Midge Flies

Here in eastern WA, we are having a wet winter (some snow = not so extreme, lots of rain, and some bad fog). I'd say it's a mild winter. Nobody here in eastern WA wants to recall the last brutal winter. So as the very new year has come, I feel happy and positive already. Since my mind-set is like that, I also feel "fishy" already for this year. Past two years, I didn't go out fishing till March. Why this year? Besides two reasons above, it's because of flies I have just tied. Since my tying level has got to a certain point (well, I catch trout with my own ties and I buy flies only when I fish with a guide or learn new patterns) and these days I don't snag or tangle much, this winter, I could focus on one category = midges. As I mentioned before, this book is quite an effort. I had to tie several patterns from here. I chose what I want to and need to tie.

Then talking about midges, I know one of the best places to experiment midge patterns right here in eastern WA without going to the blizzard of Montana, Rocky Ford Creek in Ephrata. Oh, yes, scud patterns and San Juan Worm will do most of the time, but I came to like fishing these fat triploids with tiny midge patterns with 6X. Also, some sight-fishing can be expected. Whether I use a Thingamabobber or not, oftentimes, I set the hook to a tiny twitch on my leader/tippet. I don't consider all of these as technical (because I always manage to catch some at here whatsoever!) but I really think the subtlety in RFC is one of a kind: stalking and eye-to-eye situation. Also experimenting these midge patterns will be a great asset at sprign creeks in Livingston, that I am planning to get out in spring.

OK, here's the list of midge patterns that I'd love to tie on!! All came from the book above. I'll go from bottom to top, i.e., larva, pupa, emerger, and adult/cluster.

Thread Body Larva in cream: this is the simplest tie I've ever seen, yet very fishy!! It's done by thread and cement (to coat the body). Notice the segmantation/ribbing done by twisted thread. I tied in red too.

Miracle Midge: this was introduced to me at Yellowstone Angler when I first visited Armstrong's spring creek. I found it in this book also.

Disco Midge: it's tied with red flashbou & peacock herl. I really like its whole style; silhouette, simplicity, and right amount of flash.

Blood Midge Pupa: another simple tie, done by thread and zelon.

Rojo Midge: sounds like a very popular pattern in Colorado or there about. Combination of materials and color and its proportion look just right. Very fishy!!

Zebra Midge in black: since this is beadhead, it is more likely used in freestone waters like Madison. Indeed I have already known this. I didn't know exact materials to make it right.

CDC Emerger: this is another simple tie. I believe this is what midges would look like in a surface film.


Griffith's Gnat Emerger: a Blur Ribbon Flies' creation. It seems to be a concoction of their own Zelon Midge and the famous Griffith's Gnat. Right on the spot!!

Hi-Vis Griffith's Gnat: I hadn't thought about that Griffith's gnat could be visible till I read the book. This itself will be a great fly but also it can be an indicator fly when tandemed with less visible patterns on the surface or larva/pupa patterns in the water.

Hi-Vis Midge: same goes for this pattern.

I have tied these in size 20 and 22 with occasional 18.

I intend to go to Rocky Ford on 6th. That's why I am posting today. On the night of 5th, let me sleep.......

Hopefully I can catch the first and second ones for this year and more, I wish!

I am sure I can. I do carry several scuds and San Juan Worms for sure!! (pictures omitted)