70D)
  • Tails:  Two Brown Goose Biots
  • Rib:  Gold Oval Tinsel
  • Body:  Peacock herl
  • Hackle:  Brown Hen
  • Wings:  White Goose Biots

Tungsten Salvation Nymph Emerald

We love using a curved shank nymph, and the Salvation Nymph provides a good silhouette. The bulbous wingcase is a great strike trigger, while the bright emerald dubbing helps the trout find your offering. Oh yeah, tungsten makes it sink in the faster, higher water.

Fly Tying Material List

  • Hook: 2XH, 2XS Curved Shank Nymph Hook Size 8-10
  • Bead:  Gold Plummeting Tungsten Bead to match hook size
  • Thread:  Black 6/0 Danville Flymaster (70D)
  • Tail:  Pheasant tail Fibers
  • Rib: Copper Wire
  • Abdomen Overback:  Light Olive Scud Back
  • Abdomen:  Emerald Lite Brite
  • Wingcase:  Single Strand Pearlescent Flash-A-Bou over Brown Thin Skin. Coated
  • Rubber Legs:  Small Black Spqanflex
  • Thorax:  Black Lite Brite

Additional Green Drake Resources

Missoula Montana Guided Fly Fishing Trip

Come enjoy a day on the river with Missoula’s best fly fishing guides. We float the Bitterroot River, Blackfoot River and the Clark Fork River. All gear, lunch and transportation provided.

Montana Guided Fly Fishing Float Trip