NymphGreen Lantern
The Green Lantern is a highly productive Alaskan pattern designed specifically for targeting sockeye salmon. Its chartreuse flashabou body and cactus chenille thorax create a bright, flashy profile that triggers strikes from migrating sockeyes. The nickel bead adds weight and a subtle flash point at the head.
Summer
Beginner
Sockeye Salmon
Overview
The Green Lantern has earned a reputation as one of the most productive sockeye salmon patterns in Alaska. Its simple construction with minimal materials makes it quick to tie in quantity, which is ideal given the aggressive takes and frequent fly loss typical of sockeye fishing. The counterwrapped thread rib adds durability to the flashabou body, helping the fly survive multiple fish.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Mustad 1197NS, size #6
Bead: 4mm Living Eyes earth color
Thread: Chartreuse Flymaster Plus
Tail: #6962 Flashabou (chartreuse dyed on pearl), short
Rear Body: #6962 Flashabou, wrapped over rear 2/3 of shank
Rib: Chartreuse Flymaster Plus, counterwrapped over rear body
Front Body: Chartreuse cactus chenille (large)
Fishing Tips
Season
Targeted specifically for the sockeye salmon runs, typically from late June through August depending on the river system. Peak effectiveness coincides with the height of the sockeye migration.
Presentation
Cast upstream and across, allowing the fly to dead drift through holding water. Sockeyes often respond to flies that pass close to their face at the right depth. A slow swing at the end of the drift can trigger strikes from fish that tracked the fly during the dead drift.
When to Use
Best when sockeyes are staging in rivers during their spawning migration. Effective in clear to moderately stained water where the chartreuse color is visible. Fish during all light conditions, as sockeyes feed opportunistically.
Water Type
Runs, slots, and pools where sockeye salmon hold during migration. Particularly effective in moderate-depth water of 3–5 feet with steady current. Works well in Alaska's clear-water sockeye streams.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 6–8 weight rod with a floating or sink-tip line depending on depth. Use 1X–3X tippet, 7–9 feet of leader. Add split shot above the fly if needed to reach holding depth. A strike indicator can help detect the sometimes subtle takes.
Visibility & Floatation
The nickel bead sinks the fly at a moderate rate, reaching the feeding zone in 3–5 feet of water. The chartreuse flashabou and cactus chenille provide excellent visibility in clear water. The flash from the body material catches light and attracts attention from distance.
