Gray & Green Drake

Gray Drake

Hooks - Single salmon

Thread - Black

Tail - Barred mallard barbs

Ribbing - Heavy black thread

Body - Dubbed with white lamb's wool

Wing - Gray squirrel tail tied over the body

Hackle - Grizzly tied on as a collar and tied back

Author's Note

This pattern and the Green Drake were used on a regular basis for late summer and fall runs of steelhead on the Trinity and Klamath rivers during the 1940s and 1950s. The wing on the Gray Drake originally called for silver monkey and when that was no longer available I believe most anglers reverted to other patterns. My father and I simply substituted California gray squirrel tail for the wing and had equal success. Later eastern gray squirrel was also found to be acceptable. The wing on the Green Drake called for black monkey; however, dyed black squirrel tail can always be substituted.

Fish Flies: The Encyclopedia of the Fly Tier's Art - Terry Hellekson

Green Drake

Hooks - Single salmon 

Thread - Black

Tail - Barred teal barb

Ribbing - Heavy black thread

Body - Dubbed with olive lamb's wool

Wing - Dyed black squirrel tail tied over the body

Hackle - Brown tied on as a collar and tied back