Midges…Spring 2023

I had intended to have these Midge patterns up in the Fall of 2022. I  wasn’t able to get my ducks in a row to make it happen. So here they are because in most  tail waters, midges are always present. I would suggest to those who want to up their midge game to follow this link to Pat Dorsey’s Colorado Guide Flies, scroll down and read. This book contains a ton of midge patterns that will work almost anywhere. Several inspired the patterns I am posting…

Completed Midge Box….

MAMBA MIDGE…

HOOK: TMC 2488, #16-#20

THREAD: UTC Black, 70 Denier

RIB: Lagartun, Fine, Silver

WING: Krystal Flash, Pearl…coat fly with Hard As Hull or UV Resin of choice

Materials, Mamba Midge…

Midges are an important food source on the Lower Owens River in the Eastern Sierra…

SKINNY MIDGE… Wells / Variant

HOOK: TMC 2488, #16 – #20

THREAD: Body – Uni, Olive Dun –  * coat with Hard As Hull or UV Resin… Thorax Forward – Veevus 16/0, Black

RIB: Ultra Brite Floss, White

THORAX: UV2 Peacock, Natural

BEAD: Tungsten, Nickel, sized to hook

Materials, Skinny Midge…

White thread makes a excellent ribbing material for midge patterns. It remains white and lasts a lot longer from Trout teeth if coated with glue or resin…

BLACK RUBBER MIDGE…

HOOK: Daiichi 1120, #18 – #20

THREAD: Abdomen – UNI , Lt. Cahill…Head, Veevus 16/0, Black

BACK: Rainy’s Round Rubber Leg – Fine

WING: Zelon, White

Materials, Black Rubber Midge…

The above, $3.00 Bridge on the Madison River, MT, would be a perfect spot to use this pattern. Using rubber or silicone for the back, opens up almost endless possibilities for different colored variants of this pattern…I’ll be trying it out there with Michael, Miles and Cairo this coming September…

S.O.P MIDGE ( Silver, Olive, Peacock)…

HOOK: Gamakatsu C12-B, #18 – #20

THREAD: Danville #61, 6/0 Light Olive – Abdomen / TMC 16/0, Black Thorax Forward

RIB: Sybai Silver flat wire, Fine…

BEAD: Firehole Stone, Sterling Silver, sized to hook

HARD AS HULL: …or UV Resin to coat the abdomen for durability
Materials, S.O.P Midge…

After tying up a bunch of Perdigons, I found that many of the materials for abdomens and ribbing lend themselves to Midge Patterns. I will be incorporating more of these materials into standard nymph flies as I continue to experiment…

FIVE BRIDGES MIDGE…

HOOK: TMC 2488, #16 – #18

THREAD: Danville 6/0, #47 Tobacco Brown

RIB: UTC Silver, x-sm

WING: Mirage Opal Accent, 3 strands

BEAD: Hi-Lite Glass, Brown Metallic, small

Materials, Five Bridges Midge…

Wild Trout Section …

Below Five Bridges…

Five Bridges is located on the Lower Owens River, near Bishop, CA in the Eastern Sierra. It marks the end of the Wild Trout section of the Lower Owens River, where special regulations are in effect. No kill and barbless hooks – the game warden will run a cotton ball over where the barb was removed ( if the hook is not barbless ) and any residue left on the hook now costs $500.00 or more depending on attitude…The regulations do not apply below Five Bridges and the Trout are a lot larger…I have found the color Danville #47, Tobacco Brown to be effective almost everywhere in the West…I fish glass beads patterns as trailers, off a dry to imitate an emerging fly but most frequently about “3-6” off the bottom of the water column…

KRYSTAL MIDGE…Hyatt / Variant…

HOOK: Daiichi 1120, #18 – #20

THREAD: UTC 70 Denier, Black

RIB: Lagartun, Fine Gold Wire

WING: Krystal Flash, Pearl, 3 strands

THORAX: BRF Zelon Dubbing, Midge Black

BEAD: Killer Caddis Diamond Glass Bead, small

*Coat abdomen with Hard As Hull or UV Resin for durability

Materials, Krystal Midge…

An alternative to the ubiquitous Zebra Midge. Fish as trailer or just off the bottom…

