Fly Tying

Midges make up a huge portion of a trout's diet.  Often even during a caddis or mayfly hatch, trout will still key in on the tiny midge larva and midge flies.  I notice this often in winter when, except for the occasional Baetis hatch, midges are the only insects you are likely to see.  My two favorites midge fly nymph patterns are the Black Tiger Midge and this Red Zebra Midge.

Both are tied the same way except the black tiger midge has a copper bead head and ribbing - deadly in the Eastern Sierra!

I often fish this pattern in a size no larger than 18 and right on down to a 24.  Often, smaller is the key with these midges.  This fly will effectively imitate the midge in its larval and pupa stages.

Red Zebra Midge

HOOK:  Tiemco 3769 / Mustad 3906

THREAD:  Red

RIB:  small/fine gold wire (or narrow tinsel)

BODY:  Red Thread

HEAD:  Gold Bead

OPTIONAL: Flashback and/or tail 

Tie in your thread and wind back to the hook.  I like to tie my rib in so that the tag end actually goes in the back hole of the bead head to help secure the bead.  Wrap with even touchin wraps and keep the wire in position so that it is tied in straight along the hook.  You can build up a thread body if you want it thicker.  Before you wrap the rib forward, work the thread up and down the body one more time in even NON-touching wraps.  This will create small ridges to help prevent the rib from slipping.  Wrap the rib forward evenly 4-6 times.  Tie off and trim the excess.  Whip finish and add head cement.  It's a good idea to give a double coat of Sally Hanson's too.

NOTE:  There are many variations of this fly.  You can use glass, tungsten, or silver bead heads with silver tinsel.  I like having a small tail of flash to simulate the trailing shuck.  Be creative and find what the fish like.  You'll be thankful if you have a selection of colors in your box.

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