Green (Manuka) Beetles

Appearing in prolific numbers in mid summer, anyone who has spent any time in the High Country will be familiar with these small Metallic green beetles. They swarm in manuka bushes on hot sunny still days throughout December and January often being blown onto lakes and rivers by afternoon winds where they are sometimes so numerous they will cling together in small 'rafts'.  This can lead to some great dry fly fishing opportunities with fish seemingly 'vacuuming' them off the surface.

The key to a good green beetle imitation is having the fly sit low in the water, the bright green color doesn't seem to be all that important, probably because the fish only see it if the beetle is upside down. Underneath the beetle is a rusty brown color, and most good beetle flies incorporate this in the pattern.

My favorite Green Beetle fly is a black foam beetle with a red/brown hackle. I have found that black foam seems to work better than green, probably because it gives a better silhouette. It certainly sits nice and low in the water, and the soft hackle moves just like the struggling beetle.

Favored Beetle Flies

 

Cochy Bondhu

Foam Beetle

Green Beetle - Deer Hair

Green Beetle-Foam

Humpy-Green