Green Drake Comparadun 02/08/2026 Photo Album
A second style of western green drake dry fly that I tie is the comparadun. Here is one of my early posts on the comparadun style of green drake. This narrative goes into great detail about my technique for splitting microfibbet tails, but I have since reverted to long moose mane fibers. The moose mane seems to float the comparadun that is void of hackle better than the microfibbets, and more importantly, the trout seem to favor the long dark tails as well.
Size 14 GD ComparadunI also attempt to make a very full fan wing on my comparaduns. My theory is that the comparadun style shines after lunch when the naturals appear because the large dark wing triggers a response akin to the large fluttering wing of the naturals.
Nice Large Fan Wing – Trout Key on the Big Wing
I generally begin my day during prime green drake hatch season with a parachute green drake, and sometimes that is all I need. But I have also experienced days when the trout begin to refuse the parachute, and in these instances I shift to the comparadun, and quite often the low riding comparadun with the long tail and full wing does the trick. The muted colors of the comparadun make it difficult to track, but under the proper lighting conditions and because of its substantial size, I can generally pick it up.
Looking CloserI counted my supply of green drake comparaduns and concluded that my stock was adequate. I found one unraveling version, so I repaired it, and I am prepared for the 2026 green drake season.