TWO TONE MIDGE…

HOOK: Daiichi 1130, # 18 – #20

THREAD: UTC 70 Denier, Olive – Abdomen /  Head, Veevus 16/0 Black

OVER ABDOMEN: In spaced turns, Micro Tubing clear

• Swipe a black Sharpie over the tops of the spaced Micro Tubing

Materials, Two Tone Midge…

…another pattern that may be used in numerous colors. Use a seine net to kick up the bottom and observe the Midge Larva captured…

GREEN HORNET MIDGE…

HOOK: Daiichi 1130, #18 – #20

THREAD: Gudebrod, 8/0 Chartreuse

RIB: UTC x-sm Black Wire

BEAD: Killer Caddis Chartreuse, x-sm

Materials, Green Hornet Midge…

An attractor Midge, using up a bit of the 8/0 Gudebrod Chartreuse thread that I still use for midge patterns. There are plenty of places, particularly tail waters, where these will take good Trout…like here…

Between the Lakes, Madison River, MT…

BLACK AND BLUE MIDGE…

HOOK: Firehole 633 #18 – #20

THREAD: UTC 70 Denier, Black

RIB: UTC Gun Metal Blue wire, x-sm

WING: DNA Holofusion, White

BEAD: Firehole Sterling Silver, sized to hook

Materials, Black and Blue Midge…

One more midge in black that I would use on almost any tail water instead of a Black Zebra Midge…this pace comes to mind…East Walker River, Eastern Sierra…Midge patterns work all season long…

CREAM MIDGE…

HOOK: Daiichi 1130, #18-#22

THREAD: UTC White, for Abdomen / Veevus 16/0 Black Head

RIB: Lagartun Fine Copper wire

• Coat with Hard As Hull or UV Resin

Materials, Cream Midge…

I tie a lot of Cream Miles for use in the Eastern Sierra and some other place we frequent. One of the largest Brown Trout I have caught in the last fifteen years took a #20 Cream Midge on the East Walker River. Someone who is knowledgeable told me that there are as many as 8000 Cream Midge larva per. cubic square foot present, in that water, in the Spring…

TOBACCO MIDGE…

HOOK: TMC 2488, #18-#20

THREAD: Giorgio Benecchi 12/0 Tobacco thread 

RIB: Lagartun Fine Gold Wire

THORAX: Ice Dub UV Gray

BEAD: Killer Caddis Diamond bead small

• Coat abdomen with Hard as Hull or UV Resin

Materials, Tobacco Midge…

I usually fish glass bead heads ,without a wing, deep in the water column… about 3″-6″ off the bottom…

BIG MAC MIDGE…

HOOK: TMC 200R, #18 – #20

THREAD: Abdomen, Danville 6/0, #60 Olive / Thorax Forward – Veevus 16/0 Black

RIB: Spaced between Midge Tubing – Datam Glo-Brite Floss #3 Red

OVER ABDOMEN: Midge Tubing, Olive

THORAX: BRF  Zelon Midge Dubbing, Black

Materials, Big Mac Midge…

Right in here , with Michael and the boys, this September…yes, it can snow there at that time of the year above $3.00 Bridge, Madison River, MT…

RORO’S AMBER SIERRA KRYSTAL BH DIP…

HOOK: Daiichi 1130, #18-#20

THREAD: Lagartun 74 Denier, 8/0 Amber 

RIB: UTC Amber wire, SM

WING: Pearl Krystal Flash, 3 strands, long-ish

BEAD: Firehole Stone, flat Black

Materials RoRo’s Amber Sierra Krystal BH Dip…

RoRo…the Sierra Angler

CUPCAKE MIDGE…

HOOK: TMC 2488, #16 – #20

THREAD: TMC 16/0, Brown

RIB: Sybai, fine flat wire, Bright Pink

THORAX: Ice Dub, UV Pink

BEAD: KIller Caddis Glass Diamond Bead, small

• Coat abdomen with Hard As Hull or UV Resin for durability

Materials, CupCake Midge

…another black alternative to the common Zebra Midge…

PRIMROSE AND PEARL MIDGE…

HOOK: Firehole 633, #18-#20

THREAD: UTC 70 Denier, Yellow

ABDOMEN: KrystalFlash, Hot Yellow over working thread

RIB: UTC Fl. Yellow wire, sm

THORAX: Ice Dub Hot Yellow

BEAD: Copper Tungsten, sized to hook

Materials, Primrose and Pearl Midge…

Something snazzy to break up the doldrums here…Lower Owens River on a crisp Fall day in November…

