Green Weenie

This pattern is part of the J. Stockard Flybrary, our organised collection of fly recipes. Browse our full collection of recipes and find something new to tie!

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Materials needed 3

Tying difficulty Easy

Target species trout, panfish, bass

Tied by the Trusty Rusty Fly Company
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Originally designed by George Harvey—one of the godfathers of Pennsylvania fly fishing—the Green Weenie is a fly that’s earned legendary status, especially in the Eastern U.S. Harvey mentioned the pattern in his book Memories, Patterns, and Tactics, and over time it’s proven to be far more than a novelty.

Tied here by the Trusty Rusty Fly Company, this simple pattern imitates everything from inchworms to caddis larvae, depending on how and where it’s fished. The color alone can trigger aggressive takes, especially in late spring and early summer when terrestrials start falling into the water.

The Green Weenie is most often dead-drifted with the current like a nymph, and works beautifully in small streams and larger rivers alike. It’s also surprisingly effective for panfish and warmwater species. Fast to tie, easy to fish, and consistent in its results—this is a staple for any fly box.