Midge Fly Fishing

Most of us consider midges to be a nuisance, but one group of people think they're great - anglers. In particular, fly fishers.

Midges and similar insects are frequently found around water and hence are frequently eaten by fish. Trout in particular feed on midge larvae for much of the winter. Once the midges move into their adult stage they are often taken from the surface of the water. Since they're so small, midges don't make much of a meal for a large fish but even they can be tempted. An artificial midge fly can therefore be an effective lure, especially when fishing for trout.

There are various forms of midge fly varying from pupa and larva imitations to adult midge imitations. Fly tying is as much as an art as a science, however some standard patterns have emerged. These include the Brassie, the Black Midge and the Zebra Midge.

Since midges are so small midge flies are used with very small hooks, normally from size 18 to 26. That can make them extremely difficult to tie.

External Links:
Midge Fly Patterns for the White River Tailwaters