Fly of The Week: Little Green Machine

The Little Green Machine has become one of the staples of tailwater fisheries where Baetis, also called blue-winged olives, are prevalent. Originally tied and designed by Vince Wilcox, and commercially produced by Umpqua, the Little Green Machine offers a very thin profile for a mayfly nymph. That’s important when fishing in clear water to choosy fish because the bodies of the naturals are also very thin. The fish see that similarity, figure your fly is an actual insect, and make the mistake.The Machine’s body is tied with a thin tubing material called micro-tubing. This material allows for that thin profile, which is this fly’s secret to success. The Machine’s thorax is flashy, a combination of ice dub encased by tinsel, with white wings jutting out on either side. We start fishing this fly during spring, as soon as we see midge clusters forming on the surface, or right before a BWO hatch. Although this pattern excels during the BWO hatch, it’s productive nearly all summer long and into fall when the BWO’s make their way back to the surface.

Right now, right in time to kick off the spring midge and olive season, we’ve listed the Machine at a price you can’t resist. If you are going to fish tailwaters this spring, or if you fish freestones where midge and BWO’s come off, do yourself a favor and pack a half dozen or more of these Machines with you. You’ll find them to be a very productive match for a couple of key spring bugs.