PERIWINKLE MIDGE…

HOOK: Daiichi 1130, #18 – #20

THREAD: UTC 70 Denier, Olive , Abdomen / TMC 16/0 Black, Thorax Forward

RIB: UTC Wire, Black, x-sm

THORAX: Ice Dub, UV Lt. Olive

BEAD: Ruby Glass Bead x-sm

Materials, Periwinkle Midge…

Right in here…This Spring…when it’s running about 700cfs….work the edges…

MAMBA MIDGE…

HOOK: TMC 2488, #16 – #20

THREAD: UTC 70 Denier, Black -Abdomen / Head- Veevus 16/0, Black

RIB: UTC Gold wire Sm or x-sm

WING: Flashabou, Pearl – 3-4 strands – long-ish

Materials, Mamba Midge…

A flashy, black midge emerger to brighten things up when the water is a bit off color…

GREY REEFER MIDGE…

HOOK: Firehole 633, #16 – #20

THREAD: UTC 70 Denier, Dark Gray, Abdomen / THC 16/0 Black – Thorax Forward

RIB: UTC Hot Orange, SM

WING: Mini Flat Fly Braid, Pearl – picked out

THORAX: BRF Zelon dubbing, Midge Black

BEAD: Killer Caddis Purple Glass, SM

Materials, Grey Reefer Midge…

A variant on a North Platte Midge pattern that would work in most tail waters when grey toned emerges are about…

 

NEXT: Veteran’s Day Weekend, November 2022, with these guys…

 

 

PT/TB

 

 

 

 

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ZELON MIDGES…

These are the creations of Craig Matthew’s of Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone, MT. The interesting about Craig’s ( he is Mr. ZELON ) patterns is his attention to detail…and, I mean on the river, where it counts. By making a minor adjustment to this fly, he has adapted it to another midge that hatches in February on the Madison River. I am a believer in rigging one’s rod up – on the water. When I am sitting there, I may observe what is actually going on. Then, the thermometer comes out and I start rolling over rocks and, on occasion, use a mesh net to discover what is drifting in the water column…IT PAYS OFF…

CRAIG MATTHEW’S ZELON MIDGE

Like in this place…The Madison River, just above $3.00 Bridge…

CRAIG MATTHEW’S ZELON MIDGE

HOOK: TMC 2488, #20-#22

THREAD: Uni 8/0, Olive

SHUCK/TAIL: Dun Zelon

BODY: Tying thread

THORAX: Black rabbit and chopped Black Zelon -BRF has the mix

WING: Dun Zelon

This is the guy that takes fish during the coldest months on the Madison then:

“A Zelon Midge is my favorite adult-crippled midge pattern. I tie it in size 20 on a TMC 2488 hook. Most importantly though, for this time of year, I use a pheasant tail micro-zelon shuck, tiger beetle zelon dubbing, and a dark dun zelon wing. This is a dead ringer for midges on all Montana and Idaho midges emerging from Feb-April.”

From Craig Matthew’s Journal

CM’s ZELON MIDGE FOR FEBRUARY

$3.00 Bridge…the way I like it…no people…and, no snow yet…

Some inspection is in order to determine size/coloration changes in midges through the late Fall and Winter…wherever one fly fishes for Trout…FYI – I just noticed that MIDGE MAN is back up and running  as POUDRE CANYON CHRONICLES. He is preparing to re-post a LOAD of Midge patterns…Might want to BOOKMARK his SITE…lotsa’ good stuff be going on over there…

NEXT: A pattern from Yellowstone that has been Maulin’ ’em on the Madison and a Diving Female Baetis…

