Midge Help

[tennswede]

I've run out of my small midges 20 and smaller sizes. I was wondering what you experts do for build up of the bodies. I use beadheads and then I'll just build up a head. I've found that it takes a lot of winding of thread. Do any of you use any foundation like wire or something else? I'm worried abut getting the fly too heavy.Any suggestions?

[Hugh Hartsell]

Hi Hans,
Here are some thoughts for starters to build midge bodies. Try a base of thread as the underbody and then cover that with a couple of Pheasanttail barbs and wrap forward. Leave a short thorax space for peacock herl or dubbing, or something of your choosing.
Another is to use turkey tail feather barbs, Goose biots make an excellent midge body. Hares mask makes a great thorax to finish the fly. Very small midge sized ultra wire makes a good body with peacock herl for the thorax. It's a good idea to counter wrap with some type of ultra wire when using delicate feather barbs for the body.
You can use V-ribbing to make good looking blackfly pupas. The list goes on and on. I'm sure you get a ton of other good ideas.
Hugh

[tennswede]

Thanks for all the tips, I hadn't thought about using the barbs of turkey feathers. I'll try that next.

Thanks,

[billyspey]

wire bodys make a great midge such as copper with dubed black head.' black and silver and so on very effective.

[tennswede]

If I were to use a beadhead, will it be too heavy with the wire also?

[ChemEAngler]

Hans,
I just noticed your blog, very nice. I look forward to keeping up with your travels and ramblings.

[tennswede]

Thanks chemEAngler,

I will be doing some trips in October, got too much other stuff for a month and a half to deal with. I'll try to update with some other stuff in between.

[monktrout]

Hans, Hugh had some great ideas. Only a bit to add. Start your brassie with black thread, then wrap the wire so the black thread underneath can be seen. Nice segmentation. Finish off with a black head or peacock. I tie mine in sz 22. I also use a sz16 3xshort for midges. If using a bead I try not to use a downturned hook eye in small sizes. Also small BHPT or PT are hard to beat.
Sure Knots, Monk

[tennswede]

Thanks monktrout, yeah, I kind of like these little midges. They are easy to tie for a beginner like me.

[3wt]

Hans, you may have all the suggestions you need but what i do is very simple. I just use 210 denier flat waxed thread. Builds up very fast and makes flies last much longer!