Capt. Ken’s Green Drake Emerger – Eastern Green & Brown Drake Fly

Capt. Ken’s Green Drake Emerger is a large, proven guide fly developed by Ken Tutalo specifically for the major Green Drake and Brown Drake hatches of the Catskill and Upper Delaware rivers. It combines excellent flotation with a low-riding emerger profile, creating the appearance of a large mayfly trapped and struggling in the surface film.

Description

This is a Baxter House Outfitters custom pattern developed by owner and professional guide Ken Tutalo. It is one of those big guide flies that earns its place in the fly box when large mayflies are on the water.

Although designed as a Green Drake Emerger, this pattern works equally well during both Green Drake and Brown Drake hatches.

The fly floats extremely well but sits down into the surface film rather than riding high like a conventional dry fly. This combination creates a distinctive, vulnerable profile that stands out during heavy insect activity and gives trout an appealing target when they are feeding on emerging or struggling drakes.

The large profile also makes this an excellent searching fly for blind fishing riffles and pocket water during and after Green Drake activity.

How to Fish It

The Green Drake Emerger is versatile enough to fish during an active hatch or as a searching pattern.

• During Green Drake and Brown Drake hatches: Fish it through feeding lanes when trout are targeting large emerging mayflies.

• Blind fishing: Cover riffles, pocket water, and broken current where larger trout may be holding.

• After the hatch: Continue fishing it around likely holding water when trout remain interested in large mayfly food sources.

• Presentation: Use a natural drift and allow the fly to sit in the surface film. Its buoyancy helps keep it fishing effectively in broken water.

Details

• Pattern: Capt. Ken’s Green Drake Emerger

• Designer: Ken Tutalo

• Imitation: Eastern Green Drake and Brown Drake emergers

• Size: #8 only – Large

• Profile: Floats high in the surface film while maintaining a low-riding emerger presentation

• Availability: Limited supply

Important Availability Note

This pattern is produced in limited quantities because of its Snowshoe Hare wing material. Quality Snowshoe Hare fibers suitable for this larger pattern can be difficult to source, and the fly requires substantial amounts of the material. Supplies may vary depending on material availability.

Capt. Ken’s Guide Tips

Don't overlook this fly when the big drakes are finished for the day. Large trout often continue looking for substantial food sources around riffles, pocket water, and current seams.

I particularly like this pattern when prospecting water where I expect larger fish to hold. Its combination of flotation and a low-riding profile makes it useful in water where a traditional high-floating dry fly may not provide the same presentation. Keep a few in your box during Green Drake and Brown Drake season—you'll be glad you have them when the big bugs show up.

Why Choose Capt. Ken’s Custom Flies?

Capt. Ken’s Custom Flies offers a carefully selected collection of fishing flies chosen for their effectiveness on the water. Our selection includes innovative local patterns and proven standards, drawing on the experience of professional fly fishing guides who pursue game fish in both freshwater and saltwater.

Since 2000, our focus has been on providing anglers with effective, quality fishing flies selected through real-world fishing experience.