I have sent my R&D associate out to garner some EXPERT advice on the best winging material for that Baetis pattern…

She is seen here…in deep discourse with a “diving expert“…

PT/TB

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BARNEY, it AIN’T…

This is Charlie Craven’s Purple Jujubaetis, developed three years ago as an offshoot of the original Jujubaetis. Charlie’s flies –  JUST CATCH FISH… According to a great article Walter Wiese wrote for  Flyfishing & Tying Journal, “Charlie (Craven) suggests fishing the Purple Jujubaetis under gray skies or during rain and snow storms, in other words, when Baetis mayflies are most active”.

LIKE THIS:

This pattern was developed as an experiment, but after Charlie’s son tried it out on Colorado’s Blue and other Colorado rivers and received rave reviews, he started production tying them. It is suggested to fish this pattern in tandem with an imitative pattern. Charlie says this pattern usually wins out…

CRAVEN’S PURPLE JUJUBAETIS

HOOK: TMC 2488, # 16 – # 22

THREAD: (Abdomen)- 74 Denier White…I used Gordon Griffith 14/0 Sheer, White

THREAD: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0 Sheer, Black

TAIL: Mottled Brown India Hen neck fibers

ABDOMEN: Two strands purple and one strand Blue Super Hair, over tapered White thread underbody

WING CASE/ LEGS: Brown Fluro Fiber or similar synthetic

FLASHBACK: Medium Opal Mirage Tinsel

THORAX: Black thread

COATING: Five minute epoxy (optional)

* Note: I tie this pattern using Black Holo Tinsel for the Flashback and also with Black Midge, Krystal Flash for the Flashback and legs…

Here is Charlie Craven’s excellent tutorial for the Jujubaetis

“Hey Michael, I got a new Baetis pattern for you to try!!!”…disnterested DOG and BOY on the Lower Owens River…

MORE BWO’s /BAETIS coming…

PT/TB

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MICRO-CADDIS…

These are the little fellows that one sees scurrying around on stream side vegetation or on rocks and boulders away from the water. Micro-Caddis all belong to the family Hydroptilidae. Most of the over 200 species are smaller than a # 18 hook. The majority are size # 22 – # 24 …and smaller. At times, their hatches though generally unnoticed, can be prolific and Trout will be looking for them. Their colors are typically olive, brown and yellow…This place is full of them in August and September…

Michael on the Owens River in early September…look for Micro-Caddis adults in the BUSHES…that is the tip off…

OLIVE MICRO – CADDIS

THREAD: Lagartun, 74 Denier, Olive or Gordon Griffith 14/0 Sheer, Olive

HOOK: TMC 2488 or 2488H, # 20 – #24

TAG: Green Holo Tinsel

OVER ABDOMEN: Olive Micro Tubing

WINGS : Olive Zelon. strand separated

THORAX: Sm. Olive Ostrich Herl

The TMC 2488 and 2488H are two of my favorite hooks for tying small flies. I tie these guys up in Brown, Olive and Yellow. I find myself using Brown and Olive most frequently. Take some time over the next two months, while out on the water, and examine what is taking place in the stream side vegetation…surprises lurk there…

BROWN MICRO – CADDIS

THREAD: Lagartun 74 Denier, Rusty Brown or Gordon Griffith 14/0 Sheer, Brown –  ( Yellow for body /  Grey for head –  Yellow version)

HOOK: TMC 2488 or 2488H #20 – # 24

TAG: Gold Holo Tinsel –  ( Silver for Yellow version)

OVER ABDOMEN: Tan Micro Tubing – (Clear for Yellow version – over yellow thread)

WINGS: Brown Zelon, strand split ( Dun for Yellow version)

THORAX: Brown Ostrich Herl – ( Grey for Yellow version)

The Owens River is excellent habitat  for a plethora of Micro – Caddis…

Lot’s of weedy water for Michael to catch Trout in…

Where the BUGS be…

For more information on Micro – Caddis, check Rick Hafele’s site HERE:

Ally ponders these thoughts on a rock…

Ally on her rock in the Stillwater River, MT…where one also finds Micro – Caddis….

