Hot Pattern for Winter Midges!

[MadisonBoats]

Subject: Midge Emerger Pattern *YouTube video Link

Just thought I would share this pattern again for those that are interested and for those that enjoy fishing dries and emergers. This pattern works great during the winter midge hatches. Just change your colors to match the hatch if you want to be more specific. However; black works very well most of the time.

• Be sure and coat with some type of floatant gel/grease before wetting the fly.
  • Then, coat your tippet with Gink (Wet) sinking gel to ensure the tippet sinks.
• Follow up intermittently by drying the fly with dissect-ant powder to maintain a good float.
• Don't be afraid to cast right in to a rise with this fly.
• Use slight bumps to entice takes.

Pattern Tying Instructional:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xgtPhBQahM

[Trico]

What sizes are you tying this in? I tried this pattern sometime ago but was disappointed with the results. Like many other flies I thought it would be just the ticket for trout sipping on midges. I always thought maybe I tied it too large. I was using about a size 18 or 20. I never got around to tying some size 24 or 26. Thanks

[MadisonBoats]

Actually, I tie it in large patterns (#14-16). The key is to get the trout to hit it out of instinct rather than focusing on presentation alone. Remember to give it a little action...

Also; I prefer to use nymph hooks and I put a scud bend in the hook with pliers. I like to shape the hook to suit the pattern.

This pattern worked very well at sunset last night. I could not keep them off of it.

[cockeye valdez]

I like the looks of the bug M.B. I want to clarify one ingredient, is the copper wire 'brasie' wire ?

[MadisonBoats]

Originally Posted by cockeye valdez

I like the looks of the bug M.B. I want to clarify one ingredient, is the copper wire 'brasie' wire ?

CV-I am not sure what you are asking...I think you want to know if it is wire designed specifically for tying brassie patterns(?) Not sure about that...

Any wire will work.

However; I like to

• focus the weight/center of gravity on the gape of the hook so that the fly pierces the surface film easily;*(I often use nymph hooks)
  
• but, catches on the hackle wings,
  
• and is supported (floats) by the foam.

Note: the pattern imitation is not the key point.
*The key is fly "utility" design and dynamic presentation.

[77punk]

Originally Posted by cockeye valdez

I like the looks of the bug M.B. I want to clarify one ingredient, is the copper wire 'brasie' wire ?

i use brassie size wire on my midge patterns

[cockeye valdez]

a cripple based on your description M.B. I was asking whether the wire is brassie wire, 77 answered that. I use a 102 Y hook when I tie cripples. I like that hook, and it floats with the gape in the water.
Another question, would you tie it without a tail. If you're objective is to drift with only the hackle above the film, seems like no tail would work.
I fished the clinch Saturday, the midge hatch was minimal and zebras worked sparingly. I have not mastered your pattern so I couldn't give it a try. I'll continue to work on it. Rainy days are perfect for tying, unless you're chained to a desk as I am.
c.v.