Fly Tying Inventory
Green Drake Dry
A large, dramatic dry fly imitating the Ephemera guttulata (Eastern Green Drake) mayfly — one of the most anticipated hatches in American trout fishing. The Green Drake hatch draws the largest, most selective trout to the surface, making this pattern essential for Eastern and Midwestern anglers. The olive-green body, prominent wings, and stiff hackle create the imposing silhouette that matches these large naturals. Multiple tyers have contributed variations over decades of use.
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Materials
2X long dry fly hook (TMC 100), sizes 8-12
Olive 8/0 (70 denier)
Moose body hair or wood duck flank fibers
Olive Superfine dry fly dubbing
Brown or yellow embroidery thread
Coastal deer hair (bleached or natural) or mallard flank feather
Cream, olive-dyed grizzly, or blue dun dry fly hackle
How to Tie the Green Drake Dry
- 1
Step 1
Mount hook and start olive thread, wrapping a base to the bend.
- 2
Step 2
Tie in moose body hair or wood duck fibers for the tail, slightly longer than shank.
- 3
Step 3
Optionally tie in ribbing material.
- 4
Step 4
Dub a robust, tapered body of olive dubbing forward to the wing position.
Green Drakes are large mayflies — don't be afraid of a full-bodied fly.
- 5
Step 5
If using rib, wrap forward in even spirals and tie off.
- 6
Step 6
Tie in a clump of deer hair or mallard flank as an upright wing.
The wing should be prominent and visible — these are big flies on big water.
- 7
Step 7
Wind hackle behind and in front of the wing, 4-5 turns.
- 8
Step 8
Build a small thread head, whip finish, and apply head cement.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvSrpY63Qec
Credit: Traditional pattern with contributions by many tyers including Ben Furimsky and Al Caucci