PT/TB

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BEING DIPTERA…

Well, MIDGES (from Maine Fly Fishing)- the most prolific bug in,on and around water…especially NOW…(Bienvenidos a todos pescador con mosca de Argentina …)

Other “CRAZY PEOPLE” who Fly Fish in the SNOW…

Michael, freezing on the Owens River in January. 2004…

Here are some patterns I have whipped up based on the proven ties by a bunch of fellows I will mention in the text of this post . Here is some background on the bugs which Jeremy Barella produced for FAOL:

DIPTERA

This – just in (my inbox) from Tom Loe at Sierra Drifters (12.05.09):

Hot Creek:

Access continues to be excellent and this is a great time to fish here for love struck browns! Take your time and scout out the open runs and channels in the weeds. The low sun angle this time of year gives you more latitude for sight fishing the staged up brownies. Any significant snowfall this time of year will make the canyon section a pain in the caboose to hike into so get it while you can. Work scud, egg, or dubbed nymph patterns with red or orange built in.

Red or Orange – Hmmmmm…

PEARL MIDGE

HOOK: TMC 2488, # 18 – #24

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0, Sheer White

ABDOMEN: Pearl Krystal Flash

BEAD: Killer Caddis, Black, x-sm

Based on a Pat Dorsey pattern that was developed for Colorado waters…Might look a bit like this.

AQUACHIRONO MIDGE

HOOK: Mustad, C49S , #18 -#22

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0 Sheer White and Black

ABDOMEN: White Tying Thread

RIB: 1 strand of Chironomid Pearl Braid Red

THORAX: Peacock Herl

BEAD: Spirit River, Ruby Red, X-SM

COATING: 2 coats of Aquahead on abdomen before tying in Peacock Herl twisted over black thread

I tied this pattern specifically for the East Walker River where I have enjoyed success with red ribbed midges on a white base abdomen. Chironomid Pearl Braid comes in many colors from Hareline. It is fragile. I use the Aquahead to enhance fly durability and to add a medium of translucency to the finished product.

BROWN BRAID JF

HOOK: Mustad, C49S, #18 – # 24

THREAD: Gordon Griffith, 14/0, Sheer Brown

RIB: Chironomid Braid Pearl Peacock

WING: 2 Strands of Pearl Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

THORAX: SLF PRISM Peacock

BEAD: Killer Caddis, Gun Metal, X-SM

COATING: Aquahead

Based on the Jude Duran, Johnny Flash Midge which originated on the San Juan River. I added an SLF PRISM thorax (thank you Davy Wotton) because this material is extremely effective on ANY pattern to which it is affixed. That has been my experience. The Gun Metal Bead has worked for me on many patterns that I have used on the Owens River…why mess with a good thing? I have the utmost confidence in this Fly…

VIN KF HOT

HOOK: Daiichi, 1130,#18- # 20

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0 Sheer Red

ABDOMEN: Tying thread

RIB: Rusty Brown Krystal Flash, 2 trands, twisted, 6 turns

OVERABDOMEN: UTC, Vinyl Rib, MDG, Clear

BEAD: Spirit River, Ruby Red, X-SM

Another pattern for the East Walker River in cold weather, similar to many patterns in Red that are used on the San Juan. I like the definition that Vinyl Rib provides to the fly. A number of San Juan Red Midge Pupa and Larva may be viewed on this site:

Mike Mora

TUBE FLASHER SLF

HOOK: Daiichi 1130, #18 – #22

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0, Sheer Black

ABDOMEN: UTC Mylar Tinsel, Silver side, SM

RIB: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Amber

THORAX: SLF Prism, Olive/Brown

BEAD: Gold, 5/64 or 1/16

A Davy Wotton pattern for the White River in Arkansas – they work just fine on Eastern Sierra Tailwaters.It may also be tied using Black, Red , Green or Peacock tubing using the appropriate SLF PRISM for the Thorax – appropriate being in the mind of the TROUT…

ICE CREME SLF (Black)

