Fly Tying Inventory
Green Weenie
The quintessential simple fly—a bright chartreuse chenille worm that imitates inchworms and caddis larvae. Originated in Pennsylvania and became a staple across Eastern streams and beyond. Deadly effective from spring through fall, especially near trees where inchworms drop. One of the first flies every beginner should learn. Fish dead-drifted under an indicator or tight-line for consistent results on trout.
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Materials
Nymph or streamer hook, sizes 10-16 (TMC 5262 or similar)
Chartreuse or fluorescent green 6/0 or 70 denier
Fluorescent green or chartreuse ultra chenille (standard or micro)
Short loop of the same chenille for inchworm curl
Gold, brass, or black nickel bead for added weight
How to Tie the Green Weenie
- 1
Step 1
If using a bead, slide it onto the hook before mounting. Place hook in vise.
- 2
Step 2
Start chartreuse thread just behind the bead or eye. Create a smooth thread base down toward the bend.
- 3
Step 3
Cut a strip of chartreuse ultra chenille. Strip a short section of fibers to expose the core.
- 4
Step 4
Tie in the chenille at the bend. To form the signature tail loop, fold back about one-quarter to one-half inch of chenille and secure the base of the loop with thread wraps.
The loop tail mimics the natural curling posture of an inchworm. Some tiers skip this for a simpler version.
- 5
Step 5
Wrap the chenille forward in tight, touching turns up the hook shank to just behind the bead or eye.
- 6
Step 6
Tie off the chenille, trim excess, form a neat thread head, whip finish, and apply head cement.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAf4jTq3OJM
Credit: Traditional / Pennsylvania