The Green Damsel Nymph is a high-confidence fly for targeting cruising trout in the stillwaters of the Eastern Sierra during the peak of the summer hatch. With its lifelike olive-green body and subtle movement, this pattern imitates the juvenile stage of the damselfly—an abundant, protein-rich prey item that trout hunt aggressively in lakes like Crowley, Convict, and Silver Lake.
This fly comes into its own when damsels are migrating toward shore to emerge, typically from late spring through midsummer. The green hue closely matches the natural coloration of live nymphs in clear Sierra waters, and its slender profile with soft tail fibers adds realistic motion during a slow retrieve.
Best presented with an intermediate line or floating line and long leader, the Green Damsel works wonders when fished slowly along drop-offs, weed lines, or shoreline flats—anywhere trout might ambush moving prey.