Brig's Tiny Turtle Drake

Growing up in Eastern Idaho, Green Drakes have always been my absolute favorite bugs. There’s nothing quite like turning over river rocks and spotting those Godzilla-sized Green Drake nymphs clinging to the bottom. They don't just look incredible—fish absolutely crush them because they offer a much bigger, meatier target than your average nymph.

I’ve been dialing in this specific pattern for years. The original version was much more slender, but after fishing it hard and comparing it side-by-side with the naturals, I realized it needed a significantly beefier profile to match the real deal. Now, I fish this fly year-round on any river lucky enough to hold Green Drakes.

• Hook: Fulling Mill 5045 Jig Force Barbless Hook - 12
• Hook (Alternate): Umpqua XC400BL-BN - 12
• Bead: Fulling Mill Slotted Tungsten Beads - Old Gold - 3.8 mm
• Bead (Alternate): Hanak Metallic+ Slotted Tungsten Beads - Rouge Gold - 4.0mm
• Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed Thread - 6/0 Bulk Spool - Pale Olive
• Thread (Alternate): Semperfli Classic Waxed Thread - 6/0 Bulk Spool - Medium Olive
• Tail: Ringneck Pheasant Tail - Olive
• Tail (Alternate): Nature's Spirit Ringneck Pheasant Center Tails - Olive
• Body 1: Dirty Bug Yarn - Dirty Dark Olive
• Rib: UTC Ultra Wire - Medium - Sculpin Olive
• Body 1 (Alternate): Dirty Bug Yarn - Dark Olive
• Rib (Alternate): Semperfli Tying Wire - 0.3 - March Brown
• Ecdysial Line: Fulling Mill Flex-Floss - Fl. White
• Ecdysial Line (Alternate): Fulling Mill Flex-Floss - Fl. Peach
• Legs: Fulling Mill Flex-Floss - BWO
• Legs (Alternate): Barred Sexi Floss - Medium - Olive
• Thorax: Fulling Mill Tactical Microflash Dub - Bronze Peacock
• Thorax (Alternate): Fulling Mill Tactical Microflash Dub UV - UV Dark Brown
• Wing Case: Fulling Mill Scud Skin - Micro 3mm - Brown
• Wing Case (Alternate): Fulling Mill Scud Skin - Micro 3mm - Olive Brown
• Resin: Loon UV Clear Fly Finish - Thin (1/2 oz)