HOOK: Mustad C49S, #18-# 20

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0, Sheer Black

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

RIB: Lagartun ,Silver, SM or X-SM

THORAX: SLF PRISM Black

BEAD: Spirit River, White, 5/64 or 1/16

I tied these up for use on the Owens River for late February and early March when there is a preponderance of tiny Black Midges in the River’s Biomass. They would also be effective fished deep on some high elevation lakes that are in the backcountry – later in the year…

ICE TUBE

HOOK: Mustad, C49S, # 18 -# 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0. Sheer Black

ABDOMEN: Chironomid Braid Pearl Black

RIB: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Black, 6-7 turns

THORAX: 50/50 Mix, Black Ice Dub and SLF PRISM Black

BEAD: Silver, 5/64 or 1/16

Another pattern for the East Walker and Owens River for the Winter and into early Spring. They have not seen this one before…

MB CHIRONO JF

HOOK: Mustad, C49S, # 18 – # 20

THREAD: Uni, 8/0, Camel

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

RIB: Chironomid Braid Pearl Chartreuse

COATING: Aquahead, 2 coats

WING: Pearl Krystal Flash, 3 strands

THORAX: Olive /Brown Ice Dub

Bead: Spirit River Metallic Brown, SM

A midge when the Trout want shades of BROWN in the Johnny Flash style. It would also be a passable BWO pattern in the Spring in some spots on the Lower “O”…

KEITH’S PURPLE DISBELIEF

HOOK: Mustad C49S, #18 – # 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths 14/0 Sheer Black, UTC 70, Dark Gray

ABDOMEN: Gray Tying Thread

OVERABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Clear

RIB: Wapsi, Wine, X-SM

WING: Royal Blue Krystal Flash, 3 strands

THORAX: ICE DUB, UV Dun

BEAD: Spirit River, Charcoal Metallic, SM

There is an acquaintance of mine named KEITH who squawked “PURPLE?” when he saw this pattern on my FB page. Well, he will squawk directly to his vise when I post some photos on his wall of just what this fly, in this color, can do. And, having named it after him, I will live rent free in his head…forever…heh,heh – This is an old RAM Caddis color…It has resurfaced on the Madison in aMayfly pattern known as the ” Purple Haze“…

He caught this 27″ FINGERLING, on the above pattern, in the Lower Kings River the week of 2.18.2013…

Available at: MRFC

CHARTY TUBE

HOOK: Daiichi, 1140, # 18 -# 22

THREAD: Danville 6/0, Chartreuse – Gordon Griffiths 14/0 Sheer Black

UNDER RIB: Chironomid Braid Pearl Chartreuse, 5 turns

OVER ABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Chartreuse

THORAX: One strand Peacock Herl twisted around black thread

BEAD: Killer Caddis, Caddis Green

Someone once said, ” If it is CHARTREUSE it works”…THE END

CREME RB OZ

HOOK: TMC 200R, # 18 – # 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0 Sheer White, 14/0 Brown

ABDOMEN: White tying thread

RIB: 3 strands twisted Pearl Krystal Flash

OVERABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Cream

THORAX: Brown Ostrich Herl

BEAD: Killer Caddis, Rootbeer, SM or X-SM

Wanted a Midge in Cream with a hint of gas beneath, hence the Pearl KF and some motion at the thorax. This may work as a good Micro Caddis at the right time of the year,,,

TUBE # 47

HOOK: MUSTAD, C49S, # 18 -# 22

THREAD: Danville # 47, 6/0, Gordon Griffith’s 14/0 Sheer Brown

TAIL: 1 strand of Pearl Krystal Flash

Abdomen: # 47 Tying Thread

OVER ABDOMEN: Hareline Salcup’s Micro Tubing Pheasant Tail

RIB: Wapsi Silver X-SM or Lagartun X Fine

THORAX: Olive/Brown Ice Dub

WINGCASE: 6 Strands of Pearl FireFly

BEAD: Black Nickel, 5/64 or 1/16

A small Midge or Mayfly pattern that has that magical ingredient of Danville # 47 thread. This is an adaptation of the Vince Wilcox VW pattern…his flies slay…

GB HOLO CHARTY

Hook: Daiichi, 1130, #18 -# 22

Thread: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0 Sheer Olive

ABDOMEM: SLF PRISM Light Olive

RIB: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Olive

THORAX: Ice Dub Caddis Green

WING: Sparkle Emerger Yarn, Clear White

BEAD: Spirit River, Emerald, SM or X-SM

Flashy – in that color that seems to work just about…anywhere…

GLASSHEAD OLIVE GILLIE

HOOK: TMC 200R, # 18 – # 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0, Sheer Olive

BREATHER: Sparkle Emerger Yarn Clear/White

TAIL: 1 strand Pearl Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

OVERABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Clear

RIB: Wapsi Silver Wire, X-sm

WINGPADS: Goose Biots , Tan Orange or Brown

THORAX: ICE DUB ,Peacock

BEAD: Mercury Silver, Spirit River, X-SM

I have pictured this pattern in a previous post. It may be tied in a great number of colors. This fly is a good one…

BLACK RB GILLIE

HOOK: Daiichi 1130 or Mustad C49S, # 18 – # 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0 Sheer Black

TAIL: 1 Strand, Pearl Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

RIB: Wapsi, Red Metallic Wire, X-SM

WINGPADS: Goose Biot, Tan, Brown or Orange

THORAX: SLF PRISM Peacock

BEAD: Killer Caddis, Scarlet

A variation on the Gille without the breathers at the bend. One’s imagination could drift…

RED KEY

HOOK: Mustad C49S, # 18 – # 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0 Sheer Red

TAIL: 1 Strand Purple Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

RIB: 3 Strands purple Krystal Flash ,Twisted

OVERABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Clear

WING: Sparkle Emerger Yarn Clear/ White

THORAX: ICE DUB Black

Another in the series of Red Midges that I use. This one is for the East Walker River, below the “Glory Hole”.

PALINISTA – (apologies to EVA)

HOOK: Mustad C49S, #18 -#20

THREAD: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0, Red, White

TAIL: 1 Strand Pearl Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN:White Thread

OVERABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Blue

RIB: Wapsi Silver Wire, X-SM

WING: Grizzly Krystal Flash Back and White

THORAX: Arizona Diamond Hair Pearl Green or Blue

BEAD: Silver, 5/64 or 1/16

OK, I know…the colors are proven – Rainbows like blue…and, it might even work in Argentina…

RUSTY RED RIB

HOOK: Mustad C49S, #18 – # 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0, Sheer Red

TAIL: Rusty Brown Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

OVERABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing ,Clear

RIB: Wapsi, Red Metallic, X-SM

WING: Sparkle Emerger Yarn, Clear/White

THORAX: Firestar Red/Orange

BEAD: Ruby Red, X-SM

A firey Red Midge for all Eastern Sierra waters and beyond…

SIMPLE FLO

HOOK: TMC 2488, # 18 – # 24

ABDOMEN: UTC 70, Fl. White

BEAD: Killer Caddis Black, SM or X-SM

Yes, it works….

AND, FROM FEB., 2009

Hot Spot Midge:

Thread: Gordon Griffith’s , Black 14/0

Hook: TMC 2487, Daiichi 1130, #18-22

Abdomen: Wapsi Ultra 70, Black

Rib: X-Fine Largutan wire, Gold or Copper

Shuck: Pearl Krystal Flash

Thorax: Danville 6/0 Fl. Orange Thread – (coat with Aquaflex)

Bead: Copper or Gold

I tied these up to create a ” pop” rather than using the standard Tiger or Zebra Midge for the Owens and East Walker Rivers…Nice!!! Some “other” folks seem to like this pattern too…

MORE MIDGES

BEING DIPTERA II

DIPTERA III

Time to get crackin’ on some “EVIL WEEVILS“…

PT/TB

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BUBBLE BUTT PUPA…

This is a pattern developed by anglers who fish the Gunnison Gorge. It is tied here by Gale Doudy. It is an alternative to John Barr’s (Graphic Caddis ) Caddis Pupa pattern and fishes extremely well -tied in Green for Spring and in Tan for Fall. Gale also has tutorials on some other interesting patterns…check it out!!!

PT/TB

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