The Green Machine is built on the chassis of a traditional pheasant tail nymph with added features that make it a workhorse attractor pattern. Although it was designed to imitate a mayfly, this fly is a chameleon of sorts and can pass as a caddis, smaller stonefly, a scud, and even a damselfly larva. 

A gold tungsten bead gets this fly down fast and the flashback and wire ribbing add attention-grabbing elements to an already buggy fly. The real magic comes from the generous CDC collar, which gives the Green Machine lifelike movement, while mimicking the air bubble that forms around emerging insects.

We fish this fly in rivers and creeks as well as high alpine and plains lakes. In stillwater scenarios, this is our favorite fly to tie 18-24” behind a weighted Little Leech, stripping both flies with frequent pauses to entice a more predatory eat.

Our favorite ways to fish it: 

• Nymphed under an indicator or as a dropper under a dry fly

• Stripped behind a Weighted Little Leech or Classic Bugger in high alpine and plains lakes

Type of Water: Rivers, Creeks, Stillwater, High Alpine Lakes 

Imitates: Mayfly, Caddis, Stonefly, Scud, Damselfly

Target Species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout

Insect Life Stage: Emerger

Pair it with: Crackleback Midge, Purple Reign