Green Drake Fly

The Green Drake is one of the most iconic and anticipated mayfly imitations in fly fishing, designed to match the large, impressive mayflies that hatch on fast rivers in late spring and early summer. These insects—most famously Ephemera danica and related species—produce some of the season’s most dramatic hatches, with big trout rising eagerly to feed.
The pattern’s extended body creates a lifelike silhouette of a large mayfly, while its fuller wing structure provides excellent flotation, allowing it to ride confidently in everything from smooth glides to moderately heavy water. Because Green Drakes are among the largest mayflies trout encounter, a well‑tied imitation often draws bold, unmistakable takes.
Whether you’re fishing classic Western rivers in May and June or late‑summer hatches on waters like Oregon’s Metolius, the Green Drake remains a proven, high‑confidence pattern whenever these big mayflies